1901 Diary of Bess Brown

Scan of 1901 Diary of Bess Brown

IDENTIFICATION

MY NAME IS
Bess Brown

MY ADDRESS IS
736 Hoyne ave
Chicago, Ill.

IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS ILLNESS PLEASE NOTIFY
J. Recoschewitz
659 N. Robey st.

H. A. Brown[1]
736 N. Hoyne Ave.

HOW EASY IT IS TO FORGET.
This Will Serve as a Gentle Reminder.
My Weight was 164
And my Height 5 feet 2 inches
Size of my Gloves 6½
” Hosiery ?
” Collar 13
” Cuffs 9
”Shoes 4

ADDRESSES

Claude,[2] 1121 E. 53^rd St.

Katie Brouty,[3] 967 California

W. Brown,[4] 312 Robey St.

Bernice Crandall, 914 Minor Ave.

Lillie Girard, 398 [or 598?] Sheffield Ave.

Emma Harris, 711 _______

Mary Keller, 363 Herndon

J. Keith,[5] 1249 Wrightwood

Mona Mace, 1115 Summit St.

Elise McIntyre, 212 Arcadia

J. Recoschewitz,[6] 659 N. Robey St.

J. Silva, 499 Wabash Ave.

—

Dec 30, 1900 – Julius father died Thursday Dec 27 at 5 A.M. was buried Sat. Dec 29.[7]

Jan 1, 1901 – Worked all day at gallery.[8] Blanch[9] left for Tacoma Wash.

Jan 2 – Grace Coy[10] buried at 12.30. Died Thursday Age 18.

Jan 3 – Went to Rudufords dance with Mary and Sophie. Stayed with Mary all night.

Jan 4 – Saw Katie for first time. We were going over to school to see boys.[11]

Jan 5 – Julius stopped playing at the Auditorium with the Opera Co.[12]

Jan 6 – Lillie Girards mother buried to day. Mama, Papa, Claude[13] over to Jims.[14] Julius here all day.

Jan 7 – Mama and I went over to Lillie but she wasn’t home.

Jan 8 – Julius heard of his fathers death to day. Blanch Married.

Jan 9 – Heard from Emma[?].

Jan 10 – Made pillow for gallery. Julius and I went down town in eve. Fannie here to supper.

Jan 11 – Lela[15] got me a chocolate pot to day. Didn’t work at gallery. Was sick all day.

Jan 12 – Made kodak book to day.

Jan 13 – Stayed home except in the eve. Julius and I went down town.

Jan 14 – Claude and Edie[16] here.

Jan 15 – Mary came over to gallery to find out about masquerade.

Jan 16 – Lillie was to the gallery and spent afternoon.

Jan 17 – Lela went over to Edies to spend the day. Stayed all night.

Jan 18 – Spent evening at Lillie first time was there since her mother died.

Jan 19 – Mama, Papa went to pedro club.[17] Jims folks[18] here to supper. Kate here to see Julius.

Jan 20 – Worked part of the day. Mama, Papa, Lela went to theatre. Julius here. I was sick.

Jan 21 – Got new cutting machine at gallery to day. Intended to go over to Jims but didn’t.

Jan 22 – Went over to Lills this P.M. Julius came over in eve also Mary, Sophia and ___ ___ were there.

Jan 23 – Claude 26 to day. Made six cabinets[19] of the Indian to day. Kruschwitz married.[20]

Jan 24 – Mama, Lela and I went to Uncle Highs.[21] Julius played over on the North side.

Jan 25 – Lela, Julius and I went to Studebaker. Saw “Chimes of Normandy.” Mama and I went down town.

Jan 26 – Lela commenced painting my chocolate pot to day.

Jan 27 – Worked all day. Mr Billings here in the evening.

Jan 28 – Lela made a new dress to day. Papa, Mama over to M. Wolfs.

Jan 31 – Mama went down town.

Feb 1 – Got things to make Valtenberg collar to day.

Feb 2 – Stayed home. Pedro club met here tonight.

Feb 3 – Lela spent day at Claudes. Mama sick all day.

Feb 4 – Queen Victoria buried to day.

No further entries.

——-

[1] Her father, Henry Ambrose Brown

[2] Her brother, Claude Brown

[3] Kathryn (Brouty) Thornton, who was the daughter of Julius’ first wife, Josepha Overman, and her previous husband, Friederick Pottratz. It is unknown what happened to Friederick Pottratz, but Josepha died October 19, 1899. The 1900 and 1910 Census records show that Kathryn (born in 1886) was adopted by Henry and Henrietta Brouty

[4] Her paternal uncle, Willis Brown

[5] Her maternal uncle, James Keith

[6] Her fiancé, Julius Recoschewitz

[7] Hamburg, Germany death records show that Heinrich Recoschewitz died on December 30, 1900

[8] Her father’s photography business

[9] Her cousin Blanche Crawford. She was leaving to marry Charles Hessey on January 8 in Fern Hill, Pierce County, Washington

[10] Most likely a friend from when the Browns lived in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Kalamazoo County death records show that Grace died December 31, 1900 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Glendale Cemetery, Van Buren County, Michigan

[11] Believe she is referring to Julius’ two sons by his first wife, Josepha Overman, Alphons (born April 1891) and Gustav (born November 1892) Recoschewitz

[12] Julius was a violinist and in later years played second violin with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra

[13] Her mother, Nancy (Keith) Brown; father, Henry Brown; and brother, Claude Brown

[14] Her uncle, James Keith

[15] Her sister, Lela Brown

[16] Claude’s wife, Edith (Neumaier) Brown

[17] Pedreaux (pronounced “peedro”) was 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

[18] Jim and his wife, Cora (Meredith) Keith, and their children, Winifred and Walter Keith

[19] A style of photograph which was widely used for photographic portraiture after 1870. It consisted of a thin photograph mounted on a card typically measuring ​4¹⁄₄ x ​6¹⁄₂ inches

[20] Not much to go on, but the Cook County marriage records show that Ernst Kruschwitz married Ottilia Knauer on January 23, 1901

[21] Her grand-uncle, Hiram Crawford Jr.

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1899 Diary of Ethan Keith

1899 ETHAN B. KEITH DIARY

No entries Jan 1 – 20 

Jan 21 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg[1] just at night. Called at Lois’es.[2] Rec’d a letter from M. F. Lee.[3] Lois gave me this diary from from herself, Nancy, Lou and Lela.[4] My 48^th birthday[5] present.

Jan 22 – Nothing special to day. Dell[6] and Lois was over this P.M. Quite a nice day. Wrote to H. M. York.[7]

Jan 23 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening after Hannah[8] she came on the “Bobtail.” Claude K. Browns[9] 24^th birthday. He sent me a facsimile reprint of the “The Bounding Billow” a paper written and printed by the crew on board the flag ship Olympia in Manila Bay after the battle.[10]

Jan 24 – Worked at patterns. Aunt Patty’s[11] birthday.

Jan 25 – Worked at patterns this P.M. Put up a grist and did odd jobs this A.M. Pa[12] had a poor spell this P.M. Gertrude goes to a Methodist social this evening.

Jan 26 – Worked at patterns. Cold and blustering. Quite rough this P.M.

Jan 27 – 5°. Worked at patterns. Real cold to day.

Jan 28 – 2°. Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Has been a very cold day.

Jan 29 – 2° below. Clear and cold. Strong wind. Coldest day yet this winter. Mary, Gertie and Winnie were here to day.

Jan 30 – 2°. Very cold to day colder then yesterday. Mercury has not been higher than 6º above zero. Wrote to Claude K. Brown.

Jan 31 – 16º below. Very cold this morning. Took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. went after her this evening. Went up to Geo Blakes after some butter. Had an introduction.

Feb 1 – 3º below. Worked at patterns. Wrote for Farm and Fireside and Kal Telegraph.[13]

Feb 2 – Went to Kal-[14] after Nancy and Zama.[15] We got home about 8 P.M. Zama is here to stay as they dont want to take her to Chicago. Nancy told me that Dr. Boyer[16] wanted Lela to marry him. Cora Harris and Aaron[17] were at Nancys. Aaron was having the asthma.

Feb 3 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. I got the grist from the mill.

Feb 4 – Worked at patterns a little. Took Nancy and Gertrude to the 12.35 P.M. train. Gertrude is mad at me but I dont know what about. Aunt Patty died 7 years ago to day.[18]

Feb 5 – Dell and Lois, Mr and Mrs Blake were here this P.M. Cora and Olin Bera[19] were here this evening.

Feb 6 – 6º below. Worked at patterns. Cold but pleasant. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Rec’d letter from H.A. Brown.[20]

Feb 7 – 9º below. Worked at patterns. Clear and cold to day. Bessie Browns[21] 18^th birth day. Two years ago to day Gertrude Ralph Ford left Henry her husband.[22]

Feb 8 – 11º below. Very cold and blustering. Gertie has been a little more like herself to me to day. Mrs Sam’l Carson died this evening.[23] Worked at patterns.

Feb 9 – 12º below. More blustering than yesterday and colder also. The Mercury did not get above zero to day and within 3º of it. Gertie is through sewing here until Hannah gets more to do. Cleaned and tuned the piano.

Feb 10-11 – (Page is missing.)

Feb 12 – 30º below. Very cold this morning. I have kept fires and watched the pump the past four nights and between 2 and 4 this morning the pump froze so have had to melt snow for the cow and horse and to use all but to drink. Have had a miserable day of it. Felt strange, been blue, everything seemed wrong. Guess my stomach is getting the best of my nerves.

Feb 13 – 23º below. C. Ford drew a load of wood to day. 15 years to day I went to Chicago to doctor with J. J. Foute.[24] Wrote to H. L. Keith.[25]

Feb 14 – Valentines day. Have to melt snow for water for the house and barn both. Went to the Bobtail after Hannah. She has a hard cold.

Feb 15 – Went up to Mr Ralphs and got a pail of water for drinking. Hannah is down with the Grip[26] this morning.

Feb 16 – Cora Harris came down from Mr Ralphs[27] this morning and told us Aunt Thersa Stone was dead.[28] I went up there put her false teeth in. Mrs Ralph could not. Hannah is no better.

Feb 17 – Hank came Wed. morning and he is getting things packed and loaded on the cars as fast as possible.

Feb 18 – Went to the 12.20 train and met Hank, Nan and Lela. Said they got their things to the car and loaded a 11 oclock yesterday. Hank visited us until time to go to the 9.40 P.M. train then I took him to it.

Feb 19 – Gertrude and Cora Harris came down this P.M. a little while. I began being sick at my stomach about 4 oclock have vomited twice this evening.

Feb 20 – Stomach does not feel right. Did not go to bed last night laid on the lounge. Took Lela over to Loises this P.M.

Feb 21 – Had to sit up with my stomach laid on the lounge. Took Nancy over to Lois’es this P.M. and got Lela.

Feb 22 – Stomach is a little squeamish yet. Went and got Nancy this P.M. Birthingtons wash day. Hannah is getting a little better each day.

Feb 23 – Went and got Lois this A.M. Went up to Mr Schrams[29] after some buttermilk just before night then took Lois home. I got quite cold. Has been blustering with some snow.

Feb 24 – Sick to day with the Grip.

Feb 25 – Nancy and Lela left for Kal- on 12.35 P.M. train. Lela went to the Burg and got Dell to go and send a livery over after Nancy. I could not go had to keep in with the Grip. Nancy and Lela goes to Shelbyville[30] on evening train.

Feb 26 – Feel a little better. Rained hard last night.

Feb 27 – Nancy and Lela goes to Chicago from Lou’s to day. Will very likely take tea with Bessie at 736 Hoyne Ave.[31]

Feb 28 – Feeling better. Did some chores. Lois came over a foot this morning walked home this P.M. Mrs Ralph was down this P.M.

Mar 1 – Mrs Ford[32] was here this P.M. while Mate[33] went to the Burg.

Mar 2 – Mr Blake[34] came over this A.M. to see how we were. Ormsby Mitchell was buried to day.[35] Dont feel quite as well to day.

Mar 3 – Mrs Geo Blake[36] visited here to day. Rainy. Feel some better. Geo Dewey was made Admiral to day.

Mar 4 – Charley Ford[37] brought our mail over. Mate brought us two cans of milk so guess we can live if the neighbors keep bringing in.

Mar 5 – Dell brought a pair of shoes to Ma[38] that Lou, Cora and Laverne[39] have been making for her. Dell Skinner walked over here this P.M. to see how we were. Hannah and I drove over with the clothes this even’g. Went over to Lois’es a little while. First we had been out in a week and a half. Snowed last night.

Mar 6 – Charley Ford drew a load of wood this P.M. Pleasant but quite a cold wind. Commenced a letter to J. T. Tomlinson[40] this evening.

Mar 7 – 5° above. Took Hannah over to Mrs R. G. Smiths[41] this morn’g. She sew for Florence a couple of days. Cora Harris was here this A.M.

Mar 8 – Went over and got Hannah this evening. She was at R. G. Smiths. Dell was about sick with a cold.

Mar 9 – Drilled some irons for Mr Knapp. Wound the pump this P.M. and painted it where it cracked open when it froze up.

Mar 10 – Dont feel very strong. Some how dont get any strength. Cut Pas hair this P.M.

Mar 11 – Went to the Burg this A.M. took dinner with Lois and Dell. Rec’d a letter from Nancy said Claude would come to Kal- to night. Read a letter from Ina[42] saying Will Holmes[43] has inflamatory rheumatism and Jim[44] is sick also.

Mar 12 – Very blustering little snow flying. Expected Claude and Edith[45] would come up this P.M. but did not. Too rough I guess.

Mar 13 – Looked for Claude and Edith Neumier to day but they did not come. Charley Ford drew a load of dry wood. Frank Ralph and family called this morning. The girls bade us good bye they were on their way to Mr Emmons and from there will go to their new home in Ross township.

Mar 14 – Pleasant but cold wind. Mr Schram was down this A.M. Charley Ford drew a load of wood $1.25 per cord. Hannah has gone to sew for Clara Caywood a couple of days. Lillie Dunn and Clara came after her. Wrote to H. L. Keith.

Mar 15 – Warmer to day but strong wind, rainy. Piled 2¾ cords of wood this P.M. Wrote to Uncle Henry Crawford.[46]

Mar 16 – Went to the Burg this P.M. Went up to Geo Blakes and paid her for some butter. Clara Caywood brought Hannah home this even’g. Gertrude was down this P.M.

Mar 17 – Cora Ridler was down this P.M. They have sold their old farm to Henry Hoover. Cora takes his place of him for $1,200. Wrote to M. F. Lee.

Mar 18 – Took Hannah over to Geo Blakes just at night. The roads are very bad.

Mar 19 – Went to Geo Blakes after Hannah this P.M. Hannah called at Lois’es on our way home.

Mar 20 – Daisy had a heifer calf to day. Painted the pump this P.M. Gertrude was down a few minutes this P.M. Mary Wilcox called this P.M.

Mar 21 – Stormy. Snow and wind. Charley Clark[47] visited us to day. Hannah, Lois and I attended a lecture at Masonic Hall by Mrs Marion Carpenter, was good

Mar 22 – Has been a very stormy day. Snowed hard part of the time. Hannah and I intended to have went to Mrs Carpenters lecture to night but did not go on account of the weather.

Mar 23 – Went to the Burg this P.M. Did’nt know but I would see Dee Harris[48] but he did not come until even’g. Did not come over here. Rec’d a letter from B. F. Parker Kal– saying he had rented Hanks house 1236 Summit Ave.

Mar 24 – Went to Kal- this P.M. on the cars to see B. F. Parker. Went up to Hanks house to see what there was to bring up here. Called at Charley Fords. Saw Ettie Tompkins. Old Mr Ford took me through the house. Came home on Bobtail.

Mar 25 – Took Hannah to the 5.22 A.M. train she was going up to Shelbyville. Snowed and blowed hard while I was going over and back. Gertrude sewed here just the same as though H- was here.

Mar 26 – Quiet here to day. No one called. I had the work done at 2.30 P.M.

Mar 27 – Quite a comfortable day. Gertrude is here to day. I have to be chief cook. Mrs Pease, Vinnie Stoddard and two boys were here a while. Went over to the Bobtail and got Hannah. She had been up to Lou’s. Gertrude told us this morning that Ed Galusha had bought Mr Damerells farm.

Mar 28 – Stormy. Snowed and blowed all day. Seal Struble went to Kal- for us and got a load of things that Hanks folks left for us. I went with him. Was a homesick job. Looked lonesome down there

Mar 29 – Very blustering day snowed most all day. The roads are very bad and have been a good while. Sleighs are running some.

Mar 30 – Stormy to day snows and the wind blows. Are having quite wintery weather.

Mar 31 – Another stormy day snows and blows. Cold wind. Mary Wilcox, Elva Crossfield, Mrs Riddler and Luella Earl called this P.M.

Apr 1 – Snowed and blowed to day. Nans I went to the Burg this even’g.

Apr 2 – Charley and Carrie Barber[49] were over this A.M. Edgar Galusha has bought the farm of Mr Wesley Damerell. Damerell is moving to the Burg.

Apr 3 – Town meeting. Mr and Mrs Pease were here to day. Went over and voted this P.M. Went up to the foundry. Took Ettie Tompkins to the train, she went to Kal- to work for Mrs Comstock.

Apr 4 – Loyd S. Higgins 48^th birthday. Pleasant. Tapped the maple tree west of the house for the first time. Grandpa Keith[50] and I set it out 35 years ago this spring.

Apr 5 – Tapped the soft maple in the road by the large cherry tree. The first time it ever was tapped. Pleasant. Had some maple syrup for dinner from the maple tree west of the house.

Apr 6 – Mr Galushas folks stay at their new home to night for the first (The Brown fam). Geo Whiting brought Cora Harris and Leone[51] here this A.M. I went over and got 178 lbs of mill feed of Dell. Went up to Mr Schrams then to the Burg after Lou and Mildred.[52]

Apr 7 – Hannah, Lois, Leone Harris and I went over to the L.L.A. entertainment at the Masonic hall “The Watermelon Case.”

Apr 8 – Made two qts of syrup to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. and had some work done on the pump at the foundry. Went up to Mr Ralphs spoke to him about working the east lot. He rode to the Burg with me. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this evening. She took her carpet rags over to Joe Neffs to be woven.

Apr 9 – Lou and children[53] went up to Mr Ralphs this P.M. Ettie Ralph was down to have a jacket fitted this P.M. Pleasant. Sap has run first rate to day. I syruped down some soft maple sap to day. Want to sugar it off if it will grain.

Apr 10 – Worked at the pump got it in the well room. Took Lou and children to the train 5.00. She went home. Boiled sap to day. Sap has run first rate to day.

Apr 11 – I quit boiling sap to day. Syruped down what I had boiled. Have made about six qts of syrup. I sugared off the soft maple syrup and found that it will grain as well as hard maple syrup. Finished the pump job. Works all right. Mrs Galusha[54] is here this evening.

Apr 12 – Lou’s and Dee’s wedding anniversary, (17^th). Rec’d two letters from Henry[55] he was at Auburn Cal- dead broke. Got the turnips, beets and parsnips out of the hole. Warm.

Apr 13 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took a couple bushels of corn to Geo Youmans to grind by wind power. Fitted a sash in the kitchen window this P.M. Warm. Sent Henry’s two letters to Nancy.

Apr 14 – Sowed some tomato and cabbage seed. Cleaned the back yard where Mr Cravins pigs rooted it up.

Apr 15 – Went to the Burg this P.M. to take Hannah and Gertrude to the Maccabee lodge. Went up to the foundry and got my grist. Davis Stafford was there moulding. Went to the Burg after Hannah and Gertrude this even’g. Have got a cold.

Apr 16 – Am about sick with a cold my eyes are all blood shot. Ettie Ralph[56] was down a little while.

Apr 17 – About sick to day. Very strong wind all day.

Apr 18 – Mr Hawks went by with the new boat this morning on his way to Elkhart. Quite windy. Wrote some to Nancy and sent in Ma’s letter.

Apr 19 – My throat is very sore. Am about sick.

Apr 20 – Throat is no better. Went to the Burg this evening to see Dr Burdick but he was not at the store. Hannah wint over to Matie Evans and Mrs Merrimans. Dell gave me some Witch Hazel.

Apr 21 – Throat about the same. Longest spell of severe sore throat I ever had.

Apr 22 – Went to the Burg this evening and got a gargle of Dr Burdick for my throat. Could hardly swallow to day. Hannah went to the Burg with me.

Apr 23 – Lois and Dell were here to dinner to day. Dell and Chauncey Brown went down to Walter Coe’s to see a horse.

Apr 24 – Went to the Burg this P.M. after Dr McBeth[57] for Hannah her lungs are bad. Rec’d a letter from Henry he is at Placerville. Cora Bera sewed for Hannah to day for the first as Mrs Bera.[58]

Apr 25 – Will Ridler began plowing in the east lot for potatoes to day. Wrote to Henry Keith. War with Spain was declared to day. A year [ago]. Warm for this time of year. McBeth was over to see Hannah. Ettie Tompkins was here this P.M. staid to tea.

Apr 26 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Bought 6 bunches of shingles for $3.75 brought three of them home. Went and got the other three this evening. Dr. McBeth was over to day.

Apr 27 – Shingled the well room to day. Will Ridler plowed our garden to day. Hannah is not so well to night. Dr McBeth was over.

Apr 28 – Shingled some to day. Quite a strong wind. Hannah is a little better. Went to the Burg this evening.

Apr 29 – Went to the Burg this morning. Came home and helped Will Ridler plant ½ acre of Beauty Hebrons for early potatoes. Went to the Burg this evening. Ettie Ralph has an exhibition at her school house to night Dean district. Sold Daisys calf to Mr Freeman for $2.75.

Apr 30 – Good rain last night and quite a hard electric storm. Frank Crossfield brought us a nice mess of fish this morning that he picked out of the creek.

May 1 – Went up to Al Rowlands after a few seed potatoes this P.M. Rained last night. Cora did not sew to day.

May 2 – Shingled some to day. Pa and I got the old cook stove out this P.M. Took it to the barn. Will Ridler plows for corn in the east lot to day. Rainy this evening.

May 3 – Pa and I finished shingling the back room. Will Ridler plowed to day.

May 4 – Rainy to day. Took Hannah and Gertrude to the Burg this evening. Gertrude sews for Mrs Bush tomorrow. Moved the cupboard in the back room and got the pump out so we can get the range in.

May 5 – Did some patching on the roof of the upright part of the house and lento’s. Got the range that Nancy gave us in the back room this P.M. Will Ridler helped. Took Cora Harris over to Geo Whitings this evening.

