Nancy Brown’s 1874 Diary

1874 DIARY OF NANCY C. BROWN

Jan 1 – Pleasant, thawed some this afternoon. Ethan[1] came down after us to go to Lois.[2] Hank,[3] Hannah,[4] Louese[5] and I went. We stoped to Fathers[6] to night. I cut out my wraper. Ethan sewed it up on Lois machine. Uncle Ed Armes[7] & Mrs Sherman were at Fathers to day. Hank and Ethan went to the Burg[8] this morning. Stayed with Willie[9] last night.

Jan 2 – Warm, thaws, it is quite muddy. Rained a very little. Father, Hank and I went to the Burg. I got Hannah a hat frame. I stoped with Ida B[10] a little while. Mrs Staining[?] gave birth to a little boy Sunday eve, it died Tuesday eve, burried to day. Ed Wolcott and Family[11] stayed to Pas[12] last night. We came back to Fathers. Arthur[13] is here.

Jan 3 – Warm ____ pleasant. Had to sit with the door open most all day. Went down to Pas with Arthur this morn. Made Hannah a hat. Ma washed. I went back down to Fathers with Ethan. Mr Streetors, Mrs S–, __uin[14] and Ethan were here this eve. Dell[15] got back to night.

Jan 4 – Warm till about nine thirty, commenced storming, stormed till night. Hank and I went up to Pas this afternoon. Hank went back and I stayed. Hannah went to Battle Creek to night. Ethan took her to the cars.[16] Ida went too.

Jan 5 – Cold and very rough. Hank and Father went to the Burg this morning. Hank got me a pair of gaiters,[17] price $2.50. Hank concluded to send our goods on the cars. He and Father took them over to day. Mother came up with the last load. I went back with them and stayed all night.

Jan 6 – A little warmer. Hank and I went down to Pas this morn. Hank and Father went to the Burg to help load our goods. Libbie Allen[18] stayes here to night.

Jan 7 – Cold. We left Pas fifteen minutes after seven. Ethan took us to the cars. We got to Lawton,[19] got the stove up and had luncheon before twelve. We feel pretty tired to night. George Moffitt called and asked us to go to his house and stay all night but we did not go. Just a little bit home sick to night.

Jan 8 – Pleasant. Mr Merritt commenced to work here on the sky light. I have not done any thing toward settling yet.

Jan 9 – Stormy. Men are to work in the other room. They make an awful racket. I am making over my curant jelley. Two ladies called here to get their pictures taken. I guess they dident get them. Mr Moffitt and an other gentleman helped this afternoon so they got the sky light puttied in.

Jan 10 – Snowed a little last night. I finished my dress this afternoon. Did not feel very well, was lonesome.

Jan 11 – Very cold. Hank and I wrote to our folks. Hank got up and got breakfast. Hank wrote a letter to C. H. Stephens, Chicago for six dollars worth of photograph goods. Mary Gray and Isaac VanAntwerp[20] both of Lyons were married to day.

Jan 12 – Warm and pleasant. I finished one of Hanks chinchilla gloves and commenced a pair of mittens for myself. Father killed the bull, old Bob and some other sheep.

Jan 13 – Commenced snowing about nine this forenoon. Snows real hard. I made _____ to day, the first I ever made. I am sewing dress. Hank got some potatoes, they are ten shillings a bushel. We got a letter from Father and Mother. Galigan suit was decided in her favor. Helen Carltons baby died to day. It was a month old.

Jan 14 – Very good sleighing with a light load. Snows a little to day. The side light is in. I have cut out my under clothes and sewed some on my chemise. Hank got his photograph goods he sent for. I baked two mince pies. Hank got 4 pounds sugar (.50).

Jan 15 – Very cold this after forenoon, snow this afternoon. Mr Merritt finished here. George got some paper. We got a bag of apples & some beef from Father. Father went to town Tuesday, he traded Fred. Cape[21] went with him & did not come back. I finished my chemise and wrote to Fathers folks this evening.

Jan 16 – Very cold. ______ ______ fruit and some other things froze last night. It was the coldest night yet this winter. We got about a quarter of the front room papered and one cote of paint in the operating room.

Jan 17 – Another cold night last night. Warmer this afternoon. _____ _____. Finished papering about three. Got a letter from Ina & Mother. Hannah came home Thursday. Mrs Chapin is sick. Cape got back that night he went away. Hank bought a _____ of ice box to night No. 169.

Jan 18 – Rainy. I baked two apple pies and some tarts and crullers. Hank finished painting in the operating room and tore off the paper. I wrote to our folks this evening. I am sick to day X.

Jan 19 – Snow this morning, rain this afternoon and Pleasant the rest of the day. Hank got paper for the operating room and dark room. We painted one cote on the front room and then commenced papering the other room. Got about a quarter done. Sent a letter to Pa.

Jan 20 – Rainy. We papered the dark room this afternoon. Hank opened the boxes, things were all right, but the small looking glass that was broken all to pieces. Ethan is twenty three (23) years old to day.

Jan 21 – Pleasant. Hank opened the big box, found things all right in them. We moped all the rooms. Was pretty tired when we got through.

Jan 22 – Rainy. Put down the carpet this forenoon. Picked up and got things partly straightened around in the operating room.

Jan 23 – Warm and pleasant. A young lady called to see about getting some pictures. Hank fixed the backgrounds. I made the curtains between the operating room and kitchen.

Jan 24 – Rainy. We hung the pictures this afternoon and evening.

Jan 25 – Rainy. We papered all we could in the operating room and bed room but did not have paper enough to finish.

Jan 26 – Pleasant. Hung out the sign. Should taken some pictures but it _____ so bad that Hank couldent. He took two gems[22] of me.

Jan 27 – Rainy. Had eight feet of sheet iron put on the chimney[?] this morning, does not smoke quite so bad. Rained so we could not do any thing. Got a letter from Ma.[23] She said Ethan had been up to Mr Earls. She said Helen Van Jonsens[?] baby was dead.[24] Hank got a cup bord of G. Moffitt, paid two dollars.

Jan 28 – Pleasant. Hank took 4 fifty cent gems for twelve shillings. He agreed to take some pictures for wood he bought, 4 pounds sugar (.50), (.12) worth of ______ and (.15) worth of kerosene oil. I wrote a letter to “The Domestic”, the first busines letter I ever wrote.

Jan 29 – Pleasant this forenoon, cloudy this afternoon. I took a picture of a little boy, got (.50). Got a letter and the clothes from home, also a letter from Harry Streetor[25] of Carston Ohio. Mother[26] sent a chicken, some corned beef, a loaf of bread and twenty six eggs.

Jan 30 – Very stormy and blustering. Mr Cole brought an old picture here to be copied. I was sick all night, feel a little better to day. About five inches of snow fell to day. I wrote a letter to Ida Barber.[27]

Jan 31 – Pleasant. Do not feel very well. Hank took in five dollars ($5.00). He has taken in $7.00 this week. He took his first negative in Lawton to day. He paid out $1.00 for wood.

Feb 1 – Pleasant. Nancy is not very well. We wrote a letter home to day “to Pas”. Had a call for some pictures but could not take them. “Henry”[28]

Feb 2 – Cloudy but pleasant. Nancy is better this morning but gets worse about noon and I got Dr M^cKinney. He comes twice to day, says her kidneys are affected. “Henry”

Feb 3 – Pleasant. I am a little better. The Doctor called here again this morning.

Feb 4 – Pleasant. About the same as yester day. Dr was here again. The mans funeral was to day, the one that got killed with oxen. Hank wrote to Ma to let her know I was sick. We got a postal C– from Will.[29] Father sent us a parlor stove to day.

Feb 5 – Pleasant. Set up some to day. Hank tried to take Mrs Dr Thomas[30] picture. She could not sit still long enough, is going to try again.

Feb 6 – Blustering. I was up most all day. Got a letter from Ma. She said she would be here tomorrow if I was no better but Hank wrote that I was so guess she wont come. Sent the dirty clothes home to night.

Feb 7 – Very Pleasant. Had an awful rush for tin types. There was fifteen waiting at one time. Had to turn off seven. Took in $6.75 for tin types.

Feb 8 – Did not do any thing of account.

Feb 9 – (no entry)

Feb 10 – Pleasant. Hank sent a postal card to Will and got a letter from Fathers folks. They said Will would be Saturday.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. Mr Robinson had this building raised and it craked the wall and paper all up. Hank feels pretty blue over it.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Hank fixed the wall as well as he could. I baked bread and fixed my balmoral[31] this eve. Hank got me a pair of kid gloves and 12 cakes of soap and two lead pencils & some shaving sope.

Feb 13 – Pleasant. I made some cookies and crullers. There was a man preached in the street this afternoon.

Feb 14 – Warm and Pleasant. The same man preached this morning at nine. We have been crowded for tin types all day. Took in nine dollars $9.00. Will came this afternoon. A band from Battle Creek played here this afternoon and evening for the Auction. Happy Charley showed here this eve.

Feb 15 – Very pleasant. I do not feel very well. Hank and Will went to the foundry to day. Will went home this evening on the accomadation train.

Feb 16 – Pleasant. We took in $1.25. Hank bought four pounds sugar, a lamp chimney and burner and some plaster pins. I made my night dress sleves this evening.

Feb 17 – Pleasant. Hank took a negative of Mattie Abbott and quite a number of gems of other people. Dr M^cKinney and wife were here to see about getting some large pictures. Got a letter from Ma, Ethan and Louesa.

Feb 18 – Pleasant. Hanks Photographs goods came on mail. He got him a pair of pants and a vest at the auction store, paid $6.50. A man plastered here again to night. Hank got twenty five cents worth of beans. He painted the front room again. I am sick X.

Feb 19 – Fine rain. I am about sick with the head ache. Hank moped the operating room and kitchen. There was a dance at the hotel to night. Had the Paw Paw band to serenade the town.

Feb 20 – Pleasant, cloudy. I have not done any thing to day. There is to be an other dance to night. Got a letter from Mother. She sent the clothes and three _____ and some dried beef and other things.

Feb 21 – Stormy. We took in $7.00 to day. Took some pictures of two new couples just married.

Feb 22 – Pleasant. Hank went down to the Foundry. I made some crullers and an apple pie and wrote home. I expect Hannah and Ida go back to the Creek to night.

Feb 23 – Stormy. Hank did not take any pictures to day. The dentist called here a little while. Hank got a quart of milk, the first we have seen or had since we have been in Lawton.

Feb 24 – Pleasant. Did not take any pictures. Hank coppied and enlarged two. He went down to Mr Stearns to see some things. I took a couple of gems of him.

Feb 25 – Some stormy. I wrote a letter to Alice. Hank paid Mr Robison $1.50 for rent. They opened their saloon to day.

Feb 26 – Pleasant but cold. Roads dreadful rough. I finished my night dress. Hank got some kerosene oil. He has taken in $1.50 to day and has taken a negative of Mr M^cKinney, also copied one from the Days Doings.

Feb 27 – Warm and Pleasan. Alice Moffet & sister came here to get some babys pictures. Hank done $7.85 of work. He got four pounds of sugar and we melted it and made syrup. We got butter from Ma. Hank printed.

Feb 28 – Very Pleasant. Was buisy all day. Took in $7.40. I went down town for the first time. I got 2 yds. of rose colored ribbon. We called on Mrs M^cKinney at the store. The dentist tried to pull Hanks tooth this morning but broke it off three times.

Mar 1 – Pleasant. I have baked and done some other work getting ready to go home, expect to go Monday. Hank has fixed a picture to put on the back of prints.

Mar 2 – Pleasant. I left home this morning a little after ten, got to the Burg and found Dell so rode over to Pas with him. Got there about half past twelve. Caroline Earl[32] came to Pas this afternoon. I paid Amos Rogers $2.50 and Father $6.00. Harley Nichols Father died this morning.

Mar 3 – Rained. Ma washed. Carl went to the Burg this morning. Pa got my trunk. I am most sick. Mart Milham[33] came after Ethan yesterday to go down there and stay while he went to Schoolcraft for the “Grangers.”

Mar 4 – Pleasant. Ma, Aunt A[34] & I went down to Fathers. I am going to stay all night. Mart took Ethan home to night. I feel some better to day.

Mar 5 – Pleasant. I wrote to Hank this morning. Frank Chase was here a visiting. Father drew wood with Bill[35] & the new horse. Lois and Willie came home from Brady. I went out to our babys “grave.”[36] I wove some hair for Aunt Jule.[37]

Mar 6 – Rained some last night and a little this morning. Ethan and I went down to Aunt Kates.[38] Henry[39] came there about noon and rode as far as Dells with us. We called there a few minutes. I went up to Pas.

Mar 7 – Snowed a little, blustering this afternoon. Hank came on mail this noon. We stayed to Pas.

Mar 8 – Blustering, worse day we have had this winter. Ethan took us down to Fathers. He stayed till night. Henry was here a little while this afternoon. Dell came down this evening. George Moffitt died this morning, had been sick about a week, had inflamation of the lungs.[40]

Mar 9 – Pleasant but cold. I washed some. Will C– was here a little while this morning. Father took us to the cars. We stopped at Pas a few minutes. Mrs Hawver and Mary went to Lawton in the same car with us.

Mar 10 – Pleasant. Printed. George was buried to day, funrel at the M E Church at eleven oclock A.M. He was burried in Masonic order. I baked some to day.

Mar 11 – Cloudy and cold. I wrote to Hannah. Andrew Mofitt had three gems taken to day. We got a letter from Mother. She sent Mr & Mrs Dickensons pictures and their letter.

Mar 12 – Cold and windy. We moped this morning. Hank took two gems of me with Mr Churchills lense. Mrs M^cKinney called here. We sent Hannahs letter.

Mar 13 – Cold, snowed a very little. Hank took in three dollars $3.00. He wrote to Pa and sent him a stick he had been varnishing for him. Mrs Dr Thomas died to day.[41]

Mar 14 – Warm and Pleasant. Been buisy all day. Hank has taken in nine dollars & twenty cents $9.20. This has been our best week in Lawton. We have taken in $18.45.

Mar 15 – Warm and pleasant. I wrote to Aunt Jule. Mrs Dewey and Mrs Thomas funeral was to day. Mrs Thomas was buried at Paw Paw.

Mar 16 – Very pleasant. We printed. I did the most of it & Hank took pictures. We went down to M^cKinneys drug store this eve and Mrs M^cKinney[42] wanted we should go down to her house and we went.

Mar 17 – Warmer than yesterday, had a thunder storm to night. I commenced making me an over skirt & waist out of the calico Mother let me have.

Mar 18 – Very warm, had to keep the doors & windows open all day. We got a letter from Mother. We have taken in over $13.00 so far this week.

Mar 19 – Rained last night, cold to day. We intended to print but could not on account of it being so cloudy. I finished my dress.

Mar 20 – Pleasant. We printed one hundred and forty small prints and three large ones. Hank took a large negative of Mr Dr M^cKinney and Mrs M^cKinney.

Mar 21 – Cloudy but pleasant. I wrote to Fathers folks. We sent the clothes home. We sent Aunt Jule $15.00 fifteen dollars. We have taken in over $7.00 seven dollars to day and twenty dollars and nineteen cents this week ($20.29 right).

Mar 22 – Windy. I washed the Pillow shams and sheet & the stand cloth. Hank made some cream candy. It was real good. The Foundry stoped work last night. Hank brought some a pack of cards last night, paid sixty cents for them.

Mar 23 – Pleasant but cold. Hank has had all he could do retouching negatives and taking pictures. I helped all I could.

Mar 24 – Warmer “and” Pleasant. We printed. I had a dizy spell. Hank got some brandy for me. We got a letter from Hannah and Ida. Hannah said Wesley[43] had traded his farm for a farm in Kansas and was going to move in about four weeks.

Mar 25 – Rainy. We have been buisy taking pictures all day. Hank sent Aunt Jule fifteen dollars $15.00.

Mar 26 – Rainy. We got a letter from Mother and the clothes also a letter from Ma. She has got the Eyresspelas[44] on her nose.

Mar 27 – Rained a little. Mrs Dr M^cKinney and three other ladys called here. I sent a letter to Ma. Hank got us a rocking chair, is to take two dollars and a halfs worth of pictures for it.

Mar 28 – Pleasant but cold. Took in over eight dollars. Took six negatives, the rest were tin types.

Mar 29 – Pleasant. We expected the “Merry Ten” to come and have their pictures taken but they did not come.

Mar 30 – Cloudy. We took in $3.50 to day. Rose M^cK[45] called here. Hank went to see if we could get Mrs Tapin to do our washing. She called here this eve and said she would. Mrs N B M^cKinney[46] and the Dr and Wife[47] were here this eve but Dr was called away.

Mar 31 – Pleasant. We went over to the Dr this evening. There is a temprance lecture here this eve. The lecturer Mr ________ called here.

Apr 1 – Pleasant. Rose M^cKinney set for a negative. We took in $3.20. Mrs Tapin brought our washing home to night.

Apr 2 – Pleasant. I had a Sterecope view[48] taken. Hank says it is the best picture he ever took. Dr and wife, M. B. & wife were here this evening. I wrote a letter home. Hank got a new pair of new boots paid $5.00. I was weighed to night, weight 1.15.

Apr 3 – Wet snow most all day. Hank got a _____[49] to look at my picture. It looks real nice. There is to be a dance at Stewarts Hall to night. We intend to go a little while. Hank has gone to take the new show case down to Mr Stearnes.

Apr 4 – Pleasant. Has been the poorest Saturday since we have been here. I went over to Dr M^cKinney a little while this evening. Hank came after me. Mrs Geo Moffitt[50] called there this afternoon for the first time.

Apr 5 – Stormed all day, about six inches of snow fell. We sugared off to day. It is the first warm sugar we have had.

Apr 6 – Pleasant but cold. It has been awful exciting times in town to day on account of lection. Mrs Dr M^cKinney called here a little while this evening.

Apr 7 – Very pleasant. We printed this forenoon. Our goods came from Lovejoy and Foster this noon. I went to the P.O. for the first time. Mrs Moffitt called and left Georgs picture.

Apr 8 – Pleasant. Hank retouched negatives all day. We got a letter from Mother, she said Arthur Armes was coming here tomorrow.

Apr 9 – Very Pleasant. We printed. I baked some this forenoon. Arthur came on the three oclock mail. We have been pretty buisy to day. I sent a letter to Lois.

Apr 10 – Pleasant but windy. Did not do much to day. I ironed this afternoon.

Apr 11 – Pleasant this afternoon, snow and rain this forenoon. Took in over $7.00 to day. Arthur is here yet.

Apr 12 – Cold. Hank moped this forenoon. Arthur went away from here on the Accomadation train this evening.

Apr 13 – Stormy this morning, pleasant the rest of the day. Mrs Smith brought some wreaths here this evening to have Hank fix. Mrs Tappin and daughter brought the clothes home.

Apr 14 – Pleasant. I took Mrs S– frames home and got me a hat frame & flowers. We got a letter from Ma.

Apr 15 – Pleasant but cold. I made my hat to day. We put down the old carpet in the kitchen. Hank got the new show case ready to hang up tomorow.

Apr 16 – Cold. I went over to Dr M^cK a little while this afternoon. Mrs Hawver, Mrs Moffitt and an other lady called here. We had out rooms white washed. It cost $2.00.

Apr 17 – Some pleasanter. I went down to Mrs Moffitts this afternoon. Hank, Dr M^cK and wife came a little while in evening.

Apr 18 – Pleasant. Have been pretty buisy to day. Hank ordered some goods.

Apr 19 – Rainy this afternoon. I am sick. Hank took a negative for a young man got $2.50. I wrote a letter to Ma and one to Hannah. Sent Hannah our pictures.

Apr 20 – Rainy. Hank took large negative for Mr Humphrey. I sent a letter to Ma and Hannah got one from Lois.

Apr 21 – Pleasant. I got some feathers ready to make feather flowers. L. Lays baby was buried to day, it was a bout twenty months old.[51]

Apr 22 – Pleasant. I comenced making some flowers. We went to the temprance meeting to night. Mr Watkins spoke.

Apr 23 – Pleasant. I worked some on flowers. We got our box of good yesterday. Cost us over twenty dollars.

Apr 24 – Pleasant. Cemicals would not work at all. I ironed and worked some at my flowers. Mr & Mrs Pattingill spent the evening here.

Apr 25 – Pleasant. I have been sick most all day had a weak spell this morning. Dr M^cK and wife called here a little while this afternoon.

Apr 26 – Pleasant but a cold wind. Hank wrote to Loyd. We went down to Mrs Moffitts a little while this afternoon.

Apr 27 – Rained a little toward night. I expect Wesleys folks started for Kansas to night. I baked some to day. There was quite a good deal of snow on the ground this morning.

Apr 28 – Pleasant. We have taken in $8.00 to day. Got a letter from Father. I wrote to them. I went over to the Dr a little while.

Apr 29 – Pleasant. I went down to Mrs Moffitts this afternoon, found her cleaning house. We went up to Mrs Smiths this evening.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. I have not felt well today. Got a letter from Ma & Ethan telling about the machine. We went to Mr Smiths and got some views.

May 1 – Pleasant through the day, rained a little this evening. I did not sit up much till toward night. We went over to the May Party a little while but did not join the dance but we got some Ice Cream.

May 2 – Pleasant. I am some better. Hank got some Medicine for me. Mrs Dr M^cK was up here a little while, invited us to come over there tomorow. We have taken in $22.55 this week.

May 3 – Rained a little toward night. I baked some this forenoon. We went over to the Drs this afternoon a little while.

May 4 – Pleasant. I came home to day on mail. Ethan was at the Depo. I went down to Aunt Celinas and stayed this afternoon to visit with Wesleys folks. They start to night for Kansas. I have got the tooth ache.

May 5 – Pleasant. Tooth aches to day. Ma has got some greens for dinner the first I have had.

May 6 – Pleasant. My tooth ached fearfully all day. Ma & I went over to Mr Barbers[52] this afternoon. Ida is at home, going back tomorow.

May 7 – Pleasant. Intended to went down to Fathers this morning but was sick. Did not go till this evening. They have got the house all cleaned except the cellar.

May 8 – Pleasant. Toothache again. Have not done much sewing. I went out to our babys grave and fixed it up as well as I could with my hands.

May 9 – Pleasant. Went up to Pas this forenoon. Hank came this evening. My tooth uclerated and broke. Hannah came home this afternoon.

May 10 – Warm. Hannah, Hank and I went down to Fathers. Ethan was not well enough to go. Hank & Hannah went up to see Lois a little while.

May 11 – Pleasant. Hank, Aunt Jule and I went a boat riding this afternoon. Delia Berge died to night.[53]

May 12 – Pleasant. Father took Hank to Kalamazoo this morning. He is going home to day. Father took me up to Pas after he got home.

May 13 – Pleasant. Had the tooth ache all day so did not do much work. Delia Berge was buried to day.

May 14 – Pleasant. Ma & I went to Loises this afternoon. I did not go home with her.

May 15 – Rained hard this afternoon. Have had the tooth ache all night and all day.

May 16 – Pleasant. Dell, Sate[54] and Lois went to the Burg this morning. I went down to Pas with them.

May 17 – Pleasant. Had an awful time with my tooth.

May 18 – Pleasant. Ma was up all night with me. My tooth was so bad I could not sleep any. Pa took me down to Fathers to night.

May 19 – Pleasant. Father and I went to the Burg this morning. I had Miller Pull my tooth, one prong broke off.

May 20 – Pleasant. Do not feel very well. Hank came to night to attend the law suite.[55] Is most sick.

May 21 – Pleasant. When the men went to town I went down as far as Aunt Kates. Aunt K– is out to Hellens.[56]

May 22 – Pleasant. We stayed to Aunt K– all night. Hank is all broke out with the scarlet rash so he cant go to town to day. Will have to use his old testamony.

May 23 – Pleasant. Hank is some better. Father beat Allerton, got twenty six dollars judgement.

May 24 – Pleasant. Will took Hank and I up to Pas this forenoon. Father, Mother and Aunt Jule came up a little while this afternoon.

May 25 – Pleasant. Ida Barber came home sick Saturday. We came home to day.

 

No more entries for the rest of the year.

Cash Account January:                        Rec’d.              Paid

1                                                                  .65
5    One pair gaiters                                                       2.50
12                                                                .4
14                                                                .13
15   Let Hank have                                                        2.00
21   Hank gave me                                 2.50

 

Cash Account February:                     Rec’d.              Paid

4    One lemon                                           .8
4    Candy                                                   .5

 

Week Ending February (29)              10.75
Week Ending March (6)                     11.95
Week Ending March (14)                  18.45
Week Ending March 21                     20.29
Week Ending March 28                     20.09
Week Ending April 4                          11.90
Week Ending April 11                       16.43
Week Ending April 18                       14.12
Week Ending April 25                       17.80
Week Ending May 2                           22.55

March 20 Work for Dr McKinney    5.35
March 23 Work for Beach                 2.00
March 28 Work for wood                  1.00
Mrs Robinson                                      2.50

(The next page with the heading Cash Account, July, is illegible except for the words Rail Road.)

Miss Alice Crawford
Patch Grove, Wisconsin

Miss Nellie Tomlinson
Perry, Wyoming Co., New York

Miss Ida E. Barber
Battle Creek, Michigan

Miss H. M. Keith
Battle Creek, Michigan

Mrs. H. A. Brown
Lawton, Box 169, Michigan

——-

[1] Her brother, Ethan Keith

[2] Her half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[3] Her husband, Henry Brown

[4] Her sister, Hannah Keith

[5] Her youngest sister, Louese Keith

[6] Her father-in-law, Ambrose Brown. Nancy refers to her parents, Sarah (Crawford) & Charles Luke Keith Jr., as Ma and Pa, and to Hank’s parents, Matilda (Allen) & Ambrose Brown, as Mother and Father

[7] Believe she is referring to her husband Henry’s Uncle William E. Arms

[8] Galesburg, Michigan

[9] William Byron Clark, the son of Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[10] Neighbor, daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[11] Edward G. Wolcott and his wife, Sarah (Bliss), and their son, Henry Orton Wolcott

[12] Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[13] Arthur Arms, the son of William E. & Cynthia (Brown) Arms

[14] Believe she is referring to Marius O. Streator, his wife, Laura (Rawson) Streator, and possibly their son, John Quincy Streator

[15] Adelbert Skinner, the husband of Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[16] The train

[17] Gaiters (or spats) were worn over shoes or boots to protect the lower legs and ankles from pebbles, dirt, thorns and such

[18] One of the daughters of neighbors John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[19] Lawton, Michigan

[20] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com reveal that Isaac Van Antwerp, age 28, married Mary Gray, age 17, in Muir, Michigan, on January 11, 1874

[21] Believe that was the Brown’s dog

[22] Small tintype photographs. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin

[23] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[24] See January 3^rd entry; believe that both entries are referring to Helen (Carlton) Vanhousen’s baby

[25] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator, the son of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[26] Her mother-in-law, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[27] Her friend from back home

[28] Henry wrote the entries for both February 1^st and 2^nd

[29] Most likely Henry’s brother, Willis Brown

[30] Sallie (Cole) Thomas, the wife of Dr. Oscar Thomas

[31] A colored woolen petticoat worn under a skirt and draped so that portions of it could be seen

[32] Her cousin, Caroline (Wolcott) Earl, the sister of Edward Wolcott

[33] Martin Milham, husband of Aunt Kate’s daughter (by her second husband), Lucy (Lee) Milham

[34] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of Harvey Keith (Charles Luke Keith Jr.’s brother), who was living with Luke & Sarah

[35] Her father’s horse

[36] Nancy delivered twins on May 30, 1873. One was born dead and the other lived only two hours. They were buried at the foot of a tree near the horse trough on Ambrose & Matilda Brown’s land

[37] Julia Allen, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda

[38] Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee, her father’s sister

[39] Her half-brother, Henry Keith, the son of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith

[40] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that George Maffit, age 38, died from pneumonia on March 9, 1874 in Lawton, Michigan, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, Michigan

[41] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Sallie Cole, age 23, wife of Dr. Oscar Thomas, died of consumption in Lawton, Michigan on March 13, 1874

[42] Believe this refers to Napoleon & Lois (Walldorff) McKinney. The 1880 Census lists Napoleon McKinney as a “drug clerk”

[43] John Wesley Keith, her father’s adopted brother

[44] Erysipelas is a bacterial infection of the skin, very similar to the “flesh eating bacteria” infection noted in recent years. It was one of the major causes of death in wars among wounded soldiers and hospitalized civilians in the days before disinfectants and hand washing

[45] Rose McKinney, the daughter of Napoleon & Lois (Walldorff) McKinney

[46] Lois (Walldorff) McKinney

[47] Have been unable to find any information regarding a Dr. McKinney; investigation continues. Update of 8-23-2018: Census records for 1870 & 1880 show Martin VanBuren McKinney (a physician) & Mary Elizabeth (Stephenson) McKinney living in Lawton, Michigan

[48] Two photographs of the same object taken at slightly different angles mounted on a single background which when viewed through a stereoscope creates a 3D effect

[49] The word was barely legible, but I believe it referred to a stereoscope

[50] Addie (Hanover) Maffit

[51] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com reveal that Edward S. Lay, the son of Alexis & Anna Lay, died of spasms in Comstock, Michigan on April 19, 1874

[52] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[53] A search at FindAGrave.com reveals that Fidelia (Bronson) Birge, age 43, died May 11, 1874 and is buried in McKain Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[54] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Adelbert Skinner, the husband of Nancy’s half-sister Lois

[55] Luke Keith and Nancy & Hank Brown all wrote in their 1873 diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. There was a judgment entered on March 6, 1873 awarding Ambrose Brown $22.00 plus costs. It is unknown whether this was a new lawsuit or if John Allerton had requested a retrial

[56] Helen (Bradley) York, Aunt Kate’s daughter by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

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Henry Brown’s 1873 Diary

1873 DIARY OF HENRY A. BROWN[1]

Jan 1x[2] – I have taken 2 gems[3] to day, 3 groop, 3 Gems of Clark Wheeler. Got a pair of Suspenders. Nancy[4] is sick to day. Went over to father Browns[5] and stayed all night. Took our bird over there. It was a very pleasant day. Hannah[6] was to our house to day.

Jan 2x – Started for Benton Harbor to day. Took dinner at Grand Junction and had to wait until 8 oclock so went all over the City. We[7] arrived in Benton H about ½ past 9 o’clock. Put up at the American House. It has been a very bad stormy day and I am tired now and sleepy to.

Jan 3 – It is an awful unpleasant day, rains and friezes as fast as it falls. Went up to St Joseph this forenoon, came back to Benton about 11 oclock. Made arangements with H. C. Morton (Nem). Left Benton 1 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Grand Junction 3 oclock (min) /2.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day to day. I had to sleep alone last night. I have taken 4 gems and 2 neg’s. Nancy is over to Father Browns yet and I go over there to night. Subscribed 50 cts for Lecture course to day. I choped mince meat and apples this evening for Mother.[8]

Jan 5x – Paid Aunt Julia[9] 50 cts and have paid her 5.00 besides which makes 5.50. Will[10] brought us down to Father Keiths[11] to day. Ethan[12] came and brought us home in the evening. Nancy was sick and we went to bed about 7 oclock. Pleasant.

Jan 6x – Pleasant. Nancy was sick this morning, did not get up until ten oclock, and then she was up and down all day. Took one negative to day. Byron[13] came up to day and I paid him 35 cts for team use.

Jan 7 – Pleasant. I went to Kalamazoo to day on Accomidation, came back on Mail. Nancy was sick all day to day. Took more baby pictures to day than I ever took in one day before. Met Cousin Oscar Yates[14] at Kalamazoo.

Jan 8x – Tryed to be pleasant to day but made out to be most awful cold and blustering. Nancy was sick again to day, is better now so that she is stringing beads. Printed to day. Making molasses candy to night.

Jan 9 – Very Blustering to day and cold. Have not taken any pictures to day except One Neg. Nancy was sick to day. Ethan and Henry[15] were here to day. Father drew me a load of wood.

