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

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Ethan Keith’s 1884 Diary

1884 DIARY OF ETHAN B. KEITH

E. B. Keith
Galesburg Mich
Bought Dec 11 1883

X[1] Jan 1 – Worked at patterns. Lois, Ina,[2] Nancy and Claude[3] came from Shelbyville[4] to day. Jim[5] brought Lois and Ina over here from the Burg.[6] Jim came down this evening. Wrote a postal to Henry.[7]

Jan 2 – 16° Snow. Worked at patterns. Snowed about 10 inches last night. Will Clark[8] came up this morning after Lois and Ina. He took Will Brown[9] to the train, he went to Marshall. Jim took Bessie[10] home this P.M. Herb Earl[11] was down this A.M.

Jan 3 – 0° Blustering. Worked at the patterns some this P.M. It is very blustering to day. Jim came down this P.M. Hannah[12] hemmed my scarf this morning.

Jan 4 – 16° 17° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Very cold and blustering. Lois and Ina came up from Mrs Browns[13] this morning. Jim was down a little while this A.M. Grace Griffith left Hanks[14] for Decatur this P.M. She is not agoing to work there any longer.

Jan 5 – 14° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Jim was down this A.M. and helped Pa[15] cut some wood.

Jan 6 – 14°. Jim called a few minutes on his way to the Burg. Will Clark was here a few minutes this evening.

X Jan 7 – 10° below. Worked at the patterns a little while this A.M. Lois, Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies[16] this P.M. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nans this evening, they are agoing to go home to morrow. Rec’d a letter from Henry and Florence.[17]

Jan 8 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Pa went over to the Burg twice to day. Lois and Ina went home on mail. Pa brought Bessie over home with him this P.M. Herb Earl was down this P.M. to show me a “Little Lap Board” he had made and to get me to stamp the date on it.

Jan 9 – Worked at patterns. Herbert Earl was down this P.M. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this evening. She stayed to the play “Kathaleen Mavoumum.” Bessie was quite croopy to night. A gentleman and three ladies came here this P.M. Smith & Woodard sent him here to see if I would make patterns for them.

Jan 10 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this eving took Bessie home. Am not feeling very well my Stomach is what’s the matter.

Jan 11 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Jim have gone to the Burg this evening. Jim to the dance and Pa to hear the music. Ma[18] wrote to Uncle Hiram[19] about “business.”[20]

Jan 12 – 15° Snow. Went to Kal[21] this P.M. to see the Eureka Wind Mill Co. They want me to make patterns for them, but I dont think I will for I have other jobs. Geo Youmans and Lou Bristol[22] came over this morning to see the pattern.

Jan 13 – 40° warm. At Hanks this morning came from Kal last night on Mich City freight and stayed all night. Bessie is sick with a hard cold. I came home with Jim about noon. Pa and Ma have gone over to Nans this evening.

X Jan 14 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this Evening saw Geo Youmans about some the W-M patterns. Wrote to Messrs Smith & Woodard that I could not work for them.

Jan 15 – 11°. Worked at Patterns. Went to the Burg this evening took Hannah and Lela[23] over. H[annah] is agoing to sew for Nan[cy]. Took some of Beatty’s circulars over to Mr Conkey.

Jan 16 – 11°. Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma have gone to the Burg this evening. Will Morten, and Myrtie Barlow, was married this evening.[24] Oscar Keith[25] came here this P.M. he and Mary[26] are up to Mr Batys[27] Mr B- is very sick.

Jan 17 – Worked at patterns. Pa went to the Burg this P.M. Lou and Jay[28] came back with him. Lou came out to day. Theodore Earl[29] was down this A.M. Jim brought Hannah home from the Burg this evening.

Jan 18 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this morning. Ma and Grandma[30] visited at Mr Streators[31] this P.M. Mrs Brown also. Will Clark has got “Bill” this evening to take a load up to Russells. Oscar Keith has gone home this P.M.

Jan 19 – 1°. Worked at patterns finished them this A.M. Worked at the core-bores[?] this P.M. Teachers Institute at the Burg to day. Will Clark went after Nan and the children, brought Lou over here. Mr Bela Wright died to day.[32] Mr Baty died last night.[33]

Jan 20 – 7° below. I am 33 years old to day. Will Clark brought Nan and the children up this A.M. I took them home to night. Lou is sick. Mr Wright was buried this P.M.

Jan 21 – 6°. Worked at patterns. Lou was not well enough to go over to the Dentists to day. Uncle Tom’s Cabin at Schroders Hall this evening.

Jan 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. I went down and saw Geo and Barlow. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this A.M. Mr Knapp was over to see about some patterns this A.M.

Jan 23 – Worked at patterns a little to day. It has been quite blustering. Pa went over and went to the Depot with Lou. She started for home on Mail. Claude is 9 years old to day. Geo Barber was over this P.M. to see the patterns.

X Jan 24 – 17° below. Worked at patterns. Rec’d a letter from Lois and my wristlets she has been making me. Aunt Pattys[34] birth day “79^th.” Wrote to Lois.

Jan 25 – 13° below. Worked at Patterns. Jim has gone to the Club dance it is the last one. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. and got some alcohol for me.

Jan 26 – Finished the Strait No 4 Patterns. Commenced them Nov 6, 1883. Pa went to the Burg twice to see if Uncle Hi[35] came but he did not come. Bessie went home with Pa this evening.

Jan 27 – Jim and Will Clark went to the Burg this A.M. found Uncle Hiram, he came home with them. He brought a couple cans of Oysters we had them for dinner.

Jan 28 – I am not feeling very well. My stomach is so weak. Pa and Uncle Hi went to the Burg this P.M. I took Uncle Hi over to Hanks this even’g, he leaves for home 12.50 A.M. Uncle Hi left his scarf, forgot it.

Jan 29 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. I went down to the foundry and told Geo that I had finished the patterns. I went and took Hannah down to aunt Katies this P.M. It has thawed yesterday and to day. I mailed uncle Hirams scarf to him.

Jan 30 – 60° 49°. Rained some to day. Have got the tooth ache some. Pa went up to the saw mill and ground his ax. Ma washed.

Jan 31 – Emmett Crawford[36] came out this even’g. He has not been here since the Spring of ’73. Pa chopped a Cherry tree down that stood by the west line fence.

Feb 1 – 11°. Pa drew some wood to day. Jim came down to see Jim Emmett this evening. E- went home with him to stay all night. Wrote to Hannah and sent the invitation to the Leap Year Party at Schroeder Hall Feb 8^th.

X 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[37] wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.[38]

X Feb 3 – Jim was down this A.M. Had the tooth ache this afternoon and evening. Wrote to J. F. T.[39]

X Feb 4 – Wrote to C. I. Clark.[40] Stormy. I am not feeling very well nowdays.

Feb 5 – Went to the Burg this P.M. took tea with Hank & Nan. Went down to the foundry. Walked home with Ike Schram.[41]

Feb 6 – Worked at a pattern of a form to bend the crank shaft for the Wind Mill. Went to the Burg this evening rode with Will Brown. Mrs Brown visited here this P.M. (Tue. 5^th – Nancy gave me a Birth day card to day that she intended to have given me on my birthday.

Feb 7 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening spoke to Geo. Youmens about some money. Saw R. E. Strait he came from N. Y. last night. Walked home from the Burg with Herb Earl. Bessie Brown is 3 years old to day.

Feb 8 – Worked at patterns. Jim has had “Bill”[42] three days to draw wood with. A Leap Year party at Schroder Hall to night. Sleighing is about gone.

Feb 9 – Worked at patterns. R. E. Strait came over this P.M. Pa went over to the Burg this evening and got Grandma. Dee Harris[43] came down this P.M. Saw Strait W. M. Co about some money.

Feb 10 – Pa went over to Hanks this A.M. Hank and Nan came back with the horse and cutter and Pa walked. Dee came over with him he stays here to night.

X Feb 11 – Finished the pattern of the crank form this A.M. Went up to Mr Taylors and got the cutter this P.M. Dee went home to day. Rain and hail this P.M. Wrote to Mr Timothy Hodges, Climax Mich.

Feb 12 – Rained all day every thing is covered with ice. Pa and I went to the Burg this A.M. I stayed until 3 oclock. Called at Mr Knapps. The Wind Mill Co paid me $25.00 on pattern work. Bought some pr overshoes, 2 pr drawers, collar, 2 pr socks. Paid for the Enterprise for six months. Sent Mr Hodges $1.50 balance on map.