May 6 – Planted the garden to day. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 7 – Mate Ford called awhile this P.M. Rainy this P.M. Turned Daisy on the bottom land to day for the first.

May 8 – Jesse Earls 86^th birthday.[59] Worked at the stove pipe for the back room stove am trying to make it so it will not leak where it goes through the roof. A couple of the high school boys came to get me to do some turning for their electric motor they are making.

May 9 – Turned three wheels for the electric motor the graduating class at the Burg school is making. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois goes to Chicago to night. Ina is sick.

May 10 – Got the pipe up and stove blacked that Nan gave us, built a fire in it. Rainy. Will and Clara Caywood[60] called this evening.

May 11 – Fixed the pipe to the back room stove where it goes through the roof. It leaked a little last night. Cleaned the grease off the hub’s and axles of Charley Fords buggy so I can paint it. Went to the Burg with Ed Galusha. Mrs G- staid here.

May 12 – Painted on Charley Fords buggy this P.M. washed it this A.M. Ettie Ralph left her wheel here for me to repair. Will Ridler dragged the corn ground to day.

May 13 – Finished painting the running gear to Charley Fords buggy. Repaired a guard to Ettie Ralphs wheel. Went to the Burg this even’g. Rec’d letter from H. L. Keith. Took Hannah and Gertrude to the Maccabee supper this P.M. Went after them this evening. Gertrude brought me some cake. Claude Brown sent me a paper with an article on Liquid Air.

May 14 – Quiet to day. Ras and Eunice[61] was down a while.

May 15 – Took the sod from around the house. Cut some sod and added to what have laid back of the house. Planted peach and plum pit meats. Went to the Burg this evening. Dell Skinner is moving the Beckwith stock of drugs into his store.

May 16 – Lucy Lee’s[62] 56^th Birthday. Will Ridler finished planting corn in the east lot to day. Rainy. Wrote to Charles E. Tripler Discoverer of Liquid Air. Went to the Burg this A.M. Went up to Jim Spiers and got two bushels of potatoes.

May 17 – Have done odd jobs to day. Cool. Dont feel first rate. Made some garden. Set out 48 cabbage plants 9 hills of peas and ten beet plants.

May 18 – Worked at the flower beds. Went to the Burg. Dell is moving in the Beckwith drug stock into his store. Went down and saw Mr Knapps new boat also his model for a new paddle wheel. Hannah and I went down to Ed Galushas Browns old (Tam home) for the first this evening. Drove up to Mr Gates a few minutes. Cold.

May 19 – Painted on Charley Fords buggy. Cold to day. Cora Harris was over this P.M.

May 20 – Finished painting Charley Fords carriage. Worked 21 hours at it. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 21 – We got up early and worked until 10.30 A.M. to get ready for Claude Brown and Edith Neumier. They came about 3 P.M. Mr and Mrs Powers of Scotts called also Ras and Eunice Towne. Claude and Edith staid about an hour and a half.

May 22 – Fixed the new vault to the privy and leveled the ground off. I dug it last November.

May 23 – Worked at the back porch getting out old sills and raising roof. Went to the Burg this evening. Mr Hawks told me about the barge he was building for W. W. Olins boat house. Rec’d letter from Nancy.

May 24 – Worked at the back porch getting in new sills, and lengthening sleepers. Queen Victorias 80^th birthday.

May 25 – Worked at the back porch. Went to the Burg this P.M. to get Nancy trunk but it did not come.

May 26 – Went to the Burg this mornings. Hannah went with me. Worked at the porch this P.M. finished it. Rec’d letter from Nancy with check for her trunk.

May 27 – Rainy. Have not done much of anything. Went to the Burg this P.M. and got Nancys trunk. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 28 – Rained last night. Norm Elsey and wife called to tell Hannah Cora Bera was sick. Mabel Flanders and her mother[63] was here this evening. Geo Blake and wife was over this P.M.

May 29 – Went to the 12.20 P.M. train and met Nancy. Her first visit home since they moved to Chicago. Aaron Hogeboom and Cora Harris took dinner here. I took them over to Geo Whitings this P.M.

May 30 – Memorial Day. I went over to the exercises in Blakes grove. Jessie Markoff[?] was the orator of the day. This will probably be the last gathering in the grove as Mr Blake is selling village lots out of it.

May 31 – Finished the work around the back stoop. Got what walk down that I am agoing to lay and sodded what ground there was to be sodded.

Jun 1 – Hoed and cultivated in the garden. Planted beans for late string beans. Am cutting grass nowadays. June grass is heavy.

Jun 2 – Mowed the front yard east of the drive way. Raked it up this P.M.

Jun 3 – Rained very hard this A.M. /17/22[?]. Took Nancy and Hannah to the train 12.35 they went to Kal-. I went after this even’g they came up on 6.17. Lightning struck Will Kirbys barn this morning. Stunned five men and 12 horses. Bought a pair of rubbers.

Jun 4 – 15 years tonight Grandma Betts[64] died. Went over and cleaned Lois’es clock. Dell came back with me to dinner. He went home about 4 P.M. Hannah went up to Scotts to sew for Mrs Powers a couple of days. John came after her. Warmest day yet.

Jun 5 – Worked on the road to day. Had a hard rain and wind storm this P.M.

Jun 6 – Got in some hay that I cut last week. Grandma Betts was buried 15 years ago to day. Rained a little.

Jun 7 – Had Flora shod this A.M. Rained some. Worked in the garden. Hannah and I went to the Burg this P.M. even’g. Lois and I came from Chicago to day was there four weeks.

Jun 8 – Cultivated the garden. Lois came over this P.M. I took her home this about five P.M. Picked some strawberries up to Mr Schrams this A.M. Mrs Net Towns was there told me Ras had appendicitis. Went up to Cull Towns[65] this even’g to hear how Ras was. Said he was better.

Jun 9 – Cultivated the garden this P.M. Mr Burk was over this P.M. Had Flora shod this A.M. Hannah, Nancy and I went up to Ras Townes this evening found him better.

Jun 10 – Mowed grass to day west of the house. Went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 11 – Went up to Mr Schrams and picked some strawberries for dinner. Nancy, Hannah and I spent the evening at Mr Galushas. Had strawberries and cake.

Jun 12 – Mowed grass this A.M. Wheeled some in the barn this P.M. Went to the train after Lela 6.17 P.M. Pa killed the old cat and kittens.

Jun 13 – Cut grass and weeds along the road west of the house. Drew in hay this P.M. that I cut yesterday. Went to the 12.20 P.M. train after Lou and Mildred.

Jun 14 – Took Nancy and Lela to the 12.35 train. They have gone to Kal- to get ready for the wedding. Washed the buggy this P.M. Very warm.

Jun 15 – Claude K. Brown and Edith Neumaier were married at the Catholic Deanery at high noon to day. Reception at the Auditorium this evening. Hannah, Lois and Lou went on noon train. Mr Neumaiers people will entertain them. Cut grass.

Jun 16 – Went to the 7.36 A.M. train after Hannah. She and Lois came on that train. Went to the noon train to meet Nan and Lou. The wedding was a success everything went off nice. Mowed grass to day.

Jun 17 – Took Pa and Nancy to the special 8.25 A.M. Nan was going home Pa went with her for a visit. Lou and I went to the Burg this evening. Dee and Floyd came this even’g from Kal- on their wheels.

Jun 18 – Dee, Floyd and Mildred went up to Mr Ralphs this morning. Lou and Dee went up to Mr Ralphs this P.M.

Jun 19 – Dee and Willis Ralph went fishing this A.M. Dee and Floyd went with me when I went after Daisy. They went in swimming. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 20 – Took Lou and Mildred to the 5.22 A.M. train. Dee and Floyd left on their wheels at 5 A.M. for Kal-. They were all going home. Hoed in the garden. Repaired a Kodak for Bert Freeman.

Jun 21 – Hoed in the garden. Went to the Burg this evening. Trained horse, dog and monkey show in the Burg.

Jun 22 – Hoed in the garden this A.M. Willis Ralph patched our barn roof this P.M.

Jun 23 – Cultivated in the garden this A.M. Willis finished patching the barn roof this P.M. Partly washed the carriage. Went to the 6.17 P.M. and met Bessie Brown. She came from Lous.

Jun 24 – Went to the Burg this morning and evening also. Set out cabbage, tomato and flower plants to day.

Jun 25 – Took some milk and sugar up to Mr Ralphs[66] this morning for Gertrude[67] to make Ice cream. Went and got the cream at noon.

Jun 26 – Took Bessie to the noon train she goes to Kal-. Mona Mace entertains for her this evening. She goes to Alamo in the morning then she and Emma Harris starts for Chicago in the P.M. via So Haven. Seal Struble cut a piece of clover on the hill for me this A.M. Raked hay this P.M.

Jun 27 – Raked and cocked up hay this A.M. They are having the house painted over on the old Towne farm. Washed the carriage.

Jun 28 – Little rainy this morning strong cold wind this P.M. Cultivated in the garden this P.M. Prof Baker and Una V. Jacobs are was married this P.M. (4 oclock).[68] Took Hannah up to see Mrs Gates this even’g. Is real cold. Sick almost.

Jun 29 – Sick all night and to day. Have a hard cold ache like everything all over me.

Jun 30 – About the same to day. Have a very bad throat two large patches of canker. Had Dr McBeth come over and see me.

Jul 1 – Little better the canker is most all out of my throat to night. Lois came over this P.M. H.A. Browns 49^th birthday. Expected Pa, Jim and Cora to day but Winnie[69] has the measles so they cant come.

Jul 2 – The ache has left me but am so weak. Hannah went up to cemetery with Flanders people.[70] Harry Streator[71] called this evening and wanted Hannah to ask me if I would do some pattern work for him.

Jul 3 – Gertrude went to Kal- this P.M. Mabel[72] sewed just the same. About the same to day, very weak. Lou’s 38^th birthday. 10 years to night Harry followed Charley and Hannah.[73]

Jul 4 – Feel better to day. Celebrated all around us. Mr Schram came down with some cherries this P.M. Rainy.

Jul 5 – Rained a little to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.

Jul 6 – Went up to Mr Schrams and picked cherries this A.M. Cut some grass this P.M. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Lela and Laverne.

Jul 7 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Wheeled the hay in the Barn this P.M.

Jul 8 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cut weeds this P.M. Lela, Verne and I went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Dr Boyer of Shelbyville he came down to visit Lela and the rest of us. He and Lela are engaged to be married. Got the carriage spring fixed and on the buggy.

Jul 9 – Dr Boyer and Lela took a drive this P.M. Mr & Mrs Blake, Geo and Bessie Milham, Clara Owens, Vinnie Milham,[74] Mr and Mrs John Ralph were here to day. Nancy’s 47^th Birthday.

Jul 10 – Took Dr Boyer, Lela, Laverne and I went over to Loises and took dinner. The Dr went back to Shelbyville this P.M. Pa, Jim, Cora and children came to night on 6.17. Came by way of So. Haven. Went over and got Pa. Walter[75] has the measles.

Jul 11 – Cultivated Went to the Burg this evening. Jim went over this A.M. and got his trunk down to Lois’es from the station. Dr McBeth put a “Measles” card on our house to day.

Jul 12 – Cultivated the garden this A.M. sowed turnip seed. Walter is getting along nicely with the measles.

Jul 13 – Rainy. Went to the Burg this P.M. Verne, Lela and Winnifred went with me.

Jul 14 – Jim has an attack of the asthma this morn’g. We went up to Cora Bera’s and got found out what Olin used for Asthma. Went to the Burg this P.M. with Lela and Verne. They will stay with Lois tonight and go to Chicago tomorrow. Took their trunk over this evening.

Jul 15 – One month to day Claude and Eda was married. Lela went home to day by way of the Lake. Verne went with her. Her first trip to Chicago. Went to the Burg this even’g.

Jul 16 – Lois and Dell visited here to day. Jim went after them I took them home. Jim and Cora went up to Mr Ralphs this even’g. I went after them Hannah went with me.

Jul 17 – Took Jim, Cora and the children to the 5.22 A.M. train they went to Shelbyville. Went to the Burg this evening Hannah went with me. Rec’d a letter from Henry.

Jul 18 – Cut the last of the grass in the orchard and got it in the barn. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Got a ham and tub of cotosuet.[76]

Jul 19 – Worked in the cellar to day cleaning. Horace Hobbs died this evening.[77]

Jul 20 – Worked over to Loises putting a sink in her kitchen. Took Hannah down to Galushas this morning. Went after her this even’g we went up to Mr Myer’ses a little while.

Jul 21 – 92°. Hoed in the garden and mowed weeds this A.M. Made a shelf for Lois this P.M. Jim came from Shelbyville this evening. Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll died to day.[78]

Jul 22 – 94°. Took Jim to the train this morn’g (8.25). He has gone home. Carried Lois’es shelf over and put it in at the end of sink. Mr Knapp gave me a bunch of sweet peas. Went to the Burg this evening. Wrote to H. L. Keith.

Jul 23 – 96°. Very warm. Hannah went up to the cemetery and Will Caywoods with Edwin Flanders people. I took Hannah up to Ras Townes this evening. Eunice gave us some ice cream.

Jul 24 – 98º. Hot. Finished cutting the “Bouncing Bess” in the front yard raked it up and wheeled it into the barn yard. Painted the buggy where it was broken. Rained quite hard this P.M. Gertrude is through sewing for a short time.

Jul 25 – Rained all night most. Stopped about 8 A.M. rained one inch. Sowed turnip seed. Had beets for dinner. Gertrude came down and did some sewing for herself on the machine. Mrs Schram[79] was down just at night.

Jul 26 – Grubbed sassafras and cut weeds along the west road fence and all over the west lot to the woods. Went to the Burg this evening.

Jul 27 – Gertrude, Mabel Willis and Walter Ralph[80] went to Shelbyville to day. Grubbed and cut weeds along the road fence east to the corner and little ways up the south road. Cool to day. Hannah sewed at Galushas this P.M. Mr and Mrs Geo Blake was over this evening.

Jul 28 – Cut weeds along the fence on the hill. Lots of Bouncing Bess and very rank. Ella Ralph and Milo Stocking drove to Shelbyville to day. The Ralphs and Dee’s folks have a picnic at Gun Lake to day.

Jul 29 – Finished cutting weeds on the hill along the road fence this P.M. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. She called on Iva Hawks. Asked Ida and Carrie to go to Camp Meeting with us at Vicksburg.

Jul 30 – Very quiet here to day. Cool air.

Jul 31 – Dont feel very well. Went to the Burg this A.M. had a tire on one of the buggy wheels welded and a thill[81] iron welded also. Bought a pair of shoes and a pair of cuffs. Went up to Wm. Ralphs this even’g. James Illick found the body of Pete Sowles in the river above Hartwells dam to day.

Aug 1 – Feel a little better. Picked two qts of dewberries.

Aug 2 – I went to Kal- this P.M. bought a thin coat and vest, paid $4.00, pair of cuff buttens 50¢, collar 15¢. Hannah went as far as Mr Peases. I got back there to tea.

Aug 3 – Rainy. Hannah began cleaning house. 7 years ago to day Mr Ralph moved on the Taylor place. I shingled (or patched rather) the corn house.

Aug 4 – Hannah and I cleaned the middle room to day. I went over to see why Joe Neff did not come and help. He could not make much of an excuse.

Aug 5 – Hannah and I cleaned the kitchen to day. Went to the Burg this even’g. Aggie (Smith) Wilbur was at Loises. Got our first cabbage out of the garden to day.

Aug 6 – Ida and Carrie Barber,[82] Hannah and I started for camp meeting at Vicksburg 6.06 A.M. arrived there 9.16 A.M. Heard Mr Edgerly and Mr Tisdale speak. The talk was grand. Got home 8 P.M.

Aug 7 – Helped Hannah about cleaning in the front room this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Hannah up to Mr Ralphs to see Gertrude.

Aug 8 – Mowed weeds along the road and around the yard to day. Gertrude helped Hannah sew to day.

Aug 9 – Took Hannah over to Eberle Underwoods[83] to sew. She is making Florences[84] wedding outfit. Rec’d letter from Nancy sent a $4.00 dividend the first since going into Hillmans. She sent for a box of cigarettes for Jim for his asthma.

Aug 10 – Trimmed the woodbine on the house and patched the roof also cleaned it off. Real warm. Hannah came from Underwoods to night.

Aug 11 – Did a number of little jobs to day. Very Warm. Hannah visited at Edwin Flanders to day. Very hard wind just after dark. No rain to speak of.

Aug 12 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cleaned the buggies and oiled them this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Ina and her two girls[85] came on Bobtail.

Aug 13 – Hannah, Gertrude and Mabel Ralph and I went to Vicksburg to the Camp meeting. (Lela Mae Brown’s 21^st Birthday.)

Aug 14 – Budded some little apple trees to Primates this P.M. One peach tree to a seedling that stands by the Siberian crab apple tree. Gertrude sewed this P.M. will be here the rest of the week. Rec’d letter from Nancy sent me one dollar.

Aug 15 – Trimmed up an apple tree top that broke off Friday night. Repaired my bicycle this P.M. I am having a time with the itch. Seems as though I would burn up some of the time. Got poisoned with poison ivy.

Aug 16 – Went to the Burg this even’g. Got ready to go to the Pioneer Picnic tomorrow. Loises 59^th birthday.

Aug 17 – Pioneer Picnic at Long Lake. Hannah and I went. We ate our dinner with Wm Ralphs folks. Ettie Tompkins went with us. Hot and dusty.

Aug 18 – Went to the Burg this morning. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Mrs Plank and Mary.[86] Gertrude and Mabel sewed today. Ina Holmes came over just before started for the Burg. She rode back with me.

Aug 19 – Visited to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Mary Skeels and Hannah went with me. Very warm and dry.

Aug 20 – Mary Skeels and I went up to Herbert Earls[87] and got some ice and we made ice cream. Was first rate. Very warm.

Aug 21 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Cut a little corn in the garden that was ripe. Took Mrs Plank and Mary up to Charley Fords this P.M. Mrs Montague gave me a Peerless Atlas of the World. Hannah visited at Mr Ralphs this P.M.

Aug 22 – Took Hannah to Cora Beras this A.M. Went after [them] this P.M. evening. Went over the part of the same road seventeen years this even’g.[88]

Aug 23 – Mrs Plank and Mary came from Mr Simmonds this morning. I took them over to the Taylor girls[89] this P.M. Hannah and I went after them this evening. They called at Loises.

Aug 24 – Took Mrs Plank and Mary to the 5.22 A.M. train. They will be in Grand Rapids before 8 oclock. I cleaned the shop to day.

Aug 25 – Sick to day. Vomited 16 times last night. Am better to day. Dr McBeth called and left me some medicine.

Aug 26 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Hannah to Eb Underwoods to sew. Went over again this evening. Nice rain this morning.

Aug 27 – Hannah and I went to Vicksburg to the last Camp meeting this year. Mr Tisdale and Mrs Carrie E. S. Twing were speakers. Came home by the way of Long Lake.

Aug 28 – Washed the buggy and did various other things to day. Mabel Ralph sewed for Hannah to day will the rest of the week. Had an introduction to Ned Stevenson.

Aug 29 – Cut the corn in the garden this A.M. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.

Aug 30 – Went up to Mrs Schrams and picked a basket of grapes for jelly. Went to the Burg this evening.

Aug 31 – Ma and I canned some tomatoes this A.M. Studied on my Rotary engine drawings some this P.M. Will Ridler finished cutting corn in the east lot this A.M. Filled a couple of straw ticks over to Seal Struble this P.M.

Sep 1 – Made a beginning at my Rotary engine patterns again to day. Mabel Ralphs last day sewing here this vacation.

Sep 2 – Took Hannah over to E. B. Underwoods this morning to sew. Went to the Burg this evening. Worked at patterns. Gertrude was down and did some stitching for herself.

Sep 3 – No one here to day and we staid at home all day only Lois and Dell drove over just at night.

Sep 4 – Worked at patterns what time I had to. Labor day celebration at Long Lake. Street fair began at Battle Creek to day. Wrote to W. R. Ritter.

Sep 5 – Worked at patterns. Schools began do day. Gertrude began working to day for the fall. Went to the Burg with C. Ford. Rained some this evening. Ina and Gertrude drove over just at night. Very warm.

Sep 6 – Took Hannah over to Underwoods this morning. Ma and I canned 17 qts of tomatoes this A.M. Worked at patterns a little this P.M. Gertrude sewed here. Lois and Gertrude Holmes went to Jackson to day.

Sep 7 – Worked at patterns. Took Hannah over to Underwoods this morning. Gertrude goes to Battle Creek to street fair this P.M. Very warm. “Hot”.

Sep 8 – Worked at pattern this P.M. Dug what potatoes there was left in the garden. Went to the Burg this morning.

Sep 9 – Worked at pattern. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Saw a Corn harvester work for the first time this P.M. over on the old Town farm. Was a McCormick.

Sep 10 – Took Hannah up to Edwin Flanders this morning. She and Mrs F- went to Vicksburg to hear O. A. Edgerly speak in grove. Went up to Edwins after this evening. Mrs Ralph and Gertrude, Mate Ford, Mr & Mrs Galusha called this P.M. and even’g.

Sep 11 – Worked at pattern some. Took Hannah over to Underwoods to sew. Gertrude sewed here. Libbie Taylor was here this P.M. Hannah stays at Underwoods to night.

Sep 12 – Worked at pattern. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Lou and Mildred. Hannah rode home with us from Underwoods.

Sep 13 – 33°. Worked at pattern. Hannah sewed at Underwoods her last making Florences wedding clothes. Hard frost last night froze water in dishes and tubs that stood out. Went to the Burg this evening.

Sep 14 – Worked at patterns. Gertrude sew here to day as Hannah is at home will sew right along. Cold so I set up the sitting room stove. Lois and Ina visited here to day.

Sep 15 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Recd letter from M. F. Lee with Photograph of himself.

Sep 16 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Ma got medicine of a Dr that came along on trial one months treatment. Hannahs 44^th birth day. Street Electric road graders got to Comstock to day. Recd letter from M. F. Lee with Photograph.

Sep 17 – Wrote to H. L. Keith. Mrs Jas Jackson was buried this P.M.[90] Claude Brown was here this A.M. Wrote to Henry L. Keith.

Sep 18 – Worked at patterns. 19 years ago to day I went over north by Mr Campbells with Henry just before he left for Cal-. Rained hard this morning.

Sep 19 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Cool. Mrs Neumaier[91] and Edith called this P.M. First time Mrs N- was ever here.

