Luke Keith’s 1860 Diary

1860 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Cold 11 Below zero. At home all day.

Jan 2 – Cold 7 Below zero. Bot this Book 62¢ Bot Soap 15¢. Put in Boulster for __. Kingsley.

Jan 3 – Pleasant 11 Abz. Bot iron for slead 61¢. Book came. Screws 20. Paid E. Beckwith 50.

Jan 4 – Cold 12 Abz. Express _____ 14¢. Went over to Fathers[2] Bot Beef 14 got tea Kettle repaired 15¢ Bot one lb candles 16¢. Deyoes[3] moved.

Jan 5 – Snows a little 13 Abz. Got my sled. Sarah[4] went to donation party. Bot ½ lb tea 31¢ one Dollar for work on sled.

Jan 6 – Cloudy 20 Abz. Worked in shop made axhelve for Byington. Rainy day.

Jan 7 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Henry[5] came home. Put the irons on my slead. Bot 3 lbs pork 22¢ Bot screws 7¢.

Jan 8 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home all day. Henry & Lois[6] at home. Sleighing most gone.

Jan 9 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Killed my pig. Paid Earl 50¢. Bot 50 lbs Flour 11/-.[7]

Jan 10 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Went over to Fathers got pig. Hat Taylor stayed here all night. Bot one lb candles 1__. Snowed in the night.

Jan 11 – Snowey 16 Abz. Made axhelve for Eben Flanders. Bot one old Red Lead 11¢. Bot 15 lbs salt 20.

Jan 12 – Pleasant 7 Abz. Worked in shop some painted sled hued some spokes. Bot stuff for pain Killer 73.

Jan 13 – Pleasant 11 Abz. Worked in shop some. Wesley called here _____ drawed 3 cords wood.

Jan 14 – Cloudy 7 Abz. Worked in shop some Wesley[8] called here.

Jan 15 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ed York paid me two Dollars. Lois went home.

Jan 16 – Snows some 34 Abz. Sorted my corn. Miss Hoxie & Mrs Bevere here Mrs Earl & Mary Ett here.

Jan 17 – Snows some 23 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Mr & Mrs Carleton to Fathers. Bot five comb 10¢. J. Flanders here.

Jan 18 – Snows some 26 Abz. Hued spokes. Paid my tax 23.70¢. Flanders got his ax.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Shelled corn. Race[9] broke away down at the old ashry.

Jan 20 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Father & mother[10] Catharine[11] & Mark[12] here. Denormandy[13] here opened Lois Breast.

Jan 21 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Hued spokes for Jesse Earls buggy. Isaac Smith paid 10¢. Bot Envelope to send to George Tomlinson[14].

Jan 22 – Pleasant 31 Abz. At home all day. Hat Taylor & Mary Childs here & S. Newman.

Jan 23 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Worked in shop. Sent G. T.[15] one hundred & 45 Dollars. Lois went home. Sent letter 3¢.

Jan 24 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Worked on Richardsons Wheels. Miles got my violin.

Jan 25 – Cold ground froze 30 Abz. Worked in shop sawed out felloes[16] for Charleys wheels. Lois came home. Flanders Brot load hay. Sent slead up to Henry.

Jan 26 – Cold 24 Abz snowey day. Worked in shop. Got meal from mill. Water over garden race over flows.

Jan 27 – Snows 19 Abz. Worked in shop got out spokes. Race over flowed my yard.

Jan 28 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Water all over my yard. Shaved spokes & put on sand board. Bot one lb candles 22¢.

Jan 29 – Pleasant 20 Abz. At home all day. Mrs Warner buried to day.

Jan 30 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Drove spokes in Charleys wheels.

Jan 31 – Snows 10 Abz. Finished Charleys wheels. Sarah went down to Mr Mansfields. Water higher than ever almost up to cellar window.

Feb 1 – Cold 2 Abz. Went over to Fathers & down to Clarks yard ful of ice good skating.

Feb 2 – Cold & pleasant 9 Abz. Worked in shop & cut some mittens. Wesley here.

Feb 3 – Snowes some 15 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent letter to Mrs. Betts[17]. Wesley & J. C. Blake here.

Feb 4 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Jo & Hellen[18] there. Came home with Father. Alvan[19] here. Worked in shop some. Bot shoes for hannah[20] 75¢. One pound saleratas 10¢.

Feb 5 – Snows some 30 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Feb 6 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Lois came home. Bot 10 lbs shugar 1.00 one lb Tea __2¢ 2 lbs candles 42. Mark got his Buggy. Hannah went over to Fathers. Lois came home.

Feb 7 – Storms some 24 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sarah went over to Fathers. Lois went home. Bronson & Streator here. Bot cloth for shirt 40¢.

Feb 8 – Pleasant 21 Abz. Tinkered round house carried corn to mill. Bot 50 lbs Flour 1.38¢ one apple 1¢. Bohaim Clark Buried to day.

Feb 9 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Charley Brot Load wood. Bot cloth for drawers 31¢ one violin string 25¢ pop corn 1¢.

Feb 10 – Pleasant 4 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Bot coat & Hat and ribbon & Broom 1502.

Feb 11 – Snowed some 19 Abz. No work in shop to day excep sawed of spokes. Bot Sarah shoes 1.13¢.

Feb 12 – Pleasant 17 Abz. Went up to Wesleys Yorks & Fathers.

Feb 13 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Mark here. Bronson Brot 4__ wheat. Bot Boots 5 shoes 75.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Bot one light glass 7¢. Left home 12 at noon got to Johns[21] 4 PM. Fair from G. to C.[22] 1.30.

Feb 15 – Cold & stormy. Went over to uncle Jasons[23] got there at one P.M. Found them well.

Feb 16 – Very cold. Some head ache. Went over to John Bissels saw Catharine[24].

Feb 17 – Cold. Went over to Lashers[25] from there to Mr Kirkwoods saw Irene[26]. Snowed all night.

Feb 18 – Cold snows. Stayed at Jasons all day. Went down to John Bissels in the Evening.

Feb 19 – Went and saw Lasher.

Feb 20 – Left uncle Jasons half past nine got to uncle Ozens[27] quater past three. Fare from Jonesville[?] to Hudson 65 cts.

Feb 21 – Left uncle Ozens 12. at noon. Got to Adrian[28] half past two. Found aunt Whitmore[29]. Saw Fred Partrige.

Feb 22 – Pleasant. Saw Emmet Crittenden. Bot gloves 25¢. Left Adrian half past 2. Fare from Adrian to Buffalo 9.00.

Feb 23 – Left Buffalo 6 AM arrived in Pavilion[30] quarter past one. Fare from B. to __. 1.00. Breakfast 25. Mending ring 10.

Feb 24 – Cold. Sent letter to Sarah 7¢. Saw uncle Noah[31] and many others donation at the tavern.

Feb 25 – Cold. At home[32] all day. George Sprague & wife[33] here. Saw Mr Gilmore.

Feb 26 – Cold & snows some. Mr Baly Preached. Sylvenas Young called on me.

Feb 27 – Cloudy. Went over the farm & up to the Burying ground[34].

Feb 28 – Rainy. At home. Nelly[35] sick. Saw W^m Sprague. Sarah Crittenden[36] came down.

Feb 29 – Some rainy. Went down to Chaddocks[37]. Carried Sarah. Mrs Kendall visited _____.

Mar 1 – Rainy. Mended stove. Went up to shop with Dr Sprague[38]. Nelly very sick with scarlet fever.

Mar 2 – Pleasant & windy. Horse Excitement at the village. Saw a number of old friends.

Mar 3 – Rainy morning. Nelly no better. Sent letter to Sarah one Dollar in it. Received a letter from Sarah.

Mar 4 – Pleasant. Dr Sprague & Mr Nobles[39] came down.

Mar 5 – Went up to P. Creek[40]. Saw W^m Miller & many other friends. Stayed to O. Scrantons. Went up to the burying ground[41].

Mar 6 – Pleasant. Went Back to Pavilion. Mrs Nobles here.

Mar 7 – Cloudy & cool. At home. Claressa Starr here in the Evening. Nelly not much Better.

Mar 8 – Pleasant. Nelly a bout as usual. Cut down some Locus trees. Received letter from Sarah. Mr Belden[?] & wife here.

Mar 9 – Cold & windy. Mr Belden[?] left. Cut some more trees. Finished Nellys _____.

Mar 10 – Snows cold as greeland. Nelly some better. Patty[42] sick all night.

Mar 11 – Pleasant. At home all day. George & Susan[43] here.

Mar 12 – Snow 3 inches & snows like fun snowed all day.

Mar 13 – Snowey. Sleighs run. Mr Beldon & wife came down went up to the store & got some silk. Susan came down.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Went down to Emilys. Received letter from home.

Mar 15 – Pleasant. Went to uncle Jesses[44] & Wyoming. Saw old Mrs Peterson she will be 97 in Aug next. Heard Elder H Earls[?] lecture in the Evening.

Mar 16 – Pleasant. Went up to uncle Samuel Curtis[45]. All well.

Mar 17 – Pleasant. Bot Bosom for shirt 44¢. Went up to Mr Starrs after noon.

Mar 18 – Pleasant. Dr Sprague & S. Youngs here in the morning. George & susan here.

Mar 19 – Bot silk for dress and trunk 13.75. Went over to Clarissa Stars. Rained some.

Mar 20 – At home went up to the store. George had a sick turn. Priest here. Hugh Brooks here.

Mar 21 – Very stormy cold & snows like fun. George sick.

Mar 22 – Left Pavilion 6 am got to Leroy[46]. Took the cars went up to ______ came back to Leroy. Left Leroy half past seven Evening. Fare to Buffalo one Dollar 1.00. Arrived in Buffalo 11.20 Bus ticket.

Mar 23 – Leave Buffalo at 9 Am. Fare to Detroit[?] 7.00[?] cost 1.50. Breakfast lodging costing[?] 1.50. Book and plates 35. Got home 4 oclock am.

Mar 24 – Pleasant. At home. Went over to Fathers.

Mar 25 – Snows some. Henry came home. Jo Sherman here.

Mar 26 – Pleasant. At home. At home all day. Alvan here.

Mar 27 – Pleasant morning. Worked in shop some. Byington Brot his Exes. Lois came home. Azeo here. Sent letter to George 3¢.

Mar 28 – Pleasant. Worked on gearing for Byington. Lois at home.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah went over the river. Very dry. Sarah had fifty cents.

Mar 30 – Pleasant. Worked in shop on Byingtons gearing. Driest time I ever new in March. Went over to Fathers. Bot ½ lb Tea 30¢. Charley Brot one & 2/4 cords wood. Received _____ J. M. York[47] one gold ring $.10.00.

Mar 31 – Smoky. Worked in shop. Finished hewing Bronsons spokes. Bronson here. Bot on lb candles 22¢.

Apr 1 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Sarah went to church. Painter Smiths wife babtised. Lois at home. 31 cents for Sarah Beedle[?].

Apr 2 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went to town meeting. Went over to Fathers. Bot 10 lbs shugar 1.00. Watts paid his note 45.45. Paid Cory 59 cents.

Apr 3 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Finished Byingtons gearing. Sarah went over to Wisemans.

Apr 4 – Rainy 52 Abz. Paid school Bill 1.08. Bronson Brot plank. Jake Hill here in Evening.

Apr 5 – Smoky 42 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot one set Hubbs 1.95 one set rims 1.50. Mrs Tubbs here Evening.

Apr 6 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Went over to H Browns. Made a Deed for Blass. Gave up Masons Deed & mortgage. Received pay 5.50.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop on Dr Wightmans wagon. Bot Beads for Sarah 10 cm stick candy. Galt paid 1.20.

Apr 8 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Mark there. Rainy night.

Apr 9 – Rainy 44 Abz. Worked in shop. Got out pipe for Mr Warren. Mr Stimpson Brot here & buried. Thunder & hail in the night.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Finished Warrens pipe. Race Brot his Buggy. Mrs Butterfield here. Lois came home. Bot one box matches 6¢. Paid one Dollar for plats[?].

Apr 11 – Some cloudy 38 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo got Deeds Recorded. Bass Deed 7/- Tomlinsons 7/- C. L. Keiths 6/-. Fare on cars 25 Bot Dress for Sarah 11/- 5 yds pink 5/- 4.25.

Apr 12 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Went over to Fathers to make bargain for farms. Paid Catharine 25¢ bot cord 2¢.

Apr 13 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Finished Races Buggy. Bot one lb nails 5 3 sheets sand paper 3.

Apr 14 – Snowed some 34 Abz. Race got his Buggy 2.00. Cleaned out shop some mended fence. Lent C Richardson 5.00.

Apr 15 – Pleasant cool air 30 Abz. At home Edwin Henry & Dwight stayed here. Sarah went to church.

Apr 16 – Cloudy 50 Abz. Worked in shop put in two spokes for D. Lamkins.

Apr 17 – Pleasant 43 Abz. Worked in shop on spokes. Bot one yard _________ 12½ two lbs candles 44¢ candy 3.

Apr 18 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Worked on spokes. Bot vial of silver plating 25.

Apr 19 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Worked on felloes. Got my Boots Tapt 75¢. Bot one Dearing Knife 75¢ Beer 10¢. Rained in the Evening.

Apr 20 – Cloudy 62 Abz. Shaved felloes. Bot file 62¢ whetstone 14¢ Buttons 5¢.

Apr 21 – Rains 65 Abz. Shaved spokes. Bot spool thread 5¢. Moses Scranlin here. C. Richardson paid 5.00.

Apr 22 – Cloudy 40 Abz. At home all day. Wrote letter to J S King[48] one to E. M. Stratton NY.

Apr 23 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Repaired wheelbarrow wheel for B. Clark[49]. Bot one lb Tea 50 one geography 50 one lb _________ 12 two letters 6 one _____ thread 5.

Apr 24 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked in garden. Bot two lbs nails 9¢.

Apr 25 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked round garden picked up brush raked up front yard.

Apr 26 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Shaved spokes. Got Ethens Boot mended 25¢.

Apr 27 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Finished shaving spokes for Jesses Buggy. Bot cloth for Ethens apron 25¢ Bot of a ___ Galt _________ &c $3.75 cts.

Apr 28 – Pleasant 32 Abz. D. Lamkins plowed garden. Mr & Mrs Hall here. Aurilly Lee[50] here. Bot vial of stick tile of Mrs Deyoe 25¢. Recd letter from N.Y. E. M. Stratton.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 44 Abz. At home. Henry came home. Lois at home. By got his wheel. Swaddles Boy died.[51]

Apr 30 – Cloudy 58 Abz. Moved Hogpen. Got one number of the coach makers magazine. Bot 3 lbs nails 15¢.

May 1 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Planted some peas & potatoes. Mark Lee & Ed Wilcut[52] & Eugene Bronson[?] here. Let John Flint have 75. Dollars.

May 2 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked in garden some. Went over to Fathers. Bot 6 lbs & 6 oz Shugar of E. W. Gale 57¢ ½ lb sulphur[?] 6¢ five apples 5¢ Bot Bible of Mills 1.40¢.

May 3 – Pleasant 41 Abz. Worked in well. Bot one spool thread 5¢ ½ lb crackers 5¢ one paper 5¢. Ethen sick.

May 4 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Planted Lettuce onions & potatoes. Paid Mr Deyoe 25¢.

May 5 – Cloudy 58 Abz. Got some mortar of Stevenson 5¢. Planted potatoes. E. W. Gale paid one hundred & six Dollars & fifty cents.

May 6 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Went up to Wesleys & Yorks.

May 7 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Wesley came and worked on well. Mr Flanders Brot 1 & ½ Bush _____. D. Lamkin Brot 1 & ½ Doz Eggs. Rained some. Some Thunder Evening.

May 8 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Finished bricking up my well. Got 195 brick of T. Cory. Extracted tooth for Mrs Johnson 25 cts. Rained in the night. Flanders Brot over half bush potatoes & some onion sets.

May 9 – Cloudy looks like rain 57 Abz. Planted potatoes onions &c[53]. Mrs Wiseman & children here to Tea. Pulled tooth for Mrs Johnson 25¢.

May 10 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Fixed pump pipes. Sowed some peas. Went over to Fathers got some potatoes.

May 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Sowed Raddish & Pepper grass. Planted potatoes. Made platform to well. Bot two lbs nails 10¢. Sarah went to A Hoags.

May 12 – Cloudy 57 Abz. Finished my well. Planted some Beans. Bot fish 40¢. Wesley Brot his rake fingers[?].

May 13 – Cloudy 59 Abz. Sarah went to church. I went down to the river just at night caught 4 fish and got a lecturing for so doing.

May 14 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Made Bedsted for Ethen. Calvin Streator left. Richardson Brot some wood 7/8 of a cord. Sent letter to E. M. Straton 3¢. Lois at home in Evening.

May 15 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Moved beds up stairs. Bot two bushels wheat of Bronson 2.38 two spools thread 10. Alvan called here.

May 16 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop. Bot 4 yds cotton 28¢ One paper cucumber seed 5¢.

May 17 – Pleasant & some like rain 60 Abz. Dressed out spokes for Bronsons wheels. Bot one stick candy. Deyoe & children here to supper.

May 18 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Filed saw for Mead 10¢. Sawed out gearing for Bronsons wagon. Deyoe moved into the Tubbs House his wife gone. Bot file 12.

May 19 – Rains some 49 Abz. Worked in shop fixing _______ 2.00. Whiting Hat 25¢ half lb starch 6¢ one Dollar for sundries. Beckwith Died.[54]

May 20 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Went up north with children. Mr Beckwith Buried. Rained after noon & night. Mrs Deyo came home.

May 21 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Bot 50 cabbage plants 10¢. Let Parker have 10¢. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢. Put in Boulster for H. Chipman 50¢.

May 22 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some. Wrote letter for Parker lent him ten Dollars.

May 23 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked in shop some on Jesses gearing. Went to Fathers. Rained in night.

May 24 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Worked in shop Bot one lb tea 50¢ ½ lb pepper 5¢ 2½ lbs veal steak 15¢.

May 25 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Worked in shop. George Hopkins Died. Sarah & Lois went to Adelines.

May 26 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Bot one lb coffee 18¢ two thimbles 5¢ _____ Parker _____ one bushel corn. Mended N. Galts waggon Box 25¢. Ely Wightman Paid 25¢.

May 27 – Pleasant 51 Abz. At home went down to the river. George Hopkins Buried.

May 28 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Made violin neck for Parker. Bot 10 lbs Butter of A. Chipman. Sent letter to J. S. King 3.

May 29 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on seat for A. Chipman. Mrs S___tin here to tea. Rained just at night.