Jan 10x – Very Cold and Blustering again to day, worse than yesterday. Did not take any pictures to day. Nancy sick. Mr Van Buren Lectures to night. Subject “Labor.”

Jan 11x – Wether modarate. Took a negative of Ma[16] to day, she was here a visiting to day. Did not take any pictures to day. Father and Will were here.

Jan 12 – Pleasant. Stayed at home all day, no one here to day. I went down to the depo and saw two new palace cars. Nancy took a napp.

Jan 13x – Stormy and warm. Have been busy all day. Opened Arthurs[17] box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up. Put some pictures in the mat.

Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Printed to day. We went to Mr Barbers[18] this evening, had a circle.[19] Mr Bailey and wife[20] were there, Pa and Ma, Father & Mother, Mr & Mrs Streator[21] were there. Pa went to Howlands burg to mill to day.

Jan 15 – Very unpleasant to day, rainy and icey. Hannah came up here this morning and stayed all day. Ida[22] came this afternoon. Dalenbeck is haveing a Law sute about stolen wheat. J Shafter, G & J Strubal and another man are arested.

Jan 16x – Snowed all day, there was about one foot of snow fell to day, cleared off about four oclock. Ida Allen[23] was here to day. Nancy was sick abed part of the time.

Jan 17x – Pleasant to day. I printed to day. Father, Pa & Ma have been here, did not stay any. We went to the Lecture this evening, a Mr. Frazer, Supt of Kalamazoo Schools.

Jan 18 – Quincy Streator[24] came this (home) morning. It has been a pleasant day to day but cold. Have taken one picture to day. Nancy went over home with Pa to day and I went over at night. Nancy is sick with the headache. Will Plank[25] came home to day.

Jan 19x – Stormy and cold. At Pa’s to day. Henry & Ethan were at home to day. Ethan is stopping at Aunt Kates.[26] We all ate at Mr. Planks.[27] Mrs Plank[28] and me had a very lively discussion on religion this evening. Fred Allerton[29] ate at Planks to day. Will went home with him.

Jan 20x – Pleasant but cold. Will Plank and Carrie & Mary[30] came over and got a groop taken. Carrie, Mary & Hannah visited at our house to day. Will went back to day. Nancy did not get home until one oclock.

Jan 21 – Pleaseant. In an hour snowed all day, warm. Took two pictures for Charley Haywood to day. Nancy has had a head ache all day. I brought 1½ bu of Patatoes to day. Paid 1.12 for them.

Jan 22 – Pleasant. Henry Keith and Pa were here to day. Emma Allen[31] was here to supper. The Allens, Ida Barber and us went over to Pa’s. We had Mr Barbers horse and Buggy cutter. Got home about 11 oclock.

Jan 23x – Cold and stormy. We ate Breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time in my married life. I took my first lesson in inking to day on Mr Evans.

Jan 24 – Pleasant. Henry, Louis[32] & Sate[33] were here to day. I took 4 Gems for Sate and Louis to gather. Father, Mother and Aunt Julia were here to night. Will and Mary Plank and Sis[34] went to the Lecture. J. A. B. Stone Lectured.

Jan 25 – Pleasant. James[35] was here to day. Eberly Underwood[36] came up here and stayed almost two hours. Henry was comeing after us to go home with him but did not come. Nancy & me have both been sick to day.

Jan 26xx – Pleasant. We have been at home all day to day. Moly and her Amos did not go to church. I wrote two letters to day, one to Uncle Sidney[37] & one to E. P. Wightman.[38] Father, Mother and Will were here to night.

Jan 27 – Pleasant. I took another ink lesson to day. Took 1 neg and 2 Tin types. Nancy has been sick all day. I contracted 6 cords of wood to day of Henry Covil at 200 per cord. Loaded up.

Jan 28 – Rail Road Colision this morning at three oclock. I got up and went down. It was on the switch. Pleasant but cold. Nancy went to Mr Potts Funelel[39] with Ida Barber.

Jan 29 – Cold. Nancy has been sick all day. Took one negative to day.

Jan 30 – Cold. Pa was up to see us a little while this morning. Came over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[40] They were Breaking Colts.

Jan 31 – Pleasant. Dull day for Pictures. I inked all day on Mr Evans[?] Picture. Father and Will came down and went to the lecture. We did not go to the lecture because Nancy was sick.

Feb 1x – Pleasant but cold. Nancy went over to Pa’s this morning and Will came over and I came home with him, stoped and got Nancy. Mrs White was at our house, stayed all night. Took 2.40 worth of Gems.

Feb 2x – Pleasant But cold. Will and Nancy & me went down and got Hannah. Pa, Ma & James came up and got her in the evening. Nancy is sick. White went home this after noon.

Feb 3 – Stormy. I went to Kal[41] with Fathers team. Went down on the north side of the river came back on the south side, got home half past twelve. Helped shell corn and draw wood. Nancy is sick.

Feb 4 – Pleasant. We are at Fathers yet. Nancy is sick, she has gone to bed. I have taken one dollar and seventy five cents worth of gems to day. Helped Amos move his book case to day.

Feb 5 – Pleasant. We are at home again and Hannah is with us. I have been very busy to day printing and takeing gems. Nancy is sick to day. I went down town this evening a little while.

Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah is at our house yet. Wrote to Dr. Sullings to day. Printed and took 2 gems. I have got my prints all mounted. Nancy and Hannah have gone to bed. Pa was here to day. Ethan is sick.

Feb 7 – Warm and Pleasant. Nancy has had a very hard headache all day. Galesburg was favored with an auction store to day. I bought me a pair of boots and Nancy a pair of slippers.

Feb 8x – Stormy and warm, grew cold on toward night. Nancy is a little better to night but pretty tired. I went down to the band room to night, bought Nancy a pair of shoes.

Feb 9x – Pleasant and warm. Hannah went home to night with Pa and Louesa[42] is going to stay over here a few days. Nancy is beter to day than she has been in two weeks most.

Feb 10 – Pleasant. Business dull. Sis is here yet. I went over to the auction store to night and made them give me a Blacking brush. Went to bed about seven o’clock.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. I have printed to day. Mr Burgess came up to night and said print the rest of those photos. Sad affair happened to night. Miss Carrie Homles sent her picture back.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Printed to day one picture of Will M^cColum. Nancy is sick to day. I took two negatives of the M. E. church to day. Took 2 gems and a negative of Guss Hiney to day.

Feb 13x – Cloudy and snowed a little, cold. I have not done any thing to day but sit around and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and, and, and, and, and, and.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Dull day, did not have any thing to do to day But Print and only a few prints to make.

Feb 15 – Pleasant to day. Had more gems to take to day than I have had before in many a day. Father was here this evening and so were Pa & Ma, Mary and Carrie Plank. Louesa went home to night.

Feb 16xx – Pleasant but cloudy. We have been alone to day for the first time in most two weeks. Father and Mother were here this evening a little while. Nancy is better to day than she has been in two or three days.

Feb 17 – Most a splendid day. I have took quite a lot of pictures to day But to day has been the worse day that I ever saw with me. Every thing has went ass end foremost, a topsy turvey. Will was over to night to ask us to go up to Mr Fords tomorrow evening.

Feb 18 – Pleasant. Louis was here to day. Nancy went up home with her so to go to Mr Flanderes[43] to night. She was sick and had to go to bed. Miss Earl and Miss Allerton were there. We stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Henry brought us home this morning and I have done some business since if I know myself. Miss Mary Warren commenced work in my room to day. Nancy is better. Letters from Loyd & Ely.

Feb 20x – Pleasant in the forenoon but snowed in the afternoon. Printed to day. Henry Keith starts for New York to night. I expect Allice Carey was here this afternoon a little while. Got a letter from Walzl (?) to day.

Feb 21- Pleasant part of the day and stormy the rest of it. I cleaned my show case to day. Took 2 gems of Misty Chafey.[44] Kate & Louis were here to day with Pa, did not stay very long.

Feb 22 – Stormy and cold. Printed a little to day and have got it mounted. Have not done any bussiness to day, only took in 1.50. Nancy has got sore lips. I have had a headache ever since last night, better.

Feb 23x – Stormy, very cold and some blustering. Father came over to night and brought us some apples and butter and some egg, two pies, some cabage cut up cold, amen.

Feb 24 – Cold and blustering but some warmer than it was yesterday. I have not done much work to day. Took one neg of Zell Glligan and two gems. Ethen stoped here to day when he went to Kal to take his lesson. He said Ma was coming over tomorrow.

Feb 25 – Pleasant. No business to day but John Carey and wife and they are business if I know any thing about business. I have taken four or five negatives a piece of them and now I dont expect they will be suited.

Feb 26x – Cloudy. Comenced snowing about four oclock and snows yet (9 o’clock). Not very cold. Pa and Ma were here to day. Last night after we got to bed, Will, Ed and Chub, Louesa, Stella ang Clara came to visit us.

Feb 27x – Snowed all day. Father came over to day to get the horses shod and mother came along and they stayed all of the afternoon. I have taken one baby’s picture to day. Mary was here to day.

Feb 28 – Cloudy and warm to day. No business at all. Received a letter from E. P. Wightman to day. Pa went up to Howlands to mill to day. Nancy got 3 yds of Calico to day and 5# Sugar.

Mar 1 – Cloudy and some dull. Vilage caucus to day, some excitement at the caucus about officers. Nancy went over to Pa’s today and I went over at night and Ethan took us down to Fathers.

Mar 2x – Cloudy and sunshiney by spells. I got one hundred a fifty dollars of Aunt Julia to day and gave my note payable on demand at “10 pr ct”. Father signed it with me. Dated tomorow. Hannah is sick abed to night. (back)

Mar 3 – Pleasant. Lection to day of Vilage officers. I took 4 gems and 2 negatives to day. Father came over to night and got Nancy and me to go to Kalamazoo to morrow to that law suit. Nancy is going to stay to Pa’s tomorow.

Mar 4 – Pleasant to day but cold. Fathers and Allertons[45] suit comenced to day. I went over home last night and stayed all night to Fathers and in the morning I went and took N down to Pa’s and got him and took him to K.

Mar 5 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. At law to day again. Got done takeing testamony today and the lawyers got through talking law to the judge. We went home before they adjourned.

Mar 6 – Pleasant an warmer again to day but it was the coldest morning we have had an at leaste it froze the hardest in our rooms last night. Verdct renderd to day. Gave Father 22 dollars and all of the costs. Nancy came home to night.

Mar 7 – Pleasant. A dull day to day. Printed to day, did not have very good luck. Will Plank was here to day. He was out here on Allertons law sute, went home to day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant but windy. Eb was here to day and said he would go in with me if he could get the money. I have taken nine negatives to day. Jacks[46] people are here to night.

Mar 9 – Snowed last night and all day to day. Snow is now 6 or 8 in deap. I have worked all day to recouching negatives and fixing up things around a little.

Mar 10 – Pleasant But not much business.

Mar 11 – Pleasant part of the day. Printed to day and took in seven dollars. Father was here to day a little while. He went to Howlands burg to mill today. Mrs Alfred talked some of buying me out to day.

Mar 12 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred is talking some of buying me out to day again but dont think she will hardly do it. I have taken two neg’s to day and three tin types.

Mar 13 – Pleasant. I printed to day and sold out to Mrs Alfred in part to day. Busines has been prety lively to day. Went to the bell ringers to night.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Hannah and Ida were a visiting this afternoon and they and Mary P., Ethan and Henry were here to supper to night. Will was here this evening a little while.

Mar 15 – Rainey and windy. Eberly was here to day and we comenced takeing an Inventory of property that I am to put into trade. James was here to day. We came prety near haveing a fire in town to night.

Mar 16 – Pleasant to day and I printed. Last night the wind blew so hard that it shook the house. Will came over to day and went to church. He took our dirty cloths home with him.

Mar 17 – Not very pleasant to day nor very bad weather. Finished up pictures all day to day. Comenced haveing a sore throat to day but did not think it would amount to much. I went down to see about some lumber but did not buy any.

Mar 18 – Cloudy. I got up this morning and built two fires and loped around till after breakfast and then took two neg’s for Dalenbeck of his wind mill, then went to bed stayed all day. Ma, Pa, Father, Jim, Becky[47] & Mrs Plank were here to day.

Mar 19 – Cloudy. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags all night, came here and stayed to night. Father and Mother were here to day. I was sick all day. Nancy she did not feel very well. Ethan started to come over after Ma to night and Bill[48] ran away, broke the wagon all up.

Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home with Lowis before breakfast as she was over to bring the boys to take the Cars for Plainwell. Nancy is sick to day and I am better. Hannah came over to day with Father. Ethan was here also.

Mar 21 – Cloudy and blustering. Mrs Alfred comenced moveing in to day. Will came over to see how we were this morning and Ethan this afternoon. “We are.” Nancy worse, I am beter. Hannah is here yet. I must go to bed as I am tired. Worked to day.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred took her first pictures to day in this room. Father and Will were here to day. Ethan was here to night. Hannah is here yet. Eberly was here to day, spoke to Hannah to day.

Mar 23 – Pleasant. We have been packing up to day so to moove tomorrow. Hannah is here. Our people were here to night, all but Will and Arthur was with them. Father is comeing down tomorrow to moove us.

Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Mooved part of our things over to Pa’s and part over to Fathers. Nancy is not very well.

Mar 25 – Cloudy. I took three negatives of Ethan too day and two of Allie Wightman. Nancy is sick to day. Ethan got some rice and I got a beef bone and we had soop for supper.

Mar 26 – Cloudy. Nancy is sick, had Dr Alfred over to see her this morning. He said she only had the sore throat. Printed to day with Mrs Alfred, had very good luck. Rode home with Wolcott.

Mar 27 – Pleasant. I came over this morning and mounted my prints and retuched them and Eli took 6 home of Allie. Nancy had a trance[49] this evening and she felt better after it.

Mar 28 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rainey in the afternoon. I went to Battle Creek to day. Nancy is better to day and I am worse. I did not have any success at Battle Creek.

Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I stayed to home to day all day. Nancy and me were both worse to day. Ethan and me sawed wood to day a little while and then I went to bed.

Mar 30 – Pleasant part of the day and rainey part of the day. We were at Pa’s yet, have been here ever since last Monday night and dont know how long we shall remain here. Mr Planks people were at Pa’s to dinner to day.

Mar 31 – Pleasant but mudy and weather raw. I went to Vixburg to day. Went down to Kalamazoo on Accomidation at 9.53 A.M. and started from K. to V. at 4.15 P.M., started from V. to K. 7.10 P.M., started from K. to G. 9.30 P.M., got home at 11.00 oclock P.M.

Apr 1 – Rainey part of the day. I went to Augusta to day to see about getting a set of rooms to photograph in but did not succeed. We have been at Pas one week and a day and now we are at Fathers to stay a week or two.

Apr 2 – Stormy. I went over to the burg and got some pictures an other traps and mooved them over to our folkses. I cracked some black walnuts and butternuts to day. I was told to get some things at Pas but forgot them.

Apr 3 – Pleasant. I went down to Pas in the morning to get some things and ask Ethan to go with me up to Mr Flanderes and we went in the after noon. Aunt Mary Crawford[50] came to day. We went down to see her in the Evening with Pa.

Apr 4 – Pleasant. Ben Harthy came here last night to go to work to day. We commenced mooveing fence but we only mooved one load and then the sawyers came and we had to saw in the afternoon. I went up and got Skinners[51] hired man at noon.

Apr 5 – Pleasant. I helped saw again to day but was so lame that I could not do much but drive, so I quit at 3 o’clock and went to the burg. Pa and Ma went up to Aunt Kates to day. Miss Yawger was here to night.

Apr 6 – Stormy. Nancy, Hannah and myself went up to Aunt Kates to day. Aunt Kate is layd up with a burnt arm. She fell into a pot of boiling sugar. Lucy[52] is sick with epizoot. Hellen York[53] and her children[54] were there.

Apr 7 – Stormy. Town meeting to day. Father and me both staid away from town meeting. I went to the burg and got two loads of goods this forenoon and sawed wood in the afternoon. Got through.

Apr 8 – Stormy. Will an me went up to Fords to take up a load of traps for Boardman. I went to gales burg and got 32 yds calico for a tent and dress for Nancy and some other things, amt 4.72.

Apr 9 – Stormy. I sewed on the tent in the forenoon and Nancy helped me. She worked on it alone in the afternoon and I went up in the woods and choped a load of wood and then came down and got the team and drew it down to Pas.

Apr 10 – Pleasant. Went downd to Pa’s to day and went to ceeping house. I went over to the burg this morning and got some glass and pictures and some other things. Hannah went up to Fords to day “quilting.”

Apr 11 – It comenced raining last evening and rained some all night and a little this morning. Hannah got home this morning. I tinkerd all day on things to Photo ___ with. Pleasant this afternoon.

Apr 12 – Snowed last night about one inch. I went down to Fathers this morning and got some things and then went to the burg and got some groceries and chemicals. Went to the burg again this afternoon and got some meat.

Apr 13 – A very pleasant day to day. I wrote a letter to Loyd to day. Jimmie[55] and me went a guming to day up in Schrams woods. Pa went and took Ethan and Han up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[56] to day.

Apr 14 – Pleasant. I worked all day most trying to take pictures and working Cheimicals. Found that my dark tent was too light so went over to the Burg and got twelve yds more calico.

Apr 15 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I worked on tent all of the forenoon and tried it and it worked first rate. I made envelopes this afternoon. Jimmie went to the Burg this forenoon and stayed all of the forenoon.

Apr 16 – Cloudy but not so bad as yesterday. I made 44 sticks for Nancy to curl her hair on. Went to the Burg in the afternoon and when I got back Ethan and me mooved the Privy. Father and Will Plowed to day.

Apr 17 – Stormy most of the time to day. Will Plank came here to day. Ethan, Will and me played crochet to day. Father went up to Mr Samples Auction to day. Will went to the Burg this afternoon. Nancy and me have got the toothache.

Apr 18 – Cloudy and raw. I played crochet with Will P., Ethan an Lou. I went to the Burg to day and got some cod fish oil, cloth and some thill[57] straps. Made the straps my self. Nancy and me bothe got the tooth ache to night.

Apr 19 – Pleasant. Very. I albumenized some glass to day and took some pictures. Took one picture of Laton and his peddle wagon. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day and got some lines and a mane strap. Paid 95 cts for them.

Apr 20 – Pleasant but Some cloudy and a raw wind. Looked some like a storm. It snowed a little and rained a little. Henry and Will were here to day. Ethan and me were down to Fathers a little while.

Apr 21 – Cloudy and raw. We went down to Fathers to day. I took a negative of the house to day. I helped Will tar the boat to day and the tar got a fire. I played 5 games of crochet with Hannah this morning.

Apr 22 – Snow storm last night and this morning. It fell about six inches deep but it is almost gone now. Ethan has been working all day on patent right street car starter.[58] He and me went to the Burg this afternoon.

Apr 23 – Pleasant to day. I printed to day in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon for Father. Mounted my prints about half past four in the afternoon. Ethan went over to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H. D. Streeter Esq.[59]

Apr 24 – Pleasant. I finished up pictures this forenoon and helped wash. Went over to Galesburg in the afternoon. I go so Creisote[60] to put on my tooth. Ethan has been at work on modle all day.

Apr 25x – Pleasant. Henry came home from Elkhart last night and stoped at Pa’s and stayed all night and untill about noon to day. Ethan has been at work at modle. I have been loafing all day. Nancy is sick some to day.

Apr 26 – Not Very Pleasant to day but still it was not so bad that Ethan and me went to Kalamazoo. I had my tooth pulled to day. Got 2# Nitric and 2#Muriatic acid, One box Concentrated Lye. We stoped at Aunt Kates and got supper.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Ethan and me went a guming to day. Will went to church to day on town. We had a mess of greens to day and three Roosters. Hannah and Ethan went up to the woods to day.

Apr 28 – Cloudy and sprinkled some. I went out a little while to day and tryed to get a job but could not so I came home again. Was gone from home six hours. I agreed to go and help Father to morrow.

Apr 29 – Pleasant. I comenced working for Father to day, worked all day. Ethan has got his modle done. John T. Allerton licked and drove his gray mare all the forenoon in a shamefull manner.[61] Ida Barber stayes with Hannah to night.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. He and mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Hellen Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Flecher.

May 1 – Cold this forenoon and Rained this afternoon. I worked untill ten o’clock and then turned out on account of the rain. Put the team in Pas barn until after dinner and then went down to Fathers with the team.

May 2 – Rainey in the morning but pleasant in the afternoon. I went down to Fathers, helped him run through a load of wheat for market and then I went up in the woods and split fence stakes until noon. Afternoon helped run through another load of wheat and then went to the Burg.

May 3 – Rainey in the morning but cleared off about nine o’clock. I worked in garden in the forenoon. Worked for Father in the afternoon at plowing. Mr Warren came over to see me about getting my life Insured.

May 4 – Pleasant all day. We were at home all day. Ethan and Hannah and Henry went down to Aunt Kates to day and Henry and Ethan went to Kalamazoo after medicine. I wrote to Dr Johnson to day and sent him 1.00.

May 5 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father all day. Will went over to the burg to day. Father went over this mor afternoon after noon and got some plaster. Lew Bristol[62] was at Fathers to day.

May 6 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. Ethan went to town to day and got twelve dollars and a half on “pattent right.” He bought him a pair of pants and a necktie. Nancy wrote to Johnson today.

May 7 – Rainey all day to day but I plowed until about half past three P.M. Lowis was here to day. Halley comenced marking for corn. Father comenced draging this afternoon. Eliza Jane Ridler staid here to night.

May 8 – Rainey all day but cleared off about night. I went over to the Burg in the morning and got my boots repaired. Ethan and me worked all day on a bracket saw. Got it so that it worked first rate. Jack Bristol was married to day.[63]

May 9 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rained in the afternoon. I plowed for Father in the forenoon and in the afternoon Ethan and me worked on sawing machine. Nancy and me went up to Fathers and stayed all night.

May 10 – Cloudy all day, rained some. I worked at burning brush for Father in the forenoon and plowed and draged in the afternoon. Will went over to the Burg to night. Nancy came home when I went to plowing at noon.

May 11 – Rained in the morning and cloudy and cold the rest of the day. Hannah went up to Mr Giddings last night to help Susan. She has a little girl 2 or three days old.[64] Ethan and me went up to the saw mill.

May 12 – Pleasant but windy. Draged, plowed and Planted to day. Put in a full day. We comenced planting corn to day. Finished plowing for corn to day.

May 13 – Pleasant but windy. I planted corn ¾ of the day for Father and set out 49 cabbage plants. Ethan and I went over to Galesburg to night. Mr Halley[65] comenced planting to day. Pa and Ethan helped him.

May 14 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I planted corn and potatoes up to the west place in the forenoon and planted corn at the east place this afternoon. Mr Halley finished to day. Mrs and Miss Barber, Mother and Aunt Julia were here visiting to day.

May 15 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Planted corn for father to day, finished about five o’clock. Father and Will went over to the burg and Ethan went with them. He helped me plant part of the afternoon.

May 16 – Very Pleasant. I went down to Fathers this morning and worked at the compost until 9 oclock and then came down and went to putting it on the corn. Worked a little while and then came home and had the ague.[66] Took a dose of Pills to night.

May 17 – Pleasant. Pa delivered his heifer to day. I helped him drive her over to the burg. I stayed to the burg until half past two P.M. Talked trade with E. P. W.[67] some to day but did not come very neer tradeing. I sent Dr Johnson for medicine for Nancy.

May 18 – Pleasant to day to some but I have not spent a very day. I had a very hard fit of ague. Father and Mother came down to night and we went home with them to stay all night.

May 19 – Some rainey but we went to town. Ethan came down and rode with us. Nancy stayed to Aunt Katies while Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo. The great Eastern show was in Kalamazoo. They had three band wagons and one steam piano, 26 dens[?], 1 small Elephant, 2 camels, 10 couple Ladies and Gentlemen on horse back.

May 20 – Rainey this morning but cleared off in the afternoon. I had the ague all night last night and all day to day but sat up a little while along toward night. Father plowed a little piece down by the bottom land for potatoes. Nancy got her medicine.

May 21 – Pleasant. I have not got the ague to day so I go a greening down on the bottom land and get some horse radish and grate it and some artichokes and pickle them. Ethan Finished plowing today.

May 22 – Rained last night but pleasant to day. I escaped the ague last night but felt pretty bad in the forenoon, felt better in the afternoon. Ethan and I went a fishing, caught a quite mess. I feel better tonight.

May 23 – Pleasant but windy. I worked some to day. “Put in about ¼ of a day for father”. Mart Millham and wife and Child[68] were here to day. Ethan planted for Towns[69] people. They had to plant over.

May 24 – Pleasant. I put in ½ day helping Father plant potatoes. I went over to town in the Evening. Ethan, Sis and Hannah went up to Aunt Katies. Sis stayed all night and Net Whetmore came home with H and E.

May 25 – Pleasant. I have been at home all day. Nancy has been sick. Hannah and Ethan went to take Nettie Whitmore up to Aunt Katies. E Henry Keith was here a little while this afternoon and Henry Rodgers and little girl.

May 26 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Worked all day to day. Drew straw in the forenoon and piled lumber and choped in the afternoon. Nancy is better to night. Will was complaining of being sick to night. Ethan went to Kal. rode back with M. O. Streator.

May 27 – Warm and Showery. ¾ of a day worked at building and repairing fence. Ida and Libbie Allen were here this afternoon. Pa and Ma went down to Fathers to night. Pa went up to Fords after a brass kettle.

May 28 – Pleasant. Worked all day for Father. Nancy and Ma and Hannah came up to Fathers this afternoon. Nancy and me are going to stay all night. Father and me built fence all day. Will plowed.

May 29 – Pleasant. I worked all day Fixing fence and triming orchard. It looks like rain and sprinkled a little, the wind blows quite hard. Will was sick all day with the ague.

May 30 – Pleasant. I worked ¾ of a day for Father and he worked ¼ of a day for me. Nancy was taken sick this after noon and between 9 and 10 she gave birth to twins, both boys, one was dead and the other lived about two hours.

May 31 – Pleasant. I remained in the house all day with Nancy. She feels pretty well considering if she would give up the baby’s. She feels awful bad about loseing them and dont want to give them up. When she sleeps she talks about them all the time. Frost this morning.

Jun 1 – Pleasant. Frost this morning. Nancy is not as well this morning. She feels weak and aches all over. She is better this afternoon. Lowis, Mrs Skinner,[70] Arthur, Uncle Ed and Aunt Hannah[71] were here to see Nancy, and Henry Keith and Will Clark.[72]

Jun 2 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked about a third of the time to day for Father and the rest of the time I was with Nancy. Lowis, Henry, Louesia, Ethan, Hannah, Ma, Mrs Ford and Tamer were here to day.

Jun 3 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked ¼ of a day. Tip, Rass, Sate, Schram, Jim were here to day. Hannah came up, stay all night. I finished moovening the lane fences day. Allertons cattle were on Fathers to day.

Jun 4 – Pleasant. Nancy is getting better. I worked ¾ of a day. Eberley came along and stoped to Pa’s and asked if he could lay down as he was very sick so Ethan let him have the Lounge and then went and carried him home.

Jun 5 – Pleasant, very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. I worked my poll tax[73] to day. Mrs Skinner and Lowis were here this afternoon. Hannah went home a foot to night.

Jun 6 – Pleasant and very warm, Nancy is on the gain. I worked all day cultivating corn. Ma came home with me at night & Ethan came up and got her at dark. Nellie Stanford called this evening and Harry was at Pa’s.

Jun 7 – Pleasant and very warm. Nancy better. I worked all day, cultivated in the forenoon and washed sheep in the afternoon. Hannah came up with us at noon. Will went to town after we got through washing sheep.

Jun 8 – Pleasant, warm and looks as if it wood rain. Lowis was here this morning and Willie and Ethan and Milhams were here. Willis went to the consert with the horses and buggy. Nancy sat up and had her dress on.

Jun 9 – Pleasant but very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. Ma came up with me at noon. I put in 2/3 of a day cultivating corn. I went to the burg and got my hair cut and carried Mrs Alfred some chemicals ½# Ether, 1 pt Alcohol, ½# Colodion.

Jun 10 – Pleasant but dry and warm. I worked all day, drew stone in the forenoon and hoed corn in the afternoon. I went to bed with the ague before dark. Louesa staid here all night. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon.

Jun 11 – Very Hot, dry, dusty unhealthy weather. I got up this morning and went from the parlo bed room to mothers and got into her bed and did not get out until three o’clock. Nancy is about as usual.

Jun 12 – Hot & Dry Weather. I got up this morning and tryed not to have the ague but it comenced shakeing me a bout 8 oclock and I did not feel like getting up. Was sick all night. I slept or layed and rolled in Mothers bed. Hannah slept with Nancy. Nancy had the ague.

Jun 13 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels better I believe but still feels aguey. I got up this morning and tryed to get to the table but could not so I went back to bed and could not get up until three oclock. The hardest ague fit I ever had I think.

Jun 14 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels some like the ague and she lays down on the lounge and Father puts her to sleep and she sweats it off. I go to bed and shake an hour and a half and then fever and sweats. Get up at ½ past three.

Jun 15 – Hot and dry. Nancy is not quite so well. I am better, did not have the ague. Ma came up here yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan and Hannah came up after them to night. Pa’s old hen (Grannie) died about 5 oclock.

Jun 16 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up and went back to bed again with the ague before seven o’clock. Mr Cross and Guss Gidings sheared sheep for Father to day. I had the belly ache pretty hard all the afternoon. Father had about 200# of wool, was offered 40 cts for it.

Jun 17 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up feeling pretty well and have felt pretty well all day. Pa went up to Aunt Katies after Ma. She went up last night with Uncle Joe[74] this morning before four o’clock and got back about four oclock PM.

Jun 18 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I have not had the ague but felt pretty bad all day. Lowis was here in the forenoon. Father went to Kalamazoo and when he got back he and I went to the burg to get some tinkering done.

Jun 19 – Hot and dry. Nancy is still better. I feel pretty well. Father commenced haying. I went down home a horse back twice and up to Dell’s[75] a foot. It looks some like rain to night. Hannah was here a little while. Mrs Seymor came over to help Ma weave.

Jun 20 – Hot and dry. Ethan and me went to Brady. Started from home ½ past five. Got home about ½ past ten. I went to see about getting a room to take pictures in. Heard about Lyons and concluded to start for there in the morn.

Jun 21 – Hot and dry. Ethan took me to Kalamazoo to the cars. Started from home at 5 oclock, left Kal at 8 am, arived at Rapids at 10.30 am, left Rapids at 11.20 am, arived at Muir 1.20 pm. Done up the business I could to day and started for Dickersons, arived there 7.10 pm, walked all the way.

Jun 22 – At Dickersons. It comenced raining about 9.00 Am and stoped about noon. We all went over to Marys after it stoped raining. She came back with us. Lewis went to see his chickey-bidey and did not get back until one oclock.

Jun 23 – At Dickersons. Threatning rain. Mr Dickerson took me down to Muir, got there about seven o’clock. Made arangements with Jay Olmstead about rent, got the refusal of his room until next Monday. Got home at 9 pm.

Jun 24 – At home. Some rainey. I have felt prety near used up to day. Nancy is well enough to come home and Lowis came and brought her home. Father and me went over to the burg to night after supper.

Jun 25 – Pleasant but hot. I went down to Fathers to help him but Lewis Bristol came and took my place so I came home and packed up some goods. Went to the Burg and sent Jay Olmsted rent, ten dollars. Got box and some nails.

Jun 26 – Pleasant. I have worked all day packing. Have got things pretty near packed. Father took his wool down to the burg to night. Ethan went down to Aunt Katies and got some Cabbage plants.

Jun 27 – Pleasant, two little showers. I worked all day cultivating corn. Was pretty near tired to death at night. Ethan worked for Dell haying. Jim went down and stayed with Will to night. Frank Tousley got his leg broke last night jumping off the cars.

Jun 28 – Pleasant but hot. I worked for Father ¾ of to day. Took the mowing machine apart and fixed it in the forenoon and worked in garden in the afternoon. Went to the burg after supper. Bill Mathews youngest child was drowned thursday 4 pm, buried yesterday.

