Luke Keith’s 1889 Diary

1889 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1 – 23.[2] Nice pleasant day. Nice wheeling. Hank[3] came up. They went down to Mrs Browns.[4] Will Clark[5] here. Allice Williams Buried to day.[6]

Jan 2 – 24. Went over to Burg[7] after Lois and Ina.[8] Two strangers here to dinner. Went down to Katharines[9] with Nancy.[10] Fine day.

Jan 3 – 43. Very pleasant day. Nancy went over to Lois stayed all night. Lou and children[11] here.

Jan 4 – Mercury 36. At home. Lou went up to Jim Milhams.[12] Sarah[13] went over to Fanny Towns.[14] D[15] came this Evening.

Jan 5 – 36 Abz.[16] Took Lou up to W^m Ralphs.[17] D. and Will Ralph went hunting. I went over after H. Crawford[18] he no come. Ethan[19] went to Kal.[20] Bot this Diary 20 cts.

Jan 6 – Mercury 34. D, Lou and children and Cory came back stayed all night. Will and Lois went down to Katharines. Not very cold.

Jan 7 – M. 32 in morning. D went over to Burg. Ethan took Lou over to Lois. Hannah[21] went over to Fanny Towns this morning. Some fine snow rather damp.

Jan 8 – Mercury 40. Went over to burg in morning. Took Lou and children over to Mrs Ralphs.[22] I got Jays pin mended. The gun smith of Maplow was performing at the Galesburg Opra House to night. Rained all night.

Jan 9 – Mercury 42 in morning. Rainy forenoon snow and blowed like blazes in afternoon and Evening. Hannah at Towns (rest of entry is illegible).

Jan 10 – Mercury 21 in morning about two inches snow. At home all day. Not much work.

Jan 11 – Mercury 36. Some work. Went over to burg at noon got no mail. Albert Chase[23] got his violin he paid one Dollar.

Jan 12 – Mercury 18 in morning about 40 in middle of the day. Not much work to day. Sawed some wood. Nice weather for winter.

Jan 13 – Mercury 30 nice day sun came out some. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. No one called here to day.

Jan 14 – Mercury 34. Turned two roolers for H. D. Streator.[24] Not very well.

Jan 15 – Mercury 32. Mr Bogards Died to day. Finished Streators roolers. Will Clark came over with Ethan stayed all night. Sally[25] and I went up to Jesse Earls[26] in afternoon stayed the Evening. Rained some.

Jan 16 – Mercury 54 rainy day. No work to day. Ethan and Will went over to burg in Evening.

Jan 17 – Mercury 30 in morning wind blowing from the west. Will here. Not very well. Ethan and Will making moosik on de guitah and de fiddlind.[27] J C Perkins Died to day[28] L. C. Wests[29] Draftsman.

Jan 18 – Mercury 38 in forenoon. Sawed some wood. Ethan mended the big yellow Rocking Chair. Ethan and Will went over to Burg in Evening. Snowed some.

Jan 19 – Mercury 12 in morning south East wind cold. Went down to Katharines she was feeling some better. No snow Mercury 20 in Evening.

Jan 20 – Mercury 2__ in morning west wind. Sate[30] here. Snowey day Mercury 31 in afternoon.

Jan 21 – Mercury 18 in morning snowing like blazes. Bert Staffords boy here selling Fruit trees.

Jan 22 – Mercury 12 in morning very nice day. Done the chores and pared apples. Ethan went over to burg in morning. Mercury 37 in afternoon. Dick Lamkins called got the iron brot. He had been to Flanders got a lot of old iron.

Jan 23 – Mercury 23. At home. Done some chores. Went over to burg in afternoon after Mrs Gaffing she no come.

Jan 24 – Mercury 48 nice day very pleasant shiny. Gaffing here.

Jan 25 – Mercury 46. Will Clark came over. Pleasant spring day. Ethan and Will gone down to Mrs Browns in Evening.

Jan 26 – Mercury 26. Went over to burg in morning to the mail then took Gaffing down to Katharines. Cloudy south west wind.

Jan 27 – Mercury 26 in forenoon north East wind and snowing.

Jan 28 – Mercury 23. Took Hannah over to burg in morning she went to R. G. Smith. Filed saw for N. L. Randal[31] he paid me for plane and saw 25 cts. Harry got his pulleys 25.

Jan 29 – Mercury 34 some snow. Hannah went up to Culls[32] to day. I cut Hickory tree up by the gap North side of woods. Some snowey day wind south west.

Jan 30 – Mercury 34 nice comfortable day south south west wind. Hannah up to Culs. I trimed up the Hickory tree sawed some wood and done the chores. Ethan patterns for bundle carrier.

Jan 31 – Mercury 31 some wind and snow sort of a blustrous day. I got the sleigh out for the first. Drew one load wood. Not much sleighing a bout a inch and a ½ snow.

Feb 1 – Mercury 13 Abz very nice day. Went up and got the last of the Hickory tree. Went over to Burg after match plane.[33] Got glass for school house.

Feb 2 – Mercury. Cloudy not very cold. Not very well. Not much work to day.

Feb 3 – Mercury 38. At home all day. Ethan and Will went down to Katharines. Hannah at home.

Feb 4 – Mercury 36. Shelled some corn for feed took it over to mill in afternoon. Mr Nichols turned some brush handles. Got some match plane of Charles Whitcomb.

Feb 5 – Mercury 10 Abz snows and blows. Went down to Katharines found her rather weak not able to sit up any. She gave me the paper. Mercury 7 Abz in Evening.

Feb 6 – Mercury at zero at 7 am. Went over to burg. Took over some hickory timber to Lockhart. Snowed like blazes a while. Filed saw for Will Brown.[34] Will Clark came home with me he went down to C. Fords.[35]

Feb 7 – Mercury 12 abz in morning. Not much work. Ethan put Wills Desk together. Hannah not go to Dods. Mercury 20 Abz about 5. P.m.

Feb 8 – Mercury 26 in morning. Not very well. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines to cut and fit dresses for the three youngest girls.[36] Strong south west wind Mercury 36 in afternoon. No sleighing yet.

Feb 9 – Mercury 26 Abz. Went down to school house in fore noon. Put in 3 lights glass. Will Brown drew two loads wood.

Feb 10 – Mercury 14 in morning about 3 inches snow. Some sleighs out to church to day. Wind south west.

Feb 11 – Mercury 20 in morning. Hannah went to Caywoods. I took Sarah over to Barbers in afternoon. Snowey. Went with the cutter the first time it has been out. About 4 inches snow. Cutter runs very well. Mercury 20 in afternoon.

Feb 12 – Mercury 14. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Snowed some Mercury one above zero in Evening.

Feb 13 – Mercury 7 Abz in morning. Took Sarah over to Lois in forenoon. Snows and blows some in afternoon.

Feb 14 – Mercury 14 in morning. Hard cold. Hued out some ax helve. Not very well. Mercury 20 in Evening. Hannah came home. Will Clark came over.

Feb 15 – Mercury 14 Abz in morning. At home. Hard cold. No work on my plate. Hannah at home cleaning house. Went to Mill took two bushels wheat.

Feb 16 – Mercury 21 rainy morning cleared of about Eleven. Will Clark and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Hannah stayed to Nancys.

Feb 17 – Mercury. At home. Will here all day he went home at night. Snow all gone.

Feb 18 – Mercury 24 snows like fury and blows some. Wind blows hard just at night. Snow piling up some. I shelled some corn for feed for Fan.[37]

Feb 19 – Mercury 8 Abz very Blustrous snow flies lively. About all I wanted to do to keep fires and do the chores at the barn. Hens lay some three Eggs to day.

Feb 20 – Mercury. Went over to mill took corn and oats for feed. Went over after Hannah. Cold wind. Very good sleighing. Will Clark gave me his Watch the one I used to own.

Feb 21 – Cold south west wind. Went down to Katharines. Katharine not so well very weak no appetite. Hannah down to Streators to work making Mrs Streator[38] a dress. Blanch Olin Married this Evening.[39]

Feb 22 – Mercury. Went over after Lois this morning. Will came over. Snows some. Some cold day.

Feb 23 – Mercury 9 below zero very cold. No work out side. Sawed some little wood. Ethan to work on Wills Book case.

Feb 24 – Mercury 9 below zero in morning. Took Sarah down to Katharines.

Feb 25 – Mercury 4 Abz in morning. Went down to Katharines in afternoon after Sarah. Jim Milham called got axhelve 50 cts.

Feb 26 – Mercury 22 Abz snows some. Went over to post office. Left my watch with Wilson to be cleaned. Bot Bottle of Log Cabbin Sarsparilla 75 cts. Mrs John Lay died this Morning.[40]

Feb 27 – Mercury 38. Went over to Blakes. Took Checks over for Stevens[41] trunk and satchel. Evva here all day.

Feb 28 – At home. Not very well. Will Brown got his desk. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Mar 1 – Mercury 24. At home. Worked on table top. Mrs John Lay buried to day. Nice stormy day snowey day.

Mar 2 – Worked on table made drawer. Theodore came down got two draw made. Mercury 44 Abz.

Mar 3 – At home. No one here Except Stephen Comfort. Nice day.

Mar 4 – Mercury 44. Went down to Katharines she no better. Theodore, Allice and Claud,[42] Herb, Luella & Royal,[43] Frank, Elva & Ethel[44] here in Evening.

Mar 5 – Mercury 42 verry nice day. Finished the table. Ethan making medicine cupboard. Put Cutter up over Stable. Mrs Galusha here in afternoon. Hank stayed all night.

Mar 6 – Mercury 48. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to see Mrs Barber. Bot Trimmings for Medicine cupboard. Very nice day. Received the Leroy[45] Times. Ad Russel Married to day.[46]

Mar 7 – Mercury 44. Got out stuf for Clauds[47] draft board. Stormy some big snow flakes. Will Clark worked here to day. Ethan and Hannah up to Theodores this Evening.

Mar 8 – Mercury 34. Will Clark, Ethan and Hannah cleaning house. Cold day. Took Hannah over to Barbers in morning. Ethan and Hannah went up to Theodores in Evening.

Mar 9 – Mercury 32. Ethan and Will Clark went to Kalamazoo. Stephan cleaned the clock. Cold north west wind.

Mar 10 – Mercury 27. At home. No one here Except Stephen. Ethan at Hanks.

Mar 11 – Mercury 22 in morning. Sawed and split some wood. Stephen sick. Ethan not come home yet. Mrs Joseph Flanders Died about ten AM to day.[48] Mer 45 in afternoon. Ethan and Hannah up to Crosfields this Eve.

Mar 12 – Mercury 32. Went over to Mill got corn and oats groung. Took Dinner to Skinners.[49] Put Clauds board to gether.

Mar 13 – Mercury 53. Mrs Joseph Flanders buried to day. Went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Mar 14 – Mercury 54. Repaired Will Caywoods chairs. Went over to burg just at night. Stephen here yet. Ethan and Hannah gone to Herb Earls this Evening.

Mar 15 – Mercury 64. Worked in shop and chored some.

Mar 16 – Mercury 66. Went over to Towns with Jesse Earl. Saw Uncle Cullin. Mr A Town[50] sick. Went to Mr Frenches funral this afternoon.

Mar 17 – Mercury 54. At home. Ethan & Hannah went down to Mrs Browns.

Mar 18 – Mercury. Mrs Harvey Freer buried.[51] I went down to Katharines she not much if any better. Will Brown went up to Abe Powers got load Hay 1600 & 10 lbs. Paid $5.44[?]. Nancy and children[52] went home. Jim[53] came home.

Mar 19 – Ella Annis buried to day. Very fine nice weather.

Mar 20 – Mercury 48. Build manger for Fan. Nice day. Jim at home.

Mar 21 – Mercury 44. Worked on manger. Put in seed box for Fan. Nell Sanford came over stayed all day. Jim went down to Charly Fords.

Mar 22 – Mercury 4__. Went down to Katharines she not much better. Charley, Mate Ford[54] & H. D. Streator here in Evening also Will Clark. He stayed. Took two bushels wheat to mill in morning.

Mar 23 – Mercury 66. Made saw Buck. Will C here. Jim left for Chicago on 9 oclock train. Let Jim have $5.00 five Dollars. Mrs Hannah L Tuttle buried to day.[55]

Mar 24 – Mercury 64. At home. Mrs Brown, Will, Lizzy[56] and children[57] here. Hannah went up to Kate Thompsons just at night. Mrs Dibble buried to day.[58]

Mar 25 – Made Kneading board. Sarah and Ethan went down to Katharines. Mr Comfort here.

Mar 26 – Mercury. Cool south west wind. Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Shelby Ville.[59] Set hen on Eleven Eggs just at night. Sawed some wood. 28.

Mar 27 – Mercury 48. Sawed some wood shelled some corn done the chores. Ethan up to Shelbyville. Old Mr Comfort here Mrs Betts[60] Brother.

Mar 28 – Mercury 46. Took 2 Bushels corn and oats to mill. Oscar[61] came here about noon. I sawed some wood. Katharine no better.

Mar 29 – Mercury 35 and snowing like fun.[62] Went over to burg. Let Del[63] have 10½ Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz. Hannah came home. Snow about all gone.

Mar 30 – Mercury 40. Went down to Katharines in the afternoon she no better. Snowed in night. Mrs Heister buried to day. Took Hannah over to R. Gs in morning.

Mar 31 – Mercury 35 in morning snowed and rained. Rained all day the first rain of the season. Ethan up to Lous I spose so.

Apr 1 – Mercury 33. Went over to Burg in afternoon to Town Meeting. Nice day. Sally went over to Lois. Sate some better. Mr Gates paid one Dollar for repairs on School House.

Apr 2 – Mercury 30. Not much but chores. Nice day. Will came over stayed all night.

Apr 3 – Mercury 32. At home. No one here but Stephen, Lois and Will. Filed saw for C. Town.

Apr 4 – Mended Lous curling iron put handle in. Charley Town[64] paid one Dollar for filing saws. Went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Apr 5 – Mercury 36 and snowing like fun snow all gone at night. Will Brown took load wood up home with Nell and Tom. Cool night.

Apr 6 – Mercury 54. Worked in shop some on Lous Knife. Ethan and Charley working on fence machine. Mary Ann[65] called here just at night.

Apr 7 – Mercury 34. At home all day. Will Clark here. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Will Clark went to Chicago on Evening Express.

Apr 8 – Mercury 68. I moved the old logs out of the yard south of the house. Hannah home sick not able to work to day. Very nice day rained in night.

Apr 9 – Mercury 38. Ethan took Hannah over to Mrs Stanfords. I raked yard some. Had a nice rain in morning C. A. Town took Fanny Wilkins to Kalamazoo she went home.

Apr 10 – Mercury 40. Killed Bob.[66] Very nice warm pleasant day. Old Mr Comfort sick not getup to day. I sawed the large wood in the yard. Stired up the old stack bottom by the hen yard.

Apr 11 – At home. Not much work. Had thunder storm in night. Ann Elize Shafter Decker Aldrich Died in night.[67] Warm nice rain. J. W. Keith Died.[68]

Apr 12 – Worked round yard dugng up ground for my roots. Rained some to day. Went down to Katharines she no better.

Apr 13 – Manured the ground and set out the roots.

Apr 14 – Mercury 44. Nice pleasant morning. At home all day. Cold wind all day. Mrs Ann Eliza Shafter Aldrich Decker buried to day.

Apr 15 – Mercury 61. Put chip manure on the asparagus beds and around some small appletrees. Set the Wyandotte hen on 13 Eggs just at night.

Apr 16 – Mercury __4. Mr Comfort sick. Worked on East door in barn. Went over to burg at noon after Hannah. Bot hinges for door. Fanny and Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Apr 17 – Mercury 74. Worked on door put hinges on cleats and brace. Old Mr Comfort some better no start for home. Very warm day.

Apr 18 – Mercury 68. Mr Comfort left on the 10.45 Train for Detroit. Finished the door at the Barn. Jo Smith chopping. Hannah to J. T. Allertons.[69] Rained some in afternoon 51 days.

Apr 19 – Jo Smith Chopping. I not do much. Rainy afternoon. Jo worked all the afternoon no stop for the rain. Quite warm. Paid Jo $2 Two Dollars.

Apr 20 – Nice warm day. Went over to burg in morning. Bot shugar, coffee, molasses, soap. Took over 14 Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz. Went down to Katharines in forenoon.

Apr 21 – Cold north wind. Went to Kalamazoo went to Nancys at their new home. Took 11½ lbs Butter to Nancy for Mr Knapp. They fetch 22 cts pr lb.

Apr 22 – Jo Smith came over helped me get out manure. Nice pleasant day. Hannah went to R. Comings in morning. She was sick had to come home.

Apr 23 – Nice day. Went over to burg to mill took over two bushels wheat. Went to see Mr Souls about putting in corn. $1 bot pants one Dollar.

Apr 24 – Went over to Mr Comings and burg changed my pants. Saw Smith Thomas about putting in corn. Jo Smith copping.

Apr 25 – Put handle on the East Barn door. Drew some manure out on East lot. Hannah at home not very well. Ethan went to the burg in Evening.

Apr 26 – Mercury 30 in morning. Dick came over and plowed potatoe ground, draged that and garden, drawed wood in after noon. Ethan paid him Two Dollars.

Apr 27 – Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Cold wind. Went down to Alvins to see if I could let me have some potatoes.

Apr 28 – Mercury 40. At home all day. Very cold wind.

Apr 29 – Mercury 42. Cold north wind. Went down to Alvin Lees[70] bot Eight bushels potatoes 2/- pr bushel $2.00. Ethan papering Sallys Bedroom.

Apr 30 – Mercury 43. Nice day cool wind. Worked in garden. Floated potatoe ground and garden. Ethan cleaning house and put down carpet. Charley Town had wagon to get potatoes of Alvin Lee. Mary Allerton Plank Died to day.[71]

May 1 – Mercury 43. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Cold north wind. Ethan planted potatoes.

May 2 – Mercury 45. Went to mill in morning took over corn and oats. Bot codfish. Paid Read for beef 25¢.

May 3 – Mercury 45. Went over to burg in morning. Got Wichita paper notice of Wesleys Death.

May 4 – Mercury 49. Went over to burg and over to D. Stafford. Got a Piece of the clavel___ water wheel to send to Henry.[72] Got letter from Jim he sent $2.00. Hannah came home.

May 5 – Nice day. Jesse Earl here in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. She not some better.

May 6 – Mercury 90. Charley Town commenced plowing East lot for corn. I put out my grape cuttings. Ethan working on corn planter.

May 7 – Very hot day. I helped Sarah wash. Cleaned up yard some worked some in garden. Charleys boy plowing East lot and very hot.

May 8 – Not very well. Choring round. Ethan and Charley working on planter.

May 9 – Working around house and garden. Trimed some appletrees.

May 10 – Trimed some trees sowed some raddish and Lettauce seed. Went over to burg took 12 Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz 3.2/4 lbs Butter 15 cts pr lb. Rained in Evening.

May 11 – Trimed some trees. Took Sarah down to Katharines just at night she stayed all night. Charley planting with new planting machine.

May 12 – Went down to Katharines after Sarah in afternoon. Katharine no better she very bad off.

May 13 – Took Hannah over to W A Blakes in morning Bot 2 qts Beans 16¢. Tom Russell marking East lot. Rainy afternoon some.

May 14 – Sowed some corn chored round. Went down to Katharines just at night. She was worse we stayed all night.

May 15 – At Katharines she is a little Easier this morning. We stayed until 3 PM we came home. Nice day. Charley planted the East lot to day with the new patent planter.

May 16 – Had nice rain in the morning rained hard. Not much done. Cut some dry limbs in orchard.

May 17 – Mercury 84. Went down to Katharines in morning found her no better. She seemed to be failing just at night when we left for home.

May 18 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Sarah went down to Katharines stayed all day. Clara[73] brot her home just at night. Had a heavy shower. Ethan and Lou no come home. I finished sowing corn. Mrs. E. M. Clap buried to day.[74]

May 19 – Ethan and Lou came home. Hannah sewing girl came Lulu Forrester. Lou and children came.

May 20 – Hannah and girl up to Em Ralphs. I went down to Katharines in forenoon Katherine no better.

May 21 – Took Sarah down to Katharines in afternoon. She stayed all night. Katharine very sick.

May 22 – Went over to mill got my meal. Went down after Sarah just at night. Katharine no better. Cold wind very cold.

May 23 – Ethan went over to burg got my grist. Went down after Sarah just at night. Took Sarah down.

May 24 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see L. C. West and Hooker. Cold North west wind.

May 25 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Took Sarah down to Katharines she stayed all night. Nancy here. Ina came over. Charley Town brot Eleven hundred hay. Katharine Died at seven oclock PM.[75]

May 26 – Mart[76] brot Sarah home. Mart and I went over to Burg to see Labbit[77] an the sexton. Rainy night.

May 27 – Rainy morning. Went to Funeral one oclock AM. Cleared of in afternoon. Katharine Buried to day.

May 28 – Mercury 40 at five Am. Had a big frost this morning the first we had here. Hoed corn & Potatoes in East garden. Stella and Mary Milham[78] and Emma Schuyler here in afternoon.

May 29 – Mercury 42 in morning some rainy. Ethan, Lou and children went over to burg. Cold wind.

May 30 – At home. Lou and children here. Cold, snowed and rained all day. Very rough day.

May 31 – Cold and windy. Lou went home to day. Went over to burg after some one to plaster. Found Sam Hartwell.

Jun 1 – At home. Not much work to day. Picked up brush in orchard. Rany afternoon. Hannah came home in Evening. Rany night.

Jun 2 – Some sprinkle in morning. Lois and Ina drove over just at night. John Ives drove in a few minutes to see Hannah. Ethan and Hannah went over to burg just at night.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg after Nancy took her over to C. Fords to help Hannah. Went up to Ed Flanders[79] got mortar. Sam Hartwell plastered in middle room. Cold wind.

Jun 4 – Went over got Hartwell to white wash and paper the room. Cold wind. Corn very backward. E Flanders called got some mortar.

Jun 5 – Nice morning sun came out for the first time in two weeks to warm up much. Went down to Katharines in forenoon.

Jun 6 – Cleaned house cleaned middle room. Cool. Mr Russel planting over East lot. Hannah and Nancy went to Geo. Blakes this morning.

Jun 7 – Work around house. Ethan put down carpet. I hoed some in garden. Some showery. Russel planting. Verry wet and cold.

Jun 8 – Some rainy. Russel finished planting. Kate and Blanch[80] came on the B.T.[81] 6 oclock run.

Jun 9 – Rainy. Kate here. Not much going on. I put the figures on Squair for Jim Milham.

Jun 10 – Letle sprinkle some. Went over to Burg in morning after Kates trunk. Made Charley Towns pulleys to clock. Jim got his Squair. Ground verry wet.

Jun 11 – Worked in garden. Fine day. Jesse[82] came up on Bobtail 6 PM. Got letter from George[83] with a v___ in.

Jun 12 – Very pleasant day. Worked in garden. Went over Bot shoes for Jesse bot one pair for Sarah.

Jun 13 – Nice morning. Took Jess over to burg. She went back to Kalamazoo.

Jun 14 – Not very well. No work to speak of.

Jun 15 – Hannah and Kate sewing like the Divol for Jesse making commencement Dresses.

Jun 16 – At home. No go to church to day. Kate and Blanch here.

Jun 17 – Will Brown brot Pig. Made pen for them. Lost my glasses. Gathered up old iron for Dick Lamkins.

Jun 18 – Went over to burg. Not work much. Rainy verry wet now days.

Jun 19 – Had a hevy shower this morning. Took Kates Trunk over. Blanch and Bes[84] went to Kalamazoo. Took Kate over she went on 2.47 train. Big rain blows hard.

Jun 20 – Not much work. Helped Sarah wash. No one here company all gone. Filed saw for Charley Town he paid me for the pulleys and _____.

Jun 21 – Some ledle rain this morning. Not much work to day. Worked in garden some. Cool wind. Took Sarah over to Lois. Took Gaffings Box over to M Nichols.

Jun 22 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill.

Jun 23 – Cyrus and Mrs Streater[85] called here just at night. Ethan and Hannah went down to Kalamazoo. Pleasant day rather cool wind.

Jun 24 – Nice fine day. Went up to E. P. Flanders to raising. He raised a large Barn 88 x 36 feet.

Jun 25 – Sick headache no work to day. Dr. Spinney and wife[86] stayed to Charley Towns all night.

Jun 26 – Very warm day. Hoed some in garden. Went up to Herbs got 54 cabbage plants just at night. Hannah working to J. T. Allertons.

Jun 27 – Not very well. Took Sarah over to Lois. Worked in garden some.

Jun 28 – Took Sarah over to Lois she not stay. Commencement Exercize at Church. Reception at ____ Olins in Evening. Nancy and Lelah[87] came up.

Jun 29 – Put Paris Green[88] on potatoes. Rained some in afternoon.

Jun 30 – At home all day. Very warm. Ethan I went over and got Lois she came over stayed all day. Hannah promised to go in company with Nell in Streator.[89]

Jul 1 – Mercury 94 in shade. Worked in garden put paris green on potatoes Clara Milham[90] came up in afternoon.

Jul 2 – Mercury 94 in shade. Put poison on potatoes. Charleys boys cultivated in East lot.

Jul 3 – At home. Not doing something. Very hot. Corn growing nicely.

Jul 4 – Mercury 90. Sprinkled potatoes. Verry hot mercury up in the ninetys.

Jul 5 – No work. Repairing my old violin the first it has Ever had of any amount.

Jul 6 – Hot. Not much work. Not well headache most of the time.

Jul 7 – Very quiet day but a few callers.

Jul 8 – Mercury 95 very hot. Charley Clark[91] came in Evening stayed all night. Hannah was sewing for Mrs Randall.

Jul 9 – Mercury 100 in shade. Charley here brot his wagon down just at night.

Jul 10 – Took Hannah down to Mr Randalls.

Jul 11 – At home. Not much work to day. Very hot and dry.

Jul 12 – Mercury 98. Not very well. Put water on leach[?]. Hoed some in garden.

Jul 13 – Went over to burg at noon after cherries bot one bushel 1.50, shugar 75 cts. Went over in Evening.

Jul 14 – Some rainy morning rainy day it fixed up Potatoes and corn first rate.

Jul 15 – Went up to Herbs got fifty cabbage plants. All hands picking berries. Claud[92] and I went up and picked three quarts red respberries. Paid 8 cts pr qt 24 cts.

Jul 16 – Nice morning took Hannah up to Culls in morning.

Jul 17 – Took Sarah over to Lois. I not ver well some. Not do much. Very warm.

Jul 18 – Rainy day some had a heavy rain. Claud here now days on a visit. Mrs Streator here in afternoon.

Jul 19 – Makesum some soap not much. Had a nice shower at noon. Sarah went over to Fannies in afternoon.

Jul 20 – Not much work. Not very well now days.

Jul 21 – At home. Will and Lizzie came over. Lois here all day. Mrs Streator came down stayed while Harry went to burg.

Jul 22 – Went over to burg got carpet from Chicago. Plowed potatoes in afternoon. Nice day. Hannah over to Commings.

Jul 23 – Fine day not very hot. Worked on roler frame. Helped wash. Hannah up to Ralphs in forenoon. Went down to Myron Flanders in Evening. Pearl[?] Barn to day.

Jul 24 – At work some in garden. Not very well. Russel cultivating Ethan.

Jul 25 – Not much work. Ethan making pattern for Mr Knapp. They are shingling the Methodist Church at the burg.

Jul 26 – Fine day had a nice shower this morning. X Took two bushels wheat to mill.

Jul 27 – Not very well. Choring round. Had a heavy rain and wind storm in Evening. Lois got home from Jaxon[93] to day.

Jul 28 – At home all day. Hannah went up to Gull with Galusha folks.

Jul 29 – Ethan sick. No work to day. Cloudy and cool. Hannah sewing over to Towns. Lelah here.

Jul 30 – Cloudy morning look some rainy. Ethan not some better ledle mite. Doc McBeth came over to see Ethan.

Jul 31 – Went over to burg in morning. Nancy and Bes came on the morning Train. Went over at night got Nancy she stayed all night. Doc came over.

Aug 1 – Took Nancy and Bes over to burg. They went home on the Eight 22 train. Al Read got Bull of C Ford. Killed him just west of the house. Doc came over.

Aug 2 – Put in buggy shaft for Mr Franklin 80 cts. Nice day. Ethan not much better.

Aug 3 – Went over to burg in morning got bolt for thills[94] 5¢.

Aug 4 – At home all day. Mrs Brown came down. Lelah went home with her at night.

Aug 5 – Went over to burg. Repaired Russels boys violin glued it up some. Ethan some better not much.

Aug 6 – Worked in shop some on violin. Worked in garden. Went over to post office at noon sent letter to Lou one to Jim. Bot pint wine for Ethan 40 cts.

Aug 7 – At home. Went over to burg. Worked round garden. Ethan some better. Aunt Hannah Wilmarth came here stayed all night.

Aug 8 – Had a nice shower. Worked in garden some. Aunt Hannah Wilmarth[95] came this morning. Lelah came back to night. Mr Fred Hawver Died.[96]

Aug 9 – Had a nice shower this morning. Took Aunt Hannah over to Mrs Byingtons this morning. Jim came home to night.

Aug 10 – Took Lelah over to burg. She went home. Went up to Theodores got some Pears and Apples. Mr Hawver Buried to day.

Aug 11 – At home all day. Jim here. No one here but the family to tea. I chased chickens all day.

Aug 12 – I not very well. Jim went to Shelbyville. Ethan some better.

Aug 13 – Will Clark came over this morning stayed all night.

Aug 14 – Nancy and Bes came up this morning. I went over got Bes. Hannah went to Kalamazoo on the Evening train. Theodore got Peter pig. Mrs Geo Wheeler Died.[97]

Aug 15 – Nice morning. Lots folks going to Pionere Picknic at Long Lake. Ina came over. Hannah went to the Pionere Picknic at Long Lake. Very nice day.

Aug 16 – Mrs Geo Wheeler Buried to day. I went with Jesse Earl. Very fine day. A good turnout. She was one of the oldest Pioneres of our Town and County. I think she came in 1833.

Aug 17 – Jim and Cora[98] went up to Scots.[99] Nice weather. Not much work but chores.

Aug 18 – At home all day. Will Clark was here awhile just at night. Mrs Streator called a while. Jim and Cory went up to the Lake. He drove Bill.[100]

Aug 19 – Jim and Cory went to Shelbyville Corys home. J. T. Allerton thrashed his wheat and oats. M. Milham done the job.