Feb 13 – Pa took me to Kal this A.M. stopped at aunt Katies. Took dinner with Uncle Jess Turners folks.[44] Left Kal on mail 2.30 for Chicago arrived C- at 7.30. Changed from mail to Express at Niles. Harry[45] met me at the Depot.

Feb 14 – 2 below. Aunt Kate and I went to see the Old Healer he gave me a treatment her one also. He lives on the west side 5 or Six miles from Uncle Hiram. Am having the tooth ache.

X Feb 15 – Wrote to Ma. Had the tooth ache last night. Took breakfast down in the boarding house. After this aunt Kate is agoing to cook for herself, Blanche[46] and I.

Feb 16 – Aunt Kate and I went over and see the old Dr. this P.M.

Feb 17 – Feel about used up to day. Uncle Hiram, Jessie[47] and Harry went to church. Aunt Kate, Jesse and Harry went to Sabbath School this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this evening. Rainy.

X Feb 18 – Wrote to H. L. Keith and a postal to W. H. Knapp. Have been at home all day. Ida Barber Howe[48] had a pair of twins to day.[49]

Feb 19 – Pleasant this morning but clouded up about noon rained a little and afterwards Snowed and blowed real hard. So it is quite wintiry this evening. Went over and see the old Dr takes about three hours and a half.

X Feb 20 – One Year ago to day – Dont want a repetition of it. Have not been out doors to day. Aunt Kate and Mrs Huff went down to Central Music Hall to practice for the May festival. Wrote to Lou.

Feb 21 – Went over to see the old Dr this A.M. Uncle Hi, aunt Kate and I went to a Concert at the German Methodist Church this ev’ig. Aunt Kate had a wash woman to day.

X Feb 22 – Washington birth day. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Jessie went to meeting this P.M. Harry went to the Park skating.

Feb 23 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Went to the Museum on N. Clark St and stayed to the play. Got home about 5 oclock.

Feb 24 – Uncle Hi, Harry, Jessie and I went to church this A.M. Aunt Kate and the children went to Sabbath school this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this eve.

X Feb 25 – Rec’d a letter from Nan and Hank this A.M. Said that Jim Conkey would be here to (in Chicago) to day. Uncle Hi and aunt Kate have gone to Central Music Hall to the Appollo Concert this eving.

X Feb 26 – Aunt Kate and I went and took a treatment this A.M. She and I went down to Central Music Hall to the Mozart Concert this evening it was just splendid. Rec’d a letter from Ma.

X Feb 27 – Wrote to Lois. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting this P.M. She and the children have gone to the church this ev’ing.

Feb 28 – 3° below. Very cold with strong wind. Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Harry and Jessie went to a party.

X Feb 29 – Wrote to Nan this P.M. Very cold. Aunt Kate went to meeting this P.M.

Mar 1 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. She went to the temperance meeting this evng. Uncle Henry Crawford[50] came out last evening.

Mar 2 – At home all day. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to church. Aunt Kate and children went this evening. Would like to have steped in and visited with our folks to day.

Mar 3 – Cold and blustery. Harry and Jessie were out this evig. Uncle Henry went started for home[51] to day on 7.03.

X Mar 4 – Went and see the old Dr. Recd a letter from Ma also one from Hannah. Harrys Club met here last this evening. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting.

X Mar 5 – Wrote to Hannah. Rec’d a letter from Lois. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.

Mar 6 – Pleasant this A.M. Went to see the Old Dr this P.M. Went to a number of the loan offices to see if I could get a Grantor for Hannah.

X Mar 7 – Wrote to J. P. Keith.[52] Have got a sore throat.

Mar 8 – Went over to the Dr’s. Aunt Kate did not feel well enough to go. This is Uncle Pros[53] 44^th birth day.

Mar 9 – Am real lame in the small of my back. Uncle Hi is having the tooth ache to day. Aunt Kate and Jessie have gone to a temperance meeting.

X Mar 10 – Wrote to Lois and the Strait W. M. Co.[54] Uncle Hi was up all night with the tooth ache. Aunt Kate has not felt well this P.M., has been to bed.

X Mar 11 – Wrote to Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the old Dr. Took dinner with Uncle Hi, Mr Beasup and Mr Atkins. Got a hammer for the piano repaired at Reeds Temple of Music. Went out to L. P. C.[55] this P.M., first if I have been there this time in Chicago. _____ at the temperance Hall this evening, 721 Larabbee St.

X Mar 12 – Wrote to Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. did not get back until night. I got dinner for Blanch and I.

Mar 13 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. came back from the west side on a Madison St car. First I have been on that St. Pleasant. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting this evening.

X Mar 14 – Wrote to Ma this P.M. Aunt Kate is not feeling very well. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge and Aunt Kate to meeting this evening.

X Mar 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr this A.M. Rec’d a letter from Hank saying that he would be at Race Bro’s at 12 P.M. and 6 P.M., wanted me to meet him. Did not go.

Mar 16 – Hank Brown came up here this A.M. stayed until 1 P.M. was going home on the fast Express this evening. This is the 5 pleasant day this month. Uncle Hi was not very well this morning, did not get up to breakfast.

X Mar 17 – Went up to the Lincoln Avenue barn and office[56] this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sewing this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith[57] and one from Jim.

X Mar 18 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. I am having a hard real time with my tooth. Rainy this P.M. and evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Mar 19 – Got the tooth ache, am about as near sick as I care to be. Uncle Hi brought the plan of his new house up this evening. Aunt Kate went to Central Music Hall this P.M. She and Harry went to meeting this evening. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.[58]

Mar 20 – Went to see the Dr this P.M. I visited the C.M. & St. Paul[59] Pittsburg & Ft Wayne M.S.& L.S.R.R.[60] and C&R.I.RR[61] Depots. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Kate washed to day.

X Mar 21 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Mrs Martin called this P.M. Aunt Kate has gone to missionary meeting this P.M.

Mar 22 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans, went to Uncle Pross this P.M.

Mar 23 – At Uncle Pross to day. He and I went to Central Music Hall to hear David Swing. We went to the Grand Pacific Hotel and took a walk on one St in the dark hole.

Mar 24 – At Uncle Pross this morning came home this P.M. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance rooms this P.M. and evening. Uncle H to a meeting at the Church this eving. I went down to the Central Depot.

X Mar 25 – Rained all day. Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. She came back to Mrs Wienburgs and spent the P.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went to Kohl & Middelons Drive Museum this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah and one from Ma.

X Mar 26 – Wrote to Ma. Took a bath this A.M. Went over to the Drug store on Halstead St this P.M.

X Mar 27 – Received a letter from Lou. Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Had my hair cut over on the West side.

X Mar 28 – Rec’d letter from Lois. Wrote to Lou and H. L. Keith. Recd letter from Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. to trade. I got dinner for Blanche, Jessie and I. Uncle Hi and Aunt Kate went down town this evening.

Mar 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to the Dr’s this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the M.C.R.R.[62] Depot after dinner. Quite a cold wind to day the Lake is real rough.

Mar 30 – Aunt Kate and I went to the W.C.T.U.[63] meeting this evening. There is an awful riot in Cincinnati now.[64]

X Mar 31 – Rec’d a letter from Jim, have answerd it and written to the Strait W. M. Co. about some money. Went down to the Park this P.M. Harry came down and went around with me. We went out on the Lake shore. I saw some bananas growing in the Conservatory.

X Apr 1 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the Dr this A.M. Rained quite hard about noon, hailed hard on the south side. Election here to day. I went to the C.&.N.W.R.R.[65] Depot, it is nice.

Apr 2 – Snow on the ground this morning. Went to the store for Aunt Kate this P.M.

X Apr 3 – Went to see the Dr the P.M. Went down to the Central Depot. Uncle Hi and I went over to the Baptist church to an entertainment this evening. Kate washed to day. Wrote to M. F. Lee.[66]

X Apr 4 – Wrote to Nancy. Pleasant yesterday and to day. Aunt Kate went down town to the rehersal. Loyd S. Higgins 33^rd birth day. Would like to know where he is, also see him. Peter Cooper died one year to day. Wrote in Henrys Autograph Album.