Jun 29 – Warm and rainey. I have been at home all day. Nancy is not very well to day. Lowis, Mrs Skinner and Sate were here this afternoon. Father was here this morning. Jim went down to Fathers to stay all night.

Jun 30 – Cool, rained some in the forenoon. I worked for Father all day dragging the follow and Father sowed the buckwheat and dragged it in. Nancy is better, she finished my shirts to day and comenced her an apron. I feel pretty good to day.

Jul 1 – Hot sun, cool wind and showery. I have worked all day for Father. He went to mill over to Comstalk, took 4 bushels over for Pa. I wrote a letter to Dr Johnson for aunt Julia. Father went to the burg to night.

Jul 2 – Showery. I went down to the burg with my goods this forenoon. Arthur was to the burg and I came over with him. He staid to Fathers until five oclock. We ground the cradle and knives and killed a sheep.

Jul 3 – Showery. Ethan and me went to the burg and I shiped my goods to Lyons. Father comenced harvesting. I did not get to work until about eleven oclock, quit at half past three pm. I borrowed 500 of Osgood and went over to night and paid him, or I paid it to his clerk.

Jul 4 – Showery. I went up to Fathers this morning to harvest but we could not do anything for rain, so I staid at home until noon and then went down again. We came down and finished cutting this piece on the corner. Ma’s brother and wife[76] came this afternoon.

Jul 5 – Pleasant for the first time in a week. Worked for Father harvesting. Got about half of the piece at home done. Ma’s brother people went home to day. Allerton shut Fords cattle up at noon and went and notified him at sundown.

Jul 6 – Pleasant and cool. I set out some of Fathers wheat this morning and at night set it up again. Pa and ma went up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Edds. Ethan went up to Skinners.

Jul 7 – Pleasant in the forenoon and until about six o’clock and then it comenced raining and rained until bed time. We drew four loads and one jag of wheat. Randall has most of his wheat cut and it lays on the ground in bunches.

Jul 8 – Pleasant and cool. We worked at harvesting. We had only Streator to help us. Ethan was sick to day so he had to lay off. Sate came down and staid all night. Aunt Julia got a letter from P. T. “Barnum” “Johnson” to day and he told what ails her.[77]

Jul 9 – Cool wind, some showery, but we drew wheat all day. Got all of our wheat that grew on our own land. Father went to the burg to night. I rode home and Nancy was ready to go to Fathers so when Dell came along we went to stay two or three days.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some cloudy and cool. Harvested all day. Nancy has been picking berries. Will has been complaining some to day. I am some lame and I feel some as though I might have the ague.

Jul 11 – Very Pleasant. Harvested all day. Nancy picked cherries some to day. Streator, Father and John Culver went to the burg to night. Eberly drove on the machine all day. Nancy is feeling pretty bad to night.

Jul 12 – Warm, looks some like rain to night. Hank worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon, drew in nine loads in Mr Streators barn and four in Fathers. Will raked the wheat stubble up to the other place and part of this down here. Arthur Arms[78] came down to night. He is going to stay all night. (I[79] wrote for Hank, he was tired).

Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. We drew wheat all day. Father paid me twenty dollars to night. Finished harvesting to day. Our folks came and brought us home to night. Hannah went up to Aunt Katies to stay all sumer.

Jul 14 – Very warm. I comencdced packing my Chest this morning. Went over to the burg in the forenoon, rested some in the afternoon and Nancy and me went up to Fathers just night. Very warm to night.

Jul 15 – Very warm. I started for Muir 11.35 am, had to wait in Jackson almost three hours, arived at Muir about half past ten pm. I was very warm. The chest was some racked but not seriously. Stayed at the Olmstead house.

Jul 16 – Warm and showery. I commenced on packing my goods in Muir. I have woorked pretty hard to day and am pretty tired to night. My goods came from detroit to day and were all right. I am going to lodge myself to night.

Jul 17 – Warm and showery. I have worked all day streightning things around. Have not got quite done yet. Am pretty tired. Sent a letter to Nancy to day. Run in debt to day for some curtains.

Jul 18 – Pleasant and cool. I tried to take pictures to day for the first in Muir. Did not have very good success at first but did better. Took two for a little boy, very good ones. I have had the blues like thunder, and home-sick as a dog.

Jul 19 – Pleasant and cool. I took my first negative this morning in Muir. Chemicals dont work worth a snap yet. I was so home-sick to day that all I ate I had to crowd down with a fork. Pewamo Band up here to night to give a Concert for benefit of Muir Band.

Jul 20 – Pleasant and cool. I went to church this forenoon to the Pres^b church and after dinner which was at 2 pm I took a stroll over to Lyons to a lecture at the Pres^b church in the evening, sub Prear[?] Test.

Jul 21 – Pleasant and cool. I got up this morning and worked all day. Took two dollars worth of gems to day. Loafed around all the evening. Went up to see the editor of the Grand River Hereld about advertiseing for me.

Jul 22 – Pleasant and warm. I have had a pretty good day for business to day, took two negatives and a good many positives. Took in 3.90 and some more that I have not got yet. I expected a letter from Nancy to day.

Jul 23 – Warm but otherwise pleasant. I received a nice long letter from Nina[80] today and answered it. I have worked hard but have not accomplished much. Bought 13 yds cambric for curtains.

Jul 24 – Warm but Pleasant. Mary Holbrook was here. I went over and played with the Brass band a little while to night. I think I will write a letter to Ethan to night. I have taken pictures just a week and have taken in 13.90.

Jul 25 – Warm but pleasant, looks some like rain. I printed a little to day. I went to band meeting to night and played with the boys. Today has been the dullest day since I comenced business here. I put my name up to day on my sign.

Jul 26 – Warm but pleasant. I have not been very busy to day but still have had enough to do for cumfort. I went up north about 2 mi with the band to practice and we came back and played in town.

Jul 27 – Very warm. I have been very lonesome to day. Went to church to the Deciple to night. I wrote a letter to Nina and one to Geo. R. Angell ordering a back ground and some other fixings and chemicals. I have had the blues to day.

Jul 28 – Warm, had a very nice shower to day. I took two Lagruners[?] pictures with just their pants on. They were pretty drunk. I went over to Lyons and painted three places on the fence (Photos at Muir). Sent a letter and a paper and some Photos to Nina.

Jul 29 – Very Pleasant. I recived a letter from Nina to day. Was most tickeld to death to hear from her again. I took a picture to coppy to night and make a 4-4. Mr Abby is going to let me know in the morn about rent.

Jul 30 – Very warm. I have written some to Nina to day, shall send it tomorrow if nothing happens. I drank a glass of beer and smoked a cigar to day, told Nina all about it in my letter. Went out a looking a place to rent to night but did not rent.

Jul 31 – Rainey and cool toward night. I scrubed out this morning. Took 2 gems and one negative for Ed Von Aultne[?]. I went up to Ionia to day on mail 4.30 D & M, came back 6.30 D-L-M, so cost me in all 50 cts. I bought a Warbler to charm babys with, make any kind of I noise.

Aug 1 – Pleasant part of the day and cloudy and hot. I went to bed last night feeling pretty near like haveing the ague but did not have it. I woke up and was awful sick, vomited the rest of the night and was sick most all day to day. Sweet comenced work for me to day.

Aug 2 – Pleasant. Aunt Lib and Uncle Geo[81] were down to Muir and I went to up home with them to stay all night. I left about ¼ to four in the afternoon. I did not feel very well and I thought I ought to take a little rest. We got up there about 6 oclock.

Aug 3 – Pleasant and cool. At Uncle Georges. Lewis and I went over to Marys and got her in the morning. We had green corn for dinner. After dinner Lewis took Mary and me and came within 3 miles of Muir and then I got out and he went to take Mary home.

Aug 4 – Very pleasant. It has been a rather busy day but not much pay. I ripped up my dark tent and made back ground and curtains of it. I went up and played with the band a little while then came down and got to talking with the tinner and talked until bed time.

Aug 5 – Pleasant. It has been very dull today. I got a letter from Nina and one from Mother. Comenced answering Nina’s to day. Took a negative of my room this afternoon, took a negative of Prof Bengamin, teacher of the brass band. Added 1 oz of Silver to my neg bath.

Aug 6 – Pleasant but warm. I printed to day. Was not very busy. Took in 3.00 after 4 oclock. I went to band meeting and learned one piece. I sent a letter to Nina with a picture of the Gallery and a dollar in money. I have had the blues some to day if I know myself.

Aug 7 – Pleasant and warm. I done more business to day than any day before. Went a seranading with the brass band. Had lots of wine, apples and cake. Got home after midnight a little. I am going to print tomorrow.

Aug 8 – Pleasant, but very warm. I printed to day. Have not taken in but three dollars and a quarter to day. Mr Sweet has been here part of the day. I packed a bunch of shingles to day for the first time in my life. I am lonesome to night or home sick or something.

Aug 9 – Pleasant and warm. I have been lonesome to day as bussiness has been dull. Harvey Holbrook has been here to day. Wanted me to go home with him but I could not go. I feel some like the ague but am not going to have it.

Aug 10 – Pleasant and very hot. I went to church this forenoon and then went over to see Mrs Long. She aggreed to do our washing for .40 a week and is to do mine washing and ironing until Nina gets here for the same and She furnishes soap and starch.

Aug 11 – Pleasant but very warm. Harvey Holbrook was here stoped on his way to Partland. He gave me two apples. Today has been the best day I have had since I came to Muir. I have taken 7.05. The Lyons Artist was here to day and I went over there this evening.

Aug 12 – Warm and Showery. I rec’d a letter from Nina and one from Father and mother. I have read them several times through and it does me more good to read them than it does to eat. My stomach is in a very bad condition. I never had it feel so before.

Aug 13 – Pleasant but warm. I had a pretty good day of it today. Mailed a letter to Nina and one to Faher. Sent Nina 16 dollars this afternoon. I dont fell very well yet but think I shall get along all right.

Aug 14 – Cool this forenoon and very warm in the afternoon. I printed to day. Went over to Lyons to night. It has been very dull all day out. I have taken some pictures, did not take any until after three oclock.

Aug 15 – Rainey and dull. I took 4 gems but did not get pay for them. The first day since I have been in Muir but what I took in something. I went out a seranading with the band last night. Did not get home until after midnight. Went out in the country.

Aug 16 – Pleasant and cool. I feel pretty well considering that I was out on a drunk last night. It has not been a very busy day but I have taken 6.40. I could not go to dinner so I went over about three oclock and had a boal of bred and milk.

Aug 17 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I went to church and when I came back I went to the P.O. and got a letter from Nina. She will be here in a week from next tuesday if nothing happens. I comencd answering it right off so as to get it out to morrow.

Aug 18 – Pleasant. I finished writing to my Nina to day and mailed it to her. I have been pretty busy to day takeing tintypes. Took one negative of a man on my own hook. If nothing happens I will have less flies to morrow than I have had to day as I netted my windows.

Aug 19 – Pleasant but very warm. It has been very warm to day and very dull. I rented the room over Probascos Brocks store to day and paid 4.00 in advance for them at 1.00 per week. I wrote a letter to my Mothers to day and got one from Mother.

Aug 20 – Very warm and threatning rain. I have printed to day but have not taken in a cent. I orderd a bill of goods to day. A young lady came here to day and said she would learn the trade to comence next Monday morning for 10.00.

Aug 21 – Very hot this fornoon. I did not take any pictures until afternoon. I rained very nice this afternoon. The lighning stuck one House in Muir. I got a letter from Nina to day and mailed one to her this afternoon. She sent me a bill of our goods.

Aug 22 – Very warm. I took babys pictures all the afternoon. Did not have very good success only took in 2.45. I receved a bill of goods to day, 3 yds carpet and a back ground and some other little things amt 20.75. I had to borrow 2.00 of Pussey Burt.

Aug 23 – Cooler to day, cloudy and very dull. I have not taken in a cent to day. I am strapped and worse and feel as though I could go right down through the floor. My throat is most awful sore to day, cant hardly swallow. Plainly speaking I have got the blues.

Aug 24 – Warm and pleasant. I went to church in the forenoon, staid to Sabath. I took charge of Mrs Ransoms class. I received a letter from Nina to day. She is comeing Tuesday on mail. It has been a very long day to day.

Aug 25 – Pleasant but hot. I am sick, brok out with the heat. It has been a pretty good day for busines to day. I went down to the Plaining mill to get my Frame but they had made a mistake and made it 4 ft square instead of eight.

Aug 26 – Cloudy in the morning, cleared of about noon but cloudy afternoon. Nina came to day on mail and the goods arrived here yes this morning and Hank brought them over after dinner. We ate supper at home alone to night in Muir for the first time.

Aug 27 – Pleasant but warm. I did not do much to day, awful dull only took in .50 and we got three chairs and some curtains. Went to bed pretty tired to night. Have not got settled yet but still it seems like home. We sent a letter to Ma to day.

Aug 28 – Pleasant. I took in .35 cts to day. Put up my back ground to day. Took one picture of Nina and she put it up. I helped Nina wash the woodwork to night. We sat and talked and looked out of the window a good while. Nancy is feeling pretty well.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and foggy in the morning. This morning about 6 o’clock a freight train ran into the morning express doing fearful damage, several killed and a large number wounded. At night more died through the day. I scrubbed out the Galery this afternoon. Nina went over and helped wash dishes at the hotel.

Aug 30 – Pleasant and a very dull day. Did not take in a cent. Uncle George came down and we went home with him. The past week has been the dullest week since I got up here. I am strapped and am not doing any work at all. No one comes, have not done any thing to amt to any thing since Monday.

Aug 31 – Rainey and hot. Uncle Georges folks and us went over to Marys and after supper they came and brought us home. I am pretty near sick and so is Nina. Johney Long came and brought our cloths home after I had got to bed.

Sep 1 – Pleasant But dull. Only took in .65 to day. I have got the blues pretty bad. Nancy is in a fix,[82] got so the first week which was last week. It beets the duce how I do get along. I cant help but wish that I was dead.[83] I bought some beats to day.

Sep 2 – Pleasant and very dull. I could not get any butter this morning so we had to get along with out. Nancy got up this morning sick at her stomach which estableshes the fact that she is in a fix again.

Sep 3 – Rainey and dull. I did not take in a cent all day. I expect that I will see some pretty hard times now. I dont know whether it is because my pictures dont suit or because I am such a mean unlucky cuss.

Sep 4 – Pleasant this morning. Nancy is not feeling very well. I took in four dollars and 50 cents to day, all for photographs. Retuched three negatives. I have got the blues most awful bad to day and expect to have them the rest of my days.

Sep 5 – Peasant but windy. Very dull. I have printed to day, got done about two oclock. Nancy was sick to her stomach again this morning and I have got the blues worse than ever. Oh! how I do wish I could get along without haveing the blues so.

Sep 6 – Cloudy and cold this morning. We had a fearful accident here last night. Little Jimmie Sylvester[84] was killed while playing with the cars.[85] I did not take in a cent to day but I tended to my bussines just the same.

Sep 7 – Some rainey and windy. I boiled my baths to day. Nancy is not very well so we did not go to church. She wrote a letter to Dr our folks and I wrote one to Dr Foote. We went down to the dam in the maple river just sundown.

Sep 8 – Pleasant but cool. It is very dull, not a thing to do and of corse I have got the blues like the duce. I have taken 2 gems of Mr Long to day and that is all I have done. I have made up my mind to quit business october first.

Sep 9 – Pleasant and cool. I took in 2.25 to day but it is most awful dull now days. I albuminized glass this morning. We got a letter from home this morning and one from Loyd Higgins.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. I took in 5.00 to day, the most I have taken in in a quite a while. I took a 4-4 negative of Probascos little girl which I did not get paid for and dont expect to get any thing on that as they want something two nice altogather.

Sep 11 – Pleasant and warm. I had a good day again to day, took in 5.00. The artist over at Lyons came over here and left three negatives for me to print some pictures from, two fancy pictures and a lady.

Sep 12 – Pleasant in the morning but cloudy in the afternoon and rainey. I printed to day the biggest job of printing I have had since I have been in Muir. I had very good luck printing to day. Bought 2 pr Shears.

Sep 13 – Saturday. I put up pictures all day and every one was suited that saw their pictures. I felt like the ague all day, had some fever most all day. Only took in 1.70. I got the Saturday night and got a letter from Mary Plank to Nina. I took in a little over 16. this week.

Sep 14 – Very cool but Pleasant. We went to church and like to froze to death. I dont think I will go right away unless they will try and make it comfortable. I guess I had a chill to day at any rate I felt like the ague in the afternoon and went to bed with a high fever.

Sep 15 – Cloudy and some rainey. I helped moove the stove into the other room this morning. I had to buy 4.35 worth stove pipe and a piece of zinc .75. Mary Holbrook was her to day to dinner, the first person that has eat with us in Muir.

Sep 16 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday and day before. I took in over six dollars to day and went a fishing. Did not catch any but bought one and paid 30 cts for it. I was pretty near sick to night had a mustard plaster on my back and front.

Sep 17 – Cool and rainey all day. I have retuched two negs to day. Have not taken in a cent but have been in my rooms all day. I feel a little better than I did yesterday. We received a letter from Ma last night.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. I took in 8.50 to day and have retuched some negs or some on one negative. I am at work on one of the worse negatives now that I ever saw in my life I believe. I got a bill of goods to day amt 5.30.

Sep 19 – Pleasant and cold. I have printed to day and shall mount them this evening if nothing happens. I bought a load of wood to day paid 2.00 for it. We looked for Ethan some to day but he did not come. I shall look tomorrow.

Sep 20 – Pleasant and cool. I spotted out pictures all day to day. Only took in 1.45 to day. I took two pictures of Mrs Burt but did not get my pay. I went to the train to see if Ethan came but he did not and I was awful disipointed to think he did not come.[86]

Sep 21 – Cloudy but pleasant. I was disturbed from my peaceful slumbers last night or this morning rather about half past two by somebody knocking and went to the door and found Ethan there. We got up and prepaired a place for him to sleep.

Sep 22 – Rainey and cool this morning. Ethan is here yet. He started frome here about half past 11 eleven oclock. It has been a very dull day to day and I have broke a 4-4 negative of Mrs. Fers.

Sep 23 – Cloudy and dull. I took in $3.37 cts to day. We went to the circus in the evening. It was the best circus I ever went to. Nancy is about sick. She has a sore throat and we have booth got bad colds. I got a letter from Horise Utica Ny.

Sep 24 – Cloudy and dull. I paid Probasco to day for rent on building 4.00. He took the picture of his little girl at 3.00. I received 2 more offers to day, answerd them.

Sep 25 – Cloudy and dull. I received more offers to day and answerd them. I have taken in almost 5.00 to day. We received a crock of Butter from Mother to day. Nancy is not very well at present.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Took 3 negatives but did not take in any money until evening and then I took in 1.20. Sold two frames to Mrs Wagar. It was cold this morning but grew warm toward night and was quite warm.

Sep 27 – Pleasant and very warm. I have took in 8.50 to day. Got a letter from Uncle H Crawford.[87] Says I can have a job if I come. I expect a job of photo soon so I shant go.

Sep 28 – Rainey and dark. I printed all day to day. Dont think I shall try to print any more in Muir. Nancy is not very well but is better than she was. I went up to Mrs Longs to take the dirty clothes up and.

Sep 29 – Rainey again to day. I Finished up my pictures to day that I made yesterday. I comenced packing a little to day. I have been pretty busy to day and expect to be busy all the rest of the week.

Sep 30 – It cleared off to day and I packed some and took one negative of the telegraph operator and sold it to him for 12/-.[88] I took my last pictures in Muir to day.

Oct 1 – Pleasant. I packed all day to day and was pretty tired at night. I expect to start for home next saturday if nothing happens. Louis was here to supper to night.

Oct 2 – Pleasant. I finished packing up my things in Muir to day at the gallery.

Oct 3 – Rainey. Packed all day at the house. Get most every thing packed at the house to day and start for home to morrow night if nothing happens.

Oct 4 – Rainey. We finished packing and got the goods at the depot after noon. We started from Muir ½ past five went over to Lyons to take the cars and they were late so we did not get away until after mid night. Took a freight from Lansing to Jackson.

Oct 5 – Rainey in the morning and cleared off at noon, but rained again at night. We had to stay all day at Jackson. Got home about ½ past 8 oclock in the evening.

Oct 6 – Awful cold to day at Pa’s. Ethan took us down to Fathers and staid to dinner then he and me went to Mr Riddlers to a raising. We staid to Fathers all night. Alfred Luley was there too.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Alfred Luley and me went down to the burg and got my trunk. Hannah came home to day. Stoped at fathers and staid till Nancy and me went down that night. We staid all night at Pa’s.

Oct 8 – Pleasant and very warm. We went up to Aunt Katies with Pa’s Horse and wagon. Aunt Fledia[89] went up with us, she stayed. Ethan went as far as Busters to work. When we came back Nancy stoped to Fathers and I took bill home then I come back.

Oct 9 – Pleasant. I have written in Wednesday what I ought to write to day so I will write here what I ought to write for Wednesday. We washed to day and I husked two shocks of corn and helped pick up.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Father and me went to Hartwells to make cider and in the afternoon we picked up some Butnuts and I carried them up stairs. Father went down to Galesburg with a load of wheat. He got 1.35 for it. Croock-neck Squash and carry me home. Weve spliced to day.

Oct 11 – Rained a little this morning. I sowed plaster to day. This eve Father, Will, Fred and I went to the Burg. Nancy went up to Pa’s. Ethan went to the Burg with us. Pa lanced Hannahs Felon[90] to night. Mrs Earl, Hattie and Libbie Taylor visited at Pa’s this afternoon.

Oct 12 – Pleasant. We were at Fathers all day. We looked for Gustus Chase[91] and his wife but Tip and Rasstus and Charley[92] went up there so they did not get down. Mother and Nancy worked all day getting my cloths ready to go to Chicago.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Nancy and me went down to Galesburg this morning to take my trunk down. We called on Mrs Alfred and Mrs Barber. Then we stoped at Pa’s and staid and Father took the team home. Father, Mother and Will came down to Pa’s in the evening. I started for Chicago 11.58 P.M.

Oct 14 – Pleasant all day. I arived in Chicago this morning about 7.00 oclock AM. I walked up Michigan St to Clark and up Clark to the North Chicago City Railway office. Found Uncle and he introduced me to Mr Squiers and he gave me a job.

Oct 15 – Pleasant. I comenced work for N.C.C.R. yesterday afternoon as student and worked all day to day as student. I wrote a letter to Nancy this after noon.

Oct 16 – Pleasant but cool. I ran as student this forenoon and ran for My Tutor this afternoon. Got to bed about 10 oclock P.M. I was pretty tired when I got to bed.

Oct 17 – Cool but not very bad. I did not get a run to day so I strolled about the streets. I went down to the river and on board of some of the steamers and saw the sights. Got lost but soon found myself.

Oct 18 – Some rainey and cool. It rained and blew quite hard last night in the night, blew up some side walk. I got a run this afternoon and did not get in until almost mid night and was pretty tired.

Oct 19 – Cool raw wind. I did not get up until 7.00 am, ate breakfast and went down to the office but did not get a run so went down to the lake and to the water works. Came home and got dinner and went to work on extra, recived 1.50.

Oct 20 – Pleasant but cool. I did not get any run to day so I went up to the park this forenoon and saw the sights. Afternoon I went down to state street and Madison. Sold my silver for 5.00 and left my watch to be repired at Severns.

Oct 21 – Cloudy and coold. I have not worked any to day. I went down to the lake and all over north side. Got a letter from my Nancy to day, answerd it to night. She is not very well.

Oct 22 – Cool in the morning but warm in the after noon. I went on this morning and worked until about six oclock Making about 11 hours. I run to day on lincoln avenue for George Haskin on set car.

Oct 23 – Cool in the morning but warm through the day and cool in the evening. I have been running for the same man to day that I did yesterday. Comenced 10.56 am and quit 12.00 mid night.

Oct 24 – Cool but pleasant. Dust flew awfuly. I worked on Lincoln ave to day. Got in at midnight. I am not feeling very well.

Oct 25 – Cool but pleasant, warmer in the middle of the day. I did not do any thing to day only loaf. Got a letter from Mother and Nancy to day.

Oct 26 – Coold and rainey. Loafed all day again. I comenced a letter to Nancy but did not finish it.

(No more daily entries.)

——-

Notes in back of diary:

H. C. Morton & Son
Benton Harbor, Michigan

Jan 3d 1873
Mr Morton agreed to watch a chance for a place to put in a side and sky light and apprise me of as soon as possible.

Left Junction at 4 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Kalamazoo 6 oclock and 50 minutes. Started from Kalamazoo 7 oclock and 51 minutes, arived at home 8 oclock and 20 mi.

Jay Olmsted, Muir, Mich
Photo

Gruse[?] Eradicator
1 oz Sal Soda ½ oz Borax
1/8 Salt petre 1 pt Soft water compound and all is ready. Apply with a woolen cloth

Hiram Crawford
430 North Clark St
Chicago, Ill

Oct 21, 73
Received of H. A. Brown 5.00 five dollars for board
Mrs Long

Enamle for photos
1 oz white wax some turpintine some brams[?] some perfume

Jan 19th Henry, Ethan, Hannah, Pa and Ma, Louesa, Nancy & myself were at Mr Planks to dinner to day besides Fred Allerton, Mr & Mrs P, Will, Carrie, Mary & Becky.

Good negative colodion
Makes good Ferotypes[?] by adding about 1 gr of Bromide of Cadmion to each ounce and Dulute about 2/3 with AxE

March 2nd 1873 we were to Fathers all day to day. Father brung us home to night.

Toning Solution
30 oz Water
30 gs Acetate of Soda
30 gr Salt

——-

[1] Inscription on the front cover: H. A. Brown, Photographer, Muir, Galesburg, Mich. Henry is known better, and referred to, as Hank

[2] The X’s, which were placed under the date, are not explained

[3] A gem was a small tintype photograph. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin

[4] His wife, Nancy (Keith) Brown. They were married October 5, 1872

[5] Ambrose Brown

[6] Nancy’s sister, Hannah Keith

[7] According to both Luke Keith’s and Nancy Brown’s diaries, he went with his brother-in-law, Henry Keith

[8] Matilda (Allen) Brown

[9] His mother’s sister, Julia Allen, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda Brown

[10] His brother, Willis Brown

[11] Nancy’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. Both Nancy & Hank refer to her parents, Sarah (Crawford) & Charles Luke Keith Jr., as Ma and Pa, and to Hank’s parents, Matilda (Allen) & Ambrose Brown, as Mother and Father

[12] Nancy’s brother, Ethan Keith

[13] Believe he is referring to Byron Allen, the son of neighbor, John S. & Amanda Louisa (Worden) Allen. Any possible relationship between them and Matilda (Allen) Brown is unknown at this time

[14] The stepson of his uncle, John Wood Allen; he was the son of John Wood Allen’s second wife, Mary Stephenson, and her first husband, John Yates

[15] Nancy’s half-brother, Henry Keith, the son of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith

[16] Nancy’s mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[17] Believe he is referring to his paternal first cousin, Arthur Arms

[18] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[19] A seance

[20] Neighbors, John & Eliza Ann (Young) Bailey

[21] Neighbors, Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[22] Neighbor, Ida Barber, the daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[23] Neighbors, Byron, Cora, Ida, Libbie and Emma Allen are mentioned throughout the diary. They are the children of John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[24] John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[25] The son of neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[26] Nancy’s aunt, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[27] Neighbor, William Plank

[28] Neighbor, Harriet (Groat) Plank

[29] Neighbor, the son of John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[30] Carrie and Mary Plank, the daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[31] See footnote to January 16^th entry

[32] Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, the daughter of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith. Hank sometimes spells her name Louis or Lowis

[33] Lois’ sister-in-law, Sarah “Sate” Skinner

[34] Nancy’s youngest sister, Louese Keith, who is sometimes referred to as Sis or Louesa

[35] Nancy’s youngest brother, James Clinton Keith

[36] Hannah’s boyfriend. From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood

[37] His mother’s brother, Sidney Allen

[38] Eli P. Wightman

[39] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Phillip Potts died January 25, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[40] Alvan and Jesse Lee, Nancy’s second cousins

[41] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[42] See footnote for January 24^th entry

[43] A neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[44] Nancy’s paternal first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee, the daughter of Harvey and Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[45] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[46] Believe he is referring to Jackson P.  & Julia S. (Wood) Bristol; Julia & Hank were paternal first cousins

[47] Rebecca Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[48] Luke Keith’s horse

[49] Nancy would sometimes fall into a trance. During these trances she had an Indian spirit guide named Maumee and would produce very delicate intricate drawings. When she came out of her trances, she remembered nothing of what had happened nor was she able to produce the same style drawings. She would be so drained after these trances that Hank finally told her that she should tell him if she felt a trance coming on. He then, somehow, kept her from going into the trance

[50] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford

[51] Adelbert “Del” Skinner, the husband of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[52] Lucy (Lee) Milham, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her second husband, George Lee

[53] Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[54] Marion and Helen York

[55] Nancy’s younger brother, James Clinton Keith

[56] Simeon Wood, the husband of Ambrose Brown’s sister, Reliance Brown

[57] The poles between which a horse is hitched to a wagon

[58] One of Ethan Keith’s inventions (see May 14, 1873 letter)

[59] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator, the son of Marius O. Streator

[60] Creosote, an oily liquid distilled from wood tar or coal tar which was used as an antiseptic

[61] Luke Keith wrote in his diary that “J T Allertons old white mare lying in the lot almost dead”

[62] Most likely Louis Bristol, the son of Jackson Bristol (see footnote for March 8^th entry)

[63] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Jackson Bristol married Alta Burge on May 8, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan

[64] Michigan Birth & Christening Records at Ancestry.com show that Adelia Giddings was born May 10, 1873 to Augustus & Susan Giddings

[65] Neighbor, Byron Hawley; Luke Keith’s diary mentions him frequently

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

[67] Eli P. Wightman

[68] Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham and their daughter, Clara Milham

[69] Neighbors, Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne

[70] Sarah (Knight) Skinner, Del’s and Sate’s mother

[71] Ambrose Brown’s sister and brother-in-law, Hannah (Brown) and Edmund Chase

[72] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s son

[73] Tax on a person, as distinguished from that on property, especially as a prerequisite for voting

[74] Nancy’s cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[75] Adelbert Skinner, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s second husband

[76] Henry and Virginia (Worley) Crawford. Henry was Sarah (Crawford) Keith’s brother. See Nancy Brown’s July 4, 1873 entry

[77] Julia had cancer in her later years and possibly this is some reference to it. A cradle was built for her as she found the rocking motion soothing. At times the pain would be so intense that she left fingernail marks in the cradle. The reference to “P. T. Barnum” Johnson seems to show Hank’s lack of confidence in the doctor

[78] Son of Cynthia E. (Brown) & William E. Arms. Cynthia was Ambrose Brown’s sister

[79] Nancy

[80] Years later, his daughters, Lela and Bess, were reading through his diaries and noticing the many references to Nina, they thought he was having an affair with another woman. Nancy noticed their hostility towards him and asked what was bothering them. When they told her their suspicions she explained that “Nina” was his pet name for her

[81] Investigation continues as to their identity

[82] It appears Hank believes Nancy is pregnant; however, their son Claude wasn’t born until January 23, 1875

[83] Hank suffered from depression as can be seen by the many entries regarding his feeling blue. Years later, his brother-in-law, Jim Keith, was laid off from his job. In a letter dated May 25, 1890, Jim wrote to his brother, Ethan, regarding his layoff and said, “I dont know what to do. I never had Hank Brown’s blues befour and never want then again.”