Aug 20 – Sarah and I went down to Katharines old home she no there. Jim came back from Shelby.

Aug 21 – Sent money to Hellen.[101] Jim and Will Clark started for Chicago on the Two twenty two run P.M. in the afternoon of that day. Hannah sewing at Mr Frank Crossfields.[102]

Aug 22 – At work on roller. Warm and dry. Not very well in some places.

Aug 23 – Working on rooler. Nancy came over stay all night. Bes came over from Wills.

Aug 24 – Hot and dry. Nancy and Hannah sewing making over dress for Nancy. Nancy and Bes went home on the 9 10[?] Train P.M.

Aug 25 – D Harris[103] came this morning on 3 oclock train. Hannah went to Vick ville. Ed Harmon sold my wheelbarrow wood to D. $5.00.

Aug 26 – Worked on roller. Very warm and dry.

Aug 27 – Mercury in the 90s. Finished one roller. Ethan worked on Charley Towns moddle some.

Aug 28 – Mercury 93. Nancy and Lelah came up. I went over at noon got Lelah. Bot roap for Fan 5 feet 22¢. Hannah up to Mary Fishers at Scotts.

Aug 29 – Mercury 93 hot and dry. Not much work to day.

Aug 30 – Mercury 101 2 pm. Worked on roller. Very hot.

Aug 31 – Mercury 95 2 Pm. Worked on roller. Very hot and dry. Sarah went over to Towns. Ethan repaired Mr Randals melodeon. Lelah here.

Sep 1 – Mercury 94 3 PM. At home no one here. Advent Camp meeting in full blast on the north side of the river opposite our place. Commenced work for H. Cruttenden 43 yrs to day.[104]

Sep 2 – Mercury 93. Worked on roller staves. Very hot. Ethan cut some cornfodder.

Sep 3 – Mercury 95. Not very well to day. Hot and dry. Lelah here.

Sep 4 – Mercury 92. Put one roller in frame. Took Sarah and Lelah over to Lois. Ethan bound up the cornfodder. Rained in the night.

Sep 5 – Rainy morning had a nice shower. Went over to burg at noon. Sent package to Hellen. Hannah at Lois sewing for Mrs G Beach.

Sep 6 – Hot and dry Mercury 70. Not doing much. Ethan working for Knapp.

Sep 7 – Hot day. At work round as usual. Not do much. Corn drying up. Cut cornfodder. Nancy and Lelah went home on 9 oclock accommodation bobtail.

Sep 8 – Mercury very much high. At home. The camp meeting closed to day. Ed Harmon called here in Evening.

Sep 9 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill. Bot one bushel corn 45 cts. Hannah at Galushas. Recd letter from G.T.[105]

Sep 10 – At home. Not do much work. Nice weather very hot. Patty[106] left home[107] on 4.30 PM train.

Sep 11 – All right. Went over to burg at noon. Patty came on 2.22 train all right.

Sep 12 – Mercury 91. Not very well. Not much work. Hot and dry.

Sep 13 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Hannah went to Shelby ville.

Sep 14 – Working around work in shop some and garden.

Sep 15 – At home. No one came in to day. Very quiet for Sunday meeting. Folks no call to see Hannah.

Sep 16 – Hot and dry. Charleys men cutting corn. I dug some potatoes picked up some apples.

Sep 17 – Some cooler Mercury 58 pleasant some cool wind. Ethan went to Augusta after Rose James.[108] She came on the Olin Excursion Train. Cool Evening.

Sep 18 – The Olin Reunion at the M. E. Church to day. Big croud. I took Patty over to Lois. Oscar and Mary came on noon train. Nice day. They stayed all night.

Sep 19 – Oscar took Mary up to her mothers[109] in afternoon. He came back stayed all night. Cool morning some frost the first of the season.

Sep 20 – Pleasant day. Oscar went up to Mrs Bateys. Olin union had a dance at the rink.

Sep 21 – At home. Working around shop and garden.

Sep 22 – At home. No one here. Hannah at Hanks. She came down from Shelby ville.

Sep 23 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Rose went with him she went Rices.

Sep 24 – Patty and I went down to Katharines and Julias. Warm day. Mart repairing clover Huller.

Sep 25 – At home as usual. Not mutch going on. Pleasant some some ledle rainy.

Sep 26 – Repaired Marts concave. Ethan working for Charley Town. Mr Brown Died.[110] He lived on East Main St. front of Grove St Galesburg.

Sep 27 – Fine day. Drew two loads wood from the woods. Patty here.

Sep 28 – Mercury 77. Chored round. Drew one load wood. Very warm. Ina came over in afternoon. Ethan worked for C. Town.

Sep 29 – At home all day. No one here Except Pattsy and Rose and Hannah. Mr James Millham Dide about 12 oclock to night.[111]

Sep 30 – Went over to burg in morning. Patty, Rose and Hannah all here.

Oct 1 – Nice day. Ethan took Rose to Augusta and back. I took Hannah over to Mrs Thad Claps.[112] Mrs Gaffiny came home with me.

Oct 2 – Took Patty Kalamazoo. Went to Jesse Turners.[113] Fine day. Patty stayed with Nancy. I went home.

Oct 3 – Went to Kalamazoo on the way to Shelby ville. Got left. Stayed to Hanks. Very ____ day. Hank and I went up to the burg to attend Mary Schroders wedding.[114]

Oct 4 – Went up to Shelby ville on the 7.30 train.

Oct 5 – At Lous. D & Jay[115] went up to Bradley to the Ball play. Shelby team Beat the Bradley team very much bad.

Oct 6 – At the Harris House. D and I and Floyd went and found Jumbo. Got him home.

Oct 7 – At the Harris House all right. Cool wind. Went over to Jays a while in afternoon.

Oct 8 – Left Shelby ville on the Eigh Oclock run in morning. Came to Nancys stayed until night. Came up on the 5 oclock run.

Oct 9 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths. Theodore dug the potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 10 – Working around. Got 3 bags wheat over to Charley Towns. Took one bag over to mill.

Oct 11 – Hannah came home. I went over and got Nancy she stayed all night.

Oct 12 – Mercury 64. Took Nancy and Hannah over to burg this morning. Rainy warm.

Oct 13 – Mercury 40 nice pleasant morn. All at home. Cool East wind. Claud and Nancy came up here.

Oct 14 – Went over to the cemetry with Patty. Worked on roller some. Nice day very dry.

Oct 15 – Finished putting in the staves in roller. I am 76 yrs old to day.

Oct 16 – Put head on roller. Very nice weather. Took Patty over to Lois. Got one load wood down. Bot pants one Dollar.

Oct 17 – Put rooler together. Worked around the yard and Barn. Patty and I went around the squair. Very nice weather.

Oct 18 – Worked on road all day. Nice weather. Went over to burg after Nancy at night.

Oct 19 – Worked on road in forenoon. Cut some grass for Bill. Ethan working for Charley Town. Took Nancy over to burg in morning.

Oct 20 – At home. Patty here. All well and feeling better.

Oct 21 – Washing as usual. No one here but de famle.[116]

Oct 22 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo after Frank and Hat.[117] Lois drove the rig over in morning for them. They had Bill Olmsted and surrey.

Oct 23 – Took Patty over to Lois in morning. She stayed all day.

Oct 24 – Ethan, Frank, Hattie and Hannah went over to Lois.

Oct 25 – Patty, Frank and family started for home on the 3.00 PM train. Nancy came over stayed all night.

Oct 26 – Took Nancy over this morning. I went up to Theodores got pump put it in well at the house.

Oct 27 – Mercury 39 in morning. At home. No one here but what belongs here. Ed came down. Ho__ got some bark of the appletree.

Oct 28 – Very fine day. I made crosshead for Theodore. Hannah went down to Mrs Summers to make um dress for Cal. She had nothing to wear to church but her night gown. Mrs Cooley called to see Hannah.

Oct 29 – Got sweet corn into the barn. Husked some.

Oct 30 – Took Sarah over to Mr Ralphs and Blakes. Cool day. Carried Neal Commings dress over to her. Mr Edmons Auction to day.

Oct 31 – Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Kalamazoo. Lois came over in forenoon I took her home at night. Some ledle rain not much.

Nov 1 – Rainy day. No work out to day. Nancy Hart came up as usual stayed to Lois all night.

Nov 2 – Chored round all day. Ethan repaired Mr Towns clock and Mrs Randals sewing machine. Hanks folks went up to Will Browns stayed all night. Let Herb Earl have $1.00 for Hannah.

Nov 3 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went up to Will Browns. Hanks folks came here stayed all night.

Nov 4 – Hanks folks went home on the Eight 20 run. Hannah went up to John Blakes to sewing. Mrs R. G. Smith went with her. Sally and I washed.

Nov 5 – Went down to Katharines. Pleasant cold wind. Mart thrashing for D. C. Read on portage st Kalamazoo.

Nov 6 – Mercury 26. Picked up some brush in orchard and fixed up cellar windows. Ethan went over to burg in morning and Evening.

Nov 7 – Drew two loads wood. Rained. Went to Mill. Bot Shoes $2.00.

Nov 8 – Rainy day. Not much work to day. Ethan went over to burg in morning. Husked some corn. Bill out in lot now days. Nancy came over.

Nov 9 – Mercury 45 some rainy. Worked in corn house cleaning up getting ready to put in the corn. Took Nancy over to burg in Morning.

Nov 10 – Mercury 40. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Nice warm day for this season of the year. Will and Clara Caywood[118] called here.

Nov 11 – Mercury 44. The two Hannahs went to J. C. Blakes this morning. Nice day. Patched the roof to the corn house ___. Mr Daniels called here. Mrs Olmsted called here just at night.

Nov 12 – Mercury 56. Patching corn house roof. Rainy afternoon. Sarah went over to burg in afternoon to Em Ralphs and Barbers. Sam White Died to day.[119]

Nov 13 – Mercury 50. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day to see West.[120] I went up to Herbs got Hannahs ticket. Not very cold. Put some shingles on corn House.

Nov 14 – Mercury 39. Ethan got home at noon. Some stormy cool wind. Charley drew one load corn put it in corn House. Some snow in the air. Sam White buried to day.

Nov 15 – At work in barn some. Went over to burg after Lou and children. Nancy came over in Evening stayed all night.

Nov 16 – Took Nancy over to burg this morning. Put some shingles on cornhouse.

Nov 17 – Ethan went over after Lois she came over had to go home. Luke Smiths folks came down.

Nov 18 – Rainy day. Washing day. Ethan cut some wood up in woods.

Nov 19 – Mercury 46. Drew two loads wood. Went over to burg in morning after Lois she stayed all day. Bot broom 80¢. Em Ralph brot the chickens.

Nov 20 – Mercury 45. Quite nice and warm for fall weather. Not very well. Ethan chopping. No work but chores. Some misty.

Nov 21 – Mercury 44. Took Lou over to Mrs Ralphs. Sarah went over to Fan Towns. Hiram[121] came on noon train. Hannah up to Gates sewing.

Nov 22 – Mercury 41. Hannah to Galushas. Cold rainy day verry rough day. Stell and Mary Milham came down in afternoon. Nancy came over at night. L Carson Died to night.[122]

Nov 23 – Mercury 41 pleasant day. E. took Nancy over to burg. Hi[123] not very well. Hiram left on 2.15 train. Ethan took Lou over to Em Ralphs in afternoon. Ed Harmon and _____ went cademy of theater at Kalamazoo.

Nov 24 – Mercury 47 pleasant but cold north wind. Ethan and Lou went over to Lois.

Nov 25 – Mercury 42. Lou went to Kalamazoo on 2.15 train. Charley Clark came on the morning train. Mr Alonzo Carson Buried to day. Clark stayed all night.

Nov 26 – Mercury 25. Charley went home on 7.20 train. Ethan worked for Dell putting in storm doors. I went up to E. P. Flanders got five Bushels apples. Snowed like blazes. Charley drew the cornfodder to day.

Nov 27 – Mercury 33 Snow ten inches deep this morning. Not do much to day. Some sleighs running to day.

Nov 28 – Mercury 27. At home all day. Not go down to Nancys to Thanksgivum. Ethan went over to burg sent letter to Aylmer.[124] Some sleighs running not much sleighing.

Nov 29 – Mercury 18 some cloudy sun shows through some. Hannah up to the Flanders farm. Bess here. Nancy came over stayed all night.

Nov 30 – Mercury __7. Ethan took Nancy over to burg in morning. He drawed wood on sleigh the first sleighing of the season. Nancy and Bes went home on Evening train. Hannah came home.

Dec 1 – Mercury 23 in morning. At home. Hannah went over to Flangers[Flanders] in Evening. Some sleighing. Took top of Jims violin.

Dec 2 – Mercury 44. Washing and doing chores. Hannah at Galushas to day goes to E. P. Flanders this Evening. C. A. Town[125] paid Ethan $10 Dollars cash. No sleighing snow going off.

Dec 3 – Mercury 33. Put some stifning in Jims violin top. Went up to Herbs and Jesses. Frank sawing. Theodore gone to Kalamazoo.

Dec 4 – Mercury 21. Went up to Herbs got 70 heads cabbage $1.00. Exchanged some corn with Jesse Earl.

Dec 5 – Mercury 36. Mr Mitchel came after Hannah. Shelled some corn fo to take to mill. Eva Moore called here to get her chart.

Dec 6 – Mercury. Took Sarah over to A. Hoags[126] in forenoon. Very pleasant day sun shone all day. Filed buck saw for Charley Town 25¢. Paid Tax $54 cents. Jefferson Davis Died to day.[127]

Dec 7 – Mercury. At work around house and barn. Took Nancy over to burg in morning. Nice day no snow.

Dec 8 – Mercury 60 very nice day. D Harris came this morning stayed all day. Hannah went to Scotts this Evening to Mrs J Richardsons.

Dec 9 – Mercury 55. Washed the big bed coverlets. Very fine day. Cull drew some cornfodder. Set hitching post south of the house.

Dec 10 – Mercury 44 rainy day some thunder and lightning in Evening. Went over to burg in afternoon. The Rink stood in front of the Rank and Post office on Pearl st.

Dec 11 – Mercury 42 very nice day. Went over to burg in morning. Took 2 bushels wheat to Mill. They turned the corner of Pearl and Battlecreek sts with the Rink.

Dec 12 – Mercury 40. Went down to Marts to Mill. Took some corn got meal for house use. Clara came home with me she stayed all night. Fine day.

Dec 13 – Mercury 42. Sarah and Clara went over to Lois. I went up to Herbs to see Jo Smith about chopping. Charley commenced sowing rye.

Dec 14 – Mercury 34. Lee sowing rye. I not very well. Ethan working on Edwins moddle. Clara took Sarah over to Fannys. Some sprinkle not much.

Dec 15 – Mercury 32. At home. George came up after Clara. Not very cold. E. E. Thresher, John Thresher and Mr Chesebrow came over to see moddle traction Engine went East in forenoon went to Climax.

Dec 16 – Mercury 44. Washing day. Not very well to day. Ethan finished Threshers moddle took it over in Evening. Some rainy day. Herbs girl Born this Morning 7 oclock.[128]

Dec 17 – Mercury 44 in morning rainy this morning. Chored round house and barn. 46 in Evening.

Dec 18 – Mercury 46 in morning. Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Kalamazoo. Jo Smith cut grubs to day. Nice day for winter.

Dec 19 – Mercury 35. Went over got Hannahs cloak in morning. Jo chopping. Elva Cross field here in Evening. Frank came down. Rained all night.

Dec 20 – Mercury 40 rainy morning. Jo no come to day.

Dec 21 – Mercury. Jo chopping. Nice day. He finished cutting grubs. I went over to burg in morning to see about the picture —– which Nancy selected one. Ethan went over in Evening.

Dec 22 – At home. No one here. Went over the river found the whip[?] on the hill north of the bridge in the mud. Ed Harmon here in Evening.

Dec 23 – Not much work to day. Ethan drawed wood. Took Hannah down to Caywoods in morning. Went over to burg got picture.

Dec 24 – Mercury 44 in morn very warm nice day. Ethan finished drawing the wood. I worked in shop some on violin put on finger board. Mercury 64 at night. Agness Smith Married.[129]

Dec 25 – Mercury. Went over to burg in morning. Lois came home with me. Bot sack Buck Wheat flour 33 lbs. Lelah came this Evening. Bot my 1890 Diary 25 cts.

Dec 26 – Went up to mill got load sawdust some lumber of Mr Crossfield 30 feet. Fixed the well at the House.

Dec 27 – Mercury 25. Took Hannah over to Commings. Worked on window for the well room made the sash. Got Lelahs package. Lois at Nancys. Got Ha_____ package from Perry.[130]

Dec 28 – Worked window some and platform strut up the well room.

Dec 29 – Put in the stops inside. Lelah here.

Dec 30 – Put outside stops on outside of window. Fixed inside of the room some. Mr C Durkee Killed on the railroad track just west of A. Cars place.[131]

Dec 31 – Not verry well to day. Expected to went to Kalamazoo to day but no go. Ina, Lelah and Bes here.

Memoranda.
Dimensions of my violin top
Length of Bas Bar ____ inches
2 in fron lower End
2 ¼ from upper End
General Thickness 1/8 in
under right hand side of B. Bar 1/8 and 1/16[?]
And diminish Each way to 1/8 in
Heith of B. Bar under Bridge 5/16

Henrys[132] Number
335 Miner Avenue
Stocten California
USA

——-

[1] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] Mercury reading

[3] His son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Brown

[4] Hank’s mother, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[5] His grandson, William Clark

[6] Michigan death records confirm that Alice Williams, age 22, died in Pavilion, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan and an accompanying obituary states she died of Typhoid Fever

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

[8] His daughter and granddaughter, Lois (Keith) Clark and Ina Skinner

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

[10] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[11] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris, and her children, LaVerne and Floyd Harris

[12] James Milham was the half-brother of Martin Milham, who was the husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[13] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[14] Neighbor, Frances Towne

[15] His son-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, known as D.

[16] Above zero

[17] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

[18] Either Hiram Crawford Jr. or Henry Clay Crawford; both of whom were brothers of his wife Sarah

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[22] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph, wife of William Ralph, and D. Harris’ aunt

[23] Hank Brown’s cousin

[24] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[25] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[26] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[27] Luke often uses silly words in his diaries; in this case, making music on the guitar and fiddle

[28] Records of Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan shows that John C. Perkins was interred there on January 17, 1889

[29] Lucius C. West, patent attorney in Kalamazoo

[30] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s son-in-law

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[32] Neighbor, Cullen Albert Towne, Fanny Towne’s brother

[33] A plane having cutters designed to make the tongues and grooves on the edges of boards so they fit tightly together

[34] Willis Brown, Hank’s brother

[35] Neighbor, Charles Ford

[36] After her daughter, Lucy (Lee) Milham, died in 1884, Catherine took care of the children. The three youngest girls would be Nina (9), Gertrude (7) and Lavinia (6) Milham

[37] His cow

[38] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[39] Michigan marriage records show that Blanch Olin married Charles White in Galesburg, Michigan on February 21, 1889

[40] Sophia (Beckwith) Lay. FindAGrave.com shows that she died February 26, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[41] Stephen Comfort, his wife Sarah’s uncle (see March 3^rd entry)

[42] Theodore & Alice (Vandercook) Earl and Alice’s ten-year-old son from a previous marriage, Claude Seeley

[43] Herbert & Luella (Farr) Earl and their two-year-old son, Royal

[44] Frank & Elva (Earl) Crossfield and their five-year-old daughter, Ethel. Theodore, Herbert & Elva were the children of Jesse & Mary “Polly” (Clapp) Earl

[45] Leroy, New York

[46] Michigan marriage records show that Addie Russell married Harry Burroughs in Galesburg, Michigan on March 6, 1889

[47] Believe he is referring to his grandson, Claude Brown. At the time Claude was 14 years old and later became a professional commercial artist

[48] Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders. FindAGrave.com confirms that she died March 11, 1889; she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[49] His daughter and her husband, Lois & Adelbert “Del” Skinner

[50] Neighbor, Albert Towne

[51] FindAGrave.com shows that Anna Maria (Elsworth) Freer died March 17, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[53] His son, James Clinton Keith

[54] Neighbors, Charles & Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[55] According to FindAGrave.com, Hannah Streator (Matthews) Tuttle died March 20, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galeburg, Michigan

[56] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[57] Ray and Perry Brown

[58] Prudence (Lamb) Dibble; according to FindAGrave.com she died March 22, 1889 and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[59] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Lou’s family lived

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

[61] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[62] Luke uses this phrase quite often. The Oxford Dictionary gives its meaning as “vigorously or quickly”

[63] His son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner

[64] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[65] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith, the wife of his nephew Oscar Keith

[66] One of his farm animals

[67] Michigan death records confirm that Ann Eliza (Shafter) Decker died April 12, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Shafter Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[68] The Keith Family Bible shows that “Wesley Keith” was Luke’s adopted brother. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Goddard, Kansas

[69] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[70] His cousin

[71] FindAGrave.com shows that Mary (Allerton) Plank died April 30, 1888, not 1889, and that she is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Anoka, Minnesota

[72] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[73] Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham

[74] Mary (Stedman) Clapp, the wife of Edwin M. Clapp. FindAGrave.com shows she died May 16, 1889 in Detroit, Michigan and that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[75] See obituary at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2019/12/23/obituary-of-catherine-keith-bradley-lee

[76] Martin Milham, Catherine’s son-in-law

[77] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker

[78] The daughters of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham; James and Martin were half-brothers

[79] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[80] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford and her daughter, Blanche Crawford, who were the wife and daughter of Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[81] Bobtail train run

[82] Jessie Crawford, Katherine & Hiram Crawford’s daughter

[83] George Tomlinson, the husband of his niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[84] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[85] Cyrus Streator and Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator. It is believed that Cyrus was the brother of Laura’s late husband, Marius Streator; research continues

[86] Andrew B. & Frances Spinney

[87] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

[88] A poisonous emerald-green powder used as a pigment, insecticide, and wood preservative

[89] Believe this should be “Nell and Streator,” which would be Nellie (Underwood) Stanford and her cousin, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[90] His grandniece, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham (see also footnote to May 18^th entry)

[91] His grandson, Charles Clark

[92] His grandson, Claude Brown

[93] Jackson, Michigan

[94] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[95] According to the 1880 census, Hannah was the sister of Luke’s neighbor, Joseph Flanders. Luke often referred to the parents of a family member, or of a neighbor, as Aunt or Uncle

[96] FindAGrave.com shows that Frederick Hawver died August 8, 1899 and is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

[97] FindAGrave.com shows that Ethelinda (Tubbs) Wheeler died August 14, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan, and is buried in Ford Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[99] Scotts, Michigan

[100] His horse

[101] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of his late sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[102] (See footnote to March 4^th entry)

[103] His son-in-law, Daniel Harris

[104] His first wife was Jerusha Crittenden (also spelled Cruttenden). She had a brother by the name of Henry Crittenden, so perhaps that is who Luke is referring to

[105] George Tomlinson (see footnote to June 11^th entry)

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

[107] Patty was living with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion & George Tomlinson

[108] Roselia James. Rose lived in Charlestown, Ohio, and the future wife of Luke’s cousin, Edward Wolcott

[109] Eliza “Betsy” (Olds) Batey

[110] Thomas Brown. Michigan death records confirm that he died September 26, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan

[111] While the Michigan death records show his date of death as October 1, 1889, FindAGrave.com has his date of death as September 29, 1889 which agrees with Luke’s entry

[112] Mary (Sherwood) Clapp

[113] His maternal first cousin

[114] Michigan marriage records show that Mary Schroder married Lester Carson in Galesburg, Michigan on October 3, 1889

[115] D Harris’s brother, Jay Harris

[116] “The family”

[117] His grandnephew and his wife, John “Frank” and Harriet (Root) Tomlinson

[118] Neighbors, William & Clara (Evans) Caywood

[119] Michigan death records confirms that Charles White died November 12, 1889 in Charleston, Michigan

[120] Lucius C. West, patent attorney in Kalamazoo

[121] His brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[122] Michigan death records show that Alonzo Carson, age 32, died of Typhoid in Ross, Michigan on November 24, 1889 (not the 22^nd as Luke wrote) and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[123] Hiram Crawford’s nickname

[124] Luke had a cousin by the name of Aylmer Lot Keith; perhaps this is to whom he is referring

[125] Cullen Albert Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[126] Abel Hoag; Abel’s wife, Sarah “Jane” (Mason) Hoag, and Luke’s wife Sarah were good friends

[127] Jefferson Finis Davis served as the president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865

[128] Michigan birth records show that Mary Earl was born in Comstock, Michigan on December 16, 1889 to Herbert & Luella (Farr) Earl

[129] Michigan marriage records show that Agnes Smith married Edward Wilber in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan

[130] Perry, New York

[131] Michigan death records show that Zerah C. Durkee, age 49, was killed by a train engine in Comstock, Michigan on December 30, 1889 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[132] His son, Henry L. Keith

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1888 Diary

                                    1888 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Very Blustrous a regular Dacota Blizzard. H. A. Brown,[2] Ethan, Hannah,[3] Claud & Bess,[4] went up to Tip Towns.[5]

Jan 2 – Took Nancy[6] and girls down to Mrs Browns.[7] I went up to Mrs Fords got Mates[8] wrap.

Jan 3 – Went down to Mrs Browns after Nancy and girls took them over to Burg. They went home. Took the Hams down to Mrs Brown in afternoon.

Jan 4 – Took Hannah down to Mr Mitchels in afternoon. Jim[9] and Arthur Arms[10] cut and drawed wood.

Jan 5 – Took Ina home in morning. Worked on cross head in afternoon. Theodore[11] came down and Babited[12] one side. Fred Franklin got his axhelve.

Jan 6 – Worked in shop on cross head. Theodore and Ethan Babited the other side.

Jan 7 – Went down to Katharines[13] in morning. Ethan and Theodore finished the cross Head. Snowed like fun[14] when we came home.

Jan 8 – About one inch and half snow this morning. Sun came out bright in morning. Will Brown[15] hunting for Hog.

Jan 9 – Cold. Not much done. Drawed one load wood. Took some cobs down to Mrs Brown in morning.

Jan 10 – Very cold and blustrous. Nothing done but chores.

Jan 11 – Went over to burg in morning got calendar. Brot Mr Hawks Bass viol over for repairs. Took the Belly of in afternoon. George Blake and wife[16] called here.

Jan 12 – Cold blustrous day. Worked on bull fiddle. A. Armes called here for Jim. Rained in night.

Jan 13 – 5 abz[17] cold blustring day. Worked on Big fiddle. Young Ogden came after Hannah. Put top on Jims violin. Mr David Freer Died to day.[18]

Jan 14 – Worked on Big fiddle. Cold day. Went over to burg in afternoon got bag bran for cow 30¢. Snowed in night.

Jan 15 – At home all day. Mr Freer Buried to day. Dell, Lois and Ina[19] here in Evening.

Jan 16 – 9 Mercury 9 Below zero this morning. Judson Howlet came after Hannah. Worked on Double Bass viol.

Jan 17 – Worked in shop some on Big Fiddle. Cold day.

Jan 18 – Worked in shop some on Bass viol. Went over got clamps to put Bass viol to gether with.

Jan 19 – Good sleighing. Worked in shop on viol.

 Jan 20 – Cold day. Went over took Mr Buralls clamps home. Glued upper End of top on Bass fiddle.

Jan 21 – Mercury 15 below zero this morning. Hannah and I went to Kalamazoo. Bot suit clothes $12.00. Very much cold day.

Jan 22 – At home. Clara and George[20] came up here. Very nice pleasant day.

Jan 23 – Worked in Kitchen took of plaster and lath leveled up the joists.

Jan 24 – Mercury 9 below. Put back the floor in Kitchen. Cold day. Jim went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop some on Big fiddle. Put top on Bass Viol in part.

Jan 26 – Finished putting the top on Bass viol. Went over to Burg in afternoon. Sarah[21] went down to Mrs Browns. Old Mrs Russell Buried to day.[22]

Jan 27 – Mercury at zero. Worked on Bass Viol. Very nice day. First rate sleighing. Jim worked for Vansickler and Stilson.

Jan 28 – Went over to Burg Bot flooring and ceiling for Kitchen $5.00. Took Bass Viol over Mr Hawks paid $4.00. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Nice day good sleighing. Charley Town[23] brot lumber over.

Jan 29 – Went over to George Blakes to a Spiritual meeting.[24] Had a good time.

Jan 30 – Mercury 28 Abz in morning. Ethan got home at noon. Commenced putting down floor.

Jan 31 – Laying floor in Kitchen put down about half. Fine winter weather first rate sleighing.

Feb 1 – Went over to burg got ceiling of John Allen 160 feet $1.40. Laid floor in afternoon. Ella Chadwick married to night.[25] Very nice day.

Feb 2 – Ethan and Lizzy Brown[26] went to Kalamazoo. I finished laying the floor in Kitchen.

Feb 3 – Hung Kitchen door. Not very well. Ethan putting on ceiling. Henry Webster got the cutter to go to the Dance.

Feb 4 – Worked in Kitchen some not much. Not very well.

Feb 5 – Not very well. At home. Sarah went went over to Forbush Blakes.

Feb 6 – Not much work to day. Ethan putting on ceiling. I put the last tutch on floor. Not well any way.

Feb 7 – Lois came over helped Hannah. Cold bluster, snowed and blowed like fun at night.

Feb 8 – Cold blustring day. Took 4 bushels wheat to mill. Bot paint and oil. Jim and Charley Griffith chopping for H. D. Streator.[27]

Feb 9 – 15, cold blustring. Went over to burg bot paper. Went down to Katharines took her dress down. Cold, mercury 15 below zero 9 oclock in Evening.

Feb 10 – 3 below. Went over after Lois in morning. Bot oil cloth.

Feb 11 – 6 below. Went over to Burg in morning after Lois. Bot tamper for stove in middle room. Changed the stove[?]. Put the carpets down. Ethan finished painting.

Feb 12 – 4 below. At home. Not very well. Sarah went over to Blake. Jesse Earl[28] came down here made a short visit. Nice day. Woods folks no come down.

Feb 13 – At home. Not very well. Chored round some.

Feb 14 – Went over to burg. Got letter from Nell Gillett.[29]

Feb 15 – D. and Lou[30] came home to day. Not very cold.

