Luke Keith’s 1859 Diary

1859 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] Above zero

[2] Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[3] His daughter, Nancy Keith

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

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

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

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

[8] Below zero

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

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

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

[12] His daughter, Hannah Keith

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

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

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

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

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

[18] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

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

[20] An axe handle

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

[22] His nephew

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

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

[25] John Batey

[26] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Salmon Kingsley died February 13, 1859 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[27] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[28] His son by his first wife, Minerva Payson

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

[30] Platt Betts, his father-in-law

[31] Omro, Wisconsin

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

[33] Luke sometimes referred to the parents of family members, or older neighbors, as “Aunt” or “Uncle.” The relationship here is unknown

[34] Most likely his paternal first cousin

[35] Luke was engaged to Jerusha Crittenden, but then Minerva Payson came to town and Luke broke his engagement to Jerusha and married Minerva. Minerva died just four years after they were married. He then married his first love, Jerusha, who died just a little over a year later. Luke then married Sarah Crawford. Family story is that in the evenings Luke would go to the cemetery and play his violin at the graves of his first two wives

[36] Charles R. Cridland. There are many letters from Charles to Luke, however it is unknown what their relationship was

[37] His son

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

[39] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[40] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Susan Wheaton died April 24, 1859 and is buried in the Wheaton Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

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

[42] Daniel and Adaline (Ralph) Harris

[43] Daniel D. Harris Jr.; Daniel would grow up to be the husband of Luke & Sarah’s as yet unborn daughter, Louese

[44] Believe he is referring to Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[45] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Edwin Watts died June 8, 1859 and is buried in the Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[46] Alvin Turner was his maternal first cousin; not sure who Jerome Turner is

[47] Venetian red and Spanish white

[48] His niece, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[49] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that James Burnett died in 1859 and is buried in the Augusta Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[50] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that David Simonds died August 9, 1859 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

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

[52] Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[53] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

[54] His sister-in-law, Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[55] His daughters, Nancy and Hannah

[56] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ida Potts died November 19, 1859 and is buried in the Roof Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[57] Belladonna was used in the 19^th century to prevent scarlet fever

[58] His maternal first cousin; Jesse was Alvin Turner’s brother

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Luke Keith’s 1857 Diary

1857 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1[2] – Went over to Alfledas.[3] Drawed one load wood.

Jan 2 – Finished W. W. Earls car.

Jan 3 – Snows like fun. Carried Earls car over.

Jan 4 – Thomas Flanders here. Carried him over to H. Clintons.

Jan 5 – Cut one pr gloves for Caray. Went down to Alfledas and appraised her farm.

Jan 6 – Went over [the river] and got one board [of W. W. Earl]. Stimpsons House burned down in the Evening.

Jan 7 – Worked in the shop. Made a door. Cold as greenland.

Jan 8 – Went over [the river] and cut some straw. Got my plank. Isaac Cory and wife here this Evening.

Jan 9 – Mother here.[4] Got a rib of A. K. [Alfleda]. Father[5] came after mother.

Jan 10 – Worked in the shop.

Jan 11 – At home. Lois[6] came home in the Evening. Tyson and Toots came with her.

Jan 12 – Got 17 Hundred hay of Bennet 40 cts per hundred $6.80 cts. Got some sleigh crooks of D. B. [Bronson].

Jan 13 – Went over and got one load of hubs and other traps. Let J. York[7] have fifty Dollars. Alfleda here.

Jan 14 – Worked in the shop on my sleigh. Lasher traded horses with Bennet. Gave fifty Dollars to Bob.

Jan 15 – Pleasant and cold, 15 Degrees Below zero. Worked in the shop. Jo and Hellen[8] here to supper.

Jan 16 – Worked in the shop [on my sleigh]. Rogers, Warren and Stimpson there.

Jan 17 – Went over the river. Crid[9] came home with me. Got two Brooms. Made a Bale starter. Sold my gun to Solmon Stevens.

Jan 18 – Cold morning 27 Below zero. Got a watch of D[ick] Lamkins.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 4 Below zero. Drawed one load wood. Killed a pig.

Jan 20 – 12 Above zero. Worked in the shop. L____ Clark drawed load wood.

Jan 21 – Worked in the shop on sleigh.

Jan 22 – 6 Below zero. In the shop to day.

Jan 23 – Drawed one load wood. [Broke my thill.][10] Lasher drawed wood out of the bottom land. Bot this Book. 4 Below zero 9 Evening.

Jan 24 – Worked in the shop finished my sleigh bottom. Cold and blustrous.

Jan 25 – At home. Rather pleasant. Sarah[11] went to church to the method E. P.

Jan 26 – Carried my sleigh to the shop. Sent a letter to J. S. King.[12] Received a letter from G. T.[13] Ten Dollars in it. Quite warm. Stimpsons Ben[efit].

Jan 27 – Went over to Fathers. Sarah and children[14] went. They they Killed Hogs. Thawed some in the road. Stimpsons Benefit.

Jan 28 – Very pleasant. Worked in the shop. Alvan Turner[15] cam over in the Evening and operated on me with his battry.

Jan 29 – Pleasant morning 4 Above zero at Eight. Worked in the shop made a beam for R Tuttles slead and _____. Evening 24 Above zero.

Jan 30 – Pleasant 19 Above zero. Went over to Lashers. Sarah & children. Drawed load wood. Went over after them took tea with them.

Jan 31 – Worked in Blacksmith shop. Fitted the Braces on my sleigh. Bot one pound candles 18 cts. Groing cold fast.

Feb 1 – Cold wind 2 Above zero cloudy snows some. Stayed at home.

Feb 2 – Worked in the shop made an adze handle for E. Childs 25 cts. Made a sleigh neap[16] for Simmons. He paid me one Dollar. R. Tuttle paid me seventy five cents. Pleasant not very cold.

Feb 3 – Received a letter from E. ____. Not very cold 22 Above zero. Sarah went over to Oscars.[17] I worked in the shop. Got my Boards for my box. Bot half lb Tea 25 cts. H. N. Tulls[?] 2 whiffletrees[18] 50 cts.

Feb 4 – Quite warm. Worked in the shop. Goot my sleigh from the shop. Crid was in the shop. 34 Above zero Evening.

Feb 5 – Quite warm 36 Above zero heavy rain some thunder. Worked on my sleigh box. Got my screws and corner irons 30 cents.

Feb 6 – Worked in the shop made my sleigh box. Got 6 lbs shugar ½ lb Tea 8/- ____ 2 lbs nails 10 ___. 57 Above zero Evening. Sarahs gone over to J.O.K.[19] Oscars gal[20] Born.

Feb 7 – Rainy quite warm 57 Above zero snow all gone. Bridge gone some part of the plank. Sarah came home. Lois at home.

Feb 8 – Very cold 14 Above zero. At home. Some snow. Mr. Roulands child buried to day. Very cold Evening.

Feb 9 – Went over the river and got some potatoes. Left dol[21] at the Bridge. Very cold.

Feb 10 – Cold 2 Below zero. Made my sleigh seat. Bot 2 lbs candles. Alvan came here in the night. Received a letter from Omro[22] Mrs. N. B. C.[23]

Feb 11 – Cold 1 Below zero morning. Went over to fathers with my [s]leigh. Scoured[?] the shoes first rate.