[84] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that James B. Sylvester, age 9, was killed in a railroad accident. He was the son of Henry S. and Mary Sylvester

[85] Train cars

[86] This last sentence was in Nancy’s handwriting

[87] Hiram Crawford Jr., Sarah Crawford Keith’s brother

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

[89] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of Luke Keith’s brother, Harvey

[90] Deep inflammation on finger or toe

[91] His maternal first cousin, Julius Augustus Chase

[92] Erastus and Charles Towne; Tip might be their brother Cullen Towne

——-

Cash Account, January
		Received	Paid
2	Fare to Benton Harbor		1.90
“	Dinner at Junction		.50
3	Board at Benton Harbor		1.50
“	Brazilian Nuts		.10
“	Fair to Coloma		.30
“	“ from “ to Junction		.40
“	Junction to K		.90
“	K to Galesburg		.30
“	Peanuts		.05
			5.75

 

Cash Account, April
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Apr 30	To Cash on hand	8.30
“       “	By V for B		1.00
“       “	“ Sugar 8#		1.00
May 6	“ Doctor bill		1.00
“       “	“ One Hat		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.20
“       “	“ Oysters		.25
“       8	“ Repairing bods		.35
“     17	“ Dr Johnson		4.00
“       “	“ Cristar to watch		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.10
“     19	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Medicine		.75
“       “	“ Tomatoes		.06
“     24	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Mescetoes		.40
“       “	“ Tea ½#		.50
“       “	“ 1 paper tacks		.10

 

Cash Account, June
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Jun  2	To Wing B. A	5.00
“       “	By A???ica		.10
“       9	Haircut		.25
“     20	By Beer		.15
“       “	“ Rubber		.06
“     21	To Cash per J A H	5.00
“       “	By Cars		2.90
“       “	Omnibus and Hack		1.15
“       “	“ Dinner		.25
“     23	“ Cars		2.35
“       “	“ Crackers		.05
“     23	“ Beer		.05
“     24	“ Shirts		1.80
“       “	“ Factory		.25
“       “	“ Medicine		.45
“     25	“ Rent to Muir		10.00
“       “	“ Box		.50
“       “	“ Postage		.18
“       “	“ Nails		.06
“       “	To Cash of Father	10.00

 

Cash Account, July
1873		Received	Paid
3	To Cash	5.00
“	By Nails		.06
“	“ Screws		.08
“	“ Leather		.10
“	“ Freight		4.95
13	To Cash	20.00
14	By Rope		.09
“	“ Pens and holder		.05
“	“ Postage		.03
15	“ Cars to Jackson		1.75
“	“    “     “   Lyons		2.10
“	“ Omnibus		.25
16	“ Freight		2.88
“	“ Drayman		.75
“	“ Ball of Goods		8.55
“	“ 2 gel crock		.25
“	“ Comb and brush		.80
“	“ Broom		.35
“	“ Paper & Env		.02
17	“ Wire		.30
“	“ Postage		.03
18	To Cash rc	.75
“	By Egg, Cork, Buttons		.07
“	Silk Thread		.15
19	To Cash Ric	1.90
22	By Cash to bal	27.65	27.65

 

Cash Account, August
		Received	Paid
Jul 22	To Cash on hand	4.54
“       “	By Glass & putty		.85
“       “	“ Paper and nuts		.15
“       “	“ Board		3.00
“     23	“ Curtains		2.62
“       “	“ ½ gal oil		.18
“       “	“ Starch		.06
“       “	“ Wire		.30
“     24	“ Paint		.35
“     24	“ Cotton flannel		.10
“     25	“ Postage		.03
“       “	“ Glass and putty		.25
“     26	“ Netting		.15
“       “	“ 3 Cigars		.25
“       “	To Week rec	14.05
“     27	By Washing		.35
“       “	“ Colars & paper		.50
“     28	“ Postage .08 Med .40		.48
“     29	“ Board		4.00
“       “	“ Bill Goods		5.90
“       “	“ Card board		.05
“       “	“ Nina		1.00
“     31	“ [?]		.50
“       “	“ Sundries		.08
“       “	“ Brandy Soda		.15
Aug 2	To Weeks receipes	15.60
“       “	By Cash to Ball		12.89
		34.19	34.19

 

Cash Account, September
		Received	Paid
Aug  2	To Cash on hand by [?]	2.11
“       “	“      “      “     “	12.89
“       “	By One Lamp Chimney		.10
“       4	By Silver		1.30
“       “	“ Postage and egg		.04
“       “	“ Sewing 2.25 thread .8		.33
“       6	“ Board		3.50
“       “	“ Nina		1.03
“       “	“ Sponge		.10
“       7	“ Rent		8.50
“       8	“ Postage		.06
“       “	“ Leese		.50
“       9	To Weeks rects	19.55
“     11	By Paper & stamps		.10
“     12	“ Nina		5.03
“     12	“ Board		3.50
“     13	“ Nina		16.14
“     15	“ Paper 28 Stamps 06		.35
“       “	“ Band		.25
“     16	“ Board		2.00
“       “	“ Paper		.07
“       “	7.05/1.80.4.40.1.40.6.40	21.05
“       “	By Cash to Bal		12.70
		55.60	55.60

 

Cash Account, October
1873		Received	Paid
Aug 17	To Cash brought over	12.70
“       “	By Soda Gum Netting		.11
“      18	“ Tacks on Neting		.55
“      19	“ Rent to Probasco		4.00
“       “	“ Chalk line		.10
“       “	“ Board		1.50
“      20	“ Hair cut, Aples		.45
“      21	“ Postage		.10
“      22	“ Cocked hat		.10
“       “	“ Bill of goods		20.75
“       “	“ Errors		.09
“      23	To Weeks rect	13.05
“      25	By Medicine		.10
“      26	“       “		.30
“       “	“ Soap 10 Tacks 10		.20
“       “	“ Tea 30 Patatoes 13		.43
“       “	“ Stove pipe		.35
“      27	“ Windo Curtains		1.85
“       “	“ Chairs		4.50
“       “	“ Salt		.10
“       “	“ Tacks 20 Screws 05		.25
“      28	“ Apples		.10
“       “	“ E Notices		.50
“      29	“ ¾# Butter		.15
“       “	“ 2# Sugar		.25
“      30	To Weks receipts	7.49
“       “	By Meat		.10
“       “	To Cash to bal	3.69
		36.93	36.93

 

Cash Account, November
1873		Received	Paid
Sep 1	By Cash to bal		3.69

 

Bills Payable, February
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
28	One Note to E. P. W	200	00

 

Bills Payable, July
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
17	Warmer Merchant Paid Cambrick 17½ yds 15 Oil ½ gal 35		2.63 .18
17	Ice Merchant 1 pail ice
18	1     “     “
21	1     “     “

 

Bills Payable, August
	Jay Olmstead	D	C
Jul 1	Comenced renting Phot rooms of
“   “	To Cash on rent	10.00
“   21	“ Repairing roof
“    “	“ Glass and putty	1.50
“   23	“ Lead pipe and putting it in	1.00
“   25	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
“   29	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
Aug 7	“ Cash	8.50
“    “	“ Redicetion[?]	3.00
“    “	By One quarter vent		25.00

 

Bills Payable, September
	Mrs S. M. Long	D	C
Aug 3	By washing		.70
“     “	To Picture	.20
“     “	“ 2 Gems	.50
“     “	“  “    “	.50
“   11	By Washing		.30
“   17	“         “		.40
“   24	“         “		.40
“   24	To 6 Gems	1.50
“   31	By Washing		.40
Sep 5	“         “		.40
“    8	To 2 Gems	.50
“   12	“    “     “	.50
“     “	By Extra Washing		.20
“    20	“ Washing		.40
“    21	“      “		.40

Luke Keith’s 1871 Diary

1871 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.^[1]

 Jan 1 – 29 Abz.[2] Went down to Catharines[3] with Wesleys[4] folks.

Jan 2 – Cold, snowed and blowed in forenoon. Worked in shop on sleigh.

Jan 3 – Blustring forenoon. Worked on sleigh.

Jan 4 – 10 Abz. Worked on sleigh. Mart and Lucy[5] went to burg.[6] Got Claras[7] picture taken. Drawed some wood.

Jan 5 – Went over to burg. Some warmer, south west wind. Bot this Book 40 cents. Rode over with Jo Boardman. Snow 1 inch. Went over to burg in Evening. Got galen oil. Sent letter to Suky Brown.[8] Received paper of David.[9]

Jan 6 – About one inch snow, 20 Abz. Sis[10] and Will had a fight on snow bank East side house. Went over to burg. Got thills[11] mended 50. Sold boiler. Got Elbow and cornpopper. Snowed ½ inch.

Jan 7 – Worked on Marts whiffletree[12] and put bottom on sleigh. Mr and Mrs Chapin here to get the Bristol House. 12 Abz in morning. Snowed all night.

Jan 8 – Snows like fun[13] this morning. Snowed 5 inches.

Jan 9 – Put sleigh box together. Went over to burg. School in the new schoolhouse at the burg to day for the first. Snow fell about ½ inch.

Jan 10 – Carried Lois[14] up to John Ralphs. Good sleighing. 40 Abz. Mrs Hawkins here.

Jan 11 – Went over to mill and to see Mr Chapins about selling the Bristol place.[15] Snow going of fast. Chapin moved to day. Went down to A. Browns[16] in Evening to see Zeak & W^m Davison, Streator, Ford & Jackson ___.

Jan 12 – Snow about gone, 53 Abz. Sent letter to S Bristol and a $2.00 Greenback and two stamps. Noon mercury 60 Abz, sun shine, warm. Sarah[17] went down to Cates with Mart.

Jan 13 – Pleasant morning 50 Abz. Went down to Catharines. Made 60 galens cider. Rainy day, bad time to get home. Sarah down to Catharines. Snowed and rained all night. Got Cates & Zeaks pictures.

Jan 14 – Some colder 26 Abz, sleet and snow &c[18] in morning. Hank Brown[19] here. Snow and rain all day. Made shead for sheep. Snow fell 3 inches.

Jan 15 – Snow and sleat, 28 Abz in morning. Snowed all day. Snow fell 4 inches.

Jan 16 – Not very cold 18 Abz, quite pleasant, sun shown most of the day.

Jan 17 – 20 Abz. Cut some wood. Went down to Jo Lees[20] after Sarah. Had a big run after bill.[21]

Jan 18 – 16 Abz. Worked round house. Carried some cider over to Planks.[22]

Jan 19 – Mart came up and killed a pig. Good sleighing.

Jan 20 – Cut and drawed wood. 28 Abz morning, thawed some.

Jan 21 – Went over to burg. Saw those men about Bristols accounts. Sent letter to S. S. Bristol. Battlecreek Band came down to day. Ida and Libby Allen[23] here to day.

Jan 22 – Ethan,[24] Lois and Hannah[25] went down to Catharines. Snowed some. Made feed box for Bill. Snowed all day.

Jan 23 – 10 Abz, snow 4 inches. Went Kalamazoo to get mortgage recorded 75 cts. Sarah stayed with Lois Lee[26] all night.

Jan 24 – Went down to Joes after Sarah. Went and got Catharine to stay with Lois while Jo went after Finch. Ethan went down to see the Doctor. He no come. Sarah Skinner[27] stayed all night.

Jan 25 – Ethan went down to Jo Lees to see Finch, he saw him. Lois and Sate[28] went home with him. Cold and good sleighing. Bot broom 25 cts of pedler.

Jan 26 – 10 Abz in morning. Went over to burg. Carried corn 3 bushels. Snow fell 1½, 20 Abz at 2 oclock.

Jan 27 – Work round house and shop. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening. Some cold. Lois some better.

Jan 28 – Cold. Good sleighing. Put shelves in butry.

Jan 29 – Went down to Catharines. Osgood and wife there. Good sleighing.

Jan 30 – Finished up butry. Moved into the middle room. Thawed some, rainy night.

Jan 31 – Rainy morning. Worked in shop some. Carried Sarah over to burg. Some blustering.

Feb 1 – Worked in shop on cutter. Snow ½ inch. Went over to burg after Sarah in morning. Tamer Ford here.

Feb 2 – Worked in shop some on cutter bottom. Snow fell ½ inch.

Feb 3 – Drawed some wood. Worked in shop some.

Feb 4 – Made stool for Jule Lees girl. Went over to burg. Mrs Skinner and Sate here. _____ _____ up here to tea. Mr Burrels Boy hurt on cars. Went down to Catharines in Evening. Burrels Boy Died in the night. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening.

Feb 5 – At home all day. Cold and windy, mercury at 12 Abz. Depo at Galesburg Burnt this Evening.

Feb 6 – Pleasant day. Filed cross cut saw for A. Brown and Repaired violin for W^m Wheeler of Climax.

Feb 7 – Wheeler sent for his violin paid 50¢. Carried Sarah over to Oyster supper. Galesburg Band Boys gave _____ supper.

Feb 8 – Not very cold. Worked in shop some. Cleaned out stable. Mrs Hawkins here. Sarah _____ _____ dress. Nancy[29] went down to A. Browns. Neck tye party at Mr Hu___ this Evening.

Feb 9 – New snow this morning, three inches 3 in. Went over to Mr Planks in Evening. Browns and Skinners there.

Feb 10 – Went over to Burg after Sarah and George,[30] they no come. Got rods for old stove. New schoolhouse dedication at Galesburg. Cold and blustring.

Feb 11 – 13 Abz, good sleighing. Moved old stove to the middle room. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to get some medicin of Dr Finch. Snowed some in night.

Feb 12 – Snowing. Snow fell 3 inches 19 Abz. Mrs Plank came over here this morning full of trouble.

Feb 13 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine and Lucy sick. Sarah stayed there. Good sleighing.

Feb 14 – Went up to Kirbys and Chapins. Cut some wood.

Feb 15 – Went down to Kalamazoo after Sarah an Georgie.[31] Thawed some. Brown and Skinners folks here in Evening. George came over. Catharine and Lucy sick.

Feb 16 – Not very cold 28 Abz. Went over to burg in morning. Cut some wood. X Mr and Mrs Schram X here in Evening. George came over and stayed all night. Edith came down and stayed all night.

Feb 17 – Stormy, snow and rain, not very cold, 36 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mr Plank and wife here in Evening.

Feb 18 – Worked in shop some on cutter bottom. Snow fell 2½ inches. Turner came over stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant morning, sun came out. Went down to Catharines, some better. Had oysters for supper. George Turner brot them over.

Feb 20 – Went up in woods, cut down _____.

Feb 21 – 18 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo with Sarah and George. Pleasant day. Snow fell 1¼.

Feb 22 – 12 Abz, pleasant morning. Went over to burg. Got table to P. Schrams. Willie Hoges[32] Died to night. Went up to Schrams in Evening.

Feb 23 – Cut some wood. Went down to school house to put on lock. Went up to McCains Corners with Mart. Hoges Boy buried to day. Lyda Barber came over here.

Feb 24 – Worked on cutter some. Bent the raves[33] back. Party at Skinners in Evening. Snow about gone.

Feb 25 – Pleasant morning. _____ put lock on school house. Prepared table for P. Johnson. Snow all gone in road.

Feb 26 – Snows like fun. Snow fell 6½ inches. Blackburns child buried.

Feb 27 – Cut maple tree out drawed down. Jesse Lee[34] called here after Hannah. Snowed very little. Lois came home.

Feb 28 – Went down to Catharines and Jo Lees. Lois and Will[35] went. Snow all went of. June Hoag here. Barber finished drawing Planks corn. Heavy wind all night.

Mar 1 – Windy and pleasant, 33 Abz. Went up in woods. Got pole to hang Cate[36] on. James Crom called here.

Mar 2 – Thunder shower this morning. Calculated to Kill Cate. Killed Cate. Had a big rain and heavy thunder.

Mar 3 – Cut and salted Cate. She weighed 475 lbs. Pleasant day. Party to A. Browns in Evening.

Mar 4 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Catherines. Drawed sap buckets into bush set kettle on. Pleasant. Saw bright sun day.

Mar 5 – Pleasant morning. No snow on ground.

Mar 6 – Moved bench out into old shop.

Mar 7 – Went down to Catharines. Worked on spouts burned out 240.

Mar 8 – Trimed spouts cut of End of stone trough. Mart went to town. I came home. Rained.

Mar 9 – Rainy morning. Went over to mill. Cold.

Mar 10 – Went down and tapt bush. Sap run some. Rained and snowed in the night. Party at Keiths.

Mar 11 – Ella Taylor[37] Died to day. Gathered sap. Commenced boiling. Came home. Mrs Chapin Died. Snow fell one inch.

Mar 12 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Catharines. Gathered sap, had 7 barrels. Sarah went down to Jo Lees. Snowed when we came home.

Mar 13 – Snow 2½ inches. Went down to Marts. Worked in bush. Ella Adams[38] buried. Mrs Chapin Buried.

Mar 14 – Shugered of for the first time. Rainy night. Boiled sap in Evening. Syruped down.

Mar 15 – Shugared of to day. Went over to Comstock. Saw Mr Burlingham. Got $100 Dollars and check on first National Bank for $50.00.

Mar 16 – Rainy morning. Went down to shuger bush. Gathered Eleven barrels sap. Boiled in Evening. Some rain. Paid N. L. Randal $30.00. Ike and Libby busted to night.

Mar 17 – Cool, some fine snow this morning. Syrupt down. I came home. Axach Howard at Catharines.

Mar 18 – Not very well. At home all day. Sarah went up to Mr Taylors in afternoon. Pleasant day. Repaired violin for Mr Grover. Let Mary Plank[39] lot popcorn.

Mar 19 – At home all day. Cold. Not very well.

Mar 20 – Went down to Catharines. Gathered sap and boiled in Evening. Syruped down.

Mar 21 – Shugered of this morning. Ed Yorks boys[40] there. Had two pans full. Came home. Dell, Sate, Nell and Eberle here in Evening. Hank Brown also.

Mar 22 – Cold wind. Choped some. Went over to Mr Chapins in afternoon. Winter term of school closed. Paid A. R. Lovel $55.00.

Mar 23 – Went down to Marts. Gathered and boiled sap. Boiled in Evening.

Mar 24 – Boiled sap all day. Gathered the bush twice. X Band boys came down in Evening. Shugered off for them.

Mar 25 – Boiled sap, shugered off this morning.

Mar 26 – Repaired arch. Boiled sap, syruped down and shugered off. I came home. No snow on ground.

Mar 27 – Went down to woods. Boiled sap, syruped down, shugered off just at night. Pleasant day, cold.

Mar 28 – Fine day. No sap on hand. Cut down elm stub in morning. Gound axes. Mart went to town. I came home. Mr Hawkins moved. Galesburg Band[41] had a shugar party in Evening.

Mar 29 – Went down to bush. Sarah went down to Catharines. Boiled sap.

Mar 30 – Father Labell[42] died this morning. Shugered off. Jo and Lois Lee was there. I came home. Gathered some sap.

Mar 31 – Pleasant morning. Went down to bush. Had some moleses. Came home. Brot 2 cakes shugar and some lases.

Apr 1 – Pleasant day. Sowed clover seed. Mr Hawkins got four bushels corn. Extracted two teeth for Old Mr Hawkins.

Apr 2 – Not very well. At home most of the day. Went down to Catharines. Got 6 lbs cloverseed. Saw Ambrose and Lydia Milham.[43] Young Spires[44] died this morning.

Apr 3 – Rainy. Finished sowing clover seed this morning. Went to town meeting. Mr Stevenson Died this morning. Paid James Jackson one dollar of my money.

Apr 4 – Went to Kalamazoo. Went to Martin Turners.[45] Took Dinner. Went back to bush, gathered sap, boiled in sap. Mr Phelps[46] Died to day.

Apr 5 – Gathered buckets and made molasses. Mart went to Mr Kings Auction. Scalded out buckets. Had a shower in Evening. Old Mrs McLary[47] died to day.

Apr 6 – Came home. Mart came after Hannah. Brot home shugar. Warm day. Raked of garden. Made 550 lbs shugar.

Apr 7 – Warm morning. Worked round house and garden. Trimed some appletrees.

Apr 8 – Trimed some trees. Cows got on Allens wheat. Dry weather. Amos Rogers wife[48] died to night.

Apr 9 – Pleasant and dry. Went down to Catharines after sis.

Apr 10 – Rainy morning, cool, rained all day. No work. School commenced.

Apr 11 – Cold and windy. Put poke on fan. Snowed some, cold night.

Apr 12 – Pleasant morning. Snow ¼ inch. Trimed some trees. Eberly and Nellie left for Iowa.

Apr 13 – Cloudy and cool. Drawed brush out of orchard. Trimed currant bushes. Mrs A. Brown[49] here. Mart here to dinner and supper.

Apr 14 – Sick, not much done. Tool old wagon to pieces. Extracted tooth for Harvey. Sarah, Ethan and Nancy went over to Wisemans.[50] Stranger bot bushel corn of Will Plank.[51] Pleasant and cool. Drawed chip manure.

Apr 15 – Drawed chip manure. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Carried Nancy and Ida up to Allens. Lois and Hannah came home. Young sleeper[?] called here to see Mr Plank.

Apr 16 – Turned out set mallets and balls for Ethan and Will Plank. At home all day. W^m and Alvin Lee[52] here.

Apr 17 – Turned Balls and mallets. Gerome Chadwick[53] Died in night.

Apr 18 – Chored round. Hat Taylor and Maud Adams here. Mart and Lucy called here.

Apr 19 – Went to Kalamazoo with Lois. She went to Ohio.[54] Had a heavy shower. Wind blowed John Mills Barn roof of. Mr Chadwick Buried to day.

Apr 20 – Not much work to day round home. Cows bothered some.

Apr 21 – Finished turning balls. The boys painted them. Rainy.

Apr 22 – Went over to burg after tacks and screws for shades. Put up 3 shades in schoolhouse. Cold wind. Sate Skinner stayed here all night. R. Blackburn packed up to day.

Apr 23 – Pleasant morning, some frost. Went down to Charles Lees[55] to pay W^m paid $31.84. Sate went home with us. Went to Jo Lees.

Apr 24 – Fine day. Sowed plaster on clover south and west of house. Drawed out some manure. Went over to Blackburns in Evening.

Apr 25 – Got out manure. Ethan drawed some wood and chips. Cloudy and warm. Heard the first Whipporwill this Evening.

Apr 26 – Cloudy morning, looks like rain. Gotout some manure.

Apr 27 – Rainy. Took manger and sleepers out of stable. Ethan painted Balls and Mallets.

Apr 28 – Ethan went over to mill. _____ called here. Mary Plank went down to Jo Lees to see Hannah.

Apr 29 – Worked in stable. Made manger for Bill. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Hannah came home with him. Mary Plank came with them. Mrs Henry Clinton came home.

Apr 30 – Pleasant morning. Ethan went down to Charles Lees. R. Blackburn came over.

May 1 – Went up to Ed Corys and Mr Rights. Saw S Bristol. He paid 2.00. Went over to burg. Got shoes for Hannah. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening.

May 2 – Got out manure. Cory Allen[56] and Ida Barber[57] here. Perkins had a Horse stolen.

May 3 – Rainy day. Sick, no work. Traded cows with A. Brown.

May 4 – Some rain. W^m Plank plowed garden and commenced plowing corn ground. I got out some manure. Burnt brush in East lot and old Hubs. Stella Millham[58] here this week.

May 5 – Cloudy and some rain in morning. Not very well. Will Plank plowing.

May 6 – Not well, lame, cant work. Pleasant day. Mr Taylor planting his corner lot.

May 7 – Fine day. At home all day. Ethan, Nancy and Ida Barber went down to Jo Lees to see Hannah.

May 8 – Went over to Burg after Oil Hemlock for Hannah. Went to Doc Wightmans.[59] Got my Early potatoes. Pleasant day, cold East wind. Frost this morning.

May 9 – Cold East wind, some frost. Went down to Cataharines. Carried Bedstead and corn to Mart. Mart carried Bedstead down to Kalamazoo. Hard frost.

May 10 – Planted corn for Plank. Warm day. Jim droped for me. Tin pedler from Wakeshma called here Layton by name. Pedler from Leonidas[60] stayed all night.

May 11 – Planted corn for Plank. Warm day. Finished west lot. No frost.

May 12 – No frost this morning. Repaired sulky spring. Mrs Wiseman, Carry and Ella[61] here. Hot day.

May 13 – Planted corn for Plank. Will[62] plowed in afternoon. Warm and dry. Mrs P. T. Lane died to day.

May 14 – Cloudy and cool this morning. At home all day. Ethan went down to Jo Lees.

May 15 – Sick, no work. Miss Lovel came here to board. Mrs P. T. Lane buried.

May 16 – Planted corn and sorgum for Plank. Dry and warm.

May 17 – Cool morning, North East wind. Sowed corn in East garden. Went down to A. Browns. Got some eggs to set hen. _{1 day} Will finished plowing to day and draged some.

May 18 – Set the Ginny Eggs. _½ Will draged corn ground in forenoon. I marked it one way in afternoon.

May 19 – Paid Miss Lovel twenty 25.00 five Dollars. Warm day, very dry. Planted some potatoes.

May 20 – Planted sorgum and some corn in East Lot. Hot day, 102 in sun. Hank Childs and Will Plank went up to Yorkville. Hannah and Cory Allen went. Jo & Lois Lee came up here.

May 21 – Pleasant morning. Carried Hannah down to Jo Lees. Rained some.

May 22 – Pleasant morning. Planted corn. Fine day. Jo Lee came up and helped me in afternoon. Finished before night.

May 23 – Some frost this morning. Planted potatoes &c, some squash seeds.

May 24 – Warm day. Went up in woods. Cut log for garden roller.

May 25 – Warm forenoon. Sarah went down to A. Browns. Jo Lee brot Hannah home. I dressed out pillows for Cutter Boddy. Had a thunder shower in afternoon, rained hard. Went down to Catharines. Rained hard in night.

May 26 – Pleasant day. Came home at night. Called to Jo Lees. Mart went to town to mill.

May 27 – Went down to A browns. Got bedstead. Put up curtains in schoolhouse in forenoon. Altered over bedstead in afternoon. Youngones had a picnic up in Fords woods in afternoon. Planted some cucumbers.

May 28 – At home all day. Wes folks went down to Catharines. Very hot.

May 29 – Went up to Wesleys. Got some bittersweet. Got my bed springs of Schram. Had a nice shower just at night. Rained in night.

May 30 – Not much work done. Not very well. Hot day.

May 31 – Sarah went over to burg. Made form, bent pillows for Cutter Box. Hot day. W^m Ralphs little girl[63] died to day.

Jun 1 – Hot day, 108 in sun. Put knees in runners. Mart and Lucy came up to day. Carry Ralph Buried to day.

Jun 2 – Went over to burg. Bot 200 lbs plaster 70¢. Plastered some corn. Warm day.

Jun 3 – Hot day. Finished plastering corn. Horse fair at burg. Stella and Mary Milham[64] here. Rained some. Frank Goodrich called here in rain.

Jun 4 – Warm morning. Carried Sarah and hannah down to Jo Lees. Went down to Catharines, got Nancy. Mr and Mrs Gates was Drownded in Gull Lake to day.[65]

Jun 5 – Chored round some. Went down to Joes after Sarah. John Darling came along here. Sent some seed corn down to Mart. Planted Beans.

Jun 6 – Ethan cultivated corn. I hoed some in garden. Planted some corn over.

Jun 7 – Went up and saw John Sherman to get him to wash my sheep. Went down to river and repaired sheep yard.

Jun 8 – Fine day. Washed my sheep. Lois came home. Mr Plank bargained his place to Mr Town. Went down to Catharines. Got some beans. Old Mrs Haws buried died to day.

Jun 9 – Cold morning, no frost. Cultivated some corn and chored round. Planted specled beans.

Jun 10 – Put raves on Cutter, made sky brace for Cutter. Had a shower. Stranger called here from Yorkville. Mrs Haws buried to day. Wesley paid for buckwheat 3.50.

Jun 11 – Cold morning. At home all day.

Jun 12 – Worked on Cutter. Made sky brace. Mrs Lamkin called and got violin bow. Turned stick for Jim Milham.[66] He paid 75 cents.

Jun 13 – Worked on road up by Earls bridge. Very windy. Freight House and Methodist Church burned down in Galesburg to day.

Jun 14 – Worked on road. Took Tea with Jesse Earl.[67] Windy and dry. Mr Schram got runaway with while gone to Kalamazoo.

Jun 15 – Worked on road in forenoon. Finished road and hoed sorgum. Sarah went down to Skinners.

Jun 16 – Worked on cutter some. Willard mills cut some grass. Ethan went up to Fields for Mr Plank.

Jun 17 – Finished cutting grass. Rainy. Put up some hay for A Brown. Catharine and Lucy came up here. Turned some pins for Hank Brown.

Jun 18 – Went down to Jo Lees and Catharines. All well.

Jun 19 – Put up hay in west part of lot. Warm day.

Jun 20 – Had a shower in morning. Ethan went to mill. Worked on cutter some. Rebecca Plank stayed here all night, had a fit.

Jun 21 – Pleasant morning. Got in hay of west part of lot. Got very tired.

Jun 22 – Finished drawing hay. Warm day. Had a nice lot of hay.

Jun 23 – Rainy morning. Got sheep down to shear. Brown heifer had a white calf. Miner sheared my sheep. Had 62 lbs. Fine day.

Jun 24 – Sold my wool to W^m Blass for 52½ cents pr pound. Had 62½ lbs $32.81 cts. Mrs Flanders here. Lois came home. Del Skinner here to tea.

Jun 25 – Cloudy morning. At home all day.

Jun 26 – Put cutter together and chored round. Took up floor in old shop and put my staple down to hold wheels. George Clinton Lee Milham[68] Born this morning 3½ minitz to seven zacly.[69]

Jun 27 – Mr Plank finished plowing Buckwheat ground. A. Brown and Mr Plank helped me kill two hogs. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jun 28 – Cut up my Hogs this morning. Went over to burg. Bot one bbl salt 2.50 one Hat 25¢. Went down to Catharines.

Jun 29 – Cool morning. Worked round shop and garden.

Jun 30 – Worked on sulky wheels for Jim Milham. Went down to A. Browns. Got 3 pecks buckwheat. Mr Plank sowed Buckwheat. Cool and windy.

Jul 1 – Finished Milhams Wheels. Went up to Jo Flanders[70] in afternoon. Got some berries. They finished haying.

Jul 2 – Went down to Catharines and Jo Lees after hannah. Went in swimming. Warm day.

Jul 3 – Warm day. Went over to burg. Bot Calf Boots 4.50, one piece cotton and six cans &c 6.61. Worked on cutter dash. Went over to see Miner in Evening. Had a shower, rained hard in night.

Jul 4 – Worked on cutter dash frame some. Not much done. Hannah went over and got pictures taken.

Jul 5 – Went over to burg to see show come in, nice show. Ethan helped Skinner get in wheat in afternoon.

Jul 6 – Had a nice shower in morning. Worked on cutter some.

Jul 7 – Commenced cutting wheat. Hot day. Nancy & Hannah went down to Fords & Skinners. Thysa Pond here to tea.

Jul 8 – Cut wheat on hill. Hot day.

Jul 9 – Sick. Hot day. Ethan and Sarah went down to Catharines.

Jul 10 – Cut wheat on hill. Warm day.

Jul 11 – Finished cutting wheat and drawed it in in afternoon. Will and Ida Barber[71] here.

Jul 12 – Very hot day. Glued front dash to cutter. Mart Milham called here. One Hundred and twenty five in sun mercury 125 in sun.

Jul 13 – Hot day. Went down to A Browns. Got his rake. Made whiffletree. Mercury 100 in shade about noon. Mr Eastman Died. He was found dead in his bed.

Jul 14 – Ethan raked wheat stubble. Drawed in rakins. Mrs Dick Barber here. Mr Eastman buried.

Jul 15 – Repaired cradle for Jesse Earl. Turned some pins for Mr Allen.

Jul 16 – Carried Hannah down to Jo Lees. Went down to Catharines.

Jul 17 – Ethan plowed corn. I hoed in garden some. Went up to John Shermans to have my account allowed.

Jul 18 – Warm morning. Mr Plank and I went up to the Bristol place in afternoon. Saw Chapin.

Jul 19 – Put in boulster for John Sherman in forenoon. Had a fine rain. Thrashed some rakings in afternoon. Ethan cultivated corn.