Sep 20 – Worked at patterns. Wrote to Liquid Air & Automobile Co. Boston, Mass. 186 Devonshire St. 6 years to day Charley Towne died.[92]

Sep 21 – Worked at patterns this P.M. Took Pa, Ma, Lou, and LaVerne Mildred over to Lois’es for the day. I made four trips. Florence Underwood and Orra Bishop were married at 3 P.M.[93]

Sep 22 – Worked at patterns. Rainy.

Sep 23 – Worked at patterns. One year ago to day I began work on them, but have so much other work to [do] that I have not been able to finish them. Went to the Burg this evening and got Charley and Clara Clark.[94] Went to the Burg this A.M.

Sep 24 – Charley and Clara Clark over here to day. Geo Blake and wife drove in the yard a few minutes.

Sep 25 – Took Charley and Clara over to Loises this P.M. They go home on “Bob tail”.

Sep 26 – Worked at patterns. Admiral Dewey arrived at New York this morning on the Olympia from the Phillipians.

Sep 27 – Worked at patterns. Went to a show down by the mill this evening. Mr Pease and Mrs J. M. Neasmith came here this A.M. She will stay a day or two.

Sep 28 – Worked at patterns. Blustering and a little rain.

Sep 29 – Went to Kal- this A.M. Took Mrs Neasmith down to Mr Peas’es. Saw the grading for the new electric R.R. from the Burg to Comstock. Saw the new Electric R.R. bridge by Mr Peas’es. Paid Mrs Neasmiths and our insurance. Came home by Marts[95] and called. The Electric road graders had just got to Lake St in front of Fields house.

Sep 30 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Hard frost last night.

Oct 1 – Edwin Flanders and wife called for Hannah to go to the cemetery. Mrs Little and Lois Burk called were on their wheels. Lou and Mildred went up to Mrs Ralphs this P.M. Mary (Schroder) Carson was buried to day.[96]

Oct 2 – Worked at patterns. Pleasant.

Oct 3 – Worked at patterns. Pleasant. Will Clarks birthday.[97] The Electric road is graded from Battle Creek to Kal-.

Oct 4 – Varnished some patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Towsley and Bert Warren are moving three old buildings off from Battle Creek street so as to put up a brick block for stores and a brick hotel. Frank York died to day.[98]

Oct 5 – Hile Loveland[99] blew his left hand to pieces this evening while trying to take a snap shot picture. Hank and Nancy’s 27th Wedding. Got the corn in the barn from the garden and husked it. Will Ridler dug 9½ bushels of potatoes for us. (Our share). Went to the Burg this evening. 

Oct 6 – Took Lou and Mildred to the 5.22 A.M. train. They will visit at Mr Neumaiers until the noon train north on the G.R. & S.R.R. Then they will go home. Went to the Burg this evening. Ida gave me two plants for Nancy. Repaired the rye bin this P.M. Mice had made holes in it.

Oct 7 – 17 years.[100] Mr Elwood died to day.[101] Washed shop window. Celebrate 25^th Wedding Anniversary at Cull Townes this even’g. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Harry Streator called to get me to make a model for him. First I have spoken to him in ten years.[102]

Oct 8 – Hannah and I went down to Marts this P.M. Frank York was buried at Maple Dale cemetery[103] this P.M.

Oct 9 – Puttied two of the shop windows. Harry Streator brought over drawings for his Mile board model. Chicago day. Big time in Chicago.[104]

Oct 10 – Washed the long window in the shop and did a little work on another. Drafted for H. D. Streators advertising Mile and Guide board model.

Oct 11 – Worked at the model to day. Saw Herbert Keith[105] over to Seal Strubles[106] to night. Will Ridler began husking corn in the east lot.

Oct 12 – Hannah wanted to go up to Frank McClarys this morning. We got as far as the Marhoff place and met Lillie so we came back home and she came down here. Herbert Keith [called] on us this A.M.

Oct 13 – 81°. Worked at H. D. Streators model. He called here this A.M. to see about it. Was on his way to Paw Paw. Are having warm weather but dry and dusty.

Oct 14 – 84°. Worked at model some. Went to the Burg this P.M. and again this evening. Quite warm.

Oct 15 – Pa’s 86^th Birthday. He is quite smart working at something a good deal of the time. Hannah and I visited at George Milhams for the first together. I never was there before. Clara Owens and children were there also.

Oct 16 – 81°. Worked at the model for Harry Streater. Surprise party at Jim’s for Cora it is her birthday. The surprise party did not come off as Walter was very sick. Began raining just at night is pretty dry.

Oct 17 – Kal- Free Street Fair opened up to day. President McKinley was there an hour this evening. Rained all night (1 11/32”).

Oct 18 – Worked at core box for Rotary engine patterns. Gertrude and Hannah feel a little off toward each other these days.

Oct 19 – Rainy to day. Big crowd at Kal- street fair. Hannah went this P.M. Went after her this evening to the 6 oclock train. Worked a little at core boxes.

Oct 20 – Went to Kal- third street fair. Floral parade was fine. Saw Philion walk up his spiral tower on a 28” ball. Saw a Biograph[107] for the first time.

Oct 21 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Hannah to the 12.55 train. She and Ettie Tompkins went to Kal-. Went after her to the 6.17 train. Had an introduction to Mrs P H Whitford at Loises.

Oct 22 – Pleasant. Clara Owens and Mary Brott were here to day. Clara expects to go back to Cincinnati soon.

Oct 23 – Aaron Hogeboom and Cora Harris came here from Mr Ralphs this A.M. and staid until evening. They rode over to Lois’es with us will stay there to night. Harry Streator called in the shop a few minutes.

Oct 24 – Worked at the models for H. D. Streator. Pleasant. This has been a very nice month ahead of Sept.

Oct 25 – Finished H. D. Streators two models. Leone Ralph had a little girl baby this even’g but it was dead.[108] Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.

Oct 26 – Raked leaves to put around the pumps this A.M. Finished a core box this P.M. Etta Tompkins was over this P.M. Rainy. Miss Belle Jackson was here quite a while to have Hannah do some work for her. 2 years to day I set out the little elm east of the house.

Oct 27 – Ma is not well. Rainy. Worked at a core box to day. Harry Streator got his models this P.M. Fannie Read and Mother was here to see about sewing to day.

Oct 28 – Went to the Burg this A.M. after the clothes. Finished a core box this P.M. Mabel sewed to day. Ma is sick with bowel trouble.

Oct 29 – Pleasant this P.M. Lois and Dell came over this P.M. Ma feels a little better. Wrote to M. F. Lee.

Oct 30 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. Worked at the barn pump to get it so it would not freeze this winter. Cora Harris came down to walk home with Gertrude to night. Pleasant. Went up to Isaac Schrams and got his pipe wrenches.

Oct 31 – Worked at pump at the barn. Finished it so I hope it won’t freeze this winter. Halloween. Hannah and I went to the Burg.

Nov 1 – Went to the Burg this morning after Nancys grip. She sent it to the Burg but she went to Shelbyville. She came to Kal- from Chicago Monday night. Rainy this P.M.

Nov 2 – Cold wind to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. Gathered the cabbage to night.  Spit snow some. Grandpa Keiths[109] 118^th birthday.

Nov 3 – Snowed most all day is snowing this evening. Got the cabbage stumps in the barn (for feed) this morning before the snow covered them. Also pulled what few turnips we had. Carried the cabbage down cellar. Had 63 heads of our own raising and 24 bought.

Nov 4 – Pleasant is melting the snow. Went to the Burg this A.M. Bought a pair of gloves to drive in 50¢. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Mabel sewed here to day. Let Gertrude have 12# of pop corn.

Nov 5 – Pleasant snow has about disappeared. Mr and Mrs Blake called this P.M. We turned the stove around in the middle room to day.

Nov 6 – Pulled the red beets and one half of the sugar beets. Hannah and went Went to the Burg this A.M. to see Lois. Picked out four baskets of corn from what Will Ridler has husked to day for house use.

Nov 7 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Finished pulling the sugar beets. Took the house pump up but did not get it so it worked.

Nov 8 – Washed the sugar beets and put them down cellar 4 bushels of them. Weighed 204# grew on 448 square feet of ground. At the rate of most ten tons per acre. Will Ridler finish husking our share of the corn 123 baskets. C. Ford drew a load of wood this P.M.

Nov 9 – Worked at the well got the check valve so it held the water. Enclosed the well room.

Nov 10 – Worked at the well room and banking up the house. Helped Will Ridler get some of our corn stalks in the barn this P.M. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train after Lou and Nancy, Leone and Mildred. Rainy. Uncle Henry Crawford came here this P.M.

Nov 11 – Went to the Burg this morning after the girls baggage. Took Uncle Henry to the noon train. Lou and I went to the Burg this evening.

Nov 12 – Lois and Dell came over a little while this P.M. Dell and I went up on the hill south of school house to see how they had filled in the washout.

Nov 13 – Worked at banking up the house and fixing the cellar windows. Hannah and I went to the Burg this even’g.

Nov 14 – Rainy. Pa and Ma’s Fiftieth wedding anniversary. Dell, Lois, Charley and Clara Clark and children (Ethan, Edna and Howard), Nancy, Lou, Leone and Mildred, Cora Harris and Gertrude Ralph were here to celebrate. They had $22.50 in gold given them besides other presents. Went to the Burg three times.

Nov 15 – Took Lou and children to the 4.55 A.M. train but it went through just as we got to the station.

Nov 16 – Took Lou and children to the 4.55 A.M. train. She expects to be in Shelbyville at 8 A.M. Charley Ford drew two loads of wood this P.M. Ettie Tompkins was over this P.M. Went to the Burg this A.M.

Nov 17 – Charley Ford drew a load of wood this A.M. Rained a little this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening.

Nov 18 – Will Ridler finished drawing our corn fodder to day. Worked at the corn house trying to get the south west corner in better shape. Lois was over this P.M. Nancy went home with her. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Nancy came home with us.

Nov 19 – Nancy, Hannah and I went up to Ras Townes to day. I saw the first insect in wheat I ever saw. Lois and Dell went up to Charley Fords this P.M. Lois called here a few minutes.

Nov 20 – Worked at the corn house bracing up the S.W. corner. Took Nancy to the 12.55 P.M. train. She visits in Kal- this week. Mr Burk called this A.M.

Nov 21 – Worked at the corn house to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Lois was here all day.

Nov 22 – Gette Beckwith and Adam Cockburn were married this evening.[110] Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. Worked out to the corn house and barn. Ed Galusha made him a rack for his wagon here this P.M.  

Nov 23 – Piled some wood C. Ford drew to day. Shelled some corn for a grist. Wrote to H. L. Keith. Colder.

Nov 24 – Cold east wind. Went to the Burg this evening. Nancy came up to Lois’es to night from Kal-. Shelled corn this morning to finish out for a grist.

Nov 25 – The Kal- Battle Creek Electric R.R. commenced plowing Battle Creek St for their track this P.M. I went to Howlandsburg to mill and from there to the forks in the road this side of Augusta then came down the Electric line. They have the rails laid almost to the culvert at the Burg. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening brought Nancy home with us.

Nov 26 – Lois and Dell came over this P.M. Nancy and I got the papers containing account of Pa’s and Ma’s Golden Wedding ready to send away. Will send one dozen. The Electric road men worked on West Main Street plowing and digging for the track.

Nov 27 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Took Nancy and Hannah up to Edwin Flanders this P.M. Went to the Burg after I got home. Went after the girls this evening. We did not get home until after eleven P.M. Electric road men are working on Main Street. 17 years to night went to the Lights O London at Kal.[111]

Nov 28 – Commenced making over the stable door. Lois was over all day sewing for Ina. Ettie Tompkins was over this P.M. Street R.R. men laid the track to day noon on the curve around the Cory block from Main to Battle Creek streets. Went to the Burg to see the new track. The first rails laid in the Burg were laid this P.M. on curve in fron[t] of Cory Block.

Nov 29 – Took Nancy to the 12.55 train. She goes to Kal- and takes the S.S. & M.S.R.R. for Chicago. Will be there about 9.30 P.M. My stomach is troubling me quite a good deal.

Nov 30 – Finished the stable door and hung it. Pleasant. Thanksgiving. Lois and Dell came over to dinner. Had “Robert rooster” for dinner. Mr Ralphs people took dinner at Willis’es.

Dec 1 – Worked at the barn (stable) door and put a few battens in the hen house. Went to the Burg drove across the Electric R.R. track on to Pearl St. the first time. Mabel Ralph sewed for Hannah to day as there was no school.

Dec 2 – Worked at a window frame for the hen house, got the glass puttied in and the window in the hen house. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening.

Dec 3 – Mr Ralph brought us three fish this P.M. Harry Streator and Mother[112] called just before night. Harry shook hands with me he could not very well help doing it. M. F. Lee’s birthday. The electric road Co. sent a train loaded with tearails to the Burg on their track from Augusta brought them as far as the culvert east of town they cant cross the Pentral yet. That was the first train to the Burg.

Dec 4 – Went to the Burg. 27 years ago to night the wind blew 198 trees across the G.R.&G. track.

Dec 5 – 12°. Stormy snowed and blowed. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Worked in the shop a little.

Dec 6 – Helped around the house most of the time to day. 

Dec 7 – Worked at drafting a shoe for an ice-boat for Fred Franklin part of the day. Went to the Burg just before night.

Dec 8 – Worked at the ice boat shoe pattern to day. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Pleasant. Electric road track is laid to John Schroders farm to night. Went up to Mr Schrams with his pipe tongs.

Dec 9 – Worked at ice-boat shoe pattern to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Hannah, Gertrude and Mabel. They went to a concert at M. E. Church (Colored troupe). Electric road is to the school house down to the center.

Dec 10 – Electric road is down to Gleasons to night. Mr and Mrs Galusha spent the evening here. Wrote to Jim.

Dec 11 – Finished writing to Jim this A.M. Went to the Burg this A.M. Rainy this evening.

Dec 12 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Shelled corn this P.M. Have four bushels shelled for a grist. Snowing.

Dec 13 – Quite a blustering day. Snowed some.

Dec 14 – Went to mill this A.M. Hannah and I went to the Masonic hall to a memorial meeting in Honor of the 100th Anniversary of the death of George Washington. George Washington died one hundred years age to day at 10.20.

Dec 15 – Took Hannah over to the Burg after dinner. Went after her at 9.30 P.M. She went to an entertainment at the Cong’l church.

Dec 16 – Went to the Burg this evening. Cleaned out the medicine cupboard and washed a lot of bottles. Gertrude did not sew to day. She and Ettie and Mabel went to Kal- to buy Christmas presents. Coldest day yet this winter.

Dec 17 – Warmer to day. No one here to day. Have been alone all day.

Dec 18 – Cleaned the kitchen stove pipe and stove also the front room stove pipe. Rainy. Made Mabel Ralph a coaster for the Christmas tree.

Dec 19 – Trimmed part of the apple tree top piled the brush and sawed the limbs into stove wood. Pleasant but cold. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. Mr & Mrs Powers was here this A.M.

Dec 20 – Cleaned shop and got ready to go to work at my engine patterns. Lois was over this P.M. Pleasant with cold wind.

Dec 21 – Worked at my engine patterns. Have made another beginning. Hope I can finish them this time. Got an idea for a can opener. Very pleasant. Walter Ralph[113] came home from Sioux City last night on a visit. Mr Lind Earl took dinner here to day.

Dec 22 – Worked at the patterns. Very pleasant. Mrs Struble was over this A.M.

Dec 23 – Have not felt very well to day. Had the worst spell about breathing I ever had. Came on before I was through eating. Took Hannah to the noon train she went to Kal-. Went after her this evening. Went and saw Mr Knapps new gasoline engine this P.M.

Dec 24 – Claude and Edie came up to day. They came to Kal- last night. They brought us some presents from Hanks folks. Each of us an orange package each of candy and dates and me a Diary and a shaving brush, also a limb of Chincapin bush with nuts on Dr Boyer brought from Virginia. Claude and Edie gave us their Photos in a frame with some of his drawing on the paper. They went back to Kal this P.M. Snowing and blowing.

Dec 25 – Christmas. Blustering about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Neighborhood all went to Mr Wm Ralphs to a Xmas tree this evening. I got a fancy tin horn nice shiner cuff box. Cold and blustering with snow.

Dec 26 – Ma’s 78^th birthday. Cold and blustering. Worked at patterns part of the day. Lind Whitmore was here all day and until 9 P.M. Hannah is making her a dress.

Dec 27 – Floyd and Laverne came on noon train. I went and met them. They brought me a neck scarf with chest protector.

Dec 28 – Went to the Burg this A.M. Floyd started to go but we met Willis and Walter on the crossway and they wanted him to go hunting with them so he went.

Dec 29 – Floyd walked over to the Burg this A.M. Began a letter to Nancy this evening.

Dec 30 – 5 below. Went to the 6.17 P.M. train and met Lou and Mildred. Snowed quite hard this even’g. Colder.

Dec 31 – 1° above. Very cold and blustering. Geo Blake and wife was over this P.M. first time they have drove their black horse over here. This is the last day we can write 18 will be 1900 and something for one hundred years. It makes one think where they are. Another year gone and I am the same old penny. Wish I might be more prosperous.

 

Addresses:

H. L. Keith
870 Castro St.
Oakland, Cal.

Mary Skeels
68 Scribner St.
Grand Rapids

——-

[1] Galesburg, Michigan

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

[3] Marquis de Lafayette Lee, who went by the name of Mark. Mark was the son of Ezekial and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee and was Ethan’s paternal second cousin

[4] His sisters, Nancy (Keith) Brown & Louese (Keith) Harris, and Nancy’s daughter, Lela Brown

[5] He was born January 20, 1851

[6] His brother-in-law, and Lois’ husband, Adelbert Skinner

[7] His paternal first cousin, Helen (Bradley) York

[8] His sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[9] His nephew, and Nancy’s son

[10] During the Spanish-American War

[11] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague. She died February 4, 1892 at the age of 87

[12] Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[13] Kalamazoo Telegraph, the local paper

[14] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[15] Nancy’s dog

[16] Samuel Boyer. He was boarding at D.D. & Louese Harris’ home

[17] Cora Harris was his sister Louese’s sister-in-law; Aaron Hogeboom was her boyfriend

[18] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[19] Neighbors, Olin & Cora (Ridler) Bera

[20] Nancy’s husband, Henry “Hank” Brown

[21] Nancy & Henry’s daughter, Bess Brown

[22] Michigan divorce records show that George H[enry] Ford filed for divorce from Ellen G[ertrude] Ford on February 11^th on the grounds of desertion. The divorce was granted on March 18, 1899. They had married on December 24, 1896. In a letter dated February 25, 1897, Louese Harris wrote to Nancy Brown that: Cora & I concluded we had rather be in Ina’s shoes than Gertie’s now. Some one wrote to Jim Milham (he works for Meredith) that she left Henry because he would not take a bath

[23] Michigan death records show that Elizabeth (Mott) Carson died February 8, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg

[24] In his 1885 diary, Ethan wrote the following entry: Feb 2 – Went to the Burg this evening. Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. He stayed with Uncle Hiram & Aunt Kate and received treatments for his stomach problems from the doctor until May 1, 1885

[25] His half-brother, Henry Keith

[26] Grippe was an old-fashioned term for the flu

[27] Neighbor, William Ralph

[28] Thirza Stone was the aunt of William’s wife, Emeline (Stone) Ralph

[29] His neighbor, Isaac Schram

[30] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his sister Louese lived

[31] Henry & Nancy’s new home in Chicago

[32] Neighbor, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[33] Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford, neighbor and daughter-in-law of Adelia Ford

[34] George Blake

[35] Michigan death records show that Ormsby Mitchell died in Comstock, Michigan on February 27, 1899 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, also in Comstock

[36] Mary (Forbush) Blake

[37] Son of Adelia Ford and husband of Mate Ford

[38] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[39] Louese’s daughter, LaVerne Harris

[40] John Frank Tomlinson. Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr., and John’s grandmother, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague, were siblings

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

[42] His niece, Ina (Skinner) Holmes, the daughter of Del & Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[43] Ina’s husband, William Holmes

[44] Possibly his brother, James Keith

[45] Claude’s fiancée, Edith “Eda” Neumaier

[46] His mother’s brother

[47] His nephew, the son of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, by her first husband, Byron Clark

[48] His brother-in-law, husband of Louese; he was commonly referred to as Dee or D.D.