Feb 12 – Not very cold 20 Above zero cloudy. Went over the river got two bushels Buck wheat. Sent it to mill. Let Stimpson have my siding.

Feb 13 – Cloudy 28 Above zero. Worked in the shop some. Lashers folks here. Drawed ice for D Beach. Deyos violin here.

Feb 14 – 41 Above zero cloudy some rain. Went up to Hellens. Got 2 lbs butter 20 pr lb 40 cents. Made a finger board for J Deyos _______ bridge.

Feb 15 – Warm 54 Above zero rainy day. My hogs got out of the pen got them back again.

Feb 16 – Rainy 57 Above z not very cold. Worked in the shop on Tuttles wheelbarrow. Bot one comb hairpins 15 cts.

Feb 17 – Warm 59 Above zero. Worked in the shop made H. Keith one ax helve, worked on R Tuttles wheelbarrow. Some rain in the morning.

Feb 18 – Cloudy 48 Above zero some misty. Worked in the shop. Commenced my violin top. Oscar & Drayton here.

Feb 19 – 27 Above zero snows some. In the shop. Deyo & wife here in the Evening. Ed Childs here.

Feb 20 – Stormy 30 Above zero some snow. Made axhelves. B. Brown[24] here.

Feb 21 – 30 Above zero cloudy. Worked in the shop painted my sleigh box & seat. Killed a pig.

Feb 22 – 31 Aove zero cloudy. Cloudy no rain to day. Athome all day no one here.

Feb 23 – Pleasant 36 Above z clear and Shiny. Painted my sleigh. Attended a lecture on physiology. A letter from J. S. King.

Feb 24 – Rainy 58 Above zero. Worked in the shop some. Went overt Fathers. Got some potatoes. Attend a lecture 50.00.

Feb 25 – Pleasant 50 Above ze. Painted my Sleigh. Bot 3¼ lbs Butter 20 cts. Harvey got the planer[?]. Attende a lecture.

Feb 26 – Colder cloudy 26 Ab zero. Worked in the shop. Attended lecture in the Evening.

Feb 27 – 28 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Harvey[25] & Oscar there. Attended lecture in the Evening. Snowed smartly.

Feb 28 – At home. Worked in the shop some. Harvey got the hatchet or hand ax. 26 Above zero. Mended the mop iron.

Mar 1 – Morning 26 Above zero cold and snowey. At home. Cold night.

Mar 2 – Pleasant 2 below zero some snow. Finished ax helves. Jef drawed one load wood. Received a letter from J. Sprague.[26]

Mar 3 – Cold some snow 22 Ab zero. Went over the river. Byington turned my hub for wheel barrow. Meeting here to in the evening.

Mar 4 – Not very cold. Worked in the shop afternoon. Drove the spokes in wheel barrow wheel. Mrs wisemans child Born.

Mar 5 – 29 Above zero cool wind. Worked in shop. Bot curry comb 25 cts. Lois came home. Evening party up to D. Bronsons. Flanders in the shop.

Mar 6 – 16 Above zero cool. Went over and got 2 bushels wheat of Fathers. Lois at home.

Mar 7 – Cold 16 Above zero. Worked in the shop. D. Smith here. Finished tuttles wheel.

Mar 8 – Rather cool 20 Above z. D. Smith here. Took the glass away with him.

Mar 9 – Some snow not very cold 22 Above z. Lois here she went home. Ethen[27] went with her. Mr Ludington Buried to day. Cars run together Below Lumston.

Mar 10 – 4 Above zero some sleighing. Killed my sow. Bot 19 lbs salt 23 cts of W. March.

Mar 11 – Pleasant 20 Above zero. Elias Sherman one ax helve one ax helve to W. S. March. Sold my Pigs to March 99 lbs 4.00. Mrs Cridlands cousin came.

Mar 12 – Pleasant 3 Above zero. Went up to Farmers ville to see Wm Browns[28] timber.

Mar 13 – Pleasant 14 Above z. Went up to J. Yorks. Sarah & children stays to Fathers. Cars of the track evening.

Mar 14 – Received a line from G. T. Cloudy 27 Above zero. Sarah came home. James Howard had my Buggy. Carried my watch to Sternes for Repairs.

Mar 15 – Pleasant 24 Above zero. At home. Buggy came home.

Mar 16 – Pleasant 20 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Cut my thumb in the Evening. Rogers commenced his frame.

Mar 17 – 36 Above zero cloudy. Sowed my Lettauce seed. Stimpson Brot back my siding. Sold G. B. 500.04 feet $12 pe thousand.

Mar 18 – 24 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Finished R. Tuttles wheelbarrow. Received 6 Dollars of G. Brown.

Mar 19 – 26 Aove zero snow on the ground cloudy morning cool at noon. Dresed Spokes. Warmer at night. Tuttle got his wheelbarrow.

Mar 20 – Pleasant 32 Above zero Sun Shine no Storm pleasant middle comfortable at night. Filled 2 teeth for Clara Johnson 38 cts 2 for Dan Earl 50 cts.

Mar 21 – Pleasant 34 Above zero snowy. Went Down to Catharines.[29] Quite warm.

Mar 22 – Rainy morning snow and hail afternoon. Hellen and jo ______ shugared of twice Boiled sap some.

Mar 23 – Warm. Came home. Flanders fetched down some runners and Axhelve _____ Rogers folks here. Father traded wagons.

Mar 24 – Rainy morning 44 Above zero Cloudy. Went over to Fathers. Bot 11¼ lbs Lard of March 1.38 cts Bot one pr Shoes $1.25. Filled teeth for Reading girl 75 cts.

Mar 25 – Cool 28 Above zero. D. Smith here. Worked in the shop.

Mar 26 – 22 Above zero. D. Smith left. Bot 4 lbs shugar 50 cts. Sent letter to __ H. Crawford.[30] Pleasant. Extracted 2 teeth for Mr Watts 25 cts. Cleared of Hog pen.

Mar 27 – 26 Above zero Pleasant. Dug stumps some. Made trunk cover for Cridland. Received a letter from Pavilion. York brot his violin Down.

Mar 28 – Pleasant 26 Above zero. Went and got my pump and some potatoes one lb Tea 44 cts. Lightning train run of the track above Augusta.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 35 Above zero some frost on the ground. Went over to Fathers twice. Went over to Lashers.

Mar 30 – Pleasant 51 Above zero at noon. Worked in the Shop. Post Office moved over to Hydes again. Prust Bennet here.

Mar 31 – Cloudy 32 Above zero. Bot 24 Doz Buttons 10 cts. Worked in the shop some. Went up to Shermans. James Sprague Died to Day[31] About sun down.

Apr 1 – 39 Above zero windy some snow. George Simmons[32] Died this morning About seven oclock. Bot a lot of traps for the children cost most 3 Dollars.

Apr 2 – Pleasant 16 Above zero quite cold. Simmons Buried to day. Frederick Partrige came here to day. Luddingtons son Died to day. Lois came home.