Jul 20 – Thrashed some in morning. Went to mill. Hoed some.

Jul 21 – Worked round, hoed some. Fine day. Mr and Mrs Plank here to tea.

Jul 22 – Hoed some beans in forenoon. Jo and Hellen came here. Warm day. Went down to Jo Lees. Stayed all night.

Jul 23 – Went down to Catharines. Jim Milhams folks came down. Charley Bronson called there. Came home in Evening.

Jul 24 – Hoed Beans in forenoon. Quite warm. Cows got into Mr Schrams corn. Hoed some potatoes.

Jul 25 – Hoed Potatoes all day. Eugene and Edna[72] came here to day. Warm day.

Jul 26 – Fine morning, some thunder in the distance. Finished hoing potatoes. Had a shower. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jul 27 – Fine morning. Hoed round cornfield. Catharine, Lucy and Mart came up. Nice day. Had green corn for dinner.

Jul 28 – Fine day. Ethan, Eugene, Nancy, Hannah and Edna went to Kalamazoo. I wheeled wood down to road in woods. Sarah washed.

Jul 29 – Dr John King of Chicago here to dinner. Mrs Wiseman, Carry and Ella here.

Jul 30 – At home all day. Warm day.

Jul 31 – Went down to Charles Lees. A Brown drawed some oats.

Aug 1 – Rainy forenoon. Brown drawed one load oats. Ethan, Eugene and the girls went down to A Browns in afternoon.

Aug 2 – Warm morning. Not much work to day. Brown got in all his oats. Had Ethan, Eugene and girls. Went down to Mr Randals. Very hot, mercury 112 in sun.

Aug 3 – Worked round ____ very hot. Ethan, Eugene, Hannah and Nancy, Edna went over to Mr Planks. S. A. Brown[73] came here in Evening. Had a nice shower.

Aug 4 – No work to day. All well as usual. Mary and Carry Plank,[74] Ella Randal here. Had a heavy shower.

Aug 5 – Warm day. Edna went home. Ethan and Eugene went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 6 – At home all day. Ed Childs called here. S. A. Brown here.

Aug 7 – Eugene and I went up to Chapins.

Aug 8 – At home all day. Mist[?] Went down to Mr Streators, took dinner. Went Skinners. Carried a letter to Lois.

Aug 9 – Warm morning. Went up to Hartwells. Ethan [and Eugene?] went to Kalamazoo. Sarah, Mrs Plank and Suky went down to Mr Randals. Put neck on Mr Wheelers violin.

Aug 10 – Eugene started for Grand Rapids. Worked on cutter some puting on dash. Sarah, Mrs Plank and Suky went down to Mr Randals. Wheeler got his violin.

Aug 11 – Put top of dash on cutter. Henry[75] came home. Mr Flanders Brot his cultivator to be repaired.

Aug 12 – Mrs Betts[76] came on the noon train. I went down to Catharines just at night. Suky Brown here. Mr Yates[77] found to day, had been dround some ten weeks.

Aug 13 – Fine morning, warm. Mrs Yates[78] found to day, had been drund some ten weeks.

Aug 14 – Worked on cutter some. Very warm day. Repaired Mr Flanders cultivator.

Aug 15 – Worked on cutter front some. Oscar[79] came here. We went up to Chapins in afternoon. Henry came here, stayed all night.

Aug 16 – Went up to Mr Taylors. Got some timber to make balls and mallet. Oscar and I went up to Chapins. Oscar went down to Streators.

Aug 17 – Turned some balls and mallets for Mrs Randal. Oscar and I went up to see Mr Kirby. Oscar went up to Mr Balys.

Aug 18 – Mr Streator brot some elm boards. I turned some mallets. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catharines. Hannah and Lois came home with them. Oscar started for home.[80]

Aug 19 – Turned some mallets. Lois, Henry and all at home. Bent some fenders. Mrs Betts went over to Mr L. Burdicks.

Aug 20 – Went up to Mr Flanders and down to Catharines and Jo Lees. Jo very lame.

Aug 21 – Went to Kalamazoo. Saw ____ge. Henry started for home.[81]

Aug 22 – Went over to Jo Yorks and over to Finleys. Saw Oscar York. Champlin Harris[82] Died in night.

Aug 23 – Went over to Ed Yorks. Heard Oscar and Ed play the violin. Left Joes about Eleven. Got home about four. Ed Childs came down after Suky Brown.

Aug 24 – Finished up dash on cutter. Tamer ford came here. Turned two balls for Mrs Randals Croka set. Warm day. Mr Harris Buried to day.

Aug 25 – Thrashed some wheat.

Aug 26 – Put fender on Cutter. Bent one. Mrs plank here. Brown came back from Ed Childs. Warm and dry.

Aug 27 – Warm morning. I went up to Schrams. Old Mr Sherwood[83] Died to day. Mrs Betts went to church with Mr Planks folks.

Aug 28 – Eugene and Charley Hall came here. Old Mr Sherwood buried to day. Went over to Mr R_____. Had a nice shower.

Aug 29 – Went over to burg. Got my grist. Rainy day. Charley Hall went over to Hoags, stayed all night. Heifer went to Bull.

Aug 30 – Round home most of the day. Tinkered in shop some. Nancy sick. Cut a little wood.

Aug 31 – Choped some wood. Not very well.

Sep 1 – Went down to Catharines. Carried ciderbarrel. Got some peaches and tomatoes to Jo Lees. Eugene went to Dowagiac.[84] Mrs A. Brown, Miss S. A. Brown and Mrs Plank here.

Sep 2 – Got some peaches of Del Skinner. Went over to burg. Bot 2 galen jug. Got some water at Warrens well. Taken sick to night.

(No entries for September 3 through October 11)

Oct 11 – Mr Schram got old cow. Mr Wiseman and wife left.

Oct 12 – (no entry)

Oct 13 – Sold stove to Fidelya Brown. He paid four Dollars, he pays 10 for stove.

Oct 14 – Rainy morning. Frank[85] came up to get money of carmen[?]. A very windy night, some rain.

Oct 15 – Ethan and Frank went down to Catharines.

Oct 16 – I went down to Catharines. Mrs Betts went with us.

Oct 17 – Rained some in forenoon. Came home at night. Called to Jo Lees.

Oct 18 – Ethan and Frank Husking Corn.

Oct 19 – Frank Tomlinson left. Went down to Catharines. Lois Lee[86] died about ten AM. Patty[87] sent $5.00 ___ five Dollars.

Oct 20 – Went over to burg. Bot pants six Dollars. Sarah and Mrs Betts went up to Mr Ralphs. Jim Perry[88] Died this morning.

Oct 21 – Went to Lois Lees funeral. Went down to Catharines. Mrs Betts left for home. Buildings on the corner set on fire in night. _____ had two chickens 4½ lbs.

Oct 22 – Pleasant day, some wind. Jim Perry buried. Eat Breakfast alone this morning. Patty and Catharine started for home. Aunt Electa[89] died about seven P.M.

Oct 23 – No one here. Not as well to day. Thieves around in the night, stole cider.

Oct 24 – Cool morning. Oscar and Alfleda[90] came to day.

Oct 25 – Oscar and Sarah went up to Chapins.

Oct 26 – Oscar and Sarah went up to Gull to see Mr Right.

Oct 27 – Sarah and Alfleda went down to Jo Lees. Cold wind.

Oct 28 – Ethan husking corn

Oct 29 – Ethan went down to Marts. Sarah went, came home. Mrs Sherman died.

Oct 30 – Ethan cut some wood.

Oct 31 – Rainy day. Mrs Sherman buried to day.

Nov 1 – Pleasant day. Rebecca Plank came over here. Darias Austin stayed here all night. He was moving some things, had a cow.

Nov 2 – Austin left. Pleasant morning. Nancy & Hannah went down to Jo Lees. Ethan got Sorgum, had 14 Galens.

Nov 3 – Ethan husking corn. Fine day.

Nov 4 – Pleasant day, warm. I went over to burg to Mr Planks. Merideth came up here.

Nov 5 – Pleasant day. Old Mr & Mrs Ralph called here. Alvin Lee brot Alfleda here.

Nov 6 – Cool wind. Went down to Catharines with Meridith. Called to Jo Lees took dinner. Snowed in night ¼ inch.

Nov 7 – Fine day, plasant, had a little snow. Ethan and Meridith husking corn. Ida Lewis[91] buried to day.

Nov 8 – Finished husking corn about ten AM. Cloudy, not very cold.

Nov 9 – Went down to Jo Lees. Rainy afternoon. Mr Howlet Died about Eight AM. Jo Lee went to Kalamazoo after Coffin.

Nov 10 – Came home. Got some walnuts.

Nov 11 – Mr Howlet buried to day. Very pleasant day.

Nov 12 – Fine day. George Turner[92] came up here got his boring machine. Ethan went down to Jo Lees.

Nov 13 – Cloudy morning, rainy afternoon and night. Ethan working on moddle cupler. Mrs Keith here. Mr Boin[93] Died. Lived near Mr Swaddles.

Nov 14 – Rainy.

Nov 15 – Pleasant, cool. Ethan making cupler.

Nov 16 – Pleasant day. Went over to burg. Got some wine. Hard frost.

Nov 17 – Pleasant, hard frost this morning. Nancy and Hannah came home.

Nov 18 – Ethan cut some wood and went over to burg. Eb, Harry and Nell here in Evening. Rained in night. Skinner & Clark[94] maried to day.

Nov 19 – Nancy went down to Jo Lees. Louesa[95] came home. Alfleda here.

Nov 20 – Ethan working on cupler. Cold day.

Nov 21 – Ethan boiling cider. Snows some. Ethan finished cupler.

Nov 22 – Snowy day, snow fell 2 inches, cold and windy.

Nov 23 – Ethan, Sarah and Alfleda went down to Catharines. Pleasant day. Mr Plank thrashing Buckwheat. Dick Lamkins here in Evening. Snowed like fun, snow fell 3 inches. Sarah Borrowed six Dollars of Alvin Lee.

Nov 24 – Mr Plank finished the Buckwheat, had 22 bushels.

Nov 25 – Ethan cut some wood. Mr Schram called, paid for cider $3.20¢.

Nov 26 – Some misty and foggy. Ethan went down after Hannah.

Nov 27 – Cold and windy. Ethan made reach[96] for Theodore Earl.[97] Hannah commenced going to school. Ethan put Buckwheat straw in barn.

Nov 28 – Snowed some about ½ in. Ethan and girls went down to Streators in Evening. Cold.

Nov 29 – Cold morning 3 Abz. Mince called here to sell some grave stones. Sarah and Nancy went over to Mr Planks. Hawkins got stove. Doctor Burner lectured at burg.

Nov 30 – Mince got Birges bobs. Snows some. Quin brot his cutter. Eb, Harry and Nell here in Evening.

Dec 1 – Paid Mr Sherwood $10.00 ten Dollars. Went down to Jesse Lees. Went down to Catharines, stayed all night.

Dec 2 – Went to Jo Lees, stayed all night.

Dec 3 – Came home. Snowed like fun. Saw Mrs Skinner.

Dec 4 – Snows and blows like fury, snowed 3½ inches. Harry Streator[98] came here.

Dec 5 – Cold and blustering, good sleighing.

Dec 6 – Cold and blutering, 3 Abz. Quin got his cutter. Not so well, rather lame. Orrin Scranton[99] Died this Evening.

Dec 7 – Thawing some this morning. Lame, cant hardly get around.

Dec 8 – Cold and blustring. Mrs Plank here. Alfleda came up from Jacksons. A. A. Dodge called here.

Dec 9 – Went over to burg. Drawed one Hundred Dollars $100. of Town Treasurer. Eb and Nell and Harry came here. Eb and Nell stayed all night. Mart, Cate and Meridith came up here. Lois, Sate & Mrs Skinner. Extracted tooth for Mrs Skinner. Orrin Scranton buried to day.

Dec 10 – Mart, Cate and Meridith came up here. Lois, Sate & Mrs Skinner called. Extracted tooth for Mrs Skinner.

Dec 11 – Criss chopping some wood. Ethan commenced going to school. Sis sick.

Dec 12 – Paid Isaac Schram six Dollars and twenty five cents. Sis sick. Cate and Meridith here. Catharine got home.

Dec 13 – Meridith went down to Catharines. Snow fell ½ inch.

Dec 14 – Catharine, Lucy and Mart came up to day. Mrs Jackson called here. Alfleda went down to Jacksons with Marts folks when they went home. Hank Brown working in shop this Evening.

Dec 15 – Pleasant day. Mr Brown and Hank drawed one load straw. Mr Brown got hurt. Hank and Nancy went over to burg. Nancy went down to Browns stayed all night.

Dec 16 – Ethan, Hank, Nancy and Hannah went over to Vicksburg to Yorks. I done the chores for the first time since last summer.

Dec 17 – Cloudy, not much snow on ground. Ethan and girls came home from Yorks. All well.

Dec 18 – Snows some. Brown drawed one load straw.

Dec 19 – Swept out corn house. Cold, snow 1½ one inch and half. Ethan Eye sore.

Dec 20 – Cold and windy, 2 below zero, in Evening Eigh oclock 15 below zero. Paid school teacher fifty Dollars 50.00

Dec 21 – Cold morning, 6 below zero this morning.

Dec 22 – Carried sleigh over to burg. Cold and snowey, snow fell one inch 1 inch, rained all night.

Dec 23 – Rainy. Let A. Brown have $30 thirty dollars. Heavy wind. Wesley got home this morning.

Dec 24 – Pleasant day. A. Brown called here. Carried Wills pants home.

Dec 25 – No one here to day. Ethan went down to M O Streators.[100] George Sutherland[101] Died to night.

Dec 26 – Went over to burg. Carried 50 lbs Buckwheat flour to Dr Merril. Nice wheeling, no snow on ground or not much. Bot bottle of medicine of Mr VanBuren $1.00. Ethan & girls went down to Skinners.

Dec 27 – Cold and snowey, blustring. Worked on sleigh shoe pattern. About one inch of snow. Will Plank stayed all night.

Dec 28 – Went over to burg. Carried over pattern for sleigh shoes. Mart and Meridith came up. Ethan repaired Ely Wightmans melodion.

Dec 29 – Went over to burg with Jo Lee. Bot Diary 45 cts. Pleasant day. Went down to Jo Lees, stayed all night.

Dec 30 – Went down to Catharines, stayed all night. Mart thrashed his clover. Had Elevn bushels.

Dec 31 – Came home. Alfleda came up from M. O. Streators. Hank Brown and Alice Byington came up here in Evening.

——-

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

[2] Above zero

[3] His sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

[5] His niece and her husband, Martin & Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] Mart & Lucy’s daughter, Clara Almyra Milham, who was two years old

[8] Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown and/or Decatur Susie Brown

[9] Believe he is referring to his brother-in-law, David “D.C.” Crawford, who lived in Golden, Colorado

[10] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith

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

[12] 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

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

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

[15] See January 8, 1871 letter from Seaman Bristol Jr. to Luke

[16] His neighbor, Ambrose Brown

[17] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[18] Et cetera

[19] Ambrose Brown’s son, Henry Brown; Hank would marry Luke’s daughter, Nancy, in 1872

[20] Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin

[21] His horse

[22] Believed to be his neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[23] Neighbor children, the daughters of John Allen

[24] His son

[25] His daughters

[26] Lois (French) Lee, the wife of his cousin, Joseph Lee

[27] A neighbor, Sarah (Knight) Skinner

[28] Sarah Skinner, the daughter of Sylvester & Sarah (Knight) Skinner

[29] His daughter, Nancy Catherine Keith

[30] His cousin, George & Sarah (Roberts) Turner

[31] Believe this is George & Sarah Turner’s baby son

[32] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Willie Hodges, the son of Edward & Adeline Hodges, died February 22, 1871, at the age of 4, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[33] The vertical side pieces to a wagon body

[34] His cousin, Jesse Earl Lee

[35] His grandson, and Lois’ son, William Byron Clark

[36] One of his pigs

[37] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ella (Taylor) Adams, age 22, wife of Milo Adams, died March 11, 1871 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[38] See March 11^th entry

[39] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[40] Edwin & Ruth Ann (Fletcher) York had four boys: Frank (b: about 1856), Arthur (b: 1858), Fred (b: 1862), and George (b: about 1871; Edwin was Joseph York’s brother

[41] According to the History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan (1880), the Galesburg Cornet Band was organized August 4, 1870. Charles Harris was the leader and he played the E-flat cornet. Ethan Keith played the 2^d E-flat cornet

[42] The Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Anthony Labell, a priest, died in Kalamazoo at the age of 55

[43] Ambrose & Lydia (Taylor) Milham; it is believed that Ambrose was a half-brother of Martin Milham

[44] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that Frank C. Spier was born February 21, 1848 and died April 2, 1871

[45] His maternal first cousin

[46] Avery Martin Phelps, age 49, died in Charleston, Michigan, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[47] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Gertrude McLary, age 82, died April 4, 1871 in Charleston, Michigan

[48] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Julia Ann (McFarland) Rogers, age 27, died April 18, 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[49] Ambrose Brown’s wife, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[50] Neighbors, Joseph & Caroline (Williams) Wiseman

[51] Believe he is referring to William H. Plank, the son of his neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[52] His paternal first cousins, William and Alvan Lee, the sons of Charles Lee (see April 23^rd entry)

[53] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Jerome C. Chadwick died April 17, 1871 and is buried in Indian Fields Cemetery, Portage, Michigan

[54] Lois had lived in Spring Hill (now Tedrow), Ohio, with her first husband, Byron Clark; however, after he died, she returned to Michigan. Apparently her in-laws convinced her to leave her son Charley with them (see the May 13, 1866 letter), so she was probably going back to visit

[55] His paternal first cousin. Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee, the brother of Joseph W. Lee and the father of Charles Jedediah Lee

[56] Daughter of John Allen and sister of Ida and Libby Allen (see January 21^st entry)

[57] Neighbor, daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[58] Daughter of James Milham, Martin Milham’s half brother

[59] George Ransom Wightman

[60] Leonidas, St. Joseph County, Michigan

[61] Carrie and Sarah Ella Wiseman, daughters of Joseph & Caroline (Williams) Wiseman (see April 14^th entry)

[62] Believe he is referring to his grandson, Will Clark

[63] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Caroline B. Ralph, age 3, the daughter of William and & Emaline (Stone) Ralph, died May 31, 1871, and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[64] Daughter of James Milham, Martin Milham’s half brother

[65] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Robert D. & Jane Eliza (Caldwell) Gates died in Gull Lake, Michigan, and are buried in Cressey Cemetery, Barry County, Michigan

[66] Martin Milham’s half brother

[67] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[68] Son of Martin & Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[69] Exactly

[70] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[71] Neighbors, children of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[72] Eugene and Edna Crawford, the children of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford

[73] Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown, Decatur Susie Brown and S. A. Brown

[74] The daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[75] His son by his first wife, Minerva Payson.

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

[77] Robert D. Gates drowned in Gull Lake, Michigan; see June 4^th entry

[78] Jane Eliza (Caldwell) Gates drowned in Gull Lake, Michigan; see June 4^th entry

[79] Believe he is referring to his nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[80] Oscar lived in Deerfield, Michigan

[81] After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith, died, Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders took in their children, Henry and Lois Keith. From letters from that time, it would appear that Lois was then sent to Minerva’s parents while Henry lived with the Flanders family. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like he lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders” (believed to actually be Henry L. Keith), age 16, living with Joseph & Amanda

[82] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Champlin Harris died August 23, 1871 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[83] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Stephen B. Sherwood died August 28, 1871 in Comstock, Michigan, and Oak Grove Cemetery records show he is buried there

[84] Dowagiac, Michigan

[85] His grandnephew, Frank John Tomlinson, the son of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[86] Jo Lee’s wife, Lois (French) Lee; she is buried in Indian Fields Cemetery, Portage, Michigan

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

[88] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that James Perry died October 20, 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[89] His aunt, Electa (Damon) Wolcott, the widow of his Uncle Warren Wolcott

[90] His sister-in-law, Alfleda (Starr) Keith, the widow of his brother, Harvey Keith, and the mother of James “Oscar” Keith

[91] Ida May Lewis, the daughter of Maxon & Mary Lewis, died of croup at the age of 4, on November 4, 1871

[92] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[93] A search of the 1870 census shows L. & Lucinda Bowen listed immediately after S[amuel] Swaddle; FindAGrave.com shows Lucius Bowen, the husband of Lucinda Congdon, died in 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[94] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark, married Adelbert Skinner

[95] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith, usually referred to as Sis

[96] A pole that connected the front axle and the rear axle of a wagon

[97] The son of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl; see June 14^th entry

[98] A neighbor

[99] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Orrin Scranton, died December 6, 1871 in Perry, New York, and is buried in Pearl Creek Cemetery, Pearl Creek, New York. The 1850 census shows Orrin living in Covington, New York, which is where Luke lived before coming to Michigan

[100] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator; the father of Harry Streator (see December 4^th entry)

[101] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that George Sutherland died December 25 and is buried in Newbre Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1870 Diary

1870 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.^[1]

Jan 1 – At home all day. Cut up my hogs some. Carried Catharine[2] up to Wesleys.[3] Went down to M. O Streators[4] in evening.

Jan 2 – Went down to Jo Lees.[5] Took Nancy[6] down to see the Doctor.

Jan 3 – Went over to burg [Galesburg]. Brot shears home for Dick Blackburn. Mr Ralph paid for bed Bottom[7] $5.00. Bill[8] ran a way with me smashed up the sleigh some. Catharine came back with C. J. Lee.[9]

Jan 4 – Went over to burg. Carried over shears brot home by shears. Lois[10] came home to day. Bot this Diary 40 cts. Cold some snow.

Jan 5 – Went over to burg with Mark.[11] Carried Dicks shears over. Mr. Hawkins choped some wood. Cora Allen stayed here all night.

Jan 6 – Took A Browns[12] spoke irons of some of my sleigh. Not much work to day. Washing day. Cold not much snow.

Jan 7 – Went over to burg got my Boots tapt and Louesas[13] shoes. Some snow. Rode over with H. A. Taylor.

Jan 8 – Went down to M F Lees. Very blustrous. Lois stayed there. Had Jim.[14] Helped Mr Plank load one load hay in morning.

Jan 9 – Cold day. At home all day except I went down to A Browns with Jim horse.

Jan 10 – Cut up my hogs. Ida Clark[15] came here. Hank Brown[16] came home.

Jan 11 – Worked round choring some. Get Jims[17] Boots mended. Lois went to A. Kaywoods.

Jan 12 – Went over to burg with Jo Lee. He left his Bugy here to be repaired.

Jan 13 – Made axhelve for Isaac Schram. Mr Wisemans folks here in evening. Youngones went down to Catharines. No sleighing all ice.

Jan 14 – Put in Browns bugy pole. Hung ax for Schram.

Jan 15 – Very [i]cy. Hawkins choping some. Drawed 3 loads wood in fore noon. Deed coming from Washington.

Jan 16 – Went down to Catharines with Nancy. Had Jim. Rained in Evening.

Jan 17 – Went over to mill. Carried ___ bushels wheat. No work in shop.

Jan 18 – Cold ___ Abz.[18] Mark came up. Sarah[19] went to burg with him. Made _______________________.

Jan 19 – Worked on Browns Exes.

Jan 20 – Worked on Browns Exes.

Jan 21 – Finished Exes. Jo Lee came up here worked on his box put in ____. Ethan[20] went down to Catharines.

Jan 22 – Choped and drawed some wood. Went down to Mr Randalls in Evening. Rainy. Pixley & Grannis at the burg this Evening.

Jan 23 – At home all day. Not very well.

Jan 24 – Finished Jo Lees buggy. Put Browns Exes in. Worked some on moddle. T. Flanders[21] Died in the night.[22]

Jan 25 – Cold no snow. Saw Edwin Flanders[23] this morning. He cam from the County house. Worked on moddle.

Jan 26 – Worked on moddle some. Went over to the County house to T. Flanders Funeral. Snowey day. Sarah and Nancy went down to Catharines with Jo Lee. He got his buggy.

Jan 27 – Finished moddle. Hank Brown went to Marshall with it. Spliced stand leg. Put bottom on Bird cage. Isaac Schram bored hole in his mawl.

Jan 28 – Made wagon pole for M. O. Streator. Put Jims sheep on the trucks. Put hair in violin bow for King. Dick Lamkins here to tea. Moved sound post in his violin.

Jan 29 – Cut & drawed some wood. Went over to burg. Lois came home in Evening.

Jan 30 – At home all day. Mark & Henry Lee[24] here. Sarah came home.

Jan 31 – Worked on cupler most of the day. S. A. Brown[25] here to Tea had no Tea but cider. Ida Barber[26] came over.

Feb 1 – Cold 4 Abz in morning. Mrs Rogers & Sarah[27] here. Worked on wheel.

Feb 2 – Finished rounding felloes[28] on my wagon and painted them.

Feb 3 – W^m G. Springstead called here. Derias and Mary B_____ came here. Drawed in some corn. M. O. Streator got his wagon tong.

Feb 4 – Mary and Derias left for Burlington. Cold morning 19 Abz. Went down to Catharines stayed all night.

Feb 5 – Went to Kalamazoo with Mark and Lucy.[29] Took dinner with Ed Wilcutt.[30]

Feb 6 – At home. Charley Lee here.

Feb 7 – Cut grubs on the line btween my land and Catharines. Mr Hichhock buried to day. Prayer meeting at brother Randals for the benefit of this neighbor hood.

Feb 8 – Carried 3 bushels wheat to mill. Worked around house and barn.

Feb 9 – Went over to burg. Went up to station. Went to Charly Tousleys shop. Put up leach.[31] Willy Bestor[32] Died.

Feb 10 – [illegible]

Feb 11 – Will Bestor buried. Made soap. Nancy went down to Cates in Evening. Hank took her down. Paid S. A. Brown $45.00 Dollars to apply on order. Trimed some trees.

Feb 12 – Cold snowes some. Hank Brown went up to Armes[33] only he did not. Broke spoke out of wheel. I put in one. Fixed sheep shed.

Feb 13 – No snow. At home all day. No one here. Rained some in the night.

Feb 14 – Cloudy looks like rain. Went over to burg. Carried Dick Bottle Cider. Put up Hites[34] potatoes and apple cider &c.[35]

Feb 15 – Made axhelve for I. O. D. Schram. Carried Hites potatoes over to burg. No snow on ground. Mart Milham[36] came up with two horses on buggy.

Feb 16 – Drawed two loads straw from M O Streator. Rufus Taylor got my wagon to go over to Indian Lake fishing. Fine day.

Feb 17 – Choped some wood up in woods. Ethan sick. Snowey and blustering. Dug some sassafras for Ethan.

Feb 18 – Cut some wood and grubs in north west corner of woods.

Feb 19 – Hank Brown brot up 3 saws to file. Got letter from Higgins. Got the old clock cleaned 1.50. Snowey. John Earl and boy here brot violin to be repaired. Lois came home.

Feb 20 – At home all day. Cold at zero. All well as usual.

Feb 21 – Cold 9 below zero. Drawed two loads wood on corn. Went up to H. A. Taylor after thill straps. Young ones all went down to Mrs Skinners in Evening.

Feb 22 – Cold 10 Abz. Some snow on ground. George and Marion[37] came. Catharine and Lucy came with them. Went up to Jo Flanders[38] in Evening.

Feb 23 – Not very cold. George gone up to Wesleys. Sarah, Marion and Lois Went up to Wesleys. I went up in Evening.

Feb 24 – George and Marion went to Brady. I went up to Wesleys. Lost my glasses. Went over to Burg got form for Deeds 50¢ stamp 25¢.

Feb 25 – Went to Kalamazoo to get Deeds $3.00.

Feb 26 – Cut and drawed some wood. Went over to burg. Extracted Tooth for Carry Plank.[39] Extracted two teeth for Hurby Earl 25¢. Mrs Streator, Nell and Harry here in Evening. Rainy Evening.

Feb 27 – Rains some, lots water on ground. Went over to R. G. Smiths to see about Deeds.

Feb 28 – Went over to burg. Sent letter to J. E. Higgins. Mark came after Lois.

Mar 1 – Some snow on ground. Put Eaph Earls[40] violin together. Some wind to day.

Mar 2 – Worked round house. Went over to burg. Got Deeds sent 3 to J Higgins. Got money for _____ purposes 110.21.

Mar 3 – Bent cane for Henry Lee. Eaph Earl got his violin paid 2.00. Party to M. O. Streators, youngones all went.

Mar 4 – Some snow on ground. School closes to day.

Mar 5 – Paid S. A. Brown 63 dollars 54 for last order 9 on the first. Went down to Catharines. Snowed in the night. S. A. Brown stayed here all night.

Mar 6 – Cold 2__ Abz _____. Harry Streator[41] joins the Brick Church to day.

Mar 7 – Went over to Mill. Carried 2 bushels wheat. Cut some wood.

Mar 8 – Went over after my grist. Extracted one tooth for Herb Earl. Filed saw for Spence Thomas. Brot my pole from burg. Henry Lee here to day. Louesa went home with them.

Mar 9 – Worked round house. S. A. Brown left for Chicago. Cut some wood.

Mar 10 – Lewis Planks[42] folks started for Iowa.[43] At home most of the day.

Mar 11 – Went over to Burg got step made for E. Lees[44] cane $.1.00. Bot shoes for Jim 1.75¢.

Mar 12 – Cold and blustrous 20 Abz all day. Snowed in night. Expect Suky left for Chicago.

Mar 13 – Cold 20 Abz lots snow on ground. Went down to Catharines hard going no tracks. Went over to Mrs Cross with Mark to see cow.

Mar 14 – Came home hard walking. Nancy came up with Wesley. Mr & Mrs Plank[45] here in Evening and Mr & Mrs Hawkins.

Mar 15 – Lots snow, snows and blows like fun.[46] Hank Brown and George Sutherland called here. Made plate and cut Dr E. Lees name on it for his cane.

Mar 16 – Cold lots snow 2 Abz. Worked on cupler. Cold. Ethan and Planks al hands went sleighride.

Mar 17 – Worked on cupler. Mark, Mart and Henry came up. Ethan went down to Catharines with them. Traded violin for rifle with Mark. Hank and Dell Skinner[47] went sleigh ride, had Flanders bobs.

Mar 18 – Pleasant morning. Went Down to Marks stayed all night. Mark and Henry started for Salt Lake in night. Charley[48] went to Chicago.

Mar 19 – Called on Charles Lees[49] folks. Very sloppy.

Mar 20 – At home picked up corn in road. Lots water. Nancy went down to Catharines.

Mar 21 – Went down to Catharines with Ethan. Cold. Mart went to Kalamazoo.

Mar 22 – Went over to burg got my boots mended. M O Streator brot wheel here to be mended. David Tomkins stayed all night.

Mar 23 – Pleasant morning. David left. Worked on Hank Browns Boat. Extracted tooth for O. D. Schram.[50] Select[?] party to Planks. Paid John Sherman 22. Dollars and fifty cents for shool wood 22.50.

Mar 24 – Heard first Robbin for the season. Worked on boat and wheel.

Mar 25 – Drove spokes in Streators wheel. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Hannah[51] went down to Mr T. Fords with Mary Plank.[52]

Mar 26 – Cut out felloes for wheel. Rainy day. Cleaned sewing machine.

Mar 27 – Went down to Catharines. Got some warm shugar. Rainy day.

Mar 28 – Worked on boat some. Put tip on Skinners bugy pole.

Mar 29 – Worked on boat and Skinners whiffletrees.[53] George Sutherland and Hank brown here in Evening. Nancy came home. Jo Lee sick. Mrs Plank here in afternoon.

Mar 30 – Carried Sarah down to Jo Lees. Jo some better. Rained some.

Mar 31 – Worked on boat some. Rainy day. Put boat together.

Apr 1 – Worked on boat. Hank came up. Put boat up.

Apr 2 – Finished boat. Sarah went to burg in Evening.

Apr 3 – Went down to Catharines. Sap run some. Ethan and Mart boiling.