Apr 5 – Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans. Went to McVickers Theatre this P.M. and see “Jalma”, it was just grand. Took supper in the boarding house. Aunt Kate is sick to night.

Apr 6 – Uncle Hi went down to the office this P.M. Aunt Kate and the children to Sunday School. Uncle Hi and I went over to see Kit Birkland[67] this evening, the first that I have been there.

Apr 7 – Went over on Clyburn Ave[68] this P.M. Went to the Deering Harvester Works. Snowed quite hard about noon.

X Apr 8 – Wrote to Ma. About two inches of snow on the ground this morning. Went to see the Dr to day. Went to a Lecture at the Mission with Aunt Kate this evening. Uncle Robt Crawford[69] came to Kits this A.M. Uncle Hi went over and visited him this evening.

X Apr 9 – Received a letter from Nancy. Went down town for Aunt Kate this P.M. to get a piece of music “Sweet Violets.”

X Apr 10 – Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Wrote to Lois this A.M. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to a social this evening.

X Apr 11 – Wrote to J.F.T. Rec’d a letter from Lou this A.M. Aunt Kate and Uncle Hi have gone to a funeral at Elgin. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge this eving.

Apr 12 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Two years ago to day Lou and Dee was married.

Apr 13 – Uncle Hi and I went to church this A.M. All went to church this evening but Blanch and I. Two months ago to day I came here.

Apr 14 – Has been the warmest day of the season 69º. Aunt Kate went down town this P.M. to the rehersal. Had an introduction to Mrs Brush.

X Apr 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. It has rained most all day. Received a letter from Ma.

X Apr 16 – Wrote to Hannah. Mrs Taylor helped Aunt Kate sew this A.M. Aunt Kate is sick to night. I bought a box of Browns Bronchial Troches.

X Apr 17 – Wrote to Lou. Went to see the Dr this P.M. Went out to Central Park on Madison St. Uncle Hi went over to Kits to see if Uncle Robert had got back from Mich. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.

X Apr 18 – Wrote to C. I. Clark. Uncle Rob’t Crawford and Kit came over this morning. They went away about 10 oclock. They went and took Aunt Kate to the Dr’s and then went to the Depot. Uncle Rob’t left for home. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and I went to see the “Battle of Gettysburg.” It was grand. Took supper at Thompsens. Went up to the May Festival Rehersal a little while.

Apr 19 – Harry, Will Hough and I went down to the water works this P.M. Went up the tower 11 steps up into the tower 235 from there up to top of tower. Had a grand view of the Lake and North part of the city. I went down to a museum of Anatomy.

Apr 20 – Rained and snowed all day. I went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sick all day. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Wienbergs this eving. Mrs Hough was in a little while this evening.

Apr 21 – Strong north east wind. The Lake is real rough. Went down to the Park and Lake shore this A.M. Went over to Kit Birklands this evening, did not stay but a little while for she was going away.

X Apr 22 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr this A.M. We went to the Foundlings Home, took dinner at Woodmans. Received a letter from Ma. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance meeting this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Weinbergs this evening.

Apr 23 – Harry and I went out to the Stock Yards, went into a large slaughter House. We went to the L.S.& M.S.R.R.[70] Round House. Mrs Taylor sewed for Aunt Kate to day.

Apr 24 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Bought me a pair of shoes, pr Calipers, pr Cutting Pliers, pr Round Pliers and a 2 ft pocket Rule. I attended a Sugar Social at Rev Taylors. I sugared off[71] for them. Was over a hundred there.

Apr 25 – Warm and pleasant. Kate washed to day for the last time at 803. Harry, Will Hough, Max and I went over to the Bobling Mills this P.M. It was quite a sight to me. Uncle Stephen Comfort[72] came to Uncle Hirams this P.M.

Apr 26 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans then went down to Uncle Pross. Pross made three extra trips this P.M. Uncle Stephen went over on the west side with us, left us at Lincoln St, he went to see his daughter.

Apr 27 – A man and his wife from Oskosh came to see Aunt Bell[73] today. It has been very windy to day.

Apr 28 – Came back to Uncle P Hirams this A.M. I pulled tacks out of the carpets this P.M.

Apr 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the Central Depot. Called at Uncle Hirams office 444 Clark St. Took supper with Uncle Hi.

Apr 30 – Aunt Kate, Harry, a man from the barn and I packed goods to day. I went over to Kits this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down town this evening to see that Uncle Stephen was all right at the Hotel.

May 1 – Left Chicago at 8.51 by the L.S.&M.S.R.R. for home. Stopped at Elkhart Ind 1.40 one hour and forty minutes. I got a lunch and had my hair cut. Pa met me at Kal- 4.37. Rained all day. We stopped at Aunt Katies a few minutes. Found Uncle Stephen at our house. Mrs Schroder and Nancy has visited here to day.

May 2 – Have not done anything to day but visit. Pa and Will are at work on the hill taking down fence and cutting brush.

May 3 – Have not done much to day. Hannah came home this P.M. from Gates and Ralphs. Nancy and children and Mrs Conkey drove into the yard this P.M. I went to the Burg with Will Clark this evening.

X May 4 – Rained all day. Will Clark went up to Russells. Jay Harris[74] is one year old to day. Mrs Olin had a girl baby to day. Wrote to Lou.

May 5 – I cleaned cellar some this A.M. Will and Pa worked at the fence row cutting down trees and grubbing. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. also Uncle Stephen Comfort. Charley Towne[75] commenced plowing for corn in our south lot.

May 6 – Worked at the cellar this A.M. Hannah went to Kaywoods to sew. Will came after her. Will Clark and I went to the Burg this evening rode over with Will B. I walked home.

May 7 – Worked at the cellar a little while this A.M. Helped Will saw down a couple of trees this A.M. and one this P.M. Uncle Stephen Comfort went to Nancys this evening. I went over also and stayed all night. Hank went to Detroit this evening.

May 8 – At Hanks this morning. Uncle Stephen Comfort left for Canada this morning on 7.03. I stayed over until afternoon. Went down to the foundry. Saw R. E. Strait at the Station. Jim helped Will saw up some of the trees this P.M. Will has gone to the Burg this evening.

X May 9 – Worked at a screw driver for Henry part of the afternoon. Ma and I finished cleaning the cellar this A.M. Wrote to Aunt Kate Crawford.

May 10 – Worked at the screw driver part of the day (finished it). Helped Will a little while this P.M. Pa got a little pig up to Mr Flanders[76] this P.M. Charley Towne planted corn in our south lot to day.

X May 11 – Pleasant. Jim and Will went to church. I went to the Burg this P.M. and got my over coat. Took Hannah down to Mr Kaywoods this evening, I called a little while. First time I was ever there. Wrote to Henry.

May 12 – Cleaned up the ______ the wood pile. Went to the Burg this evening. Will Clark helped Ed Schram plant corn this A.M. and Harry Streator[77] this P.M.

X May 13 – Wrote to Lois this P.M. Will Clark helped Harry Streator to day.

May 14 – Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Sawed out some boards for fence pickets for a hen yard.

May 15 – Went up to the Saw mill this A.M. with Pa to get some pickets sawed. Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this P.M.

May 16 – Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this A.M. Set posts for the hen yard this P.M. Hannah is sewing for Mrs Randall.

May 17 – Finished Mr Knapps patterns. Pa and I made the fence around the hen yard. Pa and I went to the Burg this evening to get the barb wire. Found Aunt Patty at Hanks. She came over with Pa.

May 18 – Aunt Patty and I went down to Aunt Katie Lees to day. Will Clark went to see Hettie.

May 19 – Built a fence around the barn yard. Pa and Will drew manure this P.M. Quite cold this P.M. Theodore Earl was down after supper. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 20 – Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. to get Will to come and plow the garden for us. Grandma went with me. Will plowed the garden this P.M. I worked at Jim Conkeys camera (altering it). Nancy and Mrs Brown was here part of the afternoon. Mrs Conkey came after Nan.

May 21 – Dragged the garden this A.M. and made some of it this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Aunt Patty went with me she stayed at Nan’s. Hannah has gone up to Mr Streators to sew.

May 22 – Rainy this A.M. Made some garden this A.M. Made a pig pen and put 4 wires around the hen yard fence this P.M. Pa and Will finished sitting the fence posts along the east side of the east lot. Pa has gone over to the Burg this evening after Aunt Patty. Will has gone up to Mr Streators.

