Nancy Brown’s 1897 Diary

• 1897 DIARY OF NANCY BROWN

Nancy’s handwriting is extremely hard to read, especially names.

Feb 20 – Pedro party[1] here. Zella & Mr Deyo head pizes. Geo & Miss S_____ _____. Hannah[2] stayed with Mary Caywood all night.

Feb 21 – Ex President Harrison a girl baby.

Feb 22 – Hannah went to Jims[3] to day. Lela[4] went up to Pas.[5]

Feb 27 – This eve went to Mr Frenchs.

Mar 1 – Two weeks to day since we heard from Claude.[6] Never a week passed before without hearing from him.

Mar 4 – In Augeration day. Claude came home.

Mar 5 – I went to Pas.

Mar 6 – Pedro club at Mr Smiths.

Mar 8 – Came home from Pas.

Mar 9 – Hannah came here from Chicago.

Mar 10 – Hannah went to Lous.[7]

Mar 11 – Lela began going to Parsons Junior Colledge.

Mar 12 – Claude began working for C. Williams.

Mar 13 – Went to Mr Deyo to Pedro Club.

Mar 14 – Snowing & blowing.

Mar 15 – Cora & Winnifred[8] came this eving. Mrs Meredith[9] is sick.

Mar 16 – Cora went to Shelbyville[10] on 12-10 train. Mildred’s[11] birthday two years old.

Mar 17 – Hannah came from Shelbyville. We went to Faust saw Cora Cullen there.

Mar 18 – Hannah went to Union City.

Mar 19 – Clara & Georgia[12] came home from Covington. They went to George Milhams.[13] Lela went to Pas on 6-40 train.

Mar 20 – Jims house entered by burglers. Clara & Georgia came over to supper. We went to M Denyons to pedro club.

Mar 21 – H[14] & I went to church then to Mr Wynons. I went to Richland[?]

Mar 22 – 11 years to day Dexa & Jay[15] left the east for Shelbyville. To day she & the children leave G-[16] for California. Lela came from Pas. Hannah came from U–C–.[17] Fanny[18] very low. In left hand margin of the page was written in 211 E. Vine St 7 oclock morning. Don’t know what this was referring to.

Mar 23 – Girls went to Lilian Taylors to a party. Minnie Shaffer stayed here all night.

Mar 24 – Dexa & the children called this P.M. Hannah & I working on Lelas purple dress.

Mar 25 – Thursday. Got my black skirt & things for Lelas dress. Hannah went home on 6.40 train. H & I went to the Academy to see the Vitigraph.[19]

Mar 26 – Mrs Sawyer has a girl baby born this A.M. Mattie came up this p.m. John came & spent the evening. Rose stayed all night.

Mar 27 – Cora & Winifred went home. I went to the train to see them. Claude & Bessie[20] went to the Burg[21] to night. Claude got an offer from Teets of Chicago.

Mar 28 – A beautiful spring morning.

Mar 29 – Had a two weeks washing to day. Clara & Georgie came & stayed all night. ____ is feeling very bad. Claude came from Pas.

Mar 30 – Clara & George went away this p.m. Lela is home this week. Miss Parsons in Jackson.

Mar 31 – Made my white skirt. Windy but plesant. Hank got a new pair of shoes.

Apr 1 – Bessie came home from the Burg. Pedro party at Mr Fords. Loveland Orchestra there. We got home at 2 A.M.

Apr 2 – Mrs[22] Wagner here this p.m. He came to supper & stayed in the evening. Mrs Smith here in afternoon to have waist[23] fitted. Hannah came on 10 p.m. train.

Apr 3 – Hannah went to Union City this A.M. Mr Groves house burned to the ground. Bessie is sick. Dr came to see her. Mrs McKinney came with him brought sheet music.

Apr 4 – Began raining in the night – a nice steady warm rain.

Apr 5 – Yesterday we had a very hard hail storm & has rained all day to day. Sent pictures to Chicago.

Apr 6 – Mr Stearns elected mayor,[24] Mr Johnston supervisor, Mr Ford defeated.

Apr 7 – Claude called on Dr & Mrs Crane for the first time since they were married.

Apr 8 – Fannie came down here to lunch. Lela went home with her. Hard ___ail last night.

Apr 9 – Mrs Quail mother (Mrs Hall) died this morning. I went up to Pas to night.

Apr 10 – Mrs Halls funeral this morning. Fannie & Lela came. Fannie going to stay all the week.

Apr 11 – Plesant. Lela came home to day. Fannie came with her.

Apr 12 – I came home from Pas on 10-23 train. Cora began working for Hannah, the first since her mother died.

Apr 13 – I went to see Mrs McKinney to day. Hank & I were there to supper. We went to Unity Club in the evening.

Apr 14 – Fannie went down to Kate Imus this p.m. Hank & I went to the Easter supper at the church. He went to Masonic Banquet later. Mrs Kelly worked for us.

Apr 15 – Mrs Smith came over to have me trim her hat. Lela finished the sweet pea piece this evening.

Apr 16 – Good Friday. Holliday for H.A.[25] He has gone to Three Rivers this p.m. Claude & Lela spent the eve with Fannie & Nina Daken at Ninas house.

Apr 17 – Smiths, Fords & Denyons spent the evening here. Fannie Wilkins died yesterday about 4 p.m. Is to be buried Monday 3 p.m.

Apr 18 – Warm day very windy.

Apr 19 – H.A. and I went to T.B.H. this eve had a good lecture. Froze very hard last night mercury dropped 40°.

Apr 20 – Went to Robert McKinneys this p.m. Their baby is sick. Spent the evening with Jennine. She told me the Dr decision. Got my hat.

Apr 21 – Jay & Cora drove dont to day. H.A., Bernie & I went to hear “Shore Ashes.” Claude went to dance.

Apr 22 – Warm. No fire only in the kitchen.

Apr 23 – Raining this morning. Sowed our sweet peas this a.m. Party at Mr Moses. We went. They have sold or traded for a farm.

Apr 24 – Walter Austin was buried to day at the Burg.[26] Cora Harris[27] went to the Burg to day. Eunice Wanelros died to day in San Frisco.

Apr 25 – We went to church _____. Raining this a.m. Plesant this p.m.

Apr 26 – Cold wind but plesant. We went to science class this evening.

Apr 27 – Bright & plesant but cold. Wrote to Lou & Jim. Unity club met with Dr & Mrs Crane. We spent a delightful evening.

Apr 28 – Ethan came down. I went down town for him. Clara & Georgie came & stayed all night.

Apr 29 – Clara & George went away this P.M. Floyds[28] birthday 11 yrs. old.

Apr 30 – I spent the day with Jennie & Mariah. Lela stayed home cleaned cupbords &c &c.[29] Rained all day. Clara & Georgie went to Covington.

May 1 – Papered the kitchen and dining room to day. Ethan[30] came on his way home from Decator. Met Mr Ritter there. Rained all day.

May 2 – Rained all day. Ethan is here. The colored baby[?] died to day.

May 3 – Still raining. Ethan went home on 7-20 train this A.M.

May 4 – Rained all night, plesant to day. Jays birthday 14 yrs. old.[31] Hank & I went to Mr Smiths this eve. Cora Allen left Kalamazoo for the east.

May 5 – Very plesant. I went to see Mrs McKinney in their block on East Main St. H and I went to Mrs Wagners to supper & spent the evening. D 38 yrs old.

May 7 – Cora Harris came from the Burg this A.M.

May 8 – Mrs McKinney & Dr[32] here to supper. Cora Harris went home to night. Got a letter from Helen Walker telling of Eunices death, died the 24^th of April.

May 9 – Miss Murdock preached. Mrs Stone home from Washington.

May 10 – Mrs Bartlett Crane had a reception for Miss Murdock. We did not go. H A went to Augusta.

May 12 – I went to Womens Society. H A came to supper. Mrs Stone gave us a talk. Old Mrs Anton[?] died.

May 13 – I went to Matties[?] Mrs Rose Miller was there. I called on Mrs Michals[?] & daughter. Rained all the way home.

May 14 – Still raining. Lela stayed home. We cleaned the cellar.

May 15 – Cleaned Mothers[33] room to day. Thunder & hail storm this noon. Had a letter from Lou. Leone[34] is sick.

May 16 – I went to church then to Jennes she is failing. We went for a nice drive with Mr & Mrs Gilmer.

May 17 – Began cleaning Claude’s room. I went to Lous on 6-40 train. Leone sick.

May 18 – H.A. & Lela papered & settled Claudes room.

May 19 – Mama[35] came home to day, went to Galesburg. Inas baby born to day. I got there 7 P.M.

May 20 – Lela cleaned & papered their room to day. Ethan & Hannah came over to the play to night (at the Burg). They & Culls folks[36] run up to the ____ on ┼ way.

May 21 – H.A. closed his office yesterday. It was in last eve papers. Will Pendleton & Carrie Neu– married yesterday.[37]

May 22 – Lou baked & I sewed to day. Ethan came for me & I went over home & stayed all night. Ina & baby[38] doing nicely.

May 23 – At Pas to day. Dell[39] came for me this p.m.

May 24 – Lois[40] done a big washing. Ma spent the day at Loises. Maud Evens called there. I came home on 10 p.m. train.

May 25 – Mattie Hewitt came & spent the afternoon. John came in the evening. H.A. began canvassing for Claude yesterday.

May 26 – I cleaned my clothes ____ where ____. Lela & I went to Mrs Fords to see Zella.

May 27 – I went down town got ribbin & chiffon for Hannah, Lela a dress shirt. Bessie went to pic nic. Went thrugh paper mill. Claude to ____ ____ couple _____________________________.

May 28 – Planed our garden last night. Raining this a.m. planted corn & this morning. Got a letter from Hannah writing I should come & help with the sewing.

May 29 – Claude cleaned by bed room carpet. H.A. planted beans & radishes. I went to the Burg to help Hannah sew. Zella & Bennie went to Detroit last night.

May 30 – At Pas. Rained in the night. Windy to day.

May 31 – Claude came up here Saturday p.m. on wheel.[41] Went home to day. Harley Michals came last night stayed all night.

Jun 1 – Cora & Gertie went to Kala–[42] this p.m. ___ ___. Lela began in cooking school to day.

Jun 2 – Ethan brought me home. We got presents for Walter, Mable & Effie. Rained & Ethan stayed all night.

Jun 3 – H & I went to Mr Wagners to night. Saw a medium.[43] Fourteen there. Alex Radow Lulu married to night.[44] I put plants out to day.

Jun 4 – Plesant but cold. Mr & Mrs Denyons spent the evening here. She & I went over to Mr Howards to see bonfire.

Jun 6 – Raining. Claude went to Gull Lake on new path.

Jun 7 – Clara Clark[45] came on 10-52 train from the Burg. Came to the Burg Friday.

Jun 8 – Clara, Lela, Essie & I went to cooking school. Found it closed. Mrs Boyd was sent for on account of sickness.

Jun 9 – Clara went to Mrs Grays this p.m. Lela & I went over to Mrs McMahans. H.A. & Bess to merry go round. Lela got letter from Fannie.

Jun 10 – Clara went on 7-15 A.M. train to Burg. Goes home this p.m.

Jun 11 – Got a letter from Hannah wanting I should go & help her. Mrs Smith came home to night. Was sent for Bycicle parade this p.m.

Jun 12 – Lela & I went down town got me silk for a waist. I went to the Burg on 7-16 train p.m. Hank went up on his wheel.

Jun 13 – At Pas.

Jun 14 – Hank went home this A.M. left about four. Claude went to B.C.[46] yesterday on his wheel. Went back on 12-55 A.M. train.

Jun 15 – Hannah cut & fitted my waist. I came home on 10 p.m. train. Very hot yesterday & to day.

Jun 16 – Finished my waist. Will Holmes came home to day, the first he has seen his baby.[47]

Jun 17 – Hank & I went to G Rapids[48] left 8-30 got to Mrs Planks[49] 10-30 A.M.

Jun 18 – Took tea with Mary Plank Skeels.[50] Left for Lous about 7 p.m. Lous folks are in Jays house. Bessies school closes to day.

Jun 19 – D[51] went to Martin to ball game this p.m. H.A. helped Jay in the store. Floyd went fishing. We all spent the evening at Mr Merideths.[52]

Jun 20 – LaVerne, Leone[53] & I went over to the place.

Jun 21 – H.A. & I came home on 8-9 train this A.M. Mrs Boyd back again & Lela in cooking school.

Jun 22 – Dr Yonkerman[?] operated on Zama[54] this p.m.

Jun 24 – H.A. went to South Haven. Lois, Ina & baby here to day.

Jun 25 – H.A. & I went to a party at Tom Dispenetts to night. They have been married 7 years.[55] Fannie here to dinner & Supper.

Jun 27 – Lela & I went to church, last sermen before vacation.

Jun 28 – Sam Ketchum shot last night by his nephew at South Haven.[56]

Jun 29 – Lela & I went to cooking school. Mrs Boyd made salads & trifles. Bessie cut & made her red shirt waist.

Jun 30 – Sam Ketchums remains taken to Leonidas to day for burial. The Engraver from Chicago came yesterday.

Jul 1 – Hank is 47 to day. I went to Pas on 7-15 train p.m. Pa met me. Bess Mona went to cooking school.

Jul 2 – Ethan very bad with ivy poison. He, Hannah & Cora cleaned front part of house. Mona up here.

Jul 3 – Cora not here to day. We are cleaning. Very hot weather. Lou 38 yrs. old. Bess and Mona went to Lake View.

Jul 4 – Lois & Dell here a little while. Hank came on his wheel to ________.

Jul 5 – Hank went home this a.m. We cleaned & papered Mas room. Emma, Bess, Mine[?] went to Catholic Church Baptist Church.

Jul 6 – Ethan brought me home. Found Emma Harris here. Lela went back with him.

Jul 7 – Victor Gray kicked by a horse. Hank went to South Haven.

Jul 8 – Victor died this p.m.[57] Lela got left & stayed with Ina all night.

Jul 9 – I am 45 to day. Mrs Ford here this evening. Lela came this a.m.

Jul 10 – We done lots of sewing to day.

Jul 12 – Heavy rains east & up to the Burg. Rained some here. George Winans & Mrs Bentley married.

Jul 13 – Jay Wilson came over here. Harry Schroder & Alice Ives married.[58] I spent the day at Matties. Hank got a bushel cheries paid 150.

Jul 14 – Bess went to Jay Wilsons. We caned cheries. Ironed & worked hard all day. Mrs Caywood died this p.m.[59]

Jul 15 – Bess went to Jay Wilsons. Hank went to Holland. Claude got the girls a Croquet set to day.

Jul 16 – We have our first mess of string beans from our garden to day.

Jul 18 – H.A. & I went to Mr Wagners in the evening.

Jul 19 – I went on 11-55 A.M. train to Jackson. Hannah went with me from the Burg.

Jul 20 – Clara & I went down town got things for her dress & canvass for painting.

Jul 22 – Claude & Will Pendletons began camping at Long Lake.

Jul 23 – Hannah & I came home on 10-45 p.m. train. Ray & Perry[60] came to day.

Jul 24 – Mr Quail is clap boarding their house.

Jul 25 – Home all day. No one here.

Jul 26 – Bessie done the house work. Lela & I sewed all day made here a linen skirt &c. &c.

Jul 27 – Fannie here to dinner. Mrs Rogers called.

Jul 28 – Lela & Bessie went to Long Lake to stay a few days. Lou & all the children[61] came this p.m. Claude brought us some fish.

Jul 30 – Lela & Bessie came home from Lake to night.

Jul 31 – Ethan, Hannah, Hattie Tomlinson & children[62] here to dinner. Lou & children went home with Ethan & Hannah. Hattie & children went to Allegan.

Aug 2 – Monday morning. I went to Pas on 7-15 pm train. Ethan & Ina at the train

Aug 3 – Ethan took me to Loises is to help pack Inas goods. Hannah spent the day at Mrs Fords. I came home on 10 pm train.

Aug 4 – Lottie McMahan & Shirley Blaksley married to day in Chicago.

Aug 5 – Claude & Will “broke camp” to day. Came home.

Aug 6 – Claude came home sick. Had Dr two days. Cooking class served lunch at church to day. Hattie & children came from back from the north today.

Aug 7 – Claude in bed today. Hattie & children went to Bay City this pm. Mr & Mrs Dunbar to Detroit. Hannah came on 10 pm train.

Aug 8 – I dont feel very well. Hannah went home.

Aug 9 – Sick in bed. Had Dr said I had intermittan fever.

Aug 10 – Betty Wolf called this AM. Mrs Ford & Mr & Mrs Wagner this p.m.

Aug 12 – Bess and Mona went to the pioneer picnic to day at Long Lake. Ethan, Hannah & Laverne there. Cora Harris & Stella Bush[63] stayed here to night.

Aug 13 – Cora & Stella went home this noon. I have sit up some. Lela 19 years old to day. We gave her a Spatula.

Aug 14 – Am better. Mrs McKinney went to Grand Haven.

Aug 15 – Claude went to Richland.

Aug 16 – I sewed some to day. We made Lela’s pink apron.

Aug 17 – Laverne came home from Pas. Came up in a hack. Lila begun working for “Modes Casket Co this pm. Mrs Ford & Mrs Loveland here this eve.

Aug 18 – Pa, Ethan, Lois, Charley,[64] Edna[65] & Byron[66] here to dinner. Had picture taken of the 4 generations.

Four Generations

Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, Charles Clark, Edna Clark, Charles Luke Keith Jr.

Aug 19 – Lizzie & Ruth[67] came to day. Frank Crossfield brought them.

Aug 20 – Barnum & Bailees circus in town. Lou, Leone & Mildred came from Pas on 10 am train Hank, Bessie, Leone & Laverne went to circus. Lou & children went home to night.

Aug 21 – Lizzie & Ruth went to Augusta to night on 7-16 pm train.

Aug 22 – Hank worked for Tilly[?] to day.

Aug 23 – Lizzie, Ray[68] & Ruth came this evening. Mr & Mrs Wagner spent the evening here.

Aug 24 – Lizzie & children went home by way of S– Haven. Our girls went to “Aunt Stellas” to a luncheon.

Aug 25 – Ina moved to Chicago. Lois went with her. Edna Clark came as far as here with them. Hank is sick.

Aug 26 – Party at Anna Karsteads. Our girls went. Lela wore her new buff divinity.

Aug 27 – The girls gone to a picnic at Lake View. Complimentary to Adda Hayward & Edna.

Aug 28 – Edna went home to day. Mrs Hopkins here to spend the day. Bessie, Lela, Mona & Ermare[?] Harris going to “Uncle Toms Cabin.”

Aug 29 – Bessie is sick in bed.

Aug 30 – Bessie no better. I repotted the plants. Hank went to work this a.m.

Aug 31 – Bessie a little better to day. Lela got her a black brilintine[69] & a sash curtain for their window. It is very dry.

Sep 1 – 11 a.m. Hard rain all this a.m. Bessie about the same. Mr McEntyres moved to day cor Michigan Ave & Academy St.

Sep 2 – Plesant. Bessie better. Ethan & Uncle Robert[70] came about 11 a.m. George & Bessie were here a little while. Ethan went home about 4 p.m.

Sep 3 – Ver plesent. Mattie & Rose here to day. John came up in the evening.

Sep 4 – Uncle Robert left for Chicago 8-30 a.m.

Sep 5 – H.A. & I spent the day at Mr Wagners.

Sep 6 – “Luton day” Fords, Smiths & Browns went to Lake View.

Sep 7 – Caned 1 bu tomattoes. Pd 50 cts. Hot & dry.

Sep 8 – The heat is terrible. Lois came home from Chicago to day. Mrs Gum came up on her wheel this evening. Womens Society started to day. Mattie Hewett[?] resigned being Secretary.

Sep 9 – Very very hot. Claude had tooth out to day. Bessie went to Lous on 6.40 p.m. train. I went up to see Mr & Mrs Wagner a little while.

Sep 10 – Mr & Mrs Wagner left this a.m. for a northern trip. I caned 1 bu tomattoes. Jenine Bennett has six puppies. Laverne is 13 years old to day.

Sep 11 – I went to Pas this evening did not expect me but Ethan was over. The first I have seen Lois since she came from C– after getting Ina settled.

Sep 12 – At Pas. Hot & dry.

Sep 13 – At Pas. Ethan & Hannah gone down to Aunt Katies.[71] Hank came up on wheel about 4 p.m. Claude went to see Mrs Crane to talk about driving lessons.

Sep 14 – Hank started for Dowagiac on his wheel. Lela did not work. Is not very well. School began yesterday. We are to go from here. Bessie not well enough.

Sep 15 – Awful fearful terribly[?] hot. Baked bread, pies, cakes & ironed some. Clara & George came to stay a few days. Hank came home to night on the cars.

Sep 16 – Clara & I finished the ironing. Rained very hard.

Sep 17 – Clara bought 1 bu peaches for her self paid 1.50. I helped her can them. Cooler to day. Claude went to Pas in his wheel this p.m.

Sep 18 – Clara & Georgie went a way this p.m. Is quite cold in the house. Claude came home this a.m. He took some patterns to Hannah.

Sep 19 – Service began at our church. Methodist minister spoke.

Sep 20 – Very cool. Lela stayed with Essie last night. I went to see Jenine. She had a bad hemmorage this a.m. is very low.

Sep 21 – Mr Winters telephoned for Lela to help them. She went this afternoon. I am going to sit up with Jenine to night.

Sep 22 – Came home of first cars this a.m. Jenine is a little stronger.

Sep 23 – Made 1 bu of tomattoes up in catsup. Made 3 gallons garden salad.

Sep 24 – Went to Jenins. Helped the Dr dress Jenins cancer. It is a terrible thing. H & I took supper with Mattie. We spent the eve there. John goes to Detroit Sunday.

Sep 25 – Cooked a boiled dinner for Jenine. Ethan & Hannah drove to Lois stoped here a little while. I went to Pas this p.m. rode over with Mr Little.

Sep 26 – At Pas to day. Lois & Dell drove over in their new buggy.

Sep 27 – Walked over to the Burg. Came home on 1-35 train. Mary Milham Brott has a boy baby born this p.m.[72]

Sep 28 – Made cucumber & green tomattoes pickles. Hannah & Ethan came from Lous. Went away about 8. Dr Mrs McKinney & H– rode here. Lela bought skirt form.

Sep 29 – Lela & I went to hear Mr Dr Green at the church. The cooking class served lunch. I stayed. Took some Ice Cream & cake to Jenine.

Sep 30 – Very hot & dusty. I got the plants in to day. Lela saw Mr Chaple. He praised her work. I had a talk with Claude in his room.

Oct 1 – Went down town. Got magazins for Hannah and 2 sheets for us paid 20 pr yd. Lela & Mona to Essies.

Oct 2 – Ethan & Ma came while we were eating dinner. Mrs Wagner was here a little while. Mrs McKinney spent the afternoon.

Oct 3 – Claude & I went to church.

Oct 4 – I went down town to get samples for Mrs McKinney. Louis Dickenson & wife called while I was gone.

Oct 5 – Aunt Lou, Mildred & Bess came home to day. It is our 25^th wedding anniversary. Expected Pa but did not come.

Oct 6 – Lou & Mildred went home on 12-30 train. I have sick head ache. Rained some last night. Dr McCall married to Kate Henderson.[73]

Oct 7 – Pa came on 2-7 P.M. train. Bought five bushel potatoes paid .50 ___.

Oct 8 – Cool this a.m. I took Bessie to the Dr this p.m. Mrs McKinney & I drove[?] out to Mr Adams to hear from Miss Priest.

Oct 9 – Lela home to day. Finished her work at the Modes[?] yesterday. Got some new shades & sash curtains.

Oct 10 – Claude gone to church. He told me of his smash up.

Oct 11 – Began raining this fore noon. Rained hard all day.

Oct 12 – Street Fair opened 9 a.m. Very plesant. Pa, Bessie & Zama went up on the hill & saw the baloon assencion. Ma & I saw it from the house.

Oct 13 – Auntie[74] and Aunt Lotie[75] came to Street fair. Lois stayed here all night. Hannah with Mary Cousins. We all went to street fair. Big crowd in town. Floral parade beautiful.

Oct 14 – I went to the church & worked. Lela & Cora Harris came here to supper. Ethan came to the Fair to day. Fine weather all through the fair.

Oct 15 – Very warm. Fair closed this p.m. Has been a complete success with the exception of the disgraceful dance on east main.[76] Pa is 84 years old to day. He & Ma went to Lois.

Oct 16 – Cooler. Most tired to death. Clara & Georgia here this p.m. Will came to supper.

Oct 17 – Cora Harris went to the Peoples church.

Oct 18 – Bessie & Cora went to the Burg on 11-52 A.M. train. Warm & plesant. Jessie Crawford[77] is 25 to day.

Oct 19 – Hank & Claude took up carpet in girls room. I cleaned the room. Hank put carpet down this evening.

Oct 20 – Cleaned mothers room to day. Got a letter from Clara saying Will had stolen Georgia.