Feb 16 – D and Lou went to W^m Ralphs.[31] D and Lou here. Jim went up to Augusta after oats. I bot 5 bushels $1.90¢. I mended chair and small table for Mrs Brown. Filed saw for C. Town.

Feb 17 – Lou and D. here. Not much work to day. Cleared out shop.

Feb 18 – Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo to sign papers for nut lock.[32] Ethan stayed Jim came home. D and Lou went over to Burg.

Feb 19 – Rained some. D. and Lou here all day. Em and Cora[33] came down. Rained quite hard.

Feb 20 – D. and Lou went home on 11.55 run. Some what blustrous.

Feb 21 – Went over to Burg at noon. No mail from Walter and Nell. They came on Nine Oclock Accommodation Evening. Theodore and Allice[34] here in afternoon and Evening.

Feb 22 – Went over to Burg. No mail from Walter and Nell.[35] They came on 9 oclock train in Evening.

Feb 23 – Ethan Jim went after Katharine. She came stayed all night. Nice day.

Feb 24 – Lee[36] came up after Katharine in afternoon. Ethan went over got Lois and Ina. They stayed all night. Rainy night.

Feb 25 – Ethan took Lois and Ina home in morning. Rained and snowed and Blowed, some Blustrous day. Ethan, Jim, Hannah, Walter and Nell went over to Lois. Stayed all day.

Feb 26 – At home. Walter and Nell here. Cold blustring day.

Feb 27 – Ethan, Hannah, Jim, Walter and Nell went to Kalamazoo. Cold blustring day. They had Cap Rowlands team.

Feb 28 – Ethan stayed all night. Hannah went down to Mr Randals. Cull Towns Boy Born this morning.[37]

Feb 29 – Took Hannah over to Burg. Bot half Bushel Potatoes 55 cts. Rained in night.

Mar 1 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. I turned D. Ball club. Very muddy, snow most gone.

Mar 2 – At home. Not very well. Charley Town and Fanny[38] here in Evening. Had a circle.[39]

Mar 3 – Went to mill took two bushels wheat. Bot 30 lbs Bran 30 cts. Herb and wife and boy,[40] Theodore and wife here in Evening and a Mr Far. Nancy and girls[41] came up on 6 oclock run.

Mar 4 – Nancy & girls went down to Mrs Browns.

Mar 5 – Nancy and girls went home on 11.55 train. I not very mooch well some not mooch.

Mar 6 – Jim and Charley Grifeth drawed wood. Cold windy day.

Mar 7 – I put top on Calvin Streators[42] violin. Pleasant day. Sarah went up to Hat and Lib Taylors.[43] Jim chopping for Fred Franklin. Mr Russel Died to night Ae. 93 years.[44]

Mar 8 – Not much work to day. Worked in shop some. Done the chores. Charley and Fanny Town here in Evening.

Mar 9 – Chored round. Put finger Board on violin. Henry Winters stayed here all night. Rainy night. Mr Russel buried to day.

Mar 10 – Rainy day. Jim worked for H. D. Streator. I Bot 4 bushels corn of C. Town 55¢ pr Bushel $2.20 cts.

Mar 11 – At home all day. Sate[45] came over and sewed for Hannah.

Mar 12 – Ethan took Sate home. I am not very well. Choring some. Hannah went up to Tip Towns this Evening.

Mar 13 – Worked in shop some. Sawed out finger board for my violin.

Mar 14 – Put finger board on to the violin. Cold windy day.

Mar 15 – Not very well. Took Fan[46] up to Flanders[47] to get Jersey calf. Nice day. Eunice Town brot Hannah home afternoon.

Mar 16 – Worked round in shop some. Nice day. T. B. Lord died to day Ae. 74 years & 5 months and one day.[48]

Mar 17 – Went over to burg in morning got some things, new bacin. Went up to Herbs got some cucumber pickles.

Mar 18 – Went over to Geo Blakes had a first rate time. Lois, Hannah and Sate went. Mr T. B. Lord buried to day.

Mar 19 – Mended the girls clothes bars. Jim & Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Some rainy in afternoon.

Mar 20 – Hannah went down to Mrs Streators.[49] Very much rainy day.

Mar 21 – Made wash Bench for Hat & Lib Taylor. Cold wind.

Mar 22 – 6 Abz in morning, cold blustring day, snow flies Lively. Filed saw for Taylor girls. Lee got the wash Bench.

Mar 23 – Mercury 3 below zero. Went over to burg. Took Ethans Binder castings over to Foundry. They are fitting them up. Bot half Bushell potatoes of Turney 55 cts.

Mar 24 – Cold blustring day very cold. Wing got the Alphadelphia Association[50] Books from Taylors. The girls moved over to the Burg to day. Mr Brower moved to day into the girls House.

Mar 25 – 16 Abz cold wind all day, fine snow some rain. Mrs Josh Wheaton Died to day.[51]

Mar 26 – Hannah went up to W^m Ralphs to work. Ethan over to Foundry.

Mar 27 – Mended frame to Hat and Libbies hanghing[?] Lamp. Some cool day.

Mar 28 – Went over to foundry after Ethans castings. Took the girls Lamp frame over. They let Lockhart have the Horse & carriage to day. Mrs Wheaton Buried.

Mar 29 – Made some whiffletrees[52] for Charley Town.

Mar 30 – Made small pan for Will Brown. Clara Millham came up to day.

Mar 31 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo to work in shop for Mrs William. Jim went to Shelbyville[53] to work for D Harris. I went over to burg 3 times.

Apr 1 – At home all day. No one here.

Apr 2 – Nice day for town meeting. Went over in afternoon. Evva Blake here a while in afternoon. Set Wiandot Hen on 13 Eggs this afternoon. Mrs Julia Johnson found dead to day.[54]

Apr 3 – Chored round not much work. Had a chase after Fan and Jim. They went up to Culls wheat.

Apr 4 – Went down to Katharines. Nice day. Got some warm shugar. Mrs Johnson buried to day.

Apr 5 – At home doing chores and helping Sally[55] what I can.

Apr 6 – Tinkering in shop some. Filed saw for Mr Caywood one for Dod Sumner. Lois came over stayed all night.

Apr 7 – Ethan and Lois went down to Katharines. I went up to Jesse Earls to see Herbs Buggy wheels. De boxes am brake.[56]

Apr 8 – Went down to Mrs Browns held the meeting there. Woods, Chichesters, Wilsons, Keiths, Streators, Blakes, Cyrus Streator.[57] M. O. Streator, Ambrose Brown, T. Ford & Susan Giddings all there and talked some.[58]

Apr 9 – Went down to Mr Streators to see if I could get some hay. Rainy afternoon. Got two galons cyrup of Will Brown.

Apr 10 – Went over to Burg after medicine and boxes for Herbs wheels no got some. Cold windy day rain some not much.

Apr 11 – Lizzie and Ray[59] here all day. She paid ten Dollars. I went up to E O Umphrys farm bot Hay. Nice day some wind.

Apr 12 – Mr Laurence Brot one tun Hay $10.00. Went up to Laurences fore noon Bot ½ tun Hay. Laurence brot it down in afternoon pd $15.79 cts.

Apr 13 – Worked in shop cut out stuff for Hannahs square.

Apr 14 – Went to burg took over two bushels wheat and 9½ Doz Eggs bot Bran 35 cts. Hannah came home worked on squair marked it of.

Apr 15 – Went over to Harry Wilsons to a Spiritual meeting.

Apr 16 – Took Hannah over to burg. She went to Kalamazoo on the 11.15 train.

Apr 17 – Charley Tousley got the Jack varnished W. H. Knaps pattern. Harry Crawford[60] here all day. He left on the nine oclock train for Chicago. Cullen Town commenced cultivating the south lot for oats.

Apr 18 – Went over to burg bot one bushel and 3 pecks clover seed $7.81 cts paid $2.00. Cul Town cultivating the ground for oats.

Apr 19 – Went over got Lois. Took over 3.¾ lbs Butter 20 cts per lb. Snowed some. Cull commenced sowing oats. Bot clover seed one Bushel and 3 pecks 4.50 pr B. 7.88 cts paid $2.00.

Apr 20 – Went over to burg after Lois. Cullen Town commenced sowing oats. Snowed some.

Apr 21 – Cull finished sowing oats. Nice day. He sowed fourteen acres.

Apr 22 – At home. No one here. Turned Bill[61] out in East lot.

Apr 23 – Set Boxes in Herbs wheels. Fine day. The Potatoes came to night to the Burg. Fire in Burg this morning Gus Osgoods store Burned out the inside left the shell standing.

Apr 24 – Went over to burg got 2 bbls Potatoes. They came from Perry N.Y. Frank and Walter[62] sent them. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Sarah went down to Mrs Streator.

Apr 25 – Herb got his wheels this morning. R. E. Strait here this morning. I cleaned yard some. Nice day quite warm in afternoon.

Apr 26 – Cleaned out yard chored round wheeled out some dirt.

Apr 27 – Will Brown plowed potato ground and garden. Ethan and Charley Town went to Kalamazoo. Set Major at night on 15 Eggs.

Apr 28 – 94 Mercury 94 four Abz. I sick to day. Will dragged the tatoe ground and garden. Drew two loads polls. Very hot and dry.

Apr 29 – At home. Nice day. No one here. I not much well some.

Apr 30 – Very cold wet rain all day. Not much work out, to wet.

May 1 – Sent Mrs Streator some potatoes. Charley Town got ashes. I plowed garden and potatoe ground planted my Dacota taters. Ethan planted potatoes, corn, onions, peas, parsnips and varius things.

May 2 – Fine day not very warm. Planted potatoes south of Barn. Dexa and Bell[63] at the Burg on their way to York State to west Oneonta.

May 3 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot shoes for Sarah $1.00. Cleaned yard some. Ethan took the old Binder to peaces to get the bolts for the new one.

May 4 – Worked round house and yard. Hannah and Vern[64] came home.

May 5 – Went over to Burg. Nancy and Lelah and Bes[65] came up on noon train. I went over got Bes.

May 6 – Very nice warm day. Mr James Powers and wife, George Blake and wife, Mrs. Brown and Charley Town here. Had a good time. Mr James Lawler Buried to day.[66]

May 7 – Rainy. I took Hannah down to Mrs Streators. Hannah, Nancy and the girls went home on noon train. Charley Town commenced plowing the East lot.

May 8 – Went over to Burg got boards for the Binder apron. Filed two saws for G. P. Oatman. Had a heavy shower some thunder. Went up to Herbs after cabbage plants no got him.

May 9 – Nice warm morning looks rainy. Not very well. Chored round as usual.

May 10 – Mrs Frank Hodgman Died this morning.[67] Mrs Will Johnson Died.[68] Went over to burg got cabbage plants.

May 11 – Dug some Sassafras grubs in forenoon. Ethan and Charley making corn planter. Had big rain all night.

May 12 – Cool strong wind in forenoon. Mrs Flora Hodgman Buried to day. Mrs Will Johnson Buried to day. Grant Oatman got his saws he paid 40 cts.

May 13 – Cool and windy all day. Mr McLewis and Lady called to see Hannah.

May 14 – Mercury 39 cool, snowed some in morning.

May 15 – Grubbed out the Blackberry bushes in west garden. Mrs Leonard Evvins Buried to day.[69] Ethan and Charley working on corn planter.

May 16 – Sarah went over to Lois. Mrs Brockway there. Hannah there making a Dress for Mrs B.

May 17 – Worked in garden. Went over to burg bot cabbage and tomato plants.

May 18 – Worked some in garden. Not very well.

May 19 – Charley finished planting East lot.

May 20 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

May 21 – Plowed out strawberries and cabbage, peas and onions and oder dings.[70] Charley Clark[71] came here stayed all night.

May 22 – Warm morning. Charley left for home on seven twenty seven run A M.

May 23 – Went to mill took 2 bushels wheat. Bot 2 bushels corn of Schroder and Olin 65 cts pr bushel. Took the girls a few potatoes. Bot violin string of Dick Lamkin 10 cts. Bot one Bottle medicine of W. A. Burdick.

May 24 – Nice warm day. Hoed some in garden. Dick called here. Charley and Ethan working on planter.

May 25 – Choring not much work. Hoed some in garden. Went over to burg.

May 26 – Went over to burg after Mary and Claud they came up with Will Brown. Mary Ozlumm.[72]

May 27 – Some rainy in morning. Ethan, Hannah and Mary went down to Mrs Browns after Dinner. Hannah went up to Cull Towns. Rained in night.

May 28 – Took Mary over to the 9 oclock train. Rainy day. Claud went on noon train.

May 29 – Went over to Mr Ralphs in forenoon got some tomato plants and some cabbage plants.

May 30 – Went to Kalamazoo. Lou and children[73] came down to Nancys. Got home just at dark. Rainy night. Mr Elwood planting in corn and lots of others.

May 31 – Cool cloudy in forenoon. Schram planting corn where the water washed it out.

Jun 1 – Went over to burg in morning after Sate. Went up to Herbs got some cabbage plants. Cora Harris[74] here all day.

Jun 2 – Not very well. Not much work to day. Went over to burg in afternoon. Got wire screen for south door. Took over some Butter to Mrs Barber 5 lbs. Sate here.

Jun 3 – Very nice morning. Went over to Geo Blake to meeting. Had a very good time.

Jun 4 – Fine day. Took Hannah over to the train she went to Kalamazoo. I hoed some potatoes. Went up to Herbs got some cabbage plants, sweet corn and Beet seed.

Jun 5 – Put up Screen doors. Warm day. Kate, Jesse and Blanch[75] came on the Bobtail train.

Jun 6 – Not very well. Not much work to day. Went over to burg in the morning after Kates trunk. Bill run and broke the wagon. I started for Mich 51 years to day.[76]

Jun 7 – I started Plowed out the East part of the garden in afternoon. Cool wind. Jesse went back to school.

Jun 8 – Not very well. No work. Kate and Blanch here.

Jun 9 – Kate and Hannah sewing for Jesse all the times.

Jun 10 – At home. No one here Excep Kate and Blanch.

Jun 11 – Worked some, hoed potatoes part of the day. Some warm day.

Jun 12 – Finished hoing potatoes and garden. Mr John Sager buried to day. Went over to burg after Jesse.

Jun 13 – Rainy morning some thunder rained hard. George Newton stopt through the shower. Went over to burg.

Jun 14 – Took Jesse over to the train in morning. Not very well. Very warm.

Jun 15 – 98 in shade. Not much work to day. Took package over to send to Jesse. 51 years to night I landed here on this place.

Jun 16 – 98 in shade very hot, no work. Sent package to Jesse.

Jun 17 – 94 hot day. At home. Ethan and Hannah went down to Caywoods.

Jun 18 – 90 and upwards very hot. Went over to Express office no package. Henry Crawford[77] came stayed all night.

Jun 19 – 98 in shade. Took Kate over to train she went to Kalamazoo. The package came. I went to Blakes while she was gone to town. Took Henry over to train. Hank Brown called here.

Jun 20 – 100 in shade 2 PM. Kate and Blanch started for home. Went to Kalamazoo to stay there until Saturday then take the afternoon train for Chicago.

Jun 21 – Hannah went to Caywoods. Took Sarah over to Lois. Kate and Jesse went home.

Jun 22 – Not very well. Hoed some cut some grass. Very hot. Sate and Hannah sewing.

Jun 23 – Cut some grass chored round. Went over to burg. Sate here.

Jun 24 – At home. The girls sewing some. Tip was coming down but no came. Sate went home.

Jun 25 – Worked some in orchard. Put up some hay. Sprinkled some bugs.

Jun 26 – Went over to burg in morning. Sprinkled Bugs most all day. Ina came over.

Jun 27 – Drew in some hay. Rany day some and cool. Not much work.

Jun 28 – Not very well. Hoed some in garden. Lou and children came home.

Jun 29 – Not much work to day. Turned 4 pins for Harry. Charley brot the trucks over.

Jun 30 – Made reach and hounds for trucks. Hot day.

Jul 1 – At home all day. Lou and children here. Nice day.

Jul 2 – Ground knife and turned six pins for N. L. Randal,[78] went over to Burg after Lois at noon. George Youmans came over in afternoon.

Jul 3 – 94 in morning, hot morning.

Jul 4 – Took 3 bushels wheat to mill. Lou and children went over to Lois.

Jul 5 – Went over to Foundry. Got some work done for Binder. Jim came home to day. Cory Meridith[79] came with him.

Jul 6 – Hoed some in garden. Not very well. Very hot.

Jul 7 – Hoed in garden. Very hot. D came on B T[80] train. Nancy and girls come home. Lou and Stell and Mary went up to Em Schuylers.

Jul 8 – Put Binder in Barn. Jesse Earl came down. Eliza Ridler started for Rochester to day.

Jul 9 – D. Went home on 8.48 train. Claude went on same train. Hannah went to Caywoods. Some sprinklum.

Jul 10 – Worked in garden some. Cut some grass.

Jul 11 – Not much done. Charley Town came over and tried the Binder.

Jul 12 – Raked up grass in orchard hoed some sprinkled potatoes.

Jul 13 – Worked in garden some. Went over to Burg.

Jul 14 – Took Hannah over to Lois in morning. Hoed some. Went down to Mrs Browns after Nancy and girls. Effie Frazer came with them.

Jul 15 – I went down to Marts.[81] Nancy and girls went home. Will took them.

Jul 16 – 88 in shade ½ past 3 PM. Cut grass around the cornfield. Charley Town drawing wheat.

Jul 17 – Worked in garden and chored round as usual. Hannah at Caywoods.

Jul 18 – Hannah at home. I cut some grass hoed some set around some. Hannah went up to Mr Fishers in Evening. Had a shower just at dark.

Jul 19 – Nice day cloudy not very hot. Choring round.

Jul 20 – Hoed garden and chored around. Ethan working on Binder.

Jul 21 – Took Fan up to Mr Flanders to get Jersey calf.[82] Took Sarah over to Lois in afternoon.

Jul 22 – At home. Some cloudy rain some very ledle mite not much. Andrew Krom Died to day.[83]

Jul 23 – Worked in garden some. Some cooler very dry.

Jul 24 – Not much work to day. Very hot and dry. Charleys sow and pigs in garden in night.

Jul 25 – 97 in shade. Ayers Raymond Died this morning.[84] Got up between two and three oclock AM drove sow an pigs out of garden. They tore down lot of corn. Took Sarah up to Theodores in forenoon. 41 years to day I attended a wedding.[85]

Jul 26 – Chored around hoed some cut weeds in west garden and road. Hot day. Hannah came home from _____.

Jul 27 – Took Hannah up to Gates. Ayres Raymond buried to day. Very warm day getting very dry. Went over to Burg in Evening to hear the Whitney Band.

Jul 28 – Went over to Burg. Got some irons made for Binder. Got cold chisel sharpened.

Jul 29 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Hot day. Mary Flanders[86] and Ed Harmon called in Evening. I repaired cradle in Evening for J. Vandercook 25¢.

Jul 30 – 104 in shade. Took Hannah over to Lois in morning. Very dry. Cullin cutting the oats.

Jul 31 – Had a thunder shower in morning. Cul cutting oats some.   Had a big rain and thunder storm just at night.

Aug 1 – 94 in shade. Took Jim up to Mr Flanders in morning to get Jersey calf. Left her up there. Went over to burg took Eight Doz eggs 13¢ pr doz.

Aug 2 – Thunder shower in morning. Not much work to day. Chored round hoed some in garden.

Aug 3 – Ethan working on Binder. I saw some wood do some chores.

Aug 4 – Went down to Mrs Browns got some apples. Went over to Foundry got wheel bored for Binder. Took stranger down to Caywoods. Mrs John Powers[87] here all day from Scotts. Lizzie Brown here in Evening.

Aug 5 – At home all day.

Aug 6 – Hannah went to Mate Fords to day.

Aug 7 – Hannah went to Mary Flanders to day. Lois went up to Shelbyville. Lou sick. Made Tail Piece for D. Lamkins violin.

Aug 8 – Hannah went to Neal Commings this morning. I went over to post office at noon. Dick got violin Bow.

Aug 9 – At home. Tried the Binder this morning. Ed Galusha called to see the Binder work. He not work first rate.

Aug 10 – Worked in garden and shop some. Warm for this time of the year. Went to Kalamazoo to Nancys. Mrs Gaffing sick.

Aug 11 – At home. Worked in garden and shop some. Nice day had a nice shower in Evening. I went over to post office in the rain.

Aug 12 – At home all day. No one here but Bess.

Aug 13 – Looked over the wire fence found some staples gone put in new ones. Alvin and Charley Lee and wife and wives sister here to day.[88]

Aug 14 – At home. Worked in shop. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Finished Dicks tail piece.

Aug 15 – Working round some in garden. Hannah came home from W^m Blakes. She went to Gull Corners to sew for Mrs Read.

Aug 16 – Went over to Burg in morning after mail. Went to mill in afternoon. Went and saw Celia Cooley roof she had just got painted.

Aug 17 – Ethan went over and got Lois, Sate and Ina. The men came over and painted the west lean to roof in afternoon. Paid 2$ two Dollars. Cyrus and Mrs Streator called here.

Aug 18 – At home. Choring around as usual. Warm and very dry. Hannah came home from Gull.

Aug 19 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Alvin Lees. Mercury runs high.

Aug 20 – Hannah went over to Commings. Hoed some in garden and in shop some. Very dry. Mercury run high 93.

Aug 21 – Went over to Burg in morning. Got some apples to Lois. Warm. Hannah at S. Kinsleys. Mrs. S. J. Gallegan Died to day.[89]

Aug 22 – Went over to Burg in morning after mail. Neal Commings brot Hannah home about noon. I went down to Katharines in afternoon. Ethan took Hannah over to Lois in Evening. Brot Bes Back.

Aug 23 – At home getting ready to go up to Shelbyville. Old Mrs Powlison Died to day Ae. 99 years and 23 days. Catharine Van Arsdale was Born in Pluckemin Somerset Co New Jersey July 26^th 1789.[90]

Aug 24 – West up to Shelby to D. Harris. Found them all well. Very hot and dry.

Aug 25 – At Lous. William and Em Ralph came in afternoon.

Aug 26 – At Lous.

Aug 27 – At Lous.

Aug 28 – At Lous.

Aug 29 – At Lous.

Aug 30 – Came home from Shelby Ville. D and Lou went to Gun Lake to a Masonic picknick. Brot $200 Dollars to Schroder & Olin for D D Harris.

Aug 31 – At home. Ethan took Nancy and children home.

Sep 1 – At home. Not doing some ding not much. Very hot and dry. Randal Rumry carried of Ethans rule.

Sep 2 – Very hot. No one here to day only tramp called in for a drink of water. Theodore and Allice called here in Evening.

Sep 3 – I went over to burg in morning. Paid Schroder and Olin five Dollars and Eighty Eight cents for clover seed bot 19^lb of April.

Sep 4 – Took up platform to well put down sill. Ethan throwed out the sawdust. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders in Evening.

Sep 5 – Drew oats from Cull 44 bushels. Worked some on platform.

Sep 6 – Worked some in shop some on platform. Chored around generaly. Very warm and dry. Went down to Katharines. Very dusty.

Sep 7 – Went over to mill carried 4½ bushels wheat. Turned leggs for Verns table. Mrs Blake and Mrs Harry Wilson came over. Rained in night.

Sep 8 – Finished platform. Hannah at home all day. Lizzie Allerton[91] called here in afternoon.

Sep 9 – Mercury 85 in shade very dry. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 10 – Ethan and Hannah came home. Eugene Crawford and family[92] came this Evening. H. A. Brown came up with them.

Sep 11 – Very warm and dry. Went down to Mrs Browns. Hank took a view of the place one of Tom. I drew Eight Thousand Shingles from Schroder and Olins paid Eighteen Dollars $18.00 for them. I went to Burg 4 times to day.

Sep 12 – Ethan & Jim went to Jackson to state fair. Eugene and family left for home on the twelve 35 train. I went over to Burg three times today.

Sep 13 – Rec^d 5 Dollars of Levy Wilson. Took Hannah over to Mr Olmsteads in morning. Dressed out four slats for Charls Towns machine. Made table for Laverne. So much dry some ding dont grow some.

Sep 14 – Went over to Burg in morning Bot tickets for Perry $16.70 cts. Went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon to see about Jim took Hannah down to Mrs Streators. Ethan worked on corn cutter for C. A. Town.[93]

Sep 15 – Jim gone to Kalamazoo after Cora she no come. Stell came with him. Rained all night heavies rain since June.

Sep 16 – Rainy all the forenoon rained hard.

Sep 17 – Started for Perry N Y. Went to Richland took cars for Perry 1 oclock. Rained hard when we started rained in afternoon. Arrived Toledo about P.M.

Sep 18 – I arrived in Perry at four P.M. all right. Found the folks all well.

Sep 19 – At Tomlinson House[94] and around town all day. Called on Charles Nobles.

Sep 20 – Frank[95] and I went to Rochester. Went up to Mt Hope and over the city. Went through the Powers Art Gallary, water works, New York Central Depo and down to the falls.

Sep 21 – Went into the Royes Reaper shops and up to the Salt Block and Ice House. Saw Mr Need Ham at the Ice House.

Sep 22 – Frank and I went out in the country after Butter got some to Mr Hathaways. Nice day looked very much like rain but he no come some.

Sep 23 – At Tomlinson House. Went to church in Morning. Went down the outlet in the afternoon to the Devils Den a very wild looking place.

Sep 24 – Sick with headache. Nice warm day. Lots teams to the mill to day.

Sep 25 – At Tomlinson House. Nothing done of any account.

Sep 26 – Went to Fowlerville, Moscow, Greggs ville and Pifford. Saw the salt shaft a big institute[?] One 900 Horse Power Engine. Some letle rain. The shaft is 16×20 feet 1000 feet deep. They take out Eight hundred tons pr day.

Sep 27 – The Town Fair commences to day, a cold cloudy day some rain.

Sep 28 – Pleasant day. Lots out to the Fair to day. Saw Mr Henry Olmsted and Mr Morgan of Leroy.

Sep 29 – Pleasant day. Frank, Nell,[96] Hannah, Grace, Carl and Ruth went to Pavilion[97] to day. They got home just at night. Rained and snowed some rather cool wind. Recd letter from Nancy.

Sep 30 – Pleasant but cool. Went to church in morning. Rained all night.

Oct 1 – Rainy morning. Patty[98] and I looked over Elder Berries in fore noon.

Oct 2 – Rainy morning. George and I went through the Knitting Mill. Cold lousy day. Took dinner with Walter and Nell. Snowed some. Bot rubbers 75 cts.

Oct 3 – The Engine came to day. Cool morning no rain. George and I went up to the Log cabbin drove around among the cotages and through the Tabernacle. Went into the ice House saw them load ice. George sold the calf $9.60 6 cts pr lb.

Oct 4 – Cool damp morning some sprinkle not much. Put the Engine in its place this AM.

Oct 5 – Marion[99] and I went to Pavilion stayed to Mary and Fanny. Snows all night rained all night. Had a good visit.

Oct 6 – Rainy day. Went up to the vilage in morning. Called on Mrs Buckingham then on Mary Nobles,[100] Mrs Cyntha Sprague,[101] went over to S. Youngs took dinner then went and saw Clarissa and Almyra Starr, then went back to Perry in the rain, called on Chancy Pond.

Oct 7 – Pleasant morning. At home. Not go to church some. Frank and Hannah went up to the spring and got the Belt.

Oct 8 – George started the engine to day. George Sprague[102] came up to day. Cold rainy afternoon.

Oct 9 – Cold day. Engine no work first rate, pump no go. Had to take it of and go to the machine shop got him fix so he run nice.

Oct 10 – Went down to Mr Gilletts and Gipsonville also to the mouth of the outlet and old paper mill. Crossed the stream five times. Walter, Nell, Hannah, Carl & Grace[103] went to the salt shaft. Mrs Polly Earl Died this Evening.[104]

Oct 11 – At Tomlinson House. Some rainy. Mrs Julia An Tomlinson came to day. Frank went to Fowlerville. Rained in night.

Oct 12 – Karl and Grace left on 6.55 A M train for home. Rainy day. Engine run all day. Frank bot some wheat paid One Dollar Ten.

Oct 13 – Rainy morning. Cut Georges Hair. Went up to the falls and bridge. Was on Bridge at four PM. Got home about 8 PM. Two trains went over one under on the valley road. Rained. Stayed with Nell.

Oct 14 – Went to church. Mr Randolph preach^d of Bloomfield. Went to church in Evening.

Oct 15 – At Tomlinson House. Jo Tomlinson and daughter there. Started for home on four thirty PM train went Buffalo and cars for salamancacds[?] cars for Toledo. From Toledo to Augusta got home about six PM

Oct 16 – At home all day Got to Toledo about half past ten A.M. Ca__ded cars for Augusta. Got home about 7 PM. Trunk carried by.

Oct 17 – At home all day. Nice pleasant day. Harry Streator Brot 12 bushels Potatoes. Charley Lee called here in Evening. Nancy came home to day.

Oct 18 – Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Mart went to town. George and Lee[105] digging potatoes. Guy Nichols was there. Took Hannah over to Lois in morning. Bot Boots of Trabert $3.45 cts.

Oct 19 – Took Hannah over to Lois in morning. Bot Boots of Trabert $3.45 cts. Some windy day. Ras and Tip[106] called here to see Hannah.

Oct 20 – At home. Not very well. Went down to Hanks in afternoon stayed all night.

Oct 21 – At Hanks. Went to the Galery had a negative taken. Came home in Evening.

Oct 22 – Took Hannah over to Nells. Got some shoes for Sarah $2.00. Rained in afternoon. Mr Isaac Poulison Died to day in his sixty seventh year.[107]

Oct 23 – Cloudy day not very cold. Done a short job for Will Caywood. Theodore and Mr Crossfield[108] called in a while. Charley took Hannah up to Ras Towns in Evening. Dark as tar.

Oct 24 – At home. Choring around. Nice day some Indian summer. Put up stagen on west side house.

Oct 25 – Fine warm weather. Choring around the house and garden. Went over to burg.

Oct 26 – Went over to burg in At home. Dig some potatoes. Nice day warm.

Oct 27 – Went over to burg in morning. Jim went to Kalamazoo to Republican doings. Went over at noon with Ethan. He went to Kalamazoo. Paid Schroder $2.00 for shoes. Bot 15 lbs nails 60 cts.

Oct 28 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Nice day.