May 23 – Pa and Will drew wood and old rails to day with Bill & “Tom” Brown.[78] I made a pig trough this A.M.

May 24 – Jim came down with Streators team and helped draw rails. Jim Conkey came over this A.M. to get me to make some shutters for his camera. He took me over to the Burg and back so I could get an idea how to make them. Went to the Burg this evening.

May 25 – Finished one of Conkeys Camera shutters this A.M. He and Hank came after it this A.M. They took a view of this our house, barn and yard. Geo Tomlinson,[79] his brother Ogden, wife and daughter[80] came here to day, stayed to dinner and Ogden and family went home. Aunt Katie Lee and George came up to day, also Alvin and Aunt Julia.[81]

May 26 – Went to the Station with Geo Tomlinson for the 7.03 train. He was going to Battle Creek. He came back and went to Aunt Katies this P.M. rode from here with Oren Starr. Pa carried Aunt Katie Patty down there. Worked at Conkeys Camera shutter.

May 27 – Finished Jim Conkeys Camera shutter this A.M. He came and got it this A.M. I worked a pattern for W. H. Knapp part of the P.M. Grandma went over to Hanks with Jim Conkey this morning. I went after her this evin’g.

May 28 – Finished Mr Knapps pattern this P.M. He came and got them. I mended Nancys comb this P.M. and one for Ma also. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this evening. Hank brought Lela over here this morning and Bessie over to Mrs Browns because Nancy was sick. 4-Paws Show at Kal- to day.

May 29 – Took up the carpet in the middle room this P.M. Have not felt very well.

May 30 – Helped Pa and Will string the wire on the hill road fence. Decoration day.[82]

May 31 – Helped Ma to day. I white washed the middle room and put the carpet down. Pa and Will finished the east road fence. Went to the Burg this evening. Party at Straits to night for Dexa.[83]

Jun 1 – Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. with a letter for Aunt Patty. Lucy[84] brought her up to our house. Lee[85] rode up with me so that he could drive back for his mother. I went over to Hanks after I got home after Hannah.

Jun 2 – Pa and I went up to Geo Billingtons to look at a new kind of a fence this A.M. Called at Mrs Earls.[86] Herb let me have some cucumber and Musk Melen seed. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders to sew this ev’ing.

Jun 3 – Put up screens and built a frame over the east door for the woodbine[87] to run on. Rained quite hard this P.M. Our cow had a calf this morning. Will has gone down to Mr Franklins to work for them the rest of the week.

X Jun 4 – Wrote to Inum[?] & Co. Pa Carried Ma, Grandma and Aunt Patty over to Nancys this morning. Went after them this evening. Got home about ten oclock. Grandma was taken with one of her hard breathing spells and died at 11.15. I went over after Nancy and telegraphed to Uncle Hi. Got 105 cabbage and 19 Tomato plants and set them out. Lois came to Hanks this evening. This stamp was Grandma’s.[88]

Jun 5 – Wrote to Uncle Henry and Edna Allen[89] of Grandma’s death. Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies this P.M. Found Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and Blanche here. Jim and I went over after the coffin this evening. Sent telegrams to Uncle Rob’t, Henry and David,[90] also Dee Harris. Lou and Dee came out this P.M. eving.

X Jun 6 – Grandma was buried this P.M. Had a prayer at the house and funeral at the Baptist church. The text was 49th Psalm 15th verse.[91] Uncle Pross came this morning or rather last evening to Hanks. Wrote to Frank for Aunt Patty.

Jun 7 – I carried Uncle Hi and Blanche to the Burg this morning came back and got aunt Kate. Uncle Henry came this morning. He and Uncle Pross walked over to the burying ground. They all went home on mail 11.15. Went to the Burg this evening saw Mr Barlow about some money. Lou and Jay came home with me.

Jun 8 – Quite warm. Jim and Will went to church this A.M. and evening. Mr & Mrs Streator[92] was down this P.M. Alvan Lee called a few minutes.

Jun 9 – Will and I drew the rails from the road fence east of the gate. Went up to Mr Flanders this evening after their post hole digger. Real cold this evening.

X Jun 10 – We set the posts for the fence from the garden to the corners. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. We called at Mrs Barbers on our way home to see the twins. Received a letter from H. L. Keith. Wrote a postal to Nellie Gillett[93] for Aunt Patty.

Jun 11 – Jim came down this morning and plowed the sod up each side of the posts. Will shoveled up the sod. I burnt some brush. Lois, Nan and Lou visited at Mrs Browns. Hannah went down there to sew. Aunt Katie and Lucy came up and visited here this P.M. I went and got Lou. They commenced weaning Jay to day.

Jun 12 – Helped put on the lower wire to the fence this A.M. Cultivated the garden this P.M. Pa and Aunt Patty went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 13 – We put the wire on the fence to day now we have a four wire fence from the garden to the top of the hill around the road. Hannah came from Mrs Browns this morning Dell Skinner[94] brought her. She went up to Jim Milhams[95] this P.M. a visiting. I went after to night.

X Jun 14 – Wrote to E. L. Crawford.[96] Bought a garden cultivator of W. H. Knapp this A.M. Ma and Aunt Patty went to Nans a visiting. Will Clark went to Gull Lake to a picnic. Rec’d a letter from Uncle Hiram.

Jun 15 – Carried Aunt Patty down to Aunt Katies. It has been quite warm.

Jun 16 – Went to the Burg with Theodore Earl to see Mr Barlow about some money got $21.00 by making a ____ with Theodore.

Jun 17 – 93°. Worked at some window screen frames for the Taylor girls[97] part of the day. Very warm. Pa worked on the road.

X Jun 18 – Went to the Burg this A.M. and got Nan, Lois and the children. Rained quite hard this P.M. Charley Clark and Clara[98] came to day, have moved here, will live in Theodore Earls house. Pa worked on the road. Wrote to J.F.T.[99]

X Jun 19 – Went to Kal this A.M. after Jessie Crawford. She came on Express 1.45. We called on Edna Allen. I got dinner at Johnny Richmonds. Jim Crum rode to Kal with me. Bought a hat and a duster. Wrote a postal to Frank Tomlinson. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Clara over and brought Lou back.

Jun 20 – Have not done much to day. Has been quite hot. Pa helped Charley Towne put a window in their wing room. Jessie went to the Burg this A.M. I picked about 7 qts of strawberries.

Jun 21 – Took Lou to Kal to day. She left Kal at 1.52 P.M. for Shelbyville. I came home by the way of Comstock. Went down to Uncle Jess Turners.[100] Aunts Patty and Katie and Mrs Gofferey was there. Jessie went up to Jim Milhams this P.M. Went to the Burg with the girls in evening. Jim and Will stay here to night.

Jun 22 – 99°. Jim, Will and I went up to the sheep pen and went in swimming. Bina Earl[101] gave me a bouquet. Will has gone to Russells. Jim to church this evening. Mr Peter Carmer was buried to day at Otsego.[102]

Jun 23 – Charley Clark came over this A.M. Pa went up to Mr Streators and got a grist of wheat and took to mill. Jessie and Charlie rode over to the Burg with him. Jessie and Lela came over with Will Brown.

X Jun 24 – Carried Jessie and Lela down to Mrs Browns this A.M. Picked about 15 qts of strawberries. Clara, Geo and Aunt Patty came up this A.M. Charley Clarks goods came to day. Mr Brownell get them for him. Went to the Burg this evening. Got three pictures of this house that J. Conkey made. Wrote to Imus & Co. Rec’d a letter from J.F.T.

Jun 25 – Colder to day and rainy also. Charley Clark is getting settled to day. Jessie and I went up there this P.M. Blacked Stove and pipe in the front room.

Jun 26 – I took Hannah to Mr Streators this P.M. Went to the Burg this eving. Pa and Aunt Patty went out for a ride this P.M. called at Mr Flanders.

Jun 27 – Went up to Charleys this morning and invited Clara down this P.M. Cultivated the garden and hoed the potatoes. Lois, Nancy and the children was over to day.

Jun 28 – Put paris green[103] on the potatoes and cut weeds this A.M. Geo brought Aunt Katie up this A.M. Ma, Aunt Patty and Aunt Katie went over to the Cemetery and to Nancys this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening.