Oct 21 – Made our first pumpkin pies this fall.

Oct 22 – George Milham was here this A.M. I cleaned Claudes room. Am most tired to death. Claude had his mustash shaved off.

Oct 23 – Did not sleep much last night. Lela got mull curtains & brass rods for sitting room windows also dining room. Mr & Mrs Ford here this eve.

Oct 24 – Claude & Pendletons went nutting. I went riding with Mr & Mrs Ford.

Oct 25 – Very plesant. Ethan brought Bessie home. Got here to dinner. Ethan took the little Beach tree. I went home with him. Cora Harris here to night. Essie to tea.

Oct 26 – At Pas. Ethan set out the little tree this noon. Clara got Georgia last Saturday eve. He & Will were in Cincinnatti.

Oct 27 – Done some baking for Ethan & Hannah. Came home on 1-32 train. Bessie met me. We went to the Drs for her some medicine.

Oct 28 – I wrote to Ma this morning. She is at Lous. Bessie & Gertie Bennett gone nutting at Mountain Home this p.m. Bessie got nearly 1 bushel picken [pecan?] nuts.

Oct 29 – Claude came home about 2 A.M. sick in great distress. Had the Dr for him. Mrs (Bennett) Cole died yesterday.[78]

Oct 30 – Claude about the same. Bessie & some other girls worked & selebrated Hallowene. Has been a very plesant week. Lela got a raise of .50.

Oct 31 – Claude very bad last night. Had Dr 10 p.m.

Nov 1 – Claude better. Cold north wind a little rain. Began fixing over Lelas Purple dress. Old Mr Strang is to be buried tomorow[?] p.m.

Nov 2 – Plesant but cold. Claude is dressed this morning. Have made 8 qts grape juice for Bessie. Mr Snyder came to day to help Claude in office.

Nov 3 – Claude gone to work.  Bessie to spend the day with “[79] [Bessie] Milham.[80] I am fixing Lelas purple dress triming with braid &c. Hank & Lela both came home with sick head aches.

Nov 4 – Worked hard all day on Lelas dress did not quite finish it. Bertha Hurlburt called a few minites on her way home. She was with her wheel.

Nov 5 – Rainy. Bessie & I ironed.

Nov 6 – Plesant. Bessie had teeth aches all night & all day. Fannie called on Lela at Mr Chappels office.

Nov 7 – Claude went to church. A W Gould[?] spoke.

Nov 8 – Rained nearly all day. I cleaned cellar[?] way & part of kitchen. Bessie sick all day.

Nov 9 – We got the range in & up this a.m. Bessie better. Bought 1 cord wood 1 load kindlings. Essie stayed here all night. We finished cleaning kitchen.

Nov 10 – Bessie & I done a big ironing. Cleaned my bed room. Bess worked the “drainwork scarfs” for the first time.

Nov 11 – Bessie went to the dentists this a.m. Rainy all day. Took down pictures, cleaned them & the furniture. Claudes drawing class at the church began this evening.

Nov 12 – Mrs Kelley helped clean parlor, sitting room & Dining room. Mr & Mrs Wagner, Nel[?] & Lara[?], H.A. & I went to Mr Evens this eve. Claude & Lela went to Mr Neumeiers.

Nov 13 – Put up stove in sitting & ____ up stairs. Lela got a new hat for 3.50, new jacket for 19 ____. She went to Plainwell to night.

Nov 14 – Dr & Mrs McKinney here to dinner. Claude in B. Creek.

Nov 15 – Lela came home from Plainwell last evening Claude from B.C. Rained all day to day quite a fog too.

Nov 16 – Bessie went to Dr Banisters he was ill. I went down town took Lelas hat & exchanged it. Went up to Mrs Wagners she was sick in bed. H.A. & I went to Fords.

Nov 17 – Baked cherrie pies. Spent the day with Mrs Wagner. I picked me out a hat at Masons. Cora Harris went home yesterday. D _____cutin.

Nov 18 – I called on Mrs Willson & Mrs Rogers. Fords & Smiths here this eve. Bessie gone with Claude to drawing school.

Nov 19 – Baked &c. I am going up home to night to help Hannah. Lela got my hat tonight. John Blake died this 2 a.m.[81]

Nov 20 – At Pas. We sewed all day. Ethan has teeth ache & Neuralgia. Been sick all the week.

Nov 21 – Plesant.

Nov 22 – Hannah went to Mr Blakes funeral yesterday. To day we have baked chicken for diner. Cora Riddler here all night. She & I sleep in next bed room.

Nov 23 – I came home this a.m. brought lots of butter. H.A. & I invited to Mr Smith for Thanksgiving not going.

Nov 24 – Wednesday Bessie & I worked all day baking &c &c. Leslie Vaughn & Birdie Shields married this eve.[82]

Nov 25 – Thanksgiving. Our family all here also Mr & Mrs Wagner. Rained all day.

Nov 26 – Still raining. Bessie & I transplanted the violets.

Nov 27 – I fixed by black dress put epulets lined with green on shoulders. Bessie went to see the glass blowers this eve. Drew a bucket she saw them make.

Nov 28 – Claude & I went to church. I went over to Jenins.

Nov 29 – I stayed to Jenins came home on first car. Jenine died ten minutes of nine last eve. She had a terrible restless suffering day. Snowing & blowing this a.m.

Nov 30 – Bessie went to Dr Banisters. I feel tired & lame all over. Think it is from standing over Jenine. Mr & Mrs Denyens here this evening.

Dec 1 – Plesant. Jenine buried from the house. Funeral 2 p.m. Rev Delemanter assisted by Rev McLaughlin officiated. Burial at B.G. We spent evening at Mr Wagners.

Dec 2 – I went down to Jenins this a.m. They are breaking up. Gave me the picture I painted for her & her work basket. Mrs Hewitt here this p.m. John to supper. Rose has chicken pox.

Dec 3 – Plesant. Had postal from Ma. They are going to stay to Lous till after Xmas. Recd a letter from Hannah wanting I should go up home tomorrow.

Dec 4 – I went to the Burg on noon train. Staid with Lois the evening. Ethan came for me.

Dec 5 – At Pas.

Dec 6 – Hannah & Cora Riddler went up to “Tips.”[83] Ethan & I alone. Cleaned Mas room. Killed chickens &c &c.

Dec 7 – H- and C- got home just ten (10) a.m. I came home on 2 p.m. train. Lois came to see the Dr. She was here to supper.

Dec 8 – Bessie went to Dr Banisters this p.m. I went over to Mrs Quales a little while.

Dec 9 – I went down town this noon with Lela. We took in the town. I saw Eunice & Ras.[84]

Dec 10 – Bessie & I finished sewing. I spent the afternoon with Mrs Ford at the office. Begining raining yesterday still at it. Essie & Mona here this eve.

Dec 11 – Bessie & I home all day. Mrs Quale & Mona here this p.m.

Dec 12 – None of us went to church. Mr Chappell home from Washington.

Dec 13 – President McKinleys mother died yesterday morning. Bessie & I sewed all day.

Dec 14 – Rained all day.

Dec 15 – Very muddy. Fannie Chandler here to supper & spent the evening. She stayed with Nina D__ler to night. Jenine Bigelow stayed with Bessie all night

Dec 16 – Windy & cloudy. I telephoned to Lou yesterday for the first time. Fannie Chandler went to Chicago to enter the training school for nurses.

Dec 17 – Snowing. Lela & Bessie went to a party at Essie McEntyres. Claude to a dance at Armery[?].

Dec 18 – Still snowing I went down to Mrs McKinneys to see about a new cape for her. Mammie[?] wanted my help about it.

Dec 19 – 3^rd ____ ____ Peoples Church.

Dec 20 – Bessie & I sewed all day. H A & I spent last evening with Mr & Mrs Wagner. Will Way___ was there.

Dec 21 – Bessie & I worked at Xmas presents all day.

Dec 22 – I made Bessies Dressing S__gue.

Dec 23 – Began Lelas dressing S___gue. Cut out mine this eve.

Dec 24 – Mrs Quale brought her plants here. She has gone to B Creek. H.A. & I are going to Lous to spend Xmas.

Dec 25 – Xmas day the day that LaVerne and I came (Marian).[85]

Dec 26 – Ma is 76 to day. Uncle Hi 60.[86]

Dec 27 – The day Bess made candy. Bess, La Verne and Marian went to see the Xmas tree at the mission.[87]

Dec 28 – Pa, Ma, H.A. & I left Lous on the 3-5 p.m. train. Claude took Marian to her Uncles to night. Pa & Ma have been to Lous since Oct 15^th.

Dec 29 – Windy & thawing a little. Laverne here to have her teeth fixed.

Dec 30 – Pa & Laverne went home to day. Ethan met them at the train. Dr McKinney began treating Mas leg.

Dec 31 – Charles Meredith Keith born 5 p.m.[88] H.A. & I have New Years dinner at the American with Mr & Mrs Wagner, Evens &c T______. Claude at Doynes. The girls, Ma & Mother here at home. [On the reverse side she wrote: H.A. & Claude finished with Ihling ___ & Everhard. Friday 31^st Claude goes to Chicago Sunday night on 2 A.M. train to work for Imperial engraving Co. cor Adams & Clark Sts.]

——-

[1] Pedreaux (pronounced “peedro”) is an American trick-taking card game of the All Fours family. Developed in Denver, Colorado, in the 1880s, it was soon regarded as the most important member of the All Fours family although it went out of fashion with the rise of Auction Bridge

[2] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[3] Her brother, James Keith

[4] Her daughter, Lela Brown

[5] Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[6] Her son, Claude Brown

[7] Her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[8] Her brother Jim Keith’s wife, Cora (Meredith) Keith, and daughter, Winnifred Keith

[9] Cora’s mother, Malvina (Johnson) Meredith

[10] Shelbyville, Michigan, where her sister Lou’s family lived

[11] Her sister Lou’s youngest daughter, Mildred Harris

[12] The entries for both the 19^th and 20^th appear to read “Clara and Georgia,” however the entries for the 29^th and 30^th state Clara and Georgie and Clara and George, respectively. Clara and George would refer to Clara (Milham) Owens and her son, George Owens, who were Nancy’s cousin and cousin’s son

[13] Most likely the brother of Clara (Milham) Owens

[14] Her husband, Henry “Hank” Brown

[15] Dexa (Strait) & Jay Harris. Jay was the brother of Daniel D. Harris, Jr., Louese (Keith) Harris’ husband

[16] Galesburg, Michigan

[17] Union City, Michigan

[18] Hannah’s sister-in-law, Frances Towne

[19] Vitagraph was the trade-name for a moving-picture machine and was the most successful US film company, having been established in 1896 in New York. Its stars included Rudolph Valentino and Norma Talmadge. Vitagraph moved to Hollywood in 1911 and was bought by Warner Brothers in 1925

[20] Her son and daughter

[21] Galesburg, Michigan

[22] Looked like “Mrs” but then the next sentence says “he”

[23] The bodice of a dress, or a blouse

[24] Allan M. Stearns was mayor of Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1897 & 1898

[25] Her husband Henry’s nickname

[26] FindAGrave.com shows that Walter Austin died April 21, 1897 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[27] The sister of Daniel Harris, who was married to Nancy’s sister, Louese

[28] Her nephew, Floyd Harris

[29] Etc.

[30] Her brother, Ethan Keith

[31] Her nephew, Jay Harris; he died February 12, 1887 just a few months shy of his fourth birthday

[32] Neighbors, Mary Elizabeth (Stephenson) & Dr. Martin VanBuren McKinney

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

[34] Her niece, Leone Harris

[35] Her mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[36] Neighbors from Comstock, Michigan, Cullen & Sarah (Adams) Towne and children, Lena and Harold; Nancy’s sister Hannah was married to Cullen’s brother, Charles Towne

[37] Neighbors, William Pendleton & Carrie Neumaier. Carrie’s sister, Edith “Eda” Neumaier, was the future wife of Nancy’s son Claude

[38] Ina (Skinner) Holmes and her daughter Gertrude Holmes. Ina was the daughter of Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[39] Her half-sister Lois’ husband, Adelbert Skinner

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

[41] Believe this refers to a bicycle

[42] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[43] Both the Brown and Keith families, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[44] Michigan marriage records show that Alex Rudow and Lulu Miller were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on June 3, 1897. Divorce records show that Lulu filed for divorce due to non-support which was granted on January 21, 1899, and on October 1, 1899 Alex married Bessie Jarvis Bradley

[45] Clara (Youngs) Clark, the wife of Will Clark who was Nancy’s half-nephew

[46] Battle Creek, Michigan

[47] William Holmes was the husband of Ina Skinner, who was Nancy’s half-niece. Their baby, Gertrude Holmes, was born May 19, 1897

[48] Grand Rapids, Michigan

[49] Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Plank family had been neighbors of the Keith family in Comstock, Michigan, but had moved to Grand Rapids in 1873

[50] Harriet Plank’s daughter

[51] Her brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris Jr.

[52] Walter “Burton” Meredith, the father-in-law of Nancy’s brother, Jim Keith

[53] Her nieces, LaVerne and Leone Harris

[54] Their dog

[55] Michigan marriage records show that Thomas Dispenette married Flora Milham on June 25, 1897 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Flora was the daughter of Richard Milham who was the half-brother of Martin Milham, who was married to Nancy’s late cousin, Lucy Lee

[56] From the Saline, Michigan Observer, Thursday, July 8, 1897: “Fatal Shooting Results From a Joke:

Samuel Ketchum of Kalamazoo was shot by his nephew, Bertie Haines at South Haven and died in five minutes. The men were staying in a cottage owned by T.E. Thompson and had been playing jokes on one another, and someone was throwing water into the house. Samuel Ketchum laughingly remarked, “I will put on an old coat and don’t care whether I get wet or not.” Just as he stepped outside the house, the shot was fired, striking him in the shoulder and cutting an artery. He bled to death before help could arrive. Bertie Haines said he thought Ketchum was a tramp when he fired. The coroner’s jury rendered a verdict of accidental and unintentional shooting.” FindAGrave.com reveals he died on June 27, 1897 in South Haven, Michigan and is buried in Leonidas Cemetery in Leonidas, Michigan

[57] Michigan death records confirm that Victor Gray, age 9, was kicked by a horse and died on July 8, 1897 in Charleston, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[58] Michigan marriage records confirm that Harry Schroder and Alice Ives were married on July 13, 1897 in Comstock, Michigan

[59] FindAGrave.com shows that Maria (Eggelston) Caywood died in 1897 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[60] Hank’s nephews, Ray and Perry Brown

[61] LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Mildred Harris

[62] Harriet (Root) Tomlinson, and Irene and Agnes Tomlinson, the wife and children of Nancy’s cousin, John Frank Tomlinson

[63] Stella (Milham) Bush

[64] Lois’ son, Charles Clark

[65] Charles Clark’s daughter, Edna Clark

[66] Believe this is Lois’ son, and Charles’ brother, William Byron Clark

[67] Elizabeth (Ogden) and Ruth Brown, the wife and daughter of Nancy’s brother-in-law, Willis Brown

[68] Lizzie’s son, Ray Brown

[69] Brilliantine is a light lustrous fabric that is similar to alpaca and is woven usually with a cotton warp and mohair or worsted filling

[70] Robert Crawford, her mother’s brother

[71] Her father’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[72] Charles Brott. According to his death certificate, he was born with spina bifida and died November 5, 1897. Mary (Milham) Brott was Nancy’s cousin

[73] Michigan marriage records show that James McCall and Kate Henderson were married October 6, 1897 in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[74] Nickname for Hannah (Keith) Towne

[75] Nickname for Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[76] The following is a small clip from the 10-13-1897 edition of the Kalamazoo Telegraph: “But have you seen the houchee chuchee?” “No, where is it,” is the eager question, it may shock a good many people to learn that the real genuine article is in town. Such is the sad fact. … A great many good people visited the place and saw three homely girls go through their dance with varying emotions. The hoochie coochie is a catch-all term to describe several sexually provocative belly dance-like dances from the mid-to late 1800s

[77] Her maternal first cousin

[78] Lovinia (Hanson) Bennett Cole. Michigan death records confirm that she died October 28, 1897 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[79] The quotation mark was written on the line and space immediately below the word Bessie on the line directly above

[80] Bess (Nelson) Milham, the wife of George Milham (see footnote to March 19^th entry)

[81] Michigan death records confirm that John Blake died November 19, 1897 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[82] Michigan marriage records show that Milton (Leslie) Vaughn and Frances Shields were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 24, 1897

[83] Eunice (Wood) Towne. Eunice was Hank Brown’s cousin

[84] “Tip” & Erasmus Towne. Ras was the brother of Charles Towne, Hannah Keith’s future husband

[85] Written by Marian; however it is unknown who Marian is

[86] Nancy’s maternal uncle, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[87] Again written by Marian

[88] Her brother Jim’s son; however, all other records show his name to be Walter Charles Keith

Scan of 1897 Diary of Nancy Brown

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1891 Diary

• 1891 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

• The entries from January 1 through February 14 were first written in the back of his 1890 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1891 diary. Anything from 1890 that clarifies or adds to the 1891 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Nancy and the girls[2] came. [Nancy brot painting. Rainy day.] Lois[3] and Ida Barber[4] came over. Will and Lizzie Brown[5] here. Verry wet day. Not much taring around.

Jan 2 – Hannah[6] went over to Wm Blakes. Nancy and girls went home on Evening train.

Jan 3 – Went over to Burg[7] to mill took 4 bushels corn & rye for feed. Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 4 – Very fine day. No one here [but Sally,[8] myself and Ethan[9]]. Hannah down to Nancys.

Jan 5 – Took Hannah over to Ida Barbers. Gave Dick Lamkin my [ulster] overcoat. Not very cold snowed in afternoon. [Snows like fun[10] this Evening.] Ethan went over after Hannah in Evening.

Jan 6 – Hannah went to Mrs Howlets this morning. I worked in Barn and cornhouse and done the chores as usual.

Jan 7 – Mercury 3 Abz[11] fine day. Sarah[12] and I went down to Alvin Lees.[13] Mr Allerton[14] moving. He sold his farm to Mr Miller of Kalamazoo for a stock farm.

Jan 8 – 4 Abz nice day. Mr Allertons family left for their new home up north.

Jan 9 – Ethel Crosfield a visiting here this afternoon. Ed Harmon load wood [two cords] this afternoon.

Jan 10 – Home as usual all right. Nice warm day. Repaired wire fence.

Jan 11 – At home. No one here. No snow and first rate wheeling.

Jan 12 – 33 Abz. Washing. Some blustrous rather rough in Evening.

Jan 13 – Nice weather some cold north wind. Ed brot load wood [two cords]. Mrs R. G. Smith[15] came over.

Jan 14 – The two Hannahs went to Mr Mires this morning. I turned two knobs for Lois cupboard. Very fine day. All well. Hens making all the Eggs they can afford for 20 cts pr doz.

Jan 15 – Pleasant day. Woking on Lamkins wagon jack. Some wind. [Nice wheeling no snow.] Roads smooth as a floor.

Jan 16 – Pleasant. Worked on jack some. Ground [froze] hard as a rock rather hard on Horses they drive so like old split foot. [Rather hard on wheat.]

Jan 17 – Took Hannah over to Lois in the fore part of the day. Went over after her about 4 PM. Bot one Bushel potatoes paid one Dollar for them. [Will Clark[16] there.] Ethan took his mother[17] over to George Blakes in Evening. Mr Wood and wife there.

Jan 18 – At home all day. No one here. None of the Christians called to see if they could get Hannah to work for them two or three days in May or August.

Jan 19 – [Went to mill.] Jim[18] came home to day. I made a pounder. Will Clark came over stayed all night. Hannah went to John Blakes this morning.

Jan 20 – Mercury 30 Abz. Jim started for Chicago[19] on the 8.25 AM train.

Jan 21 – Will here. I went over to burg afternoon took over 8 doz Eggs 18 cts pr doz. Will went back home with me found Charley [Clark][20] there.

Jan 22 – Took Sarah over to Lois to quilting.

Jan 23 – Mended Dels[21] razor. Mr Woods folks called just at night. They went down to Mrs Streators[22] stayed all night. They are moving a part of the Alphadelphia Mansion[23] up to the burg for a foundry and machine shop. Fine weather.

Jan 24 – At work in shop some. Split some wood and various small jobs such as feed the hens and fetch in the Hogs and milk.

Jan 25 – Mr Woods folks came to day. [George] Blakes and [Harry] Wilsons folks came over in Evening also Ida Barber.

Jan 26 – Mr Woods folks here all had seance[24] in Evening. Charley Town[25] came over. Very nice pleasant weather.

Jan 27 – Very nice day. Mr Woods folks left for home. I took Hannah over to Ida Barbers in morning went and brot her home in Evening. She went up to Charley Ogdens this Evening.

Jan 28 – Mr Wilcox came and got Lamkins jack.

Jan 29 – Shelled corn for Bill and Fans[26] feed. Rainy day not very cold. Mrs Henry Clinton Buried to day.

Jan 30 – Went to mill [took 4 bushels corn and rye]. Fine day. Got this Diary to day. Lois brot it up from Kalamazoo. Will Clark sent it.

Jan 31 – Took 4 Doz Eggs over to Lois 16 cts pr doz. Nice day for a winter day nicest kind of wheeling.

Feb 1 – At home [all day. No one here.] Fine weather [no snow]. Lots folks out to church. I expect they went that way I did not go to see where they went.

Feb 2 – Mended Hannahs rule [put zinc on the end]. Hannah at home all day.

Feb 3 – Doing chores as usual. Not very cold some blustrous about two inches snow.

Feb 4 – Pretty cold wind some snow very cold night.

Feb 5 – Mercury 34 in Evening. Worked in shop [some on ax helve]. Ethan finished the moddle. Charley took it up to Culls[27] in Evening.

Feb 6 – Fixed the pounder. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood. Paid him $16 sixteen Dollars.

Feb 7 – Worked in shop some. Fine day [no snow]. Went over and got Lois.

Feb 8 – At home. All right. No one came to day.

Feb 9 – Went over to burg got half bushel potatoes 50 cts. Have got the poor House into town in front of Grove St.

Feb 10 – Worked in shop some [on ax helves]. Nice day. Charley Town went to Battle Creek with the moddle.

Feb 11 – Hannah went to Shelbyville.[28] She sent her clock up by town [home].

Feb 12 – Fine day. Put a new valve in pump at the barn. Went up to the saw mill.

Feb 13 – Took the old saddle to peaces. They got the poor House [the Alphadelphia Mansion][29] a cross the Rail Road to day. Admiral Porter died to day.[30]

Feb 14 – Warm day. Cleaned out the shop. The Grand Trunk Rail Road was surveyed a cross my farm to day [from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo]. Steaks set for the line. General W. T. Sherman died to day.[31]

Feb 15 – Not very cold rather nice day. Hannah up to Lous.[32] Lou some better.

Feb 16 – Very foggy all day. Surveyors no work to day. Charley Town started this Evening for Toronto Canada.[33]

Feb 17 – Moved the turning lathe to day. Very rainy day quite foggy in afternoon.

Feb 18 – Mercury 19 Abz. Worked in cornhouse sorted my corn and moved things around generally. Mr Randals[34] auction to day. Cold north east wind. Schroder and Olin drawing lumber down to the stock farm the J. T. Allerton[35] farm the Miller farm now.

Feb 19 – Went over to burg in afternoon. The Railroad surveyors out to day. Mr Randal and his new wife[36] drove in to enquire something about the title to his farm he has sold out. Rained and snowed in night.

Feb 20 – Rainy morning very sloppy rained most of the day. Bad day to be out not much teaming. Schroders team drawing lumber for Mr Miller at the stock farm west of the Keith farm on the river road.

Feb 21 – Pleasant day quite cool wind. Went over to the burg in morning after Lois. I shelled some corn for to make the jonny cake[37] and de mush and milk.[38]

Feb 22 – Home to day not go to church. Hannah up to Shelbyville. Sick with the grip. Nice day.

Feb 23 – Went over to burg just at night. Got a letter from Nancy said she was some better. Mrs Thomas Durkees remains was brot to the burg to day for interment.[39] Also Wesley Strubles. Fine day Mercury 50 at 2 P.M. The new barn was raised this afternoon on the Allerton farm. Filed saw for Mr Randal. Mr Frank Austin died to day.[40]

Feb 24 – Mercury 57 Abz just at night. Shelled corn. Rainy day high wind very much like April weather. Ethan went over to the office no mail. No had the cutter out yet this winter.

Feb 25 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Rather cold wind. Mr Dick Barber and Charley came over here. Mr Frank Austin was buried to day.

Feb 26 – Cold snowey day. D. Harris[41] here to dinner. Wm Ralph[42] called here to see Dee. I worked in shop some. Cul Town went to Allegan with load of goods for Mr Rodney Addams.

Feb 27 – Cold windy day. Took 5½ bushels corn and rye to mill. Hannah came home from Shelbyville. Nancy came home with her. Snowed in the night.

Feb 28 – About 5 inches snow this morning rather blustrous cold wind with sunshine. Not doing much to day.

