1899 ETHAN B. KEITH DIARY
No entries Jan 1 – 20
Jan 21 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg[1] just at night. Called at Lois’es.[2] Rec’d a letter from M. F. Lee.[3] Lois gave me this diary from from herself, Nancy, Lou and Lela.[4] My 48th birthday[5] present.
Jan 22 – Nothing special to day. Dell[6] and Lois was over this P.M. Quite a nice day. Wrote to H. M. York.[7]
Jan 23 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening after Hannah[8] she came on the “Bobtail.” Claude K. Browns[9] 24th birthday. He sent me a facsimile reprint of the “The Bounding Billow” a paper written and printed by the crew on board the flag ship Olympia in Manila Bay after the battle.[10]
Jan 24 – Worked at patterns. Aunt Patty’s[11] birthday.
Jan 25 – Worked at patterns this P.M. Put up a grist and did odd jobs this A.M. Pa[12] had a poor spell this P.M. Gertrude goes to a Methodist social this evening.
Jan 26 – Worked at patterns. Cold and blustering. Quite rough this P.M.
Jan 27 – 5°. Worked at patterns. Real cold to day.
Jan 28 – 2°. Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Has been a very cold day.
Jan 29 – 2° below. Clear and cold. Strong wind. Coldest day yet this winter. Mary, Gertie and Winnie were here to day.
Jan 30 – 2°. Very cold to day colder then yesterday. Mercury has not been higher than 6º above zero. Wrote to Claude K. Brown.
Jan 31 – 16º below. Very cold this morning. Took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. went after her this evening. Went up to Geo Blakes after some butter. Had an introduction.
Feb 1 – 3º below. Worked at patterns. Wrote for Farm and Fireside and Kal Telegraph.[13]
Feb 2 – Went to Kal-[14] after Nancy and Zama.[15] We got home about 8 P.M. Zama is here to stay as they dont want to take her to Chicago. Nancy told me that Dr. Boyer[16] wanted Lela to marry him. Cora Harris and Aaron[17] were at Nancys. Aaron was having the asthma.
Feb 3 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. I got the grist from the mill.
Feb 4 – Worked at patterns a little. Took Nancy and Gertrude to the 12.35 P.M. train. Gertrude is mad at me but I dont know what about. Aunt Patty died 7 years ago to day.[18]
Feb 5 – Dell and Lois, Mr and Mrs Blake were here this P.M. Cora and Olin Bera[19] were here this evening.
Feb 6 – 6º below. Worked at patterns. Cold but pleasant. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Rec’d letter from H.A. Brown.[20]
Feb 7 – 9º below. Worked at patterns. Clear and cold to day. Bessie Browns[21] 18th birth day. Two years ago to day Gertrude Ralph Ford left Henry her husband.[22]
Feb 8 – 11º below. Very cold and blustering. Gertie has been a little more like herself to me to day. Mrs Sam’l Carson died this evening.[23] Worked at patterns.
Feb 9 – 12º below. More blustering than yesterday and colder also. The Mercury did not get above zero to day and within 3º of it. Gertie is through sewing here until Hannah gets more to do. Cleaned and tuned the piano.
Feb 10-11 – (Page is missing.)
Feb 12 – 30º below. Very cold this morning. I have kept fires and watched the pump the past four nights and between 2 and 4 this morning the pump froze so have had to melt snow for the cow and horse and to use all but to drink. Have had a miserable day of it. Felt strange, been blue, everything seemed wrong. Guess my stomach is getting the best of my nerves.
Feb 13 – 23º below. C. Ford drew a load of wood to day. 15 years to day I went to Chicago to doctor with J. J. Foute.[24] Wrote to H. L. Keith.[25]
Feb 14 – Valentines day. Have to melt snow for water for the house and barn both. Went to the Bobtail after Hannah. She has a hard cold.
Feb 15 – Went up to Mr Ralphs and got a pail of water for drinking. Hannah is down with the Grip[26] this morning.
Feb 16 – Cora Harris came down from Mr Ralphs[27] this morning and told us Aunt Thersa Stone was dead.[28] I went up there put her false teeth in. Mrs Ralph could not. Hannah is no better.
Feb 17 – Hank came Wed. morning and he is getting things packed and loaded on the cars as fast as possible.
Feb 18 – Went to the 12.20 train and met Hank, Nan and Lela. Said they got their things to the car and loaded a 11 oclock yesterday. Hank visited us until time to go to the 9.40 P.M. train then I took him to it.
Feb 19 – Gertrude and Cora Harris came down this P.M. a little while. I began being sick at my stomach about 4 oclock have vomited twice this evening.
Feb 20 – Stomach does not feel right. Did not go to bed last night laid on the lounge. Took Lela over to Loises this P.M.
Feb 21 – Had to sit up with my stomach laid on the lounge. Took Nancy over to Lois’es this P.M. and got Lela.
Feb 22 – Stomach is a little squeamish yet. Went and got Nancy this P.M. Birthingtons wash day. Hannah is getting a little better each day.
Feb 23 – Went and got Lois this A.M. Went up to Mr Schrams[29] after some buttermilk just before night then took Lois home. I got quite cold. Has been blustering with some snow.
Feb 24 – Sick to day with the Grip.
Feb 25 – Nancy and Lela left for Kal- on 12.35 P.M. train. Lela went to the Burg and got Dell to go and send a livery over after Nancy. I could not go had to keep in with the Grip. Nancy and Lela goes to Shelbyville[30] on evening train.
Feb 26 – Feel a little better. Rained hard last night.
Feb 27 – Nancy and Lela goes to Chicago from Lou’s to day. Will very likely take tea with Bessie at 736 Hoyne Ave.[31]
Feb 28 – Feeling better. Did some chores. Lois came over a foot this morning walked home this P.M. Mrs Ralph was down this P.M.
Mar 1 – Mrs Ford[32] was here this P.M. while Mate[33] went to the Burg.
Mar 2 – Mr Blake[34] came over this A.M. to see how we were. Ormsby Mitchell was buried to day.[35] Dont feel quite as well to day.
Mar 3 – Mrs Geo Blake[36] visited here to day. Rainy. Feel some better. Geo Dewey was made Admiral to day.
Mar 4 – Charley Ford[37] brought our mail over. Mate brought us two cans of milk so guess we can live if the neighbors keep bringing in.
Mar 5 – Dell brought a pair of shoes to Ma[38] that Lou, Cora and Laverne[39] have been making for her. Dell Skinner walked over here this P.M. to see how we were. Hannah and I drove over with the clothes this even’g. Went over to Lois’es a little while. First we had been out in a week and a half. Snowed last night.
Mar 6 – Charley Ford drew a load of wood this P.M. Pleasant but quite a cold wind. Commenced a letter to J. T. Tomlinson[40] this evening.
Mar 7 – 5° above. Took Hannah over to Mrs R. G. Smiths[41] this morn’g. She sew for Florence a couple of days. Cora Harris was here this A.M.
Mar 8 – Went over and got Hannah this evening. She was at R. G. Smiths. Dell was about sick with a cold.
Mar 9 – Drilled some irons for Mr Knapp. Wound the pump this P.M. and painted it where it cracked open when it froze up.
Mar 10 – Dont feel very strong. Some how dont get any strength. Cut Pas hair this P.M.
Mar 11 – Went to the Burg this A.M. took dinner with Lois and Dell. Rec’d a letter from Nancy said Claude would come to Kal- to night. Read a letter from Ina[42] saying Will Holmes[43] has inflamatory rheumatism and Jim[44] is sick also.
Mar 12 – Very blustering little snow flying. Expected Claude and Edith[45] would come up this P.M. but did not. Too rough I guess.
Mar 13 – Looked for Claude and Edith Neumier to day but they did not come. Charley Ford drew a load of dry wood. Frank Ralph and family called this morning. The girls bade us good bye they were on their way to Mr Emmons and from there will go to their new home in Ross township.
Mar 14 – Pleasant but cold wind. Mr Schram was down this A.M. Charley Ford drew a load of wood $1.25 per cord. Hannah has gone to sew for Clara Caywood a couple of days. Lillie Dunn and Clara came after her. Wrote to H. L. Keith.
Mar 15 – Warmer to day but strong wind, rainy. Piled 2¾ cords of wood this P.M. Wrote to Uncle Henry Crawford.[46]
Mar 16 – Went to the Burg this P.M. Went up to Geo Blakes and paid her for some butter. Clara Caywood brought Hannah home this even’g. Gertrude was down this P.M.