Jun 29 – Strait came over to day. He has let a Co. in Mishwauka Ind have his windmill to make on a royalty. Hannah, Jessie and I went over to Hanks this eving. Charley and Clara was down this P.M. Pa, Ma, and Aunt Patty went down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Geo and Clara came after Aunt Katie this P.M.

Jun 30 – Aunt Patty and Hannah started for Perry[104] on Express 1.45 P.M. I took them to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies and got supper. Called on L. C. West.[105]

X Jul 1 – Wrote to Henry. Hank Brown is 34 years old to day. Clara and Edna[106] was down this P.M. took tea with us. Pa and I ground a m____y machine knife for Mr Randall. Jessie stays with Clara to night.

Jul 2 – Turned out a pump bucket for Theodore. Ma and Jessie visited at Nancys. Nan is having a real time with her teeth. Went and got Jessie with Theodores horse and buggy from Charley Clarks.

Jul 3 – Lou is 23 years old to day. Studied on a binder some to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Ike Odell[107] he is on the G.T.R.R.

X Jul 4 – Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.[108] At home all day went to the Burg this evening. Jim and Will went to Gull Lake.

Jul 5 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. Nancy and the children went down to Mrs B-s. Lois came and stayed with me.

X Jul 6 – Went up to Charleys with Lois this A.M. Charley and Clara came back with Lois this P.M. Will has gone to Russells from there to Kal to church. Wrote to Hannah.

Jul 7 – Plowed out the garden this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening.

Jul 8 – Drafted some for the binder. Charley Towne is cutting the wheat across from our house.

Jul 9 – Nancy is 32 years old to day. Hoed in the garden some this A.M. Charley Towne began cutting wheat in our east lot. I cut once around with the Royce. Ma visited over to Nan’s this P.M.

Jul 10 – I went down to Mrs Browns and picked cherries to day. Picked 35 qts. Charley Towne finished cutting our wheat to day. Will Brown cut our clover for us to day. I raked some of it up after I got home. R. E. Strait[109] and Dexa started for Oneonta N.Y. this morning.

Jul 11 – Charley Clark helped Pa and I draw the hay had three loads. Picked some peas for Clara Clark.

X Jul 12 – Draughted some to day. Have not felt very well. Went to the burg this evening. Mankins Palace Show at the Burg this evening. Jay Barton took Paris green this evening but took too much so the Dr may save him.[110] Rec’d a letter from Hannah. Will Clark cut his wheat to day.

Jul 13 – Jessie went over to Hanks with Will Clark this A.M. She went to church with Hank and Nancy. I went to the Burg with Jim this P.M. stayed until after church and came home with Will and Jim.

Jul 14 – Draughted for my binder. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Ma stayed and Pa went after her this evening. Whitney Family was at the Burg with their show. I went this evening.

Jul 15 – Made a pattern of a wheel for the twine holder and cast it this P.M. Jessie came from Hanks this P.M. Rained a little. Jim called on his way to the Burg this evening. He was going to see about his getting into the band.

Jul 16 – Draughted to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Gregorys Circus was there. Hank and I went he paid my gave me a “comp”. Lois bought Geo Adams place on Grove St. Consideration $475.

Jul 17 – Jessie went out to Lois to day. I took her to Kal. We went to Edna’s but she was not at home. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is not as well.

Jul 18 – Draughted some. Pa went to the Burg with a letter for Hannah. Ma visited at Claras Clarks. I went after her this evening. I took Clara on riding up by Uncle Ike Clarks.

Jul 19 – Draughted this P.M. Helped Charley Towne draw wheat from the east lot this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Jim has joined the G.C.B.[111] plays Bb Bass.

X Jul 20 – Wrote to M. F. Lee. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Lois, Charley, Clara and Edna came down this P.M. Lois will stay here to night. Hank, Nan, Mrs Brown and the children went up to Mr Armes.[112] Will Clark has gone to see “Hettie”.

Jul 21 – Draughted. Mr Knapp came over this P.M. with a pattern for me to change. Pa took Lois over to Hanks this morning.

Jul 22 – Draughted. Pa took Ma over to Hanks to have a negative made of herself. She stayed all day. Mr Knapp came over this p.m.

Jul 23 – Draughted a little. Rained last night it had got to be real dry. Charley Smith came out and got Lois for Luke Smiths folks.

Jul 24 – Draughted some. Went to the Burg this P.M. evening. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Charley Towne began cutting oats in our west lot this P.M.

Jul 25 – Will Clark and I went up to Mr Flanders this A.M. and picked cherries. Mrs Hoag[113] visited here to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. called at Mr Knapps and got a casting to make a pattern from.

X Jul 26 – Made a pattern for Mr Knapp. Will Clark and I went to the burg this evening. I rode home with Herb Earl in their boat. Hank and Nan started for Toledo this A.M. Pa went and got the children. Hank was going from Toledo to Cincinnati Monday to attend the Photographers Convention. Jim went to Shelbyville to day. Rec’d a letter from Miss H. M. Comfort Logan Iowa.[114]

Jul 27 – Went up to Charley Clarks and took dinner with them. Will Clark, Lela and Bessie also. We went and took a boat ride. Charley Clark and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Lucy is not as well.

Jul 28 – Draughted some. Worked in the garden awhile to day. Nancy came from Toledo to day. Came over after the children and took tea with us. Jim came from Lou’s to day. Jessie came as far as Kal with him. Charley Clark was down this P.M. we talked “boat” some.

X Jul 29 – Draughted. C. Towne drew the oats this P.M. Will Johnson threashed for Will Clark and Mr Randall to day. His machine is here to night, will threash here tomorrow. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Jul 30 – Threashed to day had 138 bushels of wheat and 92 of oats. Pa and I got the loose straw and chaff in the barn this P.M. Methodist picnic at Gull Lake to day. Will Clark went with Mate.[115] Wrote to Hannah.

X Jul 31 – Draughted some this P.M. Helped P clean up some wheat this A.M. Wrote to Hannah.

Aug 1 – I Draughted. Worked in the garden some this A.M. Went up to Charleys this evening and carried some beans. Sowed Turnip seeds this A.M.

Aug 2 – D made an instantaneous shutter for James Conkeys camera. Went to the Burg this evening. Rode home with T. Earl. Jim is out of the Band.

Aug 3 – Went down to Mrs Browns and put Bill in with Prince and got their double buggy for Mrs B-, Hank, Nan and Ma to go up to Mr Woods with. They did not find them at home so got back at 2.30. I carried Nan and the children home this evening. Charley & Clara was down this P.M.

Aug 4 – Draughted. Pa went over and got Nan this morning to help Ma ki quilt small quilt for Lou.[116] I carried her home this evening. 22 years ago to day since the Tornado.[117] It is quite cold for this time of the year.

Aug 5 – Draughted. Clara came down this A.M. and helped Ma quilt. Pa and Ma went to Kal this P.M. Ma went to see Edna. Jessie is there will come home tomorrow. Charley and Will Clark bought Lacelle Straits[118] carriage to day. Clara and Edna took dinner with me.

X Aug 6 – Geo Ives took dinner with us. After dinner I went up to Fidelio Browns. Ma went to the Burg this P.M. I went after her this evening. Edna and Jessie was at Nan’s came on Mich City freight. O. M. tried to –[119] Rec’d a letter from Henry L. Keith. Cong’l and Baptist S.S. Picnic at Gull Lake. Will Clark went. Jim took Flora & Mary Milham.[120]

Aug 7 – Draughted. Will and Charley have been breaking Mustang to day. Clara was down this P.M. Charley, Will and I went to the Burg this evening.

Aug 8 – Pa and Ma started for Shelbyville at five oclock this morning. Nan and the children came over to night. Will Clark went up to Gull Lake this P.M. to stay a few days, the Russells are camping there.

Aug 9 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Nan and the children went up to Claras this P.M. a little while.

Aug 10 – Hank came over this A.M. Charley & Clara came down this A.M. After dinner Charley, Hank and I went up around by Flanders and the brick school hous with the Mustang. Then Hank, Nan and I went home with Charley & Clara got Mr Earls boat and we went across the river to look at Hanks cow. Charley talked of buying it. Jim and Flora are out this P.M. & evening. Will C came from his visit up to Gull Lake.

Aug 11 – Draughted some. Clara and Edna were down this P.M. Hank Brown went to Chicago last evening. Will came back on N.Y. Express this evening to Battle Creek and from there home on accommodation.