Mar 1 – Mercury 12 Blow zero. At home. Hannah and Nancy here. Lois and Ina[43] came over. Lizzie Brown came down in afternoon.

Mar 2 – Mercury 15 Ab zero. Went over and got Lois. She came over to help Hannah tye some comforters. Mr Randal moving to day. Not very cold some snow.

Mar 3 – Nancy went over to Lois at noon. She goes home on the Evening train. Snow all day. Mr Randal moving some more things to day.

Mar 4 – At work in shop. Some cold wind. Mr Randal left for his new home.

Mar 5 – Cold wind. Work around house and shop some. Logs and wood being hawled to the burg and mill.

Mar 6 – Very blustrous snowed and blowed all day. Went over to burg got the mail and steak beef.

Mar 7 – Went up to Herb Earls[44] got some turnips. Elva, Luella & her brother came down in Evening.

Mar 8 – Rain some this morning. No one here to day after Hannah. Cool wind.

Mar 9 – Worked in shop some. Snow most all gone some. Logs and wood going to the burg.

Mar 10 – Hannah went over to R. G. Smiths this morning to make a dress for Mrs Smith. Mercury up in the forties. Martin Milham[45] called in awhile about noon.

Mar 11 – Worked in shop cut out some ax helves. Charley Town got home to day from Canada and York state, Ohio and various other towns. Rained afternoon and Evening.

Mar 12 – Worked some in shop. Not very cold. George Milham[46] got his stone boat[47] plank.

Mar 13 – Worked in shop all day. Cold windy day. Hard going not much going on here.

Mar 14 – Cold blustring day snowed and blowed all day. Not do much but chores. Hannah working for Mrs Emily Commings. Some sleighing.

Mar 15 – At home. Cold wind some blustrous bad day for the Tristians to get to church.

Mar 16 – Some wind not very cold. Went over to burg in afternoon. Ina came home with me stayed all night. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on the 9.15 train Evening. Hannah went to Mrs McNaughtons this morning.

Mar 17 – Mercury 24 at six A.M. cold south west wind. Chored around worked in shop some. Went over to burg in Evening after Ethan he not come. Mercury 42 in Evening. Dr. Wm Sprague of Pavilion Wyoming Co. N.Y. buried to day.[48]

Mar 18 – Mercury 37 in morning. Washing day. Ethan came on noon train. Some wind no snow. Hannah sewing at the burg this week. Very much mud now days.

Mar 19 – Cold south west wind. Made helve for the splitting ax. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Mar 20 – At home choring around as usual. Not much work.

Mar 21 – Working around house and shop. Ethan not doing much in shop. Some muddy cold wind.

Mar 22 – Jesse Earl[49] came down awhile in afternoon. Frank Crossfield[50] and cousin came down in Evening. Mrs Wesley Merryman died this morning.[51]

Mar 23 – Went over to burg at noon got Lois satchel for Ethan. He is going to Kalamazoo to help Hanks folks[52] move.

Mar 24 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths this morning. Took over seven doz eggs to Skinner[53] 15 cts pr doz. Got some hay of Charley Town. Ina came over stayed all night. Mr Stephen Comfort of Jamestown N.Y. died this morning Ae. 84 years.[54]

Mar 25 – Took corn and rye to mill. Ina came over stayed all night. Went down to Mr Simmons. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood.

Mar 26 – Washing in fore noon. Mary An Oscar[55] came this forenoon. I took her over to the 2 oclock train. Ethan came home on the six oclock train. I went over after Hannah. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood.

Mar 27 – All right. Choring around as usual. I went down to Mr Simmons to see about the dray.

Mar 28 – Not much work to day. Not verry well. Ethan making patterns.

Mar 29 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts. Nice day.

Mar 30 – Mr Simmons brot twenty five hundered and seventy bbls hay. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood. Rained hard.

Mar 31 – Some ledle rainy day. I went up to Schrams to see about getting some seed potatoes.

Apr 1 – Rainy day not do much to day. Worked in shop some. Ethan work on patterns. Hannah home sick not go up to Sates to work.

Apr 2 – Hannah up to Sates to day. Worked in shop some. I. D. L. Schram[56] here a while to day. Snowed some.

Apr 3 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Some snow to day cold wind. Made button hook for Bes. Turned one for Lelah.[57]

Apr 4 – Made handle to Hannahs button hook.

Apr 5 – Went up to Herbs in morning then went over to Bennet House[58] after Ed and Mage Allen. They came over and stayed all day. Edwin Flanders sick.

Apr 6 – Snow two inches deep this morning. Went over to town meeting in afternoon saw Robert Jickling and Walter Huntington.

Apr 7 – Ethan took Hanah over to Ripley Commings in morning she did not stay. Henry Crawford[59] came stayed all night. Nice day.

Apr 8 – Went over to burg in morning after Lois. Ed and Madge came over. Henry left for home[60] on the one twenty train. Ethan took Lois and Ed over in Evening. Very dark.

Apr 9 – Wating on the grip. Not do something.

Apr 10 – Tending to the grip. Quite damp. Rained some in the night.

Apr 11 – Looks stormy cool wind.

No entries from April 12 to 25 and then sporadically until September 14

Apr 26 – G. A. Lockhart Died this morning.[61] Edwin Flanders and wife[62] called here in afternoon. Elva and Lizzie, Will Owens and Cllara Milham.[63]

Apr 28 – Mr Lockhart buried to day.

May 12 – Paid Beckwith and Wells Bills.

May 16 – Will Brown took some wheat to mill. Verry dry.

May 18 – Big fire in Perry Wyoming County NY.

May 19 – Will Brown got out manure in forenoon.

May 20 – Will got out manure in afternoon. Mrs Geo Blake came over. Had a shower. Mr Earl and Mrs called to see Hannah. Rained in the night.

May 23 – Mrs Isaac Clark died to day.[64]

May 25 – Mrs Clark buried to day. Will Brown plowed the potatoe ground. Mrs A. B. Sumner Buried to day.[65]

May 26 – D came this Evening stayed all night.

May 27 – D went home on the one thirty five pm train. Got some potatoes of Schram $10. Paid Edwin Flanders ten Dollars.

Jun 3 – Lou went home on the one thirty five pm train. Paid Doc McBeth $2.00 two Dollars at the Depo at Galesburg.

Jun 4 – Received two barrels potatoes from Shelbyville. A cold day for June.

Jun 10 – Jim and Cory wer married to day.[66] Verry nice day. Dell, Lois, Ethan, Hannah and Charley, Nancy and the girls went to the wedding. Took some wheat to mill.

Jun 12 – Will Clark came over this afternoon. Pleasant day.

Jun 20 – Clara Clark[67] came to day.

Jun 21 – Sarah and I went down to Nancys.

Jun 22 – Jim and Cora started for Chicago. Came to Hanks. Took the 3 oclock train for South Haven. Mrs Kellog killd her self to night.[68]

Jun 23 – Ed Allen came to Hanks in fore noon. We started for home about one PM. Bot oil stove $1.80 one pr shoes $2.00 one pail .30.

Jun 24 – Lois came over stayed all day. Verry hot.

Jun 25 – Took Clara over to burg this morning. Clara and Lois went to Kalamazoo. Got my watch at Wilsons charges $1.00.

Jul 4 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo to day.

Jul 5 – Doctor Motram,[69] old Mrs Schroder[70] and Al Mot[71] wer all buried to day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Hannah.

Jul 6 – George Addams died to day.[72]

Jul 7 – The Binder went up to I. D. L. Schrams this afternoon.

Jul 11 – Bes went home to day. Ina came home. McCormic and his Experts from Chicago came to see the Binder work.

Jul 12 – Charley finished cutting Schrams wheat.

Jul 13 – Went to mill to day took wheat and corn and rye. Lost the umbrella. Got my small hand ax tempered. Had a big wind and rain storm.

Aug 7 – Took Bag wheat to mill one bushel corn.

Aug 8 – Went to mill took bag of wheat one bushel corn. Very hot and dry.

Aug 9 – Had a little rain just at night.

Aug 12 – Went to Kalamazoo with Nancy and Lela stayed all night.

Aug 13 – Came home. Lelah came back with me.

Aug 14 – Mr Sallmon from Ackron Ohio came here to see the Binder work. Was here to tea. Doctor Rogers of Scots came here he sayed to tea. Charley went up to Culls. Hannah went to Erastus Towns.[73] Had a thunder shower in afternoon.

Aug 15 – Clara Milham came up in forenoon stayed to dinner.

Aug 17 – Sarah and I went to Shelbyville to day. Found Lou some better.

Aug 31 – Cora came to Kalamazoo on the Chicago Express 7 PM.

Sep 1 – Left Shelby for Kalamazoo. Stayed to Nancys all night. Found Cora there. She went to Shelbyville on the 7 PM train.

Sep 2 – At Nancys all day. Warm day.

Sep 3 – Got home just at night.

Sep 14 – Went up to Scots to day after medicin for Hannah and myself. Lois went with me.

Sep 15 – Hannah went to Union Citty to day.

Sep 16 – The plums came to day from Perry[74] all right. Very warm mercury 92. Clearing out the upper part of the buggy house.

Sep 17 – Went over to burg in morning got shugar, tea and coffee. Clara Milham and Will Owens wer married this morning before breakfast.[75] Ethan cutting corn.

Sep 18 – Went over to George Blakes stayed all day. Very hot rained quite hard when we came home.

Sep 19 – Lois and I went to Kalamazoo went to Nancys saw Mrs Owens. Stayed all day.

Sep 20 – Very warm day. At home all day. No one here.

Sep 21 – Went over to the 1.30 PM train after Hannah.[76] She came from Union Citty. Very hot mercury up in the ninetys now days.

Sep 22 – Hannah went up to Flanders. E Hopkins brot the hubs and spokes for his wheel Barrow wheels. Ras and Tip[77] came down this Evening to see Hannah.

Sep 23 – Turned out Hubs for Hopkins wheels. Very hot is getting dry a gain a good shower would help wheat and grass cowcumbers and young pigs. R.G. called in a while. He had been up to Mr Halls to make his will. Mercury 93 in shade.

Sep 24 – Worked on Hopkins wheels. Put spokes into one hub.

Sep 25 – Morticed one hub got out some spokes. R.G. came over in Evening. Fullerton Chesebrow and Jo Neff working at the school house building, wood house and privy.

Sep 26 – Went over to burg got some mortor of Mr. D. Vose for Hannah. Ethan and Hannah worked over to the house all day. Very warm and dry.

Sep 27 – At home. Mercury 95 in shade at 2 PM. Mr Crosfield came down a while towards night.

Sep 28 – Finished Hopkins whees. Put spokes in one hub. Fullrton Chesebrow and Jo Neff worked for Hannah cut door way between setting and parlor.

Sep 29 – Went up to I.D.L. Schrams got some peaches. Schrams folks went up to Mr Swaddles to Mr Swaddles birth day party. He was 80 years old.[78]

Sep 30 – Some cooler. Lois here to day. She came over to help Hannah. I put the top on my violin to day put in a new bass bar and filled in the Belly in the center.

Oct 1 – Put the finger board on the old Fiddlein and strung it up. Ethan, Hannah and Lois working over to the Town House. Nice hot weather.

Oct 2 – Moved Hannahs things over to the Town House. Ras brung down three bags taturze. Ras, Cull and Charley Scott[79] cutting C. D. Towns corn.

Oct 3 – I dug some potatoes. Carried Hannahs sewing machine over to the Town House. Ras and Charley came down and cut and picked corn. Drew one load down. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo this afternoon noon. Very hot and dry. They stayed all night.

Oct 4 – At home. No one here. Nice warm day. Ethan and Hannah came home.

Oct 5 – Went up to Culs got straw to put in beds. Went over to burg after Lois. Went up to Jesse Earls got some tomatoes.

Oct 6 – Set some glass over to the Town House. Nice day mercury 44.

Oct 7 – Went over to burg in the morning got shugar, flour, salt, tea and coffee. Went to Kalamazoo took Nancy home. Stayed all night. Lizzie and children[80] wer there.

Oct 8 – At Nancys. Some frost. C. D. Towne came home. Spect they layed together all night mabby.

Oct 9 – Filed two saws for E. P. Flanders. Drew in the pumpkins. Ethan dug some potatoes. Ras and Charley Scott Town plowing for C. D. Towne.

Oct 10 – Lou and Cora came to day. Nice weather for this season of the year. Worked in shop some.

Oct 11 – All at home. Lois came over. Ras and Culs folks all down to Charleys. Jesse Earl called here a while.

Oct 12 – All hands went over to Charleys to tea. I went over and got Lois. Turned rooling pin for Cora.

Oct 13 – Mercury 38 in morning. Put handle on Lous pairing knife. Made cloths stick for Cora. Lou and Cora went over to Lois in afternoon and stay the night. Charley shipped a lot of hogs to day.

Oct 14 – Took Sarah over to Lois. Went down to Mr Ralphs with Lou. Lou and Cora left for home on the one twenty seven P.M. train. Rained some in the afternoon. Hopkins got his wheels.

Oct 15 – Chored around the house and barn all day. Some nice day pleasant and cool. I am 78 years old to day. Had ten chickens born to day.

Oct 16 – Pulled the beans and fixed the coop for the hen and chickens. Very fine pleasant day. Ethan husked sweet corn and popcorn.

Oct 17 – Working round as usual. Cleaned out the buggy house overhead. Picked up some potatoes. Ethan finished diging and husked the sweet corn. Some letle rainy wet, &c.[81]

Oct 18 – Nice day. At home all day. Charley and Hannah came over just at night.

Oct 19 – Worked around the yard and garden. Put straw and weeds on the bean stack. Picked up all the old crocks and bottles around yard put them into the glory hole.[82] Charley thrashed his rye and oats to day.

Oct 20 – Worked around hous and garden. Will Johnson took his Engine and separator away to day. Hannah bot cow of Mr James Little to day paid thirty dollars.

Oct 21 – We drew in six loads corn and husked some. Very fine day. Mr Little moved to Galesburg to day.

Oct 22 – Repaired cornhouse in forenoon. Husked corn in afternoon. Hank came up on the six oclock train. Nice day pleasant and dry. Alvin Lee called in a few minutes at noon.

Oct 23 – Husked corn all day. Hank went home on the one oclock P.M train. Two strangers drove in at noon wanted to know if they could drive up threw my lot to the woods. They wanted to see if they see any rabbits. Fine weather for October.

Oct 24 – Husked corn in forenoon finished drawing in in afternoon. Clared the lot. Very fine day sprinkled some about one oclock P.M.

Oct 25 – At home. Put over in Charleys lot with his cow. They got into his cornfield. Was out all night. We not find them. Charley and Hannah went up to Tip Towns.

Oct 26 – Helped some about washing. Got some medicine of Dr C. H Walker of Kalamazoo. Ethan husked corn.

Oct 27 – Worked in shop on Will Caywoods squair. Very nice weather. Ethan husking.

Oct 28 – Worked on Caywoods square. Pleasant and dry. Wheat wants a little more rain looks very well considering the chance it has no frost yet to speak of.

Oct 29 – Finished Caywoods square. Finished husking. Went over to Hannahs to supper. Mrs John Powers and Mrs Dewey wer there to day. Very nice warm day mercury 42 in the morning.

Oct 30 – Thrashed and cleaned up the beans gathered the walnuts and dug out the corn stibble in the garden. Warm Indian summer weather mercury 53 in shade rained in the night.

Oct 31 – Mercury 59 at noon. Churned and done varias things. Nice weather rained in morning strong south west wind all day. Charley John horse sick in afternoon.

Nov 1 – At home all day. Pleasant some wind. Will Caywood got his squair in the Evening of the first day.

Nov 2 – Fixed the cellar windows. Shiny day. Put some shingles on the buggy house. Cull commenced drilling Charley rye. Mercury 22 in the morning. This is Fathers[83] 100 and 7^th Birth day.

Nov 3 – Prepared feed to grind. Shelled corn and put up corn, oats and rye. There was a big fire in the burg in the night. Two drug stores burned Burdicks and Browns.

Nov 4 – Went to mill got corn, rye and oats ground for Bill and Fan. C. D. Towne went to Fiting[?] creek to day.

Nov 5 – Chored round house and barn. Got some walnuts. Ethan put the cabbage in cellar. Cool wind mercury 27 in morning.

Nov 6 – Mercury 27. Burned some brush and other rubbish on the hill. Eva Blake came over. Charley and Hannah went up to Rass.

Nov 7 – Went to Kalamazoo to Nancys. Fine day. Got there about dark stayed all night. Rained some in the night.

Nov 8 – At Hanks. Rained all day not go out much. Lost my whissle that Ancel Lee[84] gave me.

Nov 9 – At Hanks. No get out. Rained all day and all night.

Nov 10 – At Hanks. Rained all day and all night. Went up town in the morning with Lelah and Bes to ge them some rubbers. Madge Allen came just dark to see if Nancy could down to Mr Shafers in the morning to see her mother who is sick.

Nov 11 – Left Hanks about nine oclock for home. Rained all the way home got some wet not much.

Nov 12 – No rain to day. Ed Harmon brot load wood. Went up in the woods. Found things all right.

Nov 13 – Went over to burg in morning bot some flour and soup bone. Ed Harmon bot load hard wood. I bot one sack graham flour one violin E string.

Nov 14 – Chored around house some. Went up to Culls got crosscut saw. We not any. Ethan making ironing board. Snowed some in Evening.

Nov 15 – At home all day. Rainy day. Jesse Earl came down just at night.

Nov 16 – Washed and chored around all day. Some stormy night. Ethan and I sawed up the tree into wood for to burn in de stove sah. Some snow in the night.

Nov 17 – Stormy day. Not very much work done here. Sawed out stuf fore streight Edge and yard stick.

Nov 18 – Fixed up chicken coop for the young chickens.

Nov 19 – Went down to Marts to mill got feed ground. Ed Harmon brot load wood just at night. Rained when he came. Shelled corn to take to mill. Cool and damp day.

Nov 20 – Went down to Marts to mill. Rather cold wind from the south west rained most of the night.

Nov 21 – Rainy morning mercury 52. Went over to the burg in morning after Lois. Banked up the well house and back stoop. Hannah and Charley came over in afternoon. Etta Ralph and Cory Harris[85] called here just at night.

Nov 22 – Mercury 52. At home all day. Rainy. I churned most of the day. Charles and Hanah went up to Culs.

Nov 23 – Done not much but chores. Some rainy day in afternoon. Ethan finished the ironing board and repaired Inas chair and helped Hannah wash.

Nov 24 – Mercury 29. Fixed up the well at the house and the one at the barn. Some cold day quite a strong wind.

Nov 25 – Mercury 29 in the morning snowed some in fore noon. Went over to burg at noon took dinner with Dell and Lois. Went after the mail just at night. Ed Harmon brot fifteen bushels wheat from E. P. Flanders.

Nov 26 – Lelah and Bess came came up to Thanksgiving. Nice day some stormy. Tin pedler came and bot old plow.

Nov 27 – Nancy came to day. Snowed and blowd. Took the folks over to Hannahs at noon on the sleigh. First sleigh ride of the seson. Snowed all day some not very hard as the saying is.

Nov 28 – Nancy and girls here all day. They went home on the Evening accomodation. Cold Evening. Ethan took Nancy over to the train. The girls went over with Charley.

Nov 29 – At home all day. Nice day. Some sleighs running. Charley and Hannah went down to Mr Peas at Comstock. Mercury 7 Above zero at 7.30 AM.

Nov 30 – At home working around doing chores. Went up in woods with sleigh. Drew down a short log.

Dec 1 – Worked in shop some and tinkered around. Went over and got Charleys ax and helve.

Dec 2 – Nice day. Hung ax for Charley. Went over to Hannahs churned a while. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on noon train. Mercury 44 in Evening.

Dec 3 – Mercury 46 in morning. Churned at home in the morning. Went over to Charleys in morning cleaned up some rye. Got ½ bushel to grind. Went over and churned for Hannah after dinner. Lois there to day sewing. Quite a strong south west wind all day and Evening.

Dec 4 – Cold south west wind. Pulled turnips and put them in the cellar.

Dec 5 – Not verry well. Not do much to day. Ethan splitting wood up in the woods. Some cold wind. Ed Harmon brot one load wood. Ethan broke two mawls.[86]

Dec 6 – Mercury 27 Abz. At home all day. Very snowey day snowed all day cold north East wind.

Dec 7 – Cold blutering day. Some sleighs running not very good sleighing. Made mawl for C. D. Town.

Dec 8 – Made me silf a mawl sor be gabers. Hannah got the red bed spread to put up between the setting room and parlor.

Dec 9 – Mercury 34 Abz nice pleasant day. Dressed out a streight edge and measureing rule six feet long. Cleaned out one eve trough done the chores and churned. Snow about gone. Mr David Vosburg died this morning Ae. 86 years.

Dec 10 – Mercury 34 in the morning. Worked in shop most of the day. Cora Harris called here a while in the afternoon. Nice pleasant day south west wind.

Dec 11 – Mercury 24 in morning nice pleasant day no wind. Went down to Marts got some 52 lbs rye ground. Mercury 29 in evening some wind at night when we came home. Mr Vosburg buried to day.

Dec 12 – Mercury 24 in morn. Finished my long rule and streight edge. Very nice day mercury 33 in Evening. Ethan over to the burg.

Dec 13 – At home. No one here. Fine day. Charley and Hannah here in the Evening. No snow.

Dec 14 – Mercury 4. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on the 8.20 train. Rained all day. Fan and Bill out in lot all day. They got wet but no hurt them. Mercury 44 in afternoon. Aunt Sally Turner died this morning 7 am.[87]

Dec 15 – Mercury 57 Abz in morn. Rained some. George Milham came up to let us know of Aunt Sallys death. Jesse Earl came in he was hunting up for Theodore some he had lent to some one in the neighborhood he did not find some here.

Dec 16 – Cold windy day. Ed Harmon brot load wood. Aunt Sally Turner buried to day. Old Mr Gates father of L.M. and G.M. Gates of Kalamazoo and Comstock Died to day in Rochester N.Y.[88]

Dec 17 – Mercury 21 in the morn cold wind all day not much cloudy. Not very well no work. Mrs Pease came up to Hannahs to have some work done. George and Eva over to Charleys in Evening. Ethan went over to the burg this Evening.

Dec 18 – Went over to the burg in forenoon got lamp chimneys, ginger, dried beef &c. Paid my tax $4.82. Left my watch with Wilson.

Dec 19 – Mercury pleasant sunshiny day. I drew 4 loads wood from the woods. Very good wheeling. Lots wood going to the burg.

Dec 20 – At home as usual. No one here. All well. Nice weather for winter no snow good wheling.

Dec 21 – Doing chores as always. Fine pleasant day. Lots wood going to town. Cattle getting part of their living out lots hay going to town.

Dec 22 – Mercury 52 cool south west wind. I pulled the last of the turnips. Lois came over to Hannahs. Mrs Pease went home. Cull drew load straw.

Dec 23 – Mercury 43 nice fall weather pleasat sun shown all day no frost in the ground. Edwin Flanders called here in Evening. I paid him $20 Dollars. Maggie Collins died this morning.[89] She was teaching in the high school in the burg.

Dec 24 – Mercury. Went over to the burg after oil and the mail. Maggie was taken to her home at Vicksburg to day. Went to Kalamazoo on the 8.20 train A.M.

Dec 25 – Mercury 43 in morning. Went over to Hannahs in the afternoon to oysters and chicken. Mercury 54 at one oclock P.M. Extra nice day.

Dec 26 – Mercury 20 Abz in morning cold north wind all day some snow in the are all day rough day to be out. Cull brot plank for the water tank.

Dec 27 – Mercury nice day. Will and Liz Brown called just at night. Charley and Hannah here in Evening.

Dec 28 – Cold south west wind all day. Cull brot rods and timber for tank. I split up one of the old stumps in the lane south of the barn.

Dec 29 – Went over to burg in forenoon got my watch. Fine weather good wheling.

Dec 30 – Went over to Lois in morning and post office. George Blake and wife came over stayed the Evening. Bot Diary 25 cts.

Dec 31 – Lelah, Bes and Laverne came up to day. Nice day rained some. Mr Kinney got the old Cherry Bedstead. Wil and Lizzie, Charley and Hannah came over to dinner.