Mar 17 – Cora Ridler was down this P.M. They have sold their old farm to Henry Hoover. Cora takes his place of him for $1,200. Wrote to M. F. Lee.
Mar 18 – Took Hannah over to Geo Blakes just at night. The roads are very bad.
Mar 19 – Went to Geo Blakes after Hannah this P.M. Hannah called at Lois’es on our way home.
Mar 20 – Daisy had a heifer calf to day. Painted the pump this P.M. Gertrude was down a few minutes this P.M. Mary Wilcox called this P.M.
Mar 21 – Stormy. Snow and wind. Charley Clark[47] visited us to day. Hannah, Lois and I attended a lecture at Masonic Hall by Mrs Marion Carpenter, was good
Mar 22 – Has been a very stormy day. Snowed hard part of the time. Hannah and I intended to have went to Mrs Carpenters lecture to night but did not go on account of the weather.
Mar 23 – Went to the Burg this P.M. Did’nt know but I would see Dee Harris[48] but he did not come until even’g. Did not come over here. Rec’d a letter from B. F. Parker Kal– saying he had rented Hanks house 1236 Summit Ave.
Mar 24 – Went to Kal- this P.M. on the cars to see B. F. Parker. Went up to Hanks house to see what there was to bring up here. Called at Charley Fords. Saw Ettie Tompkins. Old Mr Ford took me through the house. Came home on Bobtail.
Mar 25 – Took Hannah to the 5.22 A.M. train she was going up to Shelbyville. Snowed and blowed hard while I was going over and back. Gertrude sewed here just the same as though H- was here.
Mar 26 – Quiet here to day. No one called. I had the work done at 2.30 P.M.
Mar 27 – Quite a comfortable day. Gertrude is here to day. I have to be chief cook. Mrs Pease, Vinnie Stoddard and two boys were here a while. Went over to the Bobtail and got Hannah. She had been up to Lou’s. Gertrude told us this morning that Ed Galusha had bought Mr Damerells farm.
Mar 28 – Stormy. Snowed and blowed all day. Seal Struble went to Kal- for us and got a load of things that Hanks folks left for us. I went with him. Was a homesick job. Looked lonesome down there
Mar 29 – Very blustering day snowed most all day. The roads are very bad and have been a good while. Sleighs are running some.
Mar 30 – Stormy to day snows and the wind blows. Are having quite wintery weather.
Mar 31 – Another stormy day snows and blows. Cold wind. Mary Wilcox, Elva Crossfield, Mrs Riddler and Luella Earl called this P.M.
Apr 1 – Snowed and blowed to day. Nans I went to the Burg this even’g.
Apr 2 – Charley and Carrie Barber[49] were over this A.M. Edgar Galusha has bought the farm of Mr Wesley Damerell. Damerell is moving to the Burg.
Apr 3 – Town meeting. Mr and Mrs Pease were here to day. Went over and voted this P.M. Went up to the foundry. Took Ettie Tompkins to the train, she went to Kal- to work for Mrs Comstock.
Apr 4 – Loyd S. Higgins 48th birthday. Pleasant. Tapped the maple tree west of the house for the first time. Grandpa Keith[50] and I set it out 35 years ago this spring.
Apr 5 – Tapped the soft maple in the road by the large cherry tree. The first time it ever was tapped. Pleasant. Had some maple syrup for dinner from the maple tree west of the house.
Apr 6 – Mr Galushas folks stay at their new home to night for the first (The Brown fam). Geo Whiting brought Cora Harris and Leone[51] here this A.M. I went over and got 178 lbs of mill feed of Dell. Went up to Mr Schrams then to the Burg after Lou and Mildred.[52]
Apr 7 – Hannah, Lois, Leone Harris and I went over to the L.L.A. entertainment at the Masonic hall “The Watermelon Case.”
Apr 8 – Made two qts of syrup to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. and had some work done on the pump at the foundry. Went up to Mr Ralphs spoke to him about working the east lot. He rode to the Burg with me. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this evening. She took her carpet rags over to Joe Neffs to be woven.
Apr 9 – Lou and children[53] went up to Mr Ralphs this P.M. Ettie Ralph was down to have a jacket fitted this P.M. Pleasant. Sap has run first rate to day. I syruped down some soft maple sap to day. Want to sugar it off if it will grain.
Apr 10 – Worked at the pump got it in the well room. Took Lou and children to the train 5.00. She went home. Boiled sap to day. Sap has run first rate to day.
Apr 11 – I quit boiling sap to day. Syruped down what I had boiled. Have made about six qts of syrup. I sugared off the soft maple syrup and found that it will grain as well as hard maple syrup. Finished the pump job. Works all right. Mrs Galusha[54] is here this evening.
Apr 12 – Lou’s and Dee’s wedding anniversary, (17th). Rec’d two letters from Henry[55] he was at Auburn Cal- dead broke. Got the turnips, beets and parsnips out of the hole. Warm.
Apr 13 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took a couple bushels of corn to Geo Youmans to grind by wind power. Fitted a sash in the kitchen window this P.M. Warm. Sent Henry’s two letters to Nancy.
Apr 14 – Sowed some tomato and cabbage seed. Cleaned the back yard where Mr Cravins pigs rooted it up.
Apr 15 – Went to the Burg this P.M. to take Hannah and Gertrude to the Maccabee lodge. Went up to the foundry and got my grist. Davis Stafford was there moulding. Went to the Burg after Hannah and Gertrude this even’g. Have got a cold.
Apr 16 – Am about sick with a cold my eyes are all blood shot. Ettie Ralph[56] was down a little while.
Apr 17 – About sick to day. Very strong wind all day.
Apr 18 – Mr Hawks went by with the new boat this morning on his way to Elkhart. Quite windy. Wrote some to Nancy and sent in Ma’s letter.
Apr 19 – My throat is very sore. Am about sick.
Apr 20 – Throat is no better. Went to the Burg this evening to see Dr Burdick but he was not at the store. Hannah wint over to Matie Evans and Mrs Merrimans. Dell gave me some Witch Hazel.
Apr 21 – Throat about the same. Longest spell of severe sore throat I ever had.
Apr 22 – Went to the Burg this evening and got a gargle of Dr Burdick for my throat. Could hardly swallow to day. Hannah went to the Burg with me.
Apr 23 – Lois and Dell were here to dinner to day. Dell and Chauncey Brown went down to Walter Coe’s to see a horse.
Apr 24 – Went to the Burg this P.M. after Dr McBeth[57] for Hannah her lungs are bad. Rec’d a letter from Henry he is at Placerville. Cora Bera sewed for Hannah to day for the first as Mrs Bera.[58]
Apr 25 – Will Ridler began plowing in the east lot for potatoes to day. Wrote to Henry Keith. War with Spain was declared to day. A year [ago]. Warm for this time of year. McBeth was over to see Hannah. Ettie Tompkins was here this P.M. staid to tea.
Apr 26 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Bought 6 bunches of shingles for $3.75 brought three of them home. Went and got the other three this evening. Dr. McBeth was over to day.
Apr 27 – Shingled the well room to day. Will Ridler plowed our garden to day. Hannah is not so well to night. Dr McBeth was over.
Apr 28 – Shingled some to day. Quite a strong wind. Hannah is a little better. Went to the Burg this evening.
Apr 29 – Went to the Burg this morning. Came home and helped Will Ridler plant ½ acre of Beauty Hebrons for early potatoes. Went to the Burg this evening. Ettie Ralph has an exhibition at her school house to night Dean district. Sold Daisys calf to Mr Freeman for $2.75.
Apr 30 – Good rain last night and quite a hard electric storm. Frank Crossfield brought us a nice mess of fish this morning that he picked out of the creek.
May 1 – Went up to Al Rowlands after a few seed potatoes this P.M. Rained last night. Cora did not sew to day.
May 2 – Shingled some to day. Pa and I got the old cook stove out this P.M. Took it to the barn. Will Ridler plows for corn in the east lot to day. Rainy this evening.
May 3 – Pa and I finished shingling the back room. Will Ridler plowed to day.
May 4 – Rainy to day. Took Hannah and Gertrude to the Burg this evening. Gertrude sews for Mrs Bush tomorrow. Moved the cupboard in the back room and got the pump out so we can get the range in.
May 5 – Did some patching on the roof of the upright part of the house and lento’s. Got the range that Nancy gave us in the back room this P.M. Will Ridler helped. Took Cora Harris over to Geo Whitings this evening.
May 6 – Planted the garden to day. Went to the Burg this evening.