Oct 29 – Commenced shingling the south part of the house. Theodore helped in afternoon. Fine weather. Filed saw for C. Town.

Oct 30 – Shingling. Theodore and Barber worked in afternoon. Warm nice day. Hannah went to C Fords in morning.

Oct 31 – Jim and I shingled alone. Fine day warm some Indian summer. Charles Lee called here. Albert Allen was killed to day by the cars on GR&J Road.

Nov 1 – Theodore came down in morning finished at noon. Charley Clark came stayed all night.

Nov 2 – Mercury 64 had a nice rain in morning. Charley went home.

Nov 3 – Not much done. Chored around.

Nov 4 – At home all day. Charley Lees folks not come up.

Nov 5 – Worked on roof some put on one roof board. Rained some in afternoon. Jim worked for Ford. Charley Lee called here a while in forenoon.

Nov 6 – Went over to Burg to Election.[109] Alvin and Charley Lee called here. Alvins Horse pulled the Horse Block down, no damage done.

Nov 7 – Worked on Quins gun some. Filed one saw for Mr T. Hill two for Allen Simmons. Not very cold. Charley Lee started for Australia to day.

Nov 8 – Repaired Quins gun. Rainy day. Ethan working on Yeomans patterns.

Nov 9 – Finished Quins gun. He and Harry went hunting. He paid me one Dollar. Worked on Stells cane. Mr Hill got his saw. Jim went to Shelbyville.

Nov 10 – Worked on Finished Stells cane. Rainy day. Not much work to day. Hannah came home this Evening.

Nov 11 – At home all day. No one here.

Nov 12 – Took Sarah over to Lois in afternoon. Nice day. Publicans had a Blowout at Battle Creek.

Nov 13 – Fine day. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Mart making Cider. Publicans had a Blowout to Kalamazoo.

Nov 14 – Very nice pleasant day. Went down to Mrs Browns in afternoon. Mr & Mrs Wood, Mrs Streator & Quin there. Had a good time. Publicans had a Blowout at the Burg.

Nov 15 – Filed Buck saw for C. Town. Shingled up around the shop chimney. Jim went up to scots. We went and got Jersey. Jim home in afternoon. Mr Flanders very sick.

Nov 16 – Worked round fixed well. Jim got load sawdust to put in well.

Nov 17 – Spect C. F. Lee and family sailed to day. Theodore came down helped shingle. We shingled west leanto. Sold Jersey Jim to Mr Aaron Car he paid $20 Dollars for her.

Nov 18 – Mercury 36. Ethan took Jim to Kalamazoo he started for Chicago. Snowed like fun.

Nov 19 – Mercury 33. Mr Car got Jersey Jim. George Yeoman came over.

Nov 20 – West to Kalamazoo to see Lou. She was at Nancys.

Nov 21 – Repaired two violins for D. Lamkins. Nice pleasant weather.

Nov 22 – Went down to Marts got some corn ground. Hannah came home from Scots.

Nov 23 – Put boards on roof under the frieze. Took Sarah up to Herbs. Hannah came home this Evening. Nice day.

Nov 24 – Went over to Burg after Nancy and girls. I not very well.

Nov 25 – Ida, Emma and Nina Allen[110] here to day. Clara Milham came in afternoon. Cool wind shiny day all the same.

Nov 26 – Nancy and girls went home on noon train. Nice day.

Nov 27 – Mr Joseph Flanders Died this morning.[111] I went down to Marts got six bushels apples 10 cts pr bushel.

Nov 28 – Took 4 bushels wheat to mill. Bot sieve 25¢. Claude came over with me. Put some shingles on cornhouse.

Nov 29 – Went up to Mr Flanders in morning. Mr Flanders Buried to day. Funral one oclock PM. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Nice day. Not cold but cloudy.

Nov 30 – At home. Not very well. Picked up apples out west of house.

Dec 1 – Put up the Eave trough on wes leanto. Charley Town finished drawing the corn from East lot.

Dec 2 – Mercury 32 Abz in morn. Mabel brot Hannah down about dark. She went back to Mr Flanders.

Dec 3 – Went up to Theodores. Load sawdust put it in Both wells. Hannah came down from Mr Flanders.

Dec 4 – At home choring. Ollie Walt chopping. Nice day cool wind.

Dec 5 – Walt chopt a while in morning. Rained and snowed in forenoon. Walt went over to burg at noon. He no chop in afternoon.

Dec 6 – Went over to burg after Sate in morning. Saw Dick Lamkins. He came over and drew wood in afternoon he draw 4 loads. Pleasant day.

Dec 7 – Worked in shop hewed out and shaved two axhelves for A Caywood. Dr Homer O Hitchcock died to day.[112]

Dec 8 – Worked on road. Went over to burg in morning after Lois and Ina. Mercury 45.

Dec 9 – 36 Mercury. Went down to Katharines. Fine day fair roads some mud. Hannah went to H. Gilsons.

Dec 10 – Went over to burg at noon took some mail over to the office. Went and saw Charley Davis about chopping.

Dec 11 – Davis and Tenbroke came over and cut wood. Paid them One Dollar Each. Very nice day not cold no snow.

Dec 12 – Went down to Alvin Lees. Nice day. One of Rhodas girls there. Julia very comfortable.

Dec 13 – Worked round house fixed up cellar window. Some cold wind.

Dec 14 – Mercury 14 Abz. Went over to Burg in morning carried some mail matter over one letter to Sanfrancisco Cal. Fan got out. I went all over the woods no find her. She came home. Bot Buck saw 40¢.

Dec 15 – Fixed up the cellar windows. Took Sarah over to Geo Blakes at noon. Rained had quite a shower. Will Brown brot some fish in Evening. Rainy night.

Dec 16 – Mercury 46. At home all day. Not very well. Rainy day. No one here to day. Rained some night.

Dec 17 – Mercury 34 in morning. Finished Caywoods axhelve. Carried shingles down cellar. Rain some ledle some fine snow.

Dec 18 – Chored around house. Cut appletree out near Barn cut it up piled the brush.

Dec 19 – Mercury 18 Abz. Picked up and burnt brush in orchard. Went down to Mrs Browns just at night. Some cold wind little snow in the air. Geo Yeoman came over in morning.

Dec 20 – Mercury 36 Abz cold wind but sunshine no snow. Very good wheeling. Hannah up to Ed Childs. Mr Amos D. Allen Died to day.[113]

Dec 21 – Mercury 24 Abz. Fixed up well room. Chored round house and shop. Cold north west wind.

Dec 22 – Mercury 14 Abz pleasant stout south wind. Stranger chopping wood. Will Clark[114] got home from Colorado.

Dec 23 – Very nice pleasant day. Went down to Katharines. Mart gone to attend Mr Amos D. Allens funral.

Dec 24 – Went over to Burg saw Will.  Mr Caywood got axhelve he paid 50 cts. Sold Skinner 3 doz eggs 60 cts. Mr Daniels called to see Hannah about go to Gull. Hannah went to Shelby.[115]

Dec 25 – Mercury 47. Christmas all over to day. Took top of Albert Chases violin. Went over to burg in afternoon got postal from G Tomlinson one from Clara Milham.

Dec 26 – Mercury 52 Abz. Worked on violin some. Nice day wen Rainy day cold wind.

Dec 27 – Mercury 37 cool wind north west. Worked in shop some. Chicken Died. Mercury 24 at night.

Dec 28 – Mercury. Went down to Marts to mill. Katharine some better. Shiny day cold west wind. Will Clark came over. Orny Schram called here. Will Brown drawed some wood.

Dec 29 – Nice day. At home. Worked in shop some. Will drawed some wood in afternoon. Lou and children came home.

Dec 30 – At home. Ethan and Lou went down to Katharines. Rained in night. Allice Williams Died to night.[116]

Dec 31 – Mercury 34. Went over to Burg after Nancy she came up on the 10:30 train AM. Ethan went to Kalamazoo in afternoon. Not very cold.

——-

[1] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] His son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Brown

[3] His son and daughter, Ethan and Hannah Keith

[4] His grandchildren, Claude and Bess Brown

[5] Neighbor, Eunice (Wood) Towne

[6] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[7] Matilda (Allen) Brown, his neighbor, and the mother of his son-in-law Henry Brown

[8] Believe he is referring to his neighbors, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford and her daughter-in-law, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[9] His son, James Clinton Keith

[10] Hank Brown’s paternal first cousin

[11] Theodore Earl, his neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[12] To add an alloy of tin with some copper and antimony (a brittle silvery-white metalloid) making a lining for bearings that reduces friction

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

[14] Luke uses this phrase quite often. The Oxford Dictionary gives its meaning as “vigorously or quickly”

[15] Hank Brown’s brother, Willis Brown

[16] Believe he is referring to his neighbors, George & Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[17] Above zero

[18] Michigan death records show that David Freer, age 80, died at Pavilion, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Cook Cemetery in Pavilion

[19] His son-in-law, daughter and granddaughter, Adelbert, Lois (Keith) Clark, and Ina Skinner

[20] Believe he is referring to Clara and George Milham, the two oldest children of his late niece, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham

[21] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[22] Michigan death records reveal that Lorenda (Vanguilder) Lewis Russell died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1888; however, no burial information has been found at this time

[23] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[24] Both the Brown and Keith families, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[25] Michigan marriage records show that Ella Chadwick married Adrian Annes on February 1, 1888 in Galesburg, Michigan. Sadly, she passed away a little over a year later on March 15, 1889 at the age of 31

[26] Will Brown’s wife, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[27] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[28] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[29] Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett. Nell was the granddaughter of Luke’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[30] His son-in-law and daughter, Daniel “D” & Louese (Keith) Harris

[31] Neighbor and uncle of D Harris

[32] One of Ethan’s inventions

[33] Most likely Emaline (Stone) Ralph (D’s aunt; wife of William Ralph) and Cora Belle Harris (D’s sister)

[34] Neighbors and “shirttail relatives,” Theodore & Alice (Vandercook) Earl

[35] Walter Gillett, Nell’s husband (see footnote to February 14^th entry)

[36] Ansel “Lee” Milham, the son of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[37] Harold Towne, the son of Cullen & Sarah Antoinette “Nettie” (Adams) Towne. Cullen was the brother of Charley and Fanny Towne

[38] Frances Towne, neighbor and Charley Towne’s sister

[39] A seance

[40] Herbert, Luella (Farr) and Royal Earl. Herbert and Theodore were brothers

[41] Nancy’s daughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[42] Calvin Streator was the son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator, and the brother of Harry Streator; however, he died October 16, 1863 at the age of 25. Perhaps this violin had once belonged to Calvin

[43] Harriet Taylor and her sister, Flora Elizabeth “Libby” (Taylor) Schram. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[44] Michigan death records show that Almon Russell died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 8, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the husband of Lorenda (Vanguilder) Lewis Russell who died January 24, 1888 (see footnote to January 26^th entry)

[45] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s son-in-law

[46] His cow

[47] His neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[48] Michigan death records show that Bishop Lord died in Comstock in March of 1888. FindAGrave.com confirms that Thomas Bishop Lord died March 16, 1888 and is buried in the Comstock Cemetery

[49] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[50] The Alphadelphia Association was an experiment in socialism which Luke, and many of his neighbors, participated in. More about the Alphadelphia Association can be seen at https://oldfamilyletters.wordpress.com/?s=alphadelphia and http://evermore.imagedjinn.com/blg/alphadelphia-association/

[51] Michigan death records confirm that Cordelia (Murray) Wheaton died on March 25, 1888 and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] 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

[53] Shelbyville, Michigan, where D Harris owned and ran the general store

[54] FindAGrave.com confirms that Julia (Chichester) Johnson died April 2, 1888 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[55] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[56] Luke often uses silly words in his diaries; in this case, the boxes are broke

[57] These were the neighbors who attended the seance

[58] These were the departed souls who apparently were contacted

[59] Will Brown’s wife and son, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown and Ray Brown

[60] The son of Hiram & Kate (Atcheson) Crawford; Hiram was Sarah’s brother

[61] His horse

[62] John Frank Tomlinson and Walter Gillett, the grandson and grandson-in-law of Luke’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[63] Dexa (Strait) Harris and her daughter, Isabelle Harris, who were the wife and child of D Harris’ brother, Jay Harris

[64] His granddaughter, LaVerne Harris, the daughter of Louese & D Harris

[65] His granddaughters, Lela and Bess Brown, the daughters of Nancy & Hank Brown

[66] Michigan death records show that James Lawler died May 4, 1888 and FindAGrave.com, although it shows a date of death as May 1, 1888, shows that he is buried in the Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[67] FindAGrave.com reveals that Florence (Comings) Hodgman died May 10, 1888 in Comstock and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[68] Ida Mae (Ralph) Johnson. Michigan death records confirm that she died on May 10, 1888 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[69] Athaline (Hunt) Evans. According to FindAGrave.com, she died May 12, 1888 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[70] Other things

[71] His grandson, Charles Clark

[72] Apparently this was the name of Claude’s friend

[73] LaVerne and Floyd Harris

[74] D Harris’ sister

[75] Katherine (Atcheson), Jessie and Blanche Crawford, the wife and daughters of Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[76] From Covington, New York

[77] His wife Sarah’s brother

[78] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[79] Jim’s girlfriend. They married June 10, 1891

[80] Bobtail train? (see June 5^th entry)

[81] Martin Milham, who was the husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[82] In other words he took his cow to the bull

[83] Michigan death records confirm that Andrew Krom died June 22, 1888 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[84] According to FindAGrave.com, Ayres B. Raymond died July 25, 1888 in Comstock, Michigan and is buried in Ford Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[85] July 25, 1847, Luke married Jerusha Crittenden. He had been engaged to her, 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. In the evenings Luke would go to the cemetery and play his violin at the graves of his first two wives

[86] Believe he is referring to his neighbor, Mary (Smith) Flanders, the wife of Edwin Flanders

[87] Margaret “Maggie” (Kirchbaum) Powers

[88] Alvin and Charles Jedediah Lee were the sons of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee & Juliana Davis. Charles Jedediah Lee (C. J. Lee) was married to Mary Webb and her sister was Ada Webb. Charles, Mary and Ada lived in Australia and were visiting family. There are many letters written by C. J. Lee to Ethan in 1889 regarding the binder

[89] FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah Jane Galligan, wife of Charles P. Galligan, died August 21, 1888 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[90] Former neighbor, Catherine (Van Arsdale) Powlison, who by 1885 was living with her son Isaac Powlison’s family in Cass County, Dakota Territory. FindAGrave.com confirms that she died August 23, 1888 and is buried in Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, Cass County, North Dakota

[91] Neighbor, Elizabeth Caroline Allerton. She would marry Luke’s grandson, William Clark, on December 24, 1896

[92] His wife Sarah’s nephew Eugene & Minnie (Crooks) Crawford and their children, Eugene and Grace

[93] Cullen Albert Towne, Charles Towne’s brother

[94] His niece and her family, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson

[95] John Frank Tomlinson, George & Marion’s son

[96] Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett, George & Marion’s daughter

[97] Pavilion, New York

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

[99] His niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[100] Believe this to be Mary C. Nobles, a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[101] Believe this to be Cynthia (Bishop) Sprague, the wife of William Sprague who was a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[102] Cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[103] Karl & E. Grace (Tomlinson) Jewett; Grace was George Tomlinson’s niece

[104] Polly was a nickname for Mary (Clapp) Earl. Michigan death records show that she died in Comstock on October 20 (not the 10^th), 1888, which could be a typo. FindAGrave shows that she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[105] George and Ansel “Lee” Milham

[106] Neighbors, Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne

[107] Former neighbor, Isaac Powlison, who by 1885 was living in Cass County, Dakota Territory. FindAGrave.com confirms that he died October 22, 1888 and is buried in Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, Cass County, North Dakota

[108] Believe this to be Frank Crossfield, the husband of Theodore Earl’s sister, Alva (Earl) Crossfield

[109] Grover Cleveland won a plurality of the popular vote, but Republican Benjamin Harrison won the election with a majority in the Electoral College, becoming the 23^rd President of the United States. Harrison swept almost the entire North and Midwest

[110] Believe these to be neighbors, daughters of the late John & Amanda (Worden) Allen

[111] Michigan death records confirm that he died November 27, 1888 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[112] Michigan death records confirm that Dr. Homer Hitchcock died December 7, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[113] Michigan death records confirm that Amos Allen died in Kalamazoo on December 20, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[114] His grandson, William Clark

[115] Shelbyville, Michigan

[116] Michigan death records confirm that Alice Williams, age 22, died in Pavilion, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan and an accompanying obituary states she died of Typhoid Fever

1885 diary of Charles Luke Keith Jr.

1885 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

The entries from January 1 through January 18 were first written in the back of his 1884 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1885 diary. Anything from 1884 that clarifies the 1885 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Mercury 2 Abz[2] Blustring. D & Lou [and children][3] came on noon train. Nancy [and children came over. Hank no come],[4] Will Brown and Lizzy,[5] Charley, Lois & Clara & Mrs Youngs,[6] Ella Allen.[7]

Jan 2 – 2 Abz. Went got Lous trunk. [Got Charleys pork barrel.] Ethan,[8] D., Hannah[9] & Jim[10] went down to Mrs Browns[11] in Evening.

Jan 3 – 12 Abz. D. & Lou here. Old Mrs Williams buried to day.[12] Dell[13] got ax in Evening. Em & W^m Ralph[14] here.

Jan 4 – Mercury 23 Abz. At home all day. [Mrs Youngs, Clara and Charley came down.] D. & Lou went up to W^m Ralphs. [Charley and Mrs Youngs went round the squair.]

Jan 5 – Mercury 34 Abz. Cut up Peter.[15] Went over to Burg got oil. [Lou and Jay and Vern.] D. went home. Dell paid for ax $1.00.

Jan 6 – Mercury 38 Abz. Took Hannah down to top of [Browns] Hill. Met Caywood he took her down to his House. Made two pulleys for Theodore.[16] [He sayed to supper. Theodore, Ethan and Jim went over to the Rink to see Burroughs, Austin, Wilson and Durkee skate.]

Jan 7 – Mercury 32 Abz. Sarah[17] and Lou went down to Mrs Browns. Got out stuf for Skinners Pie tongs.[18] [Made one. No storm some to day.]

Jan 8 – Mercury 34 Abz. Worked on tongs. Sarah and Lou went up to Claras. Lois came over after sausage cutter.

Jan 9 – Mercury 34 Abz. Worked on pie tongs. Cool wind no snow on ground.

Jan 10 – Mer 28 Abz. Went over to burg. Took Lou to Mr Ralphs. Got my glasses mended. Mr Randal paid 15¢.

Jan 11 – Mercury 37 Abz in mor. Took Hannah over to over to Lois in morning. Jim and Clark went down to Marts.[19] Rainy day.

Jan 12 – Mer 27 Abz [snows some. Mercury 40 in afternoon.] Went up to mill after oil [no got some]. Shelled some corn. Lou came home in Evening.

Jan 13 – Mercury 8 Abz. Snows some. Jim went up to Frank Bronsons after Hanks Horses. Cold day.

Jan 14 – Mercury 8 Abz. Jim went to Howlands mills. [No snow. Mrs Youngs, Clara, Lois and Charley here in afternoon.] Charley Town[20] drew some straw. Mrs Hitchcock Died [in night.][21]

Jan 15 – Mer 20 Abz. Snowed in night [snow about 4 inches. Went over to burg in morning to help Lou of.] Lou went Home. Hank went to Kalamazoo with her. [Got calendar. Ethan turned Herbs[22] Stand top.]

Jan 16 – Mercury 16 Abz. [Ethan went over to burg in morning to see about moulding his patterns.] Herb came down with his canvasing Book. Cold Blustring Eight inches snow.

Jan 17 – Mercury 10 Abz. Snows and blows snow about 12 inches on level. Cold rough day.

Jan 18 – Mercury 10 below zero. Very cold Blustring day. Mrs Hichcock Buried to day. [Bad day for man or beast to be out, say nodings aboud de vimmins.][23]

Jan 19 – Mercury 10 below zero. Took Hannah over to Lois in morning. Cold. Will Clark[24] called here at noon.

Jan 20 – Mercury 15 below zero. At home all day. Theodore and Ethan went to Burg in afternoon. Very cold day.

Jan 21 – Mercury 3 below. No clouds, pleasant, sun came out clear. Went over to Burg in afternoon. Cold and snows. Quite a blustring day.

Jan 22 – Mercury 10 below zero. Took up pork out of Barrel. Put some in crock. Made two Pie raisers. Very much winter.

Jan 23 – Mercury 8 Abz. At home most of the day. Went over to burg in afternoon. Uncle Pat Smith Died to night.[25]

Jan 24 – Mercury 26 Abz. Went over after Nancy in morning. C. I. Clark[26] went to Jackson.

Jan 25 – Mercury 16 Abz. Went down to Katharines.[27] Not very cold, good sleighing. Mrs Bee buried to day.

Jan 26 – Mercury 2 below. Very cold & blustring. Mr W^m Simonds buried to day.[28] Rough day to be out. No work to day a regular Perry[29] day.

Jan 27 – Mercury 3 below. Chored round some. Went over to burg.

Jan 28 – Mercury 11 below 7 P.M. Worked in shop on Herbs Book Box. Will Brown here making tent.

Jan 29 – Mercury 10 Abz in morning. Worked in shop some on Herbs Book box. Sarah went up to Jesse Earls.[30]

Jan 30 – Mercury 24 Abz. Worked on Box. Herb here. Cut out stuff for Box.

Jan 31 – Mercury 4 Abz. Turned pulley for Theodore. Worked on Box. Dick Lamkin came over got rags.

Feb 1 – Mercury 4 Abz. At home. Dell came over. Bess[31] here came over with Hannah last Evening. Pleasant.

Feb 2 – Worked some on Herbs Box.

Feb 3 – Ethan went down to Coes. Not very cold. Worked in shop on Box. Sarah went over to Mr Forbush.

Feb 4 – Mercury 32 Abz. Worked on Box put Box together. Shelled corn.

Feb 5 – Mercury 1 below at 7 PM. Put the Buttens in Herbs Box and smoothed it up. Sarah went over to Lois.

Feb 6 – Mercury 2 below zero. Cleaned out shop and moved the bench. Herb brot clasp for Box.

Feb 7 – Mercury 22 Abz. Jim went to mill. Snowed hard. Chored round. Fastened down Bench. Mr John Milham Died.[32]

Feb 8 – Mercury 7 Abz. Clara and Edna[33] came down. George and Clara Milham[34] came up. Very nice day any way.

Feb 9 – Mercury 4 Abz. Very blustring lots snow. No work but chores. Bad day to be out.

Feb 10 – Mercury at zero. Snows and blows very rough day. Mr John Milham buried to day.

Feb 11 – Mercury 24 below zero. Gefired cold day. No work to day. Snow from one to five feet deep round the house and Barn.

Feb 12 – Mercury. Very cold. At home. No got out some no how.

Feb 13 – Mercury 24 Abz. At home. Shoveled snow dug a road to Mrs Jones. Very cold day. Mr Merryman stayed all night.

Feb 14 – Mercury 22 below. Went up to mill got tongs to fix pump. Went over to burg. Ed Rumery Buried to day.[35]

Feb 15 – Mercury 24 Abz. Went Down to Katharines. Snowed all day. Came home at night.

Feb 16 – Mercury 14 below zero. Theodore came down in morning. Verry bad day, snows, blows. No teams out to day.

Feb 17 – Mercury 18 below in morning. Very blustrous, cold wind. Edwin Flanders[36] Brot glass for schoolhouse.

Feb 18 – Mercury 13 below zero. Shoveled path to Barn. Very much bluster, big snow.

Feb 19 – Mercury 5 below zero. Took Hannah down to Katharines. Very cold, south west wind.

Feb 20 – Mercury 12 below. No work not much. Filed cross cut saw for Jim.

Feb 21 – Mercury 14 below. Took Sarah over to burg. Set glass in school House in morning. Went over after her in evening. Mercury 17 below in Evening.

Feb 22 – Mercury 9 below. Pleasant day. Hanks folks went over to Mrs Browns. Ida Lewis Died about ten oclock PM.[37]

Feb 23 – Mercury 18 below. Spliced Bob pole for Will Brown. Took Hams down to Mrs Browns to smoke.

Feb 24 – Mercury 10 below. Made boulsters for Theodore. I went over to burg. Ida Lewis buried.

Feb 25 – Mercury at zero in morning. Took Sarah over to Hoags in morning. Repaired cutter.

Feb 26 – Mercury 26 Abz. Snowed some in forenoon. Thawing some.

Feb 27 – Mercury 15 Abz. Went up to mill. Theodores Brace and some bolts to Repair cutter beams[?]. Very nice day.

Feb 28 – Worked round. Done chores. Went over to burg. Took Sarah over to Mr Austins.

Mar 1 – Mercury 34 Abz. Went down to Katharines. Quite Blustrous. Dick Lamkins here in Evening.

Mar 2 – Mercury 26 Abz. Put trimmings on Herbs Box. Fixed Hallocks violin Box & and Bow.

Mar 3 – Mercury 15 Abz. Worked on violin and Bow some on Herbs Box.

Mar 4 – Mercury 33 Abz. Worked on Box oiled and varnished.

Mar 5 – Mercury 23 Abz. Varnished Herbs Box and smoothed it. Herb got his Box. Took Sarah up to Claras.

Mar 6 – Mercury 36 Abz. Mended chair some. Snowed. Went up to Claras in afternoon. Pulled Ethans tooth.

Mar 7 – Mercury 17 Abz. Went up to Hat & Libs.[38] Extracted tooth for Libby. Hannah came home. Hallock got his violin 50 cts.

Mar 8 – Mercury at zero. Very pleasant. Mrs Youngs and Clara came down.

Mar 9 – Mercury 24 Abz. Mr Chipman came down after Hannah. Will Clark sold his house to Jane Galligan.

Mar 10 – Mercury 17 Abz. Went over to Burg after Bob pole. Chored round. Dug ditch to Mrs Jones 4½ feet.

Mar 11 – Mercury 5 Abz. Took Hannahs trunk over to burg. She went up to Lous. Dell went up to Ceresco.[39]

Mar 12 – Mercury 15 Abz. Went down to Mrs Browns in morning. Took the Butter. Edna and Madge[40] came here.

Mar 13 – Mercury 21. At home. No work not much. Edna here.

Mar 14 – Mercury 22. Took Sarah and Edna over to Nancys. Edna went home on noon train.

Mar 15 – Mercury 21 Abz. Pleasant day. At home all day, no one here. Verien Youngs and wife[41] at Charleys.

Mar 16 – Mercury 7 Abz. Made whiffletree[42] for Austin Potts 25¢. Ethan went over to Burg got his patterns. Charley Towns man called here.

Mar 17 – Mercury 6 below zero. Made large pulley for Theodore. Cleaned up some wheat to send to mill. Ethan went to Comstock.

Mar 18 – Mercury 16 Abz. Took wheat down to Browns. Jim gone to mill. Charley went to Jackson.

Mar 19 – Mercury. At home, chores. Lois here coloring. Sarah went up to Rogers. Lois went to Charleys.

Mar 20 – Mercury 10 below. John Schroder came over after Lois. Nancy sick. Took Sary[43] over afternoon. Cold day. Lots snow.

Mar 21 – Mercury 13 below. Chores mostly to day. Cold raw weather very windy.

Mar 22 – Mercury. At home. Clara and Maud Addams here.

Mar 23 – Mercury At zero. Drew three loads Hay from Charleys. Went over to burg. Nancy was better. Ethan go castings.

Mar 24 – Mercury 29 Above. Snows and blows regular Blizzard. Mrs Philo Buried to day,[44] Sam Carsons Daughter.

Mar 25 – Mercury 10 Above. Ethan took castings over to Burg.

Mar 26 – Mercury 29 Above. Worked on violin some. Dell came over stayed all night.

Mar 27 – Mercury 38 Above. Worked on violin some. Ethan went to Comstock after castings. Clara and Mrs Youngs came stayed. Mrs Con Youngs Buried.[45]

Mar 28 – Mercury 33 Abz. Chored round cut some wood. Mrs Youngs and Clara here.

Mar 29 – Mercury 35 Abz. At home. Pleasant day.

Mar 30 – At home. Worked on violin some.

Mar 31 – Mercury 34 Abz. Choring round. Mrs Youngs and Clara here. Pleasant day.

Apr 1 – Mercury 31 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mrs Youngs and Clara here getting ready. Took goods over to Burg.

Apr 2 – Mercury 34 Abz. Took Mrs Youngs and Clara over to burg. They went to Jackson. Rained in Evening. Took the Beadstead up to the girls.

Apr 3 – Mercury 28 Abz. Took Sarah over to Burg in morning.

Apr 4 – Mercury 34. Went over to burg in morning. Got one Barrel salt $1.25. Saw D. Harris.

Apr 5 – Mercury __3. Pleasant day. At home. No one here. Strung new violin.

Apr 6 – Mercury 40. Went to town meeting. No work to day but cut one load wood.

Apr 7 – Mercury 35. Went up in the woods drawed one load wood two loads rails.

Apr 8 – Mercury 32 Abz. Took Sarah over to Nancys in morning. Cold North ____wind.

Apr 9 – Mercury 3__. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to get key seats cut. Charley Town drawed straw.

Apr 10 – Mercury 35. Went over to burg in morning. Took castings over. Got Charleys buggy down.

Apr 11 – Mercury 40. Cool damp wind. Charley Town commenced plowing south lot for oats.

Apr 12 – Mercury 34 cold north wind. Went over to Hanks, all there. Hank starts for Galesburg Ill on the 12.20 train Evening.

Apr 13 – Mercury 28. Went over to burg at noon after ___ stuf. Drawed some cornfodder. Charleys man plowing.

Apr 14 – Mercury 31. Cleaned out stable. Put cutter up over stable. Took one load out stable one out of the bay. Snowed like fun.[46]

Apr 15 – Mercury 49 snow about 2 inches deep this morning, all gone before night. Ethan got castings over for the binder.

Apr 16 – Not very well. No work, choring.

Apr 17 – Mercury 32. Went over to burg at noon after the stuff. Drawed some corn fodder. Charleys team plowing. Mr W^m Carey died to day.[47] Not very well. Work round barn.

Apr 18 – Mercury 31. Cleaned out stable. Put cutter up over stable. Drawed one load stuf from out the Bay to a ___. Went over to burg in morning. Went over after Nancy. Nancy and children came.