——-

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

[2] Daughter and granddaughters, Nancy, Lela and Bess Brown

[3] Daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[4] Ida Barber married Eugene Howe in 1882, however, the 1900 census shows Ida as a widow and she and her children were listed as Barber (not Howe). Ethan Keith’s diary entry of September 22, 1884 shows: Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day. He feels real bad about it

[5] Neighbors, Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; Willis was Nancy’s brother-in-law

[6] Daughter, Hannah Keith

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

[8] Nickname for his wife

[9] His son, Ethan Keith

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

[11] Above zero

[12] Wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[13] Alvin Lee was the son of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee, & Juliana Davis

[14] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[15] Neighbor, Hannah (Flint) Smith, the wife of Russel G. Smith

[16] His grandson, William Clark, who was the son of his daughter Lois

[17] Don’t know why he referred to his wife this way

[18] His son, James Clinton Keith

[19] Jim lived in Chicago

[20] His grandson, Charles Clark, who was the son of his daughter Lois

[21] His son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner, who was married to his daughter Lois

[22] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[23] For more information, see https://oldfamilyletters.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/the-alphadelphia-association

[24] The Keith family, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[25] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[26] His horse and cow

[27] Cullen Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[28] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Lou and her family lived

[29] In 1948 the Alphadelphia Association sold its property to Kalamazoo County and the county used the mansion for its poor house. Now it was apparently going to be used as a foundry and machine shop (see January 23^rd entry)

[30] From Wikipedia.com: David Dixon Porter (June 8, 1813 – February 13, 1891) was a United States Navy admiral and a member of one of the most distinguished families in the history of the U.S. Navy. Porter began naval service as a midshipman at the age of 10 years under his father, Commodore David Porter, on the frigate USS John Adams. Promoted as the second U.S. Navy officer ever to attain the rank of admiral, after his adoptive brother David G. Farragut, Porter helped improve the Navy as the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy after significant service in the American Civil War

[31] From Wikipedia.com: William Tecumseh Sherman (February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was an American soldier, businessman, educator, and author. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–65), receiving recognition for his command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the scorched earth policies he implemented in conducting total war against the Confederate States

[32] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[33] Regarding Ethan’s grain carrier invention

[34] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[35] Former neighbor, John T. Allerton

[36] Susan (Cross) Murcell. Nathan’s first wife, Jane, died September 16, 1890 and Nathan married Susan on December 24, 1890

[37] Johnnycake is like a pancake except it is made with cornmeal

[38] Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries

[39] FindAGrave.com shows that Polly (McAllister) Durkee died in Colon, St. Joseph County, Michigan on February 19, 1891 and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[40] While the Michigan death record shows that he died February 3, 1891, FindAGrave.com and the Oak Grove Cemetery records confirm that he died February 23, 1891

[41] His daughter Louese’s husband, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., who went by the nicknames D. and D.D.

[42] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

[43] His granddaughter, and Lois’ daughter, Ina Skinner

[44] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[45] The husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[46] Martin Milham’s son

[47] A type of sled for moving heavy objects such as stones or hay bales

[48] A cousin of his second wife, Jerusha Crittenden. While FindAGrave.com shows he died March 10, 1891, North America, Family Histories at Ancestry.com gives a date of death of March 16, 1891, which is more in keeping with a burial date of March 17

[49] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”; the father of Herb Earl

[50] Jesse Earl’s son-in-law; he was married to Elva Earl

[51] Michigan death records reveal that Eleanor (Osborn) Merriman died in Charleston, Michigan on March 22, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] His daughter Nancy and her husband, Henry Brown, and family

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

[54] FindAGrave.com confirms that he died March 24, 1891 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Jamestown, New York. Stephen Comfort was the uncle of Luke’s wife Sarah

[55] Believe he is referring to Mary Ann (Batey) Keith, the wife of his nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[56] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[57] Bess and Lela Brown, his granddaughters

[58] A hotel in Galesburg

[59] His wife Sarah’s brother

[60] South Bend, Indiana

[61] Michigan death records show that George Lockhart died on April 26, 1891 and state that he was living in the Comstock Poor House at the time of death. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[62] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders

[63] Clara Milham was the daughter of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee), & Martin Milham, and she would marry William Owens on September 17, 1891

[64] Michigan death records show that Jane (French) Clark died in Charleston, Kalamazoo County, Michigan on May 23, 1891

[65] FindAGrave.com shows that Harriet (Frazer) Sumner died May 22, 1891 and is buried in Shafter Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[66] His son, James, married Cora Meredith

[67] Clara (Youngs) Clark, the wife of his grandson, Charles Clark

[68] FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah (Brown) Kellogg was despondent and committed suicide by taking a mixture of morphine and nux vomica. She died June 22, 1891 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[69] Michigan death records reveal that William Mattram died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 2, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[70] Michigan death records show that “Mary Schroeder” died in Comstock, Michigan on July 3, 1891. Oak Grove Cemetery records show that “Maria (Carp) Shroder” died July 3, 1891

[71] No records were found

[72] While the Michigan death record shows his date of death as July 8, the Oak Grove Cemetery records agree with Luke’s diary entry showing he died July 6, 1891

[73] Believe he is referring to Erasmus Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[74] Perry, New York

[75] Michigan marriage records show that they were married in Kalamazoo on the 16^th, although a newspaper clipping (source unknown) had the words Sept 17^th 1891 handwritten in

[76] Since this is the date that Hannah married Charles Towne, it is curious that Luke didn’t mention the marriage in his diary. Also since he makes no mention of Charley, perhaps Charley was working at Union City and could not come home with her. Family story is that Charley had tuberculosis and his sister told Hannah that it would be better to marry him even though she would soon be a widow, than to remain an old maid. Most likely, because of this, it would seem that Luke was displeased with the marriage and this was his way of not acknowledging it

[77] Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne

[78] Samuel Ward Swaddel

[79] The son of Eunice (Wood) Scott Towne. His biological father was Joseph Scott (he & Eunice were married in 1865). The 1870 census shows him and his mother, Eunice (with the last name of Scott), living with Eunice’s parents, Simeon & Reliance Wood. Whether Joseph Scott died or left the family is unknown. Eunice then married Erasmus Towne in 1871 when Charles was about two years old and he then went by the name of Charles Wood Scott Towne

[80] Ray and Perry Brown

[81] Etc.

[82] Down the outhouse pit

[83] Charles Luke Keith Sr., also known as Luke

[84] His paternal first cousin

[85] Believe this to be Hetta (Burgess) Ralph and her granddaughter, Cora Harris (D. Harris’ sister)

[86] A maul is a tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for tasks such as ramming, crushing, and driving wedges

[87] Sarah (Davis) Turner, who was the wife of Jesse Turner, Luke’s cousin. FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[88] New York death records show that Reynold Marvin Gates died in Mendon, Monroe County, New York on December 16, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in North Bloomfield Cemetery, Ontario County, New York. Reynold Gates was the father of Lyman M. Gates and Gustavus M. Gates

[89] Michigan death records show that Maggie Collins, age 27, died in Galesburg, Michigan of heart failure on December 23, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Schoolcraft Township Cemetery, Vicksburg, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1891 Diary

Luke Keith’s 1890 Diary

1890 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Mercury 46 morn. Not very well. Cool wind rainy day 53 at noon 54 at Evening.

Jan 2 – Mercury 42 morning 31 Evening. Went over to burg.[2] Z. C. Durkee buried.[3] Phil Corey brot here for burial from Topeka Kan.[4]

Jan 3 – Mercury 23 morn. Very pleasant day. Took Lelah and Bes[5] over to the cars.[6] They went home on the 2.15 P.M. train. Mr Corey Buried to day.

Jan 4 – Mercury 29. Cul Town[7] brot load straw. Filed saw for C. Town.[8] Cory Harris[9] here. Took 6 Doz Eggs over to Dell[10] 18 cts pr doz. Coley Durkee came and wrote some in Evening.

Jan 5 – Mercury 58 rainy day. No on here.

Jan 6 – Mercury 27 8:30. At home choring. Nice day. Took Hannah[11] over to W^m Ralphs.

Jan 7 – Mercury 25 31. Theodore[12] came down. I went to Theodores got his ladle. Nice day. Dr A B Spinney[13] here in Evening to see Sarahs[14] glasses to put in new lenzes.

Jan 8 – Mercury 36. Went over to burg. Sent postal to A. B. Spinney Detroit. Cold north west wind all day.

Jan 9 – Choring as usual working round some in shop and barn.

Jan 10 – Went over to burg. Went to printing office. Saw the Labar violin. Rainy night. An Old italion instrument made in the year 1716.

Jan 11 – Mercury 56. Verry warm day strong south west wind. Went over to burg got picture of Jims car.[15] Nancy[16] sick some better to day.

Jan 12 – Mercury 49 noon. At home. Very rainy not cold. Cattle getting most of their living out so far this winter. At 9½ Evening 63 very high wind all night a perfect gale.

Jan 13 – Mercury 28 wind a blowing some snow falling. Quite a tedias day.

Jan 14 – At home. Worked in shop some. Sawed some wood. Went over to burg. Ethan[17] went to Kalamazoo with Charley Town.

Jan 15 – Mercury 40. Went over to burg took over seven Doz Eggs 16¢ pr doz. Cool wind pleasant day. Rather rough wheeling. Not feel very well. Looks stormy. H. E. Sterns & Ella Bennet married this Evening.[18] Jerome Bierly married to day.[19] Filed meat saw for E. Galusha.[20]

Jan 16 – Not very well now days may be some grippe[21] dont know. Evva Blake[22] came over in morning. I went over to burg got some cheese.

Jan 17 – No work to day no ver well. Some cool wind.

Jan 18 – Mercury 37 at 3 P.M. Got two bushels wheat ground wheat 73 cts pr bushel. Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Nancy. Nice day no snow of any account. Filed buck saw for Charly Town.

Jan 19 – At home all day. Not very rough rained just at night. Hannah down to Nancys.

Jan 20 – Cold wind. Sorted corn in cornhouse. Rather cold work. Hannah came up on morning train. She worked to Lois.[23] Came home in Evening.

Jan 21 – Mercury 14 cold blustring day snowey. Hannah went to Neal Comings this morning. Worst day of the season. Very blustrous all day. No wash to day.

Jan 22 – Mercury morning at zero. Doing chores as usual. Quite a pleasant day but cold in fore part of the day. Very comfortable in middle of the day.

Jan 23 – Choring. Saw some wood. Nice cool day. Washing worked in shop some. Snowed some.

Jan 24 – Fixed up well and pump at the barn. Nice pleasant day. Sharpened two pairs shears and two pinking irons[24] for Mrs Allerton.[25]

Jan 25 – Not much going on to day. Chores. Not very cold.

Jan 26 – Went over to Harry Wilsons to a meeting. So not many there. Rained some. Mr Perse[?] and wife wer thare from Climax and a Mr Mittiman from Scots[26] Blakes folks.

Jan 27 – At home working about as usual. Hannah went to Mate Fords[27] this morning. Fine day.

Jan 28 – Not very cold. Went to Kalamazoo to Hanks.[28] Verry muddy. Rough wheeling.

Jan 29 – At Hanks. Lou and Vern[29] came down in morning stayed all night. Bot wheelbarrow for Floyd.[30]

Jan 30 – Came home started about ten AM. Lou went on noon train. We got home half past one P.M. Came up on north side gefired muddy.

Jan 31 – At home. Some cool wind. Worked round house some, washed &c.[31]

Feb 1 – Not very well. Chored round. Went over brot Lois over. She and Hannah stired up things up stairs and down.

Feb 2 – Home all day. No one here. Hannah home. Cool wind.

Feb 3 – Not very well to day feel some grippe. Not do much. Took top of the old violin. Stranger called here to get stock put on gun. Rained all night.

Feb 4 – Mercury 56 [or 66] at noon. Went over to burg after Hannah Smith.[32] She [and] Hannah sew this week. Charley Ford[33] brot one cord wood. Nice warm day.

Feb 5 – Mrs Smith here sewing for Hannah.

Feb 6 – Fixing old fiddle. Not very well now days.

Feb 7 – Choring round. Girls sewing. Not verry cold snowey day some.

Feb 8 – Ethan went over after Lois. She came over to help the Hannahs sew. Snows some.

Feb 9 – At home. Will Owens and Clarra Milham[34] here in Evening.

Feb 10 – Went over to burg after Mrs Hannah Smith. I not very well. Put top on the old violin Speery[?].

Feb 11 – Went over after Lois in morning. Ethan took Mrs Smith and Lois home in Evening.

Feb 12 – Not very well. E B[35] went over after Nancy and Lelah. I went over at noon after Hannah. Took 7 Doz Eggs 1/-[36] pr Doz. Nice weather.

Feb 13 – Very pleasant day. Ground bare no snow nice April weather. The Fisher girls came down to day Fanny and Mary.

Feb 14 – Some rainy rainy. Not much well to day. Fanny and Mary went home in forenoon. Went over to Not go over to burg.

Feb 15 – Very nice day. Nancy and Lelah went over to Lois after noon. They go home on the 9.20 train Evening. Hannah goes with them. She goes up to Lous next week.

Feb 16 – Nice kind of a day. George and Clara came up.

Feb 17 – Mercury 63. Fine day April weather no rain no snow ground bare. Cattle runing out to grass and have been all the winter so far.

Feb 18 – Mercury 41 in morning. Killed Major[37] this morning. Went over to Charleys got hand pump. Cleaned the East window in shop. Thad Clapps Aniversary wedding to day.[38] Jim came home to day. Will Brown[39] here to dinner.

Feb 19 – Fine day. Got three Bushels wheat of C. Town. Took it to mill. Jim and Cory[40] here. Charley and Mate here in Evening.

Feb 20 – Took Fan down to Charley Fords to get a Jersey calf no get him.[41] Jim took Cory up to Stella & Mary Milhams[42] this morning.

Feb 21 – Jim and Cory went to Shelbyville[43] to day. I not ver well not do much to day. Fan cutting up generally. Lois came over. Cold wind.

Feb 22 – Mercury 30 in Evening. Sarah and I went up to Will Browns to day. Pleasant but cool wind.

Feb 23 – At home. Cold wind stormy in fore part of the day snow and rain all clear in afternoon. Mr Edwin and John Thresher here in forenoon to see draft of the press.

Feb 24 – Rather cloudy foggy damp day. Sally[44] and I done a two weeks washing to day all right got the clothes dry and in at night. We thought that we done well.

Feb 25 – Jim went up to Will Browns. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Feb 26 – Jim started for home on the 2.22 PM train. Went to Kalamazoo took the 5 oclock Express. Ed Knapp married to day at Grand Rapids.[45] D Harrises[46] Barn and Horses, cow and calf Burnt.

Feb 27 – Went to burg. Took 12 Doz Eggs 1/- pr doz 1.44. Jim takes his car 12.4 this PM. Ed and Lady came home to day. Ed Swaddle and Olive Scrahm wer married this Evening.[47]

Feb 28 – At home doing chores as usual. Not very cold some rainy day. Melted up my lead[?].

Mar 1 – Mercury 10 Abz[48] snowey fore noon about a inch snow. About all gone at night. Cut out small calipers. Hannah came home from Shelby.

Mar 2 – At home. All well. Hannah home to day.

Mar 3 – Cold wind March weather. W^m Ralph left his gun here. He is making stranger up to _____ _____. Hannah went to Harve Thomas this morning.

Mar 4 – Snows and blows rather squally day. Filed saw for Nell Hill. 14 Eggs to day.

Mar 5 – Mercury 2 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put callipers together. Took Sarah over to Fanny Towns.[49] Cold wind no snow. Hannah over to Louese Blakes. 9 Eggs to day.

Mar 6 – Not very cold rather pleasant for March. Work round. Took Sarah over to Lois.

Mar 7 – Went over to burg. Got Door of Lois. Mrs Richard Barber Died half past Eleven AM.[50]

Mar 8 – Worked up stairs puting of door to the little beds room. Pleasant day.

Mar 9 – Nice pleasant day. Mrs Richard Barber buried to day. Dr A. B. Spinney preached the Funeral sermon asisted by Rev Hickmot at the congregational church Galesburg.

Mar 10 – Mercury 35 2 inches snow this morning rained most of the day. Hannah went over to Cora Beaches this morning. Cora came after her. Nancy went home on the 2.27 run. A. B. Spinney at Towns last Evening went _____.

Mar 11 – Work at the cloths press up stairs. Now days all right. Nice some rainy day.

Mar 12 – Not much work to day. Not feelum some good. Filed saw for Charly Town.

Mar 13 – Hannah went down to Mr Mitchels this morning. I went over to Burg bot hooks for cloths press 40 cts. Took over 10 doz Eggs 12 cts pr Doz. Bot shugar, soda crackers, cheese, starch, thread & twist.

Mar 14 – Went to Kalamazoo on the 8.25 run. Stayed there until Evening took the 7 oclock train went to Shelby vile. Snowed like fun.[51]

Mar 15 – At shelby ville. Cold and snowey. All well as usual. Leone[52] better seems to be improving.

Mar 16 – At Shelby ville. All well as usual.

Mar 17 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 18 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 19 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 20 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 21 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 22 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 23 – At Shelby ville. D and I went over into Mr Meridith[53] woods no find any game to shoot at. Found a bottle. D set it up smashed it the third shot.

Mar 24 – Left Shelby ville on the 8.15 train for Kalamazoo. Freight train broke down at Monteith which detained us about ___ hours. Got to Hanks about noon. Came up on the 6 oclock train.

Mar 25 – At home. Not do much. Snow all gone.

Mar 26 – Pleasant quite a cold west wind. Theodore and Mr Barber[54] sawed wood in afternoon.

Mar 27 – Took Sarah over to Barbers in fore noon. Took ten doz Eggs over to Lois 10 cts pr Doz. Went over after Sarah just at night. Cold and blowed hard something of a snow squall.

Mar 28 – Some 3 inches snow this morning and snowing and blowing like blazes. Hannah came home from Scots.

Mar 29 – Worked up sairs [stairs] put casing on the bedroom door. Put hoos [hooks] on for the closet. Ethan went to the city to see Mr West.[55] Hannah c[ame] home in Evening from Culs.

Mar 30 – Mercury 14 or 15. Neal Commings[56] and Mrs Sam Kingsley[57] called here in afternoon. Jesse Earl[58] here. Will and Clara Caywood[59] called just at night ¼ past 78 Evening 25 abz.

Mar 31 – Ethan and Bes came up on the 7.27 train this morning. Hannah at home to day.

Apr 1 – Took bill[60] over to Mr Mungers got his teeth cut down. Paid one Dollar. Took Sarah over to A. Hoags.[61] Mary Mason very bad don look as thought she can stand it long.

Apr 2 – Not very well. Not do much. Very nice day. George and Evva Blake[62] called here awhile. Herbert Keith[63] came here this afternoon. Stayed all night.

Apr 3 – Mercury 50 & 56 rainy day. Ethan too Herb up to Mrs Bateys[64] in afternoon. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Apr 4 – Lou and the children[65] came on the noon train to Kalamazoo to see Spinney. She stayed to Nancys all night.

Apr 5 – Nancy and Lou came up on 2.22 PM train to the burg. Lou and children came over in Evening.

Apr 6 – Nancy and Lois Lois came over this morning. Doc McBeth[66] brot them over. He was going down to Mr Caywood to see Tena. Some rainy day.

Apr 7 – Went to Town Meeting. Nice day. Lou and children here. Nancy and girls went home.

Apr 8 – Fine warm day. Went over got the carriage mended paid one Dollar. Stell Milham here in Evening. Some thunder and rain.

Apr 9 – Took Lou and children over this morning she went home. Theodore sowed some clover & Timothy seed this afternoon.

Apr 10 – Theodore finished sowing the clover seed. Allice[67] here most all day. Nice day.

Apr 11 – Ver pleasant day. Mr. J. T. Allerton[68] got Ed Flanders[69] called this morning. I drew down two loads of wood that Theodore and Barber cut.

Apr 12 – Mr. I. C. Abbot Died this morning.[70] Cleaned up yard. Opened cellar window. Hannah came home from W^m Ralphs.

Apr 13 – Mercury 15 in morning. Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts[71] in afternoon. Very warm day. Hannah stopt to Mr Caywoods.

Apr 14 – Went over to burg to I. C. Abbots funral in afternoon. Fine day. Washed in forenoon. Henry Rennison Died to day.[72]

Apr 15 – Mercury 34. Cleaned up yard. Put chip manure on the asparagas bed and around some of the trees. Charleys hired boy finished rolling the East lot.

Apr 16 – Very nice day. Went over to burg at noon after Kate and Blanch.[73] They no come. Went over agan at six PM. They came out that train all right.

Apr 17 – Kate and Blanch here. Warm day. I laid up fence on hill south of house. Cut some bushes. Put up some fence up by the woods. Ethan and Blanch went after Hannah down to Caywoods.

Apr 18 – Mrs Hannah Smith[74] here. They are making a dress for Kate. I went over to the burg. Dress lining for Kates dress. Blanch Lois here in afternoon.

Apr 19 – Ethan took Blanch over to Lois in morning. She stayed over. Kate and Blanch went to South Bend[75] on the 2.15 train PM. Nice warm day.

Apr 20 – At home. No one here. Hannah at home.

Apr 21 – Went over to Express office sent Kates dress 35 cts. Got some _____ plant roots of Dell. Set them out. Drew one load wood. Warm days very dry. Put Eleven letters in the Post office to day.

Apr 22 – Cut grubs and grape vines around East lot. Very warm day. I. D. L. Schram[76] planted potatoes.

Apr 23 – Mercury 50 in morning rany morning. Not much work to day.

Apr 24 – Picked up and burnt brush in orchard. Very fine day. Allis called here a while. Hannah came home at night. Etta came over in Evening. East wind. Mr Martin Died.[77]

Apr 25 – Not work much. Washed the carriage. Pleasant day. Cool East wind.

Apr 26 – Went to Kalamazoo. Rained all the after noon and evening. Put Bill in the water street. Farmer Sheads stayed to Hanks all night. Cellery Martin buried.

Apr 27 – Came home in the afternoon. Edna senator was at Hanks boarding a few days. We got home about sundown. Nice day.

Apr 28 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths. Went and saw Dick about plowing the garden. Went up to Herbs[78] to get the ladder.

Apr 29 – Verry nice day. Went over to burg in morning bot 50 lbs flour $1.12½ cts, one bunch shingles 38 cts. Went over at noon bot 50 lbs flour $1.12½ cts, one bunch shingles 38 cts. Theodore put on shingles.

Apr 30 – Mercury 40 nice warm day. Went over in morning got another bunch shingles. Theodore came down and put them on. Rained some. I took the ladder home. Drew one load wood.

May 1 – Cut commenced plowing for corn. I burned some weeds and brush. Nice day.

May 2 – Theodore and Barber cutting wood. I drew three loads wood. Chauncey Pond died to day at Pearl Creek Wyoming Co N.Y. Ae 78 years & 7 mos.[79]

May 3 – Warm nice day. Jo Smith came over and helped me draw manure. Had a shower in afternoon some thunder and lightning. Theodore and Barber sawing wood. Paid Theodore $3.00 Jo 1 dollar.

May 4 – At home most all day. Went over to burg took in morning. Took a package over to R. G. Smiths.

May 5 – Cul and Lee plowing. I took out some grubs. Hurt my back. Turned Fan into the East lot to day.

May 6 – Some snow in the area rain some ledle. I cant hardly get around to much lame back. Cul plowed garden and finished plowing corn ground.

May 7 – Lame back no work. Cool south wind. Cull and Lee plowing and draging and marking some.

May 8 – Back no better. Took Hannah over to McNaughtons. Cull commenced planting. Cool wind.

May 9 – Back no better. Rainy forenoon some rained all night cold wind.

May 10 – Rainy morning rained until about 4 PM. Charly drilling his pins. Very cold disagreable day. Mr Warner came over to hire out to C A Town.[80] Theodore working for Town.

May 11 – Went over to burg in morning after Lois. She came over stayed all day. Fine day.

May 12 – Rainy day some. Ethan marked out potatoe ground. Got the potatoes out of the cellar. My back no better. Mr Warner commenced work for Charly Town. Theodore sowed clover seed for C. A Town not much.

May 13 – Nice day. Ethan planted potatoes south of orchard. Cloudy day. Ira Joy and Cogswell called in to see moddle of Elevator. Took 10 ½ Doz Eggs to Lois 10 cts pr doz.

May 14 – Worked round some. Made mallet to nock manure with. Cold wind.

May 15 – Went up to Herbs got garden seed 30 cts. We washed. Pleasant day cold wind.

May 16 – Nice day warm. Cul Town finished planting my corn. Mrs George Blake here this afternoon. George helped Mr Foster plant corn.

May 17 – Pleasant quite cold wind. Fixed up fence on hill.

May 18 – At home. Will and Lizzie Brown[81] here. Fine day. Edwin and Mary Flanders[82] called here in afternoon to see Hannah.

May 19 – Nice pleasant day. Washing day here. Will Brown called here in afternoon.

May 20 – At home. some rainy. Not much work.

May 21 – Mr Orrin Franklin Died this morning.[83] Not very well. Not much work.

May 22 – Not much work. My back not much work better. Dont work much. Took Fan over to Towns to Bull &c. Traded knives with Theodore.

May 23 – Nice warm day warmest day of the season yet. Corn coming up some. Ethan planted some Beans.

May 24 – Nice warm day. Went to Mr Orrin Franklins Funeral in afternoon. Had a thunder shower in afternoon some wind and rain. Had a big wind south west. Rained all night.

May 25 – Raind hard this morning. Went over and got Ida Barber and children[84] brot them over they stayed all day.