Aug 12 – Draughted. Aunt Kate and Blanche came out on Mail to day. Pa & Ma came from Shelbyville this P.M. Clara & Edna were down to day brought a mess of fish.

Aug 13 – Draughted a little this P.M. Aunt Kate, Jessie and Blanche went home on Mail. Will Clark helped Mr Allerton[121] threash. Lela Brown is 6 years old to day.

Aug 14 – 90°. Draughted. Went to the Burg with Will Clark this P.M. Went down to the foundry. Clara & Edna were down. Pa is not feeling well.

Aug 15 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Mr & Mrs Streator and Mabel[122] was down this P.M. took tea with us.

Aug 16 – Will Clark and I went to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is worse has not set up much the past week. We are having hot weather. {Nellie Bristol[123] is 21 years old to day. {Lois Skinner is 44 years old to day.

Aug 17 – Hank, Nan, Jim, Claude, Lela, Bess and myself went up to Gull Lake. Stopped at Hanks grounds. Found Mrs Cummings there from Battle Creek (per agreement). I tried roller skating a little while tried twice to break a hole through the floor but found it the hardest.

Aug 18 – Helped Ma clean the two west bedrooms. Will & Charley went to Augusta. C- bought some chairs. He took “Bill” this P.M. and went to the Depot after them. Clara & Edna went over to the Burg with him.

X Aug 19 – I gave the front room a thorough sweeping and dusting this A.M. Draughted a little this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

X Aug 20 – Wrote to Lois Hannah and Henry L. Keith about binder business. Henry is 41 years old to day. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Will Clark worked for Charley Towne. Charley was down this P.M. Jim came home this evening to stay to night is going to Battle Creek tomorrow.

Aug 21 – Wrote some to Henry and made a drawing of Strait’s and my Reaper & binder to send to him. Will Clark began working with Billy Johnson cutting bands for him. Mrs Brown is here this evening. I went to the Burg this eving, rode with Harry Streator. Jim went to Battle Creek to the Encampment. Turned out some stand tops for Herb Earl. He says Elva has a little girl.[124]

Aug 22 – Draughted. Two years ago to night. Wonder if anyone among the Berkshire Hill, Mass. remembers anything about it. I am quite certain I do, to my sorrow. This is a fickle world.[125] Dont feel very well have a hard headache.

Aug 23 – Went up to the Mill this A.M. Herb gave me a piece of walnut for a stand top & legs. I went to the noon train and met Laura E. and Rosa C. James[126] of Ravenna Portage Co Ohio second cousins on Grandma Keiths side.[127] Nan and the children were over.

Aug 24 – At home all day. Jim and Hank went to Gull Lake this evening. Will Clark went to see “Hettie”.

Aug 25 – Worked at the stands some to day. This P.M. Laura and Rosa and I took a ride up south. Wrote in Rosa’s Autograph Album this evening.

Aug 26 – Laura, Rosa and I went up on the “big hill” this A.M. this P.M. I took them over to Nancys. Found Lois and Ina there. Charley & Clara were here visiting to day.

Aug 27 – Draughted some. Ma went over to Nan’s a visiting to day. Pa went after her this eving. There is Laura and Rosa came back with them.

Aug 28 – Rainy. Laura and Ma washed. Will Clark came home this P.M. and turned the lathe for me to turn out the girls stad stand top. Herb Earl turned for me to turn one for my self this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Ina came home with me.

Aug 29 – Carried Ma, Laura and Rosa up to Charleys this A.M. Pa, Lois and Ina went down to Aunt Katies. I went up to Charleys and took dinner with the “ladies.” Draughted a little. The girls stay with Clara to night.

X Aug 30 – Worked at the girls stand. Herb Earl we came down this morning with an other board for me to turn him a stand top. Laura has ironed to day. Rosa talked to me on “religion” this P.M. a while. Charley took his mother to Kal- to take the cars for Shelby ville. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.

Aug 31 – Will Clark and I went to the Burg this A.M. This P.M. Laura, Rosa and I went up to the Hartwell Corners Cemetery and from there up to John Flanders and across by Ras Townes[128] around by the Lawler school house and Augusta home, 16 miles.

Sep 1 – Up at 4.40 A.M. took Laura & Rosa’s trunk over to the Station and then took them over. They left on the 7.03 train for Albion and from there to Jonesville to visit the cousins out in Hillsdale Co. Turned a Stand top for Earl. He and Charley Clark were here all day turning.

Sep 2 – Draughted. Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. after some apples. Met Hank and Mr Threasher when I came home, the first time I ever saw him. Jim went after the Dr this P.M. for Mr Streator he was taken sick this morning.

Sep 3 – Draughted. We are haveing very warm dry weather.

Sep 4 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening after Ma. Ma visited at Mrs Barbers this P.M. Jim and Fred Franklin went up to Scotts[129] this evening.

Sep 5 – Draughted. Warm and dry mercury in the ,90, nineties.

X Sep 6 – Draughted this A.M. Turned a stand top for Will Clark this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Received a letter from Laura and Rosa James.

Sep 7 – Hot as one needs for comfort. Charley and Clara came down this evening. Jim went to church this A.M. and evening. Charley and Will went over west this A.M.

Sep 8 – 100º. Finished Drafting for my binder. Commenced making patterns this P.M. Will Clark began cutting cutt our corn to day. Two years ago to day I went to a Grove Meeting at Schoolcraft.[130]

X Sep 9 – 101. Worked at patterns. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Uncle Martin Turner[131] was here this A.M. Pa and Ma have gone down to Aunt Katies this P.M. to see how Lucy is.

Sep 10 – 104º. Worked at patterns. Pa took Mar Ma over to Nancys this A.M. Hannah came from her visit at Perry to day. Wesley Keith came here to day came to Hanks last evening. It is ten years since he left.[132] Rained this evening quite hard.

Sep 11 – Worked at patterns some. Took Will Clark up to Sam Osbornes from there to Mr Streators. I took Nan and Hannah down to Mrs Browns. They went down to Aunt Katies. Wesley and I went down there this P.M. Cooler.

Sep 12 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark cut corn for us to day. Clara was down this P.M. Wesley went up to Mr Nyes this P.M.

Sep 13 – Worked at patterns. Charley finished cutting our corn this A.M. Ma went over to the Burg with Pa this evening. Will Clark and Jim have gone up to Augusta to “Skate” this evening. Went over to the 9.15 P.M. train and met Rosa and Laura. They have been out to Hillsdale Co. visiting.

Sep 14 – At home all day. Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies this P.M. found Lucy better. Charley and Clara came down this evening.

Sep 15 – Worked at patterns. Laura, Rosa and I went to the Burg this evening. We went by the way of the upper bridge. Quite warm.

Sep 16 – Dont feel very well have not done much of any thing. Went up to Claras and took postal to Ina. Rained last night has been cooler to day. Hannah is 29 years old to day.

Sep 17 – Laura and Rosa James, Nancy, Hannah, Jim, Claude and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. The James girls did not come back with us are going home from Kal-. We left them at Martin Turners.

Sep 18 – Will Clark and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. Saw Oscar Keith and Myrtie Chaffee and husband.[133] Came home on the cars.[134] We had a double header and 26 cars.

Sep 19 – Worked at patterns some. Mary Plank[135] and Lou Hall a friend of hers came here this evening. We went over to the Skating Rink this evening. Charley Ford[136] had his opining this evening. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Party at Russells to night. Will went Ollie Patterson took him. Bought ½ doz silver plated knives and forks this evening.)

Sep 20 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Mary Plank, Miss Hall and Hannah went over to call on Fannie Towne[137] this A.M. Hannah took them down to Mr Allertons this P.M. They are going home this evening. Will Clark and Hannah went over to the Rink to skate this P.M.

Sep 21 – Hannah, Jim, Will and I went up to Charleys to dinner. Hannah and Will went to church this A.M. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. They say that Lucy is better. Hanks folks are over to Mrs Browns to day.

Sep 22 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark began working for Mr Allerton this morning. Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day.[138] He feels real bad about it. Lucy B. Lee Milham died this evening at 11.15 P.M.[139] Wesley Keith came after Ma this evening to go down to Aunt Katies.

X Sep 23 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith came up from Aunt Katies this morning after Hannah. Said Lucy was dead. Pa went down this P.M. and got Ina. I went up to Claras and told them of Lucy’s death. Rec’d a postal from the James girls.