Apr 3 – 30 Above zero cloudy. F. Partrige left to day. Received a letter from G. T. told of J. Spragues Death. Mr Ludingtons son Buried to day.

Apr 4 – Cool 6 Above zero. Transplanted my rose bushes and other things. Stranger eat supper here. Shower in the Evening. E. M. Clap Buggy to day.

Apr 5 – 34 Above zero cloudy. Went over to Fathers. Snowed some. ______ Caray there.

Apr 6 – 19 Above zero snows in the morning. Went down to Comstock with S. Bristol. Cold and snowed like fun. Came back on Hand car 3 Oclock P.M. 21 Above zero. Fred came this Evening.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 19 Above zero. Fred here. Snowey. Went over to Fathers. Got some potatoes. Tom Camel married this Evening.

Apr 8 – 36 Above zero. Fred gon to work for chair company. Worked in shop.

Apr 9 – 30 Above zero Pleasant. Went and got my Potatoes over. Toot was here.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 26 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Bot pr shoes for Lois 93 cts thread 10 cts. Let C. Baker have 10 cents.

Apr 11 – Snows 36 Above zero snowed all day. Put Yorks violin together.

Apr 12 – 29 Above zero thaws some. Fred here. Went up to the Bridge with Fred. By____ here in the evening to see our darter.

Apr 13 – 34 Above zero snows some. Fred Left to day. Lois went over to Lashers. Fred paid me 2 Dollars. Mended my gloves. Snowey very muddy.

Apr 14 – 35 Above zero snows. Mended my mittens. Very bad weather. Lasher traded horses with Eldred gave 15 Dollars.

Apr 15 – 22 Above zero snows about three inches on the ground ice in the watter pail. Bot wood 2.94 cts 5 lbs butter of Flanders one sack Flour of Babcock $1.75 cts.

Apr 16 – 30 Above zero snows cold. Got some nitric acid. Flanders pulled stumps. Brot me some hay. Two chains mended at Bennets. G. Matthews left.

Apr 17 – 26 Above zero. Lamkins drawed my wood. Mended wagon for bush 75 cts paid 25 cts. Got link in large chain hook on small chain.

Apr 18 – 29 Above zero snows like fun about 2 inches deep morning stormy day.

Apr 19 – 37 Above zero snow on the ground cleared of pleasant after noon good sap weather.

Apr 20 – Got shingles of Rogers. Pleasant 31 Above zero froze quite hard. Worked in shop made reach for A. Brown[33] 50 cts. Sent a letter to G. Tomlinson. 5 candles 25.

Apr 21 – Pleasant 30 Above zero. Made Axletree for A. Lamkins wagon $2.00. Snowed some in the Evening.

Apr 22 – Pleasant 33 Above. Went up to Yorks and down to Oscars loaded load of goods Oscar moved Mary[34] come over to our house.

Apr 23 – Pleasant 30 A. Mary An here. Made H. Potts dash. Mary An left for Paw Paw.

Apr 24 – 31 Above Pleasant. Pots paid me 18 cts. Worked in the shop. Flanders Paid me 20 Dollars.

Apr 25 – 40 Above zero cloudy. Went over the river and got some eggs. Catharine Harriet and Uncle Warren[35] came over. 60 Above at noon.

Apr 26 – Rainy 41 Above. Toot and Lois here.

Apr 27 – 33 A. snows very little Pleasant after noon. Uncle Warren here to dinner. Worked in the shop on Claps bugy boddy.

Apr 28 – 30 A Pleasant. Worked on Claps boddy. Harvey & Oscar here. Got a letter from Pros Crawford.[36] Calope in town.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 38 A. Harvey here this morning. Went over the river with Sarah and children. Circus at Kalamazoo.

Apr 30 – 56 Above Pleasant. Went over to cooks and __unyons to look at some cows. Got Fathers wagon ___ moved his things.

May 1 – 56 Rainy. Mary Brown here. Went over to Cridlands got some sedar an Lilack trees. Bot a lot of sedars.

May 2 – Pleasant 34 Above. Got my sedars and pines and set them out. Lois came home from Lashers. Got half lb Tea 25 cts.

May 3 – Pleasant 32 Ab morning. Sarah gone to church. Marked Stetsins Box of Shugar. White tailed hen commenced setting on 13 Eggs. Went up to Gull with Cridland.

May 4 – 50 Above cloudy. Went over to Cridlands got some Lilack and Siberian crab. Carried Lois and young ones over. Made a reach for Mr. Watts 50 cts. Rainy day.

May 5 – 36 Abz[37] some rain some snow. Put in one felly[38] for Dea White 38 cts. Commenced corn plants. Watts paid 50 cts.

May 6 – 37 Abz Pleasant. Went over to Byingtons got 22 feet white wood boards. Got two Hubs turned. Mended wagon for D. Beach 38 cts.

May 7 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Worked in shop on Claps buggy boddy. Got cotage Beadstead of Pond on Byingtons Ate $5.00.

May 8 – Pleasant 37 Abz at 4 afternoon 86. Fired my stumps. Commenced putting on my hubs[?] on my violin. Warm night.

May 9 – Pleasant 70 Abz morning About 2 oclock we had a terrible Hail storm brok lots of glass round town blowed over some fence for me. Got my watch.

May 10 – Cloudy rather cool 40 Abz. Dol 23 years old to Day. Went over to Fathers. Got two Pine trees on Harveys old place. Went over and got Mrs Cridland.

May 11 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Mrs Crid left this morning. Went over and got Early potatoes & two bushels wheat of Father 10/- Flanders Brot two bushels wheat 10/- six lbs Butter. Got Journal of Alphadelphia.[39] Sold Cory som potatoes 1/-.

May 12 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Made a reach for poopy Watts tightened a box for H. Potts. Cridland left in the evening. Gave me a basket. Let Wiseman have some Early potatoes.

May 13 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked in shop on Claps seats. Pots paid 50 cts. Bot Hannah[40] 1 pr shoes 4/- 9 cts. Rainy afternoon. Extracted tooth for Wightmans boy.

May 14 – Rainy 44 Abz rather dark. Worked in shop some. Went over to Fathers. Got wheel barrow wheel of Cridland. Moses Mix came in town. Brainard & V. M. Tuttle came.

May 15 – Rainy 46 Abz. Finished Clapps seats. 50 Abz at night. Sold D. Johnson some potatoes 25 cts. Got flour of A Lamkins $2.00 56 lbs.

May 16 – Pleasant 32 Abz morning. Made my Wheelbarrow. Got 4 bushels Flour Bot 6 & ¼ lbs Fish 44 cts Bot 1 lb nails 5 cts. Lois & Henry[41] at home.

May 17 – Pleasant 34 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church. Nancy[42] went over to Fathers with Lois. East wind.

May 18 – Pleasant 40 Abz East wind. Wheeled ashes on my garden. Took Clapps Buggy down to the shop.

May 19 – Pleasant 45 Abz East wind. Wheeled ashes & chip manure on the garden. Fathers heifer came in.

May 20 – Pleasant 34 Abz some wind. Went over the river. Left dol in pasture. Commenced taking down my stable.