May 7 – Mate Ford called awhile this P.M. Rainy this P.M. Turned Daisy on the bottom land to day for the first.
May 8 – Jesse Earls 86th birthday.[59] Worked at the stove pipe for the back room stove am trying to make it so it will not leak where it goes through the roof. A couple of the high school boys came to get me to do some turning for their electric motor they are making.
May 9 – Turned three wheels for the electric motor the graduating class at the Burg school is making. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois goes to Chicago to night. Ina is sick.
May 10 – Got the pipe up and stove blacked that Nan gave us, built a fire in it. Rainy. Will and Clara Caywood[60] called this evening.
May 11 – Fixed the pipe to the back room stove where it goes through the roof. It leaked a little last night. Cleaned the grease off the hub’s and axles of Charley Fords buggy so I can paint it. Went to the Burg with Ed Galusha. Mrs G- staid here.
May 12 – Painted on Charley Fords buggy this P.M. washed it this A.M. Ettie Ralph left her wheel here for me to repair. Will Ridler dragged the corn ground to day.
May 13 – Finished painting the running gear to Charley Fords buggy. Repaired a guard to Ettie Ralphs wheel. Went to the Burg this even’g. Rec’d letter from H. L. Keith. Took Hannah and Gertrude to the Maccabee supper this P.M. Went after them this evening. Gertrude brought me some cake. Claude Brown sent me a paper with an article on Liquid Air.
May 14 – Quiet to day. Ras and Eunice[61] was down a while.
May 15 – Took the sod from around the house. Cut some sod and added to what have laid back of the house. Planted peach and plum pit meats. Went to the Burg this evening. Dell Skinner is moving the Beckwith stock of drugs into his store.
May 16 – Lucy Lee’s[62] 56th Birthday. Will Ridler finished planting corn in the east lot to day. Rainy. Wrote to Charles E. Tripler Discoverer of Liquid Air. Went to the Burg this A.M. Went up to Jim Spiers and got two bushels of potatoes.
May 17 – Have done odd jobs to day. Cool. Dont feel first rate. Made some garden. Set out 48 cabbage plants 9 hills of peas and ten beet plants.
May 18 – Worked at the flower beds. Went to the Burg. Dell is moving in the Beckwith drug stock into his store. Went down and saw Mr Knapps new boat also his model for a new paddle wheel. Hannah and I went down to Ed Galushas Browns old (Tam home) for the first this evening. Drove up to Mr Gates a few minutes. Cold.
May 19 – Painted on Charley Fords buggy. Cold to day. Cora Harris was over this P.M.
May 20 – Finished painting Charley Fords carriage. Worked 21 hours at it. Went to the Burg this evening.
May 21 – We got up early and worked until 10.30 A.M. to get ready for Claude Brown and Edith Neumier. They came about 3 P.M. Mr and Mrs Powers of Scotts called also Ras and Eunice Towne. Claude and Edith staid about an hour and a half.
May 22 – Fixed the new vault to the privy and leveled the ground off. I dug it last November.
May 23 – Worked at the back porch getting out old sills and raising roof. Went to the Burg this evening. Mr Hawks told me about the barge he was building for W. W. Olins boat house. Rec’d letter from Nancy.
May 24 – Worked at the back porch getting in new sills, and lengthening sleepers. Queen Victorias 80th birthday.
May 25 – Worked at the back porch. Went to the Burg this P.M. to get Nancy trunk but it did not come.
May 26 – Went to the Burg this mornings. Hannah went with me. Worked at the porch this P.M. finished it. Rec’d letter from Nancy with check for her trunk.
May 27 – Rainy. Have not done much of anything. Went to the Burg this P.M. and got Nancys trunk. Went to the Burg this evening.
May 28 – Rained last night. Norm Elsey and wife called to tell Hannah Cora Bera was sick. Mabel Flanders and her mother[63] was here this evening. Geo Blake and wife was over this P.M.
May 29 – Went to the 12.20 P.M. train and met Nancy. Her first visit home since they moved to Chicago. Aaron Hogeboom and Cora Harris took dinner here. I took them over to Geo Whitings this P.M.
May 30 – Memorial Day. I went over to the exercises in Blakes grove. Jessie Markoff[?] was the orator of the day. This will probably be the last gathering in the grove as Mr Blake is selling village lots out of it.
May 31 – Finished the work around the back stoop. Got what walk down that I am agoing to lay and sodded what ground there was to be sodded.
Jun 1 – Hoed and cultivated in the garden. Planted beans for late string beans. Am cutting grass nowadays. June grass is heavy.
Jun 2 – Mowed the front yard east of the drive way. Raked it up this P.M.
Jun 3 – Rained very hard this A.M. /17/22[?]. Took Nancy and Hannah to the train 12.35 they went to Kal-. I went after this even’g they came up on 6.17. Lightning struck Will Kirbys barn this morning. Stunned five men and 12 horses. Bought a pair of rubbers.
Jun 4 – 15 years tonight Grandma Betts[64] died. Went over and cleaned Lois’es clock. Dell came back with me to dinner. He went home about 4 P.M. Hannah went up to Scotts to sew for Mrs Powers a couple of days. John came after her. Warmest day yet.
Jun 5 – Worked on the road to day. Had a hard rain and wind storm this P.M.
Jun 6 – Got in some hay that I cut last week. Grandma Betts was buried 15 years ago to day. Rained a little.
Jun 7 – Had Flora shod this A.M. Rained some. Worked in the garden. Hannah and I went to the Burg this P.M. even’g. Lois and I came from Chicago to day was there four weeks.
Jun 8 – Cultivated the garden. Lois came over this P.M. I took her home this about five P.M. Picked some strawberries up to Mr Schrams this A.M. Mrs Net Towns was there told me Ras had appendicitis. Went up to Cull Towns[65] this even’g to hear how Ras was. Said he was better.
Jun 9 – Cultivated the garden this P.M. Mr Burk was over this P.M. Had Flora shod this A.M. Hannah, Nancy and I went up to Ras Townes this evening found him better.
Jun 10 – Mowed grass to day west of the house. Went to the Burg this evening.
Jun 11 – Went up to Mr Schrams and picked some strawberries for dinner. Nancy, Hannah and I spent the evening at Mr Galushas. Had strawberries and cake.
Jun 12 – Mowed grass this A.M. Wheeled some in the barn this P.M. Went to the train after Lela 6.17 P.M. Pa killed the old cat and kittens.
Jun 13 – Cut grass and weeds along the road west of the house. Drew in hay this P.M. that I cut yesterday. Went to the 12.20 P.M. train after Lou and Mildred.
Jun 14 – Took Nancy and Lela to the 12.35 train. They have gone to Kal- to get ready for the wedding. Washed the buggy this P.M. Very warm.
Jun 15 – Claude K. Brown and Edith Neumaier were married at the Catholic Deanery at high noon to day. Reception at the Auditorium this evening. Hannah, Lois and Lou went on noon train. Mr Neumaiers people will entertain them. Cut grass.
Jun 16 – Went to the 7.36 A.M. train after Hannah. She and Lois came on that train. Went to the noon train to meet Nan and Lou. The wedding was a success everything went off nice. Mowed grass to day.
Jun 17 – Took Pa and Nancy to the special 8.25 A.M. Nan was going home Pa went with her for a visit. Lou and I went to the Burg this evening. Dee and Floyd came this even’g from Kal- on their wheels.
Jun 18 – Dee, Floyd and Mildred went up to Mr Ralphs this morning. Lou and Dee went up to Mr Ralphs this P.M.
Jun 19 – Dee and Willis Ralph went fishing this A.M. Dee and Floyd went with me when I went after Daisy. They went in swimming. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.
Jun 20 – Took Lou and Mildred to the 5.22 A.M. train. Dee and Floyd left on their wheels at 5 A.M. for Kal-. They were all going home. Hoed in the garden. Repaired a Kodak for Bert Freeman.
Jun 21 – Hoed in the garden. Went to the Burg this evening. Trained horse, dog and monkey show in the Burg.
Jun 22 – Hoed in the garden this A.M. Willis Ralph patched our barn roof this P.M.
Jun 23 – Cultivated in the garden this A.M. Willis finished patching the barn roof this P.M. Partly washed the carriage. Went to the 6.17 P.M. and met Bessie Brown. She came from Lous.
Jun 24 – Went to the Burg this morning and evening also. Set out cabbage, tomato and flower plants to day.