[49] Neighbors, twins Carrie and Charles Barber

[50] Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[51] His sister Louese’s daughter, Leone Harris

[52] His sister Louese’s daughter, Mildred Harris

[53] LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Mildred Harris

[54] Neighbor, Sarah (Chase) Galusha

[55] His half-brother, Henry L. Keith

[56] Elsie “Ettie” Ralph was a neighbor, the daughter of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph

[57] William F. McBeth

[58] See February 5^th entry

[59] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

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

[61] Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne. Ras was Hannah’s brother-in-law

[62] His paternal first cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham, who would have been 56 years old. She died at the age of 41 on September 22, 1884

[63] Neighbors, Mabel and Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders

[64] His maternal grandmother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[65] Erasmus’ brother, Cullen Towne

[66] Neighbor, William Ralph

[67] William Ralph’s daughter, Gertrude (Ralph) Ford. It appears Gertrude was divorced and living with her parents

[68] Michigan marriage records show that Luther Baker married Una Jacobs on June 28, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan

[69] His brother’s family, James & Cora (Meredith) Keith and daughter, Winifred Keith

[70] Edwin & Mary (Smith) Flanders and their daughter, Mabel Flanders

[71] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” Streator

[72] Gertrude’s sister, Mabel Ralph

[73] At one time Hannah went with Harry Streator. She really cared about him, but he was cocky and not much good. When Hannah was 17 years old, she was engaged to Eberle Underwood. One night when they went out on a date, Harry Streater followed them. He apparently then went back to Hannah’s house and spread a blanket on the Keith property and waited until they got home from their date. They didn’t know he was there, but the next morning she saw evidence where the grass had been flattened, and tufts of the blanket as well as tufts of grass had been pulled out

[74] George & Bess (Nelson) Milham, Clara (Milham) Owens and Lavinia Milham. George, Clara and Lavinia were Ethan’s cousins, the children of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[75] Jim & Cora’s son, Walter Keith

[76] Cotosuet was a mixture of cottonseed oil and beef suet produced by Swift & Company which was touted as a substitute for lard, and for butter in cooking, at a much lower price

[77] Michigan death records show that Horace Hobbs, age 42, died in Kalamazoo, Michigan from a ruptured appendix on July 20, 1899 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[78] From Wikipedia.com: Robert Green Ingersoll was an American writer and orator during the Golden Age of Free Thought, who campaigned in defense of agnosticism. He was nicknamed “The Great Agnostic”

[79] Presume this to be Isaac Schram’s wife, Olive (Atkinson) Schram

[80] The son of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph

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

[82] Ida Barber married Eugene Howe in 1882 and in 1884 they had twins, Carrie and Charles. However, the 1900 census shows Ida as a widow and she, Carrie and Charles BARBER were living with Ida’s father, Richard. Carrie & Charles are listed as Richard’s grandchildren. Ethan Keith’s diary entry of September 22, 1884 shows: Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day. He feels real bad about it

[83] Neighbor

[84] Florence Underwood

[85] His niece, Ina (Skinner) Holmes, and her daughters, Gertrude and Frances Holmes

[86] Harriet (Groat) Plank and her daughter, Mary (Plank) Skeels. The Plank family had been neighbors of the Keiths in Comstock, but on April 3, 1873, Ethan’s father, Luke, noted in his diary that they had left for Grand Rapids, Michigan

[87] Neighbor

[88] Ethan made several cryptic entries in his 1884 diary which seem to relate to the fact that he had been engaged to Helen “Nellie” Bristol, who went to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts on November 29, 1884 and on October 25, 1885 married Clarence Spencer

[89] Sisters, Harriet and Flora Elizabeth “Libbie” Taylor. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[90] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Amy (Bailey) Jackson died in Comstock on September 14, 1899 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[91] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier, Edith “Eda” (Neumaier) Brown’s mother

[92] Hannah’s husband

[93] Michigan marriage records confirm that Orra Bishop and Florence Underwood were married September 21, 1899 in Galesburg, Michigan

[94] Ethan’s nephew, Charles Clark, and his wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark

[95] Martin Milham, the widower of Ethan’s cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham (see footnote to May 16^th entry)

[96] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Mary (Schroder) Carson, age 30, died of pneumonia on September 29, 1899 and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[97] His nephew, William Clark. He turned 35

[98] Former neighbor. FindAGrave.com reveals that he died in Brady, Michigan and was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. His obituary in the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph mentioned that he was 43 at the time of death from Bright’s disease (kidney disease) and had been a musician with the Ringling Brothers’ circus band

[99] Neighbor, Stephen Ahiel Loveland

[100] Believe this is another cryptic note about his failed romance with Nell Bristol. An entry in Ethan’s father Luke’s 1882 diary for October 7 mentioned that “Ethan and Nell went to Kalamazoo”

[101] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that James Elwood died in Comstock, Michigan on October 7, 1899 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, also in Comstock

[102] Harry Streater once bent Ethan backwards over a fence and even when Ethan begged him to let go, Harry held him down. Ethan had trouble with his back ever since. Perhaps this was why they hadn’t spoken in ten years

[103] He is actually buried in Maple Grove Cemetery

[104] President William McKinley visited Chicago on October 9, 1899, to lay the cornerstone for the Beaux Arts-styled building, which was completed in 1905. Every year on October 9, Chicago used to celebrate what it called “Chicago Day” which commemorated the Great Chicago Fire of 1871

[105] His cousin, John Herbert Keith

[106] Selem Struble was John Herbert Keith’s father-in-law

[107] An early form of motion-picture camera and projector combined

[108] The daughter of George & Leona (Ackley) Ralph; however, no record of birth/death was found

[109] Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[110] Michigan marriage records show that Gette Beckwith and Adam Coburn were married in Galesburg, Michigan on November 22, 1899

[111] From Wikipedia: The Lights o’ London was a melodramatic play by George R. Sims, first produced in London on 10 September 1881 at the Princess’s Theatre. The play was a hit, running for 226 nights, and was frequently revived thereafter. It also opened in New York at the Union Square Theatre in December 1881 and was revived twice on Broadway. The play was twice made into silent films, both titled Lights of London, in 1914 and 1923. The play was about Harold Armytage and Bess Marks who elope. Harold’s father is rich but after the elopement disowns him. Clifford Armytage, Harold’s scheming cousin, and Seth Preene, a friend of Harold’s father, frame innocent Harold for a crime so that Clifford will inherit the father’s money instead of Harold. Seth aids Clifford because he hopes that his daughter, Hetty (who declares “I hate poor people”), would then marry Clifford and become rich. Harold is convicted and sentenced to jail but escapes and is helped by an elderly couple to find Bess again. Meanwhile, Seth visits Hetty in London. She has become Clifford’s mistress. After Harold rescues Seth from drowning, Seth decides to confess his crime so Harold will receive his inheritance and Clifford will get the punishment he deserves.

[112] Laura (Rawson) Streator

[113] Son of William & Emeline (Stone) Ralph

Scan of 1899 Diary of Ethan Keith

Nancy Brown’s 1898 Diary

1898 DIARY OF NANCY KEITH BROWN

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

Jan 1 – [The entry is too faint to read.]

Jan 4 – I called Mrs Bartlett Crane[?] told her the boys had left. ____

Jan 10 – Claude[1] went on 1 A.M. train to Chicago to work for Imperial ___lin Co[2] – cor. Clark & Adams.

Jan 13 – Ethan[3] came for Ma[4] to day. Lavernes[5] teeth finished to day. Mrs Smedley[6] 83 to day.

Jan 14 – Will Pendleton[7] in Chicago this p.m. with Claude.

Jan 15 – Laverne went home this morn been having teeth fixed. Bessie[8] went to the Burg.[9] Hannah[10] is going to Scotts[11] for a few days.

Jan 17 – Mr & Mrs Wagner, Mr & Mrs Evens, H.A.[12] & I invited to Will Wagners[13] this eve.

Jan 18 – H.A. went to the Burg. Mother,[14] Lela[15] and I are alone. H.A. took Woods Cabinet for Lodges.

Jan 19 – I am about sick got grippe I guess.

Jan 20 – Ethan is 47 to day.

Jan 21 – Plesant. Dr Blooms up stairs caught fire. 4 or 5 hundred dollar damage. Caused by the oil stove heater.

Jan 22 – Snowing & blowing. Mr Merediths[16] home caught fire no great damage. H.A. & Bess came home from the Burg.

Jan 24 – Claude 23 years old yesterday. He sent me a dollar. I wrote to him.

Jan 25 – H.A. went to 3 Rivers & Elkhart. Blusters and snows teribly.

Jan 26 – Mr Evens[17] and party start for Klondyke. Dr James McCall had leg amputated.

Jan 27 – Bessie went to class. Emma Harris went with her. I saw Mr Snyder for first time.

Jan 29 – H.A. came home from 3 Rivers. We were invited to Dr McK[18] to tea, did not go.

Jan 30 – Mrs Crane preached this eve on “Trooper Peter Halhat.”

Jan 31 – H.A. & I done our washing. Mrs Kelly has been doing it. Snowed and blowed so did not hang all the clothes out.

Feb 1 – Plesant but very cold. H.A. & I spent the eve at Mr Frenches. Their baby uses braces on her feet.

Feb 2 – Very cold and blustring to day. Cars run once in three or four hours.

Feb 3 – Coldest morning this winter. I went down town with Lela this A.M. got some things at Kingsmans. Bessie & Mona gone to drawing [?] class.

Feb 4 – Plesant. Lela got letter from Fany[19] yesterday. She has been excepted in hospital.

Feb 5 – Plesant. Hank[20] put new grate in stove. Mrs W- here all day. Mr W- came to tea, brought us a 20# ham.

Feb 6 – Mr & Mrs Ford, Lela & I went to church this eve. Peoples Church.

Feb 7 – Very plesant. Washing and work all done 9-20 A.M. Bessie is 17 years old to day.

Feb 8 – Plesant. I spent the day with Mrs Wagner. She made her party cape. Jay Wilson had sleigh ride party. Bessie went.

Feb 9 – Bessie got home 4 A.M. slept till 1:40 p.m. Mr & Mrs Doyen & Francis[21] here this evening.

Feb 10 – Warm & plesant snow going fast. I spent the afternoon with Mrs McKinney.

Feb 11 – Raining. H.A. & I went to Dr Fletcher and had new glasses. Lela to a reception at Mrs Cranes for Mrs Boyd. H.A. & I to Mr Bennetts this eve.

Feb 12 – Colder. Mrs Ford (Emmas Turneys mother) died yesterday 2 A.M.[22] H.A. & I went to Clarence Smiths they were going away to a surprise party for Mr Dye.

Feb 13 – Rained this eve. Essie here all night.

Feb 14 – Plesant. We washed. Spent this p.m. at John Hewitts. H.A. there to supper. H- made penny pictures[23] of us to day. Got a dish from grants.

Feb 15 – Twelve years to day we came to Kalamazoo. H.A. & girls finished up the pictures this eve. Snowed & blowed teribly.

Feb 16 – Jay Harris[24] left for the Klondyke this 1-30 A.M. I spent the afternoon with Bessie Milham Lee came here from the east.

Feb 17 – Ethan came on train this p.m. Rained and he stayed all night. Brought us a nice chicken. Claude begins working on a salary[?].

Feb 18 – Ethan home on 11-52 A.M. train. Got a letter from Lou[25] & Laverne.

Feb 19 – Bessie and I done housework all the forenoon. Mona here this eveing.

Feb 20 – Snowing. H.A. worked at gallery took 19 15[?] negatives.

Feb 21 – Hardest snow storm yet. Did not hang out the clothes.

Feb 22 – Put the clothes out this a.m. Spent the eve at Mr Wagners. Mattie & John did not come. Matties aunt died.

Feb 23 – Bessie and I sewed on her blue waist.[26] We sewed in the forenoon. Frances Willard trained[?] in Chicago. W.C.T.U.[27]

Feb 24 – I went down town. Lela & I to dinner at “La B A _____.” Lela bought 2 gold fish. Bessie worked at penny pictures all day.

Feb 25 – H.A. & Bess toned & washed 636 pictures. Took them to Mr Packard to mount round.

Feb 26 – Ma & Ethan came this p.m. Ma to see Dr McKinney. I got a telephone that Lou was sick, went there on 6-40 p.m. train. Terrible explosion this eve 10 killed many wounded. Hall Bros laboratory.[28]

Feb 27 – Ma & Ethan went home. Claude came home last eve on a visit.

Feb 28 – Papa and I washed and toned 1482 pictures this A.M.[29] I came home on 8-40 train, brought Lou, Leone & Mildred.[30]

Mar 1 – 7 of the victims buried to day, 4 from St. Augustines. Lou had hard spell. Dr here. Lou worse this eve. Dr came again. Florence Turney married.[31]

Mar 2 – Lou better. Victor Vocelle[32] one of the injured came home to day. Memorial services at Cong. Church at 4-30.

Mar 3 – Hank toned over 1800 pictures. Took 75 negatives to day. Mr Ford called this evening. Bessie began working for her Pa at penny pictures.

Mar 4 – Very plesant. Claude & Edith N[33] went up to Pas[34] this p.m.

Mar 5 – H.A., Lela & I went to “surprise” on Mr & Mrs Denynes. H. got a cup & saucer, Lela mustard dish, head prises.

Mar 6 – Hannah came here on 10 a.m. train went home 6-40 p.m. Claude went back to Chicago this p.m.

Mar 7 – I went down town got 3 dishes for Hannah for Blanch, Florence and Ettie. Lela home all day with sick headache. I got shirt waist paid .88.

Mar 8 – Very plesant. I sewed on Bessies blue bunting dress. We fixed Mildreds hood put fur around.

Mar 9 – Doors opened so warm. We went downtown had Lous & Mildreds pictures taken. Blanche Blake & Ned Stevenson married.[35]

Mar 10 – Lou sick in bed all day did not sleep any last night.

Mar 11 – Rainy. Lou & children went to Pas on noon train.

Mar 12 – Zella & children went to Chicago this p.m. I went to the Burg on 6.55 train. Rained hard. Found Lou worse.

Mar 13 – At Pas. Dr McBett came to see Lou.

Mar 14 – I came home to day, brought Leone. Saw Mrs McKee for Lou. Lela & Bessie got cloth for shirt waists. D.[36] Here this p.m.

Mar 15 – Lou & Mildred did not come. Lou is not so well. D. gone to Pas to night. I fixed Leones big doll.

Mar 16 – Very warm & plesant. Began Lelas dress skirt to day. D. gone home. Lou no better. Mildred 3 years old to day.

Mar 17 – Plesant. Dr Westbrook began work on my teeth. Dr McK– went to Burg to see Lou. Laverne went to the Burg this noon.

Mar 18 – Will Brown[37] is 38 to day.

Mar 19 – Mother Brown[38] is 79 to day.

Mar 20 – Lela & I helped at gallery.

Mar 21 – Lou no better. I went to the Burg 6.40 train rode over home with Mr Schram.

Mar 22 – Lou a little better. I changed her bed. Came home on 10-47 a.m. train. “Sid” Hayes buried.

Mar 23 – Bessie has a candy pull to night. Mrs McKee went to the Burg to see Lou on 6.55 train.

Mar 24 – Bessie not well. I went to gallery in her place.

Mar 25 – I went to gallery again to day.

Mar 26 – I went to gallery to day. Hannah came on 1 p.m. train. She & Mrs McKee went back on 6.55. Claude sent the girls belts.

Mar 27 – Lela helping at gallery.

Mar 28 – Bessie went to the gallery. Cloudy & some rain. Mr Hassic[?] learning picture business. Penny business dropping off.

Mar 29 – Plesant. We got a letter from Claude. Bess one from Edna Clark.[39]

Mar 30 – John & Mattie Hewitt to supper & spend the eve. It is their 12^th wedding anniversary.

Mar 31 – Bessie went to drawing class.

Apr 1 – (no entry)

Apr 2 – Went down town. Bessie got a new jacket priced 5.50, gloves 1.00. Ordered a hat 2.75. Mr Denyens moved on Rose Place.

Apr 3 – I went to Claudes.

Apr 4 – Got a letter from Hannah. Lou not much better.

Apr 5 – I went to Burg on noon train. Mrs McKee came on evening train. She, Laverne, Mildred & I came home this evening.

Apr 6 – Laverne at gallery. Lou stood the trip well. Mrs McKee here this noon.

Apr 7 – Laverne & Leone went home on noon train. Leone been here 5 weeks.

Apr 8 – Got 51 yds muslin for sheets paid .5 a yd. Cut out sheets to day. Lou lots better. Sit up a good deal.

Apr 9 – Floyd[40] came this a.m. bought a wheel[41] (Cupid) paid 22.000. Claude surprised us by coming home, brought his wheel.

Apr 10 – Orchestra played. Easter Sunday. Claude and I went to church.

Apr 11 – Lela & Bess bought a wheel paid 33.000 name of wheel Volant.

Apr 12 – Floyd went home. Lois[42] & Ethan here. Mildred went home with them. America Bunt here. Geo Crawford had his leg amputated last week. Lou & Ds 16^th wedding anniversary.

Apr 13 – Claude painted our gasoline stove. Bessie got her bicycle shoes. Lela got a new dress .75 a yard.

Apr 14 – Bess home to day. We fixed her bicycle suite & worked on Lelas dress. Charley Zinn drowned this p.m. in race at the mill. Age 5 years.[43]

Apr 15 – (no entry)

Apr 16 – Hannah came this p.m. brought Mildred. She & I went down town this eve got her a hat paid $4.00. Charley Z– buried this p.m.

Apr 17 – H- cut Lelas jacket. Thunderstorm this eve.

Apr 18 – Colder. Pa came on 10-47 a.m. train. I paid Dr McK– 5.00 for Lou, 2.00 for Ma. I went to Dr Fletchers. Saw Marena Caywood.

Apr 19 – Cold & rainy. Dr Fletcher brought my glasses. Pa went home on 6-55 p.m. train. D. sent 9 doz eggs & some butter.

Apr 20 – Cold & rainy. I began Lelas grey jacket to go with her suite. Whistles began blowing 10-40 a.m. to announce war declared between U.S. & Spain.

Apr 21 – Plesant. Scavengers cleaned our closet yesterday, cost $4.90. Bessie went to drawing class.

Apr 22 – Finished Lelas jacket. Got a letter from Ma. Claude to Will Pendletons this eve. He made pictures of McKinley. Lee and Uncle Sam to church.

Apr 23 – Mrs McKee here to see Lou.

Apr 24 – Claude went back to Chicago.

Apr 25 – Lois here to dinner. Dell[44] in Chicago. H.A. finished up with Packard. Will Smith and Monica Coe married.[45]

Apr 26 – Light guards left for Island Park at 10 a.m. Sad day for Kalamazoo.[46] Mrs W– & I had negatives taken. H.A. & I spent eve at Mr Wagners.

Apr 27 – Hank went to Chicago. D. came on his wheel, stayed all night. Lela to church cooking class supper.

Apr 28 – D. went home on 5 a.m. train. Bessie went to drawing class.

Apr 29 – Floyd Harris 12 years old.

Apr 30 – Bessie went to Burg on wheel left here about 7 a.m.

May 1 – Bessie & Hannah came on 10 a.m. train. Hank opened gallery in Chicago.[47]

May 2 – Hannah gone to Mary Cousins to sew. Porter Olmstead died last night 11 p.m.[48] H.A. wrote for Bessie to come to Chicago Wednesday.

May 3 – Hannah gone home to day. I got her cloth for cape took to train. Saw Ida Allen.

May 4 – Bessie went to Chicago on 2-18 train to help in penny gallery.[49] Porter Olmstead buried this p.m. Lous Jay 15 to day.[50]

May 5 – D. 39 to day. Card from Claude said met Bess O.K. I went to Dr McK– this eve. She is going to try Mrs McKee.

May 6 – (no entry)

May 7 – Long letter from Bess with plan of house & gallery.

May 8 – Mrs McKee here this p.m. Lela, Emma Harris & Gertie Cay went riding on their wheels.

May 9 – I got letter from Claude. Wrote last weeks receipts were 85.00.

May 10 – I cleaned the Barn this a.m. Got a letter from H.A. with 30.00 check. Mildred sick a little guess its measles.

May 11 – I sewed this a.m. Mrs McKinney called has taken three treatments, is better. Mrs Quale over this p.m.

May 12 – Lou had a hard stomach spell. Mrs McKee helped her. Mr Snyder here. I paid telephone bill.

May 13 – Dr came to see Mildred. Lou telephoned to D. that I would meet Floyd tomorrow morning. Mr Abbey called.

May 14 – I met Floyd this a.m.

May 15 – Lela & Floyd went to Burg on wheels. Rained last night.

May 16 – Lela & Floyd got home 5.45 a.m. Floyd gone home this noon. D sent home eggs & butter. Long letter from Bess with pictures of Jim[51] & Will[52] folks.

May 17 – Mildred all broken out is real sick. D- came here to night stayed all night.

May 18 – Mildred a little better. Lela brought home 1 pint Ice cream. Hard thunder storm to night hail & some wind.

May 19 – Mildred very restless all night and to day. Lou all used up. Telephoned for Laverne. Gertrude Holmes 1 year old to day.[53] Major Abbey left this a.m.

May 20 – Mr Jessie Earl[54] & Wm H Gladstone died the 19^th. Mildred better to day. I cleaned cellar.

May 21 – I got ready to go home. Street car only went to show ground so I got left.

May 22 – Lou, Mildred, Mrs McKee and I went street car riding.

May 23 – I went to Burg. Ethan came over about 11. I went home with him. The first I had seen the new paper it is red. Came home on 10 p.m. train.

May 24 – Laverne went home on 12-20 train. Got letter from Hank & Bess with $65.00 money order. Lela to Essies to supper.

May 25 – Family bought & moving in the McEntye house. Dr & Mrs McK– here to dinner. We had ham & greens.

May 26 – Claude surprised us by coming home this p.m.

May 27 – Fumigated for measles to day. Mrs McKee came after we had gone to bed.

May 28 – Paid for last 3 weeks. Lou & Mildred went home on 6-40 train. Lela went with them, took Mrs C. Kodak. 3 months to day since Lou came.

May 29 – Mother & I alone all day, very lonesome. Claude to West Lake.

May 30 – Lela came home this a.m. Claude & Eddie[55] went to Ball Park. Lela had to work so could not go. I began cleaning chamber.

May 31 – Mr Packard shot him self this a.m.[56] Mrs Kelley helped me clean this p.m. Mr Jackson called. Ed Atkins[57] also. Brought neg of house. Claude went up to Burg.

Jun 1 – Jim, Cora, Winnie & Walter[58] came via S-H-[59] this a.m. Mrs W & Mr Titus called. I called at Mrs Packards.[60] Joined “B___ Oak Branch”. Letter from Bessie.

Jun 2 – Jims all went to the Burg 7 a.m. Began cleaning my room. Went to Mrs Wagners. Heard Mr T lecture on Aliens[?].

Jun 3 – Claude took up bed room carpet. Had our first mess beet greens. Claude & Lela to Will Pendletons. I to Mrs Orcutts this eve. Letter from H.A.

Jun 4 – Jim and family here early this a.m. Went to S–[61] on noon train. Claude bought screens. Lela & I wall paper.

Jun 5 – Claude, Lela & Edie out in the country making pictures.

Jun 6 – Claude went to Chicago on 1 a.m. train. Jim came from Shelbyville this a.m. to C–[62] this p.m. via South Haven.

Jun 7 – The wall paper came this a.m. Letter from H.A. 25.00.

Jun 8 – Joe Neff sick so had paper hangers from Andrews & Russell. Began this p.m. C____ men took up parlor carpet & rug.

Jun 9 – Papering finished this p.m. I cleaned windows & wood work. Very tired to night.

Jun 10 – Telephone put in dining room to day. Parlor carpet laid this p.m. Hard thunder storm.

Jun 11 – Baked, worked at cleaning and settling.

Jun 12 – Dr & Mrs McKinney here to dinner.

Jun 13 – Went down town this noon with Lela. Paid paper bill & got molding. Man put it up tonight. Rained very hard. Mrs Smith and Harold here.

Jun 14 – I put down the light brussels carpet in my bed room to day. H.A. 25.00.

Jun 15 – Lois here to spend the day. The new bed room suite came this a.m. Price 24.00. Lela home this p.m.

Jun 16 – Worked all over the house to day. Ironed some.

Jun 17 – Cleaned kitchen to day. Mrs McKinney here all day. Lela home this p.m.

Jun 18 – Will Brown came. Lizzie and Ruth[63] went to Mr Ogdens.[64] Girls all home.

Jun 19 – Will, Mother, Lela, I & Zama[65] went to Pas. Had livery 2.50.

Jun 20 – Ruth came back with us last night. Lizzie & Charley[66] came this a.m. All here to dinner. Will, L- & R- go home via South Haven.

Jun 21 – To day finished on cleaning. I went over to Mrs Sawyers & Willsons. McMann girls here this eve. Lela & I saw Fannie Smiths puppies.