May 30 – Some cloudy 62 Abz. Worked on seat. Sawed out thill. Bot 5 posts 60¢ 5 lbs nails 20¢. Bot one lb nails 5¢.

May 31 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Uncle Amos got his seat. Made some fence. Paid Father $.3.50. Lois came home.

Jun 1 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Finished my cross fence. Bot 2 lbs nails 10¢ one stick braid 6¢. Bot two bushels wheat of J. Flanders 2.50.

Jun 2 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Harvey came here went over to Fathers saw Alfleda[55]. Rained in the Evening.

Jun 3 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Went in swimming. Harvey got grind stove. Rained in the night.

Jun 4 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Repaired wheel for M. O. Streator[56] 1.00.

Jun 5 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Catharine & Mark here. Pulled two teeth for Sarah. Bot 2 lbs candles 44¢ one lb salratas[57] 10 one paper cucumbers 5¢. Two bushels wheat of M. O. Stre[ator].

Jun 6 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Made form to bend wheel rims for Buggy _______. Rained some. Volina here to tea. Sundries of Gale 50¢.

Jun 7 – Cloudy 58 Abz. __________ for Wightman boys. Bot 10 lbs shugar _____ cloth for Ethen 80¢ file _____. Went down to Catharines. Put thill in Fathers wagon.

Jun 8 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot cotten cloth 5 prs shoes. Bonnets for girls dress lining &c 15.56 one pair spectacles.

Jun 9 – Pleasant & cloudy 48 Abz. Hoed garden. Sarah went over to Mr Halls. Bot strawberries 10¢ one button 2¢. Myron S. Coe[58] buried. Bot cloth of Galt 1.50 Hdkf 25¢ belts 38¢.

Jun 10 – Pleasant 48 Abz. At home. Went up north. Sarah & children went.

Jun 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Drove spokes in hubs for rake got out some of the gearing. Chipman brot one & half bushels potatoes 56¢.

Jun 12 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked on rake. Bot fringe Hooks & Eyes thread &c.

Jun 13 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Got plank of Cross sawed out stuf for boddy to Earls buggy. Lois came home. Celia Newman & Mary Durham here.

Jun 14 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Worked on boddy. Took tea over to Rogers. Bot watch of Parker .3.56 cents. Bot half lb shugar 8¢.

Jun 15 – Cloudy 62 Abz. Worked in shop some. Went to the school celebration. Jo Lees folks[59] here to tea. Bot violin string 13¢.

Jun 16 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop. Sent letter to Hank 3¢.

Jun 17 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Went down to Catharines. Lois went with me.

Jun 18 – Rainy 64 Abz. Worked in shop on Jesses buggy Box. Wesley here paid 3 Dollars.

Jun 19 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop on Earls bugy Boddy. Mrs Kenyon & Mrs Chapman here to dinner. Babtist association. Wesley paid 3 Dollars.

Jun 20 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Br Jones church Burned this morning 3 oclock. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Worked on rake some.

Jun 21 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sarah came home. Deyo taken up on charge of Burning church.

Jun 22 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Worked on road. Mrs Deyo & children here to tea.

Jun 23 – Foggy 52 Abz. Worked on the road. Mrs Deyoe went to Kalamazoo to see James. Ethen bot some nuts 1¢.

Jun 24 – Cloudy 66 Abz. At home all day. Sarah & children went to church.

Jun 25 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Worked in shop. Bot half lb Tea one lb crackers one lb & 6 oz chees 55¢. Shed Seeley[60] & Mr Struble arrested for burning church. Mrs Hoges lost two shirts.

Jun 26 – Rains some 73 Abz. Worked in shop on rake. Jo Flanders here to dinner.

Jun 27 – Rains some 68 Abz. Worked in shop. Climax constable after L. Beach run for the woods. Bot spool Thread 5¢. Sarah went over to Wisemans.

Jun 28 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Worked on Boddy. Watered my garden for the first time. Paid postage on magazine 12¢. Rained hard in the night.

Jun 29 – Rainy 72 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo to court adjourned. Saw David Smith. Mark & Jo here. _____ 50¢ beer 5¢. Got bag bran of Affleck.

Jun 30 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Got _____ set on rake wheels. Vandusen here to Austins. Bronson brot his Boxes.

Jul 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Sarah & children went to church. I went over to Fathers.

Jul 2 – Rainy 72 Abz. Picked some cherries. Started to go to Kalamazoo. Jo York came & got cheries. Shed Seeley came home. Rainy night.

Jul 3 – Rains 70 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mended cradle for J. C. Blake. Henry Crawford[61] came. Bot 5 lbs shugar ½ lb ginger 60.

Jul 4 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Mended cradle for J C B. Henry Crawford went to Battle creek. Bot cradle finger 12¢ bunch fire crackers 8 two lemons 10¢ two violin strings 28¢.

Jul 5 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Mended Kingsleys wheels 75¢. Hellen York came down Jo here to tea. Henry went to Battle creek.

Jul 6 – Rains some 65 Abz. Worked in shop fixed Clarks wheel. Henry went home. Bot Beef shank 10¢. Hellen went home.

Jul 7 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop some hoed some. Harriet Perry & Celia Newman here. George Hoges child buried.

Jul 8 – Rainy 69 Abz. All stayed at home. Had diarhea. Had string Beans for supper. Nancy[62] came home from Clarks.

Jul 9 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Diarhea not much work. Backed of Bronsons spokes.

Jul 10 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Not very well. Lockhart got axletree for Earls bugy. Bot seat spindles 75¢ Bot crystal for my watch 25¢ Bot ½ yd cotten 5¢ Bot spool thread 5¢.

Jul 11 – Pleasant cool wind 59 Abz. Set boxes in Earls Hubs. Sent letter to Omro[63] to Mrs Betts 3¢.

Jul 12 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Drove spokes in to Earls hubs. Alvan here. Got Parkers violin.

Jul 13 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked on wheels. Mrs Gaffery here. Sarah went down to Barbers.

Jul 14 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Put felloes on to Earls wheels. Bot 3 bands for whipstalk. Edith came down here.

Jul 15 – Cloudy 64 Abz. At home. Alvan here. Mr Deyo came to have tooth pulled. Edith went home.

Jul 16 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Finished Earls wheels. Bot one lb Tea 63¢ five sheets sand paper 5.

Jul 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Painted Earls wheels & gearing.

Jul 18 – Pleasant 76 Abz. Worked in shop got circle for pole. Lois came over. Had a heavy shower.

Jul 19 – Pleasant 73 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo to court. Bot one pr shoes 1.50 one pr 75¢ fare 30¢ dinner 23. Sarah bot sundries 42.

Jul 20 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot hat 1.00 dinner 25 got ring mended 11 thread & gum 3 fare to Kalamazoo 25.

Jul 21 – Cloudy 74 Abz. Worked in shop some. Charly Brot load wood. Bot 5 lbs shugar 50¢.

Jul 22 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Sarah & girls went to church. Ethen & I went over to Fathers just at night.

Jul 23 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Made wagon neap[64] for C. Richardson 200¢ Bot silk thread 5¢.

Jul 24 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop on Earls buggy seats & pole. Bot seven quarts __________ berries 35¢.

Jul 25 – Pleasant. Made pole & whiffletrees[65]. Bot broom 25¢. Sarah went down to Ed Childs.

Jul 26 – Some cloudy 65 Abz. Worked in shop some. Worked on wiffletrees. Went over to Fathers let him have 1.25¢. Saw Mr Moffet.

Jul 27 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Worked on seats. Sarah went to Hoags.

Jul 28 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah stayed to Rogers with Sarah Beedle. Had a very violent thunder storm in the night. Set the telegraph office on fire. Bot Bottle of medicine and _____ sleeve buttons.

Jul 29 – Cloudy 73 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Saw Mark & Catharine. Lois there.

Jul 30 – Very foggy 64 Abz. Put Earls box to gether. Flanders brot his Bob shoes down. Parker went to Niles[66].

Jul 31 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on Earls Boddy & seats. Bot shawl 8.75. Bot screws & beads 38¢.

Aug 1 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some. went over to Fathers. Got some corn & Apples. Bot pair pants of Blackburn 4.50.

Aug 2 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Worked at _____. Bot alcohol 5¢ licorice 1¢. Heavy shower in the night.

Aug 3 – Cloudy 71 Abz. Filed saws & worked on spokes. Bot lat[h]e of Parker let him have violin & 4 Dollars. Bot silk & buttons 6¢.

Aug 4 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Bot Ethen pants 1.62. Barber brot my lathe 12. Sarah went down to Lois with Mrs Earl. Lois came home. Charly sick in the night.

Aug 5 – Pleasant 64 Abz. At home all day. Lois went home.

Aug 6 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Put Bottom on Earls box. Bot spool Thread 5¢. Very hot 95 in shade at noon.

Aug 7 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Worked in shop made boulster for Eugene Bronson.

Aug 8 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Made neap for D. B. wagon. Mr. Parkers folks moved to Battle Creek. Circus teams passed this morning.

Aug 9 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Worked in shop on Bronson gearing. Sarah went over to Fathers to help thrash.

Aug 10 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers. They thrashed his wheat 307 bushels. Sarah came home. Bot one lb candles 22¢.

Aug 11 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Schuyler Harris & wife here to dinner. Went over to Fathers. Bot Beef 20¢ Bot salt 20¢ Bot shugar 55¢ Bot Butter 25¢ Bot violin string 15¢ cloth for under sleves 25¢.

Aug 12 – Rainy 60 Abz. At home all day. Wrote letter to G. Tomlinson.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked on gearing. Sent letter to G. Tomlinson.

Aug 14 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Worked in shop some. Deyoe came home from Kalamazoo. Bot sundries for the girls 1.13.

Aug 15 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Shaved spokes. Bot coat for Ethen 2.50¢ Bot trimming for the girls raglins 25¢. Wes Boy Born[67] in the night.

Aug 16 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Shaved spokes. Went over to Ben Hartwells to raise cider press.

Aug 17 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Shaved spokes. Went over to Fathers. Stayed all night.

Aug 18 – Went down to Catharines. Sarah went to Kalamazoo. Bot sundries 7.24¢. Henry came home at night. Ethen stayed with Catharine.

Aug 19 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Henry here. Henry went home. Went over the river with James. Alvan went up to Flanders to painting.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in the shop some. Bronson got boulster. Hand organ at station 5.

Aug 21 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop. T. Flanders called in. D. K. Rogers & family left for G. T. City. Bot ½ lb tea 31¢. Bronson Brot 68 lbs Flour.

Aug 22 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop on seat risers. Bot 2 lbs mutton beef 13¢ beer 5. Sarah stayed with Mrs Hoag.

Aug 23 – Cloudy rainbow 67 Abz. Put seat together and put straps on bottom of boddy. Bot hoop iron and screws 25. Alvan[?] called here. Mary Childs here. Bot one lb Butter of Mrs Austen 12¢.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Worked on seats. Bot paper tacks 5¢. Sarah sick. Lois came home in the Evening.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Finished seat & painted boddy. Mark here to dinner. went over to Fathers. Sarah sick. J____ Sherman got a bit to put in his Dulcimer _____. Bot one lb nails 7¢.

Aug 26 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Sarah sick at home. Sarah sick. Painted Earls Box over.

Aug 27 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Finished Jesse Earls seats. Wesley here. Sarah had the ague.

Aug 28 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Pulled my onions. Bot half gallon whiskey 20¢. Mark & Catharine here. Bot cherries 6¢.

Aug 29 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Painted engine frame & fly wheel. Sent letter to Niles 3¢. Sarah sick as fury. Got tight on onions & whiskey.

Aug 30 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Tinkered round home. Uncle Ozens folks came. Bot half lb crackers 5¢.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 54 Abz. At home. Sarah took quinine. Sick all night. Bot cloth for pants 1.00 Bot quinine 25¢ Butter 11¢ Pears 3.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Father & mother here got their pictures taken 1.00. Lois came home. 3 candles 6¢ cloth for Ethen Apron 25¢.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Went over to Fathers got a chicken. Wrote letter to G. Tomlinson.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Bot sal soda 2¢. Worked round house helped wash. Paid Mrs Earl for making pants 35. Sent letter to G. T. one to E. W. C.[68] 6¢.

Sep 4 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Took my hog over to Fathers 25¢. Bot 4 lbs shugar 44 salratas & Blacking 15¢.

Sep 5 – Cloudy 66 Abz. Left for Dowagiac[69] 2 oclock P.M. Fare to Dowagiac 3.12. Bot _____ & suspenders 2.00. Paid _____ 125 Mrs Austin for B_____. Got Eds[70] about 4 P.M. Bob suspenders 50¢ Bot _____ 3¢. Engine Westwind.

Sep 6 – Cloudy. Helped _____ draw wheat. Bot comb 15. Read wheat 103 pr bushel.

Sep 7 – Had a fine shower. Ed sick with ague. Went over to town with Ed at night. Carried Sarahs pin & left it to be mended.

Sep 8 – Rainy morning. Left Eds 2 oclock P.M. Fare 1.00. Got pin mended 10¢. Got to Henrys[71] about 5 PM. Engine Racer.

Sep 9 – Pleasant. At Niles. Went over the town saw some nice locations. Went up to the school House.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. Sarah not very well. Bot stick gum 1¢ 5 Apples 5¢. Sent letter to Robert[72] 4¢ Whipple 1¢. At Niles.

Sep 11 – Pleasant. At Niles. Moved up by the church[?]. Bot cheese crackers cookies and pop corn 48¢.

Sep 12 – Pleasant. At Niles. Went over the city of Niles. Went up to Burg. Bot soap 10¢.

Sep 13 – Left Henry 3 oclock. Went to station. Fare to Chicago 6.75 one Book 25¢ apples 3¢ _____. Fare to Oshkosh 15.50 crackers ___ _____ 20¢. Got to Oshkosh 7 P.M. Hannah sick.

Sep 14 – Cloudy. _____ at Hotell 2.50 _____ 75¢ crackers _____ 20. Fare to Omro _____ _____. Got to Roberts about seven in Evening. Hannah sick.

Sep 15 – Rainy. At Roberts. Hannah some better. Went over to Omro in Evening. Bot tooth brush 25¢ candy 5.

Sep 16 – Cloudy rains some. Prosper[73] came to Roberts. Elder Betts & lady[74] came. All well.

Sep 17 – Pleasant. All well. Sent letter home. Bot stamps 13¢. Elder Betts & Lady went home. Ethen went with them.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. Went over North west saw them thrash. Rained like fun. Went in to a house waited until it held up. Got wet.

Sep 19 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Betts. He sold his farm. I went home with Roberts folks. Had a shower. Called at Bunkers. Sarah & children stayed.

Sep 20 – Pleasant. Went to Oshkosh to the County fair. Saw old Mr. Bath. Bot dinner and gum & ticket 38¢. Went to Mr Betts. Had a shower.

Sep 21 – Pleasant day. At Mr Betts. No rain to day. Sarah made satchel for Mrs Betts.

Sep 22 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Blackmers with Mr Betts. Saw some nice land. Prosper came home. Sarah had the ague.

Sep 23 – Pleasant morning had a thunder shower very hard shower sharp lightning heavy thunder. Pros went home.

Sep 24 – Cloudy cool. Ethen sick. Sarah sick. Stayed at Mr Betts.

Sep 25 – Pleasant. Sarah some Better. Ethen & I went over to Roberts. Got there at noon. Bob of thrashing.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Ethen has the ague. Steam Boat Enterprise just passed. Went over to Mr McCans[75] took tea. Robert came home at night.

Sep 27 – Pleasant morning. Stayed to Bobs til noon. Mr Betts came over went home with him. Bot 20 grains quinine 20¢.

Sep 28 – Pleasant morning. Well as could be expected. Sarah sick all night. Mrs Wait here. Shot near the vilage of Omro between 9 & 10 oclock P.M. John Sullivan some Eighty rods west of the Bridge in said village.

Sep 29 – Cloudy morn. Went over to Roberts. Bot apples & shoe strings 6. Pros came to Roberts. Went and Examined mills. Saw some good Engines. Got Lois letter.

Sep 30 – Cloudy & cool. Let Robert Crawford have 26 Dollars. Went over to Mr Betts found Sarah some better. Ethen stayed to Roberts.

Oct 1 – Cloudy. At Mr Betts. Nothing new going on. Sent letter to King.

Oct 2 – Cloudy. All well as usual. Went over to Roberts. All well. Bob came home in the Evening.

Oct 3 – Rains some. Went over to Mr Betts after Sarah. Nancy sick. Had a shower _____. Stayed all night.

Oct 4 – Went Back to Roberts. Some rainy. Nancy sick. Bot medicine for Nancy vermifuge[76] & camphor 35¢.

Oct 5 – Cloudy. Nancy better. Mr Betts came over & got Mrs. Betts. Left half past two P.M. Due from Babcock $83.92.

Oct 6 – Pleasant morning. Bot cloth for Ethens pants 1.15 paper & Envelopes 24¢. Pros came over to Roberts.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Went over to Coffees & Stuarts. Aunt Mary[77] came up.

Oct 8 – Cloudy morning. Went over to Blackburns. Mr Stuarts folks over to Roberts.

Oct 9 – Left Bobs half past 4 AM. Left Oshkosh 7 AM fare from O. to Depere[78] 4.40¢ Apples 10¢ Apples & cider 10¢ Apples 10¢. Got to Kings half past Eight Evening.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Went over to Credens. Rainy day. Went to Leroys[79] took tea.

Oct 11 – Pleasant. Went to Leroys took dinner & tea. All well as usual.

Oct 12 – Cool & cloudy. At Kings. At Kings. Went & saw the small falls.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Went down to Depere. Bot boots 1.75 Comb & needles 15¢ Candy 10¢.

Oct 14 – Pleasant. Nancy sick. Went out to the big falls with Mr Leroy. Saw some good country. Saw where a Bear scratched a tree.

Oct 15 – Nancy some better. Worked on the house some. Sarah washed.

Oct 16 – Pleasant. Put in door frame. Took dinner & supper with Leroy.

Oct 17 – Pleasant. At Leroys most of the day. Husked corn.

Oct 18 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Newtons.

Oct 19 – Pleasant. Went to the Bay. Bot rubbers 1.00 Candy 10¢ Apples 5¢. Took tea at Mr Newtons[?] farm. Stayed all night. Map making at the Bay in Evening. Govonor Randal[80] there.

Oct 20 – Cloudy. At Kings all day. Had headache. Sarah had a touch of the ague. Governor Randal at Depere.

Oct 21 – Cloudy. Nancy went to Depere to church. Stayed with Leroy. Sarah & Ethen down sick.