Sep 24 – Went to Lucy’s funeral. Went to Mr Streators this A.M. with Harry and after dinner we went to the funeral. I rode home with Hanks folks. Rained real hard this A.M.

Sep 25 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark husked corn for Pa to day. Clara and Edna came down this P.M. stayed to tea.

Sep 26 – Worked at patterns. Charley husked a little while this A.M. He and Pa went over to the Station and got his wagon he has had shipped to him from Jasper. Delphia York[140] brought Wesley Keith up here this A.M. Nina came with them. She stayed until after dinner.

Sep 27 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked some to day. I went to the Burg this evening. Mary Schroeder was at Hanks this evening. Hannah came home this evening from Nan’s with Mrs Randall.

Sep 28 – Jim, Charley and I went up to Theodores this A.M. to the “Rink.” Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. but they were not at home. We saw Ida Bronson[141] at the Taylor girls. I carried Hannah over to Nan’s this evening. Carried Jim as far as Mrs Browns on his way to Streators.

Sep 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked corn this A.M. Charley Towne finished husking here to day. There was a Co organized in the Burg to day to develop the water power from Gull Creek north of the Burg.[142] It was discovered by Geo Youmans.

X Sep 30 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening after Hannah. She went to the “Rink” with Jim and Mary Schroder. She came home with Harry Streator. Wesley Keith came back from Scotts this P.M. went to the Burg with me. Will stay at W^m Blakes to night. Rec’d a letter from Laura James.

X Oct 1 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp.[143] It has been a rather disagreeable day. Wrote to Chester Steel Casting Co. Philadelphia Pa. Old Mrs Schram died last night.[144]

Oct 2 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp part of the day. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. After he came home he and Ma went down to aunt Katie.

Oct 3 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp. Mrs Blake and her Mother and Mrs Brown have been here this P.M. Nancy has been here all day. I went and got her.

X Oct 4 – Worked at patterns for Knapp. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Dell came out with a load of goods to day. Hannah went to the Burg this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.

Oct 5 – Charley Clark and I took a ride up by G.R.C. Adams[145] this P.M. Lois, Ina and Clara came down this P.M. Lois and Ina will stay all night. 12 years to night Hank and Nan were married.

X Oct 6 – Wrote to R. E. Strait, H. L. Keith and Munn[?] & Co. Cultivated some ground for strawberries just south of the orchard. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nan’s this P.M. I worked at patterns this P.M. I took Hannah up to Byjolly Halls to sew this A.M.

Oct 7 – Worked at patterns for myself and Mr Knapp. Mr Knapp came over this A.M. to have me make him a small sprocket wheel. Ma went to the Burg this A.M. to stay with Lois at Hanks. Hank and Nan went to Chicago on the 11.15 A.M. train. Charley Clark dug potatoes for me in the garden this P.M., had 9 bu.

Oct 8 – Worked at Knapps and my patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Rained last night so the air is quite cool to day. Allerton discharged Will Clark to day.

Oct 9 – Worked at patterns. Allerton came up this morning wants Will Clark to work for him again. Will went. Will Brown came up after a flail to threash his buckwheat. Wesley Keith has gone up to Mr Riddlers this eving. Hannah came home from Mrs Ralphs this eving. Will Brown brought Lela and Bess up to night.

Oct 10 – Worked at a pattern of a gate hanging for Wesley Keith. Went to the Burg this evening to hear J. C. Burrows speak on the tariff question, he spoke at the rink.

Oct 11 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith went down to Aunt Katies this A.M. rode down with Mr Earl. He is not coming back here. Went over to the rink this evening and saw two little boys from Charlotte skate. Mr David Bronsen died to day.[146]

X Oct 12 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Charley Clark and Clara were down this P.M. Wrote to Laura E. James.

Oct 13 – Worked at patterns. Mr David Bronsen was buried to day. Pa went to the funeral. Nancy came from Chicago she brought me a loaf of bread. Pa and Ma took Lela and Bess over home this P.M.

Oct 14 – Worked at patterns. Carried Hannah over to Nan’s. She is going to the rink to skate. Will stay at Hanks to night. Sarah Ettie Calkins[147] came to Hanks while I was there. Hank came home from Chicago last evening.

Oct 15 – Worked at patterns. Pa is 71 years old to day. Pa took Ma to the Burg this P.M. Brought Nan and Hannah back. I took Nan to Kal- to the 6.50 P.M. train and she went to Shelbyville. Jay is very sick. I got back from Kal- 10.15 P.M. Called at aunt Katie the baby was sick.[148]

Oct 16 – Worked at patterns. Charley and Herb Clark[149] was here this A.M. Pa took Hannah over to Hanks this evening she was going to the rink. I went after her. Pa brought Ma, Lela and Bessie home with him. Harry and Jim called a minute on their way to the Burg this eving.

Oct 17 – Worked at patterns. Went to the burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Hank rec’d a postal from Nan. She said Jay about the same.

Oct 18 – Worked at patterns. Hannah has gone to the rink with Harry Streator this evening. He is agoing to stop here when he comes back with her. Nan wrote to day that Jay is no better. Bessie is not very well.

Oct 19 – Hannah and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Harvey Keith[150] and his Mother[151] was here to day. Hank Brown called here this A.M. on his way to his Mothers.

Oct 20 – Worked at patterns. Hannah went to the rink this P.M. and this evening went up to Ras Townes to sew. I went to the Burg this evening.

X Oct 21 – Worked at patterns. Nancy came from Shelby ville this P.M. Wrote to J. F. Tomlinson. Walked over to Mr Knapps this A.M. helping him on his machine.

Oct 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah came from Ras Townes this evening. Ma went to the Burg and stayed at Nan’s until night. I went over to a Water Power meeting at the rink, there was $7,000 worth of stock taken.

X Oct 23 – Worked at patterns. Snowed last night and has snowed by spells all day. Clara and Edna visited here this P.M. Charley was here to tea. Wrote to R. E. Strait West Oneonta New York.

Oct 24 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark and family went out to Athens to visit Clara’s cousin. Hannah is about sick with a hard cold.

Oct 25 – Gathered apples, pulled the beets and onions and Pa finished digging the potatoes to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to Lois’es the first I have been in her house. She stayed there last night for the first time. I put up her clock for her.

Oct 26 – Went down to Alvin Lee’s to day. It has rained all the afternoon. Jim and Will were here to day.

Oct 27 – Worked at patterns. Began the pattern of the flanged wheel for the knotter part of the binder. Four years ago to day, Mr Brown died.[152] Saw some views at Hanks.

Oct 28 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this P.M. I took them home this evening. Will Clark rec’d a letter from S & O S & H of Shelby ville[153] wanting to know if he would clerk for them. Saw some views at Hanks that of Perry N.Y. and vicinity that old Mr Cooley let them take.

Oct 29 – Worked at patterns. Went over to the Water power Meeting this evening. They finished raising the am’t necessary to organize a company, $10,000. Will hold their first meeting to elect officers tomorrow evening. Ma took went to Shelby ville to day Pa took her to Kal-. Hannah came home from Fords this evening where she has been sewing.

Oct 30 – Worked at patterns. Took Hannah to the Burg so she could go to the rink, went after her this evening. Jim has gone after a girl to go to the rink with him had Harrys horse and carriage. Jim took Mary Milham to the rink.

Oct 31 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark quit working for Mr Allerton yesterday. He is agoing to to clerking for Schroder and Harris at Shelby ville.

Nov 1 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this A.M. I took them down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Hank and I went to the Academy of Music to see Silver King played this evening it was first rate. Will Clark and Hettie went to the play.

Nov 2 – Hannah and I went to Charleys this P.M. and made a short visit. Jim stayed at home last night has been to the Burg all day.

Nov 3 – Worked at patterns. Pa went up to Mr Flanders and got a load of apples this P.M. Will Clark went up to Shelbyville to day to clerk for S & H. Jim and Mary Milham went to Kal- this evening to an opening of a new skating rink. Grace Griffith began working for Nan to day.

Nov 4 – Election (Presidential)[154] I voted for the prohabition candidates, St. John of Kan – for president – voted the Green back ticket for State Legislature and County Officers. Worked at patterns and done some turning for Herb Earl this A.M. Took tea at Hanks. Visited Lois this evening. Rained all night. Sent a couple of Enterprises[155] to Hank telling about the Water Power Boom.