Jun 22 – Mrs Kelley helped wash 5 quilts & 3 comfortabers. Mrs Wagner here this p.m. & to supper. Lela went riding with Eda.

Jun 23 – Began putting 2nd coat of paint on house. Dea Willard Mills died 9-30 this a.m., aged [blank].[67]

Jun 24 – Finished my blue “hubbard” Clara cut a year ago.

Jun 25 – Telephoned for Lou to come down was not well enough. Painters finished to night. Mr & Mrs Britten[?] here this eve paid him 40.00. Essie here all night.

Jun 26 – Mr ______ at Peoples Church to day. I did not go.

Jun 27 – Lela home this a.m. not well. I cleaned barn painted ______. Jim & C- picked our first raspberries, enough for supper and a dish for Mrs Huffman.

Jun 28 – Ironing this a.m. 25.00.[68]

Jun 29 – Boys left for Tampa to night.[69] Howard Bronson, Clarence Miller amongst them.

Jun 30 – (no entry)

Jul 1 – Bess & Ray[70] came from Chi- via S- H- this p.m. A surprise to me, brought Lela a parasol, a black __ll dress for me.

Jul 2 – Hannah came 6-25 train this a.m. She, Lela & I went down town this eve. Hard battle in Cuba. Michigan boys to the front.

Jul 3 – Lou 38 to day. Cerveras fleet sunk off Seltiago.[71]

Jul 4 – Hannah working on her shirt waists.

Jul 5 – Hannah cut Bessies linen ___ll to day & my black “ [linen] ___ll. Very warm. Hank 25.00.

Jul 6 – Sewing hard all day. Mrs Dunbar, Mrs Fraser & Hattie called. They came from home (Detroit) Saturday.

Jul 7 – Hannah to Mary Caywood cousins to tea & all night. Lela & I called on the Grants.

Jul 8 – Hannah came back this a.m. she is about sick. Emma Harris came to visit the girls a few days.

Jul 9 – Hannah went to Lous this p.m. Lela & I went to train with her. We got 9 plates, 9 sauce dishes. 1 bowl & wash bowl & pitcher.

Jul 10 – Eda N– here to dinner. I saw her mother[72] for first time.

Jul 11 – Emma went home on 7 a.m. train. Bessie went to Pas.

Jul 12 – Mrs Frasier & Hattie came this forenoon. They, Lela and I went to medicine show. Girls went to 10 p.m. train to meet Bess.

Jul 13 – Mrs Dunbar spent the afternoon. Mr “ [Dunbar] to tea. Mrs F– & Hattie went home with them.

Jul 14 – Laverne came this a.m. Bessie met her.

Jul 15 – I went to Burg to night stayed with Lois. Got a letter from H. saying not to come to Chi yet.

Jul 16 – To Loises all day. Ethan over this eve. I went home with him. Mas leg very bad.

Jul 17 – At Pas. I saw long[?] buggy first time.

Jul 18 – Made green apple pie a.m. first this year. I go home on 9 pm train.

July 19 – At home. Three weeks drout[?] broken. I have sick head ache. Letter from H & Claude wanting Bess & I to go Saturday. 25.00.

Jul 20 – I took what I supposed was salts. Was very sick for an hour or two.

Jul 21 – (no entry)

Jul 22 – Buffalow Bills show. Hannah, Cora, Floyd & Clark came. Ethan came down with big buggy. He & Hannah went home.

Jul 23 – Bessie and I went to Chicago on 11 am train. Laverne keeping house for me.

Jul 24-27 – (no entries)

Jul 28 – Mr Jim Evers died to day at Dawsun City. Went there last Feb.

Jul 29 – Clara Owens[73] second girl baby born.[74]

Jul 30 – Aug 8 – (no entries)

Aug 9 – John McBride died this noon.[75] Bettie Wolf came to her fathers to day.

Aug 10 – (no entry)

Aug 11 – I came home from Chicago at 3-30 this a.m. Johnny McBride is buried at 4 this p.m. 38.00.

Aug 12 – Cora Harris,[76] Laverne & Leone came from Pioneers picnic last eve. Laverne went home this noon. Claude came this noon. Peace articles signed, war over.

Aug 13 – Cora went home this eve. Lela to a tea party at Edas. Frank Cargill died this eve[77] Dr Pratt yesterday.[78]

Aug 14 – H.A. took in 50.00.

Aug 15 – Nice rain this a.m. Letter from H.A.

Aug 16 – Claude & party gone to West Lake camping. I called on Mrs Wolf & McBride, neither at home. Called on Mrs Doyens & Dunbar.

Aug 17 – Cut out a dress for Mother. Sewed all day.

Aug 18 – Hattie & Effie Frasier spent the day here. We all went to band concert in evening.

Aug 19 – I went to Mrs Hewitts for tea, she has been sick all summer. Told me about Mame & Sherm. Called at Mrs Wagners, not at home. Letter Bessie.

Aug 20 – I called on Mrs Ford this eve. Mrs Loveland there doing the work. Jennie got a place at asylum.

Aug 21 – Very hot. Essie here a little while. Lela went home with her.

Aug 22 – Hotter. Letter from H.A. & Bessie. They have hired Lillie Girard. H.A. 50.00

Aug 23 – Hottest. Letter from Bess, Ma & Hannah. Lizzie is to board Bess for 2.00. Am fixing Lelas Bicile dress over. Bess sent a sample of her black.

Aug 24 – Bought 1 bu tomattoes for .40. Hank help up this eve got 2.00. I went down town. Mrs Wagner told me of Mr Evers death.[79]

Aug 25 – Ethan brought Cora, Winnie & Walter. Lou & Mildred came this p.m.

Aug 26 – Caned 14 qts tomattoes. Mrs McKee here this evening.

Aug 27 – Cora & children went to Shelbyville. Lou, children & I up to Pas. Lela had Essie stay with her.

Aug 28 – Ethan, Hannah & I went to Vicksburg. Mr Cates family there.

Aug 29 – Came home to day. Train late. Clara Wilkins came with me. Eda & Essie here yesterday.

Aug 30 – Very hot. Claude to Mrs Doyens to supper.

Aug 31 – We ironed. Got 1 bu tomattoes for catsup paid .50.

Sep 1 – Lou, Leone & Mildred came from Pas. Caned 1 bu. peaches. Paid 1.00. Terrible hot.

Sep 2 – Awful hot.

Sep 3 – Hot. Lou & children went on 8 p.m. train. Cora Harris struck by engine. Ankle broke.[80]

Sep 4 – I went to Lous on 5.40 a.m. train.

Sep 5 – Rained last night. Cora as well as can be expected. I came home on 3-45 p.m. train. Claude went to Chicago to night.

Sep 6 – Mrs McKinney here all day. Dr[81] here to supper. I ordered ointment for Ma.

Sep 7 – Winnie McKee took Clara riding. Clara stopped to Mr Comstocks stayed all night.

Sep 8 – Cool & plesant. Lela had Eda, Winnie McKee, Mona Mace & Emma Harris to tea to meet Clara Wilkins who is visiting us.

Sep 9 – Eda & Mother[82] took Clara & I riding. We stoped at their house the first I have been there.

Sep 10 – Clara Wilkins gone home 9 a.m. been here 2 weeks Monday. Lela went to Lous 12-19 p.m.

Sep 11 – Mother took her feather bed for good this time.

Sep 12 – Lela came from Lous 8-55 a.m. Lou no better. Cora doing fine. Uncle Robt[83] came here from Pas this p.m.

Sep 13 – Uncle R- left for home on 11-55 train. I put up a lunch for him. Letter from Bess. 25.00.

Sep 14 – I called on Mrs Winslow and Mrs Elena Briggs. Stayed with Mrs Wagner all night.

Sep 15 – I went and looked at coal heater before coming home. Very hard rain while I was in hard ware store.

Sep 16 – Made 2nd batch of catsup yesterday. Lela & I called on Mrs Mace this evening, first since she came home from Boston[?].

Sep 17 – I went up home[84] 6-00 p.m. Ethan & Hannah came over to Medicine show. I went home with them. Maude Adams & Herb Clark spent eve at Lous.

Sep 18 – Hannah & I caned 13 qts peaches.

Sep 19 – Came home on early morning train got home 6-10 a.m. Letter from H.A. this a.m. & picture from Claude of he and the boys.

Sep 20 – Lela did not go to Chicago, we are all so dispirited. Letter from H.A. and one from Bess. 25.00.

Sep 21 – Bought 1 bu Golden _____ for 1.00. Worked all day at caning & making grape juice. Have 33 qts peaches.

Sep 22 – Made pear pickles preserves and garden salad. Has rained all day. Hank worked in the curing house this eve. Been gone 5 months.

Sep 23 – Co. C came home[85] 1 p.m. Mr & Mrs Hewitt here to supper and evening. Also Mr & Mrs Ford, Mrs Tunney with Mrs Lombard, Frank & his grandpa. Ethan got the wheel to night.

Sep 24 – H.A. went back on 6-25 a.m. train. Lela went to Burg on 6 p.m. train. Mrs McMahan here this eve. Its very lonesome.

Sep 25 – Very nice & plesant.

Sep 26 – Lela home on 6 a.m. train. Ma no better. Bessie bought a mandolin.

Sep 27 – Ethan and Lois here to dinner & supper. She came to do trading. Ethan bought 2 bu peaches to make pickles of.

Sep 28 – Making pickles this a.m. Little Harold Rogers run over by street car on Portage St. died 7-10 p.m.[86]

Sep 29 – Mrs McMahan & I went up at Mr Rogers[87] last night. Hannah came this eve from Aunt Helens.[88] Fit Lelas silk waist.

Sep 30 – Hannah home on 7-15 a.m. train. Harold buried 2 p.m. at River Side. Lela bought her a nice black skirt.

Oct 1 – Cloudy. Made chilli sauce. Lela home this p.m. Rained all the afternoon & eve. I went to Pas on 6 p.m. train. Ethan met me. Andrew Burdick buried to day.[89]

Oct 2 – At Pas. Pa and Dell went for mineral water. Lois stayed here.

Oct 3 – Came home on 5-20 a.m. train. Found Claude here, came 2 p.m. yesterday.

Oct 4 – 2nd street fair opened 9 a.m. by blowing of whistles & ringing bells. Claude, Lela & I spent the noon hour at the Art department in Auditorium. Lela $25.00 from C-.

Oct 5 – Ethan, LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Marian here to fair. Lela not working this p.m. Nice floral parade. Floyd bought an air gun. Eda here to supper. Lela went to Chicago 6-25 a.m. train Thursday.

Oct 6 – General Shafter[90] & two aides and daughter[91] came. Hannah & Lois down to day. H- stayed all night. Children went home this noon. Bought 1 cord beach[?] & maple wood $2.24.

Oct 7 – “Peace Jubilee Day”.[92] Burroughs, Shafter, Brice, Rice, Noble, Whiting & Todd spoke at the Park. Began raining about 5. No concert to night. E & H went home 6 p.m.

Oct 8 – I ironed & made mother a chemise. Claude did not get up till after 11. Mrs Rogers give me Harolds picture. Letter from H.A., Lela & Bess. $60.00.

Oct 9 – Claude went to Burg on W.P.[93] wheel. Back to dinner. Eda spent evening here. Claude gone to Chicago 1 a.m. train.

Oct 10 – Plesant. Bought ½ bu quinces for .25. Bought a coal heater “Art Garland”. Called on Mrs Evers, first I have seen her since he died.[94] Pieced comfortables. Aunt Hannah Chase 90 years old yesterday.[95] Stove cost $29.85.

Oct 11 – Rained all night. Cleaned Mothers room. Went to Mrs Chapples this forenoon.

Oct 12 – Worked on comfortables to day. Went over to Mrs Rogers a little while this p.m.

Oct 13 – Lela came home from Chicago on 4-10 a.m. train. Got a new hat & fur collarette for herself, a black satin waist for me.

Oct 14 – Cold & Rainy. Cleaned Parlor & part of setting room.

Oct 15 – Finished cleaning setting room. Had new stove put up. Lela wrote to her father[96] that I would go to Chicago Monday.

Oct 16 – Had fire in new stove. Edith & Franklin & Mr & Mrs N[97] called this afternoon.

Oct 17 – Canned quinces & made jellie. I left for Chicago on 2-13 train. Mr & Mrs Merriman sat behind me. Lois & Dell went this morning.

Oct 18 – In Chicago. Bessie and I went down town got things for her silk waist also some for Lela & ____ yoke for me. We all went to Wills and had supper. Clarence Schroeder[98] also Arthur Burroughs married.[99]

Oct 19 – Claude home to day. Its “Peace Jubilee Day” & business is closed. Bessie and I sewed to day. Dr McKinney called at the gallery. A very rainy week.[100]

Oct 20 – Bessie & I over to Jims to spend the day. H.A. & Claude to supper. Mrs Meredith[101] there. Mrs Wm Burdick died.[102]

Oct 21 – We sewed to day. Bess & Mary went down town in afternoon. H.A., Bess & I went to Dearborne saw “A Woman Hater.”

Oct 22 – Lois, Ina & Gertrude to dinner. Jims folks and Mrs Meredith to supper. H.A. & I to Chicago Opera House. Saw the 4 Cohans. I left Chicago 11-30 p.m. for home. Mrs Burdick buried.

Oct 23 – Plesant. Got home 4-50 a.m.

Oct 24 – Very plesant. Got ___ting flanel for Bessie two night dresses. Lela & I spent evening at Ediths. Will & Carrie[103] there.

Oct 25 – I sewed all day for Bessie. Lela home this afternoon. Rained all day.

Oct 26 – Rain & a little snow. Sewed for Bessie. Cut her black briliantine waist out. Etta Tompkins here a little while. Lela & I down to Mr Ford this eve.

Oct 27 – Froze last night ice 1/8 of an inch. Very plesant to day. Lela home this afternoon. Lizzie & Ruth came 2 p.m. They, Lela & I went to cooking class. Mrs Moses called told about M- R-.

Oct 28 – Hannah came 2 p.m. Hung Lelas black ______. Lela got samples of silk for her to take to Cora. Lou telephoned about butter & eggs.

Oct 29 – Hannah went home 7 a.m. Ma is some better.

Oct 30 – Home all day. Dark & rainy.

Oct 31 – Lizzie & Ruth went home (to Augusta) 11-55 train. Halloween night. Bessie writes she had 5 teeth out Saturday suffered terribly.

Nov 1 – Lois came on 2-8 p.m. train from Chi.[104] Went home 6 p.m. Lela & I chopped mince meat. Got plants in to day. Mr Quales closet tipped over last night. Oscar Keith[105] stayed here.

Nov 2 – (This is for Thursday.) Lela & I took our first lesson in cooking of Miss Kirby.

Nov 3 – I went to Mattie Hewitts this p.m. Met Rallies wife Sadie. Took supper with Mr & Mrs Wagner. (This ought to have been for Wednesday.) Sent fruit & little ______ to Chicago to day. Heard Will Doyle had been hung.

Nov 4 – Lela goes to German[?] Bazaar to night, will stay with Edith all night. Mrs Ford & Ettie here this eve. I called to Mrs W_______. N. B. McKinney died.[106]

Nov 5 – Began raining in the night, rained all day, so Ethan did not come. I went to Burg on 6 p.m. train. Ethan met me. Rained & Blowed like fury. Pa not well.

Nov 6 – At Pas. Ethan & H- put Piano on north side of room.

Nov 7 – At Pas. Hannah cut and fitted my sateene waist. Dessa Carns baby born to day. I came home on 10 p.m. train.

Nov 8 – Went down town with Lela this morning. Fixed Hannah, Lois & Lavernes hat. Looked for Ethan. Election day.

Nov 9 – Fine rain all day. Edith here to supper. She goes to Chicago Saturday. Dr Pengilly buried.[107]

Nov 10 – Regular “C_____ storm” snowing & blowing to beat every thing. Cant go to cooking class to night.

Nov 11 – Snow going fast bright & warm. Letter from H.A. he opens another gallery to day. (Big Fair) 574 Lincoln Ave. Cold to night our pump froze up. 25.00.

Nov 12 – I went down town took a letter for Edith to take to Chicago for H.A. Essie & Emma stayed with Lela all night. Emma left with me.

Nov 13 – Lela to Essies to dinner.

Nov 14 – Worked on ___ell holders for Bazaar also on puff silk pillow. Lela worked this eve got .50.

Nov 15 – Mrs Quale brought over some lace & worked a while. Mrs Ford here this eve they are papering. Lela took _____ lesson. Charley Hitchcock died this a.m.[108]

Nov 16 – I went down town got Crepe on for me a dress skirt. Called on Mrs McKinney she was very nervous was in bed. Lela & I spent the eve at Mr Grants in the Sawyer house.

Nov 17 – Made Bessie a corset waist, sewed some for Mother. Lela & I went to cooking class only stayed through lesson. Lela too tired.

Nov 18 – Mended range, fixed straw & ____ bed. Swept chamber &c, &c, &c. Got out meal boiler. Charley H buried to day at River Side. Mrs L. G. Bragg died.[109]

Nov 19 – (no entry)

Nov 20 – I went to Mr Wagners to dinner.

Nov 21 – Lou telephoned. She, Leone & M would be down on 4 p.m. train. I met them. Lou got velvet hat & 6 tips. Mrs Bennetts mother Mrs Manchester died this a.m.[110]

Nov 22 – Cold & stormy. Lou & children went to Pas on 6 p.m. train. Wind blew very cold. Ettie Tompkins nephew died.

Nov 23 – Cold & snowing. Ethan cant come for us so we cant go home for Thanksgiving. Cora Riddler married to day.[111]

Nov 24 – Lela worked this a.m. Tried to get tickets to El Capitan. Seats all sold so we are out all around but have a plesant home & a good warm fire. Will be thankful for that.

Nov 25 – Snowing. I am about sick sore throat hard cold. Painted some, am “Alone”.

Nov 26 – Dont feel much better. Lela worked till the last car tonight. I painted some to day.

Nov 27 – Etta Tompkins here. Mr Quale called & Essie & Miss Webster[?].

Nov 28 – Feel a little better got Bat for comfortables to day paid .10 a roll. Letter from H.A. gave me for Xmas ¼ int in Lincoln Ave gallery. Lou, Leone & Mildred came from Pas this p.m. Lou had her plush cape.

Nov 29 – Wrote to Claude he is sick has tonsillitis. Mrs Neumeier here this eve also Ettie. Lou got ti____ for her cape.

Nov 30 – Plesant. Lou & children went home 8-10 this p.m. Lela went to train with them.

Dec 1 – Rose McKinney Depew & Mattie Hewitt here this p.m. Rose lives in Montana. Came home to bury her father.[112]

Dec 2 – Painted on “Alone.”[113] Mother up and down as usual and Zama[114] putting in full time snoring.

Dec 3 – Ethan came brought feather bed. Lela went home with him. Met him cor Rose & K- Ave. She got 15.00 tonight.

Dec 4 – Etta & I went to Elks Mermaid[?] _____.

Dec 5 – Lela came home this a.m. train late. Another snow storm coming. Eda came home tonight. Claude better.

Dec 6 – Lela & I went over to see Eda. Got “Theatre car” home had to wait an hour. Lela caught cold.

Dec 7 – Mrs Wagner spent the day here, is making a black lace & grenadine over yellow. Letter from Claude.

Dec 8 – Snowing like fury. Went down town tried to see Miss Kirby but failed. Got slippers for H & C[115] also presents for the girls.

Dec 9 – Lela got her hat to day black velvet tips, blue ____ & buckles &c.[116] She went to Lous tonight took Jay & Leones picture to Lou and D. presents to the children & hat to Dr.

Dec 10 – Mother, Zama & I alone all day. Emma Harris here this eve also Mrs Quale.

Dec 11 – Eda here also Mrs Britten. Mrs Bennett & ___tie.

Dec 12 – Hannah came before day light. Cut my crepe dress skirt. Lela “got left” came home 3-45 p.m. Letter from H.A.

Dec 13 – Mrs Stuart Ogden[117] here to have dress fitted. H- went home 6 p.m. We called on Mary Cousins, Merena was there.

Dec 14 – Grant girls here this eve also Mrs Ford. Brought a letter for us to read from Florence Turney first they have got. Mailed at Queenstown.

Dec 15 – Mattie Hewitt spent the day. She made Xmas bags for the church. I crotched. Lela & I to Mr Smith this eve. Got quilting frames.

Dec 16 – (no entry)

Dec 17 – Saturday I went to Pas 6 p.m. Saw Miss Kirby paid .40 for cooking lessons. Ethan met me. We went to Mrs Blakes got some butter. Called to Lois.

Dec 18 – Ethan, Hannah, Gertrude & I spent evening with Mr & Mrs Berry[?] (Cora Riddler).[118]

Dec 19 – Came home on 2-18 train. Etta Tompkins came on same train.

Dec 20 – (no entry)

Dec 21 – Sewed all day. I baked and ironed this p.m. Etta Tompkins here this eve.

Dec 22 – I went down town. Called on Mrs Bartlett Crane. Got some Xmas things. Made cover for m__ter chair this eve.

Dec 23 – Dick Wells buried to day.[119]

Dec 24 – Worked hard all forenoon. Met Hannah at 2 p.m. train we went down town. Mrs Wagner gave 12 glass cups.

Dec 25 – Claude came on 4 a.m. train. Hannah & I went home[120] on 6 p.m. train.

Dec 26 – At Pas. Ma & I worked on Xmas presents all day. H-, E- & I went to Mr Crossfields to see Xmas tree. I got lots of nice presents.

Dec 27 – I came home 2 p.m. Found Laverne & Marian here.

Dec 28 – Laverne & Marian gone to Mrs ____ to stay all night. Claude & Eda to Mr Doyens to tea. Here this evening.

Dec 29 – Bessie Milham[121] here this afternoon. Geo[122] came to tea & spent the eve. Marian & Laverne back this p.m.

Dec 30 – D telephoned for Marian to come home her Mother is sick. LaVerne had teeth filled.

Dec 31 – Claude & LaVerne gone to Pas 7 a.m. Claude came back this p.m. Lela went to Pas on 6 p.m. train.