May 26 – Went over to the burg in morning after Nancy. She came up on the 7.28 AM train. Jo Neff here cleaning house. Went over got lime for white washing. Got $.12 at Bank for Hannah.

May 27 – At home choring. Jo here to work. Fine day. Ethan working for Town.

May 28 – Jo here to day. He finished cleaning. Paid him $.45__. Nancy went home.

May 29 – Nice warm weather. Not work much. Ethan over to Charley Towns to work on machine.

May 30 – Ethan over to Towns to work. Fine growing time corn coming on nicely. Hannah at Galushas.

May 31 – Worked in garden all day. Hoed corn, potatoes and potatoe Bugs killed lots of them. Very warm day. Hannah came home.

Jun 1 – At home. No one here. Mr Hiram Toby died this morning.[85]

Jun 2 – Hot morning. Hannah went to Mrs Sumners this morning.

Jun 3 – At home. Not very well. Hoed some in garden. Went over to burg after cabbage and tomatoe plants of Jo Smith. Got Hannahs Bonnet.

Jun 4 – Washing day. Verry hot. Hoed some in garden. Run of some leye for soap. Took Hannah over to Clapps in morning.

Jun 5 – Worked in shop some. Put handle on dipper fo to dip ley &c when I make some soap. Hoed some. Killed some bugs.

Jun 6 – Cul and Lee planting in corn. Mr Crossfield[86] and Jesse Earl called here. Mrs R. G. Smith here helping Hannah. Nice growing time. Jim came home just at night.

Jun 7 – Fine weather. Went over and got Jims trunk this morning. I hoed some in garden. Warm day. McKonky show here in Burg this Evening.

Jun 8 – Fine day. Pioneer called here and took dinner.

Jun 9 – Went over to burg got tomato plants. Took Hannah over to Claps.

Jun 10 – Hannah and Mrs Smith went to J. C. Blakes.[87]

Jun 11 – Hoed some in garden. Cut some grass.

Jun 12 – Took Sarah over to Lois in morming. Ethan and Charley Town went to Kalamazoo. ____ planted peanuts.

Jun 13 – Washing day. Warm. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Theodore went with him. Alvin Lee[88] called here a few minutes. He was going over to the burg. Claud[89] came. J. Frank Warren shot this morning.[90]

Jun 14 – Hoed in garden planted in some corn. Rain some.

Jun 15 – Fifty three years about nine oclock in Evening I landed here on this farm for the first time. Ethan left for Chicago 3 PM to see the McCormic Machine Co.[91]

Jun 16 – Mercury 94 in shade. Took Hannah over to Hat Taylors[92] in morning. Ed Childs came here. Went over to burg just at night. Took 11 doz Eggs 11 cts pr doz. Emmet Crawford[93] came. W^m Blake raised his shed on Battle Creek St. Got 50 lbs flour.

Jun 17 – Ethan came home this morning from Chicago. Emmet went home on the 2.15 train. Had a thunder shower verry hot day.

Jun 18 – At home. Worked in garden some. Hoed beans and some potatoes.

Jun 19 – Hoed corn and potatoes. Cul and Lee finished cultivating second time. Jim came home from Lous.

Jun 20 – Jim gone down to Fred Franklins this morning.

Jun 21 – Jim went to Kalamazoo after Cora and Floyd. They came up. Floyd came stayed over Sunday. Very hot day.

Jun 22 – At home. Floyd stayed here. Jim and Cory went up to the lake. Very much hot day. Mr Robert Snow Esq of Warsaw Died this morning. Ae. 73.[94]

Jun 23 – Mercury 86 in morning. Jim started for Chicago this morning. Cary and Floyd went on same train to Kalamazoo. They go home on the afternoon train. Mr Albert Town Died about noon to day.[95] Very warm day.

Jun 24 – Mercury 95 in shade PM. Went over to burg bot ½ bushel potatoes 20 cts. Ethan went up to Scots just at night after Hannah.

Jun 25 – Mercury 96 ½ past 11 AM. I not very well. Mr Albert Town buried to day. Ethan took Hannah up to Scotts this Evening. Fanny no better.

Jun 26 – Mercury 96 at 3 PM. Put poison on potatoes. Very hot day. Corn and potatoes grow fast. Folks haying some.

Jun 27 – Worked in garden some. Sprinkled potatoe bugs some. Very hot mercury 100 in shade.

Jun 28 – Mercury 102 in shade in afternoon. Hoed potatoes. Went up to Theodores after strawberries no got some.

Jun 29 – At home. Mercury 102 in shade. Mrs Sam Kingsley and Louisa Kingsley[96] called here in afternoon. Charley Clark[97] came stayed all night.

Jun 30 – Mercury 92 in morning when the accomodation came in. Hannah went over to Olmsteds. Fanny no better. Charley went home on Bobtail. Fanny Town Died ½ past Eight this Evening.[98] Rained in night.

Jul 1 – Mercury 90 and upwards. Went over to burg bot chicken feed. Ethan got Binder over. Clara, Girtie and Vinne[99] came up in afternoon. Made Clara a churn cover.

Jul 2 – Mercury 89 in morning. Sprinkled bugs and hoed some. Very warm nice breeze. Went over and got Ida Barber in afternoon. She went over to Towns to see Fanny.

Jul 3 – Fanny Town buried this afternoon. A. B. Spinney officiated. Mercury 90 ½ past 3 P.M. Some wind made it quite comfortable.

Jul 4 – Hot weather. Hoed some. Fed the bugs some tea very green tea.

Jul 5 – Mercury in the 90s. Hoed some in garden. Not very well.

Jul 6 – Cool morning. Sarah and I went to Kalamazoo this morning. Lou and children at Nancys found them all well.

Jul 7 – Hot morning. Came home to day. Stopt to Marts took dinner. Got home about sundown. Ver warm. Mrs Bea Caleb Smart Died to day.

Jul 8 – Very Hot. Choring round. Most to hot to do much.

Jul 9 – Nancy and Claud and Lelah came up.

Jul 10 – Very warm and dry. Not much work. Ethan working on binder.

Jul 11 – Warm. Hoing some. Claud, Nancy an Lelah here. Fence burned on hill south of barn. Think Mr H. Dale Addams[100] droped a match when he lit his pipe as he started for home.

Jul 12 – Went over to burg in morning took over 7 Doz Eggs sold them to A. Wells Beckwith Skinner & Co 11 cts pr doz. Bot 50 lbs flour 1.25. Sarah and Nancy went up to Will Browns.

Jul 13 – At home. Warm day. Had to be fence all day. Ed and Hannah went up to Gull Lake. Nancy thought there was a Hog around the house in night.

Jul 14 – Put up fence on hill what de smoke man burned hoop.[101] Rained some in afternoon. Cora Harris[102] came.

Jul 15 – Nancy, Claud and Lizzie Brown went up to Flanders after berries. Took Cora up to Ralphs.[103]

Jul 16 – 90 in morning. Hoed some in garden. Very hot.

Jul 17 – 96 in afternoon in shade. Took Nancy over to train. She went to Kal[104] to see how things was at home. Claud worked for Cull Town drew in wheat. Nancy came home on bobtail. Jesse Earl came down with some letters.

Jul 18 – Very warm morning. Hoed some in garden. Nancy, Claud and Lelah here.

Jul 19 – Not very well. Not work much. Very hot and dry now days. Looks like rain but he no com.

Jul 20 – 96 very hot. Jesse Earl came in to see about C. R. Cridlands[105] last letter.

Jul 21 – Mercury 85 at 2 PM. Drew tw loads wood in fore noon. Lou and children came to day.

Jul 22 – At home. Hoed some in garden. Very hot an dry.

Jul 23 – Went over to burg bot straps for wagon box.

Jul 24 – Turned out mawl for to drive bar to hold Fan. Mrs Caroline Earl here and Elva Crossfield.

Jul 25 – At home not do much. Very hot and dry. Went over got sack flour at Beckwiths $1.25.

Jul 26 – Hot and dry. Not much done. Hoed hoed some.

Jul 27 – At home no one here. Nancy and Claud went up to Will Browns.

Jul 28 – Mercury 105 in shade at noon. Hannah went up to W. W. Russels. Nancy and Claud went to George Smiths after berries.

Jul 29 – Very hot. Mr Smith brot one bushel berries to day. I not well laying around all day.

Jul 30 – No work to day. Mr Smith brot ½ bushel berries to day. Hot and dry.

Jul 31 – Will Clark[106] came over this morning. Nancy went to Kalamazoo to day.

Aug 1 – Very warm day. No work to day. The Foundry and machine shop planing mill Roulands big livery Barn andnd Hank Storms Barn Burned Just at night. Big fire.

Aug 2 – Mercury up in 90s very hot and dry. Went over to burg in morning.

Aug 3 – Mercury 110 in shade. Will Clark came over. Had a nice shower just at night. Nancy, Lou and their families here.

Aug 4 – Some cooler had a nice shower about noon. Took Jims trunk over to Depo. Will Clark went back to Chicago on the 2.15 train. He takes Jims trunk to him. Quite cool this afternoon. Eva Blake came over made a short call. Doc Wightman Died.[107] Bot 50 lb sack flour 2.25.

Aug 5 – At home. Not very well no work. Very hot.

Aug 6 – Mercury 100 in shade. All at home. Nancy and family, Lou and family all here. Doctor George R. Wightman buried to day.

Aug 7 – Very hot and dry. Ethan working on machine.

Aug 8 – Hot. Claud went over to burg after Lois and Ina.[108] I put finger board on my violin.

Aug 9 – I took Lou and children over to burg. They went home. Claude went to Kalamazoo with Charley Town.

Aug 10 – At home. Nancy went over to Lois in Evening. Bess came back with Ethan.

Aug 11 – Took Hannah over to Lois. Got the tires put on carriage $1.50. No rain yet.

Aug 12 – Went over to burg 355 lbs feed mixed 4.43. Not much work. Drew three loads wood. Hot and very dry. I. D. L. Schram thrashing.

Aug 13 – Looks like rain but he not come. Mr Whitcom thrashed. Mr W. W. Olins silver wedding this Evening.[109]

Aug 14 – Not very well. Very hot ad dry. Nancy and girls over to Lois. Hannah over to Town.

Aug 15 – Not much work. I not very well. Ethan work on binder. Hannah up to Culls. Trains met at Augusta the Limited Express and Freight, Engineer & fireman killed.[110]

Aug 16 – At home. The Advent Camp Meeting commenced to day north side of the river about 100 rods from our house.

Aug 17 – Raining very nicely at home. No one here except Nancy and family.

Aug 18 – Went over to burg in after noon bot fifty lbs Flour 1.40 cts. Ethan put the machine in the field.

Aug 19 – Had a nice shower this morning some thunder.

Aug 20 – Cool not very warm. Lois went up to Jackson to day. I went over to burg in Evening. Rained hard in night.

Aug 21 – Had a nice rain. Claud went to Kalamazoo on the 2.15 train.

Aug 22 – Cool and pleasant. Hannah and Nancy and Bess went up to Tips[111] this morning, drove Bill. Barnums show in Kalamazoo to day. They had a smashup at Shelbyville this morning.

Aug 23 – Not much work in me to day only chores.

Aug 24 – Charley Town, Ethan, Hannah, Nancy and Nell Wilkins and Mr John Maynard and his two sisters went to Vicksburg to a camp meeting. I went over to Mr Commings and R. G. Smiths.[112]

Aug 25 – Worked some on cross head. Wm Schroder came over to see Binder. I went over to burg in Evening took over 11 Doz Eggs to Wills 12 cts pr doz. Mrs Smith came home with me stayed all night. She expected to go to Scots.

Aug 26 – Rained this morning. Ed Childs came down after them. Hannah went but Mrs Smith no go. Ed took her home. I worked some on cross head.

Aug 27 – Chored around as usual. Went up to Mr Ridlers got some witch hazle to make a wash for Sarahs legs. Rena Galusha came down finished her picture.

Aug 28 – Mercury 84. Went over to burg in morning bot coffee, shugar, soap and lots things. Took the tickets over got the spoons.

Aug 29 – Charley Ford took Nancy and children home to day. She found Mrs Brown there.

Aug 30 – Hannah came home from Ed Chiles. Ed brot her home.

Aug 31 – At home all day. Nice day. Sherman Davis Buried to day.[113]

Sep 1 – Hannah went to Whiting Russels this morning. Fine weather. Ethan and Charlie working on Elevator.[114] I worked on Nancys Easle. Got 50 lbs flour 1.40 cts.

Sep 2 – Mercury 86 in shade. Dressed out stuf for the Easel. Verry hot and dry.

Sep 3 – Worked some on Eazle. The boys tried the binder it went very well.

Sep 4 – Took Hannah over to McNaughtons. Went over after Lois. Del brot over some peaches and pears. Lois came over and caned them. I finished Nancys Eazle.

Sep 5 – I dug potatoes in forenoon. Mr Sanborn[115] came up to see the Binder work it went all right. Rained in afternoon.

Sep 6 – Not much work. Doing chores as usual. Hannah at Em Evens to day.

Sep 7 – At home. Thought I would not go to church to day.

Sep 8 – Hannah some sick in forenoon. I took her over to Evens in afternoon.

Sep 9 – Hannah went up to Herb Gilsons this morning. Fanny came for her.

Sep 10 – I went over after the mail in morning. Del and Lois came over he was going down to Mr Jacksons after peaches and I went with him. Ethan and Charley went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 11 – Bill[116] sick this morning. Chored around and doctered Bill all day. Ethan got Bell Town[117] and took Hannah up to Ed Flanders.

Sep 12 – Bill no better not Eat. Gave him medacine all day. Ethan and Charly run the machine some in afternoon. Mr Knap came over. Rass[118] here. I chased pigs most of the time.

Sep 13 – Bill some better Eats some. I got horse of Charley Town. Went down to Marts in afternoon found the house all a lone no one at home. Finished diging potatos.

Sep 14 – At home all right. Nice day. No one here to day after Hannah.

Sep 15 – Nice day. Picked up some apples. Rained all night this Monday night. Cut down two old appletrees west of the house.

Sep 16 – Picked up some apples and pared them for pickling. Agent called here to sell some fruit trees. Mrs N. L. Randal Died this Evening.[119]

Sep 17 – Nice warm day. Pared more apples to day. Mrs Hall brot the grapes.

Sep 18 – Mrs N. L. Randal buried to day. Hannah and Mrs R. G. Smith[120] sewing. Jennie Isherwood and Haratio Patterson married this Evening.[121]

Sep 19 – Mercury 66 rainy day. Mrs Smith went home at noon. I went over to burg in morning sold 8½ Doz Eggs 15 cts pr doz 1.28 cts. Hat and children came to day.

Sep 20 – At home all day. Not done but drive pigs out of the garden and corn field.

Sep 21 – Lois and Ina came over and spent the day. Dell no come some.

Sep 22 – Hattie left for Jackson on the 7.27 am train. Nice pleasant day. Ethan took Hannah up to Rass Towns at noon.

Sep 23 – Went to Kalamazoo to Hank Browns. Mrs Brown[122] went up to Wills. Got bench screw 50¢.

Sep 24 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Mart and Mary[123] came up this morning brot up some timber for concave to clover Huller. Verry nice day. Charly cut some rye.

Sep 25 – Worked on Marts machine concave. Mart came after his concave. He paid $1.00. nice day.

Sep 26 – Got two bushels wheat of CA Town.[124] Took it to mill. Drove hogs the most of the day.

Sep 27 – Cool North East wind. Mrs R. G. came over worked for Hannah in forenoon. Took her home at non. Etta ____ worked in afternoon.

Sep 28 – Heavy frost this morning the first of the season here. Mr Andrew McLary died this afternoon.[125]

Sep 29 – Nice pleasant day. Mrs Smith came over. Charley thrashing to day.

Sep 30 – Went over and got Lois brot her over home. Took her back at night. Cora and Laverne[126] called in a few minutes. They wer with Mr Ralphs children. Hannah went to shelbyville to day.

Oct 1 – We washed to day. Rained some in afternoon. I went over got some medicine just at night for Ethan.

Oct 2 – Went up to mill to see the cross head and get the length of the bolts. Theodores folks moved to Battle Creek. I worked some on chair made one arm.

Oct 3 – Nice warm day. Repaired high chair. Mr Andrew McLary buried to day.

Oct 4 – Chored round. Split some wood. Went over to post office in Evening. Rained some. Hannah came home from Lous.

Oct 5 – At home. No one called to see Hannah about sewing. Rather a strange ocurrence for us not to have any callers on sunday.

Oct 6 – Hannah went to Mrs Bushes to work. I not do much. Cul Town and Nye came home.

Oct 7 – Clara came up here to day stayed all day.

Oct 8 – Sarah went over to George Blakes. I not very well. Very Nice weather. Took up the tomatoes.

Oct 9 – Not work much. Dick came over sold him axhelve 50¢. He not pay me.

Oct 10 – Mercury 63 in morning. Went over to burg took some tomatoes over to Lois. Very nice weather. Hannah over to Mrs Bushes this week.

Oct 11 – At home choring around as usual. Nice weather.

Oct 12 – At home all day. No one here I think not.

Oct 13 – Went to Kalamazoo in morning. Went to Nancys stayed all day. Went up to Lous on the three oclock P.M. train. D. went to Otsego to go down the river.

Oct 14 – At D. Harris. Found them all well. Lou and children doing well. Saw Cora Meridith[127] in morning.

Oct 15 – At the Harris house all day. Not do much.

Oct 16 – All right. At Lous all day not went over to Jays[128] a while towards night. D and Walter came home this Evening. Mrs Meridith[129] and Coras birthday. Cora is 20 years old.

Oct 17 – Went over to Mr Merediths[130] in afternoon a while and saw Coras birth day present. Very nice.

Oct 18 – At the Harris house. All right. Doing not much. D. and Walter went a fishing this Evening no get Eel. School closed to day. Floyd went in forenoon.

Oct 19 – At Harris house. Not go to church.

Oct 20 – At Lous. Doing some chores.

Oct 21 – At Lous. Choring as usual. Mary Mason Died this morning.[131]

Oct 22 – At Lous. Doing nothing as usual.

Oct 23 – At Lous. Feeding the pig and Eating pumpkin pie. Left shelby on the 2 oclock train. Went to Kalamazoo stayed to Hanks all night.

Oct 24 – Left shelby on the 2 oclock train went to At Kalamazoo all day. Went home on the 6 oclock P.M. train got home not far from seven oclock. Mary Mason buried to day.

Oct 25 – At home. All well. Went over to burg in Evening.

Oct 26 – At home. Nice day. Went over to Skinners just at night. Lois had got home. A young man by the name of Miller accidentaly shot himself at Scots to day.[132]

Oct 27 – Pleasant day. We washed. Ethan went over to Charleys got the rye[?].

Oct 28 – Took Sara over to Hoags[133] in morning. I went and saw Sam Hartwell about repairing chimney. Ed Allen[134] came here about 7 oclock Evening. Rained like fun.

Oct 29 – Rather rough day snowed some in afternoon. Ed left here a little past five PM for Boston. Mr Worden Wells Died to day Ae. 86 yrs.[135]

Oct 30 – Went up to I. D. L. Schrams got load sand to plaster the chimney. Some rain some snow.

Oct 31 – Turned out some rollers fo Mr Caywoods wringer. Snow. Went up to mill to see if I could find some maple for the rollers. Ethan worked on the road.

Nov 1 – Went over and got Claud in morning. Turned two rollers. Took of screen doors. Henry Crawford[136] came.

Nov 2 – Henry and Claud here. Some rainy morning. Charley and Hannah went down to Mr Pease. Will Caywood got his rollers.

Nov 3 – Henry and Claud went on the Eight 20 train this morning. Snowing some. Ethan took (incomplete)

Nov 4 – Went over to Election.[137] Not much work to day. Took Hannah over to Clapps.

Nov 5 – Sam came down this morning he no stay. I went over to burg in Evening got lime. Mr Whitcom moved to day from the Taylor place.

Nov 6 – Sam no come to repair chimney. Very fine day pleasant and warm.

Nov 7 – Hartwell came and took down the chimney and built it up a gan. Rather misty not he not rain very hard. Got brick of Dell fifty of Schroder.

Nov 8 – Sam came down and finished the chimneys. Some rainy.

Nov 9 – At home. No one here to stay. Edwin Flanders and wife and Mabel[138] called in a while to see Hannah.

Nov 10 – Went over to burg got Fans halter strap mended. Saw R. S. Vanvleet.

Nov 11 – Drew one load wood one load corn and the fodder that it came from. Dell, Lois and Mrs Hart Expect to go to Chicago to night. Mr John Sumner Buried to day.[139]

Nov 12 – At home. Work round house and doing things generally.

Nov 13 – Went up to the mill to see if I could get some boards to make bins in cornhouse to put the corn in when Cull got ready to put it in. Min came to day.

Nov 14 – Went up to the mill got some boards to fix cornhouse. Cull drew in the corn put in three loads. Min left for home on the 2.20 PM train.

Nov 15 – Sorted some corn. Went over after Nancy at noon she no come. Hank and Nancy came up on Evening train stayed all night.

Nov 16 – Hank and Nancy went up to Wills in afternoon came back in Evening. Rained all night.

Nov 17 – Raining hard. Hank went home on the Eight 20 AM train. I took Nancy over to Lois in forenoon. She goes home on the two 22 P.M. train.

Nov 18 – Working round doing chores and all kinds of work. Went over to burg.

Nov 19 – Clara Milham came up stayed all night. She had Will Owens[140] Horse and carriage.

Nov 20 – Went over to burg after Lou she came on noon train. Clara went up to Jim Milhams.[141] She came back stayed all night. I put some shingles on cornhouse.

Nov 21 – I put some shingles on cornhouse. Very nice pleasant day. Ethan and Clara went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 22 – Cut and drawed two loads wood in forenoon. Not do much in afternoon. Pleasant but cool. Two boys killed at Comstock to day noon by the west bound Express.

Nov 23 – Very pleasant and dry. Went over got Lois in morning. Lou and children here. Stell Milham here in Evening. Roads good and dusty. Nice fall weather.

Nov 24 – Work in woods. We cut and drawed three loads wood.

Nov 25 – Cold and windy. Put some shingles on cornhouse. Mrs Pierce killed by the cars at the burg this afternoon.[142]

Nov 26 – Went to Kalamazoo to get preasans for the wedding. Frank Raymond and Maud Addams wer married this Evening.[143]

Nov 27 – Sarah, Ethan, Hannah, Lou and Nancy and children all went up to Will Browns to turkey to day.

Nov 28 – At home. Lou and Nancy here. D. and Verne came this Evening.

Nov 29 – At home. Nancy went home to day. Hannah came home this Evening. Charley Town went out to Nells.

Nov 30 – All here. D and Floyd went up to W^m Ralphs. I broke Dells razor. We are all well.

Dec 1 – All here this morning. Hannah went over to W^m Blakes to work. I took Laverne and Floyd over to the cars they got left. D. and they wer going home.

Dec 2 – Some ledle snow on the ground. D. and the children went this morning on the 8.15 train. My business now days is going to Galesburg and home a gain from one to three times a day. Lou went over to burg.

Dec 3 – Lou went over to burg this[144] Sarah and Lou over to Lois this afternoon.

Dec 4 – Lou and Leone here all day. Sleighs running some to day. 4 inches snow.

Dec 5 – About six inches snow. Lou went to Kalamazoo on morning train on her way home. Took 2 bushels and 55 lbs wheat to mill. Sleighs running lively to day.

Dec 6 – Ethan went up to Shelbyville. I split some wood and chored around generally.

Dec 7 – At home. No one here. Mr Galusha folks drove in to see Hannah.

Dec 8 – Not much work to day but chores. Hannah went to Ed Gallushas to makum dress for some of the folks. Ina came over stayed all night.

Dec 9 – Went over to burg after Ethan he no come. Went over a gain in Evening he not come. Lois came home with me stayed all night.

Dec 10 – Went over took Lois home. Ethan no come on morning train he come on noon train. We washed to day.

Dec 11 – Not ver well. Sawed and drawed three loads wood. Took Sarah over to Geo Blakes.

Dec 12 – Chored round the house and barn. Cleaned out cornhouse. Finished sorting corn. Not very cold.

Dec 13 – Mercury 19 & 34 cold windy day. Went over to burg. Bot pail and varias things. Brot over one pair of shoes for Sally to try on to see if she liked um. She no likeum. Cold blustrous day.

Dec 14 – At home. No one here. Ethan and Hannah went up to Ed Flanders in afternoon. Nice day very nice weeling no snow to make de sla run some.

Dec 15 – Very nice pleasant sun shown out nice and warm all day. Roads smoot as a floor. Hannah to J. T. Allertons this week.

Dec 16 – At home choring around as usual. Nice wheeling.

Dec 17 – Took Sarah over to Jane Hoags. I patched cornhouse roof some. Nice weather.

Dec 18 – Went down to Marts to mill. Took some corn down for meal no get him. Not grind to day.

Dec 19 – Went down and got my grist. Nice wheeling. No snow.

Dec 20 – Ethan and I sawed and split two loads wood and drew it down.