May 21 – Pleasant 35 Abz. Moved my stable and corn. Let Father have _____ bushels. 72 Abz after noon. Mrs. Wiseman here. Harriet and Edith here.

May 22 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Wesley[43] & Lasher plowed my garden. Some folks are planting corn.

May 23 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop on cornplanter. Bot hoe 62½ cts. E. M. clap Paid me eight Dollars cash three Dollars yet due to be paid in Shugar 1/- per lb.

May 24 – Pleasant 68 Abz some wind. Went over to Fathers and saw my cow & calf.

May 25 – Pleasant 60 Abz morning. Finished cornplanter. John Crittenden[44] came. Had a fine shower evening.

May 26 – Cloudy some rain 58 Abz morning. Went over and got Dol. She started for concord this morning half past nine. Got one thill of ____. Got my cow home. Bot pail 75 cts.

May 27 – Couldy some rain 54 Abz. Sheled some corn. Bot half lb. Tea 50 cts. Rany after noon heavy shower in evening.

May 28 – Cloudy 53 Abz. Mrs Flanders sister came this morning. Some rain. Mad a cross bar for Freers bugy pole 50 cts. T. Flanders came. Planted some early potatoes.

May 29 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Planted Mexican potatoes. Bot garden line 15 cts Brass hooks 38 cts. Flanders here one paper Beet seed 5 cts.

May 30 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Flanders here sowed my Beets parsnips Radish onions pop corn & mellon seeds. T. Flanders here. Had a fine shower.

May 31 – Some cloudy 63 Abz. Stayed at home. Put the lining into my violin. Lois came home. John Tyson came after her.

Jun 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz some lite rain. Went over to Lashers raised the Barn. Bot Ethens hat (15 cts). Paid Father 22 Dollars. Rcd ten Dollars for Cridland. Freer paid me 50 cts. Bot _____ 25 cts.

Jun 2 – Pleasant & cool 50 Abz. Sold Bennet ½ bushel potatoes (50 cts). Bennets Friends came from Stafford[?]. Had a fine shower in the afternoon. Killed my Rooster. Flanders took Tea here. Sent G. T. a letter 24 lb _________

Jun 3 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Finished planting potatoes. Worked in garden. Mark[45] came here. T. Flanders here stayed all night. Sent 2 papers to J. O. Keith 2 cts.

Jun 4 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Bot cloth for Ethens pants 86. Father cam over and Sarah and young ones went over with him. Flanders here. Brot my pump pipe over.

Jun 5 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked round the house. Put in my pump. T. Flanders here. Mortised my small hubs. Got a letter from David.[46]

Jun 6 – Pleasant 38 Abz Pleasant. Pon and J. Built fence. Flanders here. Pulled 2 teeth one for Mrs Bennet one for Mrs. fisk. Received a letter from Cridland. Flanders left.

Jun 7 – Pleasant 60 Abz. At home all day. Went down to the river and went in swiming. Put my violin together. Young Clark[47] was buried to day. Had a fine shower in the night. Fisk left.

Jun 8 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Commenced building my Bridge. Flanders folks here to dinner. 30 lbs shugar of Flanders.

Jun 9 – Pleasant 69 Abz very hot day. Worked on the road. Let A. Lamkins have one bushel corn $1.00. Chicken commenced sitting.

Jun 10 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Worked on road. Mason Book came to day. Had a find shower in the evening.

Jun 11 – Some cloudy 58 Abz. Let A. Lamkins have bushel corn. Worked on road in the foornoon. Hoed corn in the afternoon. Bot one lb candles 18 cts. Had a shower in the night.

Jun 12 – Rainy 58 Abz. Circus teams along this morning. Worked round the house. Lois & Ethen went over to Fathers. Henry Clinton at the shop.

Jun 13 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Built my Bridge. Got some corn ground. Bot Nancys shoes 81 cts. Got my Hubbs land___ 62 cts.

Jun 14 – Cloudy 55 Abz. At home. Ethen over to Fathers. Sharpsteens child dead. Rainy day rained all night.

Jun 15 – Rainy morning 60 Abz. Worked in shop. Filed up bands on small hubbs. Rainy afternoon some thunder Rainy Night. Sent a letter to Jenkins Cridland. Jenkins old buggy came.

Jun 16 – Cloudy 70 Abz looks like rain. Mended fathers wheel. Went over to Byingtons. Hung a door for Rogers. Had a heavy shower.

Jun 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went over to Fathers after Ethen. Rogers paid me 50 cts. Had a shower afternoon. Got strings for my violin 50 cts.

Jun 18 – Rains some 54 Abz. Hoed in garden. Rainy. Bennets folks got home ____ ____ my hand screws march paid me fifty cts. Boston Boys here. Sent letters to Ed & Pros.[48]

Jun 19 – Cloudy 55 Abz some mist in morning. Hoed in garden. Had a shower at night. Wind blowed quite hard 60 Abz. Fisk here. Warm July.

Jun 20 – Rainy 55 Abz. Went over to Fathers put up one _____. Some rain. Bot hat 2.50 cts. W. A. Blake paid me $1.25 cts. Shower in evening. Frank Fisk left. Wet August some hot weather about middle of ______

Jun 21 – Cloudy 58 Abz cool air for September. At home all day. Boston Mason Preached at the Methodist church. Had a shower in the evening.

Jun 22 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Work in shop. Boston Mason left. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. Commenced Jenkins seats.

Jun 23 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Got plank of Sutherland. Worked in shop. Negro here. Lois at home. Lasher was here.

Jun 24 – Cloudy 64 Abz morning. Worked on Jenkins Buggy Boddy. Pleasant day. Bot one lb nails 5 cts.

Jun 25 – Cloudy 71 Abz morning. Worked in shop. 90 Abz at noon. Went over and got my banisters of Byington got fifty 18 cts pr Doz.

Jun 26 – Pleasant 61 Abz at six morning. Worked in shop on seats. 90 at noon. Bennets folks gone to Lansing.

Jun 27 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Jenkins Brot some fence boards. Had a fine shower in the evening some Thunder 103. Abz 3 P.M.

Jun 28 – Cloudy 72 Abz. White Bear and Grampas in White Eagle in. Broke down. Had a heavy shower. Went over after Sarah. Flanders came and Brot us home.

Jun 29 – Pleasant 59 Abz at six. Worked in shop. Comfortable day. J. Sherman there. Received a letter from Mrs. Cridland. F Sherman & the Lion had a Brush.

Jun 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop. Went over Jesse Earls and pulled tooth for Polly Received 25 cts.

Jul 1 – Cloudy 53 Abz. In shop mended cultivator for Lefever 50 cts. Jenkins Brot load fence Boards. Rainy afternoon. Henry came home stayed all night.

Jul 2 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Finished Jenkins Buggy. Filed saw and _____ _____ for __ Jackson 25 cts. __________________ to day. Sent letter to Mrs Cridland. Railroad company commenced the foundation of Freight House.

Jul 3 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Filed a saw for Mr Joy 50 cts. Had a shower. Got some strawberries of S. Bristol.

Jul 4 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Hoed corn & potatoes. Mr Bennet Moved to day. Great Day in Kalamazoo.

Jul 5 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Went over to Fathers with J Deyo to see cow.