Oct 22 – Cloudy rained some. Sarah & Ethen had the ague. Stormy. Stayed at Kings all day.

Oct 23 – Rainy. Left Kings half past four got to Depere in AM take the Boat. Fare from Depere to Oshkosh 3.50 cts. Got to Oshkosh at six left ½ past 7. Fare to Chicago 15.00.

Oct 24 – Lft Chicago 7 AM. Fare to Niles 6.75. Omnibus 70¢. Got to Niles 10 A.M.

Oct 25 – Pleasant. At Niles. Milk 5. Left Niles ½ past 11 AM. Got to Eds one oclock. Fare from Niles to Dowagiac 1.00. Sarah sick. Engine 5¢.

Oct 26 – Pleasant. Sarah sick.[81] Left Dowagiac ½ past 11. Fare to Galesburg 3.15. Shugar 5 lbs 47 tea 31. Lois came home. Wesley there. Patty came over.

Oct 27 – Cloudy. At home. Went over to Fathers. Ethen sick. School Bill 1.96¢ milk 5¢.

Oct 28 – Rainy. Called Wightman. Ethen very sick. Patty came over stayed all night.

Oct 29 – Pleasant. Father came over. Bot Butter 25¢ Bot candy 32¢ crackers 5¢. Went up to Yorks & Wesleys.

Oct 30 – Pleasant. Ethen sick. Henry came down. Mr[s?] Flanders here to dinner. Left some cider. Dug potatoes. Richardson brot ½ cord wood.

Oct 31 – Rainy Morning. Thrashed my Beans. Henry went home. Mrs Brainard Brot some cider. Bot Envelopes 8¢ postage 3¢.

Nov 1 – Rainy Morning. Cleaned Beans. Patty came over. Bot Beef 25¢ Violin strings 11. Hiram Beach[82] Died.

Nov 2 – Rainy. Lois came home. Bot rice 21¢ Postage 3. Cut out mittens for B Clark.

Nov 3 – Rainy. Patty went over to Fathers. Picked apples.

Nov 4 – Pleasant. Milk 2¢. Lois went home. I went over to Fathers. Uncle Thomas Flanders there.

Nov 5 – Cloudy & Cool. Postage 3¢. Snowed. Bot gloves for Sarah. Dug some potatoes.

Nov 6 – Snow on the ground. Went over to Fathers stayed all night.

Nov 7 – Pleasant. Over to Fathers. Sarah came home. Richardson Brot ½ cord wood. Bot spool thread 5¢.

Nov 8 – Cloudy morning. York helped me dig potatoes.

Nov 9 – Rainy day. Went to Kalamazoo fare 50 one violin string 10. Alvan called here. Bronson Brot Load wood.

Nov 10 – Cloudy. Went over to Fathers & Yorks. Chored round. Bot candy 3¢.

Nov 11 – Pleasant. At home all day. Henry came down cut his hair. Cut Wisemans hair. Sarah went to church.

Nov 12 – Cloudy looks like rain. Oil up stove in shop. Went over to Hartwells. Made cider 39¢.

Nov 13 – Pleasant morning. Went over to Fathers got milk B ½ lb. spice 8¢ one lb candles 22¢.

Nov 14 – Pleasant. Worked in shop on Flanders Bobs. Amos Chipman at the shop.

Nov 15 – Pleasant morning. Worked on Bobs. Sarah went over to Fathers. I went over at night.

Nov 16 – Pleasant morning. Worked on bobs. Bot stuf for Hoods & cap[?] border &c 1.60¢.

Nov 17 – Pleasant morning. Put in spoke for A Chipman. Bot 6½ lbs Butter of Chipman. Patty & Catharine Hellen Mother & Mrs York[83] here. Bot Beef 32¢ Tea 30¢ Matches 6¢ gum 1¢.

Nov 18 – Pleasant. Sarah went to church. I went over to Fathers. Rained hard.

Nov 19 – Went to Kalamazoo. Bot Book 1.25. Fare to K. & Back 50 Cloth 62¢. Paid on judgement 216/16.__.

Nov 20 – Snows like fun. Worked on Bobs. Bot album & postage 5¢.

Nov 21 – Snows fast. Went up to Flanders. Bot 2½ lbs pork 25¢.

Nov 22 – Pleasant. Went over to Fathers. Worked in shop some.

Nov 23 – Went to Kalamazoo Fare 50. Bot cloth 31 Bot Shugar 1.00 apples 4 2 lbs candles 92. Interest on judgement ___34¢.

Nov 24 – Snows 8 Abz. Nothing dun of any account. Bot 50 lbs flour 1.38¢. Babcock paid 88.85¢.

Nov 25 – Cloudy 8 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Cold stormy day.

Nov 26 – Cold snows 19 Abz. Worked on bobs. Flanders Brot timber for racks. Richardson Brot load wood.

Nov 27 – Cloudy 25 Abz. Worked on bobs. Went over to Brainards took tea. Bot Bank note Reporter 1.00.

Nov 28 – Pleasant. Worked on bobs. Bronson Brot ½ cord wood. Bot bottle _______ Bronson 1.00[?] Boots 3.75.

Nov 29 – Pleasant. Alvan here. Lois home. Mrs Birge & Mrs Clark here. Mark called. Alvan stayed all night.

Nov 30 – Cloudy. Worked on bobs. Bot thread 5¢.

Dec 1 – Pleasant. Worked on bobs. Filed two saws Smiths & Schroeder[?] 20. Attended a meeting for the purpose of getting Galesburg incorporated. Bot violin of A. R. Turner.

Dec 2 – Snows some. Went over to Fathers.

Dec 3 – Some stormy. Bot one pr gloves of John D_____ 1.25 crackers 20. Father & Mother & Patty here.

Dec 4 – Cloudy worked on bobs. Flanders here. Sarah went over to Wisemans took tea. Paid Mrs Sprague 10[?].

Dec 5 – Cold. Worked on bobs finished bobs. Alvan left for York state. Bot tea candles 22¢ _______ 10.

Dec 6 – Cloudy cold. Went up to Yorks moved over one load of goods. Sent letter to GT 3.

Dec 7 – Left Galesburg. Moved all things out of the house. Richardson Brot wood. Bot golden seal 3¢.

Dec 8 – Round home. Went over to the burg. Brot the old cat over & forks hoes & rakes.

Dec 9 – Pleasant. At home all day.

Dec 10 – Went over & painted bobs all right. Beckwith moved one load in to the house. Snowey day. Got plank of Eugene Bronson.

Dec 11 – Changed stoves. Put ours in the Kitchen. Went over & got one load brot my Boyler over.

Dec 12 – Cold & snowey. Split up my wood. Stayed at home. One Dollar for butter of mother.

Dec 13 – Cold good sleighing. Choped wood some. Went over and took my bench down.

Dec 14 – Chopped wood. Father & mother went down to Catharines. Patty & Catharine came up with them.

Dec 15 – Pleasant. Patty & Catharine went up to Hellens. Brot my tool chest over & some other traps. Bot Book for Ethen 12¢.

Dec 16 – At home. Carried Sarah over to church. Went up to Yorks & got Patty. M. O. Streator & wife[84] here in Evening.

Dec 17 – Pleasant. Helped wash. Harvey came up with Mark. Went over to the burg. Flanders got his bobs.

Dec 18 – Rains some. Sarah went to the Burg to Benajah Aldrich funeral. Rainy day & night. Whiting moved.

Dec 19 – Rainy. Cleared the Cridland House. Went up to Yorks in the Evening. Lois came home. Sent letter to G. T.

Dec 20 – Cloudy Rained some. Went over to the Burg got my Bench over. Richardson drawed it over.

Dec 21 – Snows like fun. Worked up to the shop. Stormy day snowed & blowed all day.

Dec 22 – Moved my stuff out of the shop. York helped me. Carried Patty & Mother up to Hellens.

Dec 23 – Pleasant. At home all day. Wesley came down & cut my hair.

Dec 24 – Very cold. York came down went & drawed my lumber over.

Dec 25 – Snows. Went over and got my potatoes. B two prs shoes 1.50 and skein thread 5.

Dec 26 – Pleasant. Worked in shop. Put up bench. Bot book 25 paper 10. Sent letter to Omro 3 licorice 1.

Dec 27 – Worked in shop commenced Charleys sleigh.

Dec 28 – Cold. Killed nine hens. Bot chisel 50 clasp for door 12 Bill for attending _______ 25 one chamber 35 half lb tea 25. 1.50. Carried Miss Hoxie down to Raywoods.

Dec 29 – Stormy. Richardson Brot load wood. Worked in shop some. Sarah & Patty went over to Celia Newmans.

Dec 30 – Cold day. At home all day.

Dec 31 – Pleasant and cold. Killed my pig. Wesley helped me.

——-

Notes in back of diary:

Henry Cruttenden[85] Died Sept 15 1854 Ae 52 years

Composition tooth filling
2 parts silver
5 parts tin

Francis Mulvy
Bridget Cooney
Wm Matthews
Rachelle or Gag___ wagon

Magazin
E. M. Stratton
No. 106 Elizabeth Street
New York
Smith & Bosworth
Linden Geenesee Co. N.Y.

Dr Harris called at Chatham Columba county N.Y. stayed with Mr Betts & preached on the sabbath

David Crawfords[86] post office address
Mountain City or
Dunivan City
Denver City R.T.

Bank of Southern Illinois Bolton

The diary also contains ledger entries for the year and diary entries for January 1-13, 1861 (see the 1861 diary transcription).

——-

[1] Known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] Charles Luke Keith Sr., who was also better known and referred to as Luke

[3] James & Paulina Deyoe

[4] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] His son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[6] Lois (Keith) Clark, his daughter by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[7] /- is the symbol used for shilling. A shilling was a coin of Colonial America and varied between 12¢ and 16¢

[8] His brother, John Wesley Keith who, according to the family Bible, was adopted

[9] An artificial channel or bed of a stream leading water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, such as a mill or a mining claim

[10] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[11] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[12] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s diaries and it is believed that he is referring to his cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind with the Keith family to run his father’s farm.

[13] Luke refers to a Dr. DeNormandy several times in his 1859 diary

[14] George Tomlinson, husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[15] George Tomlinson

[16] A felloe, or felly, is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[17] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[18] His niece and her husband, Helen (Bradley) and Joseph York

[19] His maternal first cousin, Alvin Turner

[20] His daughter

[21] Believe this to be John Crittenden, the brother of his second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith.

[22] Concord, Michigan, which is where John Crittenden lived

[23] Jason Wolcott

[24] The granddaughter of Luke’s Uncle Jason Wolcott; Catherine was the daughter of John and Waity Catherine (Wolcott) Bissell

[25] While “Lasher” is referenced repeatedly in Luke’s diaries and also in letters to Luke from Charles Cridland, the only evidence found regarding his first name, Joseph, was a receipt in the back of Luke’s 1858 diary dated December 6, 1858 for the payment of Comstock real estate taxes

[26] John and Irena (Wolcott) Kirkwood. Irena was Luke’s maternal first cousin

[27] Ozen Keith

[28] Adrian, Michigan

[29] Martha (Keith) Whitmore

[30] Pavilion, New York

[31] Noah Starr, the father-in-law of Luke’s brother, Harvey Keith

[32] From future entries it appears that he was staying with George Tomlinson

[33] George and Susan (Tomlinson) Sprague. George was the maternal first cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[34] Most likely Pavilion Cemetery where several members of the Crittenden and Sprague families were buried

[35] Nelly Tomlinson, the daughter of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. Nelly was about five years old at the time

[36] Sarah (Curtis) Crittenden. Sarah was the widow of Luke’s second wife Jerusha’s brother, Henry Crittenden

[37] Joseph and Sarah (Crittenden) Chaddock

[38] William M. Sprague, who was a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[39] John Nobles, who was married to Mary “Polly” Sprague, another cousin of Jerusha’s

[40] Pearl Creek, New York

[41] Most likely Pearl Creek Cemetery where many Sprague family members were buried

[42] His sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[43] George and Susan (Tomlinson) Sprague; George was another of Jerusha’s cousins

[44] Jesse Sprague, George Sprague’s father and Jerusha’s uncle

[45] Father-in-law of Jerusha’s brother, Henry Crittenden

[46] LeRoy, New York

[47] Joseph M. York, who was married to Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[48] James S. King, his maternal first cousin

[49] His daughter Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[50] Aurilla Lee, the granddaughter of his aunt and uncle, Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee

[51] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Freddie Swaddle died April 30, 1860. He is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan, and the inscription reads: Little Freddie Fell Asleep, 8y

[52] Edward G. Wolcott, his maternal first cousin, the son of Warren and Electa (Damon) Willcutt

[53] Et cetera

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com shows a William Beckwith died in 1860 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[55] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, the widow of his brother Harvey

[56] Marius O. Streator

[57] Saleratus; sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[58] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Myron Coe died June 7, 1860 and is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Climax, Michigan

[59] Joseph and Lois (French) Lee and their son, Ansel Lee

[60] Shedrick Seeley

[61] His wife Sarah’s brother

[62] His daughter, Nancy Keith

[63] Omro, Wisconsin

[64] The pole, or tongue, of a cart

[65] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[66] Niles, Michigan

[67] James Harvey Keith

[68] His wife Sarah’s brother, Edwin W. Crawford

[69] Dowagiac, Michigan

[70] The family apparently was staying with Edwin

[71] Sarah’s brother, Henry Clay Crawford

[72] Sarah’s brother, Robert Crawford

[73] Sarah’s brother, Lucius Prosper “Pros” Crawford

[74] Sarah’s mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, and her second husband, Platt Betts

[75] Robert Crawford’s father-in-law, John McCann

[76] Medicine used to destroy or expel intestinal worms

[77] Possibly Nancy Betts’ sister, Mary (Comfort) Wickersham

[78] De Pere, Wisconsin

[79] Jonas & Edith Ann (King) LeRoy

[80] Alexander Randall was the sixth governor of Wisconsin, serving from 1858 – 1861

[81] The family was visiting relatives from September 5^th through October 26^th and Luke mentions quite often that Sarah was sick. Since their daughter, Louese, was born July 3, 1861, it is quite possible that at least some of Sarah’s sick times were due to morning sickness

[82] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Hiram Beach is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. He was born in 1841 to David and Sarah (Bassett) Beach.

[83] Presume he is referring to Joseph York’s mother, Dorothy (Boardman) York

[84] Neighbors, Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[85] The brother of his second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[86] His brother-in-law, also known as D. C. Crawford

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1859 Diary

1859 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.

Jan 1 – Cold 28 Abz[1] Rainy. Went over to Fathers.[2] No snow.

Jan 2 – Cloudy 30 Abz. At home all day.

Jan 3 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Jo Sherman here. Father Brot Nancy[3] home. Lasher[4] drawed load wood. Bot this Book 38¢.[5]

Jan 4 – Cold 25 Abz. Worked in shop on violin. Barlow got his violin. Bot ½ lb yarn 44¢.

Jan 5 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Worked in shop. Paid Tax 4.29 Georges tax 10.66. Bot 30 lbs flour 82¢.

Jan 6 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Went over to Taylors to the mill. Bot ½ lb yarn 50¢ one lb ratas[6] 10¢. Elder Sills here & prayed for Two Sarahs.

Jan 7 – Snow 20 Abz. Worked in shop on sleigh. Cold snowey day. Bot screws 30¢ one lb candles 14. Sent letter to N. B. Betts[7] 3¢.

Jan 8 – Cold 3 Blz[8] 4 or 5 inches snow. Finished fathers sleigh. Bot darning needle.

Jan 9 – Cold 4 Blz. At home all day. Cold.

Jan 10 – Pleasant 10 Blz. Painted Fathers sleigh. A. Sumner at the shop. Flanders here with his bobs.

Jan 11 – Cloudy 21 Abz. Painted Fathers sleigh. Jesse Earl here. Bot 54 lbs bran 32¢ one box matches 6¢.

Jan 12 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Lasher came over and killed my pig weighed 252 lbs.

Jan 13 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Repaired wheel for Wightman. Rainy night. Nationals in town to night.

Jan 14 – Cloudy 37 Abz very muddy. Mrs Bennet here & Bennet to dinner. Rainy afternoon snowed in the night. Anna Fries[9] died to night Ae 16 years.

Jan 15 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Covered cistern. Bot salt candles. Got stove hearth mended.

Jan 16 – Pleasant 26 Abz some snow snowed some. Anna Fries buried to day.

Jan 17 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Father got his sleigh.

Jan 18 – Pleasant 17 Abz. Went over to Lashers got pig. Sent letter to Abiah Sprague.[10] Sarah[11] went to Watts.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Went over to Byingtons. Oatman moved his house. Took tea to Deyoes.

Jan 20 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Went over to Fathers took hannah.[12] Rained some.

Jan 21 – Cloudy 25 Abz. Sawed wood. Sarah came home. Filed saw for Mr Smith.

Jan 22 – Snows 3 Abz. Went over to Fathers after hannah. Mrs Frary here. Wesley[13] here in Evening.

Jan 23 – Pleasant 1 Abz. At home. Wrote letter to King[14] & D Crawford.[15]

Jan 24 – Pleasant 17 Abz. Worked in shop some. Bot 26½ lbs flour 77¢ ½ lb Tea 31¢. Wesley got corn 6 bushels 56¢ pr bushel. Sent letter to King one to D Crawford.

Jan 25 – Cloudy 31 Abz not much snow. Rimmed wheel for A. McLary. Calvin Streator here to day.

Jan 26 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Sawed out one pair bob runners. Flanders here. Ralph got his gloves. Calvin here.

Jan 27 – Snows like fun 32 Abz rained & snowed all day. Worked on McLarys Ex.

Jan 28 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Finished McLarys Ex. Bot G. string. Received letter from Mrs M. Keith one from N. B. Betts two for Lois.[16]

Jan 29 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Went up to Yorks Jo[17] brot me home. Father & Mother[18] here. Got Buck Wheat & meal from the mill. Bot 50 lbs bran 30¢. Cal Streator got his violin 50¢. Lasher paid me 50¢.

Jan 30 – Pleasant but cloudy 23 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church. All well as usual.

Jan 31 – Sun shines no snow 13 Abz. Worked round house & Barn. D. Lamkins here Wesley here in evening. Bent hoops for violin. Race[19] run over. Mr Gero very sick.

Feb 1 – Sun shines Pleasant 30 Abz. Went over the river after my Heifer could not get her. Made axhelve[20] for C. C. Johnson. Mrs Watts here. Barlow gave me an E. string. Went to Barlows.

Feb 2 – Snows some 31 Abz. Made axhelve for Wesley. Mary an Keith[21] came here. Johnson got helve.