Dec 21 – Sarah and I went down to Marts. Cold wind no storm. Found them all at home.

Dec 22 – Jim and Cora came this morning on the seven thirty train. Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 23 – Mercury 28 3 PM. Went over to burg in morning. Paid my tax $5.00 five Dollars. Very high wind all day. Jim and Cora went over to Lois in afternoon. Levy Struble and Cal Sumner married.[145] Grant Oatman and Mary Milham married to day.[146]

Dec 24 – Jim and Cora went to Shelbyville to day. All well as usual. Not work much.

Dec 25 – At home. No go somewhare to Christmass.

Dec 26 – Took Hannah over to Barbers in morning. We washed. I worked in the barn fixing well in afternoon. Charley drew the machine into the _____. Mr Randal and wife[147] came to day.

Dec 27 – Cold and blustring. Went over to Lois after Hannah 11 oclock AM. Wind blew and snow flew like fury. Worked at the pump some no get it thawed out.

Dec 28 – A little more mild to day. Ethan took Jim to Kalamazoo to day. He goes to Chicago on the 5 AM Express this Evening to night.

Dec 29 – Nice pleasant day. Hannah went to Mr Ralphs to work for Maud Struble. I worked at the well in barn. Charley Town brot nine hundred pounds of wheat to day. Old Mr Rogers Died to day.

Dec 30 – Pleasant day not so cold. Shelled some corn for feed for Fan and (illegible). Ethan and Bes went over to the burg in Evening.

Dec 31 – Shelled some corn. Rainy day some. No one here. Hannah came home. Old Mr Rogers buried to day.

——-

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

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

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

[4] FindAGrave.com shows that Philip Gray Cory died January 4, 1890 (not the 2^nd) in Topeka, Kansas, and that he was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[5] His granddaughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[6] The train

[7] Neighbor, Cullen Towne

[8] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[9] Sister of D. Harris, Luke’s son-in-law

[10] His son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner, who was married to his daughter Lois

[11] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[12] Neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl

[13] Andrew B. Spinney

[14] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[15] His son, James Keith, who lived in Chicago and worked for the Chicago streetcar system

[16] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[17] His son, Ethan Keith

[18] Michigan marriage records show that Henry E. Storms and Ella Bennett were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 15, 1890

[19] Michigan marriage records show that Jerome Baeuerle and Marie Bremer were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 15, 1890

[20] Neighbor, Edgar Galusha

[21] Influenza; a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages

[22] Neighbor, Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[23] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[24] Pinking irons were used to finish the edges of fabrics in lieu of hemming, as well as to provide decorative embellishments for garments. When struck with a mallet, the iron cut through the fabric to produce a crisp, scalloped edge.

[25] Neighbor, Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[26] Scotts, Michigan

[27] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[28] His son-in-law and Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown

[29] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris, and granddaughter, LaVerne Harris

[30] His grandson, Floyd Harris

[31] Etc.

[32] Neighbor, Hannah (Flint) Smith, the wife of Russel G. Smith

[33] Neighbor, Charles Ford; husband of Mate (see footnote to January 27^th entry)

[34] Clara Milham was the daughter of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham, and she married William Owens on September 17, 1891

[35] His son Ethan whose middle name was Bradley

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

[37] One of his hens. His 1888 diary notes that on April 27 – Set Major at night on 15 Eggs

[38] Michigan marriage records show that Thaddeus Clapp and Mary Sherwood were married on February 18, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan

[39] Willis Brown, Hank Brown’s brother

[40] Cora Meredith, his son Jim’s future wife

[41] Took his cow to the bull, but it appears it was a wasted effort

[42] Neighbors, the daughters of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham

[43] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Louese lived

[44] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[45] Michigan marriage records show that Edmund Knapp and Viola McMillen applied for a marriage license in Kent County, Michigan on February 26, 1890 but does not show that the marriage took place. The 1900 census does show them as married and living in Grand Rapids, Michigan

[46] His son-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., known as D. or D.D.

[47] Michigan marriage records show that Edward Swaddel and Olive Schram were married in Galesburg, Michigan on February 27, 1890

[48] Above zero

[49] Neighbor, Frances Towne; sister of Charles and Cullen Towne

[50] Mary (Knowles) Barber. While Michigan death records show that Mary Barber died April 20, 1890, Oak Grove Cemetery records show she died March 7, 1890, which agrees with Luke’s entry

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

[52] His granddaughter, D. and Louese’s daughter, Leone Harris, who was about 7 months old

[53] Possibly referring to Cora Meredith’s father, Walter “Burton” Meredith

[54] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[55] Attorney Lucius West

[56] Neighbor, Cornelia (Daniels) Comings

[57] Neighbor, Sarah (Simmons) Kingsley

[58] Neighbor and “shirttail relative;” father of Theodore Earl (see footnote to January 7^th entry)

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

[60] His horse

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

[62] Neighbors, George & Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[63] Believe he is referring to his grand-nephew, John Herbert Keith, the son of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[64] Eliza “Betsy” (Old) Batey, Herbert’s grandmother

[65] His daughter Louese and her children, LaVerne, Floyd & Leone

[66] William McBeth

[67] Theodore’s wife, Alice (Vandercook) Earl

[68] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[69] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[70] Michigan death records show that Isaac C. Abbott died in Comstock, Michigan on April 11, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[71] His sister Catherine’s son-in-law, Martin Milham

[72] Michigan death records show that Henry Rennison died April 14, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillside, Michigan

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

[74] Neighbor, Hannah (Flint) Smith

[75] South Bend, Indiana, where her brother-in-law Henry Crawford’s family lived

[76] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[77] No death or burial information was found for Mr. Martin, however, since the April 26^th entry refers to him as Celery Martin, it is assumed that he was a celery farmer. Kalamazoo County was known as the Celery Capital of the World in the early decades of the last century

[78] Neighbor, Herbert Earl

[79] A neighbor from when Luke was living in Covington, New York. FindAGrave.com confirms that Chauncey Pond died May 2, 1890 at the age of 78 years, 7 months. He is buried in Pearl Creek Cemetery, Pearl Creek, New York

[80] Cullen Albert Towne; also referred to as Cul/Cull

[81] Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; brother and sister-in-law of Hank Brown (see footnote to January 28^th entry)

[82] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders

[83] Michigan death records confirm that Orrin Franklin died May 21, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[84] 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. However, Ethan Keith’s diary entry of September 22, 1884 shows: “Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day. He feels real bad about it.”

[85] Michigan death records show that Hiram Tobey died in Charleston, Michigan on June 1, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[86] Jesse Earl’s daughter, Elva, was married to Frank Crossfield, so this could be referring either to him or to his father, Charles Crossfield

[87] Neighbor, John C. Blake

[88] Alvin Lee was the son of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee, & Juliana Davis.

[89] His grandson, Claude Brown

[90] From the June 20, 1890 Hornellsville Weekly Tribune: “Last night Hubert Warren of Elmira, shot and killed his father for abusing his mother.” FindAGrave reveals that J. Franklin Warren is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, New York. His parents, Julius & Irene Warren, had been Luke’s neighbors in the 1860’s and 1870’s

[91] McCormick Harvesting Machine Company

[92] Neighbor, Harriet Taylor

[93] The son of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford

[94] The New York death index shows Robert Snow died June 22, 1890 in Warsaw, New York. Apparently Robert Snow was a neighbor of Luke’s when he had lived in New York

[95] Michigan death records show that Albert H. Fown [sic] died in Comstock on June 23, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[96] Sarah (Simmons) Kingsley and Louisa (Turner) Kingsley; they were married to brothers, Samuel and Salmon Kingsley, respectively

[97] His grandson, Charles Clark

[98] Michigan death records show that Fanny Fown [sic] died in Comstock on June 30, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. She died from an “unknown cause” just a week after her father, Albert Towne, died

[99] His grand-nieces, Clara, Gertrude and Lavinia Milham, the daughters of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[100] Neighbor, Harry Dale Adams

[101] Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries; in this case meaning “what the smoke man burned up,” referring to the July 11^th entry

[102] D. Harris’ sister

[103] Presumably her grandparents, George & Hetta (Burgess) Ralph, who lived in Charleston, Michigan

[104] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[105] Charles R. Cridland, a former neighbor

[106] His grandson, William Clark

[107] Michigan death records show that George Wightman died August 8, 1890 (not August 4) and FindAGrave.com also shows he died August 8, 1890, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[108] Lois’ daughter, Ina Skinner

[109] Neighbors, Washington W. & Mary Lucretia (Carson) Olin

[110] See Claude’s August 16, 1890 letter to his father at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/august-16-1890-letter-to-henry-brown-from-claude-brown

[111] Neighbor, Eunice (Wood) Towne

[112] Neighbor, Russel G. Smith

[113] Michigan death records show that Sherman Davis died in Comstock on August 28, 1890 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[114] Also referred to as the binder, or grain binder

[115] J. H. Sanborn, the general agent for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[116] His horse

[117] The Towne’s horse

[118] Erasmus Towne, Charles Towne and Cullen Towne were brothers

[119] No death record was found, however, FindAGrave.com revealed that Jane Randall, wife of Nathan L. Randall, died in 1891 (not 1890) and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan; research continues

[120] Hannah (Flint) Smith, the wife of Russel G. Smith (see footnote to August 24^th entry)

[121] Michigan marriage records show that Horatio Patterson and Jennie Isherwood were married on September 19, 1890 (not the 18^th) in Comstock, Michigan

[122] His neighbor, Matilda (Allen) Brown; Hank and Willis Brown’s mother

[123] Martin Milham and his daughter Mary Milham; the husband and daughter of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[124] Neighbor, Cullen A. Towne

[125] Michigan death records confirm that Andrew McLary died September 28, 1890 in Charleston, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[126] Cora Harris and LaVerne Harris, the sister and daughter of D. and Louese (Keith) Harris

[127] His son Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[128] His son-in-law D. Harris’ brother, Jay Ralph Harris

[129] Malvina (Johnson) Meredith

[130] Walter “Burton” Meredith

[131] Michigan death records confirm that Mary Mason died October 27, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals that she is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[132] Michigan death records show that Samuel Miller, age 26, suffered an “accidental shooting” and died October 26, 1890 in Climax, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Gilson Cemetery in Climax

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

[134] His wife’s niece, Edna (Crawford) Allen; she was often referred to as “Ed” in Luke’s diaries

[135] Michigan death records show that Worden Wells died October 31, 1890 in Charleston, Michigan; however, the 10-31-1890 Kalamazoo Gazette ran an obituary showing “Galesburg, Oct. 29 – Worden Wells of the town of Charleston died this morning age 86…”

[136] His wife’s brother

[137] The 1890 United States elections occurred in the middle of Republican President Benjamin Harrison’s term. Members of the 52nd United States Congress were chosen in this election

[138] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders and their daughter, Mabel Flanders

[139] Michigan death records show that John Sumner died on November 10, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland, Michigan

[140] Clara’s future husband

[141] Clara’s half-uncle, who was the father of Stella and Mary (see footnote to February 20^th entry)

[142] Michigan death records show that Etta Odell died on November 25, 1890 in Charleston as a result of being “killed by cars,” and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. The November 25, 1890 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph had this report:  STRUCK BY THE ENGINE. Mrs. Odell is Thrown a Distance of 70 Feet, Killing Her Instantly. GALESBURG, NOV. 33—[Special.]—Mrs. Austin Odell, commonly known as Loretta Pierce, a woman about 50 years of age, was instantly killed last evening by the fast train going west. The circumstances are not known as no one saw her until the engineer pulled back to the station and gave the alarm—he having seen her as she was thrown past the window. She was found about 70 feet from the crossing east of the depot, and it is thought she must have been attempting to cross there and was thrown that distance. The signals were given as usual and it seems strange that she did not hear them.

[143] Michigan marriage records confirm that they were married in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on November 26, 1890

[144] Sentence was incomplete

[145] Michigan marriage records confirm that Levy Struble and Clara Sumner were married on December 23, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan

[146] Michigan marriage records confirm that they were married on December 23, 1890 in Galesburg, Michigan

[147] Michigan marriage records show that Nathan L. Randall married Susan (Cross) Murcell on December 24, 1890 in Middlebury, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1884 Diary

1884 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1[2] – Mercury 1__º in morning. Made Bessey[3] stool. Cut down my Long Jointer. Lois and Nancy[4] came home from Shelbyville[5] to day. Very little snow, no sleighing not much.

Jan 2 – 16 Abz[6] about 10 inches snow, very blustrous. Drawed one load wood. Varnished Herbs[7] Lap boards. Jim[8] took Bessie home. Hannah[9] went up to Em Ralphs.[10] Charley Pierce got his sentence.

Jan 3 – At zero, very windy, snow drifting. Nothing but chores. Very cold, blustrous. Minerva Lockhart[11] died to day at Petesky.[12]

Jan 4 – 4 below zero gefired cold. No work but chores. Cold blustring, 16 below in Evening. Lois and Ina[13] here.

Jan 5 – 14 below in morning. Jim and I cut tree on west line nex to Towns[14] cornfield. Drawed one load wood in afternoon. Very cold and blustring. Lois and Ina here. 4 above zero in Evening, about one foot snow.

Jan 6 – 14 below in morning. At home. Lois and Ina here. Cold.

Jan 7 – 10 below in morning, wind south west. Jim came down. We cut and drawed two loads wood. Ethan,[15] Lois and Hannah went down to Katharines.[16] Minerva Lockhart buried to day at galesburg cemetry.

Jan 8[17] – 7 below. Went over to burg in morning after chicken feed. Went over at noon. Bessey came home with me. Lois and Ina went home on noon train. Herb got lapboards. Old Mr Hawes died this morning.[18]

Jan 9[19] – Worked in shop on Derick cap. Not so very cold.

Jan 10 –18 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Hanna. Mrs Ed Childs at Nancys. Worked some on patterns. Cut, drawed two loads wood in afternoon. Mr Hawes buried to day.

Jan 11 – Worked in shop, turned out Derick cap &c.[20]

Jan 12 – 17 Abz. No work to day only chores. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Smith & Woodard one of the windmill Firms. They wanted to get him to make Patterns for them.

Jan 13 – 37 in morning Abz. At home all day. Went over to Nancys in Evening Bessy sick. Bill[21] got a way went down to the church. Lou Bristol[22] and Dell Strait caught him and drove him back to Hanks.[23]

Jan 14 – 20 in Evening Abz, nice day. Cut and drawed two loads wood. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Jan 15 – 8 Abz. Turned lathe in forenoon, glued track circle in derrick cap. Hannah went over to burg. Mr Ed Lane buried to day.

Jan 16 – 12 Abz pleasant morning. Worked in shop on patterns. Mr Will Morton and Miss Mertie Barton wer Married to day.[24] Mr Porter Whitford and Zeak Halls widder wer married this Evening.[25]

Jan 17 – Went over to burg. Cut some wood drawed one load.

Jan 18 – Went over to burg. Took Lou[26] over to Douglass to get her teeth filled and cleaned. Got Eight Baskets of Ears corn. Will Clark[27] had Bill to go up to Russells. Mr John Baty Died.[28]

Jan 19 – Filed saw for Mr _______, works for Simmons. Mr Bela Wright Died to day.[29] Filed saw for Will Brown.[30]

Jan 20 – 6 Abz in morning. At home. Cold. Nancy and Lucy[31] here. Mr Wright Buried to day.

Jan 21 – 20 Abz in morning. Chored round not much work to day but chores.

Jan 22 – 22 Abz in morning. Took Lou over to burg in morning. Went down to Mr Ralphs with Lou. Got feather Bed for Lou of Sarah Struble.

Jan 23 – Cut and drawed one load wood. Went over to burg at noon. Took Lou up to Depo, she went home.[32] She had Jays[33] hair cut. Mr. Batey buried today.

Jan 24 – Choring. Fed de cow and hos. Cut some wood and so on.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop some, not much mabby[?]. Went over to burg. Mercury runs from ten to 20 Above.

Jan 26 – Cut some wood Jim drawed load wood. Went over to burg at noon after the Crawford boys,[34] they no come. Went over in Evening, they no come. Took Bess home.

Jan 27 – 20 Abz good sleighing. Hiram Crawford[35] came this morning.

Jan 28 – Went over to burg at noon. Hiram went with me. Ethan took Hiram over in Evening he left for home. Mrs Dunning Chipman Died to day.[36]

Jan 29 – Ethan and Hannah went over to burg in morning.

Jan 30 – Cut wood and chored round. Not very cold.

Jan 31 – Cut cherry tree on west Line nex to Towns cornfield, cut wood up in woods. Emmet Crawford[37] came here in Evening. Cold night.

Feb 1 – 19 Abz in morning. No work but chores. Emmet Crawford here. Filed saw for Mr Caywood.

Feb 2 – Cut and drawed wood. Not very cold. Emmet went home on Evening train.

Feb 3 – 19 Abz wind N.E. At home no one here Except those that was here.

Feb 4 – 21 in morning wind N.E. Bushed one roller to Mrs Browns Wringer. Not much cold, rainy day, rained all night.

Feb 5 – 36 Abz morning wind S.W., raining, very icy. Worked on Wringer.

Feb 6 – Choring in the biz niz now days. Finished Wringer.

Feb 7 – Work in shop some. Went over to burg in forenoon git sack flour.

Feb 8 – 19 Abz. Worked in shop some. Cut some wood. Not much sleighing.

Feb 9 – No work but chores. Thawing some. D[38] came down to day.

Feb 10 – 9 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Hanks folks. D came over with me.

Feb 11 – D went back to day. I cut some wood drawed one load in afternoon. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Feb 12 – Chored around some. Rainy day, very icy.

Feb 13 – Took Ethan to Kalamazoo. He went to Chicago to see a Doctor.[39] Snowed like fun[40] when I came home. Clarra[41] came home with me. Mart[42] went up to Wickwires to thrash.

Feb 14 – Not very cold. At home. Clara Milham here. No work but chores. Mary Starring Chase died this morning.[43]

Feb 15 – Worked in shop some on Ethans knife. Herb Earl came down here.

Feb 16 – 21 Abz. Worked on Ethans Knife some. Took Sally[44] and Mrs Elder Betts[45] down to Mrs Browns.[46]

Feb 17 – 40 Abz. At home. Not very cold, rather sloppy, snow going very fast.

Feb 18 – 42 Abz in Evening. Took Mrs Betts over to burg. Saw E. T. Mills. Went down to foundry to get them to come and get the patterns.

Feb 19 – Took Sarah[47] over to burg in morning went over with the buggy. Strait came over got the Patterns. I made cover to Nancys flour barrel. Clara came back with me. Put Ethans knife together. Rainy night. No go after Sarah. Snows and blows.

Feb 20 – 15 Abz. Took Clara up to Jim Milhams[48] in morning. Cold wind. Went over to burg. Carried Nancys cover to flour barrel.

Feb 21 – 19 Abz. Worked round Barn. Made sleigh rack. Hat and Libby Taylor here in afternoon.

Feb 22 – Went up in woods cut wood. Snowed like fun. Clara came back from Jims.

Feb 23 –11 Abz. Chored round sawed some wood. Made step for Nancy. Went over to burg in afternoon to see the wind mill company. No get any money. Nancy and children[49] went down to Mrs Browns.

Feb 24 – 15 Abz in morning snowed and blowed some. Clara here. Lucy and George[50] came up in Evening after Clara. Not very cold mercury 26 ½ past 7 seven in Evening.

Feb 25 – 26 Abz in morning. Went over to burg in morning bot sack patent roller Flour. Bessie came home with me. I chored round, sawed some wood. Snowed like fun in afternoon. Hannah went over to Burg. Bessie went home.

Feb 26 – 20 Abz no work to day. Got some hard cold. Filed crosscut saw for Will Brown. Mrs Pixley Judson Died to day.[51]

Feb 27 – No work but chores. Cold hangs on yet. Filed saw for Will Brown. Hannah over to Nancys, came home in Evening.

Feb 28 – 4 below this morning. Not very well. Windy. Cut splitum some wood not much. Some ledle better. Martin Turner[52] came here stayed all night. He had been to Charles Whitcombs Birth day party. Cold day.

Feb 29 – 4 below. Martin here all day until most night. He went home on Evening Train. Henry Crawford[53] came on Michigan City freight in Evening. Jim drawed Hannah cord of wood.

Mar 1 – 10 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. H Crawford here all day. Jim drawed cord wood. Took Nancy home at night.

Mar 2 – 10 Abz. At home all day. Henry here all day. No one here excep Henry Crawford. 14 above in Evening.

Mar 3 – Took Henry over to train this morning he started for Auburn N.Y. Bessie came home with me. Jim drawed two loads wood from Mr Taylors woods. I got Eight Baskets of corn in the Ear of Will Clark. Cold day 14 Above in Evening.

Mar 4 – 5 Abz. Went up in woods in forenoon cut some wood. Went once to burg in afternoon. Called and saw Ida Hows twins.[54] Mart drawed one log for stone Boat[55] plank.

Mar 5 – 2 below. Went over to burg took Hannah over. Got oil and molasses. Cut one load wood and drawed it down.

Mar 6 – 24 Above in Evening. Sawed wood in forenoon. Went over to burg at noon after Nancy. Sawed some wood in afternoon. Will Brown took Nancy home at night.

Mar 7 – 20 Abz in Evening. Not very well no work but chores. Went over to burg afternoon after Lelah. Bessie not very well.

Mar 8 – 16 Abz in morning hard cold some. Filed saw for Sam Barton old shitlick went over to burg afternoon. Carried draft Board over to the Strait windmill Co.

Mar 9 – 18 Abz. At home. Cold winter weather. Hank and Nancy came over and got Lelah. Very good sleighing.

Mar 10 – At home. No work but chores. Not very well, hard cold.

Mar 11 – 42 Abz. Choring round. Thawing snow went off very fast. Went over to burg at noon got Lelah and Bessey took them down to Mrs Browns. Road full of water. Rainy night high wind.

Mar 12 – 30 High wind cold. Mrs Betts had a bad spell this morning. Jim went over to burg got Bottle white Pine syrup for her. Libby Taylor came down. Dance to burg to night. Hank & Nancy gone to the Creek.

Mar 13 – 40. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs & Blakes. Theodore came down and Repaired cistern pump. M. O. Streator and wife[56] here in afternoon.

Mar 14 – 27 Abz. Went up to pump shop. Took note up to Theodore. Cora Harris[57] came over to have dress fitted. Hank Brown went to Chicago on the night Express.

Mar 15 – Took Hannah over to Nancys. She took Ida Howes Boy with her. She will keep him while she stays there.

Mar 16 – At home all day. No one here. Not very cold no snow.

Mar 17 – 40 Abz. Took Mrs Betts over to burg in morning. Hannah came back with me. Sarah and I went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon. Hannah went to Mr Sumners in afternoon. Went over to burg after Mrs Betts.

Mar 18 – Chored round. Repaired manger. Turned one plunger for Theodore Earl.[58] Rainy day or afternoon rather.

Mar 19 – Rainy day. No work. Went over to Burg in afternoon got an order of Barlow on Theodore Earl for Eight Dollars. Presented the order got the cash on it $8.00. Dod Sumner brot Hannah home.

Mar 20 – Filed two saws for Dod Sumner. Went over to burg took Hannah over to burg. She went to Geo Blakes. Jim went to Comstock to mill. Sent corn by him.

Mar 21 – Pleasant day. Made lapboard for Nancy. Went over to burg at noon. Sent letter to Hiram. Mrs Betts had a bad time with her throat this morning. Hard work to breathe.

Mar 22 – Took down old fence west side of garden. Cut some wood and done the chores. Fine day.

Mar 23 – 55 Abz. Nice day looks very much like spring. Wheat looks green. River very high. Went over to Nancys after Hannah.

Mar 24 – Went up to Jesse Earls[59] to see Barbed wire fence. Went up to the Burying ground up by Staffords to see that wire. Went to see Mr Carrs fence. Mate Ford[60] and Tamer Addams[61] called here. Mr Joseph Flanders[62] and Aunt Hannah[63] called.

Mar 25 – 50 Abz rainy. Rainy day. No work but chores. Story Sleeper[64] set fire to a straw stack, crawled into it and burnt up with it. Rained all night. Nell Stanford[65] here in afternoon.

Mar 26 – 40 Abz Cloudy. Cloudy morning pleasant afternoon. Went up to Mr Flanders after post hole digger. Got Rooster Plymouth rock variety. Paid Will Clark $3.00.

Mar 27 – __8 Abz, still. Went over to burg in morning. Dug out posts west side of garden. Took down Hen yard. Drawed some stone. Mrs Brown and Bina Earl[66] here in afternoon. Very fine day. Story Sleeper Buried to day.

Mar 28 – Rainy forenoon cleared of. Drawed brush in afternoon on west line. Charley Town commenced plowing for Oats in west lot. Commenced raining just at night. Prince Leopold Died.[67]

Mar 29 – Windy. Went over to burg in morning after Nancy and children. Sarah & I went down to Marts. Jim and Hannah went over to burg in Evening to hear the McGibbiny family Discourse a few music. Mr John Flint Died to day.[68]

Mar 30 – 32 Abz pleasant. Nice day. At home all day. Jim and Libby Taylor went up to Frank Bronsons.