Jun 25 – Took some milk and sugar up to Mr Ralphs[66] this morning for Gertrude[67] to make Ice cream. Went and got the cream at noon.
Jun 26 – Took Bessie to the noon train she goes to Kal-. Mona Mace entertains for her this evening. She goes to Alamo in the morning then she and Emma Harris starts for Chicago in the P.M. via So Haven. Seal Struble cut a piece of clover on the hill for me this A.M. Raked hay this P.M.
Jun 27 – Raked and cocked up hay this A.M. They are having the house painted over on the old Towne farm. Washed the carriage.
Jun 28 – Little rainy this morning strong cold wind this P.M. Cultivated in the garden this P.M. Prof Baker and Una V. Jacobs are was married this P.M. (4 oclock).[68] Took Hannah up to see Mrs Gates this even’g. Is real cold. Sick almost.
Jun 29 – Sick all night and to day. Have a hard cold ache like everything all over me.
Jun 30 – About the same to day. Have a very bad throat two large patches of canker. Had Dr McBeth come over and see me.
Jul 1 – Little better the canker is most all out of my throat to night. Lois came over this P.M. H.A. Browns 49th birthday. Expected Pa, Jim and Cora to day but Winnie[69] has the measles so they cant come.
Jul 2 – The ache has left me but am so weak. Hannah went up to cemetery with Flanders people.[70] Harry Streator[71] called this evening and wanted Hannah to ask me if I would do some pattern work for him.
Jul 3 – Gertrude went to Kal- this P.M. Mabel[72] sewed just the same. About the same to day, very weak. Lou’s 38th birthday. 10 years to night Harry followed Charley and Hannah.[73]
Jul 4 – Feel better to day. Celebrated all around us. Mr Schram came down with some cherries this P.M. Rainy.
Jul 5 – Rained a little to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.
Jul 6 – Went up to Mr Schrams and picked cherries this A.M. Cut some grass this P.M. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Lela and Laverne.
Jul 7 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Wheeled the hay in the Barn this P.M.
Jul 8 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cut weeds this P.M. Lela, Verne and I went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Dr Boyer of Shelbyville he came down to visit Lela and the rest of us. He and Lela are engaged to be married. Got the carriage spring fixed and on the buggy.
Jul 9 – Dr Boyer and Lela took a drive this P.M. Mr & Mrs Blake, Geo and Bessie Milham, Clara Owens, Vinnie Milham,[74] Mr and Mrs John Ralph were here to day. Nancy’s 47th Birthday.
Jul 10 – Took Dr Boyer, Lela, Laverne and I went over to Loises and took dinner. The Dr went back to Shelbyville this P.M. Pa, Jim, Cora and children came to night on 6.17. Came by way of So. Haven. Went over and got Pa. Walter[75] has the measles.
Jul 11 – Cultivated Went to the Burg this evening. Jim went over this A.M. and got his trunk down to Lois’es from the station. Dr McBeth put a “Measles” card on our house to day.
Jul 12 – Cultivated the garden this A.M. sowed turnip seed. Walter is getting along nicely with the measles.
Jul 13 – Rainy. Went to the Burg this P.M. Verne, Lela and Winnifred went with me.
Jul 14 – Jim has an attack of the asthma this morn’g. We went up to Cora Bera’s and got found out what Olin used for Asthma. Went to the Burg this P.M. with Lela and Verne. They will stay with Lois tonight and go to Chicago tomorrow. Took their trunk over this evening.
Jul 15 – One month to day Claude and Eda was married. Lela went home to day by way of the Lake. Verne went with her. Her first trip to Chicago. Went to the Burg this even’g.
Jul 16 – Lois and Dell visited here to day. Jim went after them I took them home. Jim and Cora went up to Mr Ralphs this even’g. I went after them Hannah went with me.
Jul 17 – Took Jim, Cora and the children to the 5.22 A.M. train they went to Shelbyville. Went to the Burg this evening Hannah went with me. Rec’d a letter from Henry.
Jul 18 – Cut the last of the grass in the orchard and got it in the barn. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Got a ham and tub of cotosuet.[76]
Jul 19 – Worked in the cellar to day cleaning. Horace Hobbs died this evening.[77]
Jul 20 – Worked over to Loises putting a sink in her kitchen. Took Hannah down to Galushas this morning. Went after her this even’g we went up to Mr Myer’ses a little while.
Jul 21 – 92°. Hoed in the garden and mowed weeds this A.M. Made a shelf for Lois this P.M. Jim came from Shelbyville this evening. Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll died to day.[78]
Jul 22 – 94°. Took Jim to the train this morn’g (8.25). He has gone home. Carried Lois’es shelf over and put it in at the end of sink. Mr Knapp gave me a bunch of sweet peas. Went to the Burg this evening. Wrote to H. L. Keith.
Jul 23 – 96°. Very warm. Hannah went up to the cemetery and Will Caywoods with Edwin Flanders people. I took Hannah up to Ras Townes this evening. Eunice gave us some ice cream.
Jul 24 – 98º. Hot. Finished cutting the “Bouncing Bess” in the front yard raked it up and wheeled it into the barn yard. Painted the buggy where it was broken. Rained quite hard this P.M. Gertrude is through sewing for a short time.
Jul 25 – Rained all night most. Stopped about 8 A.M. rained one inch. Sowed turnip seed. Had beets for dinner. Gertrude came down and did some sewing for herself on the machine. Mrs Schram[79] was down just at night.
Jul 26 – Grubbed sassafras and cut weeds along the west road fence and all over the west lot to the woods. Went to the Burg this evening.
Jul 27 – Gertrude, Mabel Willis and Walter Ralph[80] went to Shelbyville to day. Grubbed and cut weeds along the road fence east to the corner and little ways up the south road. Cool to day. Hannah sewed at Galushas this P.M. Mr and Mrs Geo Blake was over this evening.
Jul 28 – Cut weeds along the fence on the hill. Lots of Bouncing Bess and very rank. Ella Ralph and Milo Stocking drove to Shelbyville to day. The Ralphs and Dee’s folks have a picnic at Gun Lake to day.
Jul 29 – Finished cutting weeds on the hill along the road fence this P.M. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. She called on Iva Hawks. Asked Ida and Carrie to go to Camp Meeting with us at Vicksburg.
Jul 30 – Very quiet here to day. Cool air.
Jul 31 – Dont feel very well. Went to the Burg this A.M. had a tire on one of the buggy wheels welded and a thill[81] iron welded also. Bought a pair of shoes and a pair of cuffs. Went up to Wm. Ralphs this even’g. James Illick found the body of Pete Sowles in the river above Hartwells dam to day.
Aug 1 – Feel a little better. Picked two qts of dewberries.
Aug 2 – I went to Kal- this P.M. bought a thin coat and vest, paid $4.00, pair of cuff buttens 50¢, collar 15¢. Hannah went as far as Mr Peases. I got back there to tea.
Aug 3 – Rainy. Hannah began cleaning house. 7 years ago to day Mr Ralph moved on the Taylor place. I shingled (or patched rather) the corn house.
Aug 4 – Hannah and I cleaned the middle room to day. I went over to see why Joe Neff did not come and help. He could not make much of an excuse.
Aug 5 – Hannah and I cleaned the kitchen to day. Went to the Burg this even’g. Aggie (Smith) Wilbur was at Loises. Got our first cabbage out of the garden to day.
Aug 6 – Ida and Carrie Barber,[82] Hannah and I started for camp meeting at Vicksburg 6.06 A.M. arrived there 9.16 A.M. Heard Mr Edgerly and Mr Tisdale speak. The talk was grand. Got home 8 P.M.
Aug 7 – Helped Hannah about cleaning in the front room this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Hannah up to Mr Ralphs to see Gertrude.
Aug 8 – Mowed weeds along the road and around the yard to day. Gertrude helped Hannah sew to day.
Aug 9 – Took Hannah over to Eberle Underwoods[83] to sew. She is making Florences[84] wedding outfit. Rec’d letter from Nancy sent a $4.00 dividend the first since going into Hillmans. She sent for a box of cigarettes for Jim for his asthma.
Aug 10 – Trimmed the woodbine on the house and patched the roof also cleaned it off. Real warm. Hannah came from Underwoods to night.
Aug 11 – Did a number of little jobs to day. Very Warm. Hannah visited at Edwin Flanders to day. Very hard wind just after dark. No rain to speak of.
Aug 12 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cleaned the buggies and oiled them this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Ina and her two girls[85] came on Bobtail.