Apr 19 – Mercury 50. At home all day. Made Hammer Handle for Mrs Brown. Nice warm spring day.

Apr 20 – Mercury 81. Went over to burg. Took Binder castings over to foundry. They put Cell Straits[48] Engine in to Foundry.

Apr 21 – Mercury 66. At home. Worked round barn and garden. Florence and Ray[49] came to Kalamazoo.

Apr 22 – Mercury 75. Worked in shop some in yard and garden. Put some straw in Barn.

Apr 23 – Went over to burg bot ½ Bushel clover seed __3 oz. Charley sowed oats. Hannah and Lou came. Rained some in Evening.

Apr 24 – Charley Clark here to day. I made hoop for Verns[50] Jumping Jack.

Apr 25 – Worked on Herbs Boxes all day.

Apr 26 – At home all day. No one here.

Apr 27 – Worked on Herbs Boxes. Fine day.

Apr 28 – Worked on Herbs Box. Very fine day. Florence and Ray came to day.

Apr 29 – Finished Herbs Boxes this morning. Took Lou over to Mr Ralphs in morning.

Apr 30 – At home. Worked round done chores &c.[51]

May 1 – At home. Went over to burg. Not very well. Sowed clover seed on south lot.

May 2 – At work as usual around. Drawed some old rails of the hill. Put Fan in pasture to day.

May 3 – D. came over after Lou. Mrs John Luce buried to day.[52]

May 4 – D went home left Lou. Florence went home. D. took her down to Kalamazoo.

May 5 – Took Lous trunk over to burg. Rained hard. I went to Kalamazoo with Lou. She went home.

May 6 – Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs. Bot cloths line 65 cts.

May 7 – Mercury 40 Abz. At home no work. Took finger board of the old violin raised it some higher. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. Very high wind.

May 8 – Cut walnut tree on hill on road. Hannah and Lois came home. Snowed and blowed. High wind, cold. A Potter died.

May 9 – Cold wind, snows some. Worked round shop and house.

May 10 – Lois and Ina[53] here. Cold wind. Not very nice day.

May 11 – Went over to burg with Nancy. She went over to pay Interest on Mortgage.

May 12 – Went down to Caywoods got strawberry plants. Went down to M. O. Streators[54] got potatoes.

May 13 – At home working round house and garden.

May 14 – Working in garden some choring. Went over to burg.

May 15 – Went over to burg. Working as usual all around the yard and garden.

May 16 – Went down to Charley Fords got six hundred lbs Hay 40 cts pr Hundred ___ 40 cts. Fan went to Bull.

May 17 – Fine day. Went down to Katharines.

May 18 – Went and got Theodore to come down and repair Pumps.

May 19 – Theodore put down W^m Ralphs well. Took Nancys couch over to Burg in morning. Took chairs over at noon. Hat, Lib, Mrs Rogers and Mrs Bradshaw here. Charley Town planted corn.

May 20 – Went over to burg got some things from Hanks.

May 21 – Went over to burg in morning got loads of traps[?] from Hanks, some cider. Jim got stove. Got bark for Bill.

May 22 – Some ledle rainy. Not much work.

May 23 – At home working in garden some not much.

May 24 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts. Hailed & rained some, high wind.

May 25 – Mercury __8. Jim and Dell drew rails built fence across East lot at foot of big Hill.

May 26 – Skinner helped me draw rails and lay up fence around the south lot on hill. Jim and Hannah, Nancy and Mrs Brown went to Kalamazoo.

May 27 – Pleasant. Nancy came up here.

May 28 – Cleaned up 5 bushels wheat to take to mill. Went over to burg.

May 29 – Rainy day no go to mill. Went over to burg got screws for Lois doors. Got Ethans patterns.

May 30 – Rainy morning. Went up to Cooks to mill.

May 31 – At home all day. Two tramps stayed here all night. Some rainy day.

Jun 1 – Hot day. Took carpet yarn over to Mrs Atkins. Went round by Staffords. Went over after Sarah in Evening.

Jun 2 – At home. Worked in garden and shop some.

Jun 3 – Made some Lamberqua[?] shelves. Made soap down to Mrs Browns in afternoon.

Jun 4 – Painted chairs and two Boxes. Rained some in afternoon and Evening.

Jun 5 – Not much work. Went over to burg. Took Nancy over. Got lumber for Rack 3.24.

Jun 6 – Worked in garden some. Hot day.

Jun 7 – Hot day. Went up to Levy Woods had a good time. Mr Streator, Syrus and Mrs Streator and Mrs Brown went.

Jun 8 – Cut Dock in East lot and planted sunflower seeds. Went over to burg at noon.

Jun 9 – Worked in garden and round barn.

Jun 10 – Worked in garden and chored round.

Jun 11 – Hoed some. Painted screen doors for Lois. Went down to M. O. Streators to see Rack.

Jun 12 – Choring round. Went down to Mrs Browns got cultivator. Mrs Potts here. Fanny Town[55] called.

Jun 13 – Went on up to mill. Got plank for sawhorses. Went to burg. Hung Lois screen doors.

Jun 14 – Mercury 96. At home all day. No one here. Very hot day.

Jun 15 – Katharine and Mrs Gaffing came up. Jim and Florence came home from Shelby.[56]

Jun 16 – Worked on road[57] in afternoon on hill up by Schrams.

Jun 17 – Worked in garden some. Nancy and children left for Galesburg Ill.[58] Ethan went down brot Hellen[59] up. Florence went Home.

Jun 18 – Went over to Mrs Atkins to see about carpet.

Jun 19 – Warm nice weather. Worked in shop and garden. Went over to burg. Made sawhorses.

Jun 20 – Worked on Ed Rowlands violin. Sarah & Hellen went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Sylvester Mills Buried to day.[60]

Jun 21 – Nice morning. Had a big rain at noon. Mr Osborns came in storm. Blowed hard.

Jun 22 – Worked on Rack. Went over to burg. Hellen here.

Jun 23 – Went over got bolts and straps. Put rack to gether. Nice day. Lois and Ina came over.

Jun 24 – Went over to burg got bolts. Finished Rack. Lois and Ina went down to Browns.

Jun 25 – Put Paris green[61] on potatoes. Hoed some in garden.

Jun 26 – Went down to Mr Streators to invite them _____ here sunday. Levi Woods and wife are coming down.

Jun 27 – Cut some grass in orchard. Chored round. Went over to burg to see Blake and Forbush. Mrs Burgess Buried to day.

Jun 28 – Mr Levy Wood and wife, Mr Pease and Miss Swift, Mr Streator & wife and Mrs Brown, Mrs Barber all here.

Jun 29 – Jim commenced cutting hay. Will Barber worked. Will mowed on hill. Mr G. F. Warren Buried to day.[62] Lydia Milham died.[63]

Jun 30 – Jim mowed west lot commenced East lot. Ground Mr. Randals knife and turned some pins and filed saw 160¢.

Jul 1 – Went down to Katharines with Hellen. Jim Drawing hay. Lydia Milham Buried to day.

Jul 2 – Went over to burg at noon. Mrs Forbush and Eva Blake came here.

Jul 3 – Mrs Brown went to Reed city.[64] George King Died this morning.[65] Marion Rice died this morning.[66]

Jul 4 – Went over to Burg. D. and Lou came. I bot Hat $1.75.

Jul 5 – George King Buried to day. Marion Rice Buried to day.

Jul 6 – Went over to Burg in morning. Got Jays[67] hair cut. D. went home. Rained hard at noon.

Jul 7 – Jim finished mowing drawed in some. John Williams Brot Bed spring 3.75 cts.

Jul 8 – Took Lou to Kalamazoo she went home. Jim finished Drawing in Hay.

Jul 9 – Chored round done most nodings some vend over mit Burg.[68]

Jul 10 – Charley Town cut some wheat to day. Some warm day. Made churn cover and dash for Katharine. Ethan and Hannah went to Burg.

Jul 11 – Cut some grass in hill lot, hoed some. Hat and Libby, Nell Steel and boy called here.

Jul 12 – Went down to Katharines. Fine day.

Jul 13 – Drawed in some hay from hill.

Jul 14 – Cut weeds round the wire fence. Lois came over.

Jul 15 – Worked round. Lois here. Got some stuf for [didn’t finish entry].

Jul 16 – Made mortar bed. Very hot day. Hannah came home in Evening. Jim left Bill[69] here.

Jul 17 – Sick some not much no work but chores.

Jul 18 – Drawed two loads sand.

Jul 19 – At home all day. Some little shower. Charles Whitcome came over to let me know that Martin Turner was dead.[70]

Jul 20 – Mercury 102 in shade at 2 oclock P.M. Went over to Burg got lime and sieve. Went down to Katharines after Hellen. Martin Turner Buried.

Jul 21 – Mercury 96 in shade. Made mortar.

Jul 22 – Mercury 99. Hoed in garden some. Jeneral U. S. Grant Died Eight forty oclock this morning.

Jul 23 – 96 Abz. Jeneral U S Grant Died 8.40.[71] Worked in garden some.

Jul 24 – Mercury 104 in shade. Not much work to hot. Hoed some. Ground Reaper Knife for N. L. Randal.

Jul 25 – Mercury 94. Took Sarah over to burg in forenoon. Got tyre set on one of the carriage wheels. Had a fine shower just at night. Cow went over the River.

Jul 26 – Mercury 90. Lee Milham came up here. Hellen over to Lois.

Jul 27 – 94. Took plastering of the front room. Jim helped some.

Jul 28 – Mercury 100. Finished cleaning out mortar. Jim and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Harvey Keith Killed.[72]

Jul 29 – Mercury 102. W^m Ralph thrashed to day. Set some bean poles. Alvin Lee, Julia and Rhoda[73] and her boys here.

Jul 30 – Mercury 97. Set bean poles, hoed some. Went over to burg in Evening to Jim McLary. Very dry.

Jul 31 – Mercury 103 hot and dry. Hoed in garden some. Charley Town cut the oats.

Aug 1 – Worked over the mortar. Had a nice shower between ten & Eleven AM.

Aug 2 – At home all day. Very much rainy day.

Aug 3 – Jim came over put on first coat mortar. Rainy forenoon. Went over to burg at night to mill. Got Lime & stuco.

Aug 4 – Prepaired my Lime for my hard finish.

Aug 5 – No work except chores. Rainy. Charley Town drew the oats.

Aug 6 – Rained some. Not very well.

Aug 7 – Went over to burg in morning. Got paper. Took Sarah to Kalamazoo. She went to Shelby. Went to Katharines took dinner.

Aug 8 – Not very well. No work in particular. Had a heavy thunder shower in night. U. S. Grant Buried.

Aug 9 – Mercury 87. Ethan, Dell and Jim went to Gull Lake. Will Clark, Bill went up to W. W. R___.

Aug 10 – Jim came over put on the finishing coat of mortar. Paid him two Dollars.

Aug 11 – Mercury 100 at noon. Took Went over got Lois at noon. Took Hellen down to Marts in afternoon. Ethan putting on paper.

Aug 12 – Mercury 93. Ethan and Hannah papering front Room. Went over to burg at noon. Clara, Edna & Sam[74] came.

Aug 13 – Mercury 98. Went over to Burg took sive[?] home. B. A. Wing left for Hudson. Bina Earl[75] came down here in afternoon.

Aug 14 – Hellen and I went to to Shelby ville got there ½ past one P.M. Cool day.

Aug 15 – At Shelby. Not very well.

Aug 16 – At Harris House. Myron Rawson preaced there. We went up threw the Indian setlement.

Aug 17 – Went to Wayland to see the Rawson family. Saw Dr Wightman.[76]

Aug 18 – At Harris House. Went over to the mill. Saw them saw. Mr Dunning Died.[77]

Aug 19 – At Harris House as usual. They finished sawing cut all their Logs.

Aug 20 – At Harris House some. Not very well. Rather dull not mutch trade.

Aug 21 – At Harris House. Set some glass. Went up to Mr Woods in afternoon. Had a first rate visit.

Aug 22 – Left Shelby for home. Got home about ½ past three. Fine day rained in night.

Aug 23 – At home. Rainy day. Clara and Edna here.

Aug 24 – Rainy morning. No work. Harry Crawford[78] came here.

Aug 25 – Nice morning. Went over to burg with Clara. Harry left for home on two oclock run.

Aug 26 – At home. Not much work. Not very well.

Aug 27 – At home some nice weather.

Aug 28 – Choring round some work not much. Repairing Eds violin.

Aug 29 – Work on violin put strings on.

Aug 30 – Fine day. Went down to Katharines. All well. Will Brown and Lizzie at home.

Aug 31 – Nice day. Jim commenced plowing west lot. Hannah went to Mrs Browns.

Sep 1 – Very pleasant morning. No work. Not well.

Sep 2 – Sick. No work but chores. Lois and Ina came over.

Sep 3 – Lois and Ina here. Not much work. Lois and Ina went home.

Sep 4 – Not much done. Jim took load hay over to Cap Rowland.

Sep 5 – No work. At home. Mrs Skinner and Sate[79] came to Lois on Evening train. Em got Bedstead.

Sep 6 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went over to Lois. Sate and Lois went to church.

Sep 7 – Mercury 76 in shade. Hannah went to Mate Fords.[80] Ethan and I repaired wire fence in forenoon. Mrs Barlow Died to day.[81]

Sep 8 – Rainy morning cool wind. At home.

Sep 9 – Rainy day. Took Sarah over to Lois. Eleven telegraph men came here stayed all night.

Sep 10 – Jim drew one load wood. Eleven men here to Breakfast. Went over to burg in morning. Dell came back with me. Made Pie lifter.

Sep 11 – Went over to burg in morning after satchel. The boys are digging telegraph holes.

Sep 12 – Hannah went up to Earls. Went down to Schoolhouse got Blackboard cut it off. Mr Fullerton and Mr Nye plastering the House. Telegraph poles set to day _____.

Sep 13 – Mercury 76. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Rained in Evening.

Sep 14 – Went to Mr Flanders[82] in afternoon. Fine day.

Sep 15 – Mrs Streator came down in afternoon. Mr Streator went to burg.

Sep 16 – Nice day. Went up in woods got poles for fence steaks. Ina here. Ethan went over in Evening after Lois.

Sep 17 – Fine day. Ethan, Lois & Hannah went down to Kalamazoo to State Fair.

Sep 18 – Drawed some old rails from south fence laid some bottom rails. Went over to burg in Evening took some eggs 10 Doz & 9 ___ pr Dozen.

Sep 19 – Fine morning. Went to Kalamazoo after florence. She gone up on cars.

Sep 20 – Mercury 84. Florence here. Katharine, Adelpha[83] and George came up. Alvin and Julia called in.

Sep 21 – Mercury 84. Laid up some fence. Nice day. Went to burg after Hannah. She came from Lois.

Sep 22 – Mercury 84. Made some fence. Went over to Burg after Lou. Laid up some fence. Took Hannah up to Mr Flanders.

Sep 23 – Mercury 36. Hannah left for Galesburg Ill. Fine day. First frost. Florence came over.

Sep 24 – I took Florence to Kalamazoo. Nice day. Took dinner at Mr Ketchums.[84]

Sep 25 – Mercury 81. Very warm day. Not much work.

Sep 26 – At home choring. Lou and children here.

Sep 27 – Mercury 84. At home all day. Jim McGrady cut corn to day for me.

Sep 28 – Mercury 84. Picked up scatering corn. Jim finished sowing wheat. Lou went home.

Sep 29 – Mercury 89. Very dry. Sowed some grass seed. Toped some corn. Warm day.

Sep 30 – Mercury 85. Very warm & dry. Bound some corn and toped some. Finished in afternoon.

Oct 1 – Finished binding cornfodder. Rained some ledle mide.

Oct 2 – Took Sarah over to Hoags.[85] Went up to mill no see bub. Rained in night.

Oct 3 – Rainy morning. Went up to mill got some barposts. Went to the woods got some posts.

Oct 4 – At home. Some rainy. Jim had Hannahs carriage went up to Scots.[86]

Oct 5 – Cleaned up wheat. Went to mill.

Oct 6 – Made some bars to East lot. Cool day. Paid Charley Ford $2.40 cts for hay.

Oct 7 – Drew two loads pumpkins. Mary Austin and Mrs Gilbert called in afternoon. Rainy.

Oct 8 – At home. No work done Except chores.

Oct 9 – Nice day. Went to Kalamazoo to see Florence and Carry[87] they left on 2.15 train for home. Telegraph line cut. Heavy frost some ice.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Picked one load corn.

Oct 11 – Warm pleasant day. Dod Sumners Baby buried to day. Telegraph wire repaired to day.

Oct 12 – Worked round barn some. Will and Lizzy went home to Reed City.

Oct 13 – Went down to Mrs Browns to get apples. To wet no got some. Jim drew two loads wood. Sarah went to Lois. Rainy day.

Oct 14 – Cleared out corn House. Husked load corn. Nice day.

Oct 15 – Not much work chored round. My Birth day 72 years old ___.

Oct 16 – Work round most Evry thing. Put apples in cellar. Went over to the Rink in Evening first time. Lou sent Neck tie. Sylvester sisters.

Oct 17 – Mercury 70. W^m Ralph picke the apples. Took them to cider mill. Very nice day. Mr Raneys team run a way.

Oct 18 – Very nice day. At home all day. No one here. Lots folks went to church.

Oct 19 – Rainy day. Worked in barn cleared out stable for new floor.

Oct 20 – Some rainy. No work out side. Took 10.85 lbs hay over to A. Hoag ½ ct pound $5.42½ cts.

Oct 21 – Went over to Burg in morning after Lois she no come over. Went over to burg in Evening got pay for hay. Paid Williams $3.75. Hoag paid $5.00.

Oct 22 – Went over after Lois she came over. Mrs Skinner and Sate came here. Drew two loads corn. Barkers went to Jackson to day.[88]

Oct 23 – Took Mrs Skinner, Lois and Sate over to burg. Husked some corn picked one load and drew it in. Very fine day.

Oct 24 – Finished picking corn drew it into the Barn. Very nice day.

Oct 25 – Very nice day. Sarah and I went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Oct 26 – Dug some potatoes. Husked ten Baskets corn put into cornhouse. Very nice day.

Oct 27 – Husked Eight Bushels corn put in cornhouse. Went up to Mr Flanders got load apples. Nice day.

Oct 28 – Took Sarah over to Lois. Sold 5 doz Eggs 15 cts pr Doz. Bot 1 bunch shingles 37½ cts put some on cornhouse. Went up to Flanders took Hannah home. Howell died to day.[89]

Oct 29 – Mr Howell taken to Battle Creek. Dell came over. I put some shingles on cornhouse. Worked some on inside.

Oct 30 – Worked on cornhouse in forenoon. Finished husking the corn in barn. Put some shingles on in afternoon.

Oct 31 – Worked on cornhouse in afternoon put on battens on inside. Nice day. Mr Woods folks came down to Mrs Browns.

Nov 1 – First snow 2 inches this morning. Went down to Mrs Browns had a seance.[90] Quin Streator[91] there. Mr Wood & wife there.

Nov 2 – Mercury 36. Dug out west end of stable. This is Fathers[92] 104^th Birth day. We have had sunshine, snow & rain a number of times to day.

Nov 3 – Mercury 47. Put down stable floor. Dell over here to day. Made some pye lifters.

Nov 4 – Mercury 56. Worked in barn in forenoon. Drew one load pumpkins two loads cornfodder. Rained some.

Nov 5 – Mercury 45. Put up cornfodder and pulled turnips. Rainy day. Put Hors and cow in sable.

Nov 6 – Mercury 46 rainy day. Pulled some turnips. Dell over here.

Nov 7 – Mercury 54. Chored round. Went down to Mrs Browns. Jim brot log jack here. Dell dug potatoes.

Nov 8 – Mercury 43. At home all day. Cool cloudy misty day. Sally,[93] my self and Ethan alone to day no one here.

Nov 9 – Mercury 44. Went down to river after prickley ash[94] no find him. Churned most of the day.

Nov 10 – Mercury 48. Went over to burg in morning after pattern timber. Sawed out stuff for Jims log jack.

Nov 11 – Mercury 61. Chored round in forenoon. Went down to M. O. Streators in afternoon. Got some apples.

Nov 12 – Went down to Marts in afternoon came home in Evening dark and rainy. Run into Franklins potato patch. D. A. Frink died at six AM.[95]

Nov 13 – Mercury 34 cold wind. Churned for four hours. Pedler here to dinner. Got two spools linnen cotton thread. Jim brot wood.

Nov 14 – Mercury 32. Chored round. Went over to burg in afternoon. Snow 2½ inches. Jim brot load wood.

Nov 15 – Mercury 32. Sloppy some snow.

Nov 16 – Worked for Skinner in forenoon. Worked on Jims log jack in afternoon.

Nov 17 – Mercury 35. Went to Kalamazoo for Mrs Brown, sent some Apples to Will.

Nov 18 – Mercury 55. Went over to burg in morn. Rainy day. Took my boots over got them tapt 70 cts. Very sloppy bad day.

Nov 19 – Mer 38. Worked in shop making axhelves for Mr Flanders. Mary Flanders[96] called here got some plants.

Nov 20 – Went up to Hat & Libs. Jesse Earl came home with me. Extracted two teeth for him. I went up to Herbs house.

Nov 21 – Mercury 38. Went over & got Lois in morning. I cut out some helves for Mr J Flanders. Will Clark here.

Nov 22 – Mercury 36 pleasant & clear in morning. Went down to Mrs Browns all hands. Cold wind.

Nov 23 – Mercury 35. Cleaned up wheat. Cool and cloudy. Jim took load hay over to Mr Smith Thomas.

Nov 24 – Took 5 bushels wheat to mill. Lois came over. Got corn of Wm Rogers. Changed corn with him.

Nov 25 – Mercury 25. Took corn and wheat over to mill. Got meal & and graham. Lois went home. Nice day.

Nov 26 – Put in thill[97] for Jim. Not feeling very well. Nice day.

Nov 27 – Worked on thill and whiffletree. Painted thill. Solomon Kingsley called here a few moments.

Nov 28 – Made lever to Jims lifting jack. Very fine day. Will Clark helped Jim draw cornfodder.

Nov 29 – Turned handle for Lous pie lifter. Hellen and Clara came here.

Nov 30 – Mercury 50. At home choring around as usual. Very pleasant day. Theodore came down.

Dec 1 – Took Sarah over to Lois. Oscar and Mary[98] came here. Hannah came home. Cool damp day.

Dec 2 – Mercury 34. Oscars folks went up to Mrs Bateys.[99] Lois came over. No snow.

Dec 3 – Mercury 30. Sawed out door stops for Mrs Browns doors. Oscar called here. Mrs Brown came up.

Dec 4 – Mercury 34. Hannah & Lois went down to Mrs Browns. I put sawdust in well. Mrs Bradshaw came down. Snowed just at night. Hannah went to M. O. Streators.

Dec 5 – Made table for Mr Caywood and chored round. Snowed and blowed like fun all night.

Dec 6 – Mercury 5 Abz at 5. At home. Very blustring. Snowed and blowed all day.

Dec 7 – Mercury 9 Below zero. At home. Snowed and blowed some not much. Hannah went to Kaywood.

Dec 8 – Mercury 13 Abz. Snowed very little. Will Clark came over. Rainy afternoon and Evening. Wm Vanderbilt died.[100]

Dec 9 – Mercury 43 in morning. Cold windy day. Went down to Mrs Browns. Put on door stops. Filed saw for Gallusha[?]. Cold night. Jim drew 5/8 cord wood.

Dec 10 – Mercury 18 Abz. Turned Plunger for Charley Towns cistern pump. Dell came over made some pie lifters.

Dec 11 – Mercury 10 Abz. Worked on pie lifters some. Cut out axhelve for Walter Thomson.

Dec 12 – Mercury 12 Abz. Cold day. Skinner came over in morning got his lifters. Two wagons broke down on hill in afternoon.

Dec 13 – Mercury 17. At home. Hannah sick. Cold some sleighing.

Dec 14 – Mercury 2__ Abz. Worked in shop. Made axhelve for Walt Thompson.

Dec 15 – Mercury 23. Made axhelve for mesilf _____ finished Jims log jack.

Dec 16 – Mercury 24. Finished Walts Axhelve. Went down to Marts afternoon. Not very cold.

Dec 17 – Mercury 29 in morning. ____ set saw. Sawed some wood. Went over to burg forenoon. Mercury 35 at night. Put front pannel in cutter.

Dec 18 – Mercury 35. Finished Streators cutter. Walter Thompson choped in afternoon. Nice day.

Dec 19 – Mercury 30. Fine day. Put in glass at schoolhouse in fore noon. Flanders paid one Dollar. Went over to see about tax 7.35.

Dec 20 – Mercury 3. At home. Nice day. Hannah went down to Caywood at night. Mr Hopkins buried to day, a colored man. Elder Hamlin Died.[101]

Dec 21 – Mercury 36 in morning. Very pleasant. Drawed one load wood. Not much sleigh.

Dec 22 – Mercury 39. Drawed one load corn from the field.

Dec 23 – Mercury 49 in morn. Took Hannah over to Lois. Fixed well at the Barn. Very nice day. Elder Hamlin Buried. Snow all gone.

Dec 24 – Mercury 23. Worked on well in afternoon. Took Sarah over to Hoags. Old Mrs Brigham died to day.[102]

Dec 25 – Mercury 20. Worked on well. Cold day. Finished well room. No snow on ground.

Dec 26 – Mercury 9 Abz. Went to Mrs Brighams funeral in forenoon. Went over to Burg in afternoon.

Dec 27 – Mercury 38. At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Nice day no snow.

Dec 28 – Mercury 34. Went to Kalamazoo after Lou. Saw Lum Robinson. Lost whip. Very foggy.

Dec 29 – Mercury 37. Went over to burg after Lous trunk. Drawed one load wood some corn. Some rainy.

Dec 30 – Mercury 36. Went over to burg. Chored round. Nice day.

Dec 31 – Mercury 36. Went took Sarah & Lou down to Mrs Browns. Went over to Burd after. Paid my tax 7.35 cts.

——-

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

[2] Above zero

[3] His daughter’s family, Daniel D. & Louese (Keith) Harris and their children, Jay and LaVerne

[4] His daughter’s family, Henry & Nancy (Keith) Brown and their children, Claude, Lela and Bess

[5] Hank Brown’s brother and sister-in-law, Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[6] His grandson, Charles Clark; his daughter (and Charley’s mother), Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner; Charley’s wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark; and Clara’s mother, Rhoda (Wood) Youngs

[7] Ella was Hank Brown’s maternal first cousin, the daughter of his Uncle Wilson Allen

[8] His son, Ethan Keith

[9] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[10] His son, James Clinton Keith

[11] Matilda (Allen) Brown; his neighbor and the mother of Hank and Will Brown

[12] FindAGrave.com shows that Louisa (Andrews) Williams died January 1, 1885 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[13] His son-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert Skinner

[14] Neighbors, Emaline (Stone) & William Ralph

[15] His hog

[16] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[17] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[18] Apparatus for lifting hot pies out of the oven

[19] His late niece Lucy (Lee) Milham’s husband, Martin Milham. Lucy was the daughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[20] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[21] While the Michigan death records indicate that Sarah (Ridler) Hitchcock died in Pavilion, Michigan on January 23, 1885, FindAGrave.com shows her date of death as January 14, 1885, which agrees with Luke’s entry

[22] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Herbert Earl, who was the brother of Theodore Earl (see footnote to January 6^th entry)

[23] To say nothing about the women

[24] His grandson, the son of his daughter Lois

[25] While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com shows that Patrick Smith died January 24, 1885 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Luke often referred to the parents of a husband or wife of a family member, or the parent of a neighbor, as Aunt or Uncle

[26] Charles Ira Clark (see footnote to January 1^st entry)

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

[28] No death record has been found, but FindAGrave.com shows that William Simonds died January 25, 1885 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[29] Believe he is referring to Perry, New York, where his niece and her husband, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, lived

[30] Father of Theodore and Herb Earl (see footnotes to January 6^th and 15^th entries)

[31] His granddaughter, Bess Brown (see footnote to January 1^st entry)

[32] The father of Martin Milham. Michigan death records show that he died February 7, 1885 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[33] His great-granddaughter, the daughter of Charles & Clara (Youngs) Clark

[34] The children of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham (see footnote to January 11^th entry)

[35] Michigan death records reveal that Edmond M. Rumery, the 18-year-old son of Isaac & Cynthia Rumery, died on February 11, 1885 in Pavilion, Michigan. It is unknown where he is buried

[36] His neighbor

[37] While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com and cemetery records show that Ida M. Lewis, the 21-year-old daughter of F(ranklin) R. & A(deliza Hubbard) M. Lewis, died February 22, 1885 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[38] Sisters, Harriet and Flora Elizabeth “Libbie” (Taylor) Schram. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[39] Ceresco, Michigan

[40] Edna (Crawford) Allen and her daughter, Madge Allen. Edna was the daughter of Edwin Crawford, the late brother of Luke’s wife, Sarah

[41] Varian & Libbie Youngs. Varian was the son of Rhoda (Wood) Youngs and brother of Clara (Youngs) Clark (see footnote to January 1^st entry)

[42] 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

[43] His wife Sarah

[44] Oak Grove Cemetery (Galesburg, Michigan) records show that Martha Rebecca (Carson) Philow died March 21, 1885; she was the wife of Joseph Philow

[45] While no death record was found, FindAGrave.com revealed that Jennie M. Young, wife of Converse T. Young, died March 25, 1885 and is buried in Augusta Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. Census records for Converse Young, living in Comstock, Michigan, list his wife as Jane in 1870 and Mary J. in 1880

[46] Luke uses this phrase quite often. The Oxford Dictionary gives its meaning as “vigorously or quickly”

[47] Michigan death records confirm that William C. Caray died in Charleston, Michigan on April 17, 1885

[48] Neighbor, Lacelle Strait

[49] His daughter-in-law and grandson, Florence (Stall) Keith and Arthur Raymond Keith

[50] His granddaughter, LaVerne Harris

[51] Etc.

[52] No death record was found, but FindAGrave.com shows that she died May 1, 1885 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan. A marriage record shows that Mary Pilot married John Luce on April 2, 1879 in Coldwater, Branch County, Michigan

[53] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner

[54] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[55] Neighbor, Frances “Fanny” Towne, Charley Towne’s sister

[56] Shelbyville, Michigan, where D. & Lou Harris lived

[57] See “Luke Keith’s Road Tax,”

https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2018/06/16/luke-keiths-road-tax

[58] According to a November 8, 1885 letter from Sarah Keith to Oscar & Mary Ann Keith: Henry Brown went to Galesburg Ill. Nancy and children followed in June. Henry lived out in a gallery for twenty five $25 per week for one year.