Mar 31 – Chored round. Not much work done.

Apr 1 – 45. Jim came down in morning helped me saw up cherry tree on west line. Charley plowing. Theodore shingling his shop on north End of mill. I went over to burg in afternoon. It rained some. Mr John Seeley Buried to day at Galesburg.

Apr 2 – 32 Abz. Snows and blows this morning. Kate Isherwood came down after Hannah. Jim pitching shit for Dea Randall. Mrs Ben Jacobs buried to day.[69]

Apr 3 – Took Hannah over to burg in morning. She went to Mrs Hannah Wilmarths. Nice day.

Apr 4 – Went over to burg in morning. Chored round some. Went over in Evening got wall paper.

Apr 5 – Went over to burg after Hannah. Put ___ps on wall they put paper part way around. Saw Riley Coe. Nell and Harry[70] here in Evening.

Apr 6 – 53 in morning, pleasant. Nice morning. At home no go to church to day.

Apr 7 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. Went over at noon to vote. No work to day. Went took Nancy home in Evening. Snowed and rained. P. S. Carmer[71] Left for Otsego. W. A. Blake[72] Elected Supervisor.

Apr 8 – Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs in morning. Snowed some stormy day rain and snow.

Apr 9 – 33 Abz ground covered with snow. Robert Crawford[73] came this afternoon.

Apr 10 – Robert here. Went up to Charley Fords[74] in afternoon to get a place for Harry Crawford.[75]

Apr 11 – Went over to burg in forenoon after Hannah. Robert went over. I went over at noon after clover seed bot ½ bushel $3.25. Jim working for Harry Streator.

Apr 12 – Charley Town sowed Rye and Oats, Timothy and Clover seed to day. Took Robert over to burg he went to Battle Creek. Ed Schrams Baby died.[76]

Apr 13 – Hannah and Jim went up to Mr Flanders to see if they would take Harry Crawford.

Apr 14 – Went over to burg got pattern to change for Knapp.

Apr 15 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Rainy. Went down to Katharines to see how she was, she sick. Very rough rainy day. Took Nancy home in Evening.

Apr 16 – Cold rough morning snows some. Chored round. Worked some in shop on pattern. Robert started for Home on noon train.

Apr 17 – Cold raw day. Worked on pattern some. Sawed out strip for W^m Ralphs[77] frames for Bee Hives. Mrs William Carey Died.[78]

Apr 18 – Finished Mr Knapps pattern took it home over to him. Took Mrs Betts over to burg. Spencer Peat got load Hay.

Apr 19 – Pleasant day. Trimed Blackberry and Raspberry bushes. Ed Flanders[79] and Aunt Hannah called here just at night.

Apr 20 – Cloudy day. Hannah came home from Scots. Mrs W^m Carey Buried.

Apr 21 – Charley Town drawing manure putting it on hill south of orchard. Will Clark commenced work to day moving and laying up fence on hill. Very high wind.

Apr 22 – Charley finished drawing manure. I drawed stone for fence corners and some old rails. Hard wind very much high wind cold.

Apr 23 – Pleasant day no wind. Will Clark working for Charley Town.

Apr 24 – Frost. Chored round. Worked some in garden. Went over to burg in Evening took over Eleven Doz Eggs 15¢ pr doz.

Apr 25 – Got Jesse Earls wagon. Took my wheels over to Lockhart got tyre put on paid him $3.00. Picked up brush in orchard and burnt it. Mr Leonard Evins fell of load hay and Broke his Arm.

Apr 26 – Frost. Burnt brush heap in front yard.

Apr 27 – At home all day. Very high wind. Rev. H. B. Ewell of Pavillion Genesee Co N.Y. Died this morning.[80]

Apr 28 – Will Clark cutting brush on hill fixing to build wire fence. Went over to burg got my wagon wheels. Paid Edwin Flanders $1.96 cts for wheat.

Apr 29 – Went over to burg got Grub hoe repaired 20¢. Will grubbing fence row on the hill. Edwin brot Grist 2 bushels Graham flour $1.96 cts.

Apr 30 – Finished Hanks pattern. Went over to burg in afternoon took Hanks pattern over. Mrs Betts went over with me. Will cutting and burning brush on hill. Mrs Selind Davis Died to day.[81] A fine shower.

May 1 – Rainy morning. Went to Kalamazoo after Ethan. Rained all day. Mrs Davis Buried to day. Stephen Comfort[82] came to day.

May 2 – Worked on hill in afternoon cut one large tree. Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening.

May 3 – Pleasant morning. Worked on hill cut the big Grapevine tree an two others. Very fine day. Burnt brush. Mrs Malony Buried to day.[83]

May 4 – Rainy day not very cold. At home all day. Stephen here.

May 5 – Put cow out to pasture. Worked on hill most of the day cut some trees. Charley Town began plowing corn ground south of orchard.

May 6 – Went over to burg in morning ordered my wire for fence. Had a nice shower about Eleven oclock A.M.

May 7 – Painted my wheels over. Cut some brush on hill. Took Mr Stephen Comfort over to Nancys in Evening.

May 8 – Mr Comfort left on 7 AM run for Canada. I went down to M. O. Streators to get Jim to help Will Clark saw. Will sowed the clover seed.

May 9 – Painted wagon gearing blacked bands on wheels. Will cut brush and burnt some. I went over to Burg in Evening.

May 10 – Will split posts. I took Locust post up to corner. Cullen and Bert[84] planted the south lot to corn. I went up to Mr Flanders got poshole digger, some potatoes, Harness, one pig. Rained before I got home. Rainy night.

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

May 12 – Will Clark planted corn for Ed Schram in forenoon, for Mr Streator in afternoon. I went over to burg in Evening to see if my wire had come. Rained in night.

May 13 – Jim and Will sawed wood and posts on hill some in forenoon and afternoon. Rained some. I set the corner post up at the corner towards Taylors.

May 14 – Drawed manure six loads. Will planting for Harry Streator. Mr McKay buried to day.[85]

May 15 – Sawed pickets for Hen park. Got out manure in afternoon. Went over to burg in Evening. Mr Conrad buried to day.[86] Will Clark planted for Mr Franklin.

May 16 – Pleasant morning. Got out manure put it on garden.

May 17 – Built Hen Park. Very fine day. Went over got my wire, 403 lbs, 5 lbs staples $24.48. Mrs. M. Sprague[87] came on noon train to Nancys. Came over here in Evening.

May 18 – Pleasant day. Ethan and Patty went down to Katharines.

May 19 – Not very well. Got out some manure on garden.

May 20 – Worked up on Hill some set some posts East side of wheat lot. Will Brown plowed garden.

May 21 – Went down to Will Browns got his Thomas[?] Harrow to drag garden. Will burning brush and distributing posts.

May 22 – Worked on hill set posts. Got Tom Brown[88] drawed some rails.

May 23 – Jim came down with team drawed rails and wood with both teams.

May 24 – Katharine and Geo Worked on fence some.

May 25 – Katharine and George came up here. Alvin and Julia[89] here. George Tomlinson,[90] Ogden Tomlinson, wife and daughter[91] came here.

May 26 – Rainy some. George Tomlinson went to Battle Creek came back went down to Katharines with Orrin Starr.[92] I took Patty down to Katharines. Rainy.

May 27 – Will working on hill throwing up rige on the line of the fence. I went down to M O Streators got some potatoes.

May 28 – Cold north wind no frost. Working on hill throwing up ridge.

May 29 – Worked on fence tightening posts. Will throwing up ridge.

May 30 – Put wire on fence, put up 60 rods, 4 wire fence.

May 31 – Cleaning up and grading.

Jun 1 – At home. Ethan went down to Marts after Patty. Lucy brot her home.

Jun 2 – Went over to burg in morning. Went up to George Billingtons to see Patent fence.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg in morning got some flour some Bran. Found calf with Fan this morning. Not much work to day. Mr Barber and Will setting Posts for Hat and Lib Taylors[93] fence. Rained just at night. Mr Flanders called in.

Jun 4 – Sarah and her Mother went over to Nancys in morning. I drawed some stone from corner. Went over to burg in Evening after Sarah and her Mother got home about ten Oclock. Mrs Betts Died about Eleven Evening.[94]

Jun 5 – Went over to burg in morning to get casket and make arrangements for funeral. Hiram and Kate[95] came in afternoon, D. and Lou came in Evening. Pro

Jun 6 – Took Box over to cemetry, got Mr Miner to dig the grave. Box came this morning. Mrs Betts Buried to day.

Jun 7 – Henry came this morning from South Bend.[96] They all left for home on the 11 Oclock train.

Jun 8 – At home all day.

Jun 9 – Moved fence East of house. Had Tom and Bill.[97]

Jun 10 – Set fence posts on the road east of House.

Jun 11 – Jim came down plowed for the ditch on the road East of house. Skinner[98] had Bill, drew load wood to Hank. I filed saw for Erastus Stewart.

Jun 12 – Will shoveled the dirt up to fence posts. Ethan and I put on one wire in forenoon worked on the ridge in afternoon.

Jun 13 – Strung wire on fence East of House and finished grading.

Jun 14 – Took Sarah and Patty over to burg in morning. Took back wire $3.96. Drew stone from road in afternoon. Skinner came up got shovle plow in morning.

Jun 15 – At home. Ethan took Patty down to Katharines.

Jun 16 – Chored round house and garden. Cut out stuf for screen frames for Hat and Lib.

Jun 17 – Worked on road. Very hot day.

Jun 18 – Worked on road cut weeds and leveled up. Lois and Nancy came over Charley and Clara[99] came. Rained just at night. Took the girls over in Evening.

Jun 19 – James Krum called here in morning he went to Kalamazoo with Ethan. He went down after Jesse. I finished working on road. P. S. Carmer Died to day at Otsego.[100]

Jun 20 – Very hot. Went up to Taylors got size of windows cut one frame. Worked for Charley Town in afternoon. Cut out window on west side of Kitchen. Had a shower in afternoon.

Jun 21 – Ethan took Lou to Kalamazoo she goes home on the afternoon train. Very hot mercury 98 in shade at one oclock P. M.

Jun 22 – At home all day. Very hot day. P. S. Carmer Buried to day at Otsego.

Jun 23 – Went over to M. O. Streators got two bushels wheat took it over to mill. Turned six pins for Will Brown. Brot over some Lime over for C. I. Clark.

Jun 24 – Very hot. Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs. Charley Clark went to Kalamazoo after his goods. I fitted frames to windows at Taylors House. Rained in Evening.

Jun 25 – Rainy day. Went over to Hanks after Charleys folks took them up to the House.

Jun 26 – At home choring. Went round the squair with Patty. Called to Mr Flanders. They wer at work on cellar wall.

Jun 27 – Worked in shop some on plow. Very hot.

Jun 28 – Worked in shop some. Took the folks over to cemetry. Katharine came up. Patty, Katharine and Sarah went over.

Jun 29 – At home. Very hot. Killed two hens, one Rooster. R. E. Strait came over.

Jun 30 – Patty and Hannah started for Perry, Wyoming County, N.Y.[101] Ethan took them to Kalamazoo. Very hot mercury 100 & 4 in sun at 9 A.M.

Jul 1 – Woodded Will Browns Plow. Extracted tooth for John Isherwoods girl she paid 25 cts. Hot day.

Jul 2 – I took Sarah and Jesse over to Burg in morning. Ethan turned one plunger for Theodore. Put the cow back in pasture to day.

Jul 3 – Painted Will Browns plow over in morning. Rained some ledle much.

Jul 4 – Jim had Bill to go to Gull Lake. I chored round picked some berries. Charley Town cut some wheat in lot North side of road. Rained in night. Aunt Celia Keith Uncle Ozens wife Died to day.[102]

Jul 5 – Windy. Went down to Marts, Frank Burlingham thare, Net Cory also. High wind some cooler. Lois came over stayed all night.

Jul 6 – At home all day. Hanks folks called here at night. Mr Randall got his Reaper Knives he paid 50 cts.

Jul 7 – Went down to Charley Fords bot five bushels Oats 40¢ pr bushel $2.00. Chored round.

Jul 8 – Went down to Charleys got bag I left there when I got the oats. Turned two plungers for Theodore.

Jul 9 – Went over to burg with Charley Clark got some boards to make cupboard. Took Sarah over in afternoon. Rainy. Charley Town commenced cutting wheat.

Jul 10 – Charley finished cutting East lot. Will Brown cut my grass. Fine day.

Jul 11 – Went down to Mrs Browns got Tom and wagon. Drawed in my hay. Very nice day. Charley Clark helped me get it in.

Jul 12 – Picked some berries, done chores, cut the wheat next the fence East of house that the Binder left. Will Clark cut his wheat to day. The Mankin show in town this Evening.

Jul 13 – At home. No one here except those that was here. Charley Town cutting wheat for Cull.

Jul 14 – Show in burg to night. Cut weeds up and down the hill on both sides of fence. Went over to burg in afternoon. Took Sarah over to Hanks. Bot gloves 75¢. Went over in Evening af Sarah. Herd the band play.

Jul 15 – Finished cutting weeds on road. Set up wheat in East lot in afternoon. Charley and Will Crittenden drawed in the girls wheat, Hat and Libs. Rained some in morning.

Jul 16 – Went over to burg in morning. Went up to Mr Flanders got some sed to sow on my fence bank East of house. Show in town to night.

Jul 17 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo with Jesse. She went to shelby ville. I worked in garden some. Very fine weather. Filed saw for Hat and Libby Taylor.

Jul 18 – Chored round. Worked some in shop ledle some.

Jul 19 – Charley Town drawed in the wheat in forenoon. Drawed some of his in afternoon. Very nice weather.

Jul 20 – Went down to Marts in afternoon. Found Toot[103] not some better.

Jul 21 – Took Lois over to burg in morning. No work but chores. Charly drawing wheat up to Culls. Stranger took dinner here, a Mr Goodrich, a Frenchman, said he lived at Sharlotte Michigan.

Jul 22 – Took Sarah over to burg in morning. Chored round. Went up to mill to see if I could get something for gate posts. Tim Whitcomb raked wheat stubble. Mrs Harvey Freer died to day.[104]

Jul 23 – Went over to burg in morning after some whortleberries.[105] Had a nice shower in morning rained hard cleared of about 9 AM. Put in three cradle fingers for Mr Caywood. Ethan took Sarah down to Mrs Browns in afternoon.

Jul 24 – Had a nice rain agan this morning. Repaired Charley Clarks buck saw frame. Charley Town commenced cutting the oats. Mrs Harvey Freer buried to day.

Jul 25 – Turned over the rakings in east lot. Jane Hoag[106] came over to day. Abel[107] went to Vicksburg to Odfellows Picknick. Very hot day. Charley cut some oats, drawed in some of his wheat on north side.

Jul 26 – Went over to burg in morning after Lelah and Bessey. Hank and Nancy went to Toledo. Hot weather mercury 96. Charley town drawing wheat.

Jul 27 – Mercury 94 not much wind. Home all day, Hank & Nancy at Toledo. Ethan & Clark went down to Marts. Bessey & Lelah here.

Jul 28 – Not very well, no work. Charley Town finished cutting oats. Nancy came home. Jim got home.

Jul 29 – Chored round. Got ready for thrashers. They thrashed to Mrs Browns & Mr Randalls. Came up here and set machine.

Jul 30 – Thrashed my wheat & oats 93 bushels oats, 140 bushels wheat. Will Johnsons machine. Had a nice shower just at night. Mr Baptist minister called on my wife dont know what they said or done some not much.

Jul 31 – Went over to burg took 4 bushels wheat to mill.

Aug 1 – Took 4 bushels wheat to mill. Charley brot Bed tick down to be filled, took bags home. Cut weeds on on east fence up the hill.

Aug 2 – Cut weeds on road East of house. Took old violin to pieces. Chored round some. Hot day. Hat and Lib commenced cutting their oats.

Aug 3 – At home. Went over to burg in morning after Lelah & Bessey. Hank, Nancy, Mrs Brown & Sarah went up to Mr Levy Woods.

Aug 4 – Went over after Nancy and the girls in morning. Nancy came over to help Quilt. I done some turning for Oat Hill. Cool day.

Aug 5 – Rainy forenoon. Went to Kalamazoo in afternoon to see about Jessie coming home. She will come tomorrow on noon train. Will Clark bot buggy to day.

Aug 6 – Choring. Jessie no come. George Ives here to Dinner. Took Sarah over to burg in afternoon to see about getting Jessie home. Union[?] Picknic at  Gull Lake to day. Edna and Jes came on the 6 oclock run all right.

Aug 7 – Cloudy morning. Oiled Harness and got things redy to go to shelby.[108]

Aug 8 – Started for Shelby ville 5 oclock AM got to Orangeville at 12 arrived in Shelby ½ past 3 P.M all right. Left my Halter where I fed the Horse at Orangeville.

Aug 9 – At Shelby. Fine morning. Made screen for west window in dining room.

Aug 10 – At Harris House all day. Quite warm. D., Lou and Jay took Bill and their carriage went out riding.

Aug 11 – Some rain this morning at Shelby. Made window Screen. Bot 10 cent Hat 60 cent Rubbers.

Aug 12 – Left Shelby for home about Eight oclock AM got home ½ past five P.M. Kate Crawford came on noon train. She came out after Jes. Very hot day. I was sick in night.

Aug 13 – Not very well to day. Book agent called here. Kate and Jes left for home on noon train.

Aug 14 – Not very well to day. Diavolus Bolus[?]. No work. Clara here all day.

Aug 15 – Sick. Very hot and dry mercury 100 in shade ½ past Eleven A.M.

Aug 16 – Not well, no work. Hot and dry. Ethan and Will Clark went to Kalamazoo. Mercury 97 in shade.

Aug 17 – Mercury 101 in shade. At home. Ethan and Hanks folks gone to Gull Lake. Charley and Will went to Evenges.

Aug 18 – Not much work. Very hot and dry. Mended Rocking chair.

Aug 19 – Went and got Theodores pump tongs repaired pump. Went over to burg in Evening.

Aug 20 – Mr Barney Seely Buried.[109] Went over to Burg after mail, no got him. Went up to Mill. Theodore gave me a big string of fish. Went down to Marts to see Lucy. She not some better ledle mite. Rained some in night.

Aug 21 – Cloudy and some cooler. Jim gone to Battle Creek to the Encampment. Will Clark thrashing to David Bronsons.

Aug 22 – Jay Barton Died.[110] Put violin together I think the Illick violin. Ethan turned out two stand tops for Herb Earl.

Aug 23 – Went over to burg got Nancy and girls. Ethan went over at noon got the James girls, Laura & Rosa.[111] They came from Kalamazoo.

Aug 24 – Fine pleasant morning no frost.

Aug 25 – No work. Went to burg at noon Laura went with me. Ethan and the girls went around the squair.

Aug 26 – Nice morning. Sarah went over to burg. Not much work pulled some weeds in corn, not much.

Aug 27 – No work very much rainy day. Lois and Ina came over in Evening. Took Sarah over to burg. Pulled weeds in corn field.

Aug 28 – No work. Rainy day rain all day. Lois and Ina came over in Evening. Ethan turned Stand top for Laura & Rosa James.

Aug 29 – Went down to Katharines with Lois found Lucy some better I think. Barnums Show in Kalamazoo to day.

Aug 30 – Turned 3 pump handles for Theodore. Laura & Rose here. Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening took the Illick violin over.

Aug 31 – Nice pleasant day some cooler than it was once. Ethan and the girls went out riding.

Sep 1 – Very pleasant morning. The girls left for Jonesville, Laura and Rose James. Turned 12 pump handles for Theodore, 3 tops, one stand top.

Sep 2 – At home. Not very well no work but chores.

Sep 3 – Went down to Katharines to see Lucy. Worked on violin.

Sep 4 – Choring round. Very hot and dry nead some rain considerable.

Sep 5 – Cut out neck for violin. Very hot day. S. Struble threshed for the Taylor girls.

Sep 6 – Hot mercury 95 in shade. Worke on violin neck. Will Clark came here helped Ethan turn stand top.

Sep 7 – At home no one here. Very hot.

Sep 8 – Will Clark commenced cutting corn. I chored round watched cow.

Sep 9 – Martin Turner came here on his way home from Ohio. I took him over to burg. Went down to Katharines found Lucy no better. Very hot mercury 100 in shade. Wes[112] came on Michigan City freight.

Sep 10 – Mercury 102 at noon. Went over to burg at noon to meet Hannah she came on 11.15 train. Saw Wesley.

Sep 11 – Went over to burg after Nancy and children. Hannah & Nancy went down to Katharines. Ethan & Wesley went down to Marts in afternoon.

Sep 12 – Charley cutting corn. Wes here.

Sep 13 – At home. Chores. Laura and Rose came on 9 oclock run from Kirkwoods.

Sep 14 – At home. Went down to Katharines.

Sep 15 – Worked round in shop some and [nothing further written]

Sep 16 – Worked round house and shop. Girls here. Went over after Nancy.

Sep 17 – Ethan, Nancy, Hannah and and girls went to State Fair to Kalamazoo.

Sep 18 – Went over to burg. Took after Nancy home. Took Hannah over to burg in Evening.

Sep 19 – Worked in shop some chored round done not much some dings. Mary Plank[113] and a Miss Hall came here stayed all night. Ethan and the girls all went over to the Rink in Evening, the Grand Opening.

Sep 20 – The girls went home in afternoon. Mary Ellen took them to Kalamazoo. Very nice day.

Sep 21 – It was me self and me woife wint down to see Lucy this after noon sur Lucy no better. Very dry no prospect of rain as yet.

Sep 22 – Went over to burg took Hannah over to Nancys. Wesley came up in Evening after Sarah. Lucy was faling she Died ¼ past to Eleven P.M.[114]

Sep 23 – Sprinkled a little this morning. Not very well. Mrs Aurilla Hood of Salt Lake City Died to day.[115] They found forty Eight Hundred Dollars in specie[116] in a matrass after she died in little bags.

Sep 24 – Rainy fore noon. Went down to Marts. Lucy Buried to day.

Sep 25 – Charley Clark husked corn for me to day. I cleaned out cornhouse. Sent a letter to Mark Lee.[117]

Sep 26 – Went over to burg after Charleys wagon at noon. Drawed in two loads corn in afternoon. Wesley and Adelphia[118] here to dinner. Warm day.

Sep 27 – Worked round cornhouse. Went down to Mrs Browns got some apples. Drawed one load corn. Charley husked corn in afternoon.

Sep 28 – At home. No one here. Nice day.

Sep 29 – Charley husked corn in fore noon. I drawed it in afternoon.

Sep 30 – Not very well no work but chores. Wes came from Scots.[119] Went over to Bill Blakes stayed all night. Old Mrs Schram died to Night.[120]

Oct 1 – Cloudy morning. Went over to burg in morning, No work not well.

Oct 2 – Went over to burg in morning to see Mr Knapp.[121] Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Mrs Schram Buried to day. Wes here to night.

Oct 3 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Chored some. Jim Conky came here to see about getting some sand for Butterfields. Mrs Brown came up. Mrs Forbush and Mrs Blake came over in afternoon.

Oct 4 – Not very well. Very nice weather. Lois and Dell came with one load goods. Very warm weather no frost yet. Grass look nice good feed. Mercury 94.

Oct 5 – Not very well. At home. Lois and Ina here. Very hot day. Will Clark took Jesse Milham[122] out riding.

Oct 6 – Took Lois over to Nancys in afternoon. Bot Boots $4.00.00. Nice day Mercury 84. Jim Milham cut wheat to day.

Oct 7 – Worked in barn some raised up south sill. Took Sarah over to burg. Hank went up to Seresco,[123] came back then he and Nancy went to Chicago. Charley Clark dug potatoes. Went over after Sarah in Evening. Rained in night.

Oct 8 – Some rainy cool wind. Not much done to day. Worked round Barn some. Mr David Bronson Died in night. He not Dead but very low.

Oct 9 – Worked in barn some raised the south sill some. Wesley came just at night. He went up to Ridlers stayed all night.

Oct 10 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Helped Charley and Will get Lois goods in to her House.[124] Bot plank for stable floor and some flooring for rincktum skatum[125] $9.76¢.

Oct 11 – Nice morning. Wesley went down to Katharines with Jesse Earl this morning. Mrs Laura Vancicle Hall Buried to day.[126] Mrs David Vosburg Died 4 oclock AM,[127] Mr David S. Bronson Died 1 oclock P.M.[128] Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening took Oatmans saws over to him.

Oct 12 – Cloudy morning not very cool Mercury 76. Went down to Katharines. All well as usual. Wes was there.

Oct 13 – D.B.S. Very pleasant day. Went to Mr David S. Bronsons funeral. Mercury 70 Abz at one P.M. Hank got home from Read City on night train.

Oct 14 – Nice morning. Went up to mill. Saw John Ralph. Got Theodores pump Tongs. Repaired my pump. Jesse Turner and wife[129] came at noon. Jes went over to burg with me. I went over to get pump rod welded. Wesley left Kalamazoo for home on morning Train.