Feb 3 – 24 Abz. Filed saw for Joseph Lee.[22] T. Ford brot some flour. W^m McLary brot sleigh.

Feb 4 – Snows 16 Abz. Worked in shop sawed out bob knees. Blocked out foot for T. Sherman. Recd letter from Canada. Some sleighing. Bot one lb candles 16¢ letter 10¢.

Feb 5 – Snows some 12 Abz snowey day. Worked in shop some sawed out gearing and neaps[23] one for Byington.

Feb 6 – Pleasant 11 Abz. Sun shines. At home all day. Sarah went to church. Ed & Mary Childs here to Tea. Snow most gone.

Feb 7 – Cloudy 10 Abz. Went over to Byingtons. Calvin Streator here. Bot one lb saleratas 10.

Feb 8 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Worked on Byingtons wagon. Mr Spaulding here. Deyeo got maple of Mr Warner.

Feb 9 – Cloudy 24 Abz no snow hardley no sleighing. Worked on gearing. Lasher here. Father Brot Mary An here. Recd letter from G. T.[24] one from Momence from W^m Peters.

Feb 10 – Pleasant 8 Abz. Worked on gearing. Mrs Bevere here. Mary An went up to her Fathers.[25] My Kettle came home. Mary & Ed Bennet here. Bot cloth & floss 10¢. Mrs Lane died.

Feb 11 – Cloudy 11 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Bot cloth for pants 1.41. Snowed some in the night.

Feb 12 – Cloudy 10 Abz. Went over and measured the fractions for Geo Tomlinson. Lasher led my heifer over. Bot ½ lb Tea 25¢. Durgy Brot load wood.

Feb 13 – Cloudy 18 Abz. Put on my new pants hard times Sarah gone to church. Took the top of Yorks violin. Mr Kingsley[26] died to day.

Feb 14 – Pleasant at zero. Durgy Brot his violin saw A. Hoag. Swaddle called here in Evening. Sent letter to G. T. one one to N. B. Betts. Paper 10¢ candles 15¢ letters 6¢.

Feb 15 – Cloudy 41 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mr. Kingsley buried to day.

Feb 16 – Cloudy 27 Abz. Went up to Flanders. Hellen[27] here. Jerome Turner here. Bot Jug 25¢ Bot ½ galon molassess 28¢ 4 sheets sand paper 4¢. Ed York took Tea here.

Feb 17 – Cloudy 38 Abz. Worked in shop. Swaddle Brot his spokes. Harvey here. Flanders Brot load hay.

Feb 18 – Cloudy 28 Abz no snow. Worked in shop on neap. Had door open all day pleasant as Spring.

Feb 19 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Repaired Yorks violin. Durgy got his violin. Bot 50 lbs Bran 35¢. D. Henyon here in Evening. Some thunder & lightning in Evening some hail & rain snowed in the night.

Feb 20 – Windy cold snow flies 28 Abz. At home. Sarah gone to church. Blustrous.

Feb 21 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Drove spokes in Swaddles hubbs. A Hoag called here. No snow on the ground.

Feb 22 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Finished Swaddles wheels. A Hoag & Wesley here. Lois came home. Pleasant & Warm.

Feb 23 – Cloudy 31 Abz no snow. Worked in shop on L T Earls neap. Rained in evening. Lois at home.

Feb 24 – Pleasant no snow 28 Abz. Worked in shop. Shaved some spokes. Went fishing in Evening with Mix. Snowed in the night. John Wheeler here.

Feb 25 – Snowey 25 Abz. Shaved spokes. John Wheeler here. Received a letter from D. Crawford La Cross Wis. No sleighing.

Feb 26 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Shaved spokes put some hoops on my violin. Bot ½ lb Tea 31¢. John Wheeler here.

Feb 27 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went over to Fathers after noon. Wheeler here.

Feb 28 – Cloudy 27 Abz. Finished shaving _____ spokes. D. Hamilton Brot his wheel. Wheeler here.

Mar 1 – Pleasant 20 Abz sun shines no snow. Got out Hamiltons spokes. Jarvis Muncil here. Stranger here to dinner. Bot one lb candles 15¢ one pint whiskey 10.

Mar 2 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Got out spokes for Hamiltons wheel. Went and saw Mills. Rained in the night. Wheeler here.

Mar 3 – Rainy 40 Abz. Wheeler here worked in shop. Sarah went down to Slips. Bot 10 lbs Potash 1.00. Deyo moved his bench from Stevensons.

Mar 4 – Snows some 33 Abz. Drove spokes in Hamiltons wheel. Snowed some. Wheeler here.

Mar 5 – Cloudy 31 Abz some snow. Wheeler here finished Hamiltons wheel. Put the neck in my violin. Henry[28] came home.

Mar 6 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Wheeler here. At home. Sarah went to church. Put the top on violin.

Mar 7 – Rainy 37 Abz. Wheeler here Jo York here. Worked on my violin. Rainy day. Bot one lb saleratas 10¢.

Mar 8 – Rains some 38 Abz. Wheeler here. Hamilton got his wheel. Bot one bushel & half of wheat 15/-[29] Bot thread 15¢.

Mar 9 – Pleasant 27 Abz. Wheeler here. Made soap. Calvin here. Lois came home. Got some Flour of Streator. Father here. Wheler left. Lamkins brot flour 20¢.

Mar 10 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Plained out Buggy spokes. Recd a letter from P. Betts[30] Omro.[31]

Mar 11 – Rainy 54 Abz. Went down to Catharines[32] had Yorks team.

Mar 12 – Cold snowed some 32 Abz. Came home. Bot butter 25¢. Wheler stayed in my shop all night.

Mar 13 – Pleasant 27 Abz. Sarah went to church. Uncle Chi[33] here.

Mar 14 – Cloudy 44 Abz. Commenced Mills moddles. Bot shugar 25¢ one lb candles 16¢.

Mar 15 – Cold snows some 31 Abz. Worked on Mills picker. Filed two saws for E. M. Clap 30¢. Bot one file 10¢.

Mar 16 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Worked on Mills picker. Thomas Whiting went to Kalamazoo with Fox.

Mar 17 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Worked on picker got wheel turned. Charles Lee[34] here. Father got his straw cutter. Sarah went to Beveres & to church in evening.

Mar 18 – Rainy 44 Abz. Worked on picker. Lasher Brot load wood. Rainy.

Mar 19 – Cold 31 Abz some snow in the air. Worked on picker. First April stormy middle pleasant & rainy.

Mar 20 – Pleasant 29 Abz May pleasant. At home. Sarah went to church. Hat Ella & Cordelia here. Sarah went to hear the She Temperance lecture in evening.

Mar 21 – Cloudy 41 Abz. Worked on picker. J Clark here. Bot bitters 6¢. Not very well. Old Hen commenced setting.

Mar 22 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked on picker. Not very well.

Mar 23 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked on picker filed saw for S. Earl. Bot Beef steak 4¢.

Mar 24 – Cloudy 50 Abz. Worked on pickers. Snowed some in the night.

Mar 25 – Cloudy & cool 30 Abz. Worked on picker. Eugene Bronson here.

Mar 26 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Worked on pickers. Flanders Brot 80 lbs Flour. Bot oil to put in my ear 10¢. Lasher Brot ¾ cord wood.

Mar 27 – Pleasant 33 Abz. At home all day. Went up to the burying ground.[35] Emma Clark & cousin here in evening.

Mar 28 – Rainy 36 Abz. Finished pickers. Bot veal 15¢ Bot oil 7¢ Bot turpentine 5¢ got spy glass mended 3¢. Recd letter from C. R. C.[36] Pulled tooth for Freer.

Mar 29 – Rainy & some snow 32 Abz. At home not very well. Filed saw for C. Lee. Elias Sherman here in evening. Got bit to put in Dulcimer keys.

Mar 30 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Lois came home. Lois & Ethen[37] went over to Fathers. Mills got his pickers paid me ten Dollars. Recd letter from G. Tomlinson. Bot thread 5¢ one paper 7¢ one pair Boots 3.75¢.

Mar 31 – Snowey 28 Abz. All went over to river. Sarah bot dress.

Apr 1 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went up to Wesleys got warm sugar Bot ½ lb Tea 3¢. Fletcher started the old Freight house.

Apr 2 – Cloudy 38 Abz. Bot 5 lbs sugar 10¢ per lb 50¢. Bot one pint whiskey 10¢ one lb candles 15¢. Went over to Byingtons got set hubbs for L. T. Earls waggon.

Apr 3 – Cloudy & cool 29 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church.

Apr 4 – Snows like fun 27 Abz. Went to town meeting. Caty Chaffe & Toot here. Mark[38] left his bugy. Charles Lee Brot 7 lbs sugar 10¢. Ethen went down to Catharines. Windy.

Apr 5 – Cloudy 26 Abz snow some 3½ inches deep. At home. Bot 2 lights glass 12¢. Flanders Brot load hay. Cold wind.

Apr 6 – Cold 31 Abz. Went over to Taylors got some roots for Cridland. Set some glass. Wheeler here. Bot glass 16¢ Bot allum 3¢. Cold wind.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 35 Abz cold wind. Shelled some corn. Wheeler left. Bot one plane bit 25¢.

Apr 8 – Some snow 28 Abz. Worked round garden. Oscar Keith[39] here. Deyoes folks here to Tea. Fraser Brot his wagon got Ex stick of Cross. Got corn growing. Lasher Brot almost cord of wood.

Apr 9 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Oscar left this morning. Took Frasers wagon peaces. Commenced smoking Hams. The Burdick Marganized Signor.

Apr 10 – Cloudy 40 Abz. At home. Rainy day. Finished smoking Hams.

Apr 11 – Cloudy 61 Abz warm. Worked on Frasers Ex. Bot Bitters 10¢ one glass Beer 5¢. Let Pond have 25¢.

Apr 12 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Finished Frasiers Ex commenced Marks. Bot paper Envelopes & pens 25¢. Hen came of with two chickens.

Apr 13 – Cloudy & some rain 48 Abz. Worked on Marks Ex Mark came up. Ethen came home Sarah went down to Barbers. Rainy night.

Apr 14 – Cloudy 51 Abz. Finished Marks Ex rimed out hubs. Sarah went to church meeting. Gave Alvan Burdic his final discharge. High wind all day & most of the night. Austin moved.

Apr 15 – Snow on the ground 28 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Frasier got his wagon.

Apr 16 – Pleasant ground covered with snow 31 Abz. Bot 4 lbs nails 20¢. Put Battens on the barn. Adelbert Earl & Addis here. Dell brot violin to be repaired paid me one Dollar.

Apr 17 – Snows like fun 33 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church.

Apr 18 – Pleasant 28 Abz no snow. Lasher Brot ¾ cord wood. Got my Deed. Sent Crids seeds. Mark got his buggy. C. Lee here. Bot ½ lb Tea 31¢ one lb Sals 10¢ Beer 5¢. Burdicks had their trial 70 Dollars fine.

Apr 19 – Pleasant 37 Abz. Mended Streators seat & Blind for Mix. Sarah went to Wisemans.

Apr 20 – Rainy 44 Abz. Made ax helves. Put top on violin. Medicine pedler here. Streator took the assessment got his seat.

Apr 21 – Cloudy 39 Abz. Put some Battens on Barn. Lumis Robinson here.

Apr 22 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Worked on Byingtons Exes. Lois at home. Bot one paper tacks 5¢.

Apr 23 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Worked round the house. Mended Sam Lanes violin. E. Flanders brot some Hickory for helves. Bot one lb candles 17.

Apr 24 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went over to Fathers Jo & Hellen there. Old Mrs Wheaton[40] died this morning.

Apr 25 – Cloudy 41 Abz. Cleared of garden & measured Moses lot. Bot deed 5¢. Rained in the night.

Apr 26 – Cloudy 44 Abz. Went over to Fathers after Team. Rainy. Old Mrs Wheaton Buried. York Brot me four Hens.

Apr 27 – Cloudy cool 40 Abz. Plowed my garden. Lois here. Wheeler came here.

Apr 28 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Worked round garden. Wheeler here raked of the front yard. Let Johnson have Balsam 13¢. Goods stolen of the cars up at Johnsons curve on the night train.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Cleaned out cellar. Sarah went over to Halls. Wheeler left. Got Bedstead of Byington 4.25.

Apr 30 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Bot one lb _____ 5¢. Went over to Fathers. Lasher brot load of limbs. Flanders 95 lbs Flour. Mr. F. Lee Brot two bushels wheat.

May 1 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Wheeler here to Breakfast. Went over to Fathers saw Mark & Catharine. Went up to the swamp got gum.

May 2 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Made small thills[41] for Mills. Hiram Potts & Dan Earl left for California.

May 3 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Lamkins digid garden. Bot Bag salt 6¢^. Rained some in the night.

May 4 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Worked on Chipmans wagon.

May 5 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Wallace McLolen here. Put in Ex for Chipman. Sarah went down to Adelines. Harrises[42] had a Boy.[43]

May 6 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Wheeler went to the County House. Bot seeds & nails some screws 22¢. Two organs along this morning.

May 7 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Worked in shop some. Lamkins plowed out my currant bushes. Chipman got his wagon. Poulison Buried. Benjamin Moore paid me fifty Dollars. Batten 23¢.

May 8 – Cloudy 53 Abz. At home. Went up north after the cow. Rained. Lois at home. Mr Clark[44] stayed all night.

May 9 – Rainy 50 Abz. Planted potatoes onions cucumbers melons Beans &c.

May 10 – Cloudy & cool 46 Abz. Sowed parsnips & Radish peas cabbage tomatoes & lettauce &c.

May 11 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Went over to fathers got some potatoes sorgum seed &c. Bot cake soap 4¢.

May 12 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Planted corn for feed. Put in spoke for Ford. Bot things for the children $1.95. Rained in the afternoon.

May 13 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Planted potatoes over to Fathers. Sent letter to Bob one to Dade 6¢.

May 14 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Finished planting potatoes. Lasher worked some two hours came home planted sorgum. _____ 3¢ ½ lb Tea 31¢ ½ lb string 6¢ one lb candles 16¢.

May 15 – Pleasant 52 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

May 16 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Worked on hubbs. Bot Shugar 60¢ wall paper 38¢ auger 45¢ fish 3¢. Rained some.

May 17 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Morticed hubbs. Made out deed for Moore 40¢. Sent letter to G T 3¢. Heifer calved.

May 18 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Sold heifer. Got mortgage made. Got pay of P. S. Carmer 2.50. Bot door trimmings & tools 2.69¢^. Bot pail 25¢ mogage 5¢.

May 19 – Pleasant & cool wind 46 Abz. Worked on gearing. Bot two lbs venitian red 13¢.

May 20 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Sarah went over to Fathers. I went to Kalamazoo on small car. Bot shoes for Nancy 75¢ Beer 5¢. Letter to Oscar 3¢. Rained in the night.

May 21 – Cloudy 59 Abz. Made mall. Went over to Fathers. Bot two lbs Butter 25¢.

May 22 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Went up north got a Rabbit. Wightman smoked him out.

May 23 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked on trackway[?]. Bot lime 25¢ Bot fish 37¢ Bot oil 2.25¢.

May 24 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Sarah went down to Eds. Ed laid up my wall 1.00. Recd letter from G. T.

May 25 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Hoed corn in garden Bot books 50¢. Recd letter from G. T.

May 26 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Worked on Richardsons Bugy. Rained afternoon & evening. Sarah papered the Bedroom Bot 2 rolls paper 25¢. Old cow calved to day.

May 27 – Cloudy 51 Abz. Lasher load wood. Got Locus of Streator plank of Brown. Went after cow. Rainy. Bot 50 lbs lead 4.00 2 lbs butter 25¢. Sarah went to Thorndikes. Sent letter to G. Tomlinson.

May 28 – Some cloudy 42 Abz. Worked on Richardsons Buggy. Bot 3 bolts 7¢ Bot pair shoes for Ethen 1.00. Found the old cow & calf. Rained in the night.

May 29 – Cloudy 59 Abz. At home. Had a shower afternoon & evening.

May 30 – Misty 54 Abz. Worked on Richardsons Buggy. Bot doors 4.00 Bot brushes 45 Brimstone 4¢ Bolts 4¢ draying 10¢.

May 31 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Painted the Bedroom and front room up stairs and Charleys Buggy. Bot one pound Tea 5/-.

Jun 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Painted the bedroom. Went up to Yorks. Rained in the night.

Jun 2 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Bot cabage plants 20¢. Varnished Bugy. Recd letter from G. T. Rained in the night.

Jun 3 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Set out some baga plants. Finished Richardsons buggy. Bot pint cup 10¢ Bot oil 3¢. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢.

Jun 4 – Pleasant cool 33 Abz. Charles got his buggy. Planted melons seeds set out tomatoes.

Jun 5 – Pleasant 39 Abz. At home. Sarah gone to church. Sarah Sell babtised.

Jun 6 – Cloudy 48 Abz. 22 years to day started for Michigan 1837. Sawed out gearing for L. T. Earls wagon. Went over to Fathers one glass beer 5¢.

Jun 7 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Saw Banister go up in his Balloon. Bot wall paper and other traps $2.3¢.

Jun 8 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Hoed potatoes over to Fathers Catharine there. Ed Watts[45] died.

Jun 9 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Finished hoing potatoes hoed some in garden. Bored hubs. Paid 1.50¢ for coat.

Jun 10 – Cloudy cool wind 51 Abz. Hoed in garden. Lois came home. Bot one lb candles 16¢.

Jun 11 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Hoed in garden some. Went over to Hartwells raising. Got set Hubbs turned. Bot 5 lb shugar 50¢ strawberries 6¢.

Jun 12 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went in swimming. Went up to Yorks & Wesleys.

Jun 13 – Rainy 70 Abz. Worked on Deyoes wheel. Alvan & Jerome Turner[46] here. Rained in the night.

Jun 14 – Cloudy 63 Abz. Worked on Deyoes wheel. Alvan came up. Bot two lbs shelack 50¢.

Jun 15 – Rainy 76 Abz. Alvan commenced painting. Bot v. red s. white oil[47] _____ hatband saleratas crackers &c.

Jun 16 – Cool 50 Abz. Went down to J. O. Keiths after spokes got 500 spokes pair 2.25¢. Pay Wightman 1.75.

Jun 17 – About 40 Abz. Left Oscars at seven AM got home about nine evening. Left load down by Nights horse got tire out. Bot crackers & cheese 15¢.

Jun 18 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Finished wheelbarrow wheel. Spokes came afternoon. Bot 6 lbs Spanish white 24¢ Bot gaiters 87½¢. Alvan went over to Kingsleys.