Apr 4 – Hank got his boat. Went over to town meeting. Traded rifle for Marts watch. Pleasant day.

Apr 5 – Carried 300 cucumbers over to burg. Sold to Mr Williams. Cut some wood.

Apr 6 – Made steps to doors and stoop. Cleaned up some round yard. Dance to A. Browns in Evening. Mended up old wheelbarrow.

Apr 7 – Worked round yard all day. Carry Wiseman[54] came home with Sis.[55]

Apr 8 – Worked around yard and shop. Raked up some.

Apr 9 – Work round house and yard. Went over to burg. Hannah went down to Skinners. Jo and Hellen[56] called here.

Apr 10 – Went down to Catharines. Rainy day. Heard from Mark.

Apr 11 – Went to burg in morning. Bot Sis shoes 1.60¢. Came back. Went down to schoolhouse. School commenced. Went over to burg with Mart. Got school money. Bot barrel salt $3.00. David Tomkins stayed here all night.

Apr 12 – Pleasant morning. Drawed corn and worked round yard.

Apr 13 – Finished drawing corn. Trimmed appletrees. Mrs Hawkins here to dinner.

Apr 14 – Burnt apple brush. Cleaned up round yard. Mr Schram called here with a man to look at my place.

Apr 15 – Went down after Ethan. Rainy. Brot home shugar.

Apr 16 – Husked some corn. Went down to school house, moved seats. Stormy day. Got Mr Schrams saw. Snowed like fun.

Apr 17 – Quite pleasant. Snow all gone. At home all day.

Apr 18 – Moved stove in to the kitchen. Sawed some wood in afternoon. Received letter from M. F. Lee.[57] Miss _____ came to night, new teacher came to board.

Apr 19 – Rainy morning. Finished husking corn. Sawed some wood. Coly Durgy and stranger here looking for a farm.

Apr 20 – Made churn dash for Mrs Hawkins. Sawed some wood. Rainy afternoon. Party over to Mr Planks this Evening.

Apr 21 – Sawed wood some, split some.

Apr 22 – Finished sawing up trees. Hat and Elizabeth Taylor here to day. Mrs Plank came over. Lucy came up. Fran calved to day I think.

Apr 23 – Went to Kalamazoo to see Ed. He was gone to Battlecreek. Mr Butler stayed all night. Lois came home. Went up in woods. Got Fran and her calf down in morning. Mr Butler and boy came here.

Apr 24 – Mr Butler here at home all day.

Apr 25 – Mr Butler here, boy sick. Tightened box in one of his wheels.

Apr 26 – Mr Butler left. I went to Kalamazoo. Sarah went to Catharines.

Apr 27 – Spaded up onion bed. Made pitman for A. Caywood in afternoon. Had a shower in Evening. Byron Allen & Hank Childs called here while it rained.

Apr 28 – Cool morning. Filed saw for Mr Sherman. Repaired door at barn yard.

Apr 29 – Ethan went to mill. Henry Lee came here, left bottle painkiller. Cleared out old shop. Pleasant day. Mart called here.

Apr 30 – Chored round. Mr Plank drawed over some hay.

May 1 – Went down to Catharines. Harrison Sprague came here.

May 2 – Went over to Climax and to Dry Prairie with Harrison to find place to start a hardware store. Stayed all night. Ethan commenced plowing.

May 3 – Left Dry Prairie this morning all right. Called on Jesse Turner.[58] Took Dinner. Got home about six.

May 4 – Put out some onions. Plowed some. Commenced plowing on hill.

May 5 – Got Schrams buggy. Went to Kalamazoo to see Ed Wolcot. Del Smith[59] Killed. Warner boy shot him.

May 6 – Took Schrams buggy home. Some rain. Planted corn in west garden. Got potatoes out of cellar.

May 7 – Planted potatoes in west garden. Mrs Wiseman and Carry Ella[60] and Cornells girl over here. Ida barber came over. Uncle Jason[61] Died to day.

May 8 – Pleasant day. Ida Barber here. Not very well.

May 9 – Work round house and garden. Ethan plowing.

May 10 – Ethan plowing. I work hoing garden some.

May 11 – Ethan dragging corn ground. I am sick, no work. Worked some on potatoes markers. Sarah went down to Catharines.

May 12 – Ethan marked out corn ground. Worked some in shop on marker.

May 13 – Got half bushel seed corn of A. Brown. Commenced planting corn. Fine day. Finished planting corn on hill.

May 14 – Planted potatoes in East garden. Sowed beet seed. Ethan & Hannah went up to Jesse Earls[62] woods on river to A picknick in afternoon. Lois came home.

May 15 – At home all day. Fine day. Hannah went down to see Nancy with Harry Streator.

May 16 – Planted potatoes and sowed some corn.

May 17 – Finished sowing corn and sowed buckwheat. Catharine came up. Ethan helped Hank Brown plant corn.

May 18 – Went over to Wakeshma to Jesse Turners. Got there about noon.

May 19 – Started for home after noon. Went to Ed Childs, stayed all night. Had a shower.

May 20 – Started about two PM for home. Ed came down. Got my potato marker to plant his potatoes. Got home about four. Rained in night.

May 21 – Pleasant morning. Set out 88 cabbage plants. Planted beans & coffee peas.

May 22 – At home all day. Not very well.

May 23 – Rainy. Jesse & Sally[63] called here. Set a few cabbage plants.

May 24 – Pleasant. Bill got into planks lot. Got small load hay of M. O. Streator. Not much work done to day. Mrs Butterfield Buried to day.

May 25 – Circus and caravan to Kalamazoo 4. Paws. Went over to Burg.

May 26 – Hoed corn and potatoes in west garden. Mrs Barber[64] and Ida came over here.

May 27 – Cool 52 Abz in morning. Cut up some wood brot down some chips. Jesse Turner and Miss Roberts came here. Catharine, Mart and Lucy went to Wakeshma. Ethan went down to Catharines.

May 28 – Made clout bars in forenoon. Got load chips. Went over to burg sold Jan Hoag 10¾ butter $2.00. Bot Hannah sum shoes $2.00.

May 29 – Fine morning birds singing. Young ones farting and a general time any way.

May 30 – Worked in shop on Mr Shermans wheel. Hot and dry. Ethan plastered corn.

May 31 – Working on road on hill.

Jun 1 – Worked on road finished at noon. Went over to mill in afternoon. Carried 3 bushels wheat. One of the young sheep had a lamb.

Jun 2 – Took tire of my wheels and trimed spokes. A. Brown washed his sheep. Old sheep came down with lamb.

Jun 3 – Jo, Lois and Julia Lee[65] came up. Took my wheels over van set tire. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Bot charts for school $22.50¢.

Jun 4 – Hoeing some in garden. Carry Wiseman here. Mr and Mrs Wiseman cleaned schoolhouse. Ethan cultivated corn East of barn. Will Clark[66] came home. Had a shower.

Jun 5 – At home all day. Had a shower in morning. Warm day. Harry Streator here to tea.

Jun 6 – Went up to Dick Lamkins and burg.

Jun 7 – Hoed in garden some. Sawed out felloes for Shermans wheel.

Jun 8 – Put rim on Shermans wheel. Finished wheel. Had a fine shower.

Jun 9 – Rained some this morning. _____ _____ buggy spoke put it in all right. Boy stopted here with race horse from three rivers, the Sea Gull. Ethan went down to A Browns after some cabbage plants.

Jun 10 – Put worked on cupler some.

Jun 11 – Worked on cupler. Hoed some in garden.

Jun 12 – Went down to Cates. Fine day. Cate had 10 pigs.

Jun 13 – Rainy day. Finished cupling. Stepen Wilcut and wife[67] came here. Rained all night.

Jun 14 – Rainy morning, rainy day. Stephen and I went up to Uncle Warrens old place.[68]

Jun 15 – Went to Kalamazoo with Stephen. Stayed to Catharines all night.

Jun 16 – [illegible] Ethan cultivated corn. I went over to burg with my cupling.

Jun 17 – Stephen and Cory came here to dinner. They started for home. I went to burg in after noon. Very hot. Went up to Hartwells with Corys shawl.

Jun 18 – Ethan cultivated corn on hill. I hoed in garden. Mr Miner sheared one sheep. Went to burg in Evening. Carried my cupling over. Very hot day.

Jun 19 – Went down to Catharines. Nancy came home. Hannah went down to Catey. Went in swimming.

Jun 20 – Mr Miner sheared my sheep. Hot day.

Jun 21 – Hoed in garden out by the barn and corn west of House. The old hen commenced sitting on 15 Eggs.

Jun 22 – Made calf pen. Made soap and hoed in garden some. Drawed load wood for Hawkins. Dick Lamkins called here. Mr Plank commenced cutting hay.

Jun 23 – Set some tomatoe plants out by hogpen. Dick Lamkins cut grass. Very hot.

Jun 24 – [illegible]

Jun 25 – Finished drawing in hay. Went over to burg. Paid Wiseman 4.00 for cleaning school house.

Jun 26 – At home. Very hot. Jesse Turner and wife[69] here, going to Kalamazoo. Very hot 112 Abz in sun.

Jun 27 – Ethan cultivated potatoes. I hoed some in garden. Very hot. Some showers round in sight, no rain here.

Jun 28 – Ethan cultivated corn some. Had some rain. 118 in sun.

Jun 29 – Chored round. Went over to burg in afternoon.

Jun 30 – Rained some. Ed Childs here to dinner. Ethan went down to Catharines after Hannah. Mrs Covil struck with lightning in Charleston.

Jul 1 – Rainy. Sowed _____ cut and hoed some in garden.

Jul 2 – Went over to burg to mill. Got last of my corn ground. Sold calf to George Whiting. Saw John Winchy[?]. Went down to Catharines. $6.00 for calf.

Jul 3 – Went over to East lake with Mart. Got no fish. Came home in Evening.

Jul 4 – Extracted tooth for Carry plank. Went over to burg. Went over in Evening with Marts team.

Jul 5 – Went over to burg in morning to see the show come in, 4 Paws show in burg. Got pay for calf.

Jul 6 – Cut some wheat.

Jul 7 – Brown here in forenoon with machine. Cut south part. Cradled some.

Jul 8 – Cradled some wheat. Ethan worked for Brown in forenoon. At home in afternoon. Jennie Upjohn[70] Died this morning.

Jul 9 – Finished cutting my wheat. Went to mill in afternoon. Mrs Wiseman rode over with me.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some wind. Jennie Upjohn buried to day. Went up to Covils with Mart Milham.

Jul 11 – George turner[71] came up here. Went up to Augusta with Mart. Stayed judgment for Milham in favor of P. S. Carmen.

Jul 12 – Sarah went over to Wisemans. Sold my wool to W^m Blass 65 lbs 40 cts pr pound 26.00. twenty six Dollars. Bot poke for Bill.

Jul 13 – Sick all day, no work. Sent cupler to Utica. Some rain.

Jul 14 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg. Took old cow down to Catharines. Got some _____ of Mrs Wiseman. Took old cow down to Catharaines. Not well.

Jul 15 – Rainy morning. Lots wheat out. Mr Plank got two pigs 2.00 Each $4.00.

Jul 16 – Mr Miner got one pig 2.00. Set out wheat, drawed in some wheat.

Jul 17 – Very hot day. Got in all my wheat. Had a heavy shower just at night.

Jul 18 – Not much done to day. Went over to burg. Paid for poke 2.00.

Jul 19 – Went down to Cates. A very hot day. Mart stacked wheat for Mr Carleton.

Jul 20 – Worked some on Charles Lees crutches.[72]

Jul 21 – Worked on crutches. Ethan helped Hank move fence. James Jelley called here. Bot Box pills 25.

Jul 22 – Worked on crutches for C. Lee.

Jul 23 – Went over to burg to mill. Went down to Catharines. Sent after Dr Finch for Hannah.

Jul 24 – Had a fine shower this morning, some hail. Jo and Lois Lee came up here.

Jul 25 – Warm morning. Dr Finch came here to see Hannah. I paid him $5.00.

Jul 26 – Sick, no work. Catharine came up here. Ethan carried Lois down to Catharines. Wesley here to tea.

Jul 27 – Very hot. Andrew Turner[73] and Mary Babcock called here. B. Hartwell called here.

Jul 28 – Mr Riley Bennet called here in morning. Went over to burg in afternoon. Heard from cupling. Jo Lee came up, left his buggy. Del Skinner paid 50. Ethan went Holleberying.

Jul 29 – Jo came up, got his buggy. Ethan went home with him. Doc Finche came up.

Jul 30 – Went to Kalamazoo for B. Hartwell. Expected _____ to have a suit with A. McLary. Adjourned to Aug 29^th Monday.

Jul 31 – Fine day. Went up to Schrams. Mr and Mrs Schram went up to [illegible].

Aug 1 – Repaired wheel for Mr Randall. Went down to Jo Lees stayed all night.

Aug 2 – Went down to Charles Lees there to dinner. Had a shower. Came home. Mr Allen thrashed. Ethan helped him.

Aug 3 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg. Not much done.

Aug 4 – Sick all day. Mrs Ralph here. Charles Harris came over here to see Ethan about the Band.[74] Took their first lesson.

Aug 5 – Made wagon Ex for Mr Randall. Ethan helped Mr Randall thrash.

Aug 6 – Thrashed my wheat. Had 40 bushels. Paid $5.25.

Aug 7 – Brother Randal had my wagon to go to church.

Aug 8 – Mr Randal got his wagon. Ethan helped Mr Taylor thrash.

Aug 9 – Went to Kalamazoo. Carried George to see his mother. Mr Schram got felloes and thills[75] for his buggy. Mr Ash Paid one Dollar ____ back yet.

Aug 10 – Charles Lee brot his crutches up. I put ferrels[76] on bottom. Bot box ointment 10¢.

Aug 11 – Worked round shop some. Not much done.

Aug 12 – Put Schrams thills together. Went to mill. Had a hard chill after I got home.

Aug 13 – Sick all day, did not sit up much. George turner came up. He paid 15.00.

Aug 14 – At home all day. Jesse Lee and wife[77] here. George went home with them. I am sick.

Aug 15 – Sick, no work to day. Ethan cut some corn fodder.

Aug 16 – No work to day. Ethan, Hank went over to burg to make out papers for patent.[78]

Aug 17 – Sick, no work.

Aug 18 – Sick, no work.

Aug 19 – Went up to B Hartwells to take a level of river Between bridge and dam.

Aug 20 – No work to day. Ethan and Hank work on jack.

Aug 21 – At home all day. Went up to Jesse Earls in Evening.

Aug 22 – Went to Kalamazoo for Hartwell. No witnesses sworn in the case. Bot cotton cloth 32 yds — pr yard, one whip 35¢, one mule bit 35¢.

Aug 23 – Went over to burg got some medicine of Lou Beckwith, some sage of Mrs Wiseman. David Tomkins came over here bot some thill straps 35¢.

Aug 24 – Sick, no work.

Aug 25 – Sick, no work. Ethan and Hank went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 26 – Went over to burg. Carried Schroders saw over. Went over to Ben Hartwells to see if he could make some cider.

Aug 27 – No work to day. George Turner came up stayed all night. Uncle Pat Hamilton[79] died to day.

Aug 28 – Went down to Catharines with George.

Aug 29 – Went up to Mr Schrams got a few peaches. They were digging a well.

Aug 30 – Went up to Schrams. Not much work.

Aug 31 – Took rims of Schrams wheels. Went over to burg in Evening. George Turner came up.

Sep 1 – Went over to burg in morning. Went down to Catharines. Mart commenced his cider mill. Had a shower.

Sep 2 – Not much don at home all day. Went over to burg.

Sep 3 – Made 31 galens cider. Went over to burg to caucus.

Sep 4 – Went up to Mr Taylors spring. Eberly and Nate called here. Jim sick. Warm day.

Sep 5 – Worked in shop some on wheels. Oscar Keith[80] came here.

Sep 6 – Went over to burg to mill. Went down to Catharines. Oscar started for home. Becky Plank[81] sick in night.

Sep 7 – Worked some in shop. Went up to Mr Kirbys in after noon. Carried some cider up to Schrams. Very hot 94 in shade.

Sep 8 – Work on spokes for Schrams wheel. Ethan cuting up corn. 94 in shade half past ten. Jim sick.

Sep 9 – Worked on wheels some. Cows in Browns lot all day.

Sep 10 – Went down to see W^m Lee.[82] Warm day.

Sep 11 – Went down to Charles Lees, Joes and Catharines. Got 30. Dollars of W^m Lee for six months.

Sep 12 – Worked on wheels some. Mr Plank commenced to thrash. Had Ague[83] some.

Sep 13 – Worked on Schrams wheels some.

Sep 14 – Had ague in afternoon.

Sep 15 – Not much done. Ethan sick to day. Mr Ralphs horses run away with load pumpkins. Mr Schram stoped them just East of My House. Had a nice shower.

Sep 16 – Went over to burg. Had Ague, no work to day. Ethan had a chill.

Sep 17 – Went down and got the old cow. Mr Flanders came home with ten head young cattle.

Sep 18 – Went down to Catharines with George Turner.

Sep 19 – No work to day. Ethan got ague.

Sep 20 – Went over to burg. Old Mrs Signor died 2 oclock this morning. Mrs Signor buried. Cow in Browns lot all day.

Sep 21 – Went over to burg in morning. Band went to Picknick. S. Strubles girl[84] died this morning.

Sep 22 – Sick, no work round house.

Sep 23 – Worked some. Cut some Buckwheat. Worked on wheels some.

Sep 24 – Finished Schrams wheels. Ethan went down to Catharines. Rained some.

Sep 25 – At home. George and I striped some husks for Young Turners bed.

Sep 26 – Set up buckwheat. Went over to burg in Evening.

Sep 27 – Finished cutting and puting up Buckwheat. Fine day. George got ague.

Sep 28 – Ethan cultivated some on hill. I drawed in two loads corn. Mr Schram got his wheels. Mr Elias Sherman[85] Died half past nine this morning.

Sep 29 – Mr Sherman Buried to day. Mr Day preach. Warm and pleasant as June.

Sep 30 – Worked round, husked some corn. Not very well. Ethan gone to the fair.

Oct 1 – Drawed in some corn. Ethan cultivated some. Went over to burg after Louesa in morning. The boys patent papers came to day.

Oct 2 – At home all day. George Turner here all day.

Oct 3 – Round home, not very well. Husked some corn.

Oct 4 – Went to mill. Had a shower. Husked some corn. Drawed in two loads corn.

Oct 5 – Husked corn some. Plowed on hill. dra

Oct 6 – Plowing on hill. Husked some, drawed one load corn. Commenced sowing wheat. Fine day.

Oct 7 – Husked some corn. Finished sowing wheat. Ethan cultivated. Nice day.

Oct 8 – Finished cultivating wheat in fore noon. Husked some corn. Very pleasant day. Jo an Hellen came here.

Oct 9 – Fine day. Joes folks went home. Had oysters for supper. George Turner here.

Oct 10 – Drawed in some corn. Fine day. Drove hogs up to the woods 5 times. Rained in night.

Oct 11 – Rained some this morning. Thrashers went to Browns. Sarah Turner[86] and sister came up. I went over to burg after them.

Oct 12 – Went over to burg. Saw Mr Gillet. Let him have my cupler. The Boys let him have their jack.

Oct 13 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg with Ethan and Hank. They went to play for the _____ fair.

Oct 14 – Rained in morning. Ethan gone to the fair. I drawed lot wood. Pleasant after noon. Sarah here yet.

Oct 15 – Fine day. Sarah Turner went home on the two oclock train. My Birth day 57. Nancy went down to Mr Simmons to stay with Lois.

Oct 16 – Warm and pleasant as summer. Jim Holden and Dan Jacobs called here to see cow. Dr Lamburn came here, stayed all night.

Oct 17 – Lamburn left. Rainy day. Made bottom for A. Browns wagon box. Cut Mary Planks hair. Nancy cut _____ hair.

Oct 18 – Pleasant day. Sarah and Mrs Plank went down to Skinners.

Oct 19 – Finished Browns bottom to his wagon. Commenced raining about noon. Had a wet afternoon. No work.

Oct 20 – Not much done. Carried in my buckwheat.

Oct 21 – Thrashed buckwheat. Ethan picked up apples.

Oct 22 – Finished drawing buckwheat. Thrashed some.

Oct 23 – George came over. Made gocart for George. He went down to Catharines in afternoon. Jo and Hellen there. Pleasant day.

Oct 24 – Pleasant day. Finished thrashing buckwheat. Had about 15 bushels.

Oct 25 – Drawed in corn fodder and popcorn. Husked out popcorn.

Oct 26 – Made bin in cornhouse. Ethan traded horns with Geo Chase. George Turner and and Mr Shafer came over here.

Oct 27 – Moved my bench into old shop. Ethan dug potatoes in East garden.

Oct 28 – Went over to burg. Got mortar at new schoolhouse. Got some sand on hill. George and one of the Masons came over in Evening and put it on Mr Shafer.

Oct 29 – Buried some morter and moved some things. Made Evener for Mr Allens buggy. Went down to Catharines, stayed all night. Had a heavy shower in the night.

Oct 30 – At Catharines. Rainy day. Just saw Mr Withey. Got home after dark.

Oct 31 – Set out six peachtrees and two pear trees. St. Jo[87] man brot them. Paid $3.30 cts.

Nov 1 – Husked corn. Fine day. Drawed in one load. Ethan went over to Mr Chases in Evening.

Nov 2 – Pleasant day. Husked corn. Hank Brown saw Eight wild turkeys.

Nov 3 – Husked corn. Fine day. Drawed in corn and fodder.

Nov 4 – Husked corn on hill. Pleasant day.

Nov 5 – Went to mill and drawed some wood.

Nov 6 – At home all day. Ethan went down to Catharines with Delphia.[88] Mended my gloves.

Nov 7 – Cleared out shop. Ethan carried Lois and Will down to Catharines. Fine day.

Nov 8 – Went to burg to Election. Rainy in fore noon.

Nov 9 – Went over to mill. Carried Mr Hawkins stove over. Got Jims cap. Sharpened two pair shears for R. Blackburn.

Nov 10 – Husked corn some. Fine day. S. Bristol called here.

Nov 11 – Husking corn. Fine day, good weather. Seaman Bristol called here. Went down to A. Browns in Evening.

Nov 12 – Husked corn all day. Sarah went over to burg.

Nov 13 – Sarah and I went over to S Bristols. Pleasant but cool.

Nov 14 – Went over to S Bristols. Pleasant and cool. Drawed in some corn. Snowed in night very little.

Nov 15 – Husked corn part of the day. George Turner came here to supper. Commenced boarding.

Nov 16 – Drawed in corn and cornfodder. Cleared the bot. Snowed like fun.[89] Not very cold.

Nov 17 – Went over to schoolhouse. Got 3 barrels of shavings for Geo Turner.

Nov 18 – Put down floor on back stoop. Seaman S. Bristol called here. Went down to Catharines. Skinners folks here in Evening.

Nov 19 – Went over to Bristols in morning. Georges stoves and lumber came about 2 oclock P.M. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catarines.

Nov 20 – Catharine came up with Ethan. At home all day.

Nov 21 – Catharine went home. I work on partition.

Nov 22 – Working on partition. Pleasant day. Galesburg Band went to Augusta.

Nov 23 – Work on partition. Sarah papered some. Galesburg Band went up to Augusta in Evening. Nice day no snow. Isaac Schram moved his house. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 24 – Pleasant. Ethan and Hank Brown went to Kalamazoo after Turners things. Sarah Turner came here. Had oysters for supper.

Nov 25 – Hung door to closset. Harry Streator here to dinner.

Nov 26 – Put on door casing to pantry door &c.

Nov 27 – At home all day. Pleasant as June mercury 64 Abz. Jo and Lois Lee here. Hat Mead came over. Turner and Hat went up to Earls mill.

Nov 28 – Went up to Bristol place. Fine day. Went over to burg.

Nov 29 – Worked round. Dug out well. Fine day. Band Boys here in Evening. Schram paid $5..10.

Nov 30 – Warm day, pleasant morning. Made platform to Barn well. Went over to Burg with Mr Wright to see Uncle Peat Johnson.[90] Schram and Libby Taylor married,[91] I spec so sum.

Dec 1 – Finished platform. Went over to Burg. Bot Boots 4.75. Fine day, pleasant as June, fine weather.

Dec 2 – Fine day. One oclock mercury 50 Abz. Sarah sold old cow to Johnny Tyson for 40.00 Dollars.

Dec 3 – Made spout for to carry water to barn yard. Pleasant as summer.

Dec 4 – Very pleasant morning, mercury 52 Abz at 9 AM. Had but very little frost yet. 57 at 2 P.M. Ethan and Hannah went down to Catharines. Killed Robert Rooster.

Dec 5 – Husked corn some. Rainy day, warm as April.

Dec 6 – Went over to Burg. Bot Boots for Jim 2.75, one pair for Ethan 5.75, pair shoes for sis.

Dec 7 – Snows some this morning.

Dec 8 – Went down to Catharines after Catharine. She did not come.

Dec 9 – Got in my cabbage. Pleasant 42 Abz at 2 PM. Got some straw over to Planks.

Dec 10 – Pleasant, no snow. Mr Plank went to Kalamazoo with load potatoes for Lyman Gates. Mercury 60 in sun, 45 in shade at 2 PM.

Dec 11 – Went over to burg after Doc Wightman. Snowed some, high wind. Jim sick. Catharine came up here. Snowed like fun.

Dec 12 – Mercury 32 Abz, snow about 2½ inches deep. Jim some better.

Dec 13 – Work round house. Snows some. Ethan went to Augusta in Evening.

Dec 14 – Sarah Turner went back to Kalamazoo. Georgy went with her. Nancy went down to stay a few days. Catharine went up to Wesleys. Jesse Turner 71 years old to day.[92]

Dec 15 – Not very cold, some snow on ground. J. Jackson called here.

Dec 16 – At home all day. Not very cold. Wesleys folks here in Evening.

Dec 17 – Carried Catharine home. Nancy came home. Lois came home with me. Mrs Jacobs Died to day.[93] Very little snow on ground.

Dec 18 – Not very cold. Sarah went over to Mr Jacobs.

Dec 19 – Mrs Jacobs buried to day, funeral 2 oclock. Lois went over to Joes. Snowed some.

Dec 20 – Snows some, snowed all day, snow fell 6 inches.

Dec 21 – Cold 4 Abz. George Turner sent his things back to Kalamazoo. Rufus Taylor carried them. I traded my Rifle to George for his stove.

Dec 22 – Put my bench in house this morning. Snowed ½ inch. Mr Streator got his saw. Joel James[94] came here, stayed all night. Mercury 4 Below zero.

Dec 23 – Mercury 10 Below zero. Joel left. I went over to Burg with him. Cold and some wind.

Dec 24 – Cold 3 below zero. Drawed three loads of wood. Paid N. L. Randal 30 thirty Dollars out of school fund. Paid my Tax 12.18. Snow fell 2 inches in night.

Dec 25 – Cold, one Degree Below zero, snowed some, blusterous day, snow fell, snowed in night.

Dec 26 – Snowd about two inches. Tincured in shop. Moved stove and my chest. Cold and blustring, 2 inches snow. Potter Eldred buried to day.[95]

Dec 27 – 10 Abz. Alfred Signor came over and got my iron carriage for Engine lathe.

Dec 28 – 20 Abz. Worked in pantry. Put up some shelves and base shelf.

Dec 29 – Cold 13 Below zero. Worke in shop some.

Dec 30 – 24 Abz. _____ went to Kalamazoo with A. Brown. Bot stuff for cutter 2.25. Went and saw George Turner.

Dec 31 – Went over to Burg. Got money of town treasurer, paid Miss Lovel 45.00 Dollars out of mill tax. Wesley called here in Evening. Mrs Potter Eldred died this morning.[96]

——-

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

[2] His sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

[4] A neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[5] Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin, the son of Charles and Rhoda (Keith) Lee, and the brother of Charles Lee

[6] His daughter, Nancy Catherine Keith

[7] Luke sold “bed bottoms,” a form of rubberized bedsprings, and was quite often gone for months at a time

[8] His horse

[9] Charles Jedediah Lee, the son of Luke’s cousin, Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

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

[11] 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 to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[12] A neighbor, Ambrose Brown, whose son Henry would become the husband of Luke’s daughter Nancy

[13] His daughter, Louese Keith

[14] Another one of his horses

[15] The niece of Lois’ late husband, Byron Clark. She was the daughter of Loren & Amanda (Taylor) Clark

[16] Henry Brown, the son of Ambrose Brown

[17] His son, James Keith

[18] Above zero

[19] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[20] His son, Ethan Bradley Keith

[21] A neighbor, Thomas Flanders

[22] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Thomas W. Flanders died December 26, 1869 and is buried in Kalamazoo County Poor Farm Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. While the date does not agree with Luke’s entries, his mention of the “County house” would seem to confirm that this is the same Thomas W. Flanders

[23] Thomas Flanders’ nephew

[24] Believe he is referring to his cousin, William Henry Lee

[25] Believed to be Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown and/or Decatur Susie Brown. The September 6, 1869 entry shows that she was the school teacher

[26] A neighbor

[27] Neighbors, Eliza (Beadle) Rogers, and her sister, Sarah Beadle

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

[29] His niece, Lucy Irene Lee, the daughter of his sister Catharine

[30] Edward G. Wolcott, his first cousin

[31] Wood ashes through which water is passed to carry away soluble portions

[32] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Willie B. Bester, age 14, the son of Horatio & Sarah Bester, died of scarlet fever on February 9, 1870

[33] Hank’s aunt and uncle, Cynthia (Brown) & William Arms

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

[35] Et cetera

[36] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[37] George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson lived; Marion was Luke’s niece

[38] Joseph Flanders, a neighbor; brother of Thomas Flanders (see January 24 entry)

[39] Caroline G. Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[40] Believe he is referring to a neighbor, Ephraim Earl

[41] Son of Marius O. Streator (see January 1 entry)

[42] The brother of William Plank (see March 14 entry)

[43] The 1870 Census shows Lewis and family living in Waterloo, Iowa

[44] Ezekiel Lee, Mark’s father, and Luke’s first cousin

[45] Believed to be William & Harriet (Groat) Plank, and parents of Mary (see March 25 entry) and Carrie (see February 26 entry)

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

[47] Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s future son-in-law; he married Lois November 18, 1871

[48] Charles Jedediah Lee, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[49] Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee; Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee, the brother of Joseph W. Lee and the father of Charles Jedediah Lee

[50] A neighbor, Oran D. Schram

[51] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[52] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[53] 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

[54] The daughter of his neighbors, Joseph & Caroline Wiseman, who was 16 years old

[55] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith, who was 9 years old

[56] Joseph & Helen (Bradley) York; Helen was Luke’s niece, the daughter of his sister Catherine by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[57] Believe he is referring to Mark Lee, who was visiting his family in Salt Lake City, Utah

[58] His maternal first cousin

[59] A search of Ancestry.com shows Adelbert Smith was killed by gunshot on May 25, 1870; however, on May 5, 1870, Nilson Smith, age 22, the son of William & Harriet Smith, was also killed by gunshot. The 1870 Census Mortality Schedule shows Nelson Smith was murdered on May 5, 1870. Nothing further was found. It would appear that Luke mistakenly wrote Del Smith instead of Nilson/Nelson Smith

[60] Neighbors, Caroline Wiseman, and her daughter, Ella, age 14

[61] Jason Beal Wolcott

[62] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[63] Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[64] Mary (Knowles) Barber

[65] Luke’s paternal first cousin, Joseph & Lois (French) Lee, and Mark Lee’s wife, Julia Ann Lee

[66] His grandson, William Byron Clark

[67] His maternal first cousin, Stephen Hoxie & Coralin (Underhill) Wolcott

[68] Warren Wolcott, who had lived in Comstock, Michigan, from about 1834 until sometime in the 1850s when he moved to Almena, Michigan

[69] Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[70] A search at Ancestry.com shows that Virginia Upjohn, the daughter of Uriah & Maria (Mills) Upjohn, died July 9, 1870 from “congestion of the brain.” She was 25 and worked as a teacher and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[71] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[72] The March 3^rd entry mentions working on Henry Lee’s cane, and the March 11th & 15^th entries refer to Dr. Ezekiel’s cane. In a letter from William Henry Lee to his son, Ezekiel Lee, who lived in Idaho, was the following: “…very glad to hear from you once more and to learn of your welfare, but very sorry of hear of Orrin’s [his youngest brother] mis-fortune. It seems that mother’s boys are all to be cripples in their old age. Father [Dr. Ezekiel Lee] was a cripple when he died and a good many years before. Mark [his brother] and now Orrin will very likely be a cripple the rest of his days….” (Courtesy of Margaret Williams, 3^rd great-grandfather of William Henry Lee)

[73] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[74] According to the History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan (1880), the Galesburg Cornet Band was organized August 4, 1870. Charles Harris was the leader and he played the E-flat cornet. Ethan played the 2^d E-flat cornet

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

[76] A ferrule is a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (such as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting

[77] Jesse & Julia (Toupence) Lee; Jesse was Luke’s cousin and the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[78] Ethan and Hank were granted a patent for their Improvement in Coupling-Jacks on September 27, 1870. According to the patent, they “have invented certain Improvements in the Mode of Transmitting Motion to Shafts, adjustable to any desired angle with the leading shaft, which invention we call ‘A Universal Coupling-Jack.’”