Oct 15 – Pleasant morning heavy frost. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night. Nancy went up to Lous Jay is sick. Ethan took her to Kalamazoo. I am 71 years old to day.

Oct 16 – Worked in barn all day cleared out stable. Got ready to put in new[?] floor. Mr Skidmore Died to night.[130]

Oct 17 – Not very well. Not much work. Warm weather. Herb Clark and wife[131] at C. I. Clarks.

Oct 18 – Choring around. Went over to burg to get the mail. Jay not much better. Mr Zida Zardis Skidmore Buried to day.

Oct 19 – At home. Hank came over. Lelah & Bessey here. Harvey Keith[132] and Mother[133] came here from Mrs Bateys.[134] Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines in afternoon. Nice day.

Oct 20 – Not much work. Took Hannah over to burg in afternoon. She went up to Tip Towns.[135] Warm nice day.

Oct 21 – Warm morning Mercury 91 Abz. Went up to Mill. Herb gave me string of fish. Ethan went over to Mr Knaps to do a job on his binder frame. Nancy up to Shelbyville. Cloudy. Went over to burg. Rained all afternoon. Nancy came home. Jay no better. Took some straw over to Lois.

Oct 22 – Took Sarah over to burg. Lelah and Bessy went home. Warm day. Not much work but choring.

Oct 23 – Snowed like fun. Went over to burg in morning to take plank over to Lois for side walk. Lost the cows rope. Clara and Edna[136] came down. Charley came down to supper. Charley put down the side walk.

Oct 24 – Went down to M. O. Streators. Made a man hole in the upper Hall. Cyrus and the Doctor wer there. Cool day. I got six large pumpkins.

Oct 25 – Dug potatoes in East garden. Took Hannah over to burg in afternoon. Ethan went over after her in Evening.

Oct 26 – At home all right. Jim and Will Clark here. Ethan went down to Alvin Lees.

Oct 27 – Cleaned out hen house. Took Hannah down to Mate Fords.

Oct 28 – Choring. Went over and got Nancy and Bessey. Ethan took them home in Evening.

Oct 29 – I took Sarah down to Kalamazoo. She went up to Shelby to stay with Lou a few days. Nice pleasant day.

Oct 30 – Went up to mill in morning. Sawed out stuf for Jims skate Box. Repaired check valve to pump. Ethan took Hannah over to the Rink. Nice day Mercury 50 Abz.

Oct 31 – Rainy. Went up to mill. Got Eight nice fish. Carried stable floor plank in barn.

Nov 1 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. She came over stayed all day. Went down to Mrs Browns at night. Ethan and Hank went to Kalamazoo in Evening to see a play at the Opera House.

Nov 2 – At Home no one here except our own family. Sarah up to Lous. Hank and Nancy and children down to Mrs Browns. Fine day.

Nov 3 – Rainy day went over to burg to Election. Worked round barn in forenoon. Went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon. Got load apples. Fine day.

Nov 4 – Rainy day. Went to Election[137] in forenoon. Worked on pigpen in afternoon some. George Milham here awhile. He took Mart up to Election.

Nov 5 – Mr Hill died.[138] Finished pen put Peter into it. Cold wind. Charley Clark had the wagon to carry Lois load wood.

Nov 6 – Went over to burg bot Glass and putty to repair windows to the school House 40 cts. Thomas paid me the balance due on wire $3.96 cts.

Nov 7 – Nice day. Repaired Kitchen floor. Charley Town drew his cornfodder. Charley Clark finished husking corn. Very pleasant nice day quite warm. Some ledle smoky just at night. Truman Dewey Died.[139]

Nov 8 – Put glass in windows at schoolhouse in forenooon. Went over to burg at noon after Sarah. She came from Lous. Drawed in corn in afternoon. Went over after trunk. Lois and Ina came over home with me. Dell came over stayed all night.

Nov 9 – Very pleasant day. Jim and Ed Streator[140] came down in morning. Dell left for home. Truman Dewey Buried to day just at night. Mercury __2 some like Indian summer. Clara, Nina and Gertie[141] came up just at night.

Nov 10 – Took Hannah over to Aunt Hannah Wilmarths came home took Sarah over to Mr Barbers.[142] Mrs Barber[143] sick. Went after her just at night. Hank and Dell went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 11 – Very nice weather. Worked in Barn raised up cross sill. Putting in new stable floor. Ethan went over to burg in Evening. Sent Enterprise[144] to George.

Nov 12 – Put partition in Peters pen made spout to turn his drink in. Ed Chadwicks Auction to day. Willis Brown married this Evening to Miss Lizzie Ogden.[145] Sarah has gone to set up with Mrs Dick Barber. Very nice warm day.

Nov 13 – Went over to burg after Sarah in morning. Fine day. Took Sarah down to Mrs Browns at noon. Worked in Barn some. Will and Lizzie came home just at night.

Nov 14 – Worked in barn putting in stable floor. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over.

Nov 15 – Went over to burg in morning after Hannah. Finished stable floor. Very nice weather. Indian summer, some smoky.

Nov 16 – Went down to Katharines. Marion Rice[146] and Mrs Gaffery wer there. Verry nice day. Rained some when we came home at night.

Nov 17 – Worked round house. Helped take up the carpet in East rom. Finished the stable floor. Pleasant day rather cold wind. Ethan and Nancy, Charley and Lois went to Kalamazoo to day.

Nov 18 – Chored house and barn. Filed croscut saw for H. D. Streator.[147] Charley Clark finished husking for Will Brown. Charley Town working on road.

Nov 19 – Cold morning Mercury 10 Abz in morning. Will Brown drawed his cornfodder. Sarah and I went down to Alvins. Nice dry day. Mr Vose building cellar wall for Alvin under Tenant House.

Nov 20 – Not very well to day. Tinkered round. Shelled some black Beans. Worked in Barn some. Kept Fan[148] at home to day. Sybil Austin called at the door a moment in Evening. Hannah at work to J. T. Allertons.

Nov 21 – Went over got some mortar to plaster East room. Charley came down and put some on. He had company come, Mrs Youngs.[149]

Nov 22 – Charley came down put on some more. I put on in parlor in afternoon. Charley came down shelled some corn. Rainy night.

Nov 23 – Rainy morning. Mercury 55 Abz in morning.

Nov 24 – Mercury ___ Abz morning, cold snowey day. Extracted tooth for C. I. Clark. Choring all day. Ethan made Bevel gear for W. H. Knapp.[150]

Nov 25 – Mercury 24 Abz morning. Cleaned up wheat & took to mill 4 bushels. Took over bag corn for Charley Clark. Ethan made Jims skate Box. Charley Town brot oats over 4 bushels. Cold and snowey, bad day.

Nov 26 – Went over to burg in morning after grist. Brot Charleys meal over. Some cold snow some. Mercury 19 Abz. Theodore and Charley came down to shop.

Nov 27 – Thawed or tried to thaw out pump at Barn. Not very cold.

Nov 28 – Turned five buckets for Theodore. Filed cross cut saw for Gus Gates 25 cts. Not very cold. Nelson Nichols called. Mr Barber called in shop. Lois and Ina came over stayed all night.

Nov 29 – At home doing chores. Gates boy got saw. Brot buck saw to be filed 20¢. Filed buck saw for Mr Randal 15¢.

Nov 30 – Pleasant day. Went down to Katharines. Not very cold nice wheeling.

Dec 1 – Turned 4 buckets for Theodore. Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Mercury 32 Abz, nicest kind of wheeling, very little snow on the ground.

Dec 2 – Mercury 33 Abz very nice day, nicest kind of wheeling, very little snow, bout a inch. C. I. Clark and Jim sawing wood for H. D. Streator. Mrs Youngs an Clara here this afternoon. Sky very red after sun down. Filed saw for Harry Streator.

Dec 3 – Filed saw for Harry this morning. Worked in Barn made mangers for Fan. Very pleasant day. Sarah went up to Hat Taylors in afternoon. Nice roads. Lots wood going into the burg. Nice moon light nights.

Dec 4 – Mercury 50 Abz very nice pleasant day. Worked in Barn fixing stable. Mr Gates paid 40¢. The Ladies Skating Trial came of this Evening. Ethan and Jim went over. Fine weather for December.

Dec 5 – Mercury 54 Abz quite warm rainy day. Put some shingles on Barn tightened boards on south End Barn. Charley had wagon to draw Lois load wood. Rained all night.

Dec 6 – Worked in Barn fixing well. Rainy day. Mercury 50 Abz. Hannah came home just dark. Grass green, feed first rate.

Dec 7 – Mercury 37 Abz rained all day. Ethan took Hanah down to Mr Caywoods at night. Strong south west wind no snow.

Dec 8 – Worked in Barn banked up barn on East side. Cool day.

Dec 9 – Chored round barn some in forenoon. Moved stove some ledle west. Went over to burg in afternoon with Will Brown. Got some lumber to seel East Bedroom 1.22¢. Ed Flanders paid $1.00 for repairs on schoolhouse. Paid Schroder $1.00. Paid Nelt Nickols $1.00.

Dec 10 – Mercury 34 Abz. Martin Turner called here this morning. Not much work to day. Ethan went down to Katharines in afternoon after Hannah. Stormy afternoon, snow.

Dec 11 – Went up got Theodores wenches to repair pump. Hannah went up to Mr Fishers. Nice day.

Dec 12 – Went up to mill got load sawdust to put in well. Extracted tooth for C. I. Clark. Repaired pump and well. Went over to burg in afternoon. Found out about my Taxes $8.72 cts. Paid Schroder & Olin 22 cts.

Dec 13 – Mercury 28 Abz. Went down to Katharines. Sarah went to fit Claras dress. Snowed very little first rate wheeling. Jim finished work for H. D. Streator.

Dec 14 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. She came over to help make cap. Snowed in night.

Dec 15 – Snow 8 inches mercury 30 Abz. Drove up to Charleys in afternoon. Will Brown got cutter to go to Kalamazoo to make out papers for the farm. Hank and Nancy went. Charley brot mustang down.

Dec 16 – Mercury 11 Abz. Chores to day. I turned 8 pump tops for Theodore. Lots snow. Charley Atkins brot cutter home in Evening. Making cap some out of my otter skin I got of Mark Lee.

Dec 17 – Cold mercury 10 Abz. Choring to day. Paid Nelson Nickols $1.40 cts. Sarah finished my cap to day. Mercury 3 Abz in Evening. Jim gone up to Bets[?].

Dec 18 – Mercury 13 Abz. Chores. Worked in house some. Jim took paper and lath of East room. I commenced putting on ceiling. Mercury 1 below zero at six Evening. Jim and Ethan gone to burg.

Dec 19 – Mercury 16 below zero 7 AM. Put ceiling on East room. Will Clark came down from Shelby ville to day. Very much cold. Jim and Bill gone over to burg to a dance. Good sleighing. Charley went to Kalamazoo after Will.

Dec 20 – Mercury 3 Abz. Finished ceiling the East room. Lots snow. Charley drawed load hay. Ethan and Jim went over to burg in Evening. Snowed like fun. Rough night to be out.

Dec 21 – Mercury 16 Abz. Jim went over to burg in morning got Lois and Ina. Hannah came home. I took Lois home in Evening. Ethan and Hannah went up to Charleys in Evening. Tip top sleighing. Mr John Hull leader of the Hull and Arnold Band Died to day.[151]

Dec 22 – Mercury 22 Abz. Very rough day snowed and blowed like fun. Worked in shop made churn dasher for C. I. Clark and family.

Dec 23 – Mercury 20 Abz. Went over to burg after Oil. Lelah and Bessy came over. Finished churn dash.

Dec 24 – Mercury 13 Abz very Blustrous day snows and Blows. Helped Ethan turn big wheel for Binder.

Dec 25 – Mercury 3 below. Went up to C. I. Clarks to dinner. Very cold. Ethan gave me a cap. Went over to burg in evening after border for East room. Mercury 8 below zero 8 in Evening.

Dec 26 – Painted ceiling in East room in forenoon. Sarah and Hannah papered East room. I went over to burg at noon got roll paper. Jim went to Pavilion. Will got Buckwheat ground. Mercury 22 below zero in morning. Elain Huntington Died to day.[152]

Dec 27 – Worked round house. Put up brackets in East room. Rainy day rained all night.

Dec 28 – Mercury 40 Abz. Went down to Marts. Met Rile Coe. Came home at night. Rained all the Evening. Found them all right. Mr Huntington buried to day.

Dec 29 – Mercury 50. Drawed in some cornfodder. Snow most all gone. Rile Coe here to dinner. Muddy going.

Dec 30 – Mercury 54 in morning. Took Peter over to Rennisons to be butchered. Rained like fun. Went over just at night after Peter. Paid my tax. $8.72.

Dec 31 – Mercury 36 Abz. Jim went to Kalamazoo after D. & Lou. They no come. Cold west wind. No dings but chores to day. Clara down here.

——-

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

[2] This transcription is taken from a very poor photocopy of the original, and although my mother Eda “Jean” (Mueller) Johnson made typewritten notes, it was extremely difficult to transcribe

[3] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[4] His daughters, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner and Nancy (Keith) Brown

[5] Shelbyville, Michigan

[6] Above zero

[7] Herbert Earl, his neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[8] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[9] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[10] His neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[11] The only record of her death was found in the Oak Grove Cemetery online records which shows that Minnie Maria (Lockhart) Mosier died January 4, 1883; this could possibly be a clerical mistake in entering the date

[12] Petoskey, Michigan

[13] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner

[14] His neighbor, Albert Towne

[15] His son, Ethan Keith

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

[17] This was actually written in the January 9^th spot, with “Tuesday 8th” written in

[18] Michigan death records reveal that Lawrence Hawes died in Comstock, Michigan on January 8, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[19] This was actually written in the January 8^th spot, with “Wednesday 9th” written in

[20] Etc.

[21] His horse

[22] Neighbor, and cousin of Henry Brown

[23] His son-in-law, Henry Brown

[24] Michigan marriage records show that William Morton and Myrtie Barlow were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 16, 1884

[25] Michigan marriage records show that Porter Whitford married Mrs. Mary Hall on January 16, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan. Her death certificate gave her maiden name as Porter. Research continues regarding her being the widow of Zeak Hall

[26] His youngest daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[27] His grandson, William B. Clark, the son of his daughter, Lois

[28] Michigan death records confirm that John Batey died on January 18, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[29] Michigan death records confirm that Bela Wright died on January 19, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[30] Willis Brown, neighbor and brother of Henry Brown, Luke’s son-in-law

[31] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his niece

[32] Shelbyville, Michigan

[33] Louese’s son, and Luke’s grandson, Jay Harris, who was about 8 months old

[34] His wife Sarah’s brothers

[35] Hiram Crawford Jr., Sarah’s brother

[36] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Betsey (Scramlin) Chipman, the wife of John Boardman Chipman, died on January 28, 1884 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. The 1880 census shows them living in Comstock, Michigan

[37] Sarah’s nephew, the son of her deceased brother, Edwin Crawford

[38] His son-in-law, Louese’s husband, Daniel D. Harris Jr., otherwise known as D. or D.D.

[39] In Ethan’s 1884 diary he complains of his stomach and on February 2^nd he wrote: “Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense.” He stayed until May 1^st when he returned home. It isn’t clear from his diary whether the treatments helped him

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

[41] Clara Milham, the oldest child of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[42] Martin Milham, the husband of Lucy (Lee) Milham, who was the daughter of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[43] Mary was the wife of Julius Chase who was Henry Brown’s first cousin. Michigan death records confirm that she died on February 14, 1884 in Kalamazoo and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[44] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[45] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, whose late second husband, Platt Betts, had been an elder in their local church

[46] Matilda (Allen) Brown, neighbor and mother of Henry and Willis Brown

[47] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[48] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham

[49] His grandchildren, Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[50] George Milham, oldest son of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[51] Michigan death records confirm that Polly Ann (Johnson) Judson died on February 26, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] His maternal first cousin

[53] Sarah’s brother

[54] Neighbor in Comstock, Ida (Barber) Howe. She had twins, Carrie and Charles Howe, on February 18th

[55] A type of sled for moving heavy objects such as stones or hay bales

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

[57] Sister of Luke’s son-in-law, D.D. Harris

[58] Neighbor; Theodore was the brother of Herbert Earl (see footnote to January 2^nd entry)

[59] Neighbor; Jesse Earl, who was the father of Herb and Theodore

[60] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[61] Neighbor, Mary “Tamer” (Ford) Adams

[62] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[63] Joseph Flanders’ sister, Hannah (Flanders) Wilmarth. Luke often referred to older neighbors as Aunt or Uncle

[64] FindAGrave.com confirms the date of death and has a transcript of the newspaper account of his death. He is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[65] Neighbor, Nellie (Underwood) Stanford; she was the niece of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[66] Neighbor Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse Earl, and sister of Herb and Theodore

[67] From Wikipedia: Leopold George Duncan Albert (7 April 1853 – 28 March 1884) was the eighth child and youngest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Leopold was later created Duke of Albany, Earl of Clarence, and Baron Arklow. He had hemophilia, which led to his death at the age of 30

[68] Michigan death records confirm that John Flint died March 29, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in McDowell Cemetery, South Haven Highlands, Allegan County, Michigan

[69] Michigan death records show that Wealthy (Deney) Jacobs, died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 31, 1884 from consumption and FindAGrave.com shows she was the wife of Burban Jacobs and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[70] Neighbors, Nellie Stanford and her cousin, Harry Streator

[71] Neighbor, Peter S. Carmer

[72] Neighbor, William A. Blake

[73] His brother-in-law

[74] Neighbor, and husband of Mate Ford (see footnote to March 24^th entry)

[75] The son of Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford (see footnote to January 27^th entry)

[76] Michigan death records show that Harry Schram, the 14-day-old baby son of Edgar & Netta Schram, died in Comstock on April 14, 1884 (not the 12^th) of blood poisoning

[77] Neighbor, and husband of Emaline (Stone) Ralph (see footnote to January 2^nd entry)

[78] Michigan death records show that Lydia (Phelps) Caray died April 14, 1884 (not the 17^th)

[79] Edwin Flanders, the son of Joseph Flanders (see footnote to March 24^th entry)

[80] FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Henry B. Ewell died April 27, 1884 in Pavilion, New York and is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York

[81] Michigan death records show that Salina Davis died April 29, 1884 in Comstock, and the 1880 census listed her in the household of Isaac Wing as “aunt,” however no further information regarding her death has been found

[82] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts’ brother

[83] FindAGrave.com shows that a Catherine Maloney, the wife of Michael Maloney, died in 1884 (no month or day listed) and is buried in the Riverside Catholic Cemetery in Kalamazoo. The 1880 census has a listing for Michael & Catherine Maloney living in Comstock, so it is assumed this is the Mrs. Maloney referred to

[84] Possibly Cullen Towne and his father Albert Towne. Luke’s son, Ethan, made the following entry in his diary for the same date: Charley Towne planted corn in our south lot to day. Charley was Cullen’s brother and Albert’s son

[85] FindAGrave.com shows that Thomas A. McKay was born in 1847, died in 1884 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. While only the years of birth and death are given, the 1880 census also shows that he was born in 1847 and lived in Comstock not far from where Luke’s mother-in-law, Nancy Betts, was living

[86] Michigan death records show that Rev. Johannes Melchior Conrad died May 13, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

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

[88] Believe he is referring to the Brown family’s horse, Tom

[89] Alvin Lee and his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee. Julia was the widow of Luke’s paternal first cousin, Charles Lee

[90] George Tomlinson’s wife, Marion (Sprague), was the daughter of Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague, Luke’s sister

[91] Ogden, Mary (Wareham) and Cleo Tomlinson. Ogden and George were brothers

[92] Alfleda Starr was married to Luke’s late brother, Harvey Keith, but any connection between Orrin and Alfleda is unknown at this time

[93] 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

[94] Ethan’s diary entry shows that “Grandma was taken with one of her hard breathing spells and died at 11.15.”

[95] Hiram’s wife, Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[96] Henry Crawford lived in South Bend, Indiana

[97] Tom was the Brown’s horse and Bill was his horse

[98] His son-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert “Del” Skinner

[99] His grandson and his wife, Charles I. & Clara (Youngs) Clark. See Ethan’s 1884 diary

[100] FindAGrave.com confirms that Peter S. Carmer died in Otsego on June 19, 1884 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Michigan. According to the April 7^th entry he had just moved to Otsego

[101] Patty lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, in Perry, New York. According to Ethan’s 1884 diary, Hannah stayed in Perry until September 10th

[102] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Cecelia (Stewart) Keith died July 4, 1884 in Pittsford, Michigan and is buried in Goodrich Cemetery in Pittsford

[103] Nickname for Lucy (Lee) Milham

[104] The Michigan death record and FindAGrave.com shows that Melissa (Powers) Freer died July 22, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[105] Similar to blueberries

[106] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[107] Abel Hoag, Jane’s husband

[108] Shelbyville, where daughter Lou lived

[109] Michigan death record and FindAGrave.com show that Barna H. Seelye died August 14, 1884 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and he is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[110] Ethan Keith wrote in his diary on July 12: “Jay Barton took Paris green this evening but took too much so the Dr may save him.” The Michigan death record index shows that Jay Barten died in Galesburg, Michigan on August 22, 1884

[111] Sisters, Laura (James) Vair and Roselia James. They were the daughters of Luke’s maternal first cousin, John R. James and his wife, Elsie (Prentiss) James

[112] John Wesley Keith. According to the Keith Family Bible, Wesley was Luke’s adopted brother. A May 4th entry in Luke’s 1874 diary shows that “Wesley and family left for Kansas on the Eleven fifty Eight run”

[113] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Planks had been Luke’s neighbors in Comstock until 1873 when they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan

[114] While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. She left behind seven children, the oldest being 18 years old and the youngest 9 months old

[115] His first cousin, Aurilla (Lee) Hood. Utah death records show she died in Salt Lake City County, Utah, on September 23, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery

[116] Coins; equal to about $125,000 in 2019

[117] His cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, who was Aurilla (Lee) Hood’s nephew

[118] His great-niece, Marion Adelphia York

[119] Scotts, Michigan, which is about 10 miles south of Comstock/Galesburg

[120] Michigan death records reveal that Mary (Lester) Schram died September 30, 1884 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[121] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[122] Neighbor, Jessie Milham, the daughter of Mathias & Azuba (Chadwick) Milham

[123] Ceresco, Michigan

[124] His son Ethan noted in his July 16^th diary entry that “Lois bought Geo Adams place on Grove St. [Comstock] Consideration $475.”

[125] Skating rink. Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries

[126] FindAGrave.com shows that Lora (VanSickler) Hall died in 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[127] Michigan death records show that Sophronia (Loomis) Vosburgh died in Charleston, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[128] Michigan death records show that David S. Bronson died in Comstock, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[129] Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner. Jesse was Luke’s maternal first cousin

[130] Michigan death records show that Zardis Skidmore died October 16, 1884 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[131] Charley Clark’s first cousin, Herbert Loren Clark & Mary (Legge) Clark

[132] His cousin, Harvey R. Keith

[133] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[134] Eliza “Betsey” (Olds) Batey, Mary Ann’s mother, who lived in Pavilion, Michigan

[135] Eunice “Tip” (Wood) Towne, the wife of Erasmus Towne

[136] Clara’s daughter, Edna Clark, who was almost 3 years old

[137] Grover Cleveland defeated James Blaine, becoming the 22nd president of the United States. He also was the 24^th president, the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office (1885–1889 and 1893–1897)

[138] Michigan death records reveal that Andrew (not William, as noted in Ethan Keith’s diary) Hill died November 4, 1884 in Comstock, Michigan. Andrew was the father of Otis Hill

[139] Michigan death records show that Truman Dewey died November 8, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[140] Edward Kent Streator, the son of Worthy & Sarah (Sterling) Streator. It is believed that Edward and Marius (see footnote to March 13^th entry) were brothers; research continues

[141] Clara Milham, the oldest of Lucy (Lee) Milham’s children, who was about 16 years old, and her two younger sisters, Nina, age 4, and Gertrude, age 2. Lucy died September 22, 1884

[142] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[143] Richard Barber’s wife, Mary (Knowles) Barber

[144] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspaper

[145] Willis Allen Brown and Elizabeth Rebecca Ogden were married in Charleston, Michigan

[146] Believe he is referring to his maternal first cousin, Marion (Wolcott) Rice

[147] Harry Streator

[148] His cow

[149] Charley Clark’s mother-in-law, Rhoda (Wood) Youngs

[150] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[151] Michigan death records reveal that John Hull died in Florence, St. Joseph County, Michigan on December 21, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Peek Cemetery, Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan

[152] No death record was found; however, FindAGrave.com shows that Elam G. Huntington died in 1885 and is buried in the Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan with a note that the death certificate shows the year of death as 1884. The 1870 and 1880 census records list him as Elon G. Huntington and living in Comstock, Michigan

1884 Charles Luke Keith Jr Diary Scan