——-

[1] Her son, Claude Brown

[2] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Friday 31^st – Claude goes to Chicago Sunday night on 2 A.M. train to work for Imperial engraving Co. Cor Adams & Clark Sts

[3] Her brother, Ethan Keith

[4] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] Her niece, LaVerne Harris, the daughter of Louese (Keith) & Daniel Harris

[6] Believe this to be Hannah (Griffin) Smedley, although Michigan death records reveal she was born January 13, 1816 which would have made her 82 years old in 1898

[7] The husband of Caroline Neumeier who was the sister of Nancy’s son Claude’s future wife, Edith Neumeier

[8] Her daughter, Bess Brown

[9] Galesburg, Michigan, where Nancy’s parents lived

[10] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[11] Scotts, Michigan

[12] Nickname for her husband, Henry Brown

[13] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Monday 17 – H.A. & I, Mr & Mrs W & Mr & Mrs Evens spent this eve with Will & Laura

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

[15] Her daughter, Lela Brown

[16] Believe this to be Walter “Burton” Meredith, the father-in-law of Nancy’s brother Jim Keith

[17] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Wednesday Jun 26 – 98 – Jim Evens & party left for Klondyke to day. Jim McCall had his leg amputated

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

[19] Nancy’s December 16, 1897 entry reported that “Fannie Chandler went to Chicago to enter the training school for nurses.”

[20] Also a nickname for her husband Henry

[21] Believe them to be Frank & Matilda (Neumaier) Doyen; Matilda was the sister of Claude’s future wife, Edith Neumeier

[22] Michigan death records show that Elizabeth (Beckwith) Ford died in Comstock, Michigan on February 11, 1898 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[23] Hank was a photographer

[24] Jay Ralph Harris, the brother of Daniel Harris Jr., who was Nancy’s brother-in-law

[25] Her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

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

[27] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

[28] Page 1 of the February 28, 1898 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph reported that a fire broke out on February 26^th at Hall Brothers & Co. (a chemical laboratory). Firemen entered the building to try to extinguish the blaze but then an explosion occurred in one of the rooms. Four of the men who died were firemen

[29] In a different handwriting; presumably written by daughter Bess

[30] Her sister and nieces, Louese, Leone & Mildred Harris

[31] Florence was the daughter of Emma (Ford) Turney (see footnote to February 12^th entry). Marriage records show that she married George Franklin Bauch in Lucas, Ohio on March 1, 1898

[32] It was noted in the newspaper article that he had a “gash in head; will survive”

[33] Claude’s future wife, Edith “Eda” Neumaier

[34] Her father, Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[35] Michigan marriage records show that Blanche Blake and Edward Stephenson were married in Galesburg, Michigan on March 9, 1898

[36] D. (or D.D.) was the nickname for her brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, Jr.

[37] Her brother-in-law, Willis Brown

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

[39] Her niece, the daughter of her half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[40] Her nephew, the son of her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

[41] Believe this refers to a bicycle

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

[43] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Charles Elwood Zinn died on April 14, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg

[44] Adelbert Skinner who was married to Nancy’s half-sister, Lois

[45] Michigan marriage records show that William Smith and Naomi Coe were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 25, 1898. Perhaps Monica was a nickname or Nancy didn’t know her and was mistaken about her name

[46] Believe she is referring to the men who left to fight in the Spanish-American War

[47] A letter from Henry shows that the address was 1141 Western Avenue

[48] Michigan death records confirm that Porter Olmsted died May 1, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[49] Henry’s photograph business

[50] Her sister Louese Harris’ oldest son, who would have been 15 years old; he died February 12, 1887

[51] Nancy’s brother and his family, James, Cora (Meredith), Winifred and Walter Keith

[52] Henry’s brother and his family, Willis, Elizabeth (Ogden), Ray, Perry and Ruth Brown

[53] Her half-sister Lois’ granddaughter, the daughter of William & Ina (Skinner) Holmes

[54] Michigan death records show that Jesse Earl died May 18, 1898 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[55] Believe this is “Edie”. (See footnote to March 4^th entry)

[56] Cullin Channing Packard. He is also mentioned in the February 25^th and April 25^th entries and it would appear he worked with Henry in some capacity in the photography business. Henry also wrote a letter to Nancy on May 1, 1898 comparing his new place to Packard’s. Michigan death records show that he died May 31, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan as a result of shooting himself because of despondency. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[57] Edgar Atkins was her husband Henry’s cousin

[58] Her brother and his family: James & Cora (Meredith) Keith and their children, Winifred and Walter

[59] South Haven

[60] Presumably Cullin Packard’s widow, Mary (Caryl) Packard

[61] Shelbyville, Michigan

[62] Chicago

[63] Her brother-in-law Willis Brown and his wife and daughter, Elizabeth (Ogden) and Ruth Brown

[64] Ruth’s father, Henry Ogden

[65] Her dog

[66] Possibly Lizzie’s brother, Charles Ogden

[67] Michigan death records confirm that Willard Mills died on June 23, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. He was 90 years old

[68] Believe this refers to money that Henry sent home

[69] This was during the Spanish-American War

[70] Willis Brown’s son, Ray Brown

[71] From Wikipedia.com: The Battle of Santiago de Cuba was a decisive naval engagement that occurred on July 3, 1898, between an American fleet led by William T. Sampson and Winfield Scott Schley, against a Spanish fleet led by Pascual Cervera y Topete, which occurred during the Spanish–American War. The significantly more powerful United States Navy squadron, consisting of four battleships and two armored cruisers, decisively defeated an outgunned squadron of the Royal Spanish Navy which consisted of four armored cruisers and two destroyers, sinking all the Spanish ships without losing a single ship of their own. The crushing loss sealed American victory in the Cuban theater of the war, alongside ensuring the independence of Cuba from Spanish rule

[72] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier

[73] Her cousin, Clara (Milham) Owens

[74] Ruth Owens

[75] Michigan death records confirm that John McBride died August 9, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[76] Sister of D. Harris, Lou’s husband

[77] No record was found; research continues

[78] Michigan death records show that Foster Pratt died August 12, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[79] See July 28^th entry

[80] The 9-9-1898 edition of the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph on page 3 noted the following: Miss Cora Harris of Shelbyville has a compound fracture of both legs, a dislocated right ankle, a broken shoulder and several bad cuts as a reward for rescuing her pet pug dog from the cars. The dog escaped uninjured and the woman is at the point of death

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

[82] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier

[83] Her mother’s brother, Robert Crawford

[84] She often refers going to her parents’ home as “home”

[85] From the Spanish-American War

[86] Michigan death records confirm that Harold Rogers, age 3, was run over by a streetcar on September 28, 1898 in Kalamazoo and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[87] Harold’s parents, Levant & Carrie (Flick) Rogers

[88] Unknown at this time; research continues

[89] Michigan death records show that Andrew Jackson Burdick died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 29, 1898 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[90] William Rufus Shafter was born in Galesburg, Mich. He served in the Union army during the Civil War and in 1867 joined the regular army, rising to become brigadier general (1897). Shafter was teaching school in Michigan when the Civil War began. He accepted a commission with a Michigan volunteer unit and by war’s end, he had earned the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In the Spanish-American War he was placed in command of the army that in June, 1898, invaded Cuba. After hard fighting at El Caney and San Juan Hill, the expedition entered Santiago on July 17. Shafter was much criticized, however, because the expedition had been poorly prepared and ill-equipped and the mortality rate from disease was high. Shafter retired in 1899 and was advanced to major general on the retired list in 1901. In 1895 Shafter received the Medal of Honor for meritorious service in the Civil War. Shortly after his promotion to major general in 1901, he retired to his sixty-acre farm adjoining his daughter’s ranch near Bakersfield, California. On November 12, 1906, Shafter, terribly overweight, died at his daughter Mary’s home from an intestinal obstruction complicated by pneumonia. He was buried next to his wife at the presidio in San Francisco, California. His films include: “Surrender of General Toral” (1898) and “Major General Shafter” (1898). In both films he played himself. (From FindAGrave.com)

[91] Mary (Shafter) McKittrick

[92] Celebration of the country’s success and end of the Spanish-American War and honored the troops

[93] Will Pendleton

[94] See July 28th entry

[95] Hank’s aunt, Hannah (Brown) Chase

[96] Don’t know why she referred to her husband Hank that way

[97] Neumaier

[98] Michigan marriage records show that Clarence Schroder married Gertrude Olin in Richland, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)

[99] Michigan marriage records show that Arthur Burroughs married Mamie (Wood) Starr in Plainwell, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)

[100] This last sentence was written across the October 19, 20 & 21 entries

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

[102] Michigan death records show that Lucinda (Cory) Burdick died October 20, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[103] Will and Caroline (Neumaier) Pendleton

[104] Chicago, Illinois

[105] Her paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith

[106] Napoleon B. McKinney. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, Michigan

[107] Michigan death records show that Richard Pengelly died November 6, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery also in Kalamazoo

[108] Michigan death records show that Charles Hitchcock died November 15, 1898 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com confirms that he is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[109] Michigan death records show that Mary (Sherwood) Bragg (the wife of Leonard Bragg) died November 18, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[110] Mary (Askins) Bennett’s mother was Louisa (Wyman) Askins Manchester. Michigan death records confirm that she died November 21, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Grand Prairie Cemetery in Westwood, Michigan

[111] Michigan marriage records show that Cora Ridler married Olin Bera in Galesburg, Michigan on November 23, 1898

[112] Napoleon McKinney. See November 4^th entry

[113] While we don’t have any of Nancy’s original artwork, below is a photograph that Henry took of Nancy’s rendition of “Pharoah’s Horses” by John Herring which was a very popular print displayed in many homes throughout the early part of the 20th century

[114] Her dog; see below photo of Henry with Zama

[115] Henry and Claude

[116] Etc.

[117] Alida (Carson) Ogden. Her husband, Stuart Ogden, and Lizzie Brown (see footnote to May 16^th entry) were siblings

[118] Olin & Cora (Ridler) Bera (see November 23^rd entry)

[119] FindAGrave.com reveals that Richard W. Wells died December 19, 1898 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[120] Her childhood home; where her parents lived in Galesburg

[121] Bess (Nelson) Milham

[122] George Milham; he was Nancy’s paternal first cousin once removed

PHAROAH’S HORSES

Henry Brown with Zama

---

Scan of 1898 Diary of Nancy Brown

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

Luke Keith’s 1894 Diary

1894 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1 – I drawed in some corn. Floyd[2] helped me. Verry pleasant day. I went over to the burg[3] in the morning.

Jan 2 – Not do much to day. Doc McBetts[4] called in. Sarah[5] some better.

Jan 3 – Repaired wheel for Laverns[6] doll cab. Nice day. Will, Lois and Ina[7] went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 4 – Husked some. Not do much to day. Sarah sick.

Jan 5 – Not do much but chores.

Jan 6 – Lou and children[8] went home to day. Nancy[9] came up on the Evening train. Mr. Lyman D. Norris died this morning son of Mark Norris formaly Covington Genesee County N.Y.[10]

Jan 7 – At home all day. Lois and Del[11] drove over just at night.

Jan 8 – Nancy here to all day. Killed one of Hannahs[12] hens to take home when she goes.

Jan 9 – Took Nancy over to the 8.20 AM train she went home. Paid my tax $5.42 cts. Pleasant but cold.

Jan 10 – Mr Spinney brot his new horse. He wanted I should keep it for him to day. He was going to the train after Mr Miller. He came up to look over the stock farm. Mr W^m McLary buried to day.[13]

Jan 11 – Sarah some better dont gain her strength verry fast. She sits up some.

Jan 12 – Not verry well. Dont do much but chores and go to the burg. Verry nice pleasant weather no snow. Repairing violin. Mary Flanders here in Evening a while.

Jan 13 – Put the top on my violin. Mrs Julia Bradley and son drove into the yard to get their buggy oiled one of the wheels got noisey. Lois and Will came over to get pump spout made.

Jan 14 – At home. Mrs Sarah Struble & daughter called also Mr W^m Ralph. Put new strings on my violin.

Jan 15 – Not work much to day done some work in house. Sarah not get some better verry fast.

Jan 16 – Mrs Sherman Commings[14] came over to see Hannah about her work. Mrs I. D. L. Schram[15] called in awhile.

Jan 17 – Got in some corn and husked it out. Cloudy not verry cold no snow. Wheat and grass looks green, cattle doing well out. Mrs John Blake[16] called to get some work done.

Jan 18 – Worked some in house and done the chores at the barn.

Jan 19 – At home working round house, shop and barn. Nancy came home on 5 pm train Evening of cours. Rain some.

Jan 20 – Not do much to day. Went over to burg got soup bone, crackers. Mrs Elizabeth Powlison Died this morning wife of the late Isaac Powlison of Rippon.[17]

Jan 21 – At home all day Lois and Will came over just at night. Nice day.

Jan 22 – Nice day. Nancy went home on noon train. I drawed in the last of the corn this afternoon on the sleigh. No snow.

Jan 23 – Husked corn. Mrs R. G. Smith[18] here all day helping Hannah. Old Mr Hunt came over at noon to see if we wanted to buy a Horse. Two tramps called wanted dinner we gave it to them and they left. Snowed like fun.[19]

Jan 24 – Blustry day about 4 inch snow. Not work much. Mr Ralph called brot some thing for aunt Thurseys[20] dress. Coldest night of the month yet.

Jan 25 – Mercury 8 below zero this morning. Lois and Will came over this afternoon a while. Mary Clark Wilcox[21] called in a littl while. Cold day not cloudy.

Jan 26 – Cold day. Not husk but little. Sarah gane verry slow.

Jan 27 – Cold day. No work to day not verry well. Molly calved about six oclock this Evening had a Bull calf son.

Jan 28 – Mr Earl here to dinner. Mary Flanders and Mabel[22] called just at night. Will Clark here a while this Evening.

Jan 29 – Fine day. Husked corn. Henry Crawford[23] came here stayed all night. Had a good visit with him.

Jan 30 – Pleasant day. Took Henry over to the morning train he left for home.[24] Ina came over with me.

Jan 31 – Worked in barn fixed stall for Daizy so she could not get Bills[25] hay away from him.

Feb 1 – Husked corn part of the day. Ethan[26] went to Kalamazoo to see Mr Mays. Mrs Harvey Bush and her daughter Kit[27] called here in Evening to see Hannah. Charleys picture came to day.

Feb 2 – Husked corn some. Took Hannah over to Lois at noon. Ada Newton called to see Hannah.

Feb 3 – I husked some corn and done the chores. Ethan and Will went to Kalamazoo.

Feb 4 – At home all day. Lois and Will came over. Ethan and Will went down to Marts.[28]

Feb 5 – Worked in barn some. Put up some oats to take to mill. Jesse came down brot some papers.

Feb 6 – Husked corn some. Not verry cold. Went to mill took 4 bushels oats, 2 wheat. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Ritter[29] and sign the patent papers.

Feb 7 – Finished husking. Nice shiny day snow all gone.

Feb 8 – Not much work to day. Sarah not some better much.

Feb 9 – Worked in barn some. Molly not verry well. Nancy came home to day. Will Clark came over his Horse got skart jumed over the hitching post and broke the thills.[30]

Feb 10 – Not do much but chores. Bes[31] came up on Evening train.

Feb 11 – Edwin and Mary Flanders[32] called here. Mr Earl came down a while.

Feb 12 – The wind blowed the snow piled up in heaps verry blustrous. Lou telephoned for Nancy to come up on the noon train. Leone[33] was worse. She went over to the burg. The wind blew a pert gale.

Feb 13 – Worked in shop on Wills thills. Not verry good going roads verry rough. Bessie went home.

Feb 14 – Finished the thills put on one coat paint. Will came brot letter from Shelby.[34] Leone some better this morning.

Feb 15 – Worked in shop on buggy rech and head block to the old buggy.

Feb 16 – Worked on buggy. Mr Monger came with the horse. Ethan went with him to see how she would travel. Concluded to buy it paid $75. Ethan went over in Evening and got her.

Feb 17 – Not do much to day. Hard cold, headache, some grip mixed in.

Feb 18 – At home not go somewhere. Will Clark came over. Mart and Mary[35] came up. George and Eva Blake came over a while just at night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant and cold. Ethan cleaned the harness. Jesse came down. Will Schuyler called here to see Ethan. Mr W^m Ralph[36] came down and Killed Bill horse.

Feb 20 – No work not verry well. Lois and Will went to Kalamazoo to see Sate.

Feb 21 – No work to day. Nice day plasant and cold. Will came over harnesed up Flory the first time.

Feb 22 – Not doing mutch. Hard cold. Lois came over stayed all day. Cold day. Sate Skinner Died to day.[37]

Feb 23 – Went up in the woods in forenoon. Painted thills in afternoon. Cold blustring day. Mrs Sumner here to have her dress fitted.

Feb 24 – Cold. Not work much, done chores.

Feb 25 – At home. Not go to church. Dell, Lois, Will and Ethan went to Kalamazoo to attend Sates funral. Del took the remains to Waterloo for burial.

Feb 26 – J. O. Keith[38] came just at night sayed all night.

Feb 27 – Oscar here all day. Fine day, no snow.

Feb 28 – Oscar left this morning. Went up to Sam Vanocken and Willard Bateys.[39] Ethan put the leathers on W Wills thills. Pleasant day.

Mar 1 – Will Clark got his thills this morning. Ella Bush came over with him. She brot her dress goods one for Every day use. Ethan drove Flora down to Alvin Lees.[40] She broke the buggy thills.

Mar 2 – Not verry well. Make out to do the chores. Not verry cold.

Mar 3 – Mr George Smith died to day in Chicago. He went there to have an operation performed. He died soon after.[41]

Mar 4 – Mr Smith was brot home to day. He lived in Kalamazoo.

Mar 5 – Mr Smith was buried to day in Oak Grove cemetry, Galesburg.

Mar 6 – At home. Not well cant do much but chores. Nice pleasant weather. Rads sum muddy.

Mar 7 – This was the day that the adevents said the world would be burned and there would be the greatest storm that was ever known but mised fir it was a verry pleasant day in Comstock.[42]

Mar 8 – Nice day. Will came over a while in afternoon. Fastened the handles on his buggy seat.

Mar 9 – No work but chores. Nice weather no snow.

Mar 10 – Ethan and Will Clark went to Kalamazoo. Drove Flora.

Mar 11 – A mis hap. Mr Smith was buried to day in Oak Grove cemetry Galesburg. Mrs Sam Hartwell died to day.[43]

Mar 12 – Ethan and I dug a hole for Bill this forenoon and put him in. Mr Elsie sowing clover. Mr Wheaton sowing clover for Mr Warren Aarron. Car taking up telegraph poles.

Mar 13 – Worked in shop some. Put handle in to Hannahs hammer. Mrs Sam Hartwell buried to day. Verry high wind. Hannah went up to Mrs Schrams.

Mar 14 – Not do much. Picked up some brush along the road west of the orchard. Mr Barber came over this forenoon. Roads quite dusty.

Mar 15 – Fine day. At home doing nothing but chores. Ethan cleaning the Piano.

Mar 16 – Ethan gone to Kalamazoo after Nancy. Mrs Mulenberg and Mrs Kingsley called.

Mar 17 – Nice pleasant day. Went around the square drove Flora.

Mar 18 – Le Milham[44] came up in afternoon. Had little sprinkle of rain. Nancy here.

Mar 19 – Nancy went home on morning train. nice day.

Mar 20 – Some rainy day. Not much work to day.

Mar 21 – Went to mill this morning. Nice morning. Took three bushels wheat. Mrs Mulen Burgh and Mate Ford[45] called in a while.

Mar 22 – At home. Worked in shop some and done the chores. Fine weather for March.

Mar 23 – Some cooler to day. Lou and children came home. All well.

Mar 24 – Workean shop. Got the helve out Charley Whitings ax put in a new helve. Mr. De France the forger went to Jackson state prison centence Eleven years.

Mar 25 – At home as usual on the sabbath day. Whiting got his ax this Evening be gorry.

Mar 26 – Not verry pleasant rather cool. Repaired my old padlock one I had had fifty one years.

Mar 27 – Ground coverd with snow this morning. Lou and children went home on noon train. Some winter to day.

Mar 28 – Not verry well now days. Doing chores. Ethan making patterns for Mr Knapps steam Boat wheel to put Mr Hawks Boat on Gull Lake.

Mar 29 – Not doing any thing but some chores. Some two inches snow. Lelah here.

Mar 30 – All right. Charley Ford[46] brot two loads wood. Jesse Earl[47] came in awhile in fore noon. Will Schuyler called in to see his churn.

Mar 31 – At home. Not doing much some grip. Lelah here found calf in the barn this morning. Daiseys first calf.

Apr 1 – Ethan, Will Clark and Lelah went to Kalamazoo.

Apr 2 – Went to town meeting. Verry nice day. Mr and Mrs W^m Pease called here. Mary and Ninah[48] came up with Mart.

Apr 3 – Verry much rainy day. Not do something. Mr Warren started two teams plowing in west lot for oats.

Apr 4 – At home. Not verry well. No work. Ollie Schram Swaddles girl born to day.[49] All doing well.

Apr 5 – Ethan and Will went to Kalamazoo on beisness. Not obituary but affectionary Married Miss Harriet Taylor and Mr Charles W. Merrill.[50]

Apr 6 – Ethan and Will went to Kalamazoo on more peesness to get what they left yesterday.

Apr 7 – At home attending to the grip as usual. Not do much but chores at barn, help some about the dinner.

Apr 8 – Ethan and Hannah went up to Edwin Flanders. Wil Clark came over and stayed the day. Jesse came down just at night. E Town[51] called just at night brot a package for Hannah.

Apr 9 – Cold and dry cold East wind.

Apr 10 – Not much work to day. Cold wind some rain.

Apr 11 – Cold East wind. Ethan went over and brot Ida over. Mrs Eva Blake came over in afternoon.

Apr 12 – Worked around orchard and garden. Cold wind.

Apr 13 – Not much work to day. Wheat looks hard. So much cold wind.

Apr 14 – Drew dirt and sod. Filled up around the East door and horse block.

Apr 15 – At home. George Blake and wife came over. Nice shiny day. Miss Mary Nobles of Pavilion Genesee Co N.Y. Died to day at 12 oclock noon.[52]

Apr 16 – Drawed dirt in front of Barn. Rhoda Wilcox[53] called this morning. She was going over to the burg to mill. Alvin was sick could not go. Warm nice day.

Apr 17 – Dug out apple tree stumps in orchard. Nice warm weather some dry.

Apr 18 – Dug out two stumps to day. Ethan drawed corn stalks out of the barnyard. Had some thunder shower just at night.

Apr 19 – I cleaned up the yard west side of house and put some sod on around the steps. Hoed out the cumfey. Ethan drawed out the old cornstalks and sowed some raddish and letus. Rained some litle.

Apr 20 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Nancy.

Apr 21 – Nancy here doing the work. I worked in orchard and yard.

Apr 22 – Not go to church to day. Ethan and Hannah went up to Scots to Abe Powers.

Apr 23 – Nancy and I washed. Nice day. Lois came over stayed all night.

Apr 24 – Ethan took Nancy home. Fine day. I worked in shop some.