Aug 13 – Hannah, Gertrude and Mabel Ralph and I went to Vicksburg to the Camp meeting. (Lela Mae Brown’s 21st Birthday.)
Aug 14 – Budded some little apple trees to Primates this P.M. One peach tree to a seedling that stands by the Siberian crab apple tree. Gertrude sewed this P.M. will be here the rest of the week. Rec’d letter from Nancy sent me one dollar.
Aug 15 – Trimmed up an apple tree top that broke off Friday night. Repaired my bicycle this P.M. I am having a time with the itch. Seems as though I would burn up some of the time. Got poisoned with poison ivy.
Aug 16 – Went to the Burg this even’g. Got ready to go to the Pioneer Picnic tomorrow. Loises 59th birthday.
Aug 17 – Pioneer Picnic at Long Lake. Hannah and I went. We ate our dinner with Wm Ralphs folks. Ettie Tompkins went with us. Hot and dusty.
Aug 18 – Went to the Burg this morning. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Mrs Plank and Mary.[86] Gertrude and Mabel sewed today. Ina Holmes came over just before started for the Burg. She rode back with me.
Aug 19 – Visited to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Mary Skeels and Hannah went with me. Very warm and dry.
Aug 20 – Mary Skeels and I went up to Herbert Earls[87] and got some ice and we made ice cream. Was first rate. Very warm.
Aug 21 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cut a little corn in the garden that was ripe. Took Mrs Plank and Mary up to Charley Fords this P.M. Mrs Montague gave me a Peerless Atlas of the World. Hannah visited at Mr Ralphs this P.M.
Aug 22 – Took Hannah to Cora Beras this A.M. Went after [them] this P.M. evening. Went over the part of the same road seventeen years this even’g.[88]
Aug 23 – Mrs Plank and Mary came from Mr Simmonds this morning. I took them over to the Taylor girls[89] this P.M. Hannah and I went after them this evening. They called at Loises.
Aug 24 – Took Mrs Plank and Mary to the 5.22 A.M. train. They will be in Grand Rapids before 8 oclock. I cleaned the shop to day.
Aug 25 – Sick to day. Vomited 16 times last night. Am better to day. Dr McBeth called and left me some medicine.
Aug 26 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Hannah to Eb Underwoods to sew. Went over again this evening. Nice rain this morning.
Aug 27 – Hannah and I went to Vicksburg to the last Camp meeting this year. Mr Tisdale and Mrs Carrie E. S. Twing were speakers. Came home by the way of Long Lake.
Aug 28 – Washed the buggy and did various other things to day. Mabel Ralph sewed for Hannah to day will the rest of the week. Had an introduction to Ned Stevenson.
Aug 29 – Cut the corn in the garden this A.M. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.
Aug 30 – Went up to Mrs Schrams and picked a basket of grapes for jelly. Went to the Burg this evening.
Aug 31 – Ma and I canned some tomatoes this A.M. Studied on my Rotary engine drawings some this P.M. Will Ridler finished cutting corn in the east lot this A.M. Filled a couple of straw ticks over to Seal Struble this P.M.
Sep 1 – Made a beginning at my Rotary engine patterns again to day. Mabel Ralphs last day sewing here this vacation.
Sep 2 – Took Hannah over to E. B. Underwoods this morning to sew. Went to the Burg this evening. Worked at patterns. Gertrude was down and did some stitching for herself.
Sep 3 – No one here to day and we staid at home all day only Lois and Dell drove over just at night.
Sep 4 – Worked at patterns what time I had to. Labor day celebration at Long Lake. Street fair began at Battle Creek to day. Wrote to W. R. Ritter.
Sep 5 – Worked at patterns. Schools began do day. Gertrude began working to day for the fall. Went to the Burg with C. Ford. Rained some this evening. Ina and Gertrude drove over just at night. Very warm.
Sep 6 – Took Hannah over to Underwoods this morning. Ma and I canned 17 qts of tomatoes this A.M. Worked at patterns a little this P.M. Gertrude sewed here. Lois and Gertrude Holmes went to Jackson to day.
Sep 7 – Worked at patterns. Took Hannah over to Underwoods this morning. Gertrude goes to Battle Creek to street fair this P.M. Very warm. “Hot”.
Sep 8 – Worked at pattern this P.M. Dug what potatoes there was left in the garden. Went to the Burg this morning.
Sep 9 – Worked at pattern. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Saw a Corn harvester work for the first time this P.M. over on the old Town farm. Was a McCormick.
Sep 10 – Took Hannah up to Edwin Flanders this morning. She and Mrs F- went to Vicksburg to hear O. A. Edgerly speak in grove. Went up to Edwins after this evening. Mrs Ralph and Gertrude, Mate Ford, Mr & Mrs Galusha called this P.M. and even’g.
Sep 11 – Worked at pattern some. Took Hannah over to Underwoods to sew. Gertrude sewed here. Libbie Taylor was here this P.M. Hannah stays at Underwoods to night.
Sep 12 – Worked at pattern. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Lou and Mildred. Hannah rode home with us from Underwoods.
Sep 13 – 33°. Worked at pattern. Hannah sewed at Underwoods her last making Florences wedding clothes. Hard frost last night froze water in dishes and tubs that stood out. Went to the Burg this evening.
Sep 14 – Worked at patterns. Gertrude sew here to day as Hannah is at home will sew right along. Cold so I set up the sitting room stove. Lois and Ina visited here to day.
Sep 15 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Recd letter from M. F. Lee with Photograph of himself.
Sep 16 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Ma got medicine of a Dr that came along on trial one months treatment. Hannahs 44th birth day. Street Electric road graders got to Comstock to day. Recd letter from M. F. Lee with Photograph.
Sep 17 – Wrote to H. L. Keith. Mrs Jas Jackson was buried this P.M.[90] Claude Brown was here this A.M. Wrote to Henry L. Keith.
Sep 18 – Worked at patterns. 19 years ago to day I went over north by Mr Campbells with Henry just before he left for Cal-. Rained hard this morning.
Sep 19 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Cool. Mrs Neumaier[91] and Edith called this P.M. First time Mrs N- was ever here.
Sep 20 – Worked at patterns. Wrote to Liquid Air & Automobile Co. Boston, Mass. 186 Devonshire St. 6 years to day Charley Towne died.[92]
Sep 21 – Worked at patterns this P.M. Took Pa, Ma, Lou, and LaVerne Mildred over to Lois’es for the day. I made four trips. Florence Underwood and Orra Bishop were married at 3 P.M.[93]
Sep 22 – Worked at patterns. Rainy.
Sep 23 – Worked at patterns. One year ago to day I began work on them, but have so much other work to [do] that I have not been able to finish them. Went to the Burg this evening and got Charley and Clara Clark.[94] Went to the Burg this A.M.
Sep 24 – Charley and Clara Clark over here to day. Geo Blake and wife drove in the yard a few minutes.
Sep 25 – Took Charley and Clara over to Loises this P.M. They go home on “Bob tail”.
Sep 26 – Worked at patterns. Admiral Dewey arrived at New York this morning on the Olympia from the Phillipians.
Sep 27 – Worked at patterns. Went to a show down by the mill this evening. Mr Pease and Mrs J. M. Neasmith came here this A.M. She will stay a day or two.
Sep 28 – Worked at patterns. Blustering and a little rain.
Sep 29 – Went to Kal- this A.M. Took Mrs Neasmith down to Mr Peas’es. Saw the grading for the new electric R.R. from the Burg to Comstock. Saw the new Electric R.R. bridge by Mr Peas’es. Paid Mrs Neasmiths and our insurance. Came home by Marts[95] and called. The Electric road graders had just got to Lake St in front of Fields house.
Sep 30 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Hard frost last night.
Oct 1 – Edwin Flanders and wife called for Hannah to go to the cemetery. Mrs Little and Lois Burk called were on their wheels. Lou and Mildred went up to Mrs Ralphs this P.M. Mary (Schroder) Carson was buried to day.[96]
Oct 2 – Worked at patterns. Pleasant.
Oct 3 – Worked at patterns. Pleasant. Will Clarks birthday.[97] The Electric road is graded from Battle Creek to Kal-.
Oct 4 – Varnished some patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Towsley and Bert Warren are moving three old buildings off from Battle Creek street so as to put up a brick block for stores and a brick hotel. Frank York died to day.[98]
Oct 5 – Hile Loveland[99] blew his left hand to pieces this evening while trying to take a snap shot picture. Hank and Nancy’s 27th Wedding. Got the corn in the barn from the garden and husked it. Will Ridler dug 9½ bushels of potatoes for us. (Our share). Went to the Burg this evening.