Jun 19 – Pleasant 62 Abz. At home all day.

Jun 20 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Tinkered round house hoed some fixed doors & windows. Alvan painting. Bot oil & venetian red one violin string.

Jun 21 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Planted corn & cucumbers hoed some. Bot 5 lbs S. white 20¢.

Jun 22 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Worked round the house piled up spokes.

Jun 23 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Put dash on Races bugy two spokes in Bixbys wheel tightened one box in Richardsons wheel. Lois left.

Jun 24 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Repaired wheel for C. Risin[?]. Bot oil Spanish white _____. Deyoes folks turned out doors. A Chipman paid me four Dollars.

Jun 25 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Put in Ex for A. Chipman 2.00. Charley got his wheels. Bot 6 lbs shugar 60¢ one lb coffee 16¢. Alvan came back.

Jun 26 – Rainy 62 Abz. Alvan & I went over to Fathers saw Miss Hoxie.

Jun 27 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Rainy afternoon. Mended horse rake for A. McLary. Bot one _____ 2.00 ½ galon oil 56¢.

Jun 28 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Finished McLarys rake. Mended parasol for Mrs E. Mills. Bot 2 violin strings 25¢.

Jun 29 – Heavy shower in morning 72 Abz. Worked on doors. Bot 6 lbs nails 30¢ Bot Whiting 20¢. Old cow out to night. Got load wood.

Jun 30 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Put in the front doors in shop. Bot beer 5¢. Sarah went over to Fathers. Alvan grained the doors.

Jul 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Had a shower.

Jul 2 – Cloudy 79 Abz. Put lock and bolt on shop doors. Made fork handle for E M. Clapp. Bot Bolt 25¢ Roll wicking 5¢ turpentine 6¢ cradle finger 15¢.

Jul 3 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Alvan went to Kalamazoo Saw vandusen.

Jul 4 – Pleasant 46 Abz. At home Caty Chaffee[48] here. Bot saleratas 10¢ Bot shugar 33¢.

Jul 5 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Hoed potatoes over the river.

Jul 6 – 43 Abz Pleasant. Put cape on doors to shop. Bot oil 1.00 Bot 3½ lbs Butter 44¢.

Jul 7 – Plesant 63 Abz. Bot turpentine 6¢. Made door frame. Bot matches 6.

Jul 8 – Pleasant 75 Abz. Mended cradle for Wheland. Hoed some in garden. Alvan painted shop. Bot brush 75¢ carpet yarn 2.80.

Jul 9 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Went over to hoe potatoes. Alvan went to Kalamazoo. Bot ½ lb Tea 25¢. Painted stoop floor.

Jul 10 – Pleasant 64 Abz at 3. 96 in the shade at 3. 122 in the sun. Mr. underwood preached at Shafters.

Jul 11 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Cased door frame. Put in cradle finger for J. Wheaten 20¢. Killed my calf.

Jul 12 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Worked in shop some put in cradle finger for Luke Chase 18¢. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢. Beer 5.

Jul 13 – Pleasant 67 Abz. Worked in shop made frame for window. Sarah went to Kalamazoo. Had a shower afternoon.

Jul 14 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Worked in shop on Yorks violin. Mrs Flint Frank Beach & Mrs Rogers & Mrs B­____ here. Alvan came Back.

Jul 15 – Pleasant 76 Abz. Worked round house. Alvan here painted diningroom. Bot Shugar 31 Bot crome Yellow 11¢ one spool thread 5¢ Bot candles 17¢.

Jul 16 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Worked round the house. Bot cag lead 2.00 Bot Logwood 5¢ Bot Whiting 8¢ Bot shoes 69¢. Flanders Brot 50 lbs Flour.

Jul 17 – Pleasant 76 Abz. At home. Very hot day thermometer stood at 2 oclock P.M. 102 in shade.

Jul 18 – Pleasant & hot 76 Abz. Hoed corn. Repaired old Vermount. Had a shower in the afternoon.

Jul 19 – Cloudy 75 Abz. Alvan commenced graining the diningroom. Varnished new violin. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢.

Jul 20 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Worked round house. Alvan finished graining. Bot alcohol 5.

Jul 21 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Headache all day. Alvan painted Blanks for young Norman. Bot 2 ½ lbs mutton 17¢. Jo York got Eds violin.

Jul 22 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Worked on Crosses violin some. Bot _____ 4¢. Alvan left.

Jul 23 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Made fork handle for Bronson 25¢. Bot Ethen hat 41¢ Nancy & Hannah gloves 20¢ one round spoke sham 50¢ sheet sand paper 11¢. Jo & Hellen here.

Jul 24 – Cloudy 64 Abz. At home all day. Negro buried to the county house. Barlow & Tam went north afternoon.

Jul 25 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop on gearing. Alvan came here dry.

Jul 26 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah went to Mrs Beeches. Alvan here put Cross violin together. S. Bristol here.

Jul 27 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Lasher Brot wood. Went up to McLellen after lumber. Bot 15 yds cotton spool thread 1.70 bar soap 10¢ one violin string 10 one hogs head 38¢. Put hair in violin bow.

Jul 28 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Put in _____ for Chas Youngs 50¢. Bot two bushels lime 50¢. Sarah and children went over to Fathers. Very dry.

Jul 29 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Worked in shop some. Alvan here. Sarah went to Mrs. Potts. Very dry.

Jul 30 – Pleasant 58 Abz very dry. Went over to Fathers got lead pipe to water my garden sodering pipe 10¢. Bot ½ lb Tea 25. Started the water in my garden.

Jul 31 – Rainy 67 Abz. At home. Lois & Henry here. Rained very little.

Aug 1 – Cloudy 58 Abz. Headache all day. Jo Flanders & Thomas Flanders here to dinner.

Aug 2 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Worked in shop Mrs. Alberton here. Bot shugar 45¢ Bot Beef 15¢.

Aug 3 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Worked on gearing. Rainy day had a good rain.

Aug 4 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Carried corn to mill Bushel & half. Bot 50 lbs Flour 1.38¢.

Aug 5 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Made mortar. Went to Shaflers after wheat for Mrs Wiseman. Sarah went to S. Newmans.

Aug 6 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Plastered diningroom. Got Boots tapt 44¢ Bot Spice 10¢ paper pins 10¢.

Aug 7 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Cleaned out stove & oven. Went up north underhill preached at H. _____ Shafters grove.

Aug 8 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop. Riley Bennet called here.

Aug 9 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop some. Went over to fathers. Lasher Brot load wood. Came home with T. Ford paid me 25 cts.

Aug 10 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Made pole for Race. Bot 3 quarts berries 25¢ Bot screws 6¢. James Burnet[49] died about five. Mr. Simonds[50] died about 9 AM.

Aug 11 – Rainy 70 Abz. Stock train left here. Finished Races whiffletrees.[51] J. Flanders & Wesley here. Burnet & Simonds buried. Bot one lb candles 22.

Aug 12 – Misty 68 Abz. Got rifle smoothed out 25¢. Made Blocks for brick moulds. Mrs Hall & Matilda here. Streator Brot some apples.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Made blocks for Brick moulds. Race got his pole & whiffletrees. Bot nuts 2¢. C. Richardson paid me five Dollars & 25¢.

Aug 14 – Pleasant 65 Abz. At home all day. Very hot.

Aug 15 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Sick nothing done. Richardson Brot his buggy. Bot one lb S. white 5¢ one spool thread 5¢.

Aug 16 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Set boxes in Charlies wheels. Sarah went to Langfords. Bot 18 lbs salt 18¢ B S. white 5¢ one stick candy 1¢ two stamps 6¢.

Aug 17 – Pleasant 60 Abz. At home not much work to day. Paid Mix one Dollar. Sent letter to G. T. Nicholas Galt paid me seven Dollars.

Aug 18 – Cloudy 67 Abz. Rimed wheel for A McLary 1.50¢ Bot one lb Tea 50¢ B Clark[52] paid me 75¢. Rained some.

Aug 19 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Bot paper 92¢. Paid for braid 18 Bot 2½ lbs steak ___.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Varnished the dining room. Bot varnish & turpentine 62¢ paid for carpet 3.25. Bot pocket comb 1¢.

Aug 21 – Cloudy 58 Abz. At home had the ague.[53] Buskirk here.

Aug 22 – Pleasant 60 Abz. No work in shop. Got hammer hardened 5¢. Bot 5 lbs shugar 45¢ one stick candy 1¢ Bushe & half wheat 1.50¢. Rained some.

Aug 23 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Mrs Ferris Mrs Thorndyke & Mrs Wiseman here. Put the carpet down in diningroom. Bot paper carpet tacks 5¢.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on Galts buggy. Had some ague. Bot one lb saleratas 10¢. Received letter from W^m Tomlinson.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Worked on Galts wagon. Hat & Nell here to Tea. Recd letter from G. Tomlinson.

Aug 26 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Went over to Byingtons. Sent letter to G. T.

Aug 27 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop some. Bot beer 10¢. Put finger board on Barlows violin.

Aug 28 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Went over to fathers T. Flanders there. Mother went to Catharines.

Aug 29 – Pleasant 40 Abz. (2.00 put in Ex for L. T. Earl. Bot 3 sheets sand paper 3¢.

Aug 30 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Made hicks spring bars. Commenced Clarks wheel.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Finished Clarks wheel. Saw Dr De Normandy. Bot package medicine __7__. Bot hive syrup.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 43 Abz. Bot alcohol & shugar 25¢ Bot Broom 25¢ Bot Beef 20¢. Sent letter to Ed 3¢. T. Flanders here. Catharine & Mark here.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Clarks folks here. Mrs Cory & Cory girls here.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Ague nothing done today. Bot Taps of Cory for Hannah shoes 12¢.

Sep 4 – Pleasant 40 Abz. At home all day.

Sep 5 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Bot pint Alcohol 12¢. Set & filed saw for T. Flanders 25¢.

Sep 6 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop on gearing.

Sep 7 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Got watch repaired 75. Paid for alcohol 12¢. Bot taps for Nancys shoes 12. Flanders Brot 93 lbs Flour. Up all night with Ethen.

Sep 8 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Show in town. Bot Hyve syrup 5¢. Bot pears 5¢. Bot taps for Nancys shoes 12¢. Set telegraph poles. Sold my Draft to Flint $30.00.

Sep 9 – Pleasant 62 Abz very dry. Bot 9¼ lbs shugar 92¢. Bored hubs for Parkers cart. Rainy night. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢.

Sep 10 – Rainy 72 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Paid Parker 20 Dollars _____ in part pay for Engine. Rained in the night.

Sep 11 – Pleasant 68 Abz. At home all day.

Sep 12 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Moved my spokes. Sent letter to Robert.

Sep 13 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Went over to byingtons got wheel of B. Hartwell 2. George Tomlinson came in the night.

Sep 14 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Bot 2½ B steak 22¢ one lb Coffee 10¢ one lb candles 16¢. Went over Fathers & Yorks with G. Tomlinson.

Sep 15 – Pleasant 44 Abz. George & I went down to Catharines. Called to Clarks.

Sep 16 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Bot Bottle Balsam 1.00 Bot cheese & crackers 10 Bot _______ 15. 5 cents to music violin & ________. George left for home traded watches with him 65 Dollars to Boot.

Sep 17 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Bot alcohol 12 one spool thread 5¢. Lois & Henry came home.

Sep 18 – Pleasant & dry 50 Abz. At home. Rainy had a good shower. Lois & Henry at home.

Sep 19 – Cloudy 70 Abz. At home. Show in town ole lull and transfer. Lasher Brot load wood ¾ stove wood.

Sep 20 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Went to the show in the Evening 25¢. Rained like fun. Bot Beef shank 10¢. J. York Brot ¾ cord wood.

Sep 21 – Rainy 51 Abz. Bot ½ lb Tea 25¢. Rainy day.

Sep 22 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Rainy. Bot ½ Bushel Peaches 25¢. Mrs Scranlin here in Evening.

Sep 23 – Rains 59 Abz. Bot shoes for Sarah 1.38. Bot cotton 15.

Sep 24 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Hung doors to shop. Wesley here. Mark Caty here. Bot one _____ 12 _____.

Sep 25 – Pleasant 55 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church. Lois came home. Sarah went to church in Evening.

Sep 26 – Rainy 61 Abz. No work now days. Rainy night. Went down to parkers saw him turn piston rod.

Sep 27 – Rainy 63 Abz. Sold old iron. Bot lock for shop & turned cup & oil can ___5. Bot ½ Bushel Peaches 25. Gave 3¢ to Reaper.

Sep 28 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Bot cloth for coat pants for Ethen 192. Bot one lb candles 16¢ one paper 1¢.

Sep 29 – Cloudy 53 Abz. Bot buttons for Ethens coat & thread 13¢.

Sep 30 – Some rain 66 Abz. Edwin Flanders went toYpsilanti. Went up to Flanders got some timber.

Oct 1 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Bot pork 53 of W____ Blake.

Oct 2 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Went up north over _____ Aldidges hill saw _____ cutting up corn. Mrs Cross Babtised.

Oct 3 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Made Blocks for B. Clark. Bot Receipts 10¢.

Oct 4 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Saw a steam Plow on the Freight train going east.

Oct 5 – Cloudy 61 Abz. Cleared out the barn. Bot dye stuff for coloring 15.

Oct 6 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Bot thread & silk 8. Car burnt[?] on the 2 oclock train.

Oct 7 – Cloudy 42 Abz. At home. Race broke out run into my cellar & well in the night.

Oct 8 – Rainy 42 Abz. Issac Wing & Brother called here. Bot 4¾ lbs salt pork 46¢.

Oct 9 – Pleasant 28 Abz heavy frost. At home all day. Three trains through to day.

Oct 10 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Filed saw for E. M. Clapp one for Earl. Lasher brot sixteen bushels corn & ¾ cord wood.

Oct 11 – Rainy 45 Abz. Worked on road. Harvey came here. Bot Shugar 50¢ Bot Beef 10¢.

Oct 12 – Rainy 49 Abz. Harvey here. Harvey left Ethen went with him. Worked on the road afternoon. Bot one lb candles 16¢.

Oct 13 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Cleaned out the cellar. Rainy day. Matilda called here.

Oct 14 – Pleasant 46 Abz. W^m Tomlinson called here. Bot cambric. Went over to Fathers.

Oct 15 – Pleasant 38 Abz. At home. Saw Dr De Normandy. Bot _____ Beef 37½¢. Horse show at Kalamazoo. Flora Temple _____ her best time 2 m 17¾ sec.

Oct 16 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Bot cake soap 10¢ five turnips 5¢. Went up to Yorks. Alfleda[54] came here. Caty & Mark.

Oct 17 – Rainy 56 Abz. Alfleda left. Bot soap & Sal Soda 1.50.

Oct 18 – Cloudy & cool 41 Abz. Went up to Mr Flanders after Ethen. Letter from G. T.

Oct 19 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Made saw B____ & filed saws.

Oct 20 – Cloudy snowed some 33 Abz. Bot ½ lb Tea 30. Went down to Marks.

Oct 21 – Cold snow some 30 Abz. At Catharines came home. Brot two bushels wheat one bag apples.

Oct 22 – Cloudy one inch snow 33 Abz. Sorted corn. Went down to Babcocks. Brot two bushels wheat.

Oct 23 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went over to Fathers with Uncle Chi.

Oct 24 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Dug potatoes. Pleasant.

Oct 25 – Foggy morning 36 Abz. Dug potatoes. Bot dresses for Hannah & Nancy 1.25.

Oct 26 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Dug potatoes. Bot one lb candles 16¢. Bot medicine of De Normandy 3.00.

Oct 27 – Pleasant 28 Abz. At home. Got medicine for Ethen 6.00. Dug my potatoes in garden buried cabage.

Oct 28 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Dug potatoes. Snowed. Got my Engine in the Evening.

Oct 29 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Finished gigging potatoes. Had some 20 bushels. Recd letter from G. T. Lasher worke half day.

Oct 30 – Snows 30 Abz. At home. Lois came home was sick. De Normandy here.

Oct 31 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Worked on Engine some. Wesley & Wallace Earl came to the shop. Bot Nancy shoes 75 needles __¢.

Nov 1 – Cloudy 30 Abz. York Brot one cord wood. Lasher Brot cord stove wood. Father & mother here. Lois at home. Bot Beef Shank 10¢.

Nov 2 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked on Engine. Four Engines went East. De Normandy went home.

Nov 3 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Worked on Engine some. Lois at home.

Nov 4 – Smoky 59 Abz. Worked in on Engine. Made pump pipe for Father. Bot 59 lbs Bran 28¢. Dry & warm. Lasher Brot 16 Bushels _____.

Nov 5 – Smoky 55 Abz dry & warm. Went over to Fathers put in pump. Deed came for Dr Babcock.

Nov 6 – Pleasant 32 Abz. At home. Got one lb salratas 10.

Nov 7 – Cloudy 38 Abz. Worked in shop some. Wesleys folks came in Evening. Smoky and dry.

Nov 8 – Smoky 56 Abz. Bot 3 lbs Pork 26¢. Went down to Catharines got load turnips. Rained in the night.

Nov 9 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Worked in shop. Rainy day. Bot 2 lbs candles 22¢.

Nov 10 – Rainy 32 Abz. Put up stove in shop. Lasher here carried bushel corn to mill. Bot one pt alcohol & one lb shugar 25.

Nov 11 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Carried Butter to Miss Hoxie.

Nov 12 – Rainy 42 Abz. Bot 1/2 lb Tea 30¢. Went down town. Lasher Brot some stalks. Stormy day. Net Oatman buried to day.

Nov 13 – Snows 18 Abz cold. At home all day. Sell held fort in the Methodist Church. Pulled tooth for Mrs Galt.

Nov 14 – Cloudy & cold 22 Abz snow on the ground some 2 inches. Worked round some. Went down to Babcocks & parkers. Saw parkers Engine run.

Nov 15 – Pleasant 12 Abz. Went over to Fathers.

Nov 16 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Osker Keith here this morning Bot _____ 10¢. Old Mrs Pond died. Sent letter to Mrs Betts.

Nov 17 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Worked in shop some. Bot pork 4 lbs 28¢.

Nov 18 – Misty 45 Abz. Made saw frame for Bachelder. Sarah & N & H[55] went down to Lois.

Nov 19 – Rainy 38 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sarah came home. Bot sulpher & shugar 17. Ida Potts[56] died.

Nov 20 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Went over to Fathers.

Nov 21 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Rimed one of Marks wheels. Bot medicine for children 8¢.

Nov 22 – Rainy 40 Abz. Worked on Marks wheel. Father Brot 102 lbs Beef.