Apr 25 – Ethan and Jo Smith got out manure. Quite warm. I made knife handle. Filled up stump hole in orchard. Mrs Hattie Merrel and Libby Taylor Schram[54] called here a while.

Apr 26 – Nice morning. Mate and Mrs Ford[55] called. Ethan spreading manure. Rained in the night.

Apr 27 – Ethan working around garden. I not do much. Some thunder and rain in the night.

Apr 28 – Set hen to day. Ethan cut the potatoes to plant. Warm day. I not do much to day. Claud[56] came up to the burg on the bobtail.

Apr 29 – Claud came over this morning stayed all night. Nice day.

Apr 30 – Frank Farr plowed and draged the gardens. Fine weather. Senator F. B. Stockbridge died to day in Chicago.[57] Rained in night. Claud went home on the bobtail this morning.

May l – Marked potatoe ground and made some garden.

May 2 – Planted potatoes south of orchard.

May 3 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Nice warm day. I sawed some wood.

May 4 – Lelah came up on noon train. Not do much but chores.

May 5 – Went over to burg in fore noon got some midlings for Flora and Daisey. Took 13 doz & ½ Eggs over to A. R. Skinner 10 cts for Doz.

May 6 – At home. Lelah here. Ethan and Hannah went down to Mr Peas. Rained just at night.

May 7 – Lelah went home on the 12.25 train PM. Not do much to day.

May 8 – Worked in garden and shop some.

May 9 – Ethan drafting drafting penny in slot machine for John Culver of Kalamazoo.

May 10 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Culver. Rained so he could not come home. He stayed to Hanks. Mr Caywood and Mr Schuyler stopt in and stayed through the shower.

May 11 – Ethan came home this morning. Mr Wesley Merryman Brot Ella Bush over to see about the wedding dress.[58]

May 12 – Went to Kalamazoo stayed to Nancys.

May 13 – Nancy and I went up to Woods Lake in afternoon. There was a big croud cars loaded both ways.

May 14 – At Hanks. Warm day. Stayed untill noon took the 12.52 train for Shelbyville got to Lous about 1.35 pm. Found them all well.

May 15 – At the Harris house. Some cooler some rainy day.

May 16 – At Harris house. Some thunder shower in morning rained verry hard. Cleared of had a pleasant afternoon. Dexa and children[59] started for Onconta New York.

May 17 – Lou and I put down carpet in afternoon. Had a heavy thunder shower just at night rained all night.

May 18 – Rainy and cold north wind. Snowed like fun in afternoon.

May 19 – Snowd in forenoon rained just at night cold north wind. Mended Lous cloths bars. Stell here a while.

May 20 – Cold north wind. D. gone over to farm after eggs. Went over to Mr Merideths[60] just at night. Cold wind.

May 21 – Cold and rainy. Not much going on to day. Farmers cant do much no corn planted yet. Put cloths line from south door to the ice house.

May 22 – Cold and rainy north wind. Some work. D put cistern pump in pantry.

May 23 – Some rain in morning pleasant afternoon. Sawed out shelves for pantry. Put on my new pants.

May 24 – At Harris house. All right. Choring round some not doing much cleaning. Not so cold as usual.

May 25 – Magic lantern show[61] at the schoolhouse this Evening.

May 26 – Nice warm day. D is piling lumber. They are selling a large bill to Mr Monroe of Kalamazoo all oak. I put up screen door for Lou. Some are planting.

May 27 – Some cooler rain some in the morning. Laverne went to Mr Woods.

May 28 – At the Harris house. All right. Cold wind not much rain cloudy cool just at night had a big frost.

May 29 – At Shelby ville. Nice day. Farmers planting some to day.

May 30 – Cold west wind. D. and Jay[62] gone to Plainwel to play Ball. Mr Wait helping clean the hall and setting room. Mrs Merideths[63] carriage came this morning.

May 31 – At the Harris house. All right. Cold west wind. Mr John Peterson buried to day.

Jun l – Verry nice day. Had a poole raising at Shelby ville this afternoon. Raised the stars and stripes.

Jun 2 – At the Harris house. Not doing much. Feed the chickens and pigs.

Jun 3 – Warm and nice shiny day not much wind. D. gone over to the farm took the chickens over the last setting. Mr Wait making cheese.

Jun 4 – At Harris house. Choring, feed chickens and pigs and hog.

Jun 5 – Cool wind. Went up to Mr Woods found them all well.

Jun 6 – At Harris house. Not feeling first rate. Fifty seven years to day I sarted for Michigan.

Jun 7 – At Shelbyville. All right. D. is getting a fair trade now. D. and Meridith are sending lots of wood and lumber to Kalamazoo now days.

Jun 8 – At Lous helping do the house work. Sweep some, fetch up some wood, water the chickens.

Jun 9 – At Ds visiting and looking over the town. They are repairing the church steeple.

Jun 10 – We all went over to the farm to day. Very warm. We killed a big black snake 4½ feet long.

Jun 11 – At Harris house doing chores as usual. Hot as ever getting verry dry.

Jun 12 – At Shelby ville helping Lou get breakfast and dinner, feed the chickens, pigs and hog and do some setting around.

Jun 13 – At Harris house wating for rain same as the rest round here. Lots ball playing. Street full Every Evening. D sells quite a good many goods every day.

Jun 14 – Verry hot. The farmers are cutting some hay. Wheat is coming on quite fast for the weather. Wheat is selling for 50 cts pr bus, wool 10 cts pr pound.

Jun 15 – D sent a lot of cheese to day. He went to the rappids to day. Verry hot. Not feeling verry well.

Jun 16 – At Harris House choring around some.

Jun 17 – At Lous all day. Mrs Meridith and Mrs Johnson[64] came over a while. D went over to the farm Extracted Honey. Had a nice rain.

Jun 18 – Some rainy day. Not much playing ball to day. Helped Lou wash.

Jun 19 – At Harris house choring round helping Lou. Hot.

Jun 20 – At Harris Shelbyville. Verry hot and dry. Making cheese six a day.

Jun 21 – Verry hot night and day hard matter to keep cool. D down to the farm some cultivating.

Jun 22 – Hot. Cant hardly get around. Mercury up in the ninetys.

Jun 23 – At Lou. Not do much but sweat. Had a heavy rain just at night lots thunder and lightning.

Jun 24 – At Harris House. Some cooler some clowdy. A young man got drowned over East in some small lake.

Jun 25 – Helped Lou wash in forenoon. Verry hot day. Fred Nobles building kitchen for Stella Bush. Had a heavy rain thunder and lightning in night.

Jun 26 – Not do much. Verry nice day cool and cloudy. Saw Wakeman.

Jun 27 – Hot morning. Mr Meridith commenced haying to day. Wakeman is working for him. They cut 20 acres grass and got wet.

Jun 28 – At Harris house. Had a heavy wind and rain storm abut four oclock AM some hevy thunder.

Jun 29 – Plasant and hot. D. has gone to the Rappids.

Jun 30 – Left Shelbyville about six AM for Galesburg. Got home about 4 PM all right. Verry hot day.

Jul 1 – At home all day. Will Clark came over. Paid Will Clark ten Dollars.

Jul 2 – Took Dasie up to Crossfields to get a calf.[65] George and Marion[66] came.

Jul 3 – Worked in garden all day. Rather warm. Hoeing. Ethan plowed out the potatoes and corn in garden.

Jul 4 – Ethan, Hannah, George and Marion went to Kalamazoo. Ethan, Hannah an Lou went up to W^m Ralphs to an ice cream celebration. George and Marion stayed to Nancy’s.

Jul 5 – George and Marion came up on the six oclock train this Evening.

Jul 6 – George went to Battle Creek to see the mills. Mr Freman cut the wheat to day.

Jul 7 – George and Marion started for home on the morning train. They are going to Colon[67] and call on W^m Tomlinson.[68]

Jul 8 – At home all day. Will Clark and Ina came over a while.

Jul 9 – Hoed in garden some. Verry much hot day. Went over to burg took the cloths over.

Jul 10 – Hoing some. Mr Ralph drew in wheat. Hot day. Lou and children went up to John Ralphs.[69] I took Lou and children over to Skinners.

Jul 11 – Lou and children came home. Fixed fence, hoed corn. Mr Hiram Hamilton Died to day.[70]

Jul 12 – At home working in garden some. Repaired pump at the house.

Jul 13 – Hoed corn and beans. Verry hot. Lou and Hannah went up to Em Schuylers.

Jul 14 – I took Lou and children up to the cemetry. Lou left for home. Will Clark went with them. They go to H. A. Browns and stay to night.

Jul 15 – At home all day. Verry hot and dry.

Jul 16 – Not work much. Newman Deyo and wife and Isaac Schram called here a while in the afternoon.

Jul 17 – Hoed in garden some. Thermometer 96[?] in shade. Verry dry. Harvesting about through.

Jul 18 – Hoing some. Hot and not much wind. Mercury 108 in shade 127 in the sun.

Jul 19 – Not doing something. Had a nice shower just at night.

Jul 20 – Not doing much. Rainy day nice rain. Had green corn this morning the first of the season.

Jul 21 – At home choring, hoeing some.

Jul 22 – At home. Ethan and Hannah went up to Gull Prarie to Leon Keiths.[71]

Jul 23 – Not doing any thing. Had a dizzy spell this morning. Ethan working up to the bridge by Jesse Earls.

Jul 24 – Sick. Do nothing but hoe some in garden.

Jul 25 – Hannah went to the picknic at Yorkville.

Jul 26 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo west and culver.

Jul 27 – Ethan and Nancy came home this evening all right. Mr Earl and I went down to the cresent stock farm and got some roots for W^m Whitcoms cancer.

Jul 28 – Ethan went to the Burg got the pump rod and bucket repaired. Put the pump in all right.

Jul 29 – At home. Nancy here. Verry warm.

Jul 30 – All right. Nancy here. Quite warm. Not do much.

Jul 31 – Hannah went to Shelbyville to day.

Aug 1 – Ethan painted the new pump. It goes all right.

Aug 2 – Mr W^m H. Knap and Ethan went to Gull Lake. Fine day for fun.

Aug 3 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Took Nancy home.

Aug 4 – Hot and dry. Hoed some in garden.

Aug 5 – Mr Earl came down just at night.

Aug 6 – Mr Ralph thrashed the wheat. Nice hot day. Pots thrashed.

Aug 7 – 106 in shade. Not very well to day not do. Hannah went up to Shelbyville.

Aug 8 – At home. Very hot and dry.

Aug 9 – Not do much. To hot.

Aug 10 – Hoed some. Verry dry. Hannah came home from Lous.

Aug 11 – Choring as usual. Ho some in garden, watch the hens.

Aug 12 – At home not go to church. Jesse came down.

Aug 13 – Worked around yard and garden.

Aug 14 – Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo to see the Barnum show. Nice day not verry hot rained some not much rained some in the night.

Aug 15 – Rained some this morning about four Oclock. Hannah went down Ed Galusha in afternoon.

Aug 16 – At home. Worke in shop some. Verry dry no signs of rain.

Aug 17 – Nell Hill brot wheelbarrow wheel to be repaired.

Aug 18 – Made hub for wheel. Ethan took Hannah out to Vicksburg. Will brot Ina over.

Aug 19 – Will Brown and Lizzie[72] called here a while in afternoon or about noon.

Aug 20 – Worked in shop some. Nice day but verry dry.

Aug 21 – Lizzie Brown and Lelah came up. I worked in shop on wheel made the spokes and drove them. Old Mrs Batey Died to day.[73]

Aug 22 – Put rim on wheel. Paper agent called. Jesse came down.

Aug 23 – Mrs Batey buried to day. Oscar, Mary and Herbert[74] here to tea. Verry dry.

Aug 24 – Nell Hill got the wheel. Worked in shop some Vinny on and Levys table and wheel. Bes came up on the six oclock train. Verry smoky.

Aug 25 – Nell paid for making the wheel.

Aug 26 – At home. No one here but Bes H. Hannah at Vicksburg yet.

Aug 27 – Not working much to day. Hot and smokey. Hard plowing. Ethan making patterns for his carpet streatcher. Leone verry sick yet.

Aug 28 – Hot as ever and verry smoky. Bes here yet. Not doing any thing but chores and hardly that.

Aug 29 – Went over to the burg after the oil I left yesterday. Mr Mills moved over to the burg to day. He bot the Starring House on Battle Creek st. Lelah came up to the burg on the six PM train.

Aug 30 – Lelah came this morning. Bes went home. Lots folks went to Kalamazoo to the great Sundy school rally. The Honorable H. D. Streator[75] officiated as grand marshallll sor[?].

Aug 31 – Went over to burg after Lelah. Nice morning. Verry hevy dew.

Sep 1 – At home. Not work much. Verry hot and smoky. Lelah here.

Sep 2 – Hot and dry gardens all dried up. Smoke verry dence. To dry to plow no seeding yet.

Sep 3 – Jim and Cory[76] came to day. They drove down had Mrs Meridiths Horse and carriage. Had a nice rain in the night.

Sep 4 – Nice day cloudy not so verry hot. Mr Harvey Warren threshing to day.

Sep 5 – Jim and Cory here. Not do much work. Mr Warren finished thrashing.

Sep 6 – All at home. Jim and Cory went up to scots.[77] Altha Bell Struble and J. Herbert Keith married to day.[78]

Sep 7 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo to take Lelah home. Nice day. I not do much.

Sep 8 – Hot day. Jim and Cory went to Kalamazoo stay with Nancy to night. Mr John Van Blake Vleck buried to day.[79]

Sep 9 – At home all day. Etta Tompkins here.

Sep 10 – Not do much to day chored around. Hannah and Etta washed. Etta went up to Culls[80] in afternoon. Nice weather have had a nice rain.

Sep 11 – All at home. Etta here helping Hannah make her dresses she is having two made.

Sep 12 – I not doing much. Ethan dug some potatoes. Nice day.

Sep 13 – Mr Mac Lewis came over and whitewashed two rooms. Nice day. Mr Wm Batts Died to day at Augusta.[81]

Sep 14 – Ethan dug potatoes. I done not much. Etta and Hannah put down carpets and done various other chores, worked on dresses.

Sep 15 – Etta went down to Mr Caywoods. I took two wagon poles over to Wm Lee.

Sep 16 – Ethan and Hannah went up to Herb Gilsons. Verry fine day. Etta came back just at night.

Sep 17 – At home. Drying apples and peaches. Etta went home on the Eight oclock am train.

Sep 18 – Pairing apples and peaches. Claud came on the noon train. Ethan digging potatoes.

Sep 19 – Working at the apples and peaches. Verry nice weather. Mr Myers and Mr Stoner pulling beans. Claud went up to Richland to see his best girl. He drove Flora. Etta went to the Asylum to day.

Sep 20 – Mr Myers pulling beans. He drawed one load home in the afternoon. Claud went over to Skinners stayed all night. Dell and Lois went to Shelbyville to day.

Sep 21 – Workeat at peaches and other chores about the house. Nice weather. Claud here.

Sep 22 – Claud went home on the Eight oclock am train. Ethan took Hannah up to Rass Towns[82] this morning.

Sep 23 – At home all day. Quite a high cool wind all day. George Blake and wife came over just at night.

Sep 24 – Went over to burg in morning after shugar, cinnamon, mustud and celery seed fo to put in de preserves.

Sep 25 – At home. Working at peaches and apples. Verry nice weather.

Sep 26 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo to day. Peeling peaches as usual.

Sep 27 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Nancy she not come. Claud went to Chicago. Cora no go. Winnifred[83] sick.

Sep 28 – Winnifred better. Cora went home to day. Will Clark was there when she got home. Nancy came up on noon train.

Sep 29 – I went over to burg got one tyre set on buggy 40 cts. Will Clark came home. Nellie McBeth married to day to Frank Mills, Ephraim Mills son.[84]

Sep 30 – At home all day. No one here but our own famlee. Not verry cold.

Oct 1 – Choring as usual. Not do much. Paired some peaches.

Oct 2 – Mr Stoner came and put shingles on the barn. Rained some.

Oct 3 – Working around house and barn. Iva Knapp commenced work for Hannah.

Oct 4 – Working in barn and around house some. Not feeling first rate.

Oct 5 – Saw some wood and done chores and eat breakfast, dinner and supper.

Oct 6 – Worked all day. Charley and Clara Clark[85] came to day. Jesse Earl and Alvin Holmes came down a while.

Oct 7 – Clark family here all day. Lois and Will came just at night.

Oct 8 – Charleys folks went home on the Eight oclock AM train. Ethan made quilt frames for Mr Wheatons folks.

Oct 9 – Rather cool. Not do much. Went up to the woods saw two ground hogs holes and one rabbit.

Oct 10 – At home. Working in house and doing chores as usual. Cory Ridler and Ivy Knapp sewing for Hannah.

Oct 11 – Mrs Chesebrow died this Evening.[86] Not work much to day.

Oct 12 – Went up to Bert Elcies after my hlter I lot in the road. Elsie found it ner Jesse Earls. Had a thunder shower in the night rained hard very heavy thunder.

Oct 13 – Some rainy day. Repaired the cistern pump. Ethan and Hannah went up to Ras Townes in Evening. Hannah stayed all night. Mrs Chesebrow buried to day.

Oct 14 – At home. Ethan went down to Marts. Young Mr Wakefield there to see Mary.

Oct 15 – Made Evener for Mr Caywoods Democrat wagon. I am Eighty one years old to day and verry well. A verry nice day. Ethan went after Hannah this morning.

Oct 16 – Cutting the sassafras along the road fence west of the house.

Oct 17 – Cutting grubs west on the road. Fine weather for October.

Oct 18 – Grubbing to day. Went down to Mrs Streators[87] with Will Clark. They took up Mr M. O. Streators[88] remains and put them in the new cemetry at Galesburg.[89] Clarra and Mary[90] came up to day.

Oct 19 – Cutting grubs as usual. Rained some not verry cold sun came quite warm in the middle of the day.

Oct 20 – Cut brush in the road west of the house. Mr Right moved old Mrs Rawsons[91] and Calvin Streators[92] remains to the Oak Grove cemetry at Galesburg to day.

Oct 21 – Verry nice warm day sun shown all day. Ina came over. Rained in the night quite hard. A young man hurt East of the burg. He was on his wheels ran into or onto a horse and carriage run one of the thills into his bowels.

Oct 22 – Lelah[93] went home on the Eight oclock this morning. I went to mill tok 3 bushels wheat.

Oct 23 – Cut grubs west of the house. Nice day with sunshine and rain mixed in.

Oct 24 – Chored around worked some in barn. Ethan worked on the road down by the river.

Oct 25 – Trimed some grubs for wood. Lois came over stayed all day. Ethan turned some knobs for Mr Stoner.

Oct 26 – Trimed grubs for wood and cut some weeds. Not verry well.

Oct 27 – Drawed three loads poles in afternoon. Nice day.

Oct 28 – At home all day. George and Evva Blake came over a while in afternoon. Fine day.

Oct 29 – Went up to the woods after hitching posts. Quin Streator[94] called in a while just at night. Ras and Eunice[95] came down. Rained quite hard a while.

No entries for October 30 or 31

Nov 1 – Went to Kalamazoo with Will Clark. Stayed to Nancys all night.

Nov 2 – Ethan and his mother[96] came down to Nancys to day. Ethan went home just at night. Had a hevy shower.

Nov 3 – I went up to Shelbyville on noon train. Found them all well. Ogden Tomlinson[97] soke at Shelbyville school house this Evening.

Nov 4 – At the Harris house all day. Not verry well.

No entries for November 5-8

Nov 9 – Snowed all day like blazes not verry cold. Mr Wait making cheese now. He made two fifty pound cheese to day and piled a lot of wood. One of the boys swollowed a big tack.

Nov 10 – Left Shelbyville for home on the morning train. Lou an the children came with me. Ethan went to Kalamazoo after his mother.

Nov 11 – All at home today. Mr Earl came down a while.

Nov 12 – At home choring as usual. All well.

Nov 13 – Working around house and yard.

Nov 14 – Morice Clapp buried to day.[98]

Nov 15 – Ethan working in shop. Lou and children here.

Nov 16 – Lou and children went to Kalamazoo on the morning train.

Nov 17 – Banked up the cellar windows to day.

Nov 18 – At home. Not go to church today.

Nov 19 – Working around as usual. Rather cool. Roads rough.

Nov 20 – Not do much to day. No feel so shmart. Charley Ford drawing wood.

Nov 21 – C. Ford drawind wood. I cut some old apple trees for wood. Mr Wick wire and sister wer shot this Evening by some unknown man.[99]

Nov 22 – A verry nice day. We drawed two loads saw dust from the mill. Will Clark came over and got his buggy spoke fixt.

Nov 23 – At home doing what I have to do, chores and other work.

Nov 24 – Working around barn and house. Saw some wood, work in shop some.

Nov 25 – At home. Fiddle some, whittle some. Nice weather.

Nov 26 – Nancy came up this morning. Had her cloak metamefosed[?].

Nov 27 – Nancy went home this Evening.

Nov 28 – At home. All right. Doing not much.

Nov 29 – At home. Not verry well now days. Verry nice weather.

Nov 30 – All right. No snow. Good wheeling. Fine weather.

Dec 1 – Ethan making pattern for Will Schuylers churn dasher. Hannah and Bess went to Kalamazoo this Evening. George and Eva Blake came over just at night.

Dec 2 – At home. Not go to church to day. Verry shiny day. Lots folks went to church.

Dec 3 – Doing house work to day. Hannah came home this morning on the Eight oclock train.

Dec 4 – Choring around and saw some wood. Verry nice weather. Ethan working on the churn pattern he cast the mittle pattern.

Dec 5 – Ethans cast casting came out all right. Mr Lewis K. Townsend buried to day.[100] A verry pleasant day.

Dec 6 – Went to mill. Not work much. Not verry well. Nice day pleasant October weather. Ethan finishing up dash pattern.

Dec 7 – Working round house some. Cool wind no rain.

Dec 8 – Not do much work but chores. Nice weather for winter no snow.

Dec 9 – At home. Hannah and Mate Ford went up to Nick Hass.

Dec 10 – Worked in shop some and done chores around house.

Dec 11 – Worked on Guitar an violin. Nice day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo see West[101] and Ritter[102] about selling the hay loader and cocker. Charles Brown died to night.[103]

Dec 12 – Worked some on Guitar. Stormy day. Not verry well.

Dec 13 – Put bottom on Guitar. Nice day warm and dry October weather. Ethan working on wheel pattern. Jesse Turner 95 years old to day.[104]

Dec 14 – Worked on Guitar and violin. Mr Charles Brown buried to day. Nice day.

Dec 15 – Worked in shop some and out door some, in the house some.