Jul 6 – Rainy 63 Abz cleared of. Went over to byingtons. Got wheelbarrow hub turned. H. Clinton Brot som spokes (for Deyo) 25 cts and stuf for cultivator. H. Stevens had a Brush. Heavy shower in the night.

Jul 7 – Cloudy 66 Abz. Worked in shop some. Got feet oak plank of T. Clark. Deyo paid 40 cts.

Jul 8 – Pleasant 64 Abz. In shop some. Deyo paid 30 cts. A Lamkins paid 1.00. I paid Mason Balance on Hat one Dollar. Bot 3 lbs Sal. Soda 30 cts.

Jul 9 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Hoed some. Worked in shop on spokes for my small wheels.

Jul 10 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked round some. Cleaned out sellar. 93 Abz 2 oclock. Verry hot. Mrs Bennet here in morning.

Jul 11 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Shaved spokes for my cart wheels. Bot one lb candles of Poopy Reading 17 cts.

Jul 12 – Pleasant 73 Abz. At home. Went down to the river to swim. Deyo went with me. Hurt my foot.

Jul 13 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Took the calf of to day. Deyo got cow to day. Received a letter of G. T. Had a shower after noon. Maude mot[her?] here in evening. Left for Wisconsin.

Jul 14 – Rainy 7__ Abz. Worked on cultivator some. Shower afternoon.

Jul 15 – Cloudy & misty 70 Abz. Worked on cultivator.

Jul 16 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Went up to J. Yorks. Bot violin string 10 cts.

Jul 17 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Worked in shop some. Had a shower afternoon.

Jul 18 – Pleasant 72 Abz. New Engine Pequon Milwaukee & Superior R.R. West wind. Brother Father was here. Had a heavy thunder storm in the evening.

Jul 19 – Pleasant 70 Abz. At Home. Had headache all day.

Jul 20 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Circus at Kalamazoo. Mended Clarks cradle. Horse tamer in town. Bot ½ lb Tea 31 cts. Shower in the night. Clinton got cultivator 2.50 cts.

Jul 21 – Cloudy cool 69 Abz. Sick. Mose brot his skeins. Clark got his cradle 38 cts. Got my shoe mended 5 cts. Lamkins and Flint had a brush.

Jul 22 – Cloudy cool 62 Abz. Sick. Father & mother here. Bot Bottle Bitters 75. Silk & _____ 14 cts. Had a heavy shower.

Jul 23 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Catharine & folks here. Henry Lee[49] left here. Lois at home. Had a shower at night. Folks haying & harvesting.

Jul 24 – Pleasant 64 ABZ. Mended cradle for ___ White. Lois went home. Wesley here in evening.

Jul 25 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Set skeins for Mix. Father came over. Carried corn to mill. Got one Bag 30 cts. _____ paid 3.45 cts. Finished the wall to the ware house in Galesburg.

Jul 26 – Pleasant 72 Abz. At home 96 at 4 oclock P.M. Thrashing machine here for B. B. Fox.

Jul 27 – Looks like rain 74 Abz. Drove spokes in my cart wheels. Had a shower in the afternoon. Oscar called here. Commenced on _____ sills ____________.

Jul 28 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Got flour of Flanders one Dollar cash. Got leather & awl for making Hannahs shoes. Bot one small auger one shilling.

Jul 29 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Finished my wheels. Henry Lee here. Left on the 9.45 train. I raised the under ____ to the ware house.

Jul 30 – P. 67 Abz. Worked in shop seting skeins for Mix. Bot Bottle bitters 75 cts.  Received a letter from C. R. Cridland. Raising the ware house.

Jul 31 – P. 71 Abz. A dash of rain. Set the tire on my cart wheels. Caty Chaffee[50] here. Bot beef and cucumbers 35. Bot cocoa 10 cts. Nancy has the whoping cough.

Aug 1 – P. 65 Abz. Painted my cart wheels. Bot brush 10 cts. Repaired Caywoods cradle 25 cts.

Aug 2 – P. 63 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church. Went swiming. Cut ring of Mrs. L. Burdicks finger. Walter hunting down here.

Aug 3 – P. 64 Abz. Repaired Beehive for S. Newman 95 cts. Hat & shoes 14/-. Father & mother here. They went to the show. Sarah went with them. I went in the evening. Saw Barnes the cripple.

Aug 4 – Rainy 74 Abz. Sick. Bot one lb Tea 62 cts. Hive syrup 5 cts turpentine. Rained afternoon. Oscar over here. George Wheeler died 11 oclock to day.

Aug 5 – P. 64 Abz. Father Brot some flour. George Wheeler Buried to day. Received a letter from C. R. Cridland. Received 20 Dollars of J. York.

Aug 6 – P. 59 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Horace Clark[51] Died this morning.

Aug 7 – P. 67 Abz. At home doing nothing. Sent Cridland map. Horace Clark Buried to day. Henry at home.

Aug 8 – Cloudy 74 Abz. Doing nothing. Bot one lb coffee 18 cts one hat 11 cts. Finished raising the Freight House.

Aug 9 – P. 64 Abz. At home all day. Wrote two letters one to G. T. and J. S. K.

Aug 10 – Cloudy 69 Abz. Mended Parasol for E Childs 10. Extracted tooth for Wights girl 25 cts. Oscar paid postage on papers. Sent letter to G. T. on[e] to J. S. King on[e] to Heath NY city. Bot one lb candles 18 cts.

Aug 11 – Foggy 64 Abz. Lasher came over. Carried my calf over to Fathers. Let Lasher have Earls note.

Aug 12 – Cloudy 78 Abz. Went over to byingtons and turned my Box patterns one bottle Hive syrup 5 cts.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 78 Abz. Half yard silk 56 cts. Repaired wheel for Brown 75 cts. Went over to Byington.

Aug 14 – Cloudy 78 Abz. Went Down to Catharines. All well. Rained in the night.

Aug 15 – Rainy 60 Abz. Mark went to town. We started for home 2 oclock. Went up to flanders. Bot Bottle Bitters 75 cts. Henry came home from pawpaw. James McNinch buried.

Aug 16 – Rainy 59 Abz. At home all day. Wrote a letter to Bob. Thunder shower in the evening.

Aug 17 – Misty 64 Abz. Went over to Fathers and carried Lois. Some stormy. A Lamkins paid me one Dollar. Sent a letter to R. Crawford.[52] Recd one from Dr Heath NY city.

Aug 18 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Mended Car___s R_____ 25 cts. Bot 24 penny stamps.

Aug 19 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Filed saw for H Cook 12½ cts. Mended parasol for C Beckwith 12 cts. Put hoop on Johnsons pail. Varnished my violin. Bot some medicine for Hannah 15 cts.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Sent letter to Heath NY city 2 Dollars. Received a letter & likeness from Pavilion. Bot 3 lbs mutton 15 cts. Went over to Fathers with them.

Aug 21 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Having new potatoes. Sawed out some Bob runners. Got some pine plank for boddy. Had a heavy shower in the night. Bennet moved.

Aug 22 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Made a box for D. K. Rogers 12 cts. Extracted one tooth for Mrs Frost 25 cts. Bot 11½ lbs beef 25 cts. Showrey through the day.