Nov 23 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Went down and got Likenesses taken paid one Dollar. Lasher Brot 16 Bush corn.

Nov 24 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Mark Brot over 355 feet lumber Bass Boards. Sent Deed Back to Pavilion 6¢.

Nov 25 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Worked in shop. Thunder storm in Evening. Mrs Cory here Eunice.

Nov 26 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Worked in shop. Filled tooth for C. Johnson one for Lib Ransom. Bot 20 lb salt 25.

Nov 27 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Father Alvan & J Flanders here.

Nov 28 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Sawed out Berms for Richardsons Bobs. Bot some Belladonna[57] for children 5¢. Extracted tooth for Mrs Milham.

Nov 29 – Pleasant 27 Abz. Went over to Fathers saw Volina. Sawed out Berms. John H Fraser paid me two Dollars.

Nov 30 – Pleasant 35 Abz. Worked in shop some. Jo York Brot cord wood. Rainy night.

Dec 1 – Rainy 62 Abz. Worked on Yorks wheel. Went over to Fathers at night. Got Deed from G. T. Bot Beer 10 postage 3.

Dec 2 – Snowy 26 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Recd letter from G. T.

Dec 3 – Pleasant 13 Abz. Bot 50 lbs flour 11/-. Sent letter 3. Got shoes tapt 30 Bot ½ lb tea 31. Sold set runners to Freeman 2.25. Lasher Brot Corn 6 Bushels 54 Bushels in all.

Dec 4 – Snows some 19 Abz. At home all day. No trade yet with Bob.

Dec 5 – Smoky 32 Abz. Recd money From Babcock. Paid Lasher 15 Dollars. Bot Box matches 6.

Dec 6 – Rainy 32 Abz. Bot Draft of A. L. Mason 555.17. Went over to school house & saw Henry. Got boots tapt 44.

Dec 7 – Cold & snowy 6 Abz. Paid Mary 75 cts. Flanders Brot load Straw. Bot one qt vinegar 5.

Dec 8 – Pleasant 2 Abz. Worked on bobs. Bot incirsion 17.

Dec 9 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Repaired wheel for Race 1.00.

Dec 10 – Pleasant 14 Abz. Went over to Fathers got straw cutter. Mary Childs here. Bot spool thread 5. Richardson Brot load wood.

Dec 11 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home all day. Alvan here T Flanders here.

Dec 12 – Pleasant 14 Abz. Childs paid 3.00. Paid school tax 4.00. Lois came home. Sent Draft to George $555.17.

Dec 13 – Cloudy 17 Abz. Sick with ralgia. Deyoes folks here to tea. Bot pants 2.49.

Dec 14 – Pleasant 10 Abz. Bot cloth for coat and vest. Went over to Fathers. Mary Stevens left for York State. Jesse W Turner[58] here.

Dec 15 – Pleasant 16 Abz. Lasher got back Brot Dr Bakers trunks. Lumis Robinson called here. Sarah went over to Clarks. Sent one Dollar to get Book.

Dec 16 – Pleasant 13 Abz. Went over to Lashers. Sarah gone to Clarks. Bot Beer 5. E setled with Lasher took Note 16.84 cts.

Dec 17 – Cloudy 28 Abz. Ethen & Nancy gone over to Fathers. Went over to Fathers. Sarah came home. Bot shoes 1.25 Bot oil 28¢ Pop corn 3¢ Knife blade 85.

Dec 18 – Snows some 32 Abz some 3 inches snow. Sarah went to Church in the new church. Lasher left.

Dec 19 – Snowey 30 Abz. Worked in shop. Snowey day. Charles & J. Millham here. Cut mittens for Lynch.

Dec 20 – Cloudy 20 Abz. Worked on bobs. Lent E. W. Gale nineteen Dollars. Got letter from G. T. Bot 5/8 auger 35¢ Bot Bale wicking 5.

Dec 21 – Good sleighing 4 Abz. Charly Brot one & ¾ cord stove wood. Bot Saleratas 10. Gave Ethen 10¢. Worked on Bobs.

Dec 22 – Cold 7 Below z. Worked on bobs. Wesley here in Evening.

Dec 23 – Cold 2 Abz. Finished Chales Bobs. He took them away.

Dec 24 – Cold 10 Abz. Bot Flour 11/- Bran 29¢ Boots tapt 30 apple book 25¢ comforter 18¢ mittens 25¢ candy 5¢ combs 38¢ comforters 25¢.

Dec 25 – Pleasant 14 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Dec 26 – Cloudy 27 Abz. Went over the river. Father & mother here. Ed Gale paid me 19 Dollars. Went & saw the Bell Ringers 25¢.

Dec 27 – Cloudy 19 Abz. Worked in shop T. Flanders here. Pulled tooth for Kit Matthews 25¢. Alvan here.

Dec 28 – Snowy & blustrous 14 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah Bot dress &c 1.53. Oscar came with load spokes.

Dec 29 – Cloudy 13 Abz. Bot ½ lb Tea 31. Horses to Bennets 25¢. Repaired Flanders Bobs. Paid De Normandy 7150. Sarah went to Clarks.

Dec 30 – Pleasant 16 Abz. Worked in shop. Let Charles Richardson have $15 fifteen Dollars.

Dec 31 – Cold 16 Below zero. Repaired cutter thills A. Blakesley. Bot candy 21¢ Bot salt 25.

[1] Above zero

[2] Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[3] His daughter, Nancy Keith

[4] While “Lasher” is referenced repeatedly in Luke’s diaries and also in letters to Luke from Charles Cridland, the only evidence found regarding his first name, Joseph, was a receipt in the back of Luke’s 1858 diary dated December 6, 1858 for the payment of Comstock real estate taxes

[5] This appears to be Luke’s symbol for “cents.” It was actually written as a quarter of a round circle slanting upwards to the right (see scan of diary entry)

[6] Saleratus; sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[7] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[8] Below zero

[9] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Anna H. Freese died January 15, 1859 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[10] Abiah was the cousin of Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith, Luke’s second wife

[11] His third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[12] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[13] His brother, John Wesley Keith who, according to the family Bible, was adopted

[14] Most likely James S. King, his maternal first cousin

[15] His brother-in-law, David “D.C.” Crawford

[16] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark, by his first wife, Minerva Payson. Lois married Byron Clark on March 17, 1859; it is curious that Luke didn’t enter that in his diary

[17] Joseph York, the husband of Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[18] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[19] An artificial channel or bed of a stream leading water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, such as a mill or a mining claim

[20] An axe handle

[21] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith, the wife of his nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[22] His nephew

[23] The pole, or tongue, of a cart

[24] George Tomlinson, husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[25] John Batey

[26] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Salmon Kingsley died February 13, 1859 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[27] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[28] His son by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[29] /- is the symbol used for shilling. A shilling was a coin of Colonial America and varied between 12¢ and 16

[30] Platt Betts, his father-in-law

[31] Omro, Wisconsin

[32] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[33] Luke sometimes referred to the parents of family members, or older neighbors, as “Aunt” or “Uncle.” The relationship here is unknown

[34] Most likely his paternal first cousin

[35] Luke was engaged to Jerusha Crittenden, but then Minerva Payson came to town and Luke broke his engagement to Jerusha and married Minerva. Minerva died just four years after they were married. He then married his first love, Jerusha, who died just a little over a year later. Luke then married Sarah Crawford. Family story is that in the evenings Luke would go to the cemetery and play his violin at the graves of his first two wives

[36] Charles R. Cridland. There are many letters from Charles to Luke, however it is unknown what their relationship was

[37] His son

[38] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s diaries and it is believed that he is referring to his cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind with the Keith family to run his father’s farm. (Thanks to Margaret Williams, Ezekiel Lee’s three times great-granddaughter, for this information)

[39] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[40] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Susan Wheaton died April 24, 1859 and is buried in the Wheaton Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[41] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[42] Daniel and Adaline (Ralph) Harris

[43] Daniel D. Harris Jr.; Daniel would grow up to be the husband of Luke & Sarah’s as yet unborn daughter, Louese

[44] Believe he is referring to Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[45] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Edwin Watts died June 8, 1859 and is buried in the Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[46] Alvin Turner was his maternal first cousin; not sure who Jerome Turner is

[47] Venetian red and Spanish white

[48] His niece, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[49] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that James Burnett died in 1859 and is buried in the Augusta Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[50] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that David Simonds died August 9, 1859 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[51] A whiffletree is the pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[52] Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[53] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

[54] His sister-in-law, Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[55] His daughters, Nancy and Hannah

[56] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ida Potts died November 19, 1859 and is buried in the Roof Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[57] Belladonna was used in the 19^th century to prevent scarlet fever

[58] His maternal first cousin; Jesse was Alvin Turner’s brother

Luke Keith’s 1858 Diary

1858 Diary of Charles Luke Keith Jr.

The entries from January 1 through January 16 were first written in the back of his 1857 diary and are basically identical to what he wrote in his 1858 diary. Anything from 1857 that clarifies the 1858 entries are noted in brackets

Jan 1 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Went down to Catharines.[1] Killed the old hen.

Jan 2 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Came home. Cut out some sleigh runners for Frazer. Recd a letter from G. Tomlinson.[2]

Jan 3 – Pleasant 27 Abz. At home. Henry and lois[3] here.

Jan 4 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went over to Earls & Yorks got 17 lbs tallow.

Jan 5 – Pleasant out 22 Abz. Worked on frame some. Father & mother[4] here.

Jan 6 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home. Got bags.

Jan 7 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Cleaned up wheat.

Jan 8 – Pleasant 9 Abz. Sold the wheat [to Mason] 16 bush 75 cts pr bushel $11.79 cts. [Carried wheat to mill. York load wood.]

Jan 9 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked on frame.

Jan 10 – Rainy 22 Abz. Went over to fathers.

Jan 11 – Rainy 44 Abz. Got some flooring. [Put some down. Tooth ache.]

Jan 12 – Pleasant 33 Abz. Went over to fathers. Built calf shead.

Jan 13 – Pleasant 34 Abz. At home. Recd letter from C. R. C.[5]

Jan 14 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Got steel spring made. Steel cost 27 cts.

Jan 15 – Cloudy 34 Abz. At home. T. Flanders[6] here. Sarah[7] went to Donation party Evening. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland.

Jan 16 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Got some lumber framed rafters got 11 peices one plank. Bot this Diary. Paid G. T. Tax $11.20. D. Lamkins here got his violin.

Jan 17 – Pleasant 29 Abz. At home. Put strings on my old violin. Matilda Baxter here.

Jan 18 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to fathers saw Lyman Earl.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Got flooring put it down 4 bunches Shingles & one load siding of Earl.

Jan 20 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Worked on shop frame.

Jan 21 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Father came over Sarah & children[8] went over. Commenced my bench. S. A. Muldgent here. Warm. Put in felly[9] for Wightman.

Jan 22 – Cloudy cool wind 30 Abz. At home a lone. Put up my rafters on shop. Cool wind all day.

Jan 23 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Nice fall morning. White out this morning. Talk of _____ side walk. Worked on my bench. Sarah & children came home.

Jan 24 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Sprinkles some. Carried in my _____. Sarah & children gone to church.

Jan 25 – Rainy 52 Abz. Spring weather. Bot 42 lbs nails 30___ lbs 8___ 12.60 lbs. Lath sorted corn. E. M. Clapp here to get set Bobs[10] made. Rainy afternoon & evening.

Jan 26 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Put on some siding. Lois came home. Set saw for Jack clubs.

Jan 27 – Rainy 38 Abz. Went over to Fathers up to the sawmill. T. Flanders came here. D. Smith here in the night.

Jan 28 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Lasher came over moved fence. D. Smith here. Celia Newman here to day. Mr & Mrs Wightman here evening.

Jan 29 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Put the sides on the shop.

Jan 30 – Cloudy and cool 23 Abz. Got load siding roof boards 94 feet boards of Jesse Earl. Thomas Flanders went home.

Jan 31 – Pleasant 18 Abz. At home. Mary Flint Died this morning. Billy Lee here.

Feb 1 – Cloudy & cool 18 Abz. Worked on shop put on siding. Bennet & wife here. Snowed after noon.

Feb 2 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked on shop finished siding. Snowed in Evening.

Feb 3 – Pleasant and cool 16 Abz cold. At home. Not much done to day. T. Flanders came back.

Feb 4 – Cloudy 14 Abz. Went over to Fathers & Yorks.

Feb 5 – Cloudy 14 Abz. Got plank for bench. Recd letter from G. Tomlinson.

Feb 6 – Cloudy 14 Abz snowed in the morning. Carried some corn to mill. Mrs Flint here in the Evening. T. Flanders went home paid me 50 cts.

Feb 7 – Cloudy 27 Abz some 3 inches snow on the ground. Lois came home in the Evening.

Feb 8 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Got out cornice. Snowey.

Feb 9 – Cloudy 26 Abz. snow some 6 inches deep looks like winter snowy & cold. Cut out gloves. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland $4 dollars in it.

Feb 10 – Cold & Blustrous 7 Abz. Went over to Fathers Jesse Turner[11] there. Very cold & blustering 6 Below zero in Evening.

Feb 11 – Blustrous 6 Below zero. Round home. Cleared snow out of the shop. Cut some gloves.

Feb 12 – Clear day 8 Abz. Went up to J. Yorks.[12] Billy Lee came here. Lois came over. Bot pr shoes 12/-[13]

Feb 13 – Cloudy 15 Abz. windy very cold and blustering snowed and blowed like fun all day. Repaired Whitings violin.

Feb 14 – Cold 20 Abz. At home all day. Good winter day. Hannah[14] sick.

Feb 15 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Worked on cornice. Snowed in the Evening.

Feb 16 – Snowey 18 Abz. At home. Sawed wood. Flanders brot 4 bushels wheat 9 lbs sausage.

Feb 17 – Cloudy 2 Abz. Got one bunch shingles. Whiting paid me 50 cts. Went over to Fathers. Oscar and Mary ann[15] here. Mother came with them. T. Flanders came here.

Feb 18 – Cloudy 2 Abz. Carried 4 bushels wheat to mill. T. Flanders went home. Lasher drawed ice for Beach.

Feb 19 – Snowey 13 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Wes[16] Boy[17] Born this morning. Snows & blows like fun. Azro Brot stove over.

Feb 20 – Cold 2 Below zero. Swep out shop sawed some wood. T. Flanders here in evening.

Feb 21 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Good sleighing. At home all day.

Feb 22 – Cold 17 Below zero. Lasher Brot brick. Sawed out some cornice. Uncle Ozen[18] here.

Feb 23 – Pleasant 3 Abz. Worked on cornice. Father came over here.

Feb 24 – Pleasant 15 Abz. Finished cornice. B. Whitcomb Bot A. T. Jones violin $6.00. The girls left. Letter from N. B. Betts.[19]

Feb 25 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked on shop put on some cornice. Mary Powlison here to day. Pleasant & warm.

Feb 26 – Pleasant 5 Abz. Put on cornice and some roof boards. Thawed considerable.

Feb 27 – Cloudy and warm 36 Abz. Not much sleighing. T. Flanders came here. Shingled some. Snowed in the night 6 inches deep.

Feb 28 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Thawes some. Mr Stebbens buried to day. Averil preached. T. Flanders here all day.

Mar 1 – Pleasant 11 Abz. T. Flanders here. Finished shingling my shop. T. Flanders left.

Mar 2 – Snowed some 9 Abz. Libby Taylor here this morning. Cleaned out stove. Sarah went over to Deyos took tea there. Mike coe here to get a plate for coffin.

Mar 3 – Snows 11 Abz cold some sleighing. Went up to Yorks got four sticks timber for platform.

Mar 4 – Pleasant 6 Abz. Worked on vice. Mrs Wiseman here.

Mar 5 – Pleasant 8 Below zero. Flanders drawed load straw. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Deyoe got load hay 1320 lbs.

Mar 6 – Pleasant snowed 9 Abz. Worked on vice some. Sarah & children gone yet. Recd a letter from E. W. Craw[ford?]. Wesley over here to see shop. Got 150 lbs bran of D. K. Rogers.

Mar 7 – Snows some 18 Abz comfortable sleighing. Sarah came home.

Mar 8 – Cloudy 16 Abz. Worked on my vice. Mended Sarahs shoes in the Evening. Stranger here clock tinker & musician.

Mar 9 – Pleasant 4 Abz. Worked on my Bench. Ground almost bear. Sarah gone to Church this Evening.

Mar 10 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Worked on my bench and floor. Got my Boots tapt. Snow most gone.

Mar 11 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Worked on my Bench. Snow most gone.

Mar 12 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Got Bench hook made. Henry Stevens & wife here.

Mar 13 – Pleasant 28 Abz. York brot over brick. Got plank of hank Bennet 40 feet 40 cts. Bot 10 lbs Shugar ¼ lb cinnamon.

Mar 14 – Rainy 48 Abz. Stayed at home. Snow mostly gone.

Mar 15 – Rainy 56 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent letter to G. T.[20] Rainy night. Robbins out.

Mar 16 – Rainy 57 Abz. Worked in shop. Frogs sing in the Evening. Estella Wightman[21] died this morning.

Mar 17 – Rainy day 57 Abz. Ben dug hole at the old backhouse. Frogs singing. Lois came home.

Mar 18 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked in shop some. Took down the old shit house. Got my Likeness taken 50 cts.

Mar 19 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Ben commenced dig my stumps. Lois at home. Mrs McCracken died in the night.

Mar 20 – Some rain 46 Abz. Ben here diging stumps. Recd a letter from Hite.[22] Hued out some axhelves. Mrs Whiting Brot one load goods.

Mar 21 – Cloudy & windy 40 Abz. Stayed at home. Snowed very little.

Mar 22 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Mrs Whiting came to day. Worked in shop some.

Mar 23 – Pleasant 26 Abz cool. Worked in shop some stoped up windows. Hale Whiting came to see his wife. Men came back to work in track again. Lois went home.

Mar 24 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Went over to Fathers got Nance.[23] Went up to Yorks got some lime. Deyoe got home. Shower in the night.

Mar 25 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Trimed my currants and Apple trees. Hellen[24] came down Mary Earl.

Mar 26 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Sawed out boards for my Backhouse. Moved some traps into the shop.

Mar 27 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Made sills & plates to back house. Father and mother got their likeness taken. Recd a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Mar 28 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home. Read Robinson Crusoe.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ethen[25] went over stayed. Got Rooster of Wesley.

Mar 30 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Worked on Backhouse. Bot broom of White. Polly Lyons here to tea. Indian preacher at Methodist church.

Mar 31 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked on backhouse. Abby Simmons married this Evening.