Oct 6 – Took Lou and Mildred to the 5.22 A.M. train. They will visit at Mr Neumaiers until the noon train north on the G.R. & S.R.R. Then they will go home. Went to the Burg this evening. Ida gave me two plants for Nancy. Repaired the rye bin this P.M. Mice had made holes in it.
Oct 7 – 17 years.[100] Mr Elwood died to day.[101] Washed shop window. Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary at Cull Townes this even’g. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Harry Streator called to get me to make a model for him. First I have spoken to him in ten years.[102]
Oct 8 – Hannah and I went down to Marts this P.M. Frank York was buried at Maple Dale cemetery[103] this P.M.
Oct 9 – Puttied two of the shop windows. Harry Streator brought over drawings for his Mile board model. Chicago day. Big time in Chicago.[104]
Oct 10 – Washed the long window in the shop and did a little work on another. Drafted for H. D. Streators advertising Mile and Guide board model.
Oct 11 – Worked at the model to day. Saw Herbert Keith[105] over to Seal Strubles[106] to night. Will Ridler began husking corn in the east lot.
Oct 12 – Hannah wanted to go up to Frank McClarys this morning. We got as far as the Marhoff place and met Lillie so we came back home and she came down here. Herbert Keith [called] on us this A.M.
Oct 13 – 81°. Worked at H. D. Streators model. He called here this A.M. to see about it. Was on his way to Paw Paw. Are having warm weather but dry and dusty.
Oct 14 – 84°. Worked at model some. Went to the Burg this P.M. and again this evening. Quite warm.
Oct 15 – Pa’s 86th Birthday. He is quite smart working at something a good deal of the time. Hannah and I visited at George Milhams for the first together. I never was there before. Clara Owens and children were there also.
Oct 16 – 81°. Worked at the model for Harry Streater. Surprise party at Jim’s for Cora it is her birthday. The surprise party did not come off as Walter was very sick. Began raining just at night is pretty dry.
Oct 17 – Kal- Free Street Fair opened up to day. President McKinley was there an hour this evening. Rained all night (1 11/32”).
Oct 18 – Worked at core box for Rotary engine patterns. Gertrude and Hannah feel a little off toward each other these days.
Oct 19 – Rainy to day. Big crowd at Kal- street fair. Hannah went this P.M. Went after her this evening to the 6 oclock train. Worked a little at core boxes.
Oct 20 – Went to Kal- third street fair. Floral parade was fine. Saw Philion walk up his spiral tower on a 28” ball. Saw a Biograph[107] for the first time.
Oct 21 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Hannah to the 12.55 train. She and Ettie Tompkins went to Kal-. Went after her to the 6.17 train. Had an introduction to Mrs P H Whitford at Loises.
Oct 22 – Pleasant. Clara Owens and Mary Brott were here to day. Clara expects to go back to Cincinnati soon.
Oct 23 – Aaron Hogeboom and Cora Harris came here from Mr Ralphs this A.M. and staid until evening. They rode over to Lois’es with us will stay there to night. Harry Streator called in the shop a few minutes.
Oct 24 – Worked at the models for H. D. Streator. Pleasant. This has been a very nice month ahead of Sept.
Oct 25 – Finished H. D. Streators two models. Leone Ralph had a little girl baby this even’g but it was dead.[108] Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.
Oct 26 – Raked leaves to put around the pumps this A.M. Finished a core box this P.M. Etta Tompkins was over this P.M. Rainy. Miss Belle Jackson was here quite a while to have Hannah do some work for her. 2 years to day I set out the little elm east of the house.
Oct 27 – Ma is not well. Rainy. Worked at a core box to day. Harry Streator got his models this P.M. Fannie Read and Mother was here to see about sewing to day.
Oct 28 – Went to the Burg this A.M. after the clothes. Finished a core box this P.M. Mabel sewed to day. Ma is sick with bowel trouble.
Oct 29 – Pleasant this P.M. Lois and Dell came over this P.M. Ma feels a little better. Wrote to M. F. Lee.
Oct 30 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. Worked at the barn pump to get it so it would not freeze this winter. Cora Harris came down to walk home with Gertrude to night. Pleasant. Went up to Isaac Schrams and got his pipe wrenches.
Oct 31 – Worked at pump at the barn. Finished it so I hope it won’t freeze this winter. Halloween. Hannah and I went to the Burg.
Nov 1 – Went to the Burg this morning after Nancys grip. She sent it to the Burg but she went to Shelbyville. She came to Kal- from Chicago Monday night. Rainy this P.M.
Nov 2 – Cold wind to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. Gathered the cabbage to night. Spit snow some. Grandpa Keiths[109] 118th birthday.
Nov 3 – Snowed most all day is snowing this evening. Got the cabbage stumps in the barn (for feed) this morning before the snow covered them. Also pulled what few turnips we had. Carried the cabbage down cellar. Had 63 heads of our own raising and 24 bought.
Nov 4 – Pleasant is melting the snow. Went to the Burg this A.M. Bought a pair of gloves to drive in 50¢. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Mabel sewed here to day. Let Gertrude have 12# of pop corn.
Nov 5 – Pleasant snow has about disappeared. Mr and Mrs Blake called this P.M. We turned the stove around in the middle room to day.
Nov 6 – Pulled the red beets and one half of the sugar beets. Hannah and went Went to the Burg this A.M. to see Lois. Picked out four baskets of corn from what Will Ridler has husked to day for house use.
Nov 7 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Finished pulling the sugar beets. Took the house pump up but did not get it so it worked.
Nov 8 – Washed the sugar beets and put them down cellar 4 bushels of them. Weighed 204# grew on 448 square feet of ground. At the rate of most ten tons per acre. Will Ridler finish husking our share of the corn 123 baskets. C. Ford drew a load of wood this P.M.
Nov 9 – Worked at the well got the check valve so it held the water. Enclosed the well room.
Nov 10 – Worked at the well room and banking up the house. Helped Will Ridler get some of our corn stalks in the barn this P.M. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Lou and Nancy, Leone and Mildred. Rainy. Uncle Henry Crawford came here this P.M.
Nov 11 – Went to the Burg this morning after the girls baggage. Took Uncle Henry to the noon train. Lou and I went to the Burg this evening.
Nov 12 – Lois and Dell came over a little while this P.M. Dell and I went up on the hill south of school house to see how they had filled in the washout.
Nov 13 – Worked at banking up the house and fixing the cellar windows. Hannah and I went to the Burg this even’g.
Nov 14 – Rainy. Pa and Ma’s Fiftieth wedding anniversary. Dell, Lois, Charley and Clara Clark and children (Ethan, Edna and Howard), Nancy, Lou, Leone and Mildred, Cora Harris and Gertrude Ralph were here to celebrate. They had $22.50 in gold given them besides other presents. Went to the Burg three times.
Nov 15 – Took Lou and children to the 4.55 A.M. train but it went through just as we got to the station.
Nov 16 – Took Lou and children to the 4.55 A.M. train. She expects to be in Shelbyville at 8 A.M. Charley Ford drew two loads of wood this P.M. Ettie Tompkins was over this P.M. Went to the Burg this A.M.
Nov 17 – Charley Ford drew a load of wood this A.M. Rained a little this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening.
Nov 18 – Will Ridler finished drawing our corn fodder to day. Worked at the corn house trying to get the south west corner in better shape. Lois was over this P.M. Nancy went home with her. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Nancy came home with us.
Nov 19 – Nancy, Hannah and I went up to Ras Townes to day. I saw the first insect in wheat I ever saw. Lois and Dell went up to Charley Fords this P.M. Lois called here a few minutes.
Nov 20 – Worked at the corn house bracing up the S.W. corner. Took Nancy to the 12.55 P.M. train. She visits in Kal- this week. Mr Burk called this A.M.
Nov 21 – Worked at the corn house to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Lois was here all day.
Nov 22 – Gette Beckwith and Adam Cockburn were married this evening.[110] Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. Worked out to the corn house and barn. Ed Galusha made him a rack for his wagon here this P.M.
Nov 23 – Piled some wood C. Ford drew to day. Shelled some corn for a grist. Wrote to H. L. Keith. Colder.
Nov 24 – Cold east wind. Went to the Burg this evening. Nancy came up to Lois’es to night from Kal-. Shelled corn this morning to finish out for a grist.