Aug 23 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Indian there. Went over to Lashers.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Sent a letter to C. R. C. Bot file (10). Rains a very little noon. Cal Streator here. Made spring for my cart. Bot 2 botts 4 cts.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 54 Abz. At home. Worked in shop some on my spring. Sarah went down to Bennets. Young Stevens Born.

Aug 26 – Cloudy 61 Abz. Came of plesant. Went to Kalamazoo on the cars. Cost 55 cts. Took my patterns down to get my Boxes cast.

Aug 27 – Rainy 71 Abz. Went over the river and got some green corn. Received a letter from Omro. Traded Lamkins watch for a violin with Flint. Had a shower.

Aug 28 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Mended Fathers seat. Got my cart Boxes from Kalamaz eight 20 cts. T. Flanders here. D. K. Rogers open shop to day. Medicine from N York.

Aug 29 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Set Boxes in my wheels. Done small bob for Lamkins. Setled with R. Bennet. Bal over Due $37.23. T. Flanders left celia. Paid 75 cts.

Aug 30 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Went and got some _____ _____ for hannah. Pulled two teeth for T. Whitings child 2 years old.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Mose made the skeins for my cart. Put them in. Got the shoulder bands.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop. Set my skeins. Hot and dry.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Hot now. Deacon Corys[53] wife[54] died this morning. Sarah & children went up to Yorks. Jo took my violin. I went up in the Evening.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 63 Abz. All up to Yorks. Charley Richardson Brot us home. Mrs Cory Buried to day. Hot and dry.

Sep 4 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on cart Boddy. Bot screws & Bolts 10 cts. Henry came home. Father got wagon seat. Very hot 90 afternoon. S. W. Beason here from Niles.

Sep 5 – Pleasant 71 Abz morning. Made whiffletree for B. Clark 38 cts. Bot Cake shaving soap 6 cts. Bot Braces for my cart 5 cts. Rainy afternoon.

Sep 6 – Pleasant and cool 52 Abz. At home. Deyo & I Ethen went round the squair after the cows.

Sep 7 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Worked in shop some. D. Smith here all night.

Sep 8 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Worked in shop some. Worked on Roulands Drill. B. Clark paid me 38 cts. Bot 2 lbs Beef $15. Jo Rivenburg sold out.

Sep 9 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop. Finished Roulands Drill. Worked on cart Box. Received a letter from C. R. Cridland.

Sep 10 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Sarah went over to Fathers. Worked on my Box. Extracted two teeth for Clark 50 cts. Rouland 1.50.  Received a letter from J. S. King.

Sep 11 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Finished my cart Boddy. Sarah came home. Sold milk to Dutch 20 cts.

Sep 12 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Pulled my Beans. Painted my cart. Bot flour 93 cts. Bot mellon 15 cts. Bot Peaches 20 cts. Charles ____ paid 50 cts. The Engine Grampus Blowed up in the night just went of Marshall.

Sep 13 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Used my cart. At home. Very hot 87 at noon shade 99 in the sun. Mr Flanders and Henry here. Paid me ___5 cts for mormon book.

Sep 14 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Henry here. Worked round the house. Bot 61 lbs Bran 45 cts. Went over to Fathers House. Went in the cart. Sarah went down to Bennets.

Sep 15 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop some on Yorks wheel. Bot 2 quarts oil 62 cts.

Sep 16 – Cloudy 57 Abz. Worked on spokes. Painted my cart Box. Martin Turner[55] at the shop. Clap got my level. Had a shower night.

Sep 17 – Cloudy & misty 73 Abz. Worked in shop. Clara Johnson here. Bot one lb candles 18 cts. Had a shower in the Evening. York at the shop.

Sep 18 – Cloudy and some rainy 59 Abz. One tooth for Stranger 25 cts. Going to _____. One tooth for Ed Baty 25 cts. Rainy. Got 2 bushels wheat of J. York.

Sep 19 – Rainy 50 Abz. Rainy day. Mr Ferris[56] died last Evening. Flints cow killed to day. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. Made boulster for H. M. Shafter 75 cts. Ha_____ here to day. Bot mutton 25 cts.

Sep 20 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Mr Ferris buried to day. Mark & Lucy here. Went over to Fathers. Got some Lard. Saw __terner church.

Sep 21 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Levi J. Norths circus in town. Saw the Lady walk the wire. Rained some in the evening. Bot Hogs head 38 cts. Mended Fathers wagon thills.

Sep 22 – Pleasant 52 Abz some rainy. Went over to Lashers. Laid Barn floor. E. Crawford and wife[57] came to day. Lent George York $3 Three Dollars. Michigan Insurance B.K.

Sep 23 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Went over and got Crids broom press. Sarah Ed & Mary went over to Mr. Halls. 72 at _____.

Sep 24 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Ed & Mary Went home. John Hasey here. Received letters from David & Robert. D. K. Rogers Paid me $5.00. Bot cider 10 cts.

Sep 25 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Bot wallet 62 cts cups 25. Mrs Gleason started for Morganville. Hasey left. Ed Wilcut[58] here.

Sep 26 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Did not work much had headache. Recd a letter from H. Crawford. Lasher Brot 20 Bushel wheat 90 cts.

Sep 27 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Lois at home. B. Clark[59] here.

Sep 28 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Made John Chroders Box. Set Box for _____ 25 cts. Bot six yds cotton 80 cts, one lb candles 19 cts.

Sep 29 – Cloudy 44 Abz some rain. Made wagon neap for D. Lamkins $1.25. Lamkins paid 1.25.

Sep 30 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked in shop on Beaches wagon. Bennets folks here all night. Rainy.

Oct 1 – Rainy 58 Abz. Bennets folks left. Rainy day. Worked on D. Beach wagon. Oatman Discharged from M.C.R.R.

Oct 2 – Rainy 51 Abz. D. Beach Paid me 4 Dollars. Setting Boxes for Mix. Got gouge mended. Got note of Luther Eldred. T. Flanders here.

Oct 3 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Lots of Dutch this morning. Got Bottoms for Nancys shoes 12½ cts. Schroder paid me one Dollar & 25 cts. Alfleda came here.

Oct 4 – Cloudy 53 Abz. Alfleda left. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Bot 3 lbs ___ steak 25 cts. Got my hair cut.

Oct 5 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Worked in shop on Mix skeins. Calvin Streator Brot some spokes. Got smooth plain of Deyo. Sarah went to Allertons.

Oct 6 – Pleasant 43 Abz. Set Boxes for mix. Bot smooth plane of J. Deyo. Bot Butts Lock & Handle for Schroders trunk. Warm Day.

Oct 7 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Made Schroders Box. Set Boxes. Cross now some spokes. Sarah went down to S. Newman.

Oct 8 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Set skeins. Moved some things. Bot peck peaches 1__ cts. Mrs Sumner here.

Oct 9 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Finished Mix Skeins and Boxes sand board. Bot one lb candles of Wilkeson. Bot mutton of E. Parsons 14 cts.