Apr 1 – Rainy 42 Abz warm. Sold my wheelbarrow to P. S. Carmen[?] 2.50. Put the siding on my backhouse.

Apr 2 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Put cornice on the privy and shingled it. Lois and Edith came here. Taylor carried the old bureau to Byingtons.

Apr 3 – Pleas 42 Abz. Got Bureau fronts & wheelbarrow hubs. Got pine board of G. H. Lockhart 20 feet.

Apr 4 – Cloudy 49 Abz. At home all day. Hat Taylor & Cordelia Earl here.

Apr 5 – Cold snow some 37 Abz. Went to town meeting. Mrs Whiting packed her goods _____ took the Rifle home.

Apr 6 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Carried her goods over to station marked them 396 letters. Went down to Comstock on hand car. Mrs Whiting left today. Got Load hay.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Made door to State house. Ben dug hole for state house. Filed saw for ben & paid him ten cents. Rained in Evening.

Apr 8 – Rainy 42 Abz. Made the covers to seat in State house. Rainy fore noon. Mrs Mansfield here.

Apr 9 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Moved my State house. Got 71 lbs bran of D. K. Rogers. Six o clock train run on the new main track south side.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Made place to put up my lumber. Rained in the afternoon & evening.

Apr 11 – Cloudy 40 Abz. At home all day. Cold & windy.

Apr 12 – Cloudy 38 Abz cool. Worked on Yorks Ex. Had a heavy shower in the afternoon misty bad day raw wind. Boys to work on track.

Apr 13 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Made ex for Yorks sulky. Rained some cool. Hannah sick.

Apr 14 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Worked in shop. York got his sulky.

Apr 15 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked in shop mended Flanders thills.[26] Ab gave me an anvil T Rail.

Apr 16 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Picked up stove. Mended swifs for T. Bronson. Bot violin string.

Apr 17 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Deyoe mended Wightmans thills. Made coffin for Smiths Boy. Set hen. Henry came home.

Apr 18 – Cloudy 44 Abz. At home. Sarah gone to church. Shower in the night.

Apr 19 – Rainy 40 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Cut out Bottom to violin. Bot ½ lb Tea. Rained in the night.

Apr 20 – Pleasant 48 Abz heavy shower. Commenced flanders bobs. A. Lamkins had half bushel corn. Eugene Bronson got his violin.

Apr 21 – Pleasant 40 Abz. All went over the river saw uncle Warren.[27] W. W. Earl started for Kansas. Bot Sarah & Ethens shoes.

Apr 22 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Sarah & children over the river. High wind. Cleared away the old shanty. Shower in the afternoon snow in the night. Flanders Brot some timber.

Apr 23 – Cloudy and cool 32 Abz snows. Mark[28] brot Sarah and children home. Bored rolls for bobs. Mr. Beach very sick. Bullard came with his saw to saw wood.

Apr 24 – Cold 29 Abz. Lois and Ethen came home. Snows some. Went over to Fathers got the buggy. Received a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Apr 25 – Pleasant 24 Abz. At home. Filled two teeth for B. Clark 50 cts. Uncle Chichester[29] here Mr Beach very low.

Apr 26 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Lasher drawed manure. Moved my back house. S. Bristol here. Paid Mrs M. Keiths School bill 72 cts. David Beach Died.[30]

Apr 27 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Worked in garden some painted spear handle for Mix. Lois & Nancy went over to Fathers.

Apr 28 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Went over to Fathers with Deyos calf. Went over to county farm with cow. Filed Barlows saw.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Went over and helped Wesley raise his house. Had a shower in the night 74 Abz. Evening.

Apr 30 – Rains some 64 Abz. Built hogpen. Painted Moses spear handle.

May 1 – Storms some snow 45 Abz or hail. Went over to Fathers got some fresh meat of Wesleys folks. Finished my hog pen.

May 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went over to fathers Catharine there. Deyo went.

May 3 – Cloudy rains 42 Abz. Went over to Fathers trimed appletrees. Showery. Ethen & Nancy commenced going to school. Rainy night. Bot pt. whiskey 10 cts.

May 4 – Rains 51 Abz. Went over the river got two boxes. Saw Hiram Mose James Earl Bot 13 lbs lard 10~.[31] Sent letter to E. W. Crawford.[32]

May 5 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Built chiminy in shop. Got 22 brick of Cory. Mrs Hale & Charley here.

May 6 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Worked round the garden put corn in boxes.

May 7 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Hued my stringers for bridge. Warm sun came out hot.

May 8 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked round house and garden. Rained some afternoon. J. York got hogs _____ to catch rain water in. Wesley got _____.

May 9 – Cloudy cool 46 Abz. Went over the river with Hannah.

May 10 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Dug at the old stump out by the shop split it with powder. Dick Lamkins plowed part of the garden.

May 11 – Rainy 40 Abz. Mended my gloves. Bot thread 5 Bot shugar 5~. Rainy day.

May 12 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Got timber for my Bridge. W^m Matthews got 3 pecks seed corn. Plastered up the citchen. Got mortar of Warren.

May 13 – Rains 52 Abz. Spaded some in the garden. Mrs Kingsley died.[33] Joseph Lee[34] & family here & Rhoda Lee.[35] Rained in the night. 5 lbs Shugar 10~. H. Cook & McAlister got seed corn.

May 14 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Worked in garden spading. Bot ½ lb tea 31 cts. Went up stairs to sleep.

May 15 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Worked round garden made some fence. Lois Hat & Lib here to tea. Bot 50 lbs Bran 25 cts.

May 16 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Bot six lbs Cod fish 35~. Rained at night.

May 17 – Rainy 48 Abz. Went over the river. Sent letter to C. R. C. Put the timbers in for my bridge. Alf Howard here heard him play.

May 18 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Bot peck Barley 10~. Repaired knife 25. Traded violin trunk with Alf Howard.

May 19 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Went over to Fathers Henry came home. Rainy. Bot two lights glass 12. Old Mrs Weed died.[36] Heavy shower in the night.

May 20 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Moved stove. Went over and got Lasher to plow garden. Put stringers over the race. Rained a very little.

May 21 – Pleasant 34 Abz very little frost. Worked in garden spading.

May 22 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Work on garden. Bot Book for Nancy 12½ cts one cake soap 12½ cts. Rained in the night. Not much corn up.

May 23 – Cloudy some melting 54 Abz. At home rainy day heavy shower in the night.

May 24 – Cloudy 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers Catharine here. Flanders fetched down hog and it died. Rained at night. Some corn planted.

May 25 – Rainy 60 Abz cloudy Bad weather rained all day. Had the headache. Bot file 12½ cts. Shelled some corn.

May 26 – Rainy 50 Abz cool wind. No work sick. Thompson & hands left.

May 27 – Cloudy & cool 48 Abz. Got corn ground. Mrs Rogers got Sarahs _____ mended 12½. Cal Streator left for Ohio.

May 28 – Cloudy 56 Abz Rained some. Planted corn potatoes and peas. Old cow out to night.

May 29 – Rains like from 55 Abz. Went over to Fathers. River very high. Bot bottoms for Hannahs shoes 12. Recd a letter from Mrs M. Keith of Kansas.

May 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz. At home. Rained some had a heavy shower in the night.

May 31 – Cloudy 70 Abz very fair day rained very little. Planted corn onions beets cucumbers lettuce & pumpkins melons &c.[37]

June 1 – Pleasant 54 Abz warm. Planted potatoes. Lucy[38] came to go to school. Brot two bushels wheat 80 cts pr bushel. Sowed my corn.

June 2 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Sarah went down to Barbers. Finished planting garden.

June 3 – Cloudy 57 Abz. 2 new Engines went west Shelby & _____ H. & St. Jo RR. Rainy day cow out. Repaired wheel for York. Sarah went to Mansfields.

June 4 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Lots dutch this morning worked on road. Rainy fore noon. Dance in the evening.

June 5 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked on road. Lois came home. Coes Horse fell through race[39] Bridge.

June 6 – Cloudy 60 Abz. At home. Catharine & Mark here. Lois went up to Flanders.

June 7 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Saw Fire Eugene _____ for LaCross. Wes worked on road. Received six Dollars of W^m Whitcomb.

June 8 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some on seat. Shower in the night.

June 9 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Rained after noon. Put in reach[40] for A. Chipman 50 cts. Shower in the night.

June 10 – Rains 68 Abz. Killed 3 Kittens. Made seat for D. Lamkins. Rainy day. Bot cloth for pants Bed cord. Recd a letter from C. R. C.

June 11 – Rainy 50 Abz. Lucy went home. Carried corn to mill. Repaired wheel for Mark. Extracted 3 teeth for Powlison boy.

June 12 – Cloudy & cool 49 Abz. Hoed corn worked in shop some Rained afternoon. Show in the Evening Mad Dunbar.

June 13 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ethen & Toot came home.

June 14 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Worked on Chipmans wagon. Hen & Mary here. Rained in the night.

June 15 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop on Chips wagon. Rained in the night.

June 16 – Cloudy 62 Abz. 12 cars of Dutch. Worked on Chips wagon. Warm day.

June 17 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Worked in shop on Chips wagon. Mary Earl here.

June 18 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Finished Chips wagon. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Very hot. Deyoe repairing P. S. Carmers buggy.

June 19 – Cloudy 70 Abz Rains south of us very little heavy shower in forenoon. T. Flanders came here. Sarah & children came home. Heavy shower in the night.

June 20 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Lois came home. Carried T Flanders to County house.

June 21 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Carried Chips wagon to Mix shop at 4.95. Put spoke in Hopkins wheel 56. Mrs Beckwith brot Parasol 40. Mrs Flanders parasol.

June 22 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Bennets folks here. 100 in the shade 126 in sun at 15 minutes past 3. Lots of musketoes. Made Carmers stock.

June 23 – Hot 69 Abz. Worked in shop some finished _____ _____ cts. Had a _____ shower at four. Bronson Brot cradle.

June 24 – Hot 77 Abz. Worked in shop some. Very hot day 98 in the shade at 3 oclock. A Chipman down got an ex put in at cross.

June 25 – Hot 76 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Filed saw for B Clark. Put Chipmans wagon up. Bot five lbs shugar 10~ 50 cts. One string 10~. Shower in the night.

June 26 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Put in cradle finger for D Bronson mended parasol for Mrs L. Burdick. Shower in the night.

June 27 – Hot 74 Abz. At home. Went in swimming. Rogers called in. Catharine and Lucy came at night. Libby West buried today.

June 28 – Hot 72 Abz. Catharine here. Hoed potatoes made whiffletree[41] for Watts 25 cts. 94 at 3 oclock.

June 29 – Hot 75 Abz. Catharine here. Made wagon neap[42] for Andrew McLarey. Catharine went home. Hellen here.

June 30 – Hot 75 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Very hot 99 in shade at 3 PM. Filed saw for Wesley. Wes went to Kalamazoo. Had a heavy thunder shower just at night.

July 1 – Some cloudy 70 Abz. Hoed some in garden. 97 at 3 PM. Stranger here from Utah. Bot ½ lb tea 31~. Jo Flanders here in the morning.

July 2 – Hot 78 Abz. Worked in the shop put hair in violin bow for Yankee. Bot cloth for pants 61 cts spice & nutmegs 20~ violin strings 30~.

July 3 – Cloudy 80 Abz. Great day in Galesburg large crowd. Catharine Mark Jo & Hellen Father & Wesley here too. Two Balloons went up in the Evening.

July 4 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Went over the river saw my calf. Went over to Lashers.

July 5 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Hoed corn. Cordelia Earl here. Flanders Brot cradle here. Cool nights.

July 6 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Made cradle fingers for J. Flanders.

July 7 – Pleasant 63. Finished Flanders cradle & Bob neap. Hoed some.

July 8 – Pleasant 68. Rimed a wheel for Wightman 10/-. D. Lampkins plowed my potatoes. Small dash rain in the night.

July 9 – Cloudy 76 Abz. Worked in shop some hoed some. Catharine came up. Lucy & Lois went home with her. Sarah over to Turners[?].

July 10 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Put in cradle finger for Mr Baty 10^~. Some rain in the night. Henry stayed all night. 17 coaches on the train.

July 11 – Rainy 68 Abz Rainy day. Flanders got his cradle. Mark got Caper Deyo.

July 12 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Put in ex for Hawver got ex stick of cross.

July 13 – Cloudy 63 Abz. Hawver 2.00. Streator brot his buggy. Sarah went over the river. Bot 3 bottles bitters 2.00. S. Bristol at the shop. Millards agent called on me.

July 14 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators buggy. Put in cradle finger for Ed Flanders 10^~.

July 15 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators buggy. Made barometer. Bot 5 lbs shugar. Had a shower afternoon. Mrs Barber & Mrs Child here.

July 16 – Pleasant 68 Abz. In the shop cut out stuff for Streators Box & seat. J. Deyoes Boy Born.[43] Some showers. Lucy went up to Yorks.

July 17 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Worked on buggy. Wheat mostly cut. Father came over just at night. Father here just at night.

July 18 – Pleasant 64 Abz. At home all day. Pleasant fine day.

July 19 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers and repaired his pump one tooth for Sta____ 25^~.

July 20 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Repaired violin for Clark. One tooth for E. Watts 25^~ for McLary 25~ Clarrissa Starr here.

July 21 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Bot Beef 4½ lbs 36 cts. Circus here. Made tail peas for _____. Clarrissa Starr went home with A. Chipman. Father brot some potatoes.

July 22 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~. Worked in shop on seat. Harriet & Mary Nickols here.

July 23 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Worked on seat. Mrs Bennet here. Put in one _____ for ___. White 25^~.

July 24 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators box & seat. Bot violin string 15^~.

July 25 – Pleasant 59 Abz. At home all day. Deyoe gone up to gull. Curly Buck died.

July 26 – Cloudy 71 Abz. Worked in shop fore noon. Went up to Bristols after noon.

July 27 – Pleasant 67 Abz. Worked on Buggy. Bot one lb candles 15^~ One violin string 10^~. Had cucumbers for the first time.

July 28 – Cloudy & Rainy 68 Abz. Had a shower about 4 AM. Sarah went and got some Berries. Worked on Buggy Box put on dash.

July 29 – Cloudy 75 Abz. Worked on buggy Box. Sprinkled some. McAlister got his violin 40^~.

July 30 – Cloudy 72 Abz. New engines from Kassons Express N. J. No. 28. M & C. Received a letter from C. R. C. Repaired B. Clarks wheels. Rained a very little in the night.

July 31 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Finished Streators Buggy. Henry came home. Chase Brot his Buggy. B. Spalding Brot his wagon.

Aug 1 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Emigrant Car 108 went west. Rainy day. Henry at home.

Aug 2 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Painted Streators Box put felly for Mark Lee. Rained some had a shower in the evening. Bot cotton 11 yds 2 lbs bran __00. Boardman here in the Evening got a _____ out Boys _____.

Aug 3 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Made an Ex for B. Spalding. Streator got his Box and traps. Killed my Rooster.

Aug 4 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Made thills for A. Lamkins. Clarrissa Starr & __. Neuman here. Killed my Rooster.

Aug 5 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Worked on Chases Ex. Bot Buttons 28^~. Recd A letter from G. T. one from D.C.[44] Rather dry.

Aug 6 – Pleasant 73 Abz. Finished Chases Buggy. Stilwell Brot his wheel. Toots school closed. Dug a few new potatoes.

Aug 7 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Went to the Caravan. Mark & Catharine went. Toot went home. Mended End Board for Caravan wagon 25^~. Cow gone to night.

Aug 8 – Pleasant 75 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Rained some afternoon. Had the first ripe apples & green corn. Eliphants Hannibal passed here going East.

Aug 9 – Foggy 66 Abz. Worked on Stillwells wheel. Truman Cory & family left for York State.

Aug 10 – Pleasant 71 Abz. Finished Stillwells wheel. Carried my wheelbarrow hub down to the shop. Stilwell Brot two Bushels wheat. Rained some.

Aug 11 – Pleasant 76 Abz. Went up to Mr Claps to level his ditch. Extracted tooth for W^m Whitcomb 25^~.

Aug 12 – Pleasant 68 Abz. The old cow went to Bull this morning. Sarah gone over to Halls.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Worked in shop some on bobs.

Aug 14 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Made neap for Fay Aldrich. Went over to Fathers. Rained in the night.

Aug 15 – Pleasant 70 Abz. All went over to Fathers. I went up to the swamp & up to Wesleys place. Uncle Sam McLellen died to day.

Aug 16 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Made spring to my chest lock mended chair for Swartout. Filed saw for Clap. Cow gone to night. D. K. Rogers & A. Chipman started for G. T. Bay. Lashers Boy Born.

Aug 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Cleaned out cellar pulled my onions. Went over to B. Hartwells. Had a fine shower in the night. Sarah went over to Fathers.

Aug 18 – Cloudy 69 Abz. Worked in shop made violin top for Bilington. Chase got his buggy paid $1.75. Hogs in the garden. Deyoes folks here to Tea. Ethen swallowed a pin.

Aug 19 – Cool and Pleasant 58 Abz. Bot veal 47^~. John Wilcut here. Mended Lamkins wagon 50^~. Stevenson Raised his house.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Made cross bar for W. McLelleon 40^~. Bilington got his violin paid one Dollar. Rained some. Cordelia Earl & Miss Brown called here.

Aug 21 – Cloudy and fogy 58 Abz some misty. Went down to Catharines. Mark & I went a hunting. Cow gone to night.

Aug 22 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Came home all right. Mark carried Sarah & children over home. Cow gone to night.

Aug 23 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Edward Romans got his violin. Went up to Swaddles after my cow. Cut up my corn. Worked in shop some.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Made plow Beam for T. Ford. Tightened Box for Wightman. Sarah went to Watts. Bot Thread & needles carried Miller home got hurt on Band car.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Went up to Flanders and made pump pipe. Ford got his plow. Flanders brot two Bushels wheat.

Aug 26 – Rainy 60 Abz Rained all day and all night. Made spout for Brown & Vosburgs machine. Worked on sleigh _____.

Aug 27 – Cloudy & some Rain 64 Abz. Worked in shop. Martin Turner[45] here. Rainy. Filed saw for Joy. Bot shugar & saleratas.[46]

Aug 28 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Got my Boots Tapt 75. Bot one lb beef. Mortised Bob runners & Beams. Rained some. Extracted tooth for Aldrich girl 25^~.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and cool 56 Abz. Stayed at home. Mark and Catharine here. Rained some. Sarah Beedle came home.