Nov 25 – The Kal- Battle Creek Electric R.R. commenced plowing Battle Creek St for their track this P.M. I went to Howlandsburg to mill and from there to the forks in the road this side of Augusta then came down the Electric line. They have the rails laid almost to the culvert at the Burg. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening brought Nancy home with us.
Nov 26 – Lois and Dell came over this P.M. Nancy and I got the papers containing account of Pa’s and Ma’s Golden Wedding ready to send away. Will send one dozen. The Electric road men worked on West Main Street plowing and digging for the track.
Nov 27 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Nancy and Hannah up to Edwin Flanders this P.M. Went to the Burg after I got home. Went after the girls this evening. We did not get home until after eleven P.M. Electric road men are working on Main Street. 17 years to night went to the Lights O London at Kal.[111]
Nov 28 – Commenced making over the stable door. Lois was over all day sewing for Ina. Ettie Tompkins was over this P.M. Street R.R. men laid the track to day noon on the curve around the Cory block from Main to Battle Creek streets. Went to the Burg to see the new track. The first rails laid in the Burg were laid this P.M. on curve in fron[t] of Cory Block.
Nov 29 – Took Nancy to the 12.55 train. She goes to Kal- and takes the S.S. & M.S.R.R. for Chicago. Will be there about 9.30 P.M. My stomach is troubling me quite a good deal.
Nov 30 – Finished the stable door and hung it. Pleasant. Thanksgiving. Lois and Dell came over to dinner. Had “Robert rooster” for dinner. Mr Ralphs people took dinner at Willis’es.
Dec 1 – Worked at the barn (stable) door and put a few battens in the hen house. Went to the Burg drove across the Electric R.R. track on to Pearl St. the first time. Mabel Ralph sewed for Hannah to day as there was no school.
Dec 2 – Worked at a window frame for the hen house, got the glass puttied in and the window in the hen house. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.
Dec 3 – Mr Ralph brought us three fish this P.M. Harry Streator and Mother[112] called just before night. Harry shook hands with me he could not very well help doing it. M. F. Lee’s birthday. The electric road Co. sent a train loaded with tearails to the Burg on their track from Augusta brought them as far as the culvert east of town they cant cross the Pentral yet. That was the first train to the Burg.
Dec 4 – Went to the Burg. 27 years ago to night the wind blew 198 trees across the G.R.&G. track.
Dec 5 – 12°. Stormy snowed and blowed. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Worked in the shop a little.
Dec 6 – Helped around the house most of the time to day.
Dec 7 – Worked at drafting a shoe for an ice-boat for Fred Franklin part of the day. Went to the Burg just before night.
Dec 8 – Worked at the ice boat shoe pattern to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Pleasant. Electric road track is laid to John Schroders farm to night. Went up to Mr Schrams with his pipe tongs.
Dec 9 – Worked at ice-boat shoe pattern to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Hannah, Gertrude and Mabel. They went to a concert at M. E. Church (Colored troupe). Electric road is to the school house down to the center.
Dec 10 – Electric road is down to Gleasons to night. Mr and Mrs Galusha spent the evening here. Wrote to Jim.
Dec 11 – Finished writing to Jim this A.M. Went to the Burg this A.M. Rainy this evening.
Dec 12 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Shelled corn this P.M. Have four bushels shelled for a grist. Snowing.
Dec 13 – Quite a blustering day. Snowed some.
Dec 14 – Went to mill this A.M. Hannah and I went to the Masonic hall to a memorial meeting in Honor of the 100th Anniversary of the death of George Washington. George Washington died one hundred years age to day at 10.20.
Dec 15 – Took Hannah over to the Burg after dinner. Went after her at 9.30 P.M. She went to an entertainment at the Cong’l church.
Dec 16 – Went to the Burg this evening. Cleaned out the medicine cupboard and washed a lot of bottles. Gertrude did not sew to day. She and Ettie and Mabel went to Kal- to buy Christmas presents. Coldest day yet this winter.
Dec 17 – Warmer to day. No one here to day. Have been alone all day.
Dec 18 – Cleaned the kitchen stove pipe and stove also the front room stove pipe. Rainy. Made Mabel Ralph a coaster for the Christmas tree.
Dec 19 – Trimmed part of the apple tree top piled the brush and sawed the limbs into stove wood. Pleasant but cold. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Mr & Mrs Powers was here this A.M.
Dec 20 – Cleaned shop and got ready to go to work at my engine patterns. Lois was over this P.M. Pleasant with cold wind.
Dec 21 – Worked at my engine patterns. Have made another beginning. Hope I can finish them this time. Got an idea for a can opener. Very pleasant. Walter Ralph[113] came home from Sioux City last night on a visit. Mr Lind Earl took dinner here to day.
Dec 22 – Worked at the patterns. Very pleasant. Mrs Struble was over this A.M.
Dec 23 – Have not felt very well to day. Had the worst spell about breathing I ever had. Came on before I was through eating. Took Hannah to the noon train she went to Kal-. Went after her this evening. Went and saw Mr Knapps new gasoline engine this P.M.
Dec 24 – Claude and Edie came up to day. They came to Kal- last night. They brought us some presents from Hanks folks. Each of us an orange package each of candy and dates and me a Diary and a shaving brush, also a limb of Chincapin bush with nuts on Dr Boyer brought from Virginia. Claude and Edie gave us their Photos in a frame with some of his drawing on the paper. They went back to Kal this P.M. Snowing and blowing.
Dec 25 – Christmas. Blustering about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Neighborhood all went to Mr Wm Ralphs to a Xmas tree this evening. I got a fancy tin horn nice shiner cuff box. Cold and blustering with snow.
Dec 26 – Ma’s 78th birthday. Cold and blustering. Worked at patterns part of the day. Lind Whitmore was here all day and until 9 P.M. Hannah is making her a dress.
Dec 27 – Floyd and Laverne came on noon train. I went and met them. They brought me a neck scarf with chest protector.
Dec 28 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Floyd started to go but we met Willis and Walter on the crossway and they wanted him to go hunting with them so he went.
Dec 29 – Floyd walked over to the Burg this A.M. Began a letter to Nancy this evening.
Dec 30 – 5 below. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Lou and Mildred. Snowed quite hard this even’g. Colder.
Dec 31 – 1° above. Very cold and blustering. Geo Blake and wife was over this P.M. first time they have drove their black horse over here. This is the last day we can write 18 will be 1900 and something for one hundred years. It makes one think where they are. Another year gone and I am the same old penny. Wish I might be more prosperous.
Addresses:
H. L. Keith
870 Castro St.
Oakland, Cal.
Mary Skeels
68 Scribner St.
Grand Rapids
——-
[1] Galesburg, Michigan
[2] His half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner
[3] Marquis de Lafayette Lee, who went by the name of Mark. Mark was the son of Ezekial and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee and was Ethan’s paternal second cousin
[4] His sisters, Nancy (Keith) Brown & Louese (Keith) Harris, and Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown
[5] He was born January 20, 1851
[6] His brother-in-law, and Lois’ husband, Adelbert Skinner
[7] His paternal first cousin, Helen (Bradley) York
[8] His sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne
[9] His nephew, and Nancy’s son
[10] During the Spanish-American War
[11] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague. She died February 4, 1892 at the age of 87
[12] Charles Luke Keith Jr.