Oct 10 – Cloudy 43 Abz. Streators wheel came to day. Bot 4¼ lbs tallow of E. Parsons. Bot 50 lbs Bran 30 cts. No cow to night.

Oct 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Cow this morning. Went over to Fathers. Deyo & Hannah went. Mrs Carpenter left in the night.

Oct 12 – Some Rain 62 Abz. Worked on Streators wheel. Ethen went home with Father. Sent Letter to G. T. one to C. R. Crid.

Oct 13 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Finished Streators wheel 3.50. Made whiffletree for Chapin 25 cts. 7 lbs tallow of E. Parsons. Cross moved his _____.

Oct 14 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Moved my traps out of the shop. Sold Box to D. K. Rogers. Bot ½ Bushel Peaches 25 one Bushel apples 50 & Half Bushel 62 cts.

Oct 15 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Streator Brot me 2 Bushels wheat, 2 bushels apples. Sarah gone up to Swaddles. Went over to Hartwels. Father made cider. Lois went to Clarks to a _____.

Oct 16 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Commenced digging potatoes. Sarah came home. Went over to Hartwells. Got Crids Barrel for Broom machine.

Oct 17 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Dug potatoes. Bot bag salt 25 cts one lb saleratus[60] 10 cts.

Oct 18 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers & J. Yorks. Some rainy in the Evening.

Oct 19 – Misty morning 42 Abz. Dug some potatoes. Some snow after noon quite a snow storm in the Evening. Sold my fiddle to J. York 25.00. 30 lbs nails 1.50.

Oct 20 – Cloudy 26 Abz snow went of. Moved my weels[?]. Dug some potatoes after noon Sarah went to a bee up to Elder shepherd. Bot 30 lbs nails 12/-.

Oct 21 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Dug potatoes. Mrs Deyo here to dinner James also.

Oct 22 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Bot 25 lbs Bran of D. K. Rogers 12 cts. Dug potatoes 14 bushels. Boy lost. Rained some Evening. Show in town.

Oct 23 – Cloudy 43 Abz. Mrs Chapins came here. Finished diging potatoes. J. York brot some lumber. Sent letter to N. B. C. Made candles. Saw John Hasey on cars.

Oct 24 – Sprinkles prospects of _____ _____. Went over to Byingtons. Got Broom Roll turner. Carried over Bench screw. Rained in the Evening.

Oct 25 – Cloudy 43 Abz rainy about noon. Went over after Nancy. Saw __terner church sick at Lashers.

Oct 26 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Made Crids Bearings for Broom machine. Recd a letter from G. T.  T. Flanders came here.

Oct 27 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Lasher drawed sills for barn. Got my screw of Byington. Got 41 lbs Bran of Lyon. D. K. Rogers paid me $10.00.

Oct 28 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Finished Crids traps & put them on the cars. Wes Brot load pumpkins. Bot one pound Tea __5/-.

Oct 29 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Worked Deyo dressed fence pickets for Barber fence. Bot one lb crackers [?] of D. K. Rogers 10. Mrs Bennet here. Ethen sick.

Oct 30 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Bennet went. Finished the fence pickets at noon went down to Barbers afternoon. Bot half hogs head 12 cts. Lasher got wheat for __terner church.

Oct 31 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Worked down to Barbers. James Flanders Brot some shingles.

Nov 1 – Cloudy 38 Abz. At home. Cal got his violin. Father came over with Lois.

Nov 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked down to Barbers. Got a letter from C. R. C. Got Barrel cider of B. Hartwell. Sarah had 11/- got dress. Ext one tooth for Mrs Rogers.

Nov 3 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Finished Barbers fence. Sarah went to Robers to a sewing bee.

Nov 4 – Some cloudy 44 Abz. Commenced framing my Barn. Got shingles of Byington. Clarks folks here to dinner. E. B. Seeley here. Lasher went after lumber.

Nov 5 – Rainy 55 Abz. Finished framing my sills. Showrey. Dance at Potts.

Nov 6 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Got one load studing of Powers. Went over to Lashers an cut sleepers. Paid D. Johnson 30 cts. Rainy night. Took tea at ___ Wiseman.

Nov 7 – Rainy 42 Abz. Set glass. Bot oil 7⁽. Bot Spanish white 4⁽. Taylor Brot load stone.

Nov 8 – Cloudy and warm 62 Abz. Stayed at home. Put lock on Johnsons Box.

Nov 9 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Lasher Brot over the sleepers. Got load lumber of A. Powers. Sent Ed a letter & one to David. Bot 10 yds _______________.

Nov 10 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Raised the boddy of my barn. Chapin paid me 25 cts. Johnson paid me 10 cts. Put locks on box.

Nov 11 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Worked on my barn. Father came over. Sarah went to D Harris. Got Bran of Lyon 23 lbs. Raining in the Night.

Nov 12 – Cloudy 38 Abz. Put Roof boards and rafters on my barn. Rainy some snow. Moved locker in front room.

Nov 13 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Put in the sleepers to the barn & laid some floor.

Nov 14 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Banked house. Tailors girls moved. B 2 lbs box 13 cts. Killed cat.

Nov 15 – Pleasant 18 Abz. At home all day. My Barn ready to side.

Nov 16 – Snows 32 Abz. Set glass. Lasher Brot my siding 962 feet. Bot one lb whiting 6 cts.

Nov 17 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Henry Stevens took Dinner here. Bot bushel turnips of E. flanders.[61] Bot 6 lbs pork of Earl 47 cts.

Nov 18 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Put some siding on the Barn. Commenced snowing at night. Father came over. Joseph York making pint cups[?].

Nov 19 – Cold and snowey 22 Abz some two or three inches deep. Snowed and blowed all day. Bot Boots 4.00. Recd letter from Ed one from Cridland.

Nov 20 – Snows 18 Abz. Race[62] Brok. Water all over. Duce of a time. Snowed & blowed all day. Stayed at home. Moved down stairs to night.

Nov 21 – Snows 19 Abz Blows cold snow flies. Lasher drawed one load stalks. Flanders one load. Got my plank. Bot saleratas 10 cts.

Nov 22 – Cold 17 Abz dont snow this morning. Stayed at home.

Nov 23 – Pleasant 13 Abz. Went over to the mill. Went up to Yorks. Got windows at Crids place. Bot shoes for Sarah 11/-.

Nov 24 – Cold 6 Abz. Snows some. Put on some siding. Worked over to Cross shop some on steel runners.

Nov 25 – Cold & pleasant 18 Bel zero. Tinkered round home. Got the snow of my Barn. Bot 7 lbs Beef 28 cts. Lois came home.

Nov 26 – Cold 7 Below zero pleasant. Mark & Henry here. Sarah went up to Hellens. Commenced shingling my Barn. Got a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Nov 27 – Pleasant zero. Shingling. Quite warm and comfortable. Went over to Lashers in the Evening. Started the mill.

Nov 28 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Finished shingling my Barn. Laid floor. Lasher worked half day. Carried 2 bushels wheat to mill. Shafter brot me some wheat. 3 lbs nails. Warm.

Nov 29 – Pleasant 46 Abz. At home. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Nov 30 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Worked on Barn finished siding. Made one door. Jesse Earl Brot some ax helve timber. Bot 2 lbs nails 25. Mark Lee here at noon.