[59] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[60] Michigan death records show that Louisa (Terry) Mills died June 18, 1885 in Benton, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[61] A poisonous emerald-green powder used as a pigment, insecticide, and wood preservative

[62] FindAGrave.com reveals that Julius F. Warren (believe Luke mistakenly wrote a G instead of J), who had been a neighbor of Luke’s, died June 27, 1885 in Petoskey, Michigan and is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[63] While the Michigan death record shows that Lydia (Turner) Milham died June 1, 1885 in Pavilion, Michigan, information at FindAGrave.com, along with the headstone, confirms that she died on June 29, 1885 and is buried in Indian Fields Cemetery, Portage, Michigan. Portrait and Biographical Record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren Counties, Michigan, (Chicago, Chapman Brothers 1892, Page 235 & 236) states the following: Mr. [Ambrose] Milham was married May 18, 1854, to Miss Lydia Turner, who was a true and tender wife to him and devoted mother to their children, and their neighbors found in her a kind and sympathizing friend. She was born near Rochester, N.Y., December 29, 1829, and came to Michigan with her parents in 1843. She died June 29, 1885, after a happy married life of thirty-one years.

[64] Reed City, Michigan, about 125 miles north of Galesburg

[65] Michigan death records confirm that George T. King died July 3, 1885 in Galesburg, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg

[66] Michigan death records confirm that Marion (Wolcott) Rice died July 3, 1885 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo. Marion was Luke’s maternal first cousin

[67] His grandson, Jay Harris

[68] Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries. Possibly here it seems to mean something along the line of done most nothing, some went over to the burg

[69] The family horse

[70] While Michigan death records show his death as June 19, 1885, Riverside Cemetery records confirm that he died on July 19, 1885. Clipped newspaper obituaries show that he died on a Sunday — June 19, 1885 was a Friday; July 19, 1885 was a Sunday

[71] Ulysses S. Grant, 18^th President of the United States

[72] His grand-nephew, the son of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith. See newspaper accounts of his murder and the ensuing murder trial at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2019/07/22/a-foul-murder

[73] Alvin Lee; his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee (the wife of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee); and his sister, Rhoda (Lee) Wilcox

[74] His granddaughter-in-law, Clara (Youngs) Clark, and her daughter, Edna Clark; however, it is unknown at this time who Sam was

[75] Albina Earl, daughter of Jesse Earl (see footnote to January 29^th entry)

[76] His neighbor, George Ransom Wightman

[77] Levi Dunning. No death record has been found. While the online entry for FindAGrave.com shows he died August 18, 1886, the picture of his marker clearly shows the year as 1885. He is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[78] The son of Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford; Hiram was the brother of Luke’s wife Sarah

[79] Adelbert Skinner’s (see footnote to January 3rd entry) mother and sister, Sarah (Knight) Skinner and Sarah “Sate” Skinner

[80] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[81] Believed to be Helen (Lindsay) Barlow. While no death record was found, FindAGrave.com shows Helen Barlow died in 1885 and is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Jackson, Michigan. 1880 census records show Sidney & Helen Barlow living in Comstock, Michigan

[82] After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[83] His sister Catherine’s granddaughter, Marion Adelphia York

[84] Justus Ketchum, the stepfather of his daughter-in-law, Florence (Stall) Keith

[85] Neighbors, Abel & Sarah “Jane” (Mason) Hoag

[86] Scotts, Michigan, which was about 8 miles south of Galesburg

[87] Believe this is referring to Florence’s sister, Carrie Stall

[88] October 22, 1885 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph coverage of the murder of Harvey Keith relate that Marshall Barker was sentenced to “hard labor at Jackson for the rest of his natural life,” and his brother, William Barker, was sentenced to 25 years in the state prison

[89] Presumed to be Lavander S. Howell. FindAGrave.com shows that Lavander S. Howell died on October 29, 1885 and is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan

[90] Both the Brown and Keith families, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[91] Neighbor, John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[92] Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[93] Nickname for his wife, Sarah

[94] Northern prickly ash bark and berries were used to make medicine to treat blood circulation problems, joint pain, cramps, low blood pressure, fever, swelling, toothache, sores, ulcers, and cancer, also for sweating out a fever

[95] FindAGrave.com shows that Daniel A. Frink died in Kansas City, Missouri on November 11, 1885; no death record has been found to date. According to the 1860 census, Daniel Frink had been Luke’s neighbor in Comstock, but by 1870 was living in Kansas City

[96] Neighbor, Mary (Smith) Flanders, wife of Edwin Flanders

[97] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[98] His nephew and his wife, James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[99] Mary Ann’s mother, Eliza “Betsey” (Olds) Batey

[100] The American railroad magnate and philanthropist who nearly doubled the Vanderbilt family fortune

[101] Michigan death records show that E. H. Hamlin, a Baptist minister, died in Comstock, Michigan on December 20, 1885; no burial record has been found

[102] FindAGrave.com reveals that Marinda (Cole) Brigham, died December 25, 1885 at the age of 89 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

Ethan Keith’s 1884 Diary

1884 DIARY OF ETHAN B. KEITH

E. B. Keith
Galesburg Mich
Bought Dec 11 1883

X[1] Jan 1 – Worked at patterns. Lois, Ina,[2] Nancy and Claude[3] came from Shelbyville[4] to day. Jim[5] brought Lois and Ina over here from the Burg.[6] Jim came down this evening. Wrote a postal to Henry.[7]

Jan 2 – 16° Snow. Worked at patterns. Snowed about 10 inches last night. Will Clark[8] came up this morning after Lois and Ina. He took Will Brown[9] to the train, he went to Marshall. Jim took Bessie[10] home this P.M. Herb Earl[11] was down this A.M.

Jan 3 – 0° Blustering. Worked at the patterns some this P.M. It is very blustering to day. Jim came down this P.M. Hannah[12] hemmed my scarf this morning.

Jan 4 – 16° 17° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Very cold and blustering. Lois and Ina came up from Mrs Browns[13] this morning. Jim was down a little while this A.M. Grace Griffith left Hanks[14] for Decatur this P.M. She is not agoing to work there any longer.

Jan 5 – 14° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Jim was down this A.M. and helped Pa[15] cut some wood.

Jan 6 – 14°. Jim called a few minutes on his way to the Burg. Will Clark was here a few minutes this evening.

X Jan 7 – 10° below. Worked at the patterns a little while this A.M. Lois, Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies[16] this P.M. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nans this evening, they are agoing to go home to morrow. Rec’d a letter from Henry and Florence.[17]

Jan 8 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Pa went over to the Burg twice to day. Lois and Ina went home on mail. Pa brought Bessie over home with him this P.M. Herb Earl was down this P.M. to show me a “Little Lap Board” he had made and to get me to stamp the date on it.

Jan 9 – Worked at patterns. Herbert Earl was down this P.M. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this evening. She stayed to the play “Kathaleen Mavoumum.” Bessie was quite croopy to night. A gentleman and three ladies came here this P.M. Smith & Woodard sent him here to see if I would make patterns for them.

Jan 10 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this eving took Bessie home. Am not feeling very well my Stomach is what’s the matter.

Jan 11 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Jim have gone to the Burg this evening. Jim to the dance and Pa to hear the music. Ma[18] wrote to Uncle Hiram[19] about “business.”[20]

Jan 12 – 15° Snow. Went to Kal[21] this P.M. to see the Eureka Wind Mill Co. They want me to make patterns for them, but I dont think I will for I have other jobs. Geo Youmans and Lou Bristol[22] came over this morning to see the pattern.

Jan 13 – 40° warm. At Hanks this morning came from Kal last night on Mich City freight and stayed all night. Bessie is sick with a hard cold. I came home with Jim about noon. Pa and Ma have gone over to Nans this evening.

X Jan 14 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this Evening saw Geo Youmans about some the W-M patterns. Wrote to Messrs Smith & Woodard that I could not work for them.

Jan 15 – 11°. Worked at Patterns. Went to the Burg this evening took Hannah and Lela[23] over. H[annah] is agoing to sew for Nan[cy]. Took some of Beatty’s circulars over to Mr Conkey.

Jan 16 – 11°. Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma have gone to the Burg this evening. Will Morten, and Myrtie Barlow, was married this evening.[24] Oscar Keith[25] came here this P.M. he and Mary[26] are up to Mr Batys[27] Mr B- is very sick.

Jan 17 – Worked at patterns. Pa went to the Burg this P.M. Lou and Jay[28] came back with him. Lou came out to day. Theodore Earl[29] was down this A.M. Jim brought Hannah home from the Burg this evening.

Jan 18 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this morning. Ma and Grandma[30] visited at Mr Streators[31] this P.M. Mrs Brown also. Will Clark has got “Bill” this evening to take a load up to Russells. Oscar Keith has gone home this P.M.

Jan 19 – 1°. Worked at patterns finished them this A.M. Worked at the core-bores[?] this P.M. Teachers Institute at the Burg to day. Will Clark went after Nan and the children, brought Lou over here. Mr Bela Wright died to day.[32] Mr Baty died last night.[33]

Jan 20 – 7° below. I am 33 years old to day. Will Clark brought Nan and the children up this A.M. I took them home to night. Lou is sick. Mr Wright was buried this P.M.

Jan 21 – 6°. Worked at patterns. Lou was not well enough to go over to the Dentists to day. Uncle Tom’s Cabin at Schroders Hall this evening.

Jan 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. I went down and saw Geo and Barlow. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this A.M. Mr Knapp was over to see about some patterns this A.M.

Jan 23 – Worked at patterns a little to day. It has been quite blustering. Pa went over and went to the Depot with Lou. She started for home on Mail. Claude is 9 years old to day. Geo Barber was over this P.M. to see the patterns.

X Jan 24 – 17° below. Worked at patterns. Rec’d a letter from Lois and my wristlets she has been making me. Aunt Pattys[34] birth day “79^th.” Wrote to Lois.

Jan 25 – 13° below. Worked at Patterns. Jim has gone to the Club dance it is the last one. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. and got some alcohol for me.

Jan 26 – Finished the Strait No 4 Patterns. Commenced them Nov 6, 1883. Pa went to the Burg twice to see if Uncle Hi[35] came but he did not come. Bessie went home with Pa this evening.

Jan 27 – Jim and Will Clark went to the Burg this A.M. found Uncle Hiram, he came home with them. He brought a couple cans of Oysters we had them for dinner.

Jan 28 – I am not feeling very well. My stomach is so weak. Pa and Uncle Hi went to the Burg this P.M. I took Uncle Hi over to Hanks this even’g, he leaves for home 12.50 A.M. Uncle Hi left his scarf, forgot it.

Jan 29 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. I went down to the foundry and told Geo that I had finished the patterns. I went and took Hannah down to aunt Katies this P.M. It has thawed yesterday and to day. I mailed uncle Hirams scarf to him.

Jan 30 – 60° 49°. Rained some to day. Have got the tooth ache some. Pa went up to the saw mill and ground his ax. Ma washed.

Jan 31 – Emmett Crawford[36] came out this even’g. He has not been here since the Spring of ’73. Pa chopped a Cherry tree down that stood by the west line fence.

Feb 1 – 11°. Pa drew some wood to day. Jim came down to see Jim Emmett this evening. E- went home with him to stay all night. Wrote to Hannah and sent the invitation to the Leap Year Party at Schroeder Hall Feb 8^th.

X Feb 2 – Went to the Burg this evening. Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate[37] wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.[38]

X Feb 3 – Jim was down this A.M. Had the tooth ache this afternoon and evening. Wrote to J. F. T.[39]

X Feb 4 – Wrote to C. I. Clark.[40] Stormy. I am not feeling very well nowdays.

Feb 5 – Went to the Burg this P.M. took tea with Hank & Nan. Went down to the foundry. Walked home with Ike Schram.[41]

Feb 6 – Worked at a pattern of a form to bend the crank shaft for the Wind Mill. Went to the Burg this evening rode with Will Brown. Mrs Brown visited here this P.M. (Tue. 5^th – Nancy gave me a Birth day card to day that she intended to have given me on my birthday.

Feb 7 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening spoke to Geo. Youmens about some money. Saw R. E. Strait he came from N. Y. last night. Walked home from the Burg with Herb Earl. Bessie Brown is 3 years old to day.

Feb 8 – Worked at patterns. Jim has had “Bill”[42] three days to draw wood with. A Leap Year party at Schroder Hall to night. Sleighing is about gone.

Feb 9 – Worked at patterns. R. E. Strait came over this P.M. Pa went over to the Burg this evening and got Grandma. Dee Harris[43] came down this P.M. Saw Strait W. M. Co about some money.

Feb 10 – Pa went over to Hanks this A.M. Hank and Nan came back with the horse and cutter and Pa walked. Dee came over with him he stays here to night.

X Feb 11 – Finished the pattern of the crank form this A.M. Went up to Mr Taylors and got the cutter this P.M. Dee went home to day. Rain and hail this P.M. Wrote to Mr Timothy Hodges, Climax Mich.

Feb 12 – Rained all day every thing is covered with ice. Pa and I went to the Burg this A.M. I stayed until 3 oclock. Called at Mr Knapps. The Wind Mill Co paid me $25.00 on pattern work. Bought some pr overshoes, 2 pr drawers, collar, 2 pr socks. Paid for the Enterprise for six months. Sent Mr Hodges $1.50 balance on map.

Feb 13 – Pa took me to Kal this A.M. stopped at aunt Katies. Took dinner with Uncle Jess Turners folks.[44] Left Kal on mail 2.30 for Chicago arrived C- at 7.30. Changed from mail to Express at Niles. Harry[45] met me at the Depot.

Feb 14 – 2 below. Aunt Kate and I went to see the Old Healer he gave me a treatment her one also. He lives on the west side 5 or Six miles from Uncle Hiram. Am having the tooth ache.

X Feb 15 – Wrote to Ma. Had the tooth ache last night. Took breakfast down in the boarding house. After this aunt Kate is agoing to cook for herself, Blanche[46] and I.

Feb 16 – Aunt Kate and I went over and see the old Dr. this P.M.

Feb 17 – Feel about used up to day. Uncle Hiram, Jessie[47] and Harry went to church. Aunt Kate, Jesse and Harry went to Sabbath School this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this evening. Rainy.

X Feb 18 – Wrote to H. L. Keith and a postal to W. H. Knapp. Have been at home all day. Ida Barber Howe[48] had a pair of twins to day.[49]

Feb 19 – Pleasant this morning but clouded up about noon rained a little and afterwards Snowed and blowed real hard. So it is quite wintiry this evening. Went over and see the old Dr takes about three hours and a half.

X Feb 20 – One Year ago to day – Dont want a repetition of it. Have not been out doors to day. Aunt Kate and Mrs Huff went down to Central Music Hall to practice for the May festival. Wrote to Lou.

Feb 21 – Went over to see the old Dr this A.M. Uncle Hi, aunt Kate and I went to a Concert at the German Methodist Church this ev’ig. Aunt Kate had a wash woman to day.

X Feb 22 – Washington birth day. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Jessie went to meeting this P.M. Harry went to the Park skating.

Feb 23 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Went to the Museum on N. Clark St and stayed to the play. Got home about 5 oclock.

Feb 24 – Uncle Hi, Harry, Jessie and I went to church this A.M. Aunt Kate and the children went to Sabbath school this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this eve.

X Feb 25 – Rec’d a letter from Nan and Hank this A.M. Said that Jim Conkey would be here to (in Chicago) to day. Uncle Hi and aunt Kate have gone to Central Music Hall to the Appollo Concert this eving.

X Feb 26 – Aunt Kate and I went and took a treatment this A.M. She and I went down to Central Music Hall to the Mozart Concert this evening it was just splendid. Rec’d a letter from Ma.

X Feb 27 – Wrote to Lois. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting this P.M. She and the children have gone to the church this ev’ing.

Feb 28 – 3° below. Very cold with strong wind. Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Harry and Jessie went to a party.

X Feb 29 – Wrote to Nan this P.M. Very cold. Aunt Kate went to meeting this P.M.

Mar 1 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. She went to the temperance meeting this evng. Uncle Henry Crawford[50] came out last evening.

Mar 2 – At home all day. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to church. Aunt Kate and children went this evening. Would like to have steped in and visited with our folks to day.

Mar 3 – Cold and blustery. Harry and Jessie were out this evig. Uncle Henry went started for home[51] to day on 7.03.

X Mar 4 – Went and see the old Dr. Recd a letter from Ma also one from Hannah. Harrys Club met here last this evening. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting.

X Mar 5 – Wrote to Hannah. Rec’d a letter from Lois. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.

Mar 6 – Pleasant this A.M. Went to see the Old Dr this P.M. Went to a number of the loan offices to see if I could get a Grantor for Hannah.

X Mar 7 – Wrote to J. P. Keith.[52] Have got a sore throat.

Mar 8 – Went over to the Dr’s. Aunt Kate did not feel well enough to go. This is Uncle Pros[53] 44^th birth day.

Mar 9 – Am real lame in the small of my back. Uncle Hi is having the tooth ache to day. Aunt Kate and Jessie have gone to a temperance meeting.

X Mar 10 – Wrote to Lois and the Strait W. M. Co.[54] Uncle Hi was up all night with the tooth ache. Aunt Kate has not felt well this P.M., has been to bed.

X Mar 11 – Wrote to Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the old Dr. Took dinner with Uncle Hi, Mr Beasup and Mr Atkins. Got a hammer for the piano repaired at Reeds Temple of Music. Went out to L. P. C.[55] this P.M., first if I have been there this time in Chicago. _____ at the temperance Hall this evening, 721 Larabbee St.

X Mar 12 – Wrote to Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. did not get back until night. I got dinner for Blanch and I.

Mar 13 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. came back from the west side on a Madison St car. First I have been on that St. Pleasant. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting this evening.

X Mar 14 – Wrote to Ma this P.M. Aunt Kate is not feeling very well. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge and Aunt Kate to meeting this evening.

X Mar 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr this A.M. Rec’d a letter from Hank saying that he would be at Race Bro’s at 12 P.M. and 6 P.M., wanted me to meet him. Did not go.

Mar 16 – Hank Brown came up here this A.M. stayed until 1 P.M. was going home on the fast Express this evening. This is the 5 pleasant day this month. Uncle Hi was not very well this morning, did not get up to breakfast.

X Mar 17 – Went up to the Lincoln Avenue barn and office[56] this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sewing this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith[57] and one from Jim.

X Mar 18 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. I am having a hard real time with my tooth. Rainy this P.M. and evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Mar 19 – Got the tooth ache, am about as near sick as I care to be. Uncle Hi brought the plan of his new house up this evening. Aunt Kate went to Central Music Hall this P.M. She and Harry went to meeting this evening. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.[58]

Mar 20 – Went to see the Dr this P.M. I visited the C.M. & St. Paul[59] Pittsburg & Ft Wayne M.S.& L.S.R.R.[60] and C&R.I.RR[61] Depots. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Kate washed to day.

X Mar 21 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Mrs Martin called this P.M. Aunt Kate has gone to missionary meeting this P.M.

Mar 22 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans, went to Uncle Pross this P.M.

Mar 23 – At Uncle Pross to day. He and I went to Central Music Hall to hear David Swing. We went to the Grand Pacific Hotel and took a walk on one St in the dark hole.

Mar 24 – At Uncle Pross this morning came home this P.M. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance rooms this P.M. and evening. Uncle H to a meeting at the Church this eving. I went down to the Central Depot.

X Mar 25 – Rained all day. Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. She came back to Mrs Wienburgs and spent the P.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went to Kohl & Middelons Drive Museum this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah and one from Ma.

X Mar 26 – Wrote to Ma. Took a bath this A.M. Went over to the Drug store on Halstead St this P.M.

X Mar 27 – Received a letter from Lou. Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Had my hair cut over on the West side.

X Mar 28 – Rec’d letter from Lois. Wrote to Lou and H. L. Keith. Recd letter from Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. to trade. I got dinner for Blanche, Jessie and I. Uncle Hi and Aunt Kate went down town this evening.

Mar 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to the Dr’s this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the M.C.R.R.[62] Depot after dinner. Quite a cold wind to day the Lake is real rough.

Mar 30 – Aunt Kate and I went to the W.C.T.U.[63] meeting this evening. There is an awful riot in Cincinnati now.[64]

X Mar 31 – Rec’d a letter from Jim, have answerd it and written to the Strait W. M. Co. about some money. Went down to the Park this P.M. Harry came down and went around with me. We went out on the Lake shore. I saw some bananas growing in the Conservatory.

X Apr 1 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the Dr this A.M. Rained quite hard about noon, hailed hard on the south side. Election here to day. I went to the C.&.N.W.R.R.[65] Depot, it is nice.

Apr 2 – Snow on the ground this morning. Went to the store for Aunt Kate this P.M.

X Apr 3 – Went to see the Dr the P.M. Went down to the Central Depot. Uncle Hi and I went over to the Baptist church to an entertainment this evening. Kate washed to day. Wrote to M. F. Lee.[66]

X Apr 4 – Wrote to Nancy. Pleasant yesterday and to day. Aunt Kate went down town to the rehersal. Loyd S. Higgins 33^rd birth day. Would like to know where he is, also see him. Peter Cooper died one year to day. Wrote in Henrys Autograph Album.

Apr 5 – Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans. Went to McVickers Theatre this P.M. and see “Jalma”, it was just grand. Took supper in the boarding house. Aunt Kate is sick to night.

Apr 6 – Uncle Hi went down to the office this P.M. Aunt Kate and the children to Sunday School. Uncle Hi and I went over to see Kit Birkland[67] this evening, the first that I have been there.

Apr 7 – Went over on Clyburn Ave[68] this P.M. Went to the Deering Harvester Works. Snowed quite hard about noon.

X Apr 8 – Wrote to Ma. About two inches of snow on the ground this morning. Went to see the Dr to day. Went to a Lecture at the Mission with Aunt Kate this evening. Uncle Robt Crawford[69] came to Kits this A.M. Uncle Hi went over and visited him this evening.

X Apr 9 – Received a letter from Nancy. Went down town for Aunt Kate this P.M. to get a piece of music “Sweet Violets.”

X Apr 10 – Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Wrote to Lois this A.M. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to a social this evening.

X Apr 11 – Wrote to J.F.T. Rec’d a letter from Lou this A.M. Aunt Kate and Uncle Hi have gone to a funeral at Elgin. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge this eving.

Apr 12 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Two years ago to day Lou and Dee was married.

Apr 13 – Uncle Hi and I went to church this A.M. All went to church this evening but Blanch and I. Two months ago to day I came here.

Apr 14 – Has been the warmest day of the season 69º. Aunt Kate went down town this P.M. to the rehersal. Had an introduction to Mrs Brush.

X Apr 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. It has rained most all day. Received a letter from Ma.

X Apr 16 – Wrote to Hannah. Mrs Taylor helped Aunt Kate sew this A.M. Aunt Kate is sick to night. I bought a box of Browns Bronchial Troches.

X Apr 17 – Wrote to Lou. Went to see the Dr this P.M. Went out to Central Park on Madison St. Uncle Hi went over to Kits to see if Uncle Robert had got back from Mich. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.

X Apr 18 – Wrote to C. I. Clark. Uncle Rob’t Crawford and Kit came over this morning. They went away about 10 oclock. They went and took Aunt Kate to the Dr’s and then went to the Depot. Uncle Rob’t left for home. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and I went to see the “Battle of Gettysburg.” It was grand. Took supper at Thompsens. Went up to the May Festival Rehersal a little while.

Apr 19 – Harry, Will Hough and I went down to the water works this P.M. Went up the tower 11 steps up into the tower 235 from there up to top of tower. Had a grand view of the Lake and North part of the city. I went down to a museum of Anatomy.

Apr 20 – Rained and snowed all day. I went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sick all day. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Wienbergs this eving. Mrs Hough was in a little while this evening.

Apr 21 – Strong north east wind. The Lake is real rough. Went down to the Park and Lake shore this A.M. Went over to Kit Birklands this evening, did not stay but a little while for she was going away.

X Apr 22 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr this A.M. We went to the Foundlings Home, took dinner at Woodmans. Received a letter from Ma. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance meeting this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Weinbergs this evening.

Apr 23 – Harry and I went out to the Stock Yards, went into a large slaughter House. We went to the L.S.& M.S.R.R.[70] Round House. Mrs Taylor sewed for Aunt Kate to day.

Apr 24 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Bought me a pair of shoes, pr Calipers, pr Cutting Pliers, pr Round Pliers and a 2 ft pocket Rule. I attended a Sugar Social at Rev Taylors. I sugared off[71] for them. Was over a hundred there.

Apr 25 – Warm and pleasant. Kate washed to day for the last time at 803. Harry, Will Hough, Max and I went over to the Bobling Mills this P.M. It was quite a sight to me. Uncle Stephen Comfort[72] came to Uncle Hirams this P.M.

Apr 26 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans then went down to Uncle Pross. Pross made three extra trips this P.M. Uncle Stephen went over on the west side with us, left us at Lincoln St, he went to see his daughter.

Apr 27 – A man and his wife from Oskosh came to see Aunt Bell[73] today. It has been very windy to day.

Apr 28 – Came back to Uncle P Hirams this A.M. I pulled tacks out of the carpets this P.M.

Apr 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the Central Depot. Called at Uncle Hirams office 444 Clark St. Took supper with Uncle Hi.

Apr 30 – Aunt Kate, Harry, a man from the barn and I packed goods to day. I went over to Kits this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down town this evening to see that Uncle Stephen was all right at the Hotel.

May 1 – Left Chicago at 8.51 by the L.S.&M.S.R.R. for home. Stopped at Elkhart Ind 1.40 one hour and forty minutes. I got a lunch and had my hair cut. Pa met me at Kal- 4.37. Rained all day. We stopped at Aunt Katies a few minutes. Found Uncle Stephen at our house. Mrs Schroder and Nancy has visited here to day.

May 2 – Have not done anything to day but visit. Pa and Will are at work on the hill taking down fence and cutting brush.

May 3 – Have not done much to day. Hannah came home this P.M. from Gates and Ralphs. Nancy and children and Mrs Conkey drove into the yard this P.M. I went to the Burg with Will Clark this evening.

X May 4 – Rained all day. Will Clark went up to Russells. Jay Harris[74] is one year old to day. Mrs Olin had a girl baby to day. Wrote to Lou.

May 5 – I cleaned cellar some this A.M. Will and Pa worked at the fence row cutting down trees and grubbing. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. also Uncle Stephen Comfort. Charley Towne[75] commenced plowing for corn in our south lot.

May 6 – Worked at the cellar this A.M. Hannah went to Kaywoods to sew. Will came after her. Will Clark and I went to the Burg this evening rode over with Will B. I walked home.

May 7 – Worked at the cellar a little while this A.M. Helped Will saw down a couple of trees this A.M. and one this P.M. Uncle Stephen Comfort went to Nancys this evening. I went over also and stayed all night. Hank went to Detroit this evening.

May 8 – At Hanks this morning. Uncle Stephen Comfort left for Canada this morning on 7.03. I stayed over until afternoon. Went down to the foundry. Saw R. E. Strait at the Station. Jim helped Will saw up some of the trees this P.M. Will has gone to the Burg this evening.

X May 9 – Worked at a screw driver for Henry part of the afternoon. Ma and I finished cleaning the cellar this A.M. Wrote to Aunt Kate Crawford.

May 10 – Worked at the screw driver part of the day (finished it). Helped Will a little while this P.M. Pa got a little pig up to Mr Flanders[76] this P.M. Charley Towne planted corn in our south lot to day.

X May 11 – Pleasant. Jim and Will went to church. I went to the Burg this P.M. and got my over coat. Took Hannah down to Mr Kaywoods this evening, I called a little while. First time I was ever there. Wrote to Henry.

May 12 – Cleaned up the ______ the wood pile. Went to the Burg this evening. Will Clark helped Ed Schram plant corn this A.M. and Harry Streator[77] this P.M.

X May 13 – Wrote to Lois this P.M. Will Clark helped Harry Streator to day.

May 14 – Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Sawed out some boards for fence pickets for a hen yard.

May 15 – Went up to the Saw mill this A.M. with Pa to get some pickets sawed. Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this P.M.

May 16 – Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this A.M. Set posts for the hen yard this P.M. Hannah is sewing for Mrs Randall.

May 17 – Finished Mr Knapps patterns. Pa and I made the fence around the hen yard. Pa and I went to the Burg this evening to get the barb wire. Found Aunt Patty at Hanks. She came over with Pa.

May 18 – Aunt Patty and I went down to Aunt Katie Lees to day. Will Clark went to see Hettie.

May 19 – Built a fence around the barn yard. Pa and Will drew manure this P.M. Quite cold this P.M. Theodore Earl was down after supper. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 20 – Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. to get Will to come and plow the garden for us. Grandma went with me. Will plowed the garden this P.M. I worked at Jim Conkeys camera (altering it). Nancy and Mrs Brown was here part of the afternoon. Mrs Conkey came after Nan.

May 21 – Dragged the garden this A.M. and made some of it this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Aunt Patty went with me she stayed at Nan’s. Hannah has gone up to Mr Streators to sew.

May 22 – Rainy this A.M. Made some garden this A.M. Made a pig pen and put 4 wires around the hen yard fence this P.M. Pa and Will finished sitting the fence posts along the east side of the east lot. Pa has gone over to the Burg this evening after Aunt Patty. Will has gone up to Mr Streators.

May 23 – Pa and Will drew wood and old rails to day with Bill & “Tom” Brown.[78] I made a pig trough this A.M.

May 24 – Jim came down with Streators team and helped draw rails. Jim Conkey came over this A.M. to get me to make some shutters for his camera. He took me over to the Burg and back so I could get an idea how to make them. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 25 – Finished one of Conkeys Camera shutters this A.M. He and Hank came after it this A.M. They took a view of this our house, barn and yard. Geo Tomlinson,[79] his brother Ogden, wife and daughter[80] came here to day, stayed to dinner and Ogden and family went home. Aunt Katie Lee and George came up to day, also Alvin and Aunt Julia.[81]

May 26 – Went to the Station with Geo Tomlinson for the 7.03 train. He was going to Battle Creek. He came back and went to Aunt Katies this P.M. rode from here with Oren Starr. Pa carried Aunt Katie Patty down there. Worked at Conkeys Camera shutter.