[79] The term “uncle” was often used for older relatives, especially in-laws of various relatives. Patrick Hamilton was the father of Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, who was the widow of Edwin Crawford, who was the brother of Luke’s wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[80] His nephew James “Oscar” Keith

[81] Rebecca W. Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[82] The son of Luke’s cousin, Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

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

[84] A search of Ancestry.com revealed that Alice Struble, age 14, died September 20, 1870; she was the daughter of Selim & Cynthia Struble

[85] A search of Ancestry.com revealed that Elias Sherman, age 75, died September 28, 1870

[86] Sarah Frances (Roberts) Turner, the wife of Luke’s cousin, George Turner

[87] St. Joseph, Michigan

[88] Marion Adelpha York, the daughter of Joseph & Helen (Bradley) York

[89] Quickly, or vigorously

[90] A neighbor, Peter Johnson; does not appear to be any relation to Luke

[91] A search of Ancestry.com reveals that Isaac D. L. Scram married F. Elizabeth Taylor in Galesburg, Michigan, on November 30, 1870

[92] FindAGrave.com shows his birthdate as November 13, 1799; also Luke’s 1894 entry for November 13 states “Jesse Turner 95 years old to day”

[93] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Julia A. Jacobs, age 38, wife of B. Jacobs, died December 17, 1870, and is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[94] His maternal first cousin

[95] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Potter Eldred of Charleston, Michigan, died December 24, 1870, of Typhoid Pneumonia, at the age of 78; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Michigan

[96] Ancestry.com reveals that Hannah (Cook) Eldred died just four days after her husband, on December 29, 1870, also of Typhoid Pneumonia, at the age of 70; she is also buried in Roof Cemetery, which shows her date of death as December 30, 1870

Luke Keith’s 1869 Diary

1869 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.^[1]

Jan 1 – Cold and blustrous. Ethan[2] went down to Charles Lees.[3] No work Sarah[4] sick. Nancy[5] sick.

Jan 2 – At home. Sick no work.

Jan 3 – Ethan & Lois[6] went down to Catharines.[7]

Jan 4 – Went up to Hiram Cooks got some cranberries. Mary Ann[8] came here.

Jan 5 – Bot this Diary 45¢. Went over to mill carried 8 bushels wheat to mill. Mrs Wiseman came home with me. Mary Ann left.

Jan 6 – Pleasant morning. Sarah and Nancy sick yet. Mark[9] came up and killed sheep. Mr Flanders called here to look at steers.

Jan 7 – Mark came up and killed sheep. Mr I went over to burg to see Bristol.

Jan 8 – Rainy day. A Brown and I went up to Wesleys.[10] Lost my mittens.

Jan 9 – Made Nance[11] stable. Took shed down.

Jan 10 – At home all day. Lois went down to Catharines.

Jan 11 – Worked on partition in kitchen.

Jan 12 – Worked on partition. Mrs Hawver called here and Mary Lewis.

Jan 13 – Painted twelve blinds. Let Doc Wightman have two bushels potatoes. Pleasant day.

Jan 14 – Very fine day. Finished painting Blinds.

Jan 15 – Carried my hubs over to burg.[12] Carried fifty files over to Burrels to be cut over.

Jan 16 – Carried Blinds down to Catharines. Fine day. Mr McNaughton called to see steers. Pleasant day. Ethan went down to see Charley.[13]

Jan 17 – Fine day cloudy. Moved Bedstead into shop.

Jan 18 – Went down to J Lees[14] to see Mark carried their dinner down in the woods _________ of Charles took dinner with them.

Jan 19 – Mark came up and butchered my hogs. Mr Birge[15] picking over potatoes. Windy day.

Jan 20 – Birge picking over potatoes. I cut up my pork. Made cart wheels for Birges boy. Pleasant day.

Jan 21 – Fine morning. T Flanders[16] came over. Not much work to day. Ed Childs called he took dinner.

Jan 22 – Made cart for Birges Boy.[17] Pleasant day.

Jan 23 – No work to day. Ed and wife & Susie Brown[?] came down here. Fine day. Ida Barber & Carry & Ella Wiseman came over.

Jan 24 – Pleasant as April. Went down to Marks. Mark & Ann came up here.

Jan 25 – Sold my steers to S. C. Blake for 45 Dollars. Very pleasant day. Got Bu___ from A. Browns[18] in evening. Helped York load [illegible].

Jan 26 – Pleasant 18 Abz.[19] in morning. Cut down two trees south of barn. [illegible]. Doc Wightman got two bushels potatoes.

Jan 27 – Helped Jo York[20] load one load of stalks. Went over to burg carried 3 bushels corn. Snowey day. Alfred Signor got his corn. Sick in night.

Jan 28 – Rather damp day. Sick no work to day. Jo York drawed two loads cornfodder. Finished the lot. Sold my calf to Jo for five Dollars.

Jan 29 – Rainy day. Lois came home. Paid My Tax 28.46. Turned the cows and horses in the south lot. Finished my buggy pole.

Jan 30 – Went down to Charles Lees and Jo and Marks. Cool and some wind.

Jan 31 – Came home. No snow but cold.

Feb 1 – Cut down one hickory tree and maple tree south of Barn. Charles Lee came up here.

Feb 2 – Traded violin with Charles J Lee for watch. Mrs Barber and George came over here. Snowey night. Ethan & Charles went to burg.

Feb 3 – Snow some 3 inches deep snows yet in morning. Charles went home. Sarah and Lois went to burg.

Feb 4 – Sarah and Lois went over to burg. Hellen[21] and Catharine came up. Charley Lee stayed here.

Feb 5 – Hellen and Catharine came up. I went over and brot them home. Pleasant some snow cold & _____ in morning. Charley went down to burg.

Feb 6 – Went over to burg bot boots for me 5.00, one pair for Jim 2.00. Drawed some wood. Hellen went up to Wesleys. Charley Lee stayed all night.

Feb 7 – At home all day. Ethan went down to Charles Lees.

Feb 8 – Went to burg carried 3 bushels wheat to Mill. Left cuplers with Oatman. Mr and Mrs Schram here in Evening. (Shermans[?] in night.) Pulled tooth for John.

Feb 9 – Rainy morning. Went to Mill got grist. Worked some in shop.

Feb 10 – Tacked my Boots. Cut out some stuff for Lees nut box.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. Made Lees Nut Box. Painted my buggy pole. Ethan carried my watch to school.

Feb 12 – Mr & Mrs Swaddle here all day. Painted Lees Box. Ida Barber came over.

Feb 13 – Lee carried his Box over this morning. Went down to Catharines. Rainy afternoon.

Feb 14 – Came home. Rained like fun.

Feb 15 – Went over to burg. Got some irons made for well rope _____.

Feb 16 – Put Buckets on to rope. Put in one new bottom. Sawed out some strip for Lees bed.

Feb 17 – Made Lees bed sted. Went over to Mr Planks in evening took Tea. Mr & Mrs Brown there Mr Ford.

Feb 18 – Snows some this morning. Finished Lees bed carried it over to burg. Nancy went over. Got some lime. Edith came down stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Put up leach. Made door to kitchen and put up leach.

Feb 20 – Put on door handle. Went over to burg got my cuplers of Oatman.

Feb 21 – Snowey in morning. Snow some 4 inches deep.

Feb 22 – Went down to Mr Yorks stayed all night. Went with sleigh. Snowed some.

Feb 23 – Came home. Jo went out to Vicksburg with load goods.

Feb 24 – Cold and Blustering. Mark Lee came up got my _____. Wes called. Peddler called, bot soap 20¢.

Feb 25 – Cold 8 Abz cold. Filed saw. Worked in barn.

Feb 26 – Cold 18 Abz blustrous. Worked round house and barn.

Feb 27 – Carried 3 bushels corn to _____. Sarah went over to burg. Mr Hawkins choped some wood. Let him have 1 & ½ bushels potatoes. Pleasant day. Got link made to cupler 5¢. Harry Myers Died.[22] Ethan & girls went down to Catharines.

Feb 28 – Cold. Sarah over to burg. York came after Lois she went over to Vicksburg. Good sleighing.

Mar 1 – Carried Hannah[23] and Nancy up to Mr Swadles. Received letter from Stepen Wilcut.[24] Put rave[25] on Planks sleigh.

Mar 2 – Cold morning snows some. Went over to burg. Lasher[26] came home with me.

Mar 3 – Went down to Streators Lasher went along. Drawed some wood. Went over to burg after Nancy & Hannah. Extracted two teeth for _____ Schram. Two Mrs Ralphs here. Got load straw from Streators.

Mar 4 – Cut some logs[?] south of barn drawed them down. Mr Streator left some wagon poles here to day. Very cold 8 Abz.

Mar 5 – Cold day. At home no work. Lasher came up.

Mar 6 – Went over to burg. Very blustering. Sold my California ___ ring to Efrim[?] Streator. Got silver chain one pair gloves and five Dollars. Mrs Havens died.[27]

Mar 7 – 2 Abz. At home cold day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant. Went over to burg with Jo Lee. Mark and Jesse Lee[28] called here. Doc Wightman got one bushel potatoes.

Mar 9 – Foggy morning. Drawed some wood.

Mar 10 – Started for Marshall[29] left home about half past four AM. Train run the station. Snowed and blowed like fun. Went to Concord.[30] Fare 1.35. Went to Johns stayed all night.

Mar 11 – Went over to Kirkwoods.[31] Fare 75¢. Stayed all night. Cold day 2 below zero in morning.

Mar 12 – Pleasant morning. Irene[32] and I went over to uncle Jasons[33] found uncle quite smart.

Mar 13 – Went over to Jonesville[34] with Steven.[35] Good sleighing.

Mar 14 – Cold and blustering. Jesse sick.[36] Went up to Stevens and over to Bissils[37] in Evening. Snowed some.

Mar 15 – Pleasant in morning. Went down to Jess went over to Mr Underhills. Filed saw for Steven. Took tea at under Hills. Went over to Bissels stayed all night.

Mar 16 – Cold morning. Kirkwoods woods folks came over to Bissels. I went over to Stevens and Jess. Stayed with Jess all night.

Mar 17 – Cold morning. Made a fire for Uncle Jason. Left Uncle Jasons about noon. Went over to Concord got to Concord about four PM.

Mar 18 – Left Concord 9 AM for Concord station. Left for home about one got home about three P.M.

Mar 19 – Went down to Catharines. Snowed like fun. Found them all well.

Mar 20 – Came home. Jess Lee married[38] this morning. Mr Greenleaf[39] died to day about noon.

Mar 21 – At home all day. Cold. Mr Greenleaf buried.

Mar 22 – Went up to Wesleys. Very snowey day. Made Axhelve for Chub.

Mar 23 – Mended Birges chairs. Pleasant day. Mrs Brown[40] and Julia,[41] Mrs Plank here visiting. Brown and Plank here in Evening.

Mar 24 – Went over to burg. Sarah went over. Hank Wells called here to get rope, he broke down got very muddy.

Mar 25 – Went over to burg. Saw Bristol & L. T. Earl.[42] Talked some of making a trade.

Mar 26 – At home not much done to day.

Mar 27 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot Broom 40 bot Jim some cloth for pants. Filed Wes saw. All the Planks over in Evening. Nancy & Hannah went up to Allens.

Mar 28 – Pleasant Mercury stands at 60. At home all day.

Mar 29 – Trimed apple trees some. Cleaned out back house. Went down to A Browns got hams. Went over to burg. Got Hannahs shoes tapt 65¢. Rainy night Pixly & Grannis at burg.

Mar 30 – Rainy morning. Went up to L. T. Earls. Cold and muddy.

Mar 31 – Finished trimming orchard. Ethan and girls went down to Catharines. Jo Lee came up. I filed his saw.

Apr 1 – Snows and blows like fun. Went up in woods got 3 pails sap.

Apr 2 – At home all forenoon. Went to burg in afternoon.

Apr 3 – Drawed rails in forenoon. Went to burg in afternoon. Saw L. T. Earl and Hellen Blake. Made trade for Bristols place.

Apr 4 – Went down to Catharines with Bill[43] and sleigh. Sap run some.

Apr 5 – Pleasant morning. Round home all day Except when I was to town meeting.

Apr 6 – Went down to Catharines. Helped Mark shugar of. Lasher came back.

Apr 7 – At Catharines shugared of. Mrs Carleton & Jenny came over to eat shugar.

Apr 8 – Went to Kalamazoo got some clover and timothy seed ___ 75¢. Pleasant day. Got money for Mr Bristol 600. Dollars. He paid me 4.78.82.

Apr 9 – Drawed brush out of orchard.

Apr 10 – Pleasant. Picked up old fence bottom and stuff on side hill and moved some stone. Brot apples out cellar.

Apr 11 – Pleasant morning. Found one of my sheep dead. Pulled the wool of her.

Apr 12 – Pleasant morning. School commenced to day. Cleaned out cellar.

Apr 13 – Drawed some stone. Sarah and Sucy Brown went over to Planks. Birge burnt potatoetops in East lot.

Apr 14 – Finished moving stone. Laid up some fence. Sarah and Brown went up to Jesse Earls.[44] Carried my pole and whiffletrees[45] over to burg.

Apr 15 – Pleasant morning. Brown and Sarah went over to burg. Mrs Gaffing came here stayed all night.

Apr 16 – Went down to Catharines with Gaffing. Mary Brown Died this morning. Rained some.

Apr 17 – Sarah went over to burg. I drawed some manure.

Apr 18 – Rainy day. Charley Lee here to Breakfast. Harry Streator here. Mary Brown Buried to day. Rainy night some thunder.

Apr 19 – Paid Lucy[46] 2.60. Dollars. Got some scions[47] out of Catharines orchard.

Apr 20 – Worked round home. Rainy. Ole Bull at Kalamazoo this Evening.

Apr 21 – Moved some fence round barn yard. Mr Woodden Died this morning.

Apr 22 – Split out some fence posts. Went over to burg got ten lbs fence nails one lb ___. Mr Woodden buried to day.

Apr 23 – Got out manure. Paid M. O. Streator[48] $133.00. one Hundred & thirty three Dollars for J. O. Keith.[49] Had a shugar party.

Apr 24 – Fixed some fence. Split out some fence posts.

Apr 25 – Carried Sarah over to church. Mr Bristol called here in morning.

Apr 26 – Sowed my clover seed. Rained some afternoon.

Apr 27 – Worked round yard got out some manure &c.[50]

Apr 28 – Went over and got Jane Hoag brot her here. Moved some fence round barn yard. Got out some manure.

Apr 29 – Got out some manure. Birge plowing the hill. Had Jim and Bill.[51]

Apr 30 – Lois came home. Went over to Burg got my pump. Carried five bushels potatoes 35¢ pr bushels.

May 1 – Put up my laths and mended Browns cloths wringer and commenced some hubbs for velosiped.[52] Rainy day.

May 2 – Carried Sarah over to church. Pleasant day cold south west wind.

May 3 – Plowed gardens. Jo & Lois Lee[53] called here. Finished plowing the hill south of Barn.

May 4 – Moved old fence posts and boards round barn yard. Got out some manure. Will Clark helped some.

May 5 – Took down fence East of house. Carried 3 bushels wheat to mill. Birge plowing with Jim and Bill. Took Nance down to Catharines.

May 6 – Went to mill this morning. Worked round house and garden.

May 7 – Put out some onions and potatoes.

May 8 – Finished putting out onions. Planted some corn and potatoes cucumbers &c. Ethan draged in East lot.

May 9 – At home all day. Made me a ring. Had fan and Jim. Turned them out let them run all day. Jim and Bill over to Birges.

May 10 – Piled up and burnt stumps on hill. Ethan draging. Jo Lee called here. H. A. Taylor planting corn. Fine day.

May 11 – Got out manure put on gardens south of Barn.

May 12 – Got out manure put it around the Apple trees. Had a shower in afternoon. A. L. Keith[54] called here. Rained when he left.

May 13 – Cloudy rain. Not much done.

May 14 – Went down to Catharines. Had H. A. Taylors wagon.

May 15 – Mr Wheeler brot C. J. Lees trunk over. Went to Kalamazoo had Birges wagon. Ethan, Henry Childs and Loyd Higgins went down to get some velosipeds felloes.[55] No get um.

May 16 – At home all day. Lois and Jesse Lee came up.

May 17 – Birge and Ethan marked out ____ ground.

May 18 – Planted corn on hill finished planting. Mrs Hawver and Mary Lewis here.

May 19 – Planted potatoes East of barn.

May 20 – Got out manure and plowed some. Rained in night.

May 21 – Went down to Catharines with potatoes. Rainy.

May 22 – Finished plowing East of barn. Ethan sick. Put down carpet. Turned block for mawl. Cool wind. Circus in Kalamazoo to day.

May 23 – At home all day fine day. Jesse Lee and Alvin Lee[56] came up brot Lois home. Paid Alvin Lee and took up my Note 28.72.

May 24 – Dragged my garden south of barn.

May 25 – Planted corn and potatoes south of barn. Very hot.

May 26 – Planted Beans and Birge planted potatoes and beans and corn. Sarah and Lois went down to A. Browns Mrs Plank. I went down and took Tea.

May 27 – Had a heavy shower this morning.

May 28 – Jesse Earl called. I signed a petition for the company to discharge Cogswell from the Central Depo. Lois went down to Marks. I went over to burg. Hannah went to Marks.

May 29 – I put frame on Harrys slate. Mended Catharines chair. Let hogs out. Cut some yokes for hogs.

May 30 – At home not very well.

May 31 – Sick. Ethan & Birge picked up load potatoes. Some rainy.

Jun 1 – Pleasant day. Sick. Ethan gone to school. Carry Wiseman came over. Killed the old cat.

Jun 2 – Had Birges Market wagon. Went down to Catharines left Hannah. Schram and Birge went to Kalamazoo with potatoes. Sold for 25 cts pr bushel.

Jun 3 – At home. Went up to Mr Schrams in morning to how they made it selling potatoes. Very hot day.

Jun 4 – Sick no work. Jesse Turner and wife[57] came here stayed all night. Rained some. Birge came over and shelled some corn. I got 104 cabbage plants of H. A. Taylor. Set them out.

Jun 5 – Pleasant but cool. Jess went home this morning. I went down to Catharines took dinner with Charles Lee. Cool wind.

Jun 6 – At home all day not very well.

Jun 7 – Washed sheep. Picked up some potatoes. Cool. John Sherman broke his wagon wheel down oposite my house.

Jun 8 – Cool and cloudy. At home. Sarah went down to Mr Streator planted corn.

Jun 9 – Planted corn. Birge planted in forenoon.

Jun 10 – Planted corn. Horse fair commenced at burg.

Jun 11 – Finished planting corn. Warm day. Lucy came up. Mart went over to burg.

Jun 12 – Cultivated potatoes in East garden. Had a shower. Mr Harger called here. Catharine came up with Mart.

Jun 13 – Went down to Catharines after Hannah.

Jun 14 – Went to mill carried 4½ wheat one corn.

Jun 15 – Made fence East side of barn yard. Pleasant day.

Jun 16 – Sheared my sheep a Mr Hall done it. Went over to burg. Charley McCausey paid 25¢ paid 50¢ for shearing sheep. Turned out hub for Birge barrow.

Jun 17 – Mowed orchard. Killed a big black snake. Rained some.

Jun 18 – At home most of the day. Went over to burg got buckle put on harness 25¢. Went down and got A. Browns buggy.

Jun 19 – Went down to Uncle Warrens.[58] Found him very sick. Some rainy had a heavy shower in Evening.

Jun 20 – Cloudy not much rain. At Carolines[59] all day. Saw Alvin Holmes and wife.

Jun 21 – Came home. Left Uncle Warrens about noon. Left uncle sitting on the stoop. Got home about five P.M.

Jun 22 – Ethan cultivated corn. Had a shower. Sold my sheep pelt to Cadys pedler for one Dollar.

Jun 23 – Ethan cultivating corn. I raked up some hay in orchard.

Jun 24 – Plowed out potatoes in East garden. Went over to burg in afternoon. The Masons had a time.

Jun 25 – Worked in shop on wheel barrow wheel.

Jun 26 – Worked in shop some.

Jun 27 – At home all day. Rainy.

Jun 28 – Shaved and drove spoke in two wheel barrow hubs.

Jun 29 – Worked on road. Water very high.

Jun 30 – Helped Birge shingle his shanty. Warm day.

Jul 1 – Went over to burg. Took dinner at Wisemans. Carried school marm home. School closed.

Jul 2 – Some rainy. Stranger called here young man and woman. Had a shower. Commenced A. Browns Hay rack.

Jul 3 – Went to Kalamazoo to see Balloon go up. He no go up.

Jul 4 – Went down to Catharines to see Dr Finch.

Jul 5 – Mowed some. Birge took some home.

Jul 6 – Birge and I mowed all day up in south lot.

Jul 7 – I mowed some and _____ what Birge and I mowed.

Jul 8 – Worked for Brown on Hay rack. Went down to Cates. Marks Boy Born.[60] Hogs killed lamb.

Jul 9 – Worked on Browns rack. Finished Hay Rack. Extracted tooth for Will Brown.[61] Uncle Warren Died to day.

Jul 10 – Drawed in hay. Verry windy day. Ida Barber came over stayed all night.

Jul 11 – Pleasant morning. One sheep gone this morning. Uncle Warren buried[62] to day.

Jul 12 – Mowed in south lot to day.

Jul 13 – Sorted potatoes. Alfleda[63] came here.

Jul 14 – Went to Kalamazoo with potatoes 24½ bushels 30 cts pr bushel.

Jul 15 – Sorted potatoes. Alfled helped. David Tomkins helped. T. Flanders came over.

Jul 16 – Went to Kalamazoo with potatoes 21.¾ 35¢ pr bushel. Mr. Rosa[64] buried to day. Very warm. Flanders left.

Jul 17 – Repaired Browns reel to reaper. Made churn dash and cover for Mrs Wiseman. Drawed in one load hay. Went over to burg in Evening. Bot dresses and other traps some 5.00.

Jul 18 – Pleasant and warm 77 Abz. Carried Hannah down to Catharines.

Jul 19 – Mowed grass. Killed a skunk. Ethan worked for Mr Randell binding wheat. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jul 20 – Made a hay trough. Went down to A. Browns got some peas. Rainy. Ethan to work for A Brown. A. B Sumner called here to renew inshurance.

Jul 21 – Sowed some Buckwheat. Raked up some hay.

Jul 22 – Went to Kalamazoo with load potatoes for Mr Birge. Sold Ed Wilcut[65] two bushels 30¢ pr bushel. Sold 17 Bushels for 25¢ pr bushel.

Jul 23 – Worked round hoed some. Ethan to work for brown.

Jul 24 – Cradled wheat round my lot. Mark came up to cut wheat. Drove team for Brown some. Brot Reel shaft.

Jul 25 – Put in Reel shaft to A. Browns Reaper. Hot day. Suky Brown[66] here. Went to church with Planks folks. We went down to Catharines. Rained. Stayed all night.

Jul 26 – Came home. Went up to Wes with Suky Brown. A. Brown finished cutting his wheat.

Jul 27 – A. Brown cut my wheat. Warm day rained in night. Suky went down to Allertons.

Jul 28 – Had a heavy thunder shower this morning. My wheat out.

Jul 29 – Went up to Mr Hugys[?] after Birge wagon. No get him. Got Schrams. Drawed in my wheat.

Jul 30 – Went over to Hugys got Birges wagon. Ethan gone to draw wheat for A. Brown.

Jul 31 – Ethan drawed wheat for A. Brown & Plank. I put hogs in wheat lot.

Aug 1 – Went up to Charleston with Bristol and Beckwith then went down to Catharines. Brown came home with us.

Aug 2 – Ethan carried Brown down to Streators. I wen over to Burg with Jo Lee.[67] Bot soap & other traps. Uncle Peat Johnson starts to day for the East. Had a shower. Birge got Fan & Jim.

Aug 3 – Birges trial to day. Went over to burg took bill got my wagon. Ethan worked for A. Brown.

Aug 4 – Worked in shop some. Cut out stuf for Mr Planks wagon box. Carried Hannah down to Browns.

Aug 5 – Plowed out my potatoes and hoed some corn and vines.

Aug 6 – Worked in shop on Streators wheels. Ethan worked for Brown.

Aug 7 – Went over to Mr Guays got my two shovel plow. Mrs Simonds died. Carried Rocking chairs over to Mary E Claps of some.

Aug 8 – Pleasant day. At home all day. Mrs Simonds Buried to day. M. O. Streator called here.

Aug 9 – Thrashed some wheat. David Tomkins called here. Went up to Howlands burg with M. O. Streator to get felloes.

Aug 10 – Carried Sarah and Alfleda down to Streators. Got 4 bushels wheat of Streator carried it to mill. Ed Gillis[68] Died.

Aug 11 – Cloudy. Put up two bushels new wheat this morning. Carried it to mill. Seaman S. Bristol paid me sixty Dollars. Very hot. Hoed corn some where the old mercury was on the corner.

Aug 12 – Hoing corn. Very hot 90 in shade at noon.

Aug 13 – Got Mr Schrams wagon went down to Catharines drawed her a load wood. W^m Wheeler sent violin here to be repaired.

Aug 14 – Went over to burg got grist new wheat. Birge came over here. Had a shower. Nancy went over to Barbers with Birge.

Aug 15 – At home all day. Not very hot.

Aug 16 – Went over to burg with Jo Lee. Helped Mr Plank thrash after supper.

Aug 17 – Mr. Plank finished thrashing in forenoon. Thrashed my wheat in afternoon. Had 45 bushels paid $.5. Dollars.

Aug 18 – Ethan plowed corn. I hoed some in garden. Put handle on knife in afternoon. Very hot.

Aug 19 – Helped Brown thrash in afternoon. Very hot.

Aug 20 – Worked down to Browns. Finished thrashing. Had 354 bushels wheat, 75. oats, 11. peas. Had a heavy shower.

Aug 21 – Rainy. Went over to burg. Mart[69] came up. Bot traps for Jim &c. 2.33.

Aug 22 – Went down to Catharines got some vinegar.

Aug 23 – Worked on Streators wheels some. Ethan went down to Catharines got some Blackberies. Very hot.

Aug 24 – Worked in shop some. A. Brown got Bill to plow. Hot Hot 120 in at noon in sun 95 in shade.

Aug 25 – Catharine came up. Chored round not much done. Ethan helped Mr Brown clean up wheat. Mr Plank brot his wagon over.

Aug 26 – Work on Planks box.

Aug 27 – Work on planks Box some.

Aug 28 – Worked on Box. Took down old shed by hog pen.

Aug 29 – Went up to Mr Seamans took dinner. Mart and Lucy came up got Birds.

Aug 30 – Work on Box put on one coat paint. Mr Schram thrashed his wheat. Cool day.

Aug 31 – Painted Planks Box. Worked on wheels some.

Sep 1 – Finished Streators wheels. Picknick up on Jesse Earl place. Ethan cutting corn.

Sep 2 – Put rim on one of Wightmans[70] wheels. Ethan cutting up corn.

Sep 3 – Worked on wheels. Streator got his wheels. Ethan went after Lois. Painted violin, Trunk and wash stand.

Sep 4 – Pleasant morning. Worked in shop some. Went over to burg after Hannah. Went over in Evening after Henry & Hiram.[71]

Sep 5 – At home all day. Mart and Lucy came up. Extracted 2 two teeth for Mrs Plank.

Sep 6 – Went up to Yorkville. Had a livery team. Had a good time. School commenced. Suky Brown teaches.

Sep 7 – The boys left for home on the one 35 train. Fine day. Lois went up to Mrs Birges.

Sep 8 – Not much done to day. Not very well.

Sep 9 – Drawed in his my corn fodder. Begun to plow for wheat. Warm day.

Sep 10 – Cut grass East of currant bushes. Ethan Plowing. Mrs Schram called here. Mary and Emmet[72] came up on the noon train.

Sep 11 – Went over to burg. Sent things to Henrys folks. Fine day. Mr Ford and Allerton have a law suit to day.

Sep 12 – At home most of the day. Carried T. Flanders up to D. Bronsons just at night.

Sep 13 – Warm day. Mary and Emmet went home on the 1.35 train. Pleasant day.

Sep 14 – Ethan helped A Brown clean up wheat. Plowed ground East of currant bushes. Had a shower in the night.

Sep 15 – Finished one of Wightmans wheels and cut some corn in garden.

Sep 16 – Sowed wheat in corn on the corner. Horse races commenced to day at Galesburg. Fine weather.

Sep 17 – Sowed wheat south of buckwheat 3 acres. Second day horse races at the burg. Fine weather.

Sep 18 – Sowed wheat East of currant bushes. Went over to burg in Evening. Carried Dick some melons.

Sep 19 – Extracted tooth for Polly Earl. Warm day. Went down to Catharines. Very hot day. Pros[73] came in the night on the 11 oclock train.

Sep 20 – Paired some apples. Ethan went to school. Went over to burg.

Sep 21 – Went over to burg to mill. Pros and Streator had a set to.

Sep 22 – Went over to burg in morning. Ethan, Pros went down to Catharines. I made rack to dry apples on. Mr Schram made 84 galons cider.

Sep 23 – Pros and I went up to Durgys old farm to see about a cider mill screw and buggy. Carried cider over to Blackburn 40 galons.

Sep 24 – Pros left for Niles[74] on the one 35 train. Ethan sick. Started to cary Alfleda down to Jo Lees broke down down by Skinners.

Sep 25 – Rainy morning not much work. Ethan sick. Got letter from James Higgins.

Sep 26 – At home all day.

Sep 27 – Went over to burg in morning. Got Schrams buggy. Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 28 – Went up to Mr Seamans got cradle. Cut some Buckwheat. Ethan cut some corn. Mrs Barber & Mrs Johnson came over here.

Sep 29 – Finished cutting Buckwheat and cut corn.

Sep 30 – Went over to Burg. Got Birges wagon. Went down to Catharines.

Oct 1 – Went down to Jeff Chaffees.[75] Rain in the night.

Oct 2 – Rainy morning. Went to Schuyler Harrisses.

Oct 3 – Left Harrises went to Oscars found them well.

Oct 4 – At Oscars all day.

Oct 5 – Went down to Paul ville[76] through the woods.

Oct 6 – Left Oscars for home. Went up to Harmon Smiths stayed all night. He lives in Almena township.

Oct 7 – Left Smiths for home got home about dark. Fine day.

Oct 8 – Went over to burg in morning. Birge and Ethan dug potatoes.

Oct 9 – Rainy day no work. Birge came over and shelled corn.

Oct 10 – At home all day sick headache. Wesley went down to Catharines got one of my cider barrels. Ethan and the girls went down.

Oct 11 – Pleasant but cool. Ethan and Birge digging potatoes.