Aug 30 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Sent letter to Mrs. M. Keith Kansas. Worked in shop got out spokes for wheel Barrow. Lois came home.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went over to Fathers Sarah & Hannah stayed. Put the spokes into my wheelbarrow hub.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Worked over to Lashers laid grainery floor. Sent letter to G. T. Sarah came home.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Rimed my wheelbarrow wheel. Bot half lb tea. Oscar Hall died in the night.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 54 Abz. No work to day. Alvan Turner[47] came here. Bot mutton cranberries 26^~. D. K. Rogers and A. Chipman got home from G. T. Bay.

Sep 4 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Put Bobs together. Oscar Hall buried today.

Sep 5 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Went over to Fathers and up to Yorks Wesleys place and to Lashers. Mary Earl died in the night.

Sep 6 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went up to Yorks got load wood Bot 2¾ lbs butter. Jesse W. Turner[48] and Alvan here. Recd a letter from C. R. Cridland.

Sep 7 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Jesse Turner went home. Sent letter to C.R.C. Mary Earl buried to day. Paid S. Bristol 50^~ costs on Whitings matter.

Sep 8 – Pleasant and warm 72 Abz. Some ague.[49] Went over to Byingtons got oak plank. Rainy afternoon. Nel Canfield here. Luther Eldred paid his note 5.8%. Bot 15 lbs salt 15^~. Rained all night.

Sep 9 – Rainy 72 Abz. Nel Canfield here. Went over to Lashers got Deyoes cow. Sawed some fellows.[50] Henry Scramlin here Mr Wilkinson here from Pavilion. Heavy shower in the night. Recd a letter from G.T.

Sep 10 – Rainy 72 Abz. Went over to Lashers here with Wilkinson to see the farm. Recd a Letter from G.T.

Sep 11 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop sawed some fellys. Extracted tooth for Mrs B Spalding.

Sep 12 – Pleasant 45 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church. Deyoes folks went to gull.[51]

Sep 13 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Cleaned up wheat 19.7 bushels. Sold 10 to Tenant 7½ to Father. Harriet & Edith here. Father raised his hog pen. Bot two Bushels wheat 2.00.

Sep 14 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Tightened box for Beach. Sharpened rasor for Clap.

Sep 15 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent Hoags note to Illinois. Rained some. May Childs here. Henry Childs left in the night for Ill. Bot box pills 25. Paid school bill 48. Rained in the night.

Sep 16 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Sabath celebrating. Henry came home. Sick no work to day. Cool rained.

Sep 17 – Pleasant 47 Abz. At home sick no work to day. Daniel sweet here in the Evening with his guitar. Cool wind. Sent letter to J. S. King.[52]

Sep 18 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Packed up Cridlands things and took them to the Frieght house.

Sep 19 – Pleasant 56 Abz. At home. Cut Wisemans hair in the morning. Cut James Flanders hair just at night.

Sep 20 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Went over and cut corn. Lasher worked afternoon. Very hot. Wesleys folks moved.

Sep 21 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Cut corn. Henry Sheldon came to Fathers. Bot ¼ lb Tea of D. K. Rogers.

Sep 22 – Pleasant – 42 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Henry Sheldon came over. Boxed up Beach timber. Truman Cory and family came home. Bot one lb candles 1.15. Old man Whitfer buried. Pulled tooth for lady 125.

Sep 23 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Cut corn. Went up to Yorks. Commenced raining 2 oclock in morning. County Fair at Kalamazoo. Sent letter to Mrs Betts.

Sep 24 – Rainy 62 Abz. Worked in shop some on floor. Bot ½ lb Tea of D. K. Rogers 31^~.

Sep 25 – Pleasant 38 Abz. At home. Cory raised his Barn. Flanders Brot my window. Recd 3 letters one from G.T. one Peters one from Mrs Whiting. Bot 52 lbs bran.

Sep 26 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Went over to Fathers & up to Yorks.

Sep 27 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked round home. Cut out gloves for Hopkins. _____ up lumber. Sent letter to Mr Peters of Momence Ill.

Sep 28 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop put in Ex for Dick Lamkins 2 Doler. Got stick of Cross. Sent letter to G. Tomlinson.

Sep 29 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Cut corn. Jesse W. Turner here to night.

Sep 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz Rained some. A. McLary Brot half cord wood. Bot shoes hdkf[53] stockings dishes.

Oct 1 – Cloudy 52 Abz cleared of pleasant. Started for Waverly Vanburen County. Got to Oscars about 5 oclock P.M. Stayed with Alfleda.[54] Got pair suspenders for Ethen 12½ cts.

Oct 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went all over the woods. Saw all their farms. Warm day. Went to Katies[55] stayed all night.

Oct 3 – Pleasant warm 72 Abz considerable wind. Went over to Bennets had a good visit. Mary & Ed gone out to Chapins.

Oct 4 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Left Oscars this morning went to Uncle Warrens took dinner. Got home about seven Evening. Had a shower. Got my watch repaired 2.75 cts.

Oct 5 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Father came and got Toot. Made bed and set some strawberries.

Oct 6 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Worked in shop some. Rained afternoon some had a shower in the night.

Oct 7 – Cloudy 48 Abz wind blows high snowed some. The hickory pole fell at galesburg killed a horse. Got my wheelbarrow tyre made.

Oct 8 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Went over to Fathers got some pumpkins. Lois went over saw Alvan Turner. Got Tea Kettle mended 6^~.

Oct 9 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Charles Lees folks[56] here. Patty[57] came on the 2.28 train. Lasher Brot some corn. Bot Sarah shoes 88^~. Bot 5 lbs Shugar 55^~.

Oct 10 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Went over the river. Patty Catharine Hellen and Lucy there. Rained in the night some.

Oct 11 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Dug potatoes filed saw for mix. Sent letter to Marion.[58] Post Office moved to Flints Store.

Oct 12 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Rainy. Put up the joists in wood shead.

Oct 13 – Cloudy 47 Abz. Cut out stuf for my window frames to shop. Wind blew hard all day.

Oct 14 – Cloudy 44 Abz. Worked in shop. Father mother & Patty came over. B shoes for Nancy & Hannah $1.17.

Oct 15 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked on window frames. Patty here. Had soup and milk for dinner. She went over to Fathers at night. Bot candles 15^~. Shower night.

Oct 16 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Worked on window frames. Put in one window. Bot 10 lbs nails 50^~.

Oct 17 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Jos Flanders here.

Oct 18 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Put in windows in shop. Put hoop on wash-tub. Rained in the night. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~.

Oct 19 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Finished my shop windows. Rainy afternoon. James Burnet married. Bot saleratas.

Oct 20 – Cloudy 45 Abz cool bad day. Got likeness for Patty. Lasher brot load pumpkins. Went over to Fathers with Mark Lee.

Oct 21 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Put Bobs together. The Readings all here went over and got Elbow. Bot rasp of Pond.

Oct 22 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked in shop put up stove. ___ Chandler lectured here. Jos Flanders left one Dollar.

Oct 23 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked on bobs. Patty & Catharine came up stayed all night.

Oct 24 – Cloudy 47 Abz. Patty & Catharine went to Fathers.

Oct 25 – Cloudy & windy 50 Abz. Worked on bobs some put in cross bar to Wightmans thills. Rained som in the night. Deyo & Johnson went to Kalamazoo.

Oct 26 – Cloudy cool 44 Abz. Went over to Fathers and Taylors. Saw his house. Rainy. Pulled tooth for woman at Ponds. McLelan brot his violin.

Oct 27 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked on bobs. Sarah went over the river. Bot receipt Book. Rained in the night.

Oct 28 – Rains 48 Abz. Worked in shop made Box for Crid.[59] Bot Books for children. Mark came just at night after a x girl.

Oct 29 – Cloudy warm 56 Abz. Went up to S. Bristols and put up trees & plants for Cridland. Rainy day. Brot them down to the burg.

Oct 30 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Worked in shop got out runners & knees & beams for Fathers sleigh. Bot violin string 10^~.

Oct 31 – Rainy 46 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Carried letter to Patty. Mr Gays girl buried.[60]

Nov 1 – Cloudy warm 45 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent 3 letters G.T. C.R.C. M.K. Bronson. Sherman & J. Flanders here in Evening. P. Johnson & wife here. Rainy night. Lasher Brot Eleven bushels corn.

Nov 2 – Rainy 50 Abz. Worked in shop some. Went to Election. Very Rainy day mid day. Edwin Flanders got home.

Nov 3 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked in shop on Fathers sleigh. Patty came over & Henry came home. Rained some.

Nov 4 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked in shop. Killed chicken. Patty went down to Catharines. Henry here. Rained some. Mark came after Patty.

Nov 5 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Went over the river. Lasher Brot 14 bushels corn and ½ cord wood from Yorks. Rainy. A. Blakeslee Brot my stove home one lb & half candles 25^~.

Nov 6 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Worked in shop. Rained some. Hunter Walker Buried to day.

Nov 7 – Cloudy 41 Abz. At home all day. Rainy. Sarah went to church.

Nov 8 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Tinkered round Barn. Hawver Brot his Buckskin. Made glove for Frank Cle_____. Rained some & snowed. Father got his lime.

Nov 9 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Went over to Fathers and set up corn fodder. Got teapot mended. Snowed some in the Evening. Porpoise of the track.

Nov 10 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Dug some potatoes. Toot & Lois came over. Mr Wiseman here. Bot canton flannel 1/- Bot steak 1/-.

Nov 11 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Lasher came and dug potatoes. Father got stove.

Nov 12 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Lasher drawed two loads corn fodder. Rained towards night snowed in the Evening.

Nov 13 – Cloudy 31 Abz snow on the ground. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~. Bot ½ Bushel salt 28^~. Bot Ethen Boots 1.50^~. Father Brot ½ Ransom pig 65 lbs.

Nov 14 – Snows 27 Abz. Stayed at home. Sarah went to church.

Nov 15 – Pleasant sun came out 21 Abz 2 inches snow. Worked in Barn moved corn. Put up the cow the first time.

Nov 16 – Cloudy 23 Abz. Cut gloves & mittens for Hawver McLary & Baxter. Bot pr taps for my Boots 25^~.

Nov 17 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went over and got my last load stalks. Mr Lasher drawed them. Patty came over. Snowed in the Evening.

Nov 18 – Snowey & misty 24 Abz. Worked in shop cut out battens[61] for Barn. Patty here.

Nov 19 – Cloudy 23 Abz. Went over to Lashers got him to draw ½ cord wood from Yorks. Patty & Lois went home with him. Flanders called here.

Nov 20 – Cloudy 12 Abz. Set shoes on one bob. Bot Flanders paint. Snowed some. Got corn ground.

Nov 21 – Cloudy 28 Abz snow 2 inches deep. Mark & Lois here. Sarah went to church.

Nov 22 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Mark & Toot & Catharine here. Sarah went home with them. Going to Kalamazoo. Flanders Brot me two bushels flour. Patty left to night 12.40.

Nov 23 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Sarah gone. Tapt my Boots. Had Loucks up for sealing. Sarah Bot Shawl & Dress &c.

Nov 24 – Pleasant 27 Abz. Painted Bobs. Sarah got home. Uncle Chichester here.

Nov 25 – Snows Some 32 Abz. Worked in shop on Ex for Beach. Stanley here in the Evening from Lacrosse.

Nov 26 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Finished Beaches Ex. Old cow out to night. Bot one lb candles 15^~.

Nov 27 – Snows some 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put fenders on Fathers Sleigh. Snowed all day and all night. Enos Smith came here stayed all night.

Nov 28 – Snows 31 Abz snow some six inches deep. Enos left for home. Went over to Fathers. Very snowey.

Nov 29 – Cold 10 Abz snow some eight inches deep. Cleared out the shop. Deyo moved his tools. Bot 10 lbs shugar one lb saleratas two books.

Nov 30 – Pleasant 19 Abz. Worked in shop. Flanders Brot his timber for rack to his bobs.

Dec 1 – Cloudy 25 Abz. Worked on Flanders bob rack. Father got his Sash. Deyoes here to supper.

Dec 2 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Finished Flanders bobs. Flanders got his mittens. Sarah went down to Barbers. Snowed in the night.

Dec 3 – Snows 24 Abz. Put battens on East side of shop. Snowed and blowed _____ Mrs Corys here & Mrs Rogers. Lasher Brot load wood.

Dec 4 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Painted Flanders bobs. D. Smith here. Sawed out bob runners for Mose. Bot 50 lbs bran 25^~. Rainy night. Father Brot Boards for bottom.

Dec 5 – Cloudy & windy 32 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Dec 6 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Stoped the cracks in shop floor. Put up stove.

Dec 7 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put on some battens. Very little snow.

Dec 8 – Blustering 12 Abz. Went over to Fathers got the old deed[?]. Put _____ under the doors. Howell here to night concert. Very cold.

Dec 9 – Cloudy 12 Abz. Lasher drawed ½ cord green wood. Put on battens East west side shop. Got letter from J. S. King.

Dec 10 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Flanders got his Bobs. McLary brot load wood. Bot Eye water two bushels Buckwheat of Lasher at Flanders Brot Rooster.

Dec 11 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Put battens on Ends of Shop. Bot gloves for Sarah. Wes brot Rooster. J. York got home.

Dec 12 – Cloudy 29 Abz some Rainy. Lois at home in Evening. By paid me. Rainy night.

Dec 13 – Cloudy & misty 48 Abz. Commenced smoothing my slead put on some battens. Got out all of them.

Dec 14 – Cloudy 28]?] Abz. Worked on _____ slead. Wesley brot Henrys coat. Snowed in the Evening. Bot one lb _____ of Mead 12^~.

Dec 15 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Worked in shop on slead violin accordion. Flanders here Mrs Wiseman & family here to tea. James H. Crawford[62] Died to day.

Dec 16 – Pleasant 25 Abz. Put thills together then painted slead & thills. No snow _____ ground froze hard.

Dec 17 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Mended accordion & violin. Martin Turner here. Oscar Keith here.

Dec 18 – Cloudy 26 Abz. Ethen & I went down to Catharines. Caty & Jef came over.

Dec 19 – Cloudy 30 Abz. All came up to Fathers. Brot the rifle home.

Dec 20 – Smoky 32 Abz. Sawed out bob runners. Snowed in the night. Mr Deyo here. Barlow first violin school.

Dec 21 – Snows some 33 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Saw J. York. Sold Milham 12½ bushels corn 4/- pr bushel. Bot violin string 18^~.

Dec 22 – Pleasant 25 Abz. Worked in shop mended violin bow. Barbers folks here to tea. Very _____. Sawed out knees for bobs.

Dec 23 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Lasher drawed load wood. York brot stove. Bot one lb candles 17^~.

Dec 24 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked on shop floor. Got Fathers sleigh from shop. Bot broom.

Dec 25 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Tinkered round shop. Mr Huchison here to look at farm. Bot 50 lbs bran 25^~.

Dec 26 – Rainy 33 Abz. At home. Sarah went to teacher meeting.

Dec 27 – Cloudy & muddy 35 Abz. Went up to Yorks & Wesleys.

Dec 28 – Cloudy 39 Abz. Wes came & helped me fix the well. Rained in the night.

Dec 29 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Finished the well. Moved my currant bushes. Snowed some. Ed Wilcut[63] here.

Dec 30 – Rains some 33 Abz. Sawed out two sets Bob runners for Milford Matthews.

Dec 31 – Cold 28 Abz froze some. Worked on Barbers violin.

[1] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[2] George Tomlinson, husband of his niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[3] His children by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[4] Charles Luke Keith Sr. and Hannah (Willcutt)

[5] Charles R. Cridland

[6] Thomas Flanders

[7] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[8] Ethan, Nancy and Hannah

[9] Felly, or felloe, is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[10] The wooden runners of a sleigh

[11] His first cousin

[12] Joseph York, husband of Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[13] /- is the symbol used for shilling. A shilling was a coin of Colonial America and varied between 12¢ and 16¢

[14] His daughter who was about 2½ years old

[15] His nephew and wife, James Oscar and Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[16] John Wesley Keith who, according to the family Bible, was adopted

[17] Ellis A. Keith

[18] Ozen Keith, his father’s brother

[19] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, who had recently remarried (see February 16, 1858 letter)

[20] George Tomlinson

[21] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah Estelle Wightman is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[22] His wife’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[23] His daughter, Nancy, who was about 5½ years old

[24] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[25] His son, Ethan, who was 7 years old

[26] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[27] His mother’s brother, Warren Wolcott

[28] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s diaries and it is believed that he is referring to his cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind with the Keith family to run his father’s farm. (Thanks to Margaret Williams, Ezekiel Lee’s three times great-granddaughter, for this information)

[29] Luke sometimes referred to the parents of family members, or older neighbors, as “Aunt” or “Uncle.” The relationship here is unknown

[30] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that David Beach is buried in Roof Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[31] Not sure what this symbol meant. It was actually written as a quarter of a round circle slanting upwards to the right (see scan of diary entry)

[32] Edwin W. Crawford, his wife’s brother

[33] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Nancy (Anderson) Kingsley, the wife of Salmon Kingsley, is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[34] His nephew

[35] His father’s sister, Rhoda (Keith) Lee (Joseph Lee’s mother)

[36] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Mary “Polly” (St. John) Weed, the wife of Elijah Weed, is buried in Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[37] Etcetera

[38] Most likely Luke’s niece, Lucy Irene Lee, the daughter of Luke’s sister Catherine by her second husband

[39] An artificial channel or bed of a stream leading water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, such as a mill or a mining claim

[40] A pole, called a reach, was usually a 2-by-4-inch piece of white oak with a hole at the front for connecting the wagon to a hitch

[41] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[42] The pole, or tongue, of a cart

[43] A search of census records shows that Horace Deyoe was born to James and Polina Deyoe in July 1858

[44] Believe he is referring to his wife’s brother, David C. “D.C.” Crawford

[45] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

[46] Saleratus; sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[47] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

[48] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

[49] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

[50] A felloe, or felly, is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[51] Gull Lake, Michigan

[52] His maternal first cousin; son of James Hunt & Lilly (Willcutt) King

[53] Handkerchief

[54] His brother Harvey’s wife, Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[55] Believe he is referring to his niece, Frances “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee, the daughter of Harvey & Alfleda Keith

[56] Believe he is referring to his paternal first cousin’s family, Charles and Juliana (Davis) Lee; Charles was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee

[57] His sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[58] His niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[59] Charles R. Cridland

[60] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Adelia Gay died October 30, 1858 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. She was 18 years old, the daughter of William and Sarah Gay

[61] Roofing lathes, used to provide the fixing point for roofing materials such as shingles or tiles

[62] His wife’s brother; see February 22, 1859 letter

[63] Edward G. Wolcott, his maternal first cousin, the son of Warren and Electa (Damon) Willcutt