May 27 – Finished Jim Conkeys Camera shutter this A.M. He came and got it this A.M. I worked a pattern for W. H. Knapp part of the P.M. Grandma went over to Hanks with Jim Conkey this morning. I went after her this evin’g.

May 28 – Finished Mr Knapps pattern this P.M. He came and got them. I mended Nancys comb this P.M. and one for Ma also. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this evening. Hank brought Lela over here this morning and Bessie over to Mrs Browns because Nancy was sick. 4-Paws Show at Kal- to day.

May 29 – Took up the carpet in the middle room this P.M. Have not felt very well.

May 30 – Helped Pa and Will string the wire on the hill road fence. Decoration day.[82]

May 31 – Helped Ma to day. I white washed the middle room and put the carpet down. Pa and Will finished the east road fence. Went to the Burg this evening. Party at Straits to night for Dexa.[83]

Jun 1 – Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. with a letter for Aunt Patty. Lucy[84] brought her up to our house. Lee[85] rode up with me so that he could drive back for his mother. I went over to Hanks after I got home after Hannah.

Jun 2 – Pa and I went up to Geo Billingtons to look at a new kind of a fence this A.M. Called at Mrs Earls.[86] Herb let me have some cucumber and Musk Melen seed. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders to sew this ev’ing.

Jun 3 – Put up screens and built a frame over the east door for the woodbine[87] to run on. Rained quite hard this P.M. Our cow had a calf this morning. Will has gone down to Mr Franklins to work for them the rest of the week.

X Jun 4 – Wrote to Inum[?] & Co. Pa Carried Ma, Grandma and Aunt Patty over to Nancys this morning. Went after them this evening. Got home about ten oclock. Grandma was taken with one of her hard breathing spells and died at 11.15. I went over after Nancy and telegraphed to Uncle Hi. Got 105 cabbage and 19 Tomato plants and set them out. Lois came to Hanks this evening. This stamp was Grandma’s.[88]

Jun 5 – Wrote to Uncle Henry and Edna Allen[89] of Grandma’s death. Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies this P.M. Found Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and Blanche here. Jim and I went over after the coffin this evening. Sent telegrams to Uncle Rob’t, Henry and David,[90] also Dee Harris. Lou and Dee came out this P.M. eving.

X Jun 6 – Grandma was buried this P.M. Had a prayer at the house and funeral at the Baptist church. The text was 49th Psalm 15th verse.[91] Uncle Pross came this morning or rather last evening to Hanks. Wrote to Frank for Aunt Patty.

Jun 7 – I carried Uncle Hi and Blanche to the Burg this morning came back and got aunt Kate. Uncle Henry came this morning. He and Uncle Pross walked over to the burying ground. They all went home on mail 11.15. Went to the Burg this evening saw Mr Barlow about some money. Lou and Jay came home with me.

Jun 8 – Quite warm. Jim and Will went to church this A.M. and evening. Mr & Mrs Streator[92] was down this P.M. Alvan Lee called a few minutes.

Jun 9 – Will and I drew the rails from the road fence east of the gate. Went up to Mr Flanders this evening after their post hole digger. Real cold this evening.

X Jun 10 – We set the posts for the fence from the garden to the corners. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. We called at Mrs Barbers on our way home to see the twins. Received a letter from H. L. Keith. Wrote a postal to Nellie Gillett[93] for Aunt Patty.

Jun 11 – Jim came down this morning and plowed the sod up each side of the posts. Will shoveled up the sod. I burnt some brush. Lois, Nan and Lou visited at Mrs Browns. Hannah went down there to sew. Aunt Katie and Lucy came up and visited here this P.M. I went and got Lou. They commenced weaning Jay to day.

Jun 12 – Helped put on the lower wire to the fence this A.M. Cultivated the garden this P.M. Pa and Aunt Patty went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 13 – We put the wire on the fence to day now we have a four wire fence from the garden to the top of the hill around the road. Hannah came from Mrs Browns this morning Dell Skinner[94] brought her. She went up to Jim Milhams[95] this P.M. a visiting. I went after to night.

X Jun 14 – Wrote to E. L. Crawford.[96] Bought a garden cultivator of W. H. Knapp this A.M. Ma and Aunt Patty went to Nans a visiting. Will Clark went to Gull Lake to a picnic. Rec’d a letter from Uncle Hiram.

Jun 15 – Carried Aunt Patty down to Aunt Katies. It has been quite warm.

Jun 16 – Went to the Burg with Theodore Earl to see Mr Barlow about some money got $21.00 by making a ____ with Theodore.

Jun 17 – 93°. Worked at some window screen frames for the Taylor girls[97] part of the day. Very warm. Pa worked on the road.

X Jun 18 – Went to the Burg this A.M. and got Nan, Lois and the children. Rained quite hard this P.M. Charley Clark and Clara[98] came to day, have moved here, will live in Theodore Earls house. Pa worked on the road. Wrote to J.F.T.[99]

X Jun 19 – Went to Kal this A.M. after Jessie Crawford. She came on Express 1.45. We called on Edna Allen. I got dinner at Johnny Richmonds. Jim Crum rode to Kal with me. Bought a hat and a duster. Wrote a postal to Frank Tomlinson. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Clara over and brought Lou back.

Jun 20 – Have not done much to day. Has been quite hot. Pa helped Charley Towne put a window in their wing room. Jessie went to the Burg this A.M. I picked about 7 qts of strawberries.

Jun 21 – Took Lou to Kal to day. She left Kal at 1.52 P.M. for Shelbyville. I came home by the way of Comstock. Went down to Uncle Jess Turners.[100] Aunts Patty and Katie and Mrs Gofferey was there. Jessie went up to Jim Milhams this P.M. Went to the Burg with the girls in evening. Jim and Will stay here to night.

Jun 22 – 99°. Jim, Will and I went up to the sheep pen and went in swimming. Bina Earl[101] gave me a bouquet. Will has gone to Russells. Jim to church this evening. Mr Peter Carmer was buried to day at Otsego.[102]

Jun 23 – Charley Clark came over this A.M. Pa went up to Mr Streators and got a grist of wheat and took to mill. Jessie and Charlie rode over to the Burg with him. Jessie and Lela came over with Will Brown.

X Jun 24 – Carried Jessie and Lela down to Mrs Browns this A.M. Picked about 15 qts of strawberries. Clara, Geo and Aunt Patty came up this A.M. Charley Clarks goods came to day. Mr Brownell get them for him. Went to the Burg this evening. Got three pictures of this house that J. Conkey made. Wrote to Imus & Co. Rec’d a letter from J.F.T.

Jun 25 – Colder to day and rainy also. Charley Clark is getting settled to day. Jessie and I went up there this P.M. Blacked Stove and pipe in the front room.

Jun 26 – I took Hannah to Mr Streators this P.M. Went to the Burg this eving. Pa and Aunt Patty went out for a ride this P.M. called at Mr Flanders.

Jun 27 – Went up to Charleys this morning and invited Clara down this P.M. Cultivated the garden and hoed the potatoes. Lois, Nancy and the children was over to day.

Jun 28 – Put paris green[103] on the potatoes and cut weeds this A.M. Geo brought Aunt Katie up this A.M. Ma, Aunt Patty and Aunt Katie went over to the Cemetery and to Nancys this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 29 – Strait came over to day. He has let a Co. in Mishwauka Ind have his windmill to make on a royalty. Hannah, Jessie and I went over to Hanks this eving. Charley and Clara was down this P.M. Pa, Ma, and Aunt Patty went down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Geo and Clara came after Aunt Katie this P.M.

Jun 30 – Aunt Patty and Hannah started for Perry[104] on Express 1.45 P.M. I took them to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies and got supper. Called on L. C. West.[105]

X Jul 1 – Wrote to Henry. Hank Brown is 34 years old to day. Clara and Edna[106] was down this P.M. took tea with us. Pa and I ground a m____y machine knife for Mr Randall. Jessie stays with Clara to night.

Jul 2 – Turned out a pump bucket for Theodore. Ma and Jessie visited at Nancys. Nan is having a real time with her teeth. Went and got Jessie with Theodores horse and buggy from Charley Clarks.

Jul 3 – Lou is 23 years old to day. Studied on a binder some to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Ike Odell[107] he is on the G.T.R.R.

X Jul 4 – Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.[108] At home all day went to the Burg this evening. Jim and Will went to Gull Lake.

Jul 5 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. Nancy and the children went down to Mrs B-s. Lois came and stayed with me.

X Jul 6 – Went up to Charleys with Lois this A.M. Charley and Clara came back with Lois this P.M. Will has gone to Russells from there to Kal to church. Wrote to Hannah.

Jul 7 – Plowed out the garden this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening.

Jul 8 – Drafted some for the binder. Charley Towne is cutting the wheat across from our house.

Jul 9 – Nancy is 32 years old to day. Hoed in the garden some this A.M. Charley Towne began cutting wheat in our east lot. I cut once around with the Royce. Ma visited over to Nan’s this P.M.

Jul 10 – I went down to Mrs Browns and picked cherries to day. Picked 35 qts. Charley Towne finished cutting our wheat to day. Will Brown cut our clover for us to day. I raked some of it up after I got home. R. E. Strait[109] and Dexa started for Oneonta N.Y. this morning.

Jul 11 – Charley Clark helped Pa and I draw the hay had three loads. Picked some peas for Clara Clark.

X Jul 12 – Draughted some to day. Have not felt very well. Went to the burg this evening. Mankins Palace Show at the Burg this evening. Jay Barton took Paris green this evening but took too much so the Dr may save him.[110] Rec’d a letter from Hannah. Will Clark cut his wheat to day.

Jul 13 – Jessie went over to Hanks with Will Clark this A.M. She went to church with Hank and Nancy. I went to the Burg with Jim this P.M. stayed until after church and came home with Will and Jim.

Jul 14 – Draughted for my binder. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Ma stayed and Pa went after her this evening. Whitney Family was at the Burg with their show. I went this evening.

Jul 15 – Made a pattern of a wheel for the twine holder and cast it this P.M. Jessie came from Hanks this P.M. Rained a little. Jim called on his way to the Burg this evening. He was going to see about his getting into the band.

Jul 16 – Draughted to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Gregorys Circus was there. Hank and I went he paid my gave me a “comp”. Lois bought Geo Adams place on Grove St. Consideration $475.

Jul 17 – Jessie went out to Lois to day. I took her to Kal. We went to Edna’s but she was not at home. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is not as well.

Jul 18 – Draughted some. Pa went to the Burg with a letter for Hannah. Ma visited at Claras Clarks. I went after her this evening. I took Clara on riding up by Uncle Ike Clarks.

Jul 19 – Draughted this P.M. Helped Charley Towne draw wheat from the east lot this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Jim has joined the G.C.B.[111] plays Bb Bass.

X Jul 20 – Wrote to M. F. Lee. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Lois, Charley, Clara and Edna came down this P.M. Lois will stay here to night. Hank, Nan, Mrs Brown and the children went up to Mr Armes.[112] Will Clark has gone to see “Hettie”.

Jul 21 – Draughted. Mr Knapp came over this P.M. with a pattern for me to change. Pa took Lois over to Hanks this morning.

Jul 22 – Draughted. Pa took Ma over to Hanks to have a negative made of herself. She stayed all day. Mr Knapp came over this p.m.

Jul 23 – Draughted a little. Rained last night it had got to be real dry. Charley Smith came out and got Lois for Luke Smiths folks.

Jul 24 – Draughted some. Went to the Burg this P.M. evening. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Charley Towne began cutting oats in our west lot this P.M.

Jul 25 – Will Clark and I went up to Mr Flanders this A.M. and picked cherries. Mrs Hoag[113] visited here to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. called at Mr Knapps and got a casting to make a pattern from.

X Jul 26 – Made a pattern for Mr Knapp. Will Clark and I went to the burg this evening. I rode home with Herb Earl in their boat. Hank and Nan started for Toledo this A.M. Pa went and got the children. Hank was going from Toledo to Cincinnati Monday to attend the Photographers Convention. Jim went to Shelbyville to day. Rec’d a letter from Miss H. M. Comfort Logan Iowa.[114]

Jul 27 – Went up to Charley Clarks and took dinner with them. Will Clark, Lela and Bessie also. We went and took a boat ride. Charley Clark and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Lucy is not as well.

Jul 28 – Draughted some. Worked in the garden awhile to day. Nancy came from Toledo to day. Came over after the children and took tea with us. Jim came from Lou’s to day. Jessie came as far as Kal with him. Charley Clark was down this P.M. we talked “boat” some.

X Jul 29 – Draughted. C. Towne drew the oats this P.M. Will Johnson threashed for Will Clark and Mr Randall to day. His machine is here to night, will threash here tomorrow. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Jul 30 – Threashed to day had 138 bushels of wheat and 92 of oats. Pa and I got the loose straw and chaff in the barn this P.M. Methodist picnic at Gull Lake to day. Will Clark went with Mate.[115] Wrote to Hannah.

X Jul 31 – Draughted some this P.M. Helped P clean up some wheat this A.M. Wrote to Hannah.

Aug 1 – I Draughted. Worked in the garden some this A.M. Went up to Charleys this evening and carried some beans. Sowed Turnip seeds this A.M.

Aug 2 – D made an instantaneous shutter for James Conkeys camera. Went to the Burg this evening. Rode home with T. Earl. Jim is out of the Band.

Aug 3 – Went down to Mrs Browns and put Bill in with Prince and got their double buggy for Mrs B-, Hank, Nan and Ma to go up to Mr Woods with. They did not find them at home so got back at 2.30. I carried Nan and the children home this evening. Charley & Clara was down this P.M.

Aug 4 – Draughted. Pa went over and got Nan this morning to help Ma ki quilt small quilt for Lou.[116] I carried her home this evening. 22 years ago to day since the Tornado.[117] It is quite cold for this time of the year.

Aug 5 – Draughted. Clara came down this A.M. and helped Ma quilt. Pa and Ma went to Kal this P.M. Ma went to see Edna. Jessie is there will come home tomorrow. Charley and Will Clark bought Lacelle Straits[118] carriage to day. Clara and Edna took dinner with me.

X Aug 6 – Geo Ives took dinner with us. After dinner I went up to Fidelio Browns. Ma went to the Burg this P.M. I went after her this evening. Edna and Jessie was at Nan’s came on Mich City freight. O. M. tried to –[119] Rec’d a letter from Henry L. Keith. Cong’l and Baptist S.S. Picnic at Gull Lake. Will Clark went. Jim took Flora & Mary Milham.[120]

Aug 7 – Draughted. Will and Charley have been breaking Mustang to day. Clara was down this P.M. Charley, Will and I went to the Burg this evening.

Aug 8 – Pa and Ma started for Shelbyville at five oclock this morning. Nan and the children came over to night. Will Clark went up to Gull Lake this P.M. to stay a few days, the Russells are camping there.

Aug 9 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Nan and the children went up to Claras this P.M. a little while.

Aug 10 – Hank came over this A.M. Charley & Clara came down this A.M. After dinner Charley, Hank and I went up around by Flanders and the brick school hous with the Mustang. Then Hank, Nan and I went home with Charley & Clara got Mr Earls boat and we went across the river to look at Hanks cow. Charley talked of buying it. Jim and Flora are out this P.M. & evening. Will C came from his visit up to Gull Lake.

Aug 11 – Draughted some. Clara and Edna were down this P.M. Hank Brown went to Chicago last evening. Will came back on N.Y. Express this evening to Battle Creek and from there home on accommodation.

Aug 12 – Draughted. Aunt Kate and Blanche came out on Mail to day. Pa & Ma came from Shelbyville this P.M. Clara & Edna were down to day brought a mess of fish.

Aug 13 – Draughted a little this P.M. Aunt Kate, Jessie and Blanche went home on Mail. Will Clark helped Mr Allerton[121] threash. Lela Brown is 6 years old to day.

Aug 14 – 90°. Draughted. Went to the Burg with Will Clark this P.M. Went down to the foundry. Clara & Edna were down. Pa is not feeling well.

Aug 15 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Mr & Mrs Streator and Mabel[122] was down this P.M. took tea with us.

Aug 16 – Will Clark and I went to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is worse has not set up much the past week. We are having hot weather. {Nellie Bristol[123] is 21 years old to day. {Lois Skinner is 44 years old to day.

Aug 17 – Hank, Nan, Jim, Claude, Lela, Bess and myself went up to Gull Lake. Stopped at Hanks grounds. Found Mrs Cummings there from Battle Creek (per agreement). I tried roller skating a little while tried twice to break a hole through the floor but found it the hardest.

Aug 18 – Helped Ma clean the two west bedrooms. Will & Charley went to Augusta. C- bought some chairs. He took “Bill” this P.M. and went to the Depot after them. Clara & Edna went over to the Burg with him.

X Aug 19 – I gave the front room a thorough sweeping and dusting this A.M. Draughted a little this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Aug 20 – Wrote to Lois Hannah and Henry L. Keith about binder business. Henry is 41 years old to day. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Will Clark worked for Charley Towne. Charley was down this P.M. Jim came home this evening to stay to night is going to Battle Creek tomorrow.

Aug 21 – Wrote some to Henry and made a drawing of Strait’s and my Reaper & binder to send to him. Will Clark began working with Billy Johnson cutting bands for him. Mrs Brown is here this evening. I went to the Burg this eving, rode with Harry Streator. Jim went to Battle Creek to the Encampment. Turned out some stand tops for Herb Earl. He says Elva has a little girl.[124]

Aug 22 – Draughted. Two years ago to night. Wonder if anyone among the Berkshire Hill, Mass. remembers anything about it. I am quite certain I do, to my sorrow. This is a fickle world.[125] Dont feel very well have a hard headache.

Aug 23 – Went up to the Mill this A.M. Herb gave me a piece of walnut for a stand top & legs. I went to the noon train and met Laura E. and Rosa C. James[126] of Ravenna Portage Co Ohio second cousins on Grandma Keiths side.[127] Nan and the children were over.

Aug 24 – At home all day. Jim and Hank went to Gull Lake this evening. Will Clark went to see “Hettie”.

Aug 25 – Worked at the stands some to day. This P.M. Laura and Rosa and I took a ride up south. Wrote in Rosa’s Autograph Album this evening.

Aug 26 – Laura, Rosa and I went up on the “big hill” this A.M. this P.M. I took them over to Nancys. Found Lois and Ina there. Charley & Clara were here visiting to day.

Aug 27 – Draughted some. Ma went over to Nan’s a visiting to day. Pa went after her this eving. There is Laura and Rosa came back with them.

Aug 28 – Rainy. Laura and Ma washed. Will Clark came home this P.M. and turned the lathe for me to turn out the girls stad stand top. Herb Earl turned for me to turn one for my self this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Ina came home with me.

Aug 29 – Carried Ma, Laura and Rosa up to Charleys this A.M. Pa, Lois and Ina went down to Aunt Katies. I went up to Charleys and took dinner with the “ladies.” Draughted a little. The girls stay with Clara to night.

X Aug 30 – Worked at the girls stand. Herb Earl we came down this morning with an other board for me to turn him a stand top. Laura has ironed to day. Rosa talked to me on “religion” this P.M. a while. Charley took his mother to Kal- to take the cars for Shelby ville. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

Aug 31 – Will Clark and I went to the Burg this A.M. This P.M. Laura, Rosa and I went up to the Hartwell Corners Cemetery and from there up to John Flanders and across by Ras Townes[128] around by the Lawler school house and Augusta home, 16 miles.

Sep 1 – Up at 4.40 A.M. took Laura & Rosa’s trunk over to the Station and then took them over. They left on the 7.03 train for Albion and from there to Jonesville to visit the cousins out in Hillsdale Co. Turned a Stand top for Earl. He and Charley Clark were here all day turning.

Sep 2 – Draughted. Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. after some apples. Met Hank and Mr Threasher when I came home, the first time I ever saw him. Jim went after the Dr this P.M. for Mr Streator he was taken sick this morning.

Sep 3 – Draughted. We are haveing very warm dry weather.

Sep 4 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening after Ma. Ma visited at Mrs Barbers this P.M. Jim and Fred Franklin went up to Scotts[129] this evening.

Sep 5 – Draughted. Warm and dry mercury in the ,90, nineties.

X Sep 6 – Draughted this A.M. Turned a stand top for Will Clark this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Received a letter from Laura and Rosa James.

Sep 7 – Hot as one needs for comfort. Charley and Clara came down this evening. Jim went to church this A.M. and evening. Charley and Will went over west this A.M.

Sep 8 – 100º. Finished Drafting for my binder. Commenced making patterns this P.M. Will Clark began cutting cutt our corn to day. Two years ago to day I went to a Grove Meeting at Schoolcraft.[130]

X Sep 9 – 101. Worked at patterns. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Uncle Martin Turner[131] was here this A.M. Pa and Ma have gone down to Aunt Katies this P.M. to see how Lucy is.

Sep 10 – 104º. Worked at patterns. Pa took Mar Ma over to Nancys this A.M. Hannah came from her visit at Perry to day. Wesley Keith came here to day came to Hanks last evening. It is ten years since he left.[132] Rained this evening quite hard.

Sep 11 – Worked at patterns some. Took Will Clark up to Sam Osbornes from there to Mr Streators. I took Nan and Hannah down to Mrs Browns. They went down to Aunt Katies. Wesley and I went down there this P.M. Cooler.

Sep 12 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark cut corn for us to day. Clara was down this P.M. Wesley went up to Mr Nyes this P.M.

Sep 13 – Worked at patterns. Charley finished cutting our corn this A.M. Ma went over to the Burg with Pa this evening. Will Clark and Jim have gone up to Augusta to “Skate” this evening. Went over to the 9.15 P.M. train and met Rosa and Laura. They have been out to Hillsdale Co. visiting.

Sep 14 – At home all day. Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies this P.M. found Lucy better. Charley and Clara came down this evening.

Sep 15 – Worked at patterns. Laura, Rosa and I went to the Burg this evening. We went by the way of the upper bridge. Quite warm.

Sep 16 – Dont feel very well have not done much of any thing. Went up to Claras and took postal to Ina. Rained last night has been cooler to day. Hannah is 29 years old to day.

Sep 17 – Laura and Rosa James, Nancy, Hannah, Jim, Claude and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. The James girls did not come back with us are going home from Kal-. We left them at Martin Turners.

Sep 18 – Will Clark and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. Saw Oscar Keith and Myrtie Chaffee and husband.[133] Came home on the cars.[134] We had a double header and 26 cars.

Sep 19 – Worked at patterns some. Mary Plank[135] and Lou Hall a friend of hers came here this evening. We went over to the Skating Rink this evening. Charley Ford[136] had his opining this evening. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Party at Russells to night. Will went Ollie Patterson took him. Bought ½ doz silver plated knives and forks this evening.)

Sep 20 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Mary Plank, Miss Hall and Hannah went over to call on Fannie Towne[137] this A.M. Hannah took them down to Mr Allertons this P.M. They are going home this evening. Will Clark and Hannah went over to the Rink to skate this P.M.

Sep 21 – Hannah, Jim, Will and I went up to Charleys to dinner. Hannah and Will went to church this A.M. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. They say that Lucy is better. Hanks folks are over to Mrs Browns to day.

Sep 22 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark began working for Mr Allerton this morning. Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day.[138] He feels real bad about it. Lucy B. Lee Milham died this evening at 11.15 P.M.[139] Wesley Keith came after Ma this evening to go down to Aunt Katies.

X Sep 23 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith came up from Aunt Katies this morning after Hannah. Said Lucy was dead. Pa went down this P.M. and got Ina. I went up to Claras and told them of Lucy’s death. Rec’d a postal from the James girls.

Sep 24 – Went to Lucy’s funeral. Went to Mr Streators this A.M. with Harry and after dinner we went to the funeral. I rode home with Hanks folks. Rained real hard this A.M.

Sep 25 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark husked corn for Pa to day. Clara and Edna came down this P.M. stayed to tea.

Sep 26 – Worked at patterns. Charley husked a little while this A.M. He and Pa went over to the Station and got his wagon he has had shipped to him from Jasper. Delphia York[140] brought Wesley Keith up here this A.M. Nina came with them. She stayed until after dinner.

Sep 27 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked some to day. I went to the Burg this evening. Mary Schroeder was at Hanks this evening. Hannah came home this evening from Nan’s with Mrs Randall.

Sep 28 – Jim, Charley and I went up to Theodores this A.M. to the “Rink.” Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. but they were not at home. We saw Ida Bronson[141] at the Taylor girls. I carried Hannah over to Nan’s this evening. Carried Jim as far as Mrs Browns on his way to Streators.

Sep 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked corn this A.M. Charley Towne finished husking here to day. There was a Co organized in the Burg to day to develop the water power from Gull Creek north of the Burg.[142] It was discovered by Geo Youmans.

X Sep 30 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening after Hannah. She went to the “Rink” with Jim and Mary Schroder. She came home with Harry Streator. Wesley Keith came back from Scotts this P.M. went to the Burg with me. Will stay at W^m Blakes to night. Rec’d a letter from Laura James.

X Oct 1 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp.[143] It has been a rather disagreeable day. Wrote to Chester Steel Casting Co. Philadelphia Pa. Old Mrs Schram died last night.[144]

Oct 2 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp part of the day. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. After he came home he and Ma went down to aunt Katie.

Oct 3 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp. Mrs Blake and her Mother and Mrs Brown have been here this P.M. Nancy has been here all day. I went and got her.

X Oct 4 – Worked at patterns for Knapp. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Dell came out with a load of goods to day. Hannah went to the Burg this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.

Oct 5 – Charley Clark and I took a ride up by G.R.C. Adams[145] this P.M. Lois, Ina and Clara came down this P.M. Lois and Ina will stay all night. 12 years to night Hank and Nan were married.

X Oct 6 – Wrote to R. E. Strait, H. L. Keith and Munn[?] & Co. Cultivated some ground for strawberries just south of the orchard. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nan’s this P.M. I worked at patterns this P.M. I took Hannah up to Byjolly Halls to sew this A.M.

Oct 7 – Worked at patterns for myself and Mr Knapp. Mr Knapp came over this A.M. to have me make him a small sprocket wheel. Ma went to the Burg this A.M. to stay with Lois at Hanks. Hank and Nan went to Chicago on the 11.15 A.M. train. Charley Clark dug potatoes for me in the garden this P.M., had 9 bu.

Oct 8 – Worked at Knapps and my patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Rained last night so the air is quite cool to day. Allerton discharged Will Clark to day.

Oct 9 – Worked at patterns. Allerton came up this morning wants Will Clark to work for him again. Will went. Will Brown came up after a flail to threash his buckwheat. Wesley Keith has gone up to Mr Riddlers this eving. Hannah came home from Mrs Ralphs this eving. Will Brown brought Lela and Bess up to night.

Oct 10 – Worked at a pattern of a gate hanging for Wesley Keith. Went to the Burg this evening to hear J. C. Burrows speak on the tariff question, he spoke at the rink.

Oct 11 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith went down to Aunt Katies this A.M. rode down with Mr Earl. He is not coming back here. Went over to the rink this evening and saw two little boys from Charlotte skate. Mr David Bronsen died to day.[146]

X Oct 12 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Charley Clark and Clara were down this P.M. Wrote to Laura E. James.

Oct 13 – Worked at patterns. Mr David Bronsen was buried to day. Pa went to the funeral. Nancy came from Chicago she brought me a loaf of bread. Pa and Ma took Lela and Bess over home this P.M.

Oct 14 – Worked at patterns. Carried Hannah over to Nan’s. She is going to the rink to skate. Will stay at Hanks to night. Sarah Ettie Calkins[147] came to Hanks while I was there. Hank came home from Chicago last evening.

Oct 15 – Worked at patterns. Pa is 71 years old to day. Pa took Ma to the Burg this P.M. Brought Nan and Hannah back. I took Nan to Kal- to the 6.50 P.M. train and she went to Shelbyville. Jay is very sick. I got back from Kal- 10.15 P.M. Called at aunt Katie the baby was sick.[148]

Oct 16 – Worked at patterns. Charley and Herb Clark[149] was here this A.M. Pa took Hannah over to Hanks this evening she was going to the rink. I went after her. Pa brought Ma, Lela and Bessie home with him. Harry and Jim called a minute on their way to the Burg this eving.

Oct 17 – Worked at patterns. Went to the burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Hank rec’d a postal from Nan. She said Jay about the same.

Oct 18 – Worked at patterns. Hannah has gone to the rink with Harry Streator this evening. He is agoing to stop here when he comes back with her. Nan wrote to day that Jay is no better. Bessie is not very well.

Oct 19 – Hannah and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Harvey Keith[150] and his Mother[151] was here to day. Hank Brown called here this A.M. on his way to his Mothers.

Oct 20 – Worked at patterns. Hannah went to the rink this P.M. and this evening went up to Ras Townes to sew. I went to the Burg this evening.

X Oct 21 – Worked at patterns. Nancy came from Shelby ville this P.M. Wrote to J. F. Tomlinson. Walked over to Mr Knapps this A.M. helping him on his machine.

Oct 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah came from Ras Townes this evening. Ma went to the Burg and stayed at Nan’s until night. I went over to a Water Power meeting at the rink, there was $7,000 worth of stock taken.

X Oct 23 – Worked at patterns. Snowed last night and has snowed by spells all day. Clara and Edna visited here this P.M. Charley was here to tea. Wrote to R. E. Strait West Oneonta New York.

Oct 24 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark and family went out to Athens to visit Clara’s cousin. Hannah is about sick with a hard cold.

Oct 25 – Gathered apples, pulled the beets and onions and Pa finished digging the potatoes to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to Lois’es the first I have been in her house. She stayed there last night for the first time. I put up her clock for her.

Oct 26 – Went down to Alvin Lee’s to day. It has rained all the afternoon. Jim and Will were here to day.

Oct 27 – Worked at patterns. Began the pattern of the flanged wheel for the knotter part of the binder. Four years ago to day, Mr Brown died.[152] Saw some views at Hanks.

Oct 28 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this P.M. I took them home this evening. Will Clark rec’d a letter from S & O S & H of Shelby ville[153] wanting to know if he would clerk for them. Saw some views at Hanks that of Perry N.Y. and vicinity that old Mr Cooley let them take.