Dec 1 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Lasher Brot 50 Bushels corn. Made bin. Rained in Evening warm. Bot 2 lbs rot[?] nails 25 cts one pr hinges 66 cts 13 cts screws[?].

Dec 2 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Made my doors for Barn. Got hasp for door 25 cts. Bot thread 10 cts.

Dec 3 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to Father. Catharine came up. Put up stones to Clintons & James graves. Mark & Henry helped.

Dec 4 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Drawed corn fodder 2 loads for York 2 for my self. Took dinner with Jo.

Dec 5 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over and drawed corn fodder. Brot one load home. Rained in the Evening.

Dec 6 – Rainy 42 Abz. Ella Taylor here. D. Lamkins here in the Evening. Old Mrs Earl died.

Dec 7 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Worked round the Barn put in window. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Stuck steaks for my shop.

Dec 8 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Mrs Munsel here. Smoky in the morning. Made manger made small door. George York pd me $3.25 ct. Sarah & children gone. Mrs Earl buried to day. Rainy night.

Dec 9 – Misty morning 43 Abz. All alone. Sarah went to Fathers. Sarah came home. Mark Brot them home. Cordelia Earl here. Got the old freight House moved. Pluto came on the new side track.

Dec 10 – Some snow & Blowes 28 Abz. Matilda Munsel here. Went home on the cars. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. D. K. Rogers Bot file 13 cts. Recd letter from R. Crawford.

Dec 11 – Snows very little 28 Abz. Worked round got ready to work on my shop sills. Killed rooster.

Dec 12 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Commenced my sills. Got them partly fraimed. Deyo & wife here to supper. York here in morning.

Dec 13 – Pleasant 26 Abz no snow yet. Went over to Fathers. Ground bear. Mr Taylor and wife here in Evening. Sarah went to church.

Dec 14 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Went over and moved Ethen Bradleys[63] Bonens. Took them to Galesburg. Mark & Henry Lees & Jo York. Warm & Pleasant as Summer.

Dec 15 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Finished framing my shop sills. Gave Powers his order on Mrs H. Clark.

Dec 16 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Went up to Yorks. He was gone.

Dec 17 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Got out my sleepers and blocks. Ed Crawford came out. Rained in the night.

Dec 18 – Rainy 36 Abz. Ed went over to Lashers. Looked at the Farm. Ed left at six 15 Evening. Set foundation to shop.

Dec 19 – Cool 26 Abz. Framed sleepers for shop. Put on the sills. Received a letter from Sherwoods folks.

Dec 20 – Pleasant 16 Abz no snow nice fall weather. Stayed at at home. Extracted one tooth for Emma Clark 25 cts.

Dec 21 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Commenced snowing. Lasher gone to Kalamazoo. Girls moved their Bed up stairs. Sent letter to G. T.

Dec 22 – Cloudy 30 Abz snow 2 or 3 inches deep round here to day. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland one to J. S. King.

Dec 23 – Pleasant 24 Abz some snow. Went over to Byingtons. Jesse & Polly Earl here to tea party. Over to W^m Aldrich in the Evening.

Dec 24 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went over to Lashers. Not much sleighing.

Dec 25 – Pleasant 3 Abz. Went over to Jos Wisemans to supper.

Dec 26 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Bot hair dye 20 cts. Made pattern for J. C. Blake. Gals took tea had goose.

Dec 27 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Sarah gone to church. Cordelia Earl here. At home all day. D. Lamkins here in Evening.

Dec 28 – Pleasant 33 Abz. Set & filed saw for H. Cook. Some snow thaws 42 Abz at noon. Went over to Fathers. Got Barlows violin.

Dec 29 – Pleasant 18 Abz nice morning. Flanders Brot load straw. Got some lumber from the mill. Lasher Brot _________ 162½ lbs. Stimpson folks here.

Dec 30 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Framed my studs. Raised my shop. Went over to Deyos. Took tea.

Dec 31 – Snows 29 Abz. Worked on shop frame. Put in the girts[?]. Henry came home.

 

Entries for January 1 – 16, 1858 which were entered in the back of this diary are listed with the 1858 diary entries.

 

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

[2] The entries from January 1 through January 24 were first written in the back of his 1856 diary and are basically identical to what he wrote in his 1857 diary. Anything from 1856 that clarifies the 1857 entries are noted in brackets

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

[4] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[5] Charles Luke Keith Sr., who was also known as Luke

[6] His daughter, Lois Keith, by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[7] Joseph York, husband of his niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[8] Helen (Bradley) & Joseph York

[9] Charles R. Cridland

[10] One of the long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

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

[12] James S. King, his first cousin

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

[14] Ethan, Nancy and Hannah Keith

[15] His first cousin

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

[17] James Oscar Keith, son of his brother Harvey and Alfleda (Starr) Keith, who went by the name of Oscar

[18] 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

[19] James Oscar Keith

[20] Jessie J. Keith

[21] His horse

[22] Omro, Wisconsin

[23] His mother-in-law, Nancy B. (Comfort) Crawford

[24] Believe he is referring to Ballou Brown, whose grandson (Henry Brown) would eventually be married to Luke’s daughter Nancy

[25] Presume this to be Oscar’s brother, Harvey Keith

[26] Believe he is referring to James Sprague Jr., who was married to his sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[27] His son, Ethan Keith, who was six years old

[28] Believe he is referring to Ballou Brown’s son

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

[30] His brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford

[31] James Sprague Jr. actually died March 30, 1857

[32] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that George Simmons died at the age of 42 years 10 months and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and George

[33] Ambrose Brown, Ballou Brown’s son

[34] Oscar’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[35] Warren Wolcott

[36] His brother-in-law, Lucius Prosper Crawford

[37] Above zero

[38] Felly or felloe is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[39] The Alphadelphia Association; more More information on the Alphadelphia Association can be seen here.

[40] His daughter, who was not quite two years old

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

[42] His daughter, not quite five years old

[43] Believe he is referring to his adopted brother, Wesley Keith

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

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

[46] Believe he is referring to his brother-in-law, David “D.C.” Crawford

[47] A search of FindAGrave.com shows S. G. Clark died at the age of 23 years 2 months 1 day, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and S. G. Clark

[48] His brothers-in-law, Edwin and Pros Crawford

[49] Luke’s cousin, William Henry Lee; see also footnote #45. Henry and Mark were brothers

[50] His niece, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[51] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Horace Clark died at the age of 39 years 1 month 19 days, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Horace

[52] His brother-in-law, Robert Crawford

[53] Joseph Cory

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Gratia (Whitney) Cory died at the age of 54 years 2 months 5 days, and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Gratia

[55] His first cousin

[56] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Allen Ferris was born in 1803, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Allen

[57] His brother-in-law and wife, Edwin and Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[58] Edward G. Wolcott, his first cousin

[59] Believe he is referring to Byron Clark, his daughter Lois’ future husband

[60] Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[61] Edwin and Mary Flanders took in Luke’s son, Henry, and possibly his daughter, Lois, after the death of his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith, for a period of time

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

[63] His sister Catherine’s first husband