[13] Kalamazoo Telegraph, the local paper
[14] Kalamazoo, Michigan
[15] Nancy’s dog
[16] Samuel Boyer. He was boarding at D.D. & Louese Harris’ home
[17] Cora Harris was his sister Louese’s sister-in-law; Aaron Hogeboom was her boyfriend
[18] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague
[19] Neighbors, Olin & Cora (Ridler) Bera
[20] Nancy’s husband, Henry “Hank” Brown
[21] Nancy & Henry’s daughter, Bess Brown
[22] Michigan divorce records show that George H[enry] Ford filed for divorce from Ellen G[ertrude] Ford on February 11th on the grounds of desertion. The divorce was granted on March 18, 1899. They had married on December 24, 1896. In a letter dated February 25, 1897, Louese Harris wrote to Nancy Brown that: Cora & I concluded we had rather be in Ina’s shoes than Gertie’s now. Some one wrote to Jim Milham (he works for Meredith) that she left Henry because he would not take a bath
[23] Michigan death records show that Elizabeth (Mott) Carson died February 8, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg
[24] In his 1885 diary, Ethan wrote the following entry: Feb 2 – Went to the Burg this evening. Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. He stayed with Uncle Hiram & Aunt Kate and received treatments for his stomach problems from the doctor until May 1, 1885
[25] His half-brother, Henry Keith
[26] Grippe was an old-fashioned term for the flu
[27] Neighbor, William Ralph
[28] Thirza Stone was the aunt of William’s wife, Emeline (Stone) Ralph
[29] His neighbor, Isaac Schram
[30] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his sister Louese lived
[31] Henry & Nancy’s new home in Chicago
[32] Neighbor, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford
[33] Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford, neighbor and daughter-in-law of Adelia Ford
[34] George Blake
[35] Michigan death records show that Ormsby Mitchell died in Comstock, Michigan on February 27, 1899 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, also in Comstock
[36] Mary (Forbush) Blake
[37] Son of Adelia Ford and husband of Mate Ford
[38] Sarah (Crawford) Keith
[39] Louese’s daughter, LaVerne Harris
[40] John Frank Tomlinson. Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr., and John’s grandmother, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague, were siblings
[41] Neighbor, Hannah (Flint) Smith, the wife of Russel G. Smith
[42] His niece, Ina (Skinner) Holmes, the daughter of Del & Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner
[43] Ina’s husband, William Holmes
[44] Possibly his brother, James Keith
[45] Claude’s fiancée, Edith “Eda” Neumaier
[46] His mother’s brother
[47] His nephew, the son of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, by her first husband, Byron Clark
[48] His brother-in-law, husband of Louese; he was commonly referred to as Dee or D.D.
[49] Neighbors, twins Carrie and Charles Barber
[50] Charles Luke Keith Sr.
[51] His sister Louese’s daughter, Leone Harris
[52] His sister Louese’s daughter, Mildred Harris
[53] LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Mildred Harris
[54] Neighbor, Sarah (Chase) Galusha
[55] His half-brother, Henry L. Keith
[56] Elsie “Ettie” Ralph was a neighbor, the daughter of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph
[57] William F. McBeth
[58] See February 5th entry
[59] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”
[60] Neighbors, William & Clara (Evans) Caywood
[61] Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne. Ras was Hannah’s brother-in-law
[62] His paternal first cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham, who would have been 56 years old. She died at the age of 41 on September 22, 1884
[63] Neighbors, Mabel and Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders
[64] His maternal grandmother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts
[65] Erasmus’ brother, Cullen Towne
[66] Neighbor, William Ralph
[67] William Ralph’s daughter, Gertrude (Ralph) Ford. It appears Gertrude was divorced and living with her parents
[68] Michigan marriage records show that Luther Baker married Una Jacobs on June 28, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan
[69] His brother’s family, James & Cora (Meredith) Keith and daughter, Winifred Keith
[70] Edwin & Mary (Smith) Flanders and their daughter, Mabel Flanders
[71] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” Streator
[72] Gertrude’s sister, Mabel Ralph
[73] At one time Hannah went with Harry Streator. She really cared about him, but he was cocky and not much good. When Hannah was 17 years old, she was engaged to Eberle Underwood. One night when they went out on a date, Harry Streater followed them. He apparently then went back to Hannah’s house and spread a blanket on the Keith property and waited until they got home from their date. They didn’t know he was there, but the next morning she saw evidence where the grass had been flattened, and tufts of the blanket as well as tufts of grass had been pulled out
[74] George & Bess (Nelson) Milham, Clara (Milham) Owens and Lavinia Milham. George, Clara and Lavinia were Ethan’s cousins, the children of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham
[75] Jim & Cora’s son, Walter Keith
[76] Cotosuet was a mixture of cottonseed oil and beef suet produced by Swift & Company which was touted as a substitute for lard, and for butter in cooking, at a much lower price
[77] Michigan death records show that Horace Hobbs, age 42, died in Kalamazoo, Michigan from a ruptured appendix on July 20, 1899 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan
[78] From Wikipedia.com: Robert Green Ingersoll was an American writer and orator during the Golden Age of Free Thought, who campaigned in defense of agnosticism. He was nicknamed “The Great Agnostic”
[79] Presume this to be Isaac Schram’s wife, Olive (Atkinson) Schram
[80] The son of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph
[81] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon
[82] Ida Barber married Eugene Howe in 1882 and in 1884 they had twins, Carrie and Charles. However, the 1900 census shows Ida as a widow and she, Carrie and Charles BARBER were living with Ida’s father, Richard. Carrie & Charles are listed as Richard’s grandchildren. Ethan Keith’s diary entry of September 22, 1884 shows: Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day. He feels real bad about it
[83] Neighbor
[84] Florence Underwood
[85] His niece, Ina (Skinner) Holmes, and her daughters, Gertrude and Frances Holmes
[86] Harriet (Groat) Plank and her daughter, Mary (Plank) Skeels. The Plank family had been neighbors of the Keiths in Comstock, but on April 3, 1873, Ethan’s father, Luke, noted in his diary that they had left for Grand Rapids, Michigan
[87] Neighbor
[88] Ethan made several cryptic entries in his 1884 diary which seem to relate to the fact that he had been engaged to Helen “Nellie” Bristol, who went to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts on November 29, 1884 and on October 25, 1885 married Clarence Spencer
[89] Sisters, Harriet and Flora Elizabeth “Libbie” Taylor. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together
[90] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Amy (Bailey) Jackson died in Comstock on September 14, 1899 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[91] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier, Edith “Eda” (Neumaier) Brown’s mother
[92] Hannah’s husband
[93] Michigan marriage records confirm that Orra Bishop and Florence Underwood were married September 21, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan
[94] Ethan’s nephew, Charles Clark, and his wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark
[95] Martin Milham, the widower of Ethan’s cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham (see footnote to May 16th entry)
[96] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Mary (Schroder) Carson, age 30, died of pneumonia on September 29, 1899 and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[97] His nephew, William Clark. He turned 35
[98] Former neighbor. FindAGrave.com reveals that he died in Brady, Michigan and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. His obituary in the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph mentioned that he was 43 at the time of death from Bright’s disease (kidney disease) and had been a musician with the Ringling Brothers’ circus band
[99] Neighbor, Stephen Ahiel Loveland
[100] Believe this is another cryptic note about his failed romance with Nell Bristol. An entry in Ethan’s father Luke’s 1882 diary for October 7 mentioned that “Ethan and Nell went to Kalamazoo”
[101] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that James Elwood died in Comstock, Michigan on October 7, 1899 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, also in Comstock
[102] Harry Streater once bent Ethan backwards over a fence and even when Ethan begged him to let go, Harry held him down. Ethan had trouble with his back ever since. Perhaps this was why they hadn’t spoken in ten years
[103] He is actually buried in Maple Grove Cemetery
[104] President William McKinley visited Chicago on October 9, 1899, to lay the cornerstone for the Beaux Arts-styled building, which was completed in 1905. Every year on October 9, Chicago used to celebrate what it called “Chicago Day” which commemorated the Great Chicago Fire of 1871
[105] His cousin, John Herbert Keith
[106] Selem Struble was John Herbert Keith’s father-in-law
[107] An early form of motion-picture camera and projector combined
[108] The daughter of George & Leona (Ackley) Ralph; however, no record of birth/death was found
[109] Charles Luke Keith Sr.
[110] Michigan marriage records show that Gette Beckwith and Adam Coburn were married in Galesburg, Michigan on November 22, 1899
[111] From Wikipedia: The Lights o’ London was a melodramatic play by George R. Sims, first produced in London on 10 September 1881 at the Princess’s Theatre. The play was a hit, running for 226 nights, and was frequently revived thereafter. It also opened in New York at the Union Square Theatre in December 1881 and was revived twice on Broadway. The play was twice made into silent films, both titled Lights of London, in 1914 and 1923. The play was about Harold Armytage and Bess Marks who elope. Harold’s father is rich but after the elopement disowns him. Clifford Armytage, Harold’s scheming cousin, and Seth Preene, a friend of Harold’s father, frame innocent Harold for a crime so that Clifford will inherit the father’s money instead of Harold. Seth aids Clifford because he hopes that his daughter, Hetty (who declares “I hate poor people”), would then marry Clifford and become rich. Harold is convicted and sentenced to jail but escapes and is helped by an elderly couple to find Bess again. Meanwhile, Seth visits Hetty in London. She has become Clifford’s mistress. After Harold rescues Seth from drowning, Seth decides to confess his crime so Harold will receive his inheritance and Clifford will get the punishment he deserves.
[112] Laura (Rawson) Streator
[113] Son of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph
Scan of 1899 Diary of Ethan Keith