Dec 16 – At home no one here to day. Old Mrs Joy buried to day.[105]

Dec 17 – Worked in shop some done some house work too. Fine weather. Mr Warrens team plowing for corn.

Dec 18 – Worked on violin and done the chores. Went over to the burg just at night. Paid my tax $5.28 cts.

Dec 19 – Verry nice day sun shown all day dry fall weather good wheeling.

Dec 20 – At home. Worke in shop and doing chores. Verry nice shiny weather.

Dec 21 – At home. All well. Ethan work on Mr Knaps wheel pattern.

Dec 22 – Ethan varnished the pattern over once. Ras and Eunice came down just at night. Etta Tomkins came the Evening train. Fine day.

Dec 23 – Etta her all day. Mr Earl came in a while. Hannah and Etta went up Mr Ralphs a while to get some pointers on dress making.

No further entries

——-

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

[2] His grandson, Floyd Harris

[3] Galesburg, Michigan

[4] Believe he is referring to Dr. William McBeth, who was also a neighbor

[5] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[6] His granddaughter, LaVerne Harris

[7] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, and her children, Will Clark and Ina Skinner

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

[9] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[10] Michigan death records show that Lyman Norris of Grand Rapids, Michigan, died there on January 6, 1894 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Highland Cemetery, Ypsilanti, Michigan

[11] Lois’ second husband, Adelbert Skinner

[12] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[13] Michigan death records show that William McClary died January 7, 1894 in Charleston, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[14] Neighbor, Cornelia (Daniels) Comings

[15] Neighbor, Olive (Atkinson) Schram

[16] Neighbor, Frances (Thomas) Blake

[17] FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah Elizabeth (Allen) Powlison died in Wheatland, North Dakota on January 21, 1894 and is buried in the Wheatland Cemetery there. She and her late Husband, Isaac Powlison, had previously been neighbors with the Keith family back in the 1880’s

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

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

[20] Unknown who this is referring to; research continues

[21] Neighbor, Mary (Clark) Wilcox

[22] Neighbors, Mary (Smith) Flanders and her daughter, Mabel Flanders

[23] Brother of his wife Sarah

[24] South Bend, Indiana

[25] His horse

[26] His son, Ethan Keith

[27] Neighbors, Laura (Burdick) Bush and her adult daughter, Catharina Bush

[28] Martin Milham, son-in-law of Luke’s late sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[29] On February 10, Ethan applied for a patent of his hay cocker invention which was granted on July 31, 1894 and contained the following designation: Ethan B. Keith, of Galesburg, Assignor of One-Half to William R. Ritter, of Dowagiac, Michigan

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

[31] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[32] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary (Smith) Flanders

[33] His granddaughter, Leone Harris

[34] Shelbyville, Michigan, where Lou and her family lived

[35] Martin Milham and his daughter, Mary Milham

[36] The uncle of Luke’s son-in-law, D. Harris

[37] Michigan death records confirm that Sarah “Sate” Skinner died February 22, 1894 and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in the Quaker Cemetery in Waterloo, New York. Sate was Adelbert Skinner’s sister

[38] Luke’s nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[39] The brother of Oscar Keith’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

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

[41] FindAGrave.com confirms that George Smith died in Chicago, Illinois on March 3, 1894 and that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[42] Family story has it that the family ate their dinner and then went up to the top of a hill behind the house to watch the destruction, and when it didn’t happen they were disappointed that they had to come back to a sink full of dirty dishes

[43] FindAGrave.com shows that Kate Hartwell died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 10, 1894 and was buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[44] Ansel “Lee” Milham, the son of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee), & Martin Milham

[45] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[46] Neighbor, Charles Ford; husband of Mate (see footnote to March 21^st entry)

[47] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[48] Ninah Bell Milham

[49] Michigan birth records show that Erma Adeline Swaddle was born in Charleston, Michigan on April 4, 1894 to Edward & Olive (Schram) Swaddle

[50] Michigan marriage records confirm that Harriet Taylor and Charles Merrell were married on April 5, 1894 in Galesburg, Michigan

[51] Erasmus Towne, neighbor, and Charley Towne’s brother

[52] Mary Nobles was the first cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith. Mary was the daughter of John & Mary “Polly” (Sprague) Nobles. She is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York

[53] Rhoda (Lee) Wilcox, Luke’s cousin and Alvin Lee’s sister

[54] Sisters, Hattie & Libby Taylor. Hattie had recently married (see April 5^th entry). Flora Elizabeth “Libby” Taylor had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[55] Presume this is Mate’s mother-in-law, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[56] His grandson, Claude Brown

[57] FindAGrave.com reveals that Francis Brown Stockbridge died April 30, 1894 in Chicago, Illinois and that he served as the Republican Senator from Michigan from 1887 until his death in office in 1894. He is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[58] Michigan marriage records show that Wesley Merriman and Ella Bush were married on May 16, 1894 in Galesburg, Michigan

[59] Wife and children of Jay Harris (see footnote to May 30^th entry), Dexa (Strait) and Starr and Isabelle Harris

[60] Walter “Burton” Meredith, the father of Cora Meredith, the wife of Luke’s son, Jim Keith

[61] Hand painted glass slides were enhanced by the “Showman’s” performance as he narrated and wove stories with the stunning original images from the 1800’s. Go to https://youtu.be/x1auoWwB1Cc to see a Magic Lantern show

[62] D. Harris’ brother. Jay supposedly played with the Detroit Tigers; however, a search of the Detroit Tigers All-Time Roster (Wikipedia), a list of players who appeared in at least one game, failed to show a listing for Jay Harris

[63] Malvina (Johnson) Meredith, mother of Cora Meredith, the wife of Luke’s son Jim Keith

[64] Malvina Meredith and her mother, Charlana (Adams) Johnson

[65] In other words, taking his cow to the bull

[66] George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. Marion was Luke’s niece

[67] Colon, Michigan

[68] The relationship between George Tomlinson and William Tomlinson is unknown at this time

[69] The brother of William Ralph (see footnote to February 19^th entry)

[70] Michigan death records confirm that Hiram Hamilton died on July 11, 1894 in Pavilion, Michigan. No burial information was found

[71] His grand-nephew, James Leon Keith, the son of James “Oscar” Keith

[72] Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown. Will was Hank Brown’s brother

[73] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith’s mother, Eliza (Olds) Batey. Michigan death records confirm that she died August 21, 1894 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[74] James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith and their son, John Herbert Keith

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

[76] His son and daughter-in-law, James & Cora (Meredith) Keith

[77] Scotts, Michigan

[78] Michigan marriage records confirm that they were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 6, 1894. John Herbert Keith was the son of James “Oscar” and Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[79] FindAGrave.com shows that John VanVleck died September 8, 1894 and that he is buried in the Augusta Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. No death record was found for him

[80] Neighbor, Cullen Towne; Charley Towne’s brother

[81] FindAGrave.com shows that William Batt died September 13, 1894 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. No death record was found for him

[82] Neighbor, Erasmus Towne; Charley and Cullen Towne’s brother

[83] His granddaughter, Winifred Keith; Jim and Cora’s two-year old daughter

[84] Michigan marriage records show that Nellie McBeth married Frank Mills on September 29, 1894 in Galesburg, Michigan

[85] His grandson, Charles Clark, and Charles’ wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark

[86] According to FindAGrave.com, Sarah (Hand) Chesebrough died October 11, 1894 and is buried in North Athens Cemetery, Athens, Michigan. No death record has been found

[87] Neighbor, Laura (Rawson) Streator

[88] Laura’s late husband, Marius O. Streator

[89] Oak Grove Cemetery

[90] Most likely Clara and Mary Milham, daughters of Martin Milham, Luke’s grandnieces

[91] Mary (Flynn) Rawson, Laura (Rawson) Streator’s mother

[92] The son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[93] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

[94] Believe this is referring to John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[95] Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne

[96] Don’t know why he refers to his wife in this way

[97] Ogden was the half-brother of George Tomlinson (see footnote to July 2^nd entry)

[98] FindAGrave.com shows that Edwin M. Clapp Jr. died November 12, 1894 and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. He was the son of Edwin & Mary (Stedman) Clapp, and Luke’s neighbor

[99] From an article in the 11-22-1894 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph: William Wickwire and his sister, Maria Wickwire, were shot; William three times and Maria once; both survived

[100] Michigan death records show that he died December 2, 1894 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[101] Lucius West, patent attorney

[102] See footnote for February 6^th entry

[103] Michigan death records show that Charles Brown, age 23, died December 12, 1894 in Charleston, Michigan and lists his cause of death as Tonsillitis. FindAGrave.com shows he was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Michigan death records show that Charles’ younger brother Howard, age 10, died of Tonsillitis also on December 4, 1894

[104] His maternal first cousin

[105] Cynthia (Kingsley) Joy. Michigan death records show that she died in Comstock on December 14, 1894 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

Luke’s 1894 Diary

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 1889 Diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 22 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 7 – Very quiet day but a few callers.

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

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

Jul 10 – Took Hannah down to Mr Randalls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henrys[132] Number
335 Miner Avenue
Stocten California
USA

——-

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

[2] Mercury reading

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

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

[5] His grandson, William Clark

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

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

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

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

[10] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

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

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

[13] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[14] Neighbor, Frances Towne

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

[16] Above zero

[17] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

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

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] His daughter, Hannah Keith

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

[23] Hank Brown’s cousin

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

[25] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[26] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

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

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

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

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

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

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

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

[34] Willis Brown, Hank’s brother

[35] Neighbor, Charles Ford

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

[37] His cow

[38] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

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

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

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

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

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

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

[45] Leroy, New York

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

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

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

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

[50] Neighbor, Albert Towne

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

[52] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[53] His son, James Clinton Keith

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

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

[56] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[57] Ray and Perry Brown

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

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

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

[61] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

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

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

[64] Neighbor, Charles Towne

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

[66] One of his farm animals

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

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

[69] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[70] His cousin

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

[72] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[73] Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham

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

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

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

[77] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker

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

[79] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

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

[81] Bobtail train run

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

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

[84] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

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

[86] Andrew B. & Frances Spinney

[87] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

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

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

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

[91] His grandson, Charles Clark

[92] His grandson, Claude Brown

[93] Jackson, Michigan

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

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

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

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

[98] Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[99] Scotts, Michigan

[100] His horse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[109] Eliza “Betsy” (Olds) Batey

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

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

[112] Mary (Sherwood) Clapp

[113] His maternal first cousin

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

[115] D Harris’s brother, Jay Harris

[116] “The family”

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

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

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

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

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

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

[123] Hiram Crawford’s nickname

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

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

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

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

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

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

[130] Perry, New York

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

[132] His son, Henry L. Keith

Luke Keith’s 1888 Diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 1 – At home all day. No one here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 19 – Charley finished planting East lot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 3 – 94 in morning, hot morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 5 – At home all day.

Aug 6 – Hannah went to Mate Fords to day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 26 – At Lous.

Aug 27 – At Lous.

Aug 28 – At Lous.

Aug 29 – At Lous.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 16 – Rainy all the forenoon rained hard.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 3 – Not much done. Chored around.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec 13 – Worked round house fixed up cellar window. Some cold wind.

Dec 14 – Mercury 14 Abz. Went over to Burg in morning carried some mail matter over one letter to Sanfrancisco Cal. Fan got out. I went all over the woods no find her. She came home. Bot Buck saw 40¢.

Dec 15 – Fixed up the cellar windows. Took Sarah over to Geo Blakes at noon. Rained had quite a shower. Will Brown brot some fish in Evening. Rainy night.

Dec 16 – Mercury 46. At home all day. Not very well. Rainy day. No one here to day. Rained some night.

Dec 17 – Mercury 34 in morning. Finished Caywoods axhelve. Carried shingles down cellar. Rain some ledle some fine snow.

Dec 18 – Chored around house. Cut appletree out near Barn cut it up piled the brush.

Dec 19 – Mercury 18 Abz. Picked up and burnt brush in orchard. Went down to Mrs Browns just at night. Some cold wind little snow in the air. Geo Yeoman came over in morning.

Dec 20 – Mercury 36 Abz cold wind but sunshine no snow. Very good wheeling. Hannah up to Ed Childs. Mr Amos D. Allen Died to day.[113]

Dec 21 – Mercury 24 Abz. Fixed up well room. Chored round house and shop. Cold north west wind.

Dec 22 – Mercury 14 Abz pleasant stout south wind. Stranger chopping wood. Will Clark[114] got home from Colorado.

Dec 23 – Very nice pleasant day. Went down to Katharines. Mart gone to attend Mr Amos D. Allens funral.

Dec 24 – Went over to Burg saw Will.  Mr Caywood got axhelve he paid 50 cts. Sold Skinner 3 doz eggs 60 cts. Mr Daniels called to see Hannah about go to Gull. Hannah went to Shelby.[115]

Dec 25 – Mercury 47. Christmas all over to day. Took top of Albert Chases violin. Went over to burg in afternoon got postal from G Tomlinson one from Clara Milham.

Dec 26 – Mercury 52 Abz. Worked on violin some. Nice day wen Rainy day cold wind.

Dec 27 – Mercury 37 cool wind north west. Worked in shop some. Chicken Died. Mercury 24 at night.

Dec 28 – Mercury. Went down to Marts to mill. Katharine some better. Shiny day cold west wind. Will Clark came over. Orny Schram called here. Will Brown drawed some wood.

Dec 29 – Nice day. At home. Worked in shop some. Will drawed some wood in afternoon. Lou and children came home.

Dec 30 – At home. Ethan and Lou went down to Katharines. Rained in night. Allice Williams Died to night.[116]

Dec 31 – Mercury 34. Went over to Burg after Nancy she came up on the 10:30 train AM. Ethan went to Kalamazoo in afternoon. Not very cold.

——-

[1] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] His son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Brown

[3] His son and daughter, Ethan and Hannah Keith

[4] His grandchildren, Claude and Bess Brown

[5] Neighbor, Eunice (Wood) Towne

[6] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[7] Matilda (Allen) Brown, his neighbor, and the mother of his son-in-law Henry Brown

[8] Believe he is referring to his neighbors, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford and her daughter-in-law, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[9] His son, James Clinton Keith

[10] Hank Brown’s paternal first cousin

[11] Theodore Earl, his neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[12] To add an alloy of tin with some copper and antimony (a brittle silvery-white metalloid) making a lining for bearings that reduces friction

[13] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[14] Luke uses this phrase quite often. The Oxford Dictionary gives its meaning as “vigorously or quickly”

[15] Hank Brown’s brother, Willis Brown

[16] Believe he is referring to his neighbors, George & Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[17] Above zero

[18] Michigan death records show that David Freer, age 80, died at Pavilion, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Cook Cemetery in Pavilion

[19] His son-in-law, daughter and granddaughter, Adelbert, Lois (Keith) Clark, and Ina Skinner

[20] Believe he is referring to Clara and George Milham, the two oldest children of his late niece, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham

[21] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[22] Michigan death records reveal that Lorenda (Vanguilder) Lewis Russell died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1888; however, no burial information has been found at this time

[23] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[24] Both the Brown and Keith families, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[25] Michigan marriage records show that Ella Chadwick married Adrian Annes on February 1, 1888 in Galesburg, Michigan. Sadly, she passed away a little over a year later on March 15, 1889 at the age of 31

[26] Will Brown’s wife, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[27] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[28] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[29] Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett. Nell was the granddaughter of Luke’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[30] His son-in-law and daughter, Daniel “D” & Louese (Keith) Harris

[31] Neighbor and uncle of D Harris

[32] One of Ethan’s inventions

[33] Most likely Emaline (Stone) Ralph (D’s aunt; wife of William Ralph) and Cora Belle Harris (D’s sister)

[34] Neighbors and “shirttail relatives,” Theodore & Alice (Vandercook) Earl

[35] Walter Gillett, Nell’s husband (see footnote to February 14^th entry)

[36] Ansel “Lee” Milham, the son of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[37] Harold Towne, the son of Cullen & Sarah Antoinette “Nettie” (Adams) Towne. Cullen was the brother of Charley and Fanny Towne

[38] Frances Towne, neighbor and Charley Towne’s sister

[39] A seance

[40] Herbert, Luella (Farr) and Royal Earl. Herbert and Theodore were brothers

[41] Nancy’s daughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[42] Calvin Streator was the son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator, and the brother of Harry Streator; however, he died October 16, 1863 at the age of 25. Perhaps this violin had once belonged to Calvin

[43] Harriet Taylor and her sister, Flora Elizabeth “Libby” (Taylor) Schram. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[44] Michigan death records show that Almon Russell died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 8, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was the husband of Lorenda (Vanguilder) Lewis Russell who died January 24, 1888 (see footnote to January 26^th entry)

[45] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s son-in-law

[46] His cow

[47] His neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[48] Michigan death records show that Bishop Lord died in Comstock in March of 1888. FindAGrave.com confirms that Thomas Bishop Lord died March 16, 1888 and is buried in the Comstock Cemetery

[49] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[50] The Alphadelphia Association was an experiment in socialism which Luke, and many of his neighbors, participated in. More about the Alphadelphia Association can be seen at https://oldfamilyletters.wordpress.com/?s=alphadelphia and http://evermore.imagedjinn.com/blg/alphadelphia-association/

[51] Michigan death records confirm that Cordelia (Murray) Wheaton died on March 25, 1888 and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[53] Shelbyville, Michigan, where D Harris owned and ran the general store

[54] FindAGrave.com confirms that Julia (Chichester) Johnson died April 2, 1888 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[55] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[56] Luke often uses silly words in his diaries; in this case, the boxes are broke

[57] These were the neighbors who attended the seance

[58] These were the departed souls who apparently were contacted

[59] Will Brown’s wife and son, Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown and Ray Brown

[60] The son of Hiram & Kate (Atcheson) Crawford; Hiram was Sarah’s brother

[61] His horse

[62] John Frank Tomlinson and Walter Gillett, the grandson and grandson-in-law of Luke’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[63] Dexa (Strait) Harris and her daughter, Isabelle Harris, who were the wife and child of D Harris’ brother, Jay Harris

[64] His granddaughter, LaVerne Harris, the daughter of Louese & D Harris

[65] His granddaughters, Lela and Bess Brown, the daughters of Nancy & Hank Brown

[66] Michigan death records show that James Lawler died May 4, 1888 and FindAGrave.com, although it shows a date of death as May 1, 1888, shows that he is buried in the Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[67] FindAGrave.com reveals that Florence (Comings) Hodgman died May 10, 1888 in Comstock and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[68] Ida Mae (Ralph) Johnson. Michigan death records confirm that she died on May 10, 1888 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[69] Athaline (Hunt) Evans. According to FindAGrave.com, she died May 12, 1888 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[70] Other things

[71] His grandson, Charles Clark

[72] Apparently this was the name of Claude’s friend

[73] LaVerne and Floyd Harris

[74] D Harris’ sister

[75] Katherine (Atcheson), Jessie and Blanche Crawford, the wife and daughters of Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[76] From Covington, New York

[77] His wife Sarah’s brother

[78] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[79] Jim’s girlfriend. They married June 10, 1891

[80] Bobtail train? (see June 5^th entry)

[81] Martin Milham, who was the husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[82] In other words he took his cow to the bull

[83] Michigan death records confirm that Andrew Krom died June 22, 1888 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[84] According to FindAGrave.com, Ayres B. Raymond died July 25, 1888 in Comstock, Michigan and is buried in Ford Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[85] July 25, 1847, Luke married Jerusha Crittenden. He had been engaged to her, but then Minerva Payson came to town and Luke broke his engagement to Jerusha and married Minerva. Minerva died just four years after they were married. He then married his first love, Jerusha, who died just a little over a year later. Luke then married Sarah Crawford. In the evenings Luke would go to the cemetery and play his violin at the graves of his first two wives

[86] Believe he is referring to his neighbor, Mary (Smith) Flanders, the wife of Edwin Flanders

[87] Margaret “Maggie” (Kirchbaum) Powers

[88] Alvin and Charles Jedediah Lee were the sons of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee & Juliana Davis. Charles Jedediah Lee (C. J. Lee) was married to Mary Webb and her sister was Ada Webb. Charles, Mary and Ada lived in Australia and were visiting family. There are many letters written by C. J. Lee to Ethan in 1889 regarding the binder

[89] FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah Jane Galligan, wife of Charles P. Galligan, died August 21, 1888 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[90] Former neighbor, Catherine (Van Arsdale) Powlison, who by 1885 was living with her son Isaac Powlison’s family in Cass County, Dakota Territory. FindAGrave.com confirms that she died August 23, 1888 and is buried in Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, Cass County, North Dakota

[91] Neighbor, Elizabeth Caroline Allerton. She would marry Luke’s grandson, William Clark, on December 24, 1896

[92] His wife Sarah’s nephew Eugene & Minnie (Crooks) Crawford and their children, Eugene and Grace

[93] Cullen Albert Towne, Charles Towne’s brother

[94] His niece and her family, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson

[95] John Frank Tomlinson, George & Marion’s son

[96] Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett, George & Marion’s daughter

[97] Pavilion, New York

[98] His sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[99] His niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[100] Believe this to be Mary C. Nobles, a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[101] Believe this to be Cynthia (Bishop) Sprague, the wife of William Sprague who was a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[102] Cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[103] Karl & E. Grace (Tomlinson) Jewett; Grace was George Tomlinson’s niece

[104] Polly was a nickname for Mary (Clapp) Earl. Michigan death records show that she died in Comstock on October 20 (not the 10^th), 1888, which could be a typo. FindAGrave shows that she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[105] George and Ansel “Lee” Milham

[106] Neighbors, Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne

[107] Former neighbor, Isaac Powlison, who by 1885 was living in Cass County, Dakota Territory. FindAGrave.com confirms that he died October 22, 1888 and is buried in Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, Cass County, North Dakota

[108] Believe this to be Frank Crossfield, the husband of Theodore Earl’s sister, Alva (Earl) Crossfield

[109] Grover Cleveland won a plurality of the popular vote, but Republican Benjamin Harrison won the election with a majority in the Electoral College, becoming the 23^rd President of the United States. Harrison swept almost the entire North and Midwest

[110] Believe these to be neighbors, daughters of the late John & Amanda (Worden) Allen

[111] Michigan death records confirm that he died November 27, 1888 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[112] Michigan death records confirm that Dr. Homer Hitchcock died December 7, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[113] Michigan death records confirm that Amos Allen died in Kalamazoo on December 20, 1888 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[114] His grandson, William Clark

[115] Shelbyville, Michigan

[116] Michigan death records confirm that Alice Williams, age 22, died in Pavilion, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan and an accompanying obituary states she died of Typhoid Fever