Oct 29 – Worked at patterns. Went over to the Water power Meeting this evening. They finished raising the am’t necessary to organize a company, $10,000. Will hold their first meeting to elect officers tomorrow evening. Ma took went to Shelby ville to day Pa took her to Kal-. Hannah came home from Fords this evening where she has been sewing.

Oct 30 – Worked at patterns. Took Hannah to the Burg so she could go to the rink, went after her this evening. Jim has gone after a girl to go to the rink with him had Harrys horse and carriage. Jim took Mary Milham to the rink.

Oct 31 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark quit working for Mr Allerton yesterday. He is agoing to to clerking for Schroder and Harris at Shelby ville.

Nov 1 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this A.M. I took them down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Hank and I went to the Academy of Music to see Silver King played this evening it was first rate. Will Clark and Hettie went to the play.

Nov 2 – Hannah and I went to Charleys this P.M. and made a short visit. Jim stayed at home last night has been to the Burg all day.

Nov 3 – Worked at patterns. Pa went up to Mr Flanders and got a load of apples this P.M. Will Clark went up to Shelbyville to day to clerk for S & H. Jim and Mary Milham went to Kal- this evening to an opening of a new skating rink. Grace Griffith began working for Nan to day.

Nov 4 – Election (Presidential)[154] I voted for the prohabition candidates, St. John of Kan – for president – voted the Green back ticket for State Legislature and County Officers. Worked at patterns and done some turning for Herb Earl this A.M. Took tea at Hanks. Visited Lois this evening. Rained all night. Sent a couple of Enterprises[155] to Hank telling about the Water Power Boom.

Nov 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained all the last fore noon. Mr W^m Hill died last night (Oat Hills father).[156] Hannah went up to Mrs Thompsons near Scotts to sew this A.M. so Pa and I are all alone. Charley Clark helped Pa get the apples out of the wagon down cellar this A.M. He had the wagon to draw his Mother a load of wood in the P.M. Pa got “Peter” in the pen this P.M.

X Nov 6 – Worked at patterns. Finished putting the flanges on the flange wheel that is on the knotter part. Pa went over to the Burg this P.M. Pa bought 8 bushels of potatoes of Nelson Nichols 30 cts pr bushel. Wrote to Henry L. Keith about the binder. Offered him half of it if he would be to the patent expense and also the expense of making a binder. Did not send the letter for I got one from R. E. Strait.

Nov 7 – Worked at patterns and house work. Charley Clark husked corn for us to day (finished).

X Nov 8 – Worked at patterns. Ma came from Lou’s to day. Lou sent me a can of Salmon. Received a letter from R. E. Strait. Pa went over to the Depot and got Ma’s trunk. Lois and Ina came home with him. Dell came here about 10 P.M.

Nov 9 – Very pleasant. Jim came down this A.M. Ed Streator of Cleveland Ohio[157] came with him. He brought his Bb cornet with him it cost $90. He is a good player. I carried Lois and Ina home this P.M. Dell went over to the Burg this A.M. Jim and Hannah went over to Hanks this evening. Jim took his new Vineyard skates back to exchange them.

X Nov 10 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Hannah to the Burg this A.M. Heard that Mrs Barber[158] was very sick came back and took Ma over there. She stayed until night. Rec’d letter from Rosa C. James.

X Nov 11 – Worked at patterns. Wrote to Henry. Went to the Burg this evening. Walked home with T. Earl. Hank, Nan and Hannah went to the skating rink.

Nov 12 – Worked at patterns. Ma has gone over to set up with Mrs Barber to night. Willis Brown and Lizzie Ogden were married this evening[159] at her home. No one there but the brothers and sisters.[160] Hank and Nancy and children went. Mrs Brown had a bad cold and could not go.

Nov 13 – Worked at patterns. Ma went down and visited Mrs Brown this P.M. She was there when Will and Lizzie came from Mr Ogdens.[161] Pa went over to the Burg and got Ma this A.M. She stayed at Hanks. Mrs Barber did not need any to set up with her. Jim and Mary have gone to the rink to night. We are having nice weather for this time of the year.

Nov 14 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma were married 35 years ago to day. Will Brown and wife called this evening to leave a couple of papers. He introduced me to his wife.

X Nov 15 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening Hannah went with me. The Democrats are having a big time. They have just heard that Cleveland carried the state of N.Y. It is just splendid weather nowadays. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.

X Nov 16 – Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies. Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. Hanks folks were over. Six years ago to day Charley and Clara were married. Rained some just at night. Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.

X Nov 17 – Charley Clark, Lois, Nan, Ina and I went to Kal- to day. Lois went to do get her a carpet for her parlor and chairs and couch. Bill got scared at the cars at Comstock and liked to run off the bank the west of the bridge. Hannah sews for Mary Allerton[162] most of this week.

Nov 18 – Worked at patterns. It has been quite a cold day. Pa washed the windows in the shop. Will Brown finished husking corn to day. Charley Clark helped him.

Nov 19 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Julia Lee’s visiting to day. It has been quite pleasant.

X Nov 20 – Finished the patterns for the knotter part of my binder. Went to the Burg this evening. The Democrats have had a “big” time in Kal- to day over the election. Rec’d a letter from H. M. Comfort.

Nov 21 – Worked at a bar for Charley Clarks bookcase and a box for Jim to carry his skates in. Went up to Charleys this P.M. and put the bar on the bookcase. Mrs Youngs[163] came there while I was there, the first time I ever met her. Charley Clark plastered some for us this P.M. in Grand ma’s room. Went to the Burg this evening.

Nov 22 – Charley plastered a little this A.M. His wifes cousin came down with him Mr Long (Oldacre). Helped Lois put down her new carpet this P.M. Took tea with her, the first meal I have taken with her in her new home. Mr Knapp came over to get some pattern work done this A.M. Miss Ella Allen came to Hanks to day. She is from Georgia.[164] I had an introduction.

Nov 23 – Hannah and I went down to Mrs Browns and spent the day. Nan and children were there. Jim is there doing chores. Will and Lizzie are out to Mr Perrys. Has been quite stormy rain and snow.

Nov 24 – Worked at a pattern of a gear wheel (3¼”) for Mr W. H. Knapp. Charley Clark was down to day had a tooth pulled.[165] Took dinner with us. This has been cold stormy day. Hannah went to Gus Gates this morning to sew.

Nov 25 – Worked at a box for Jim to keep his skates in to day. Mr Knapp came over and got his pattern this A.M. Jim called this evening for his skates. He and Miss Ella Allen and Will Brown and wife have gone to the rink to night. Sleighs have started for the first this winter to day.

Nov 26 – Finished Jims skate box and began one for Hannah this P.M. Charley Clark and Theodore Earl was down this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark was over to his mothers and he came home with me. Sleighs are running to night.

Nov 27 – Worked at Hannahs skate box, and began the pattern for the needle to the binder. Thanksgiving. We had a strawberry shortcake for dinner. Jim went to Kal-. The Burg boys have been sliding down hill to day. Lois and Ina are over to Charleys to day to Thanksgiving.

Nov 28 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came after Ma this A.M. to go up there visiting. Lois and Ina came home with her to night. T. Earl, Nelson Nichols and Richard Barber were here to day. Two years ago tonigh. The thought does not bring pleasant memories. Quite the reverse.[166]

Nov 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came and got his Mother and Ina and carried them home this A.M. Ma went over to Mrs Ralphs visiting this P.M. I went after her this evening. Hannah came from Wm Ralphs this evening. Two years age to day “Nell” left for West Stockbridge, Mass. 12.53 P.M.[167]

Nov 30 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. It has been a pleasant day. Charley Clark, Jim, Will Kaywood and sister,[168] Mrs Brown, Will Brown and wife and Ella Allen, Mrs Powers of Scotts and brother have all been in the yard to day. Harry Streator also. Ormsby Mitchell came after Hannah this evening to go there and sew this week.

Dec 1 – Jim and I went to Kal- to day. I called on Edna found her sick abed. Took Uncle D. C. Crawfords[169] letter down to her (it was a business letter). We are having quite pleasant weather.

Dec 2 – Worked at patterns. Clara Clark and her Mother Mrs Youngs visited here this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening. Jim went over with me. We called on Lois. Jim stays here to night.

Dec 3 – Worked at patterns. Ma visited the Taylor girls this P.M. Harry Streator was here this A.M. and got his cross cut saw filed. Dont feel very well to night.

Dec 4 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to the rink. They gave a prize to the best lady skater. Miss Church of Augusta got it.

Dec 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained some is quite warm. Charley Towne and Charley Clark were both here a little while to day.

Dec 6 – Worked at patterns. Rained all day. Marenus Caywood brought Hannah home this evening.

X Dec 7 – Rained until this P.M. Wind has blown very hard all day. Wrote to Miss Rosa C. James. Jim was down home to day. Carried Hannah down to Mr Caywoods this P.M.

Dec 8 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Jim called on his way to the Burg this P.M.

Dec 9 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Pa and I moved the kitchen stove nearer the west side of the room this P.M.

Dec 10 – Worked at patterns. Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. after Hannah.

Dec 11 – Worked at patterns. Albert Fisher came and got Hannah this A.M. to go and sew for his folks. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Lucelle Strait the first time that I have met him since he came from the east. We talked over the binder business some. Got a pin and earrings for Aunt Katie to make Adelphia[170] and Clara presents of.

Dec 12 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Pa extracted a tooth for Charley Clark.

Dec 13 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this P.M. to see Lucelle Strait but did not see him. Went and saw Mr Knapps machine he has it about completed. Cleaned Loises clock this P.M. took tea with her. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim got through working for Harry Streator to day.

Dec 14 – Jim is 22 years old to day. He has gone up to Mr Ogdens with Lizzie and Ella Allen this evening. Lucelle Strait came over and looked the binder patterns over. We talked binder business also.

X Dec 15 – Went over to see Lucelle Strait this A.M. about binder business. 8½ inches of snow on the ground this morning. Rec’d a letter from Florence and Henry. Wrote to Florence also to Henry and told him on what conditions I would let him have a 1/6 interest in the binder. Charley Clark is 25 years old to day.

Dec 16 – 10°. Worked at patterns. Charley Clark was down this P.M. and turned the lathe for Pa to turn some pump tops for Theodore. Jim has gone to the Rink to night. Will stay with Lois all night.

Dec 17 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Coldest day yet this winter. Charley Clark was down this A.M. took dinner with us. He and Jim went to the Burg. Jim has gone up to Put Milhams to see Jessie about going to the dance Friday night.

Dec 18 – 14° below. Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this eving. I paid Hank three dollars for the Sci Amanian another year. Jim got the paper and lath off from overhead in Grandma’s bed room to day.

Dec 19 – 16º below. Worked at patterns. Jim and Jessie Milham have gone to the first club dance at the Rink this evening. Will Clark came out to day. Charley went to Kal after him.

Dec 20 – Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Snowed quite hard this evening. Will Clark went back to Shelbyville this A.M.

Dec 21 – Jim went over and got Lois and Ina this morning. Pa took them home this evening. Hannah and I went up to Charleys and spent the evening. Mr Dewey brought Hannah home this A.M. from Scotts.

X Dec 22 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Commenced the large cog wheel on the binder this A.M. Wrote to J.F.T.

Dec 23 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this A.M. Lela and Bessie came home with them. Hannah and I drove down to Mr Allertons this evening. She wanted to see Mrs A about sewing for her, then we took the children home. Lois and Ina went out to Ceresco to day.

Dec 24 – Worked at patterns turned the large cog wheel. Hannah and Jim have gone to the Cantata at the Methodist church this evening. Snowed I presume 10 inches last night and to day. Must be 20 inches of snow on the land.

Dec 25 – 1º. Christmas. Pa, Ma, Hannah, Jim and myself took dinner with Charley and Clara. I went over to the Burg this evening attended the Masquerade at the Peerless skating Rink. Was good. Jim and I put the carpet down in Grandma’s room this morning. Saw Lucelle Strait this evening said he had heard from his father and that he was satisfied with our bargain in regard to the binder.

Dec 26 – 22º below zero. Changed a sleigh shoe pattern for I. D. L. Schram[171] this P.M. Ma is 63 years old to day. I put the carpet down in the “little room” bedroom this evening.

Dec 27 – Made a little table for Edna Clark to day. Jim and Charley Clark went to the Burg this P.M. Rainy this P.M.

Dec 28 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim went to the Burg this evening. Hanks folks went to Mrs B-s to day called on their way home. Will and Lizzie took Stella Ogden[172] home. Ella Allen went over to Hanks to stay a few days. Rainy to day. Rained last night.

Dec 29 – Worked on patterns making coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder. Painted the little table that I made for Edna. Rainy. Snow is going fast.

Dec 30 – Worked a patterns, finished the coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder, 80 of them. Pa took “Peter” the pig over to the slaughter house and had him killed. Would weigh about 225 dressed I guess. Jim has gone over to the Rink to night. Rained all day, our 20 inches of snow is gone and it went with a rain and all settled into the ground.

Dec 31 – Worked at patterns a little while. Clara Clark has been down helping Ma to day. Jim went to Kal- to meet Lou and Dee but they did not come. Went to the Burg this evening. Another year is drawing to a close and no great change with me. I think my health is some better and my business prospects better than one year ago.

——-

Memoranda

“He who does the best his circumstances allow,
Does well, acts nobly. Angels could no more.”

“A beautiful life ends not in death.”

“The crown and glory of life is character.”

“The truest self respect is not to think of self.”

“It is not rank, nor birth, nor state,
But get up and get that makes men great.”

“The good is always beautiful,
The beautiful is good.”

Never change in anything but name.

Politeness is to do and say the kindest things in the kindest way.

“The richest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation.”

“Take time to deliberate but when the time for action arrives stop thinking “Nell.”

I have seen so many changes years felt
On earth I am a stranger grown
I wander in the ways of men
Alike unknowing and unknown.
(Uncle Jessie Turner)

Maltine with Phosphates

How to make Cheese Digestable Sci A.M.
No 10, March 8th 1884

C.P.R.P. Ferry Sci A.M.
Supplement No. 399

Jan 9, 12, 14, 21, 23, 31
Feb 24
March 17
April 16
June 10
July 7, 28
Aug 18
Sep 2, 3, 10
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 18

Edward Lyman
Constructive Engineer
New Haven Conn
Lyman’s Gear Chart.
Price 50 cts.

S. M. Skedling
Treatment for Constipation
Sci A.M. Supt 284

For worms on Currant Bush
Petroleum 30 parts, water 10 parts, soap 20 parts

——-

[1] Ethan placed X’s at the top of several entries, however, there was no explanation as to why

[2] His half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, and her daughter, Ina Skinner

[3] His sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown, and her son, Claude Brown

[4] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his sister and her husband, Louese & D.D. Harris, lived

[5] His younger brother, James Clinton Keith

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[8] William Clark, his nephew, son of his sister Lois by her first husband, Byron Clark

[9] Willis Brown, neighbor and brother of Henry Brown

[10] Bess Brown, the daughter of his sister Nancy

[11] Neighbor, Herbert Earl

[12] His sister, Hannah Keith

[13] Matilda (Allen) Brown, neighbor and mother of Henry Brown

[14] His brother-in-law (Nancy’s husband), Henry Brown

[15] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known as Luke

[16] Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[17] His half-brother and sister-in-law, Henry & Florence (Stahl) Keith

[18] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[19] Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[20] Possibly the business was relating to their mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, who was living with Ethan’s parents, and needing more attention and assistance in her old age

[21] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[22] Neighbor, and cousin of Henry Brown

[23] His niece, Lela Brown (Nancy’s daughter)

[24] Michigan marriage records show that William Morton and Myrtie Barlow were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 16, 1884

[25] His paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith

[26] Oscar’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[27] John Batey

[28] His sister, Louese (Keith) Harris, and her son, Jay Harris

[29] Neighbor, and brother of Herbert Earl

[30] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[31] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[32] Michigan death records confirm that Bela Wright died on January 19, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[33] Michigan death records confirm that John Batey died on January 18, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[34] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[35] Nickname for Hiram Crawford Jr.

[36] His paternal first cousin

[37] Hiram’s wife, Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[38] His brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[39] Believe he is referring to his cousin, Frank John Tomlinson

[40] His nephew, Charles Ira Clark

[41] His neighbor, Isaac Schram

[42] The family’s horse

[43] His brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris Jr., also known as D. or D.D., who was married to Ethan’s sister Louese

[44] Cousins, Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[45] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s son

[46] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter

[47] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter

[48] Neighbor in Comstock, Ida (Barber) Howe

[49] Carrie and Charles Howe

[50] Ethan’s mother Sarah and Hiram’s brother, Henry Clay Crawford

[51] Henry lived in South Bend, Indiana

[52] Don’t know who he is referring to; research continues

[53] Lucius Prosper Crawford, another brother of Sarah and Hiram Crawford

[54] Strait Windmill Company

[55] Uncle Pros

[56] Hiram was the treasurer for the North Chicago City Railway Company and horses were used to pull the trolley cars along rail lines. Although electric cable cars were introduced in 1882 and replaced horsecars on feeder routes when they became available, it wasn’t until 1906 that all their lines were converted to electricity

[57] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[58] His cousin, John “Frank” Tomlinson

[59] Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul RR, early predecessor to the Milwaukee Road

[60] Perhaps he switched the letters around and is referring to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad

[61] Chicago & Rock Island Railroad

[62] Michigan Central Railroad

[63] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. From Wikipedia: At its founding in 1874, the stated purpose of the WCTU was to create a “sober and pure world” by abstinence, purity, and evangelical Christianity. The constitution of the WCTU called for “the entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.”

[64] From Wikipedia: On December 24, 1883, a young white German named William Berner and his accomplice, Joe Palmer, a man of mixed African and European descent, robbed and murdered their employer, William Kirk, a livery stable owner in the West End of the city. The murderers dumped Kirk’s body near the Mill Creek in the Northside district. After the men had been arrested, 500 potential jurymen were called before Berner’s lawyer accepted the jury of twelve. After a prolonged trial, on March 26, 1884, the jury returned a manslaughter verdict despite the testimony of seven different people to whom Berner had admitted his cold-blooded planning and execution of the murder. The judge, who gave a sentence of 20 years in prison, called the verdict “a damned outrage.” The next day, the newspapers called for a public meeting to condemn the verdict. Tried separately, Palmer was convicted and hanged. A New York Times article dated March 27, 1884, reported that James Bourne, one of the jurors, had spent the previous night at Bremen Street police station after being threatened by a mob. Returning home on the morning of March 27, a crowd threatened to hang him but was dispersed by the police. Later he was severely beaten and was again taken to the police station for his own safety. Another member of the jury, Charles Dollahan, was pelted with rotten eggs and dared not return home. Louis Havemeyer was told he was fired when he went to work. A crowd tore the blinds from the house of L. Phillips on Liberty Street, and threw dead cats and rotten eggs through the windows before discovering they had the wrong Phillips, not a member of the jury. The foreman of the jury, A. F. Shaw, had gone into hiding. On March 28, several thousand people attended a meeting to protest the lenient sentence. A large group of protesters then headed to the jail, apparently planning to lynch Berner. Unknown to the rioters, Berner was not there. He had been sent to Columbus, Ohio, for his own safety, and had escaped en route. The rioters managed to break into the jail through the Sheriff’s apartment, but left when they were shown that Berner was not present. Then more rioters arrived. The Sheriff had the alarms rung which had the effect of drawing yet more people to the scene. The mob, now 10,000 strong, pelted the jail with bricks and stones. They were driven out by reinforcements from the militia armory who entered the building via a tunnel from the courthouse. After one of the attackers was shot dead the violence escalated. Rioters attempted to set the jail on fire using stolen kerosene. By the time the situation became temporarily under control late on Friday night, five people had died, including one police officer, and many more were wounded.

[65] Chicago & North Western Railway

[66] His second cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel & Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee until March 18, 1870 when he joined his family in Salt Lake

[67] Katherine Sarah “Kit” (Crawford) Birkland, daughter of Robert Crawford (see footnote to April 8^th entry)

[68] Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

[69] His mother Sarah’s brother

[70] Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway

[71] To complete the process of boiling down the syrup in making maple sugar until it is thick enough to crystallize

[72] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts’ brother

[73] Pros Crawford’s wife, Isabella (Steele) Crawford

[74] Jay Keith Harris was the son of his sister and brother-in-law, Louese & D.D. Harris

[75] Neighbor, Charles Towne, Hannah Keith’s future husband

[76] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[77] Son of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to January 18^th entry)

[78] Believe he is referring to his family’s horse, Bill, and the Brown family’s horse, Tom

[79] George Tomlinson’s wife, Marion (Sprague) was the daughter of Patty (Keith) Sprague (see footnote to January 24^th entry)

[80] Ogden, Mary (Wareham) and Cleo Tomlinson

[81] Alvin Lee and his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee. Alvin and Ethan were second cousins

[82] Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths. Although Memorial Day became its official title in the 1880s, the holiday didn’t legally become Memorial Day until 1967

[83] Neighbor, Dexa Strait; the future wife of Jay Ralph Harris, D.D. Harris’ brother

[84] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his cousin, the daughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[85] Ansel Lee Milham, Lucy’s son

[86] Mary (Clapp) Earl, Herbert Earl’s mother

[87] A climbing plant with pleasant-smelling, yellow flowers such as Virginia creeper, or honeysuckle

[88] He had affixed a 2¢ postage stamp at the bottom of the page

[89] His maternal first cousin, Edna (Crawford) Allen

[90] His maternal uncles, Robert, Henry and David (D.C.) Crawford

[91] But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me

[92] Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[93] Patty’s granddaughter, Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett, the daughter of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[94] His brother-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert Skinner

[95] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham, who was the husband of Ethan’s cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[96] His maternal first cousin, Eugene L. Crawford

[97] Sisters, Harriet and Flora Elizabeth “Libbie” Taylor. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[98] His nephew and his wife, Charles I. & Clara (Youngs) Clark

[99] His cousin, John Frank Tomlinson; also went by the name of Frank or J. Frank

[100] Jesse Turner was actually his first cousin once removed

[101] Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

[102] FindAGrave.com confirms that Peter S. Carmer died in Otsego on June 19, 1884 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Michigan. According to Luke Keith’s April 7^th diary entry he had just moved to Otsego

[103] A poisonous emerald-green powder used as a pigment, insecticide and wood preservative

[104] Patty lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, in Perry, New York. Hannah stayed in Perry until September 10th

[105] His patent attorney, Lucius C. West

[106] Clara’s daughter, Edna Clark, who was almost 3 years old

[107] Neighbor, Isaac Odell Jr.

[108] Believe this to be Ethan’s cousin, Hannah Marie Comfort. Hannah was the niece of Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[109] Neighbor, Ransom E. Strait; Dexa was his daughter

[110] Luke Keith noted in his diary on August 22^nd that Jay Barton died

[111] Galesburg Cornet Band. It was organized August 4, 1870 and Ethan was an original member, playing the 2^nd E-flat cornet

[112] Assume this to be Arthur Arms, who was the widower of Cynthia (Brown) Arms, the sister of Ambrose Brown (Matilda [Allen] Brown’s late husband)

[113] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[114] Hannah (see footnote of July 4^th entry) lived in Ontario, Canada and was most likely visiting her brother, Dr. Francis Comfort, who lived in Logan, Iowa

[115] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[116] Louese was pregnant with her daughter, LaVergne, who was born September 10, 1884

[117] Newspaper articles: Kalamazoo Gazette 08 August 1862 p 3: “The Gale of Monday” A gale and thunderstorm swept over this place and surrounding county on Monday resulting in much damage to buildings, trees and fences; and we are pained to say also by claiming some loss of life. All through our streets and enclosures may be seen broken trees, but we hear of no other particular damage in the city. But we learn that at the residence of J. MILHAM, Esq., some two or three miles southeast of here was unroofed, and that the falling timbers killed several cows and sheep. Other damage was done to his premises, but we have not the particulars. At Galesburgh the storm was very destructive. We refer to a communication in another place for the details. At Battle Creek too, there was considerable damage done; among other things we are grieved to hear that the elegant Methodist Church was severely marred by the falling of its steeple, cracking the walls and shattering the roof. We have rumor of several lives lost here and there which we do not think reliable.”

“The Tornado at Galesburgh”

Ed. GAZETTE:-A tornado passed through our village yesterday about 4 o’clock which filled the minds of our citizens with great gloom and solemnity. It began to do its great work in the western part of the village by destroying three homes and injuring others. It then passed in an easterly direction blowing the roof off the grist-mill and entirely destroying our new part that was recently attached to the mill. It then made its rage through the eastern part of the village destroying barns, cabinet shops and three dwelling houses, tearing up every tree in its course.

Three families were entirely buried in the ruins of their own dwellings. No one injured except A. SHERMAN who was badly bruised and a little girl about eight years old a daughter of MR. BATCHELDER was instantly killed by a falling stick of timber. A Committee of five was appointed by the citizens to examine the property injured and ascertain who is made destitute in consequence of the storm. They report that damage at thirteen thousand, six hundred and twenty four dollars. M.G.

Burial: From Tombstone Inscriptions in Kalamazoo County, Michigan by Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, 1980. Galesburg Old Cemetery, Section 13, corner of Hastings & Division, Comstock Twp., Kalamazoo County.

Batchelder, Anna L. Daug of J. D. & L, Aug 4, 1862 5 yrs 10 mos 11dys Killed by the tornado

Lurectia, wife of J.D. Sept 17 1862, 45 yrs 8 mos”

[118] Neighbor; son of Ransom Strait and brother of Dexa Strait (see footnote to May 31^st entry)

[119] Following this are three lines of underlining. Ethan made several cryptic entries (see August 22, September 8, November 28 & 29) which seem to relate to the fact that he had been engaged to Helen “Nellie” Bristol, who went to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and married Clarence Spencer on October 25, 1885

[120] Believe he is referring to Flora Milham, the daughter of Richard & Hannah (Goodrich) Milham, and Mary A. Milham, the daughter of James & Ella (Adams) Milham. Richard and James were Martin Milham’s half-brothers

[121] Neighbor, John T. Allerton. Later in 1896, Will would marry John’s daughter, Elizabeth Allerton

[122] The 5-year-old daughter of Harry & Helen (Randall) Streator

[123] Helen “Nellie” Bristol

[124] Elva was the sister of Theodore and Herbert Earl. She married Frank Crossfield and they had a daughter, Ethel Crossfield

[125] See footnote to August 6th entry. There is also an entry in Ethan’s 1899 diary: Took Hannah to Cora Beras this A.M. went after this evening. Went over part of the same road seventeen years this even’g.

[126] Laura (James) Vair and Roselia James, daughters of John & Elsie (Prentiss) James

[127] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[128] Erasmus Towne, who was the brother of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5^th entry)

[129] Scotts, Michigan

[130] See footnote to August 6th entry

[131] Martin Turner was actually his first cousin once removed but was probably referred to as Uncle because of an age difference of 47 years

[132] John Wesley Keith. According to the Keith Family Bible, Wesley was the adopted brother of Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. A May 4th entry in Luke’s 1874 diary shows that “Wesley and family left for Kansas on the Eleven fifty Eight run”

[133] Mrytie LaVern Chaffee, the daughter of Ethan’s first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” Keith & Thomas Jefferson Chaffee Jr. Mrytie’s husband was Jesse Eugene Stevens

[134] The train

[135] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Planks had been the Keith family’s neighbors in Comstock until 1873 when they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan

[136] Neighbor, Charles Ford, husband of “Mate” Ford (see footnote to July 30^th entry)

[137] Neighbor Frances Towne. She was the sister of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5^th entry)

[138] Ida Barber married C. Eugene Howe on February 15, 1882 and on February 18, 1884 had twins (see footnote to February 18^th entry)

[139] This text had a border around it. While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. She left behind seven children, the oldest being 18 years old and the youngest 9 months old

[140] Ethan’s cousin, Marion Adelphia York, the granddaughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee (see footnote to January 7^th entry)

[141] Ida (Clark) Bronson was the niece of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s first husband, Byron Clark

[142] Gull Creek is at the south end of Gull Lake. A control structure was built there in the mid-1800s to provide power for a grist mill and to control lake level

[143] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[144] Michigan death records reveal that Mary (Lester) Schram died September 30, 1884 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[145] Neighbor, George R. C. Adams

[146] Michigan death records show that David S. Bronson died in Comstock, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[147] Sarahetta (Calkins) Tipton was Matilda (Allen) Brown’s niece

[148] Lavinia Lucy Milham, the baby daughter of Lucy (Lee) Milham. According to Lucy’s obituary, her mother, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, had the responsibility of raising the children: “the aged mother of the deceased, who having filled a full rounded life of labor and usefulness, at three score and ten finds new reasons for perennial youth to complete the task prematurely layed down by her daughter.”

[149] Charley Clark’s first cousin, Herbert Loren Clark

[150] His cousin, Harvey R. Keith

[151] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[152] Ambrose Brown, Matilda Brown’s husband, and Hank and Will Brown’s father

[153] Schroder & Harris, a general store of which D. D. Harris (Louese Keith’s husband) was part owner

[154] Grover Cleveland defeated James Blaine, becoming the 22nd president of the United States. He also was the 24^th president, the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office (1885–1889 and 1893–1897)

[155] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspapers

[156] Michigan death records reveal that Andrew (not William) Hill died November 4, 1884 in Comstock, Michigan. Andrew was the father of Otis Hill

[157] Edward Kent Streator, the son of Worthy & Sarah (Sterling) Streator. It is believed that Edward and Marius (see footnote to January 18^th entry) were brothers; research continues

[158] Neighbor, Mary (Knowles) Barber

[159] Willis Allen Brown and Elizabeth Rebecca Ogden were married in Charleston, Michigan

[160] Lizzie had five brothers, Stuart, Charles, George, Murray and Arthur, and four sisters, Mary, Fanny, Estella and Ida

[161] Henry Ogden

[162] Daughter of John Allerton (see footnote to August 13^th entry)

[163] Charley Clark’s mother-in-law, Rhoda (Wood) Youngs

[164] Ella was Henry Brown’s maternal first cousin, the daughter of his Uncle Wilson Allen

[165] Among other thing, Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr., pulled teeth for his neighbors

[166] See footnote to August 6th entry. Also, an entry from his November 27, 1899 diary indicates that: 17 years to night went to the Lights O Londen at Kal-.

[167] See footnote to August 6th entry

[168] Neighbors, William and Marena Caywood

[169] His mother’s brother, David Caleb “D. C.” Crawford

[170] See footnote to September 26^th entry

[171] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[172] Estella Ogden, Lizzie (Ogden) Brown’s sister