Oct 12 – Went to mill. Birge digging potatoes.

Oct 13 – Made thill[77] for wagon. Birge carried load potatoes home. Mrs Courtney called here took dinner.

Oct 14 – Rain. Put up stove in shop. No work to day.

Oct 15 – Finished digging potatoes. Went over to burg. Paid Blackburn for Lois trunk. Got my cider barrel.

Oct 16 – Worked in shop some. Marion Lynch died.[78] A. Browns folks here in Evening.

Oct 17 – Sarah went to church. Mart & Lucy came up here.

Oct 18 – Ethan dug some potatoes. Drawed in Buckwheat thrashed Beans. Marion Lynch Buried to day. Lois & Will[79] started for Ohio on the night express.

Oct 19 – Cloudy not very cold. Ethan dug potatoes south of barn. I finished Wightmans wheels.

Oct 20 – Ethan dug potatoes East of House had 23½ bushels. I cleaned out old shop.

Oct 21 – Went up to Wesleys and Mr Seamans. Mr Seaman helped me kill Hog. Went over to burg got new _____ for Mr Seaman.

Oct 22 – Cool and cloudy. Went over to Jo Yorks. Rainy afternoon. Got to Joes about 3 oclock. Snowed some.

Oct 23 – Snowey day. Went to an auction sale. Went over to Vicksburg saw Nash Robinson.

Oct 24 – Cold raw day. Went over to As___ Finley. Saw some nice country.

Oct 25 – Went over to ______ ______. Sold wool 28 lbs 40 cts pr pound. Got yarn and cloth. Went back to Joes started for home about 3. Oclock got home about half past six.

Oct 26 – Snowey day. Boiled some potatoes for hogs. Banked up house.

Oct 27 – Went over to burg sent money and (too faint to read)

Oct 28 – Some warmer. Thrashing Buckwheat some.

Oct 29 – Picked apples some cider apples and put some in cellar.

Oct 30 – Thrashed Buckwheat. Drawed one load wood. Suky Brown here sick. Took Birges wagon home washed it.

Oct 31 – Went up in Pavilion[?] looking for Nance no find her. Pleasant day.

Nov 1 – Finished thrashing Buckwheat. Warm day mercury 59 in shade at noon. Carried Stew Daken apples 75¢.

Nov 2 – Cleaned up B.wheat 12½ bushels. Worked round house and shop. At home all day. Carried some apples over to Thad Daken 2 bushels 38¢ 75¢ and Mrs. Stuart one 35¢.

Nov 3 – Cleaned up buckwheat had 12½ bushels. Went to mill. Carried Thad Daken 2 bushels apples 38 75¢ Mrs Stuart one bushel 38¢. Drawed some wood. Went down to Jo Lees got kettle.

Nov 4 – Went over to burg in morning. Got some tallow. Carried over 2 bushels Buck Wheat. Rainy day. Mr Schram thrashed his beans.

Nov 5 – Picked Apples. Cleaned of the trees. Went over to burg after Buckwheat. Nancy went over to Mr Barbers.

Nov 6 – Ground my ax. Put in new helve. Picked up some apples. Jo Lee called here. Had a snow storm rather a rough day. Ethan went down to Charles Lees with Jo Lee.

Nov 7 – Around home all day. Suky Brown here to Tea. Nancy came home from Mr Barbers. Cold raw day mercury ___ Abz in morning.

Nov 8 – Ira Smith came here. No work to day.

Nov 9 – Smith here. No work. He left about 3. PM for Battlecreek. Mrs Bostwick called here from Canada. Not very cold out cloudy. An old Lady Died at Ha___ _____ing today. Extracted tooth for Sutherland[?].

Nov 10 – Sarah went over to burg to Mr Jacobs to see Mrs Bostwick. I went over after her in Evening. Filed saw for Schroder Bill 30¢. Birge finished drawing corn.

Nov 11 – Cool and cloudy. Worked in shop on Wightmans Ex. Ira Smith came back. Snowey afternoon.

Nov 12 – Went down to Catharines with Smith. Saw Henry Lee[80] of Salt Lake City. Nancy went down to Catys. Hannah came back with me.

Nov 13 – No work to day only chores. Went over to mill got Buckwheat flour. Voted for Justice of the peace. Snow on the ground.

Nov 14 – Went down to Jo Lees. Not very cold. Lois some better.

Nov 15 – Spliced buggy thill for Jesse Earl. Extracted tooth for George Sutherland, works for Del Skinner.[81]

Nov 16 – Went Kalamazoo with Mr Schram. Snowed and Blowed like fun, very bad day. Ed Childs came here stayed all night. Got my straw cutter of John Ash.

Nov 17 – Ed and I went over and saw Suky Brown in the morning. Ed stayed until two oclock PM then started for home. Very much bad day. No work to day.

Nov 18 – Carried Catharine some apples. Nancy came home. Charley Lee stayed here all night. He went up to Dick Lamkins to take old Sal home. Snowed like fun. Hank Brown[82] here in Evening.[83]

Nov 19 – Drawed some corn. Snow some 10 inches deep. Charley Lee went to Kalamazoo. Mr Schram got his beens.

Nov 20 – Cut wood and boiled potatoes. Went over to burg.

Nov 21 – Went down to Catharines with Adelpha York.[84] Pleasant day not very good sleighing.

Nov 22 – Drawed some wood. Snowey bad day to be out. Killed turky.

Nov 23 – Boiling potatoes. Birge got my slead. Mr Flanders brot my match planes home and Mr Clarks seat down. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening. Very cold. Had turky for dinner[?].

Nov 24 – Cold morning. Mercury 2 Abz. Snow about 18 inches deep.

Nov 25 – Worked round house. ______ plastered front room.

Nov 26 – Carried 2½ bushels buckwheat to mill. Drawed some corn one load wood. Fall term school closed.

Nov 27 – ½ past Eight mercury 30 Abz, some wind, growing cold. Henry Scramlin and wife and Jane Hoag here to day.

Nov 28 – At home all day. Ethan down to Catharines to Mormon meeting. Not very cold. We went over and took Tea with S. A. Brown had chicken pie.

Nov 29 – Work round house and barn &c.

Nov 30 – Mr Schram picked up load apples. Henry Lee came up here. I gathered some cabbage. Mr Thomas Durgy Died in night about Twelve O clock. S. A. Brown here in Evening.

Dec 1 – Drawed some corn. Went up to Wesleys he had gone to burg after coffin.

Dec 2 – Cold and snowey. Went to Comstock to Mr Durgys funeral. Elder Sherman Pie____ the sermon. Pall bearers M B Bostwick, John Allen, Ed Lane, Jesse Earl, H A Taylor, C L Keith.[85]

Dec 3 – Schram made 80 galons cider. Not much work to day. I made fire board. Dr Wightman got his wheels.

Dec. 4 – Stormy morning. Went over to Burg. Carried Hannahs shoes got them tapt 80¢. Bot machine oil 15¢. Ida Barber came home with me.

Dec 5 – Cool and pleasant. At home all day.

Dec 6 – Went over to burg. Sarah & Suky went. Ed Childs came down after Brown. Louesa went home with them. Sent butter[86] to Hiram 31 & ¼ lb. Doc Wightman got his old buggy.

Dec 7 – Snows some. Went down to Charles Lees with birge to sell his buggy. Put new cross head on saw. Up to Earls mill. Went down to A Browns in Evening.

Dec 8 – Cut down locus tree front of house. Ethan helped Mr Streator thrash.

Dec 9 – Ethan helping Mr Ford thrash. Cold and pleasant. Went down to Jo Lees. Sarah and Nancy went down to Catharines.

Dec 10 – Went down to schoolhouse with Wesley. Schram made 83 galons cider. I went down to Catharines stayed all night. Rainy night.

Dec 11 – Rainy day. Mark and Mart went to Kalamazoo Mr Grant went with them. Henry stayed at home. We came home at night. Rained some.

Dec 12 – Not much rain but cloudy. At home all day.

Dec 13 – Went over to burg got set bed springs. Went up to Mr Ralphs put it in for them.

Dec 14 – Boiling cider to day. Milford Matthews called here to day. Cold and bad going, no snow.

Dec 15 – Worked some on Eds violin, some chores.

Dec 16 – Worked on Yorks violin. Went to mill. Carried 4 bushels Buck wheat.

Dec 17 – Went to Kalamazoo. Carried H. M Smiths cider. Harrison Sprague came here stayed all night.

Dec 18 – Sprague left for grand rappids. Mr Wiseman called here. Wesley, Mr Randal and myself moved seats in schoolhouse. Cold day.

Dec 19 – Cold and some snow. Went down to Jo Lees and Catharines. Lois no better.

Dec 20 – Went down to A Browns up to Wesleys over to mill. Got Buck wheat flour. Carried 2 bushels wheat to mill.

Dec 21 – Cold 12 Abz very little snow. At home most of the day. Went over to mill Brown went to.

Dec 22 – A Brown brot his bugy up here. Finished Earls whiffletrees.

Dec 23 – Chored round house. Raised finger board on my old violin. Hung ax for Jo Lee. Very good sleighing. Cold and blustering mercury from 10 to 16 Abz.

Dec 24 – Got up very Early. Mark, Ann & Lucy came up here. No work to day. Recd $200 from town treas. Paid Joseph Wiseman $10.00[?].

Dec 25 – Went down to Catharines. Mark & Mart gone to Kalamazoo. Lois some better. Pleasant day. S. A. Brown stayed here.

Dec 26 – Fine morning. Ida Barber here. Hank Brown called here.

Dec 27 – Went over to burg. Nancy went over to Wisemans. Carried one bushel potatoes to Mr Barbers. Paid C. L. Keith $20.00 paid my Tax 18.77.

Dec 28 – Choped and drawed four loads wood. Ethan went over to burg in Evening. Paid S. A. Brown $90.00 got one cow and Eleven sheep of A. Brown.

Dec 29 – Made 82 galons cider. Mark made some.

Dec 30 – Got ready to butcher. Put up pole to hang hogs on. Finished Mr Ridlers ax helve.

Dec 31 – Killed 3 hogs. Mart Milham helped butcher. Catharine came up with him.

——-

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

[2] His son, Ethan Keith

[3] Most likely his paternal first cousin, the son of Charles and Rhoda (Keith) Lee, and the brother of Joseph W. Lee

[4] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] His daughter, Nancy Keith

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

[7] His sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

[9] “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 to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

[11] Believe this was one of his cows or horses

[12] Galesburg, Michigan

[13] Believe this is Charles Jedediah Lee, the son of Charles Lee (see footnote #3)

[14] Believe this to be Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin, the son of Charles and Rhoda (Keith) Lee, and the brother of Charles Lee

[15] Neighbor, Cornelius W. Birge

[16] A neighbor, Thomas Flanders

[17] Cornelius’ son, Alvin C. Birge, who was about three years old

[18] Neighbor, Ambrose Brown, whose son, Henry Brown, would become the husband of Luke’s daughter, Nancy

[19] Above zero

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

[21] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[22] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Harry Myers, age 29, died of consumption on February 27, 1869

[23] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[24] Perhaps he is referring to Stephen Hoxie Wolcott, his maternal first cousin. The Willcutt name has been spelled in various forms including Wolcott as evidenced by the fact that Stephen (and Luke also) was the grandson of Jesse & Katherine (Beal) Willcutt

[25] The vertical side pieces to a wagon body

[26] 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

[27] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Mary (Kennedy) Havens, age 59, died of “congestive chills” on March 5, 1869

[28] Jesse Earl Lee, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee, and brother of Charles Jedediah Lee (see January 16 footnote)

[29] Marshall, Michigan

[30] Concord, Michigan

[31] John & Irena (Wolcott) Kirkwood lived in Scipio, Michigan, about 10 miles south of Concord, Michigan

[32] Irena and Luke were first cousins, the grandchildren of Jesse Jr. & Katherine (Beal) Willcutt

[33] Irena’s father, Jason Beal Wolcott

[34] Jonesville, Michigan

[35] Most likely Irena’s brother, Stephen Hoxie Wolcott

[36] Most likely Irena’s brother, Jesse Wolcott

[37] Irena’s older sister, Waity Catherine Wolcott and her husband, John Bissell

[38] Jesse Earl Lee married Julia Toupence in Galesburg, Michigan

[39] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Elder William J. Greenleaf died March 20, 1869 and was buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[40] Matilda (Allen) Brown, the wife of Ambrose Brown (see January 25^th footnote)

[41] Matilda’s sister, Julia Allen

[42] Lyman T. Earl, neighbor and “shirttail relative;” brother of Jesse Earl

[43] Believe this is his horse

[44] Neighbor and “shirttail relative;” brother of Lyman T. Earl

[45] 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

[46] His niece, Lucy Irene Lee, the daughter of his sister Catharine

[47] A young shoot or twig of a plant, especially one cut for grafting or rooting

[48] A neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[49] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[50] Et cetera

[51] Believe these are his horses

[52] A human powered land vehicle with two or more wheels; now commonly called a bicycle

[53] Joseph W. Lee and his wife, Lois (French) Lee

[54] Believe this to be Aylmer Lot Keith, his paternal first cousin

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

[56] Alvan Lee, Jesse’s and Charley’s brother

[57] His maternal first cousin, Jesse W. Turner, and his wife, Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[58] His uncle, Warren Wolcott, who lived in Almena, Michigan

[59] Caroline (Wolcott) Earl, Warren’s daughter

[60] George Clinton Lee

[61] Willis Brown, Ambrose Brown’s son

[62] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Warren Wolcott is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Mattawan, Michigan

[63] Alfleda (Starr) Keith was the widow of Luke’s brother, Harvey Keith

[64] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Garret Rosa died July 15, 1869, and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[65] Believe this is Edward G. Wolcott, his maternal first cousin, the son of Warren and Electa (Damon) Wolcott

[66] Believed to be Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown and/or Decatur Susie Brown. The September 6 entry shows that she was the school teacher

[67] Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin

[68] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Edwin Gillis died August 10, 1869, in Battle Creek, Michigan and is buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Marshall, Michigan

[69] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[70] Dr. George Wightman

[71] His brothers-in-law, Henry Crawford and Hiram Crawford Jr.

[72] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford and Emmett Patrick Crawford, the widow and son of Edwin Crawford, his brother-in-law

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

[74] Niles, Michigan

[75] Thomas Jefferson Chaffee Jr., the husband of Luke’s niece, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[76] First called Paulville, located in Van Buren County, Michigan, was renamed to Palisades Park around 1906 by Arthur C. Quick, a naturalist, who made it a wild flower sanctuary, and later a summer resort and then a private club

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

[78] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Marion Lynch, age 20, died October 16, 1869, in Richland County, Wisconsin, and is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland, Michigan

[79] His daughter and grandson, Lois (Keith) Clark and William Byron Clark

[80] Believe he is referring to his cousin, William Henry Lee

[81] His future son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner, who married his daughter Lois in 1871

[82] Ambrose Brown’s son, Henry Brown.

[83] Hank married Luke’s daughter, Nancy Keith, October 5, 1872, so perhaps they were courting at this time

[84] Marion Adelpha York, the granddaughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[85] He is referring to himself

[86] A letter written in September 1869 to his wife, Sarah, by Hiram’s wife, Kate, asked if she would send them a crock of butter for winter use and said “It is so hard to get good butter. It would be a real treat.”

Luke Keith’s 1862 Diary

1862 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.^[1]

The entries from January 1 through January 16 were first written in the back of his 1861 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1862 diary. Anything from 1861 that clarifies the 1862 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Filed saw for Bachelder 10¢. Father[2] called here. Bot 5 lbs shugar 55¢ ½ lb Tea 40¢.

Jan 2 – Henry[3] & family left. One lb candles 14¢. Put on some seeling. Apple 1¢.

Jan 3 – Hung ax for Wightman 10¢. Sawed out stuf for cutter box.

Jan 4 – Filed saw for A. Austin 10. Lois[4] went home.

Jan 5 – At home all day.

Jan 6 – Filed saw for Williams [received 15¢] paid 15¢. Worked on cutter. Filed saw for Mead 10¢.

Jan 7 – Worked on cutter. Put on fenders. Received letter from Robert.[5]

Jan 8 – Snowes like fun. Made thills[6] to [Milfords] cutter.

Jan 9 – Moved lumber in to the barn. Sarah[7] went over to Fathers.

Jan 10 – [Work on boddy.] Worked on frame to cutter box.

Jan 11 – Went to Kalamazoo. Bot Hubbs 1.30 one broom 20¢ shoes for Sarah 1.25.

Jan 12 – At home all day.

Jan 13 – [Running around the burg.] Nothing done to day. Bot clothes pins 5¢. Got Hannah[8] shoe tapt 15. Warner moved his things over here.

Jan 14 – Bot file 16¢ paid Tax 4.84. C. R. [Richardson] Brot 1 & 2/4 cords wood. Filed saw for B. Clark.[9] Filed saw for Warren 10¢. Nancy[10] & Hannah went up to Wesleys.[11]

Jan 15 – Worked on [boddy] cutter box. Wightman paid 10¢. Put handle on fork for Peter Johnson 5. Ethen[12] went down to Catharines.[13]

Jan 16 – Worked on cutter box. Bot screws 10. Bot [Diary] this Book price 38 cts. Sarah went home with Byron.

Jan 17 – Worked on cutter box. Put guards on Richardsons bobs 25¢. Ed Childs making slead.

Jan 18 – Worked on Box some. Ed to work on slead. Filed saw for Mr Smith 10¢. Let Mr Rauson have stick for whiffletree[14] 4¢. Plenty snow.

Jan 19 – Went up to Yorks[15] & Fathers. Called to Milfords.

Jan 20 – Worked on cutter put on dash. Bot nails & screws 9¢. Milford called here in Evening. Let Wesley have $4 & 50 cents.

Jan 21 – Worked on cutter. Finished Milfords cutter. Made pattern for shoes.

Jan 22 – Worked on bobs. Let pond have plank 2.25 cts. Father Brot Beef. Charley got cutter. B. Moore got wheel. Bot two candles 5¢.

Jan 23 – Worked on bobs. Extracted tooth for Elder Austin. Mr Maffit here. Made sausage pessle for D. Lamkin.

Jan 24 – Worked on bobs. Made neap[16] for Charles Richardson 75 cts. Bot one apple 1¢.

Jan 25 – Filed saw for Bachelder 10¢. Worked on bob neap. Bot paper 3¢.

Jan 26 – Went over to Fathers. Mother[17] went down to Catharines.

Jan 27 – Worked on bobs some. James Millham here. Alvan[18] called. Bot one galon oil 60¢.

Jan 28 – Worked on bobs. Sent letter to Hite[19] 3¢.

Jan 29 – Worked on bobs &c. Good sleighing.

Jan 30 – Put one bob together. Lyman brot his shoes for bobs.

Jan 31 – Sis[20] got hand burnt. Bot salve 25¢. Bot iron & screws 9¢. Made slead for Mrs Hodges. Filed saw for Hoag 10¢.

Feb 1 – Worked on bobs. Received 10.

Feb 2 – Went over to Fathers & up to Milfords.

Feb 3 – Worked on bobs. Sent letter to G. T.[21] 3. Bot ½ lb Tea 40¢. Carried one bob to shop. Richardson Brot one & ¾ stove wood.

Feb 4 – Worked on bob some. Mrs Butterfield buried to day. Lois came home in Evening.

Feb 5 – Finished Earls bobs. Sarah & Lois went over to Mr Halls. Bot salrates[22] 10¢.

Feb 6 – Worked on slead for Mrs Gyle. Got Ethens Boots tapt 37¢ Bot iron & screws 10¢. Richardson Brot one & one Eighth wood.

Feb 7 – Finished Mrs Gyles slead. She paid one Dollar. Bot Lozenges 25¢. Filed saw for Kingsley (25¢).

Feb 8 – Worked in shop some. Chored round. Nancy came down with measles. Hatty Signor died.

Feb 9 – At home all day. Sarah went to church. Lois Ethen and Hannah went in Evening.

Feb 10 – Took down lathe &c. Sawed of some spokes. N. Galt paid one Dollar. Hung ax for Vet Mead 10¢.

Feb 11 – Hung ax for Meads Brotherinlaw 10¢. Set saw for Dutch Smith 10. Went up to Andrew Mc.Clarys. Extracted tooth for his wife 25¢. Garvas Muncil called here.

Feb 12 – Went over to Fathers. Matilda Munsil here in Evening. Stuarts Regiment left Kalamazoo.

Feb 13 – Worked on seat rail. Bot crackers 5¢. Left my boots to Johns to be tapt. Paid 75¢. Received a letter from Hiram.[23]

Feb 14 – Worked in shop some. Bored seat rail. Bot screws 4¢. Henry[24] went home. Ethen & Hannah got the measles.

Feb 15 – Ethen & Hannah got measles. Vet Mead paid 10¢. A. Knight paid 6¢. Bot 5 lbs shugar 63¢.

Feb 16 – At home all day. Benj Hartwell called here. Verry pleasant.

Feb 17 – Pleasant morning. Put seat together for Hartwells buggy. Uncle Jason Wilcut[25] came on the four oclock train went over to Fathers.

Feb 18 – Finished seat put it on to boddy smoothed of boddy. Bot paper 5 one pr comes 1¢.

Feb 19 – Went over to Fathers. Uncle Jason came over & stayed all night.

Feb 20 – Bot salt 25 lbs 31¢. Uncle Jason went over River. Candy 1¢. Worked in shop some finished Hartwells boddy. Richardson Brot 2 & 1/8 stove wood.

Feb 21 – Worked in shop. Mark[26] Catharine & Lucy[27] came up to the Dance in Evening. Got magazine for March.

Feb 22 – Hued some spokes altered over mallet. Eugene Cory paid 10¢. Mrs Hodges paid one Dollar.

Feb 23 – At home all day. Out little young one[28] got the measles.

Feb 24 – Hewed spokes. Filed saw for Bachelder 10¢. Uncle Jason & T. Flanders[29] here.

Feb 25 – Set saw for A. Austin 5. Jason & Flanders left. Hued spokes. Marshal Austin paid 6¢. Extracted tooth for Earls sawyer 25¢.

Feb 26 – Filed saw for Ely Wightman (10¢). Filed saw for Mr. Minor 20¢. Sawed out gearing for Flanders wagon.

Feb 27 – Sawed out some felloes.[30] Bot paper 5¢. Uncle Jason came over. Got Mrs Wisemans machine.

Feb 28 – Sawed out some felloes. Mended pitman for B. Clark. Bot hive cyrup 5¢.

Mar 1 – Sawed felloes. Bot Book for Hannah 12¢. Filed saw for A. Hoag 20¢. Bot file 10¢.

Mar 2 – Went over to Fathers & up to Yorks. Saw Milfords cutter.

Mar 3 – Filed saw for F. Mead he paid 20¢. Filed saw for Hoag 10¢. Minor paid 20¢. Nick Galt paid 1.50¢.

Mar 4 – Got out some gearing. Went to corporation Election. Bot rice 10¢ Bot shoes 25¢ Paid postage 26¢. Passenger car broke down.

Mar 5 – Hard cold no work to day. A. McLary paid 25¢. Received letter from Stephen Wilcutt.[31]

Mar 6 – Worked on gearing. Sent letter to uncle Jason postage 3¢. Vacinated Ethen Nancy & Hannah.

Mar 7 – John Kirkwood came this morning. Went after uncle Jason. Came up on the 10.30 train in Evening. Babcock paid $12.25. Filed saw for B. Clark

Mar 8 – No work to day. Got cold. Lois at home.

Mar 9 – At home all day. Byron Emma & Rilly Lee here. Lois went home.

Mar 10 – Rainy. Heard Robbin sing. Mended Fathers wagon put in reach & half crotch. Bot syrup 44¢.

Mar 11 – Bot ½ lb Tea 40¢ Bot oil 25 Bot thread 5¢. Worked on gearing. Filed saw for Mr Smith 10. Henry Crawfords Baby[32] died.

Mar 12 – Worked on gearing. Sarah went to Wisemans. Mr Parker called here. Aunt lib called.

Mar 13 – Worked on gearing & spokes. Father called. J. York brot some spokes. Received letter from Stephen Wolcott.

Mar 14 – Worked on spokes. Cyrus Wheaton brot violin trunk postage 4¢ nitric ascid 5¢.

Mar 15 – Painted B. Hartwells buggy. Bot turpentine 10¢ Bot half galon oil 25¢.

Mar 16 – Ground covered with snow.

Mar 17 – Worked on spokes. Bot gum shelac 14¢ tallow 8¢.

Mar 18 – Made neap to Flanders wagon. Sold P. H. Whitford violin trunk 75¢.

Mar 19 – Made sign for C. P. Galligan 38¢. Bot paint brush 13¢ Bot shugar 13. Got Hannahs shoe tapt 12. Ethen and Hannah went of [sentence incomplete]

Mar 20 – Bot alcohol 3¢ Bot one spool thread 5¢. Flanders brot hay & some straw. Dutch Smith paid 10¢.

Mar 21 – Went over to Fathers. Ground knives for Andrew McLary Recd 19¢. Got some butter.

Mar 22 – Set saw for James Hold__. C. Richardson Brot one & 1/8 stove wood. Bot hoop iron 8¢. James Milham got plank 30¢. Carried two bushels wheat to mill.

Mar 23 – At home. Sarah went to church.

Mar 24 – Worked in shop on gearing. All well. Made block for Wightman spring.

Mar 25 – Filed saw for Joy 20¢. Rounded gearing. John Mooney here. Sarah went to Mrs Stevens.

Mar 26 – Worked on gearing. Filed saw for Jim Eleck 10. Sarah went up to Hoags & Seles. Calvin Streator Left for Ohio.

Mar 27 – Finished gearing. Filed saw for W^m Batt. Got vitrol 1¢.

Mar 28 – Extracted tooth for Albert Johnson. Put in reach for Jesse Earl paid 50¢ Bot paid 10¢. Wesly paid 4.50¢. Went to lecture in Evening.

Mar 29 – Worked in shop on spokes &c. Jim Eleck paid 10¢. Sent letter to Hite 3¢.

Mar 30 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine came up with York.

Mar 31 – Hung ax for D. Lamkin. Hued some spokes. Filed saw for C. Clark. Bot paper _____ 6¢. Paid B. Hartwell 72 cts for J. W. Keith Recd 4¢. Mrs. Tom Kenyon here.

Apr 1 – Went up to J. Yorks. Hannah went over to Fathers rode with James Perry came back with York. Sarah over to Mrs Hodges[Hoages?].

Apr 2 – Rainy morning. Worked in shop some on seeling. Bot chocklate 15¢.

Apr 3 – Mr Noah Starr[33] came this morning went over to Fathers started to go up to A. Chipmans. Flanders brot his hubbs.

Apr 4 – Bot one lb sugar 13¢ Bot licorice 3¢. Worked in shop. Filed saw for Bachelder 10¢. Bachelder paid 10¢ back charge. Mr. Starr Left For Paw Paw.

Apr 5 – Worked in shop some on banjo. Bot Eggs 16¢ Bot one indelable pencil 25¢.

Apr 6 – At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Apr 7 – No work to day. Went to town meeting. Bot ½ lb crackers 5¢. Richardson brot ¾ cord stove wood. Babcock paid 81.13. Lady Norman Born today.

Apr 8 – Worked in shop. Shaved spokes &c.

Apr 9 – Shaved spokes all day. Bot cloth for capes to shakers 25 Bot spool thread 5¢.

Apr 10 – Finished shaving spokes. Bot lamp wick 1¢. Theadore Earl paid 25¢. Alvan here. Put in reach for Doc Wightman 50¢.

Apr 11 – Worked on hubs. Bot ½ lb Tea 40 Bot on ham 1.94¢ Bot sugar 68¢ thread 2¢. Put Box in trumes cart 5¢. Sutton got his Bangolin.

Apr 12 – Finished mortising hubbs. Extracted tooth for Charles Earl.

Apr 13 – Went over to Fathers found them sick.

Apr 14 – Worked on hubbs some. Put rockers on chair for Sol Kingsley. Flanders brot load straw. Richardson Brot two loads wood. Sarah & Nancy went over to Fathers. Bot oil 3. Got shoe tapt 15¢.

Apr 15 – Put Boxes in Flanders hubbs. Worked on Raymonds wheel. Sarah gone over the river. Ed Drury Brot five loads wood.

Apr 16 – Went to Kalamazoo. Bot violin pegs 50¢ strings 80¢ tail piece 50¢ postage 3 Beer 10¢ fare 25¢. Drury Brot two loads wood. Bot Draft for G. T. 94˚93_“29 cts.

Apr 17 – Sent Draft to G. T. 3¢. Drove spokes in raymonds wheel. Joy paid 20¢. Drury Brot two loads wood. Put strings on my new violin. Sarah came home.

Apr 18 – Finished Raymonds wheel. He brot two bushels & 8 lbs wheat 1.70¢ 12½ lbs shugar 125.

Apr 19 – Worked in garden trimed trees cleared out the yard. Filed saw for Wesley. Set out quince trees. Bot oil 25¢.

Apr 20 – Went over to Fathers found them some better. Ethen down to Clarks. Mr. Galligans child[34] buried.

Apr 21 – Rainy morning. Wedged boxes in hubbs. W^m Whitcomb in shop in afternoon.

Apr 22 – Drove spokes in Flanders wheels & commenced rimming. Bot ½ bushel potatoes 12¢. Sent letter to Omro[35] 3.

Apr 23 – Riming wheels. Went down to Lockharts shop. Bored yoke for A. Chipman.

Apr 24 – Worked in shop on wheels putting on rims. A. McLary paid 6¢.

Apr 25 – Worked in shop. Finished Flanders wheels. Flanders paid 25¢ for filing saw.

Apr 26 – Painted Flanders wagon. Extracted tooth for A. Moffit 25.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Sarah gone to church.

Apr 28 – Worked in garden. Piled up my lumber. Lyman Earl brot five Bushels potatoes.

Apr 29 – Worked in yard. Shelled coffee & Beans. Burnt brush. Bot one dozen Eggs 7¢.

Apr 30 – Worked round garden. Went over & got some early potatoes. L. T. Earl brot 17 fence posts.

May 1 – Went down to Catharines with Mother. Lucy sick.

May 2 – Made bed piece for Ex one boulster for Yorks wagon. Bot saleratas 10. Painted Flanders wagon. Mr Bronson got his gearing.

May 3 – L. T. Earl brot four posts 180 pickets 20 rails. D. Lamkin plowed garden. Plowed garden.

May 4 – Went up to Wesleys. John Wilcut went up to Yorks. Almon Pond[36] married.

May 5 – Worked in garden some. John Wilcut here. Left on the 2 oclock train. Earl brot 250 pickets. Bot dog Eggs 7.

May 6 – Made boulster for hamilton 50 spring bar for Race 39¢. T. Cory paid one Dollar. Lamkins draged garden.

May 7 – Planted onions peas & Radishes potatoes &c.

May 8 – Bot beet seed 5 Lettuce 5. Went over to Fathers. Got some me__ican potatoes. Wesley brot some June potatoes shugar 7.

May 9 – Planted potatoes. Filed saw for Marshal Austin 10.

May 10 – Made yard for pigs & cow &c. D. Hamilton paid 24¢. Paid school bill 1.04.

May 11 – Went up to York ville. Went up the lake.

May 12 – Planted Beans. Not much done to day. Sent letter to Hiram 3¢ one to Henry 3¢ Bot ½ lb Tea 40. Cow out to night.

May 13 – Planted corn and coffee. Filed saw for Mr Hoag 15¢. Rainy.

May 14 – Moved my stringers. Planted cucumbers & mellons. Ethen came home. Hoag paid 15¢. Bot chimney for lamp 10¢. Oatman shot Mrs Stevensons Dog.

May 15 – Worked on A Chipmans wagon. Beach brot his wheelbarrow.

May 16 – Worked on Beaches wheelbarrow. Went down to Circus ground. Bot orrange 5¢ Nancy 2 cents. Hamilton paid 25¢. Circus in Town.

May 17 – Worked on wheelbarrow. Went down to Lockharts. Got