Nov 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained all the last fore noon. Mr W^m Hill died last night (Oat Hills father).[156] Hannah went up to Mrs Thompsons near Scotts to sew this A.M. so Pa and I are all alone. Charley Clark helped Pa get the apples out of the wagon down cellar this A.M. He had the wagon to draw his Mother a load of wood in the P.M. Pa got “Peter” in the pen this P.M.

X Nov 6 – Worked at patterns. Finished putting the flanges on the flange wheel that is on the knotter part. Pa went over to the Burg this P.M. Pa bought 8 bushels of potatoes of Nelson Nichols 30 cts pr bushel. Wrote to Henry L. Keith about the binder. Offered him half of it if he would be to the patent expense and also the expense of making a binder. Did not send the letter for I got one from R. E. Strait.

Nov 7 – Worked at patterns and house work. Charley Clark husked corn for us to day (finished).

X Nov 8 – Worked at patterns. Ma came from Lou’s to day. Lou sent me a can of Salmon. Received a letter from R. E. Strait. Pa went over to the Depot and got Ma’s trunk. Lois and Ina came home with him. Dell came here about 10 P.M.

Nov 9 – Very pleasant. Jim came down this A.M. Ed Streator of Cleveland Ohio[157] came with him. He brought his Bb cornet with him it cost $90. He is a good player. I carried Lois and Ina home this P.M. Dell went over to the Burg this A.M. Jim and Hannah went over to Hanks this evening. Jim took his new Vineyard skates back to exchange them.

X Nov 10 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Hannah to the Burg this A.M. Heard that Mrs Barber[158] was very sick came back and took Ma over there. She stayed until night. Rec’d letter from Rosa C. James.

X Nov 11 – Worked at patterns. Wrote to Henry. Went to the Burg this evening. Walked home with T. Earl. Hank, Nan and Hannah went to the skating rink.

Nov 12 – Worked at patterns. Ma has gone over to set up with Mrs Barber to night. Willis Brown and Lizzie Ogden were married this evening[159] at her home. No one there but the brothers and sisters.[160] Hank and Nancy and children went. Mrs Brown had a bad cold and could not go.

Nov 13 – Worked at patterns. Ma went down and visited Mrs Brown this P.M. She was there when Will and Lizzie came from Mr Ogdens.[161] Pa went over to the Burg and got Ma this A.M. She stayed at Hanks. Mrs Barber did not need any to set up with her. Jim and Mary have gone to the rink to night. We are having nice weather for this time of the year.

Nov 14 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma were married 35 years ago to day. Will Brown and wife called this evening to leave a couple of papers. He introduced me to his wife.

X Nov 15 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening Hannah went with me. The Democrats are having a big time. They have just heard that Cleveland carried the state of N.Y. It is just splendid weather nowadays. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.

X Nov 16 – Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies. Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. Hanks folks were over. Six years ago to day Charley and Clara were married. Rained some just at night. Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.

X Nov 17 – Charley Clark, Lois, Nan, Ina and I went to Kal- to day. Lois went to do get her a carpet for her parlor and chairs and couch. Bill got scared at the cars at Comstock and liked to run off the bank the west of the bridge. Hannah sews for Mary Allerton[162] most of this week.

Nov 18 – Worked at patterns. It has been quite a cold day. Pa washed the windows in the shop. Will Brown finished husking corn to day. Charley Clark helped him.

Nov 19 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Julia Lee’s visiting to day. It has been quite pleasant.

X Nov 20 – Finished the patterns for the knotter part of my binder. Went to the Burg this evening. The Democrats have had a “big” time in Kal- to day over the election. Rec’d a letter from H. M. Comfort.

Nov 21 – Worked at a bar for Charley Clarks bookcase and a box for Jim to carry his skates in. Went up to Charleys this P.M. and put the bar on the bookcase. Mrs Youngs[163] came there while I was there, the first time I ever met her. Charley Clark plastered some for us this P.M. in Grand ma’s room. Went to the Burg this evening.

Nov 22 – Charley plastered a little this A.M. His wifes cousin came down with him Mr Long (Oldacre). Helped Lois put down her new carpet this P.M. Took tea with her, the first meal I have taken with her in her new home. Mr Knapp came over to get some pattern work done this A.M. Miss Ella Allen came to Hanks to day. She is from Georgia.[164] I had an introduction.

Nov 23 – Hannah and I went down to Mrs Browns and spent the day. Nan and children were there. Jim is there doing chores. Will and Lizzie are out to Mr Perrys. Has been quite stormy rain and snow.

Nov 24 – Worked at a pattern of a gear wheel (3¼”) for Mr W. H. Knapp. Charley Clark was down to day had a tooth pulled.[165] Took dinner with us. This has been cold stormy day. Hannah went to Gus Gates this morning to sew.

Nov 25 – Worked at a box for Jim to keep his skates in to day. Mr Knapp came over and got his pattern this A.M. Jim called this evening for his skates. He and Miss Ella Allen and Will Brown and wife have gone to the rink to night. Sleighs have started for the first this winter to day.

Nov 26 – Finished Jims skate box and began one for Hannah this P.M. Charley Clark and Theodore Earl was down this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark was over to his mothers and he came home with me. Sleighs are running to night.

Nov 27 – Worked at Hannahs skate box, and began the pattern for the needle to the binder. Thanksgiving. We had a strawberry shortcake for dinner. Jim went to Kal-. The Burg boys have been sliding down hill to day. Lois and Ina are over to Charleys to day to Thanksgiving.

Nov 28 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came after Ma this A.M. to go up there visiting. Lois and Ina came home with her to night. T. Earl, Nelson Nichols and Richard Barber were here to day. Two years ago tonigh. The thought does not bring pleasant memories. Quite the reverse.[166]

Nov 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came and got his Mother and Ina and carried them home this A.M. Ma went over to Mrs Ralphs visiting this P.M. I went after her this evening. Hannah came from Wm Ralphs this evening. Two years age to day “Nell” left for West Stockbridge, Mass. 12.53 P.M.[167]

Nov 30 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. It has been a pleasant day. Charley Clark, Jim, Will Kaywood and sister,[168] Mrs Brown, Will Brown and wife and Ella Allen, Mrs Powers of Scotts and brother have all been in the yard to day. Harry Streator also. Ormsby Mitchell came after Hannah this evening to go there and sew this week.

Dec 1 – Jim and I went to Kal- to day. I called on Edna found her sick abed. Took Uncle D. C. Crawfords[169] letter down to her (it was a business letter). We are having quite pleasant weather.

Dec 2 – Worked at patterns. Clara Clark and her Mother Mrs Youngs visited here this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening. Jim went over with me. We called on Lois. Jim stays here to night.

Dec 3 – Worked at patterns. Ma visited the Taylor girls this P.M. Harry Streator was here this A.M. and got his cross cut saw filed. Dont feel very well to night.

Dec 4 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to the rink. They gave a prize to the best lady skater. Miss Church of Augusta got it.

Dec 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained some is quite warm. Charley Towne and Charley Clark were both here a little while to day.

Dec 6 – Worked at patterns. Rained all day. Marenus Caywood brought Hannah home this evening.

X Dec 7 – Rained until this P.M. Wind has blown very hard all day. Wrote to Miss Rosa C. James. Jim was down home to day. Carried Hannah down to Mr Caywoods this P.M.

Dec 8 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Jim called on his way to the Burg this P.M.

Dec 9 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Pa and I moved the kitchen stove nearer the west side of the room this P.M.

Dec 10 – Worked at patterns. Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. after Hannah.

Dec 11 – Worked at patterns. Albert Fisher came and got Hannah this A.M. to go and sew for his folks. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Lucelle Strait the first time that I have met him since he came from the east. We talked over the binder business some. Got a pin and earrings for Aunt Katie to make Adelphia[170] and Clara presents of.

Dec 12 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Pa extracted a tooth for Charley Clark.

Dec 13 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this P.M. to see Lucelle Strait but did not see him. Went and saw Mr Knapps machine he has it about completed. Cleaned Loises clock this P.M. took tea with her. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim got through working for Harry Streator to day.

Dec 14 – Jim is 22 years old to day. He has gone up to Mr Ogdens with Lizzie and Ella Allen this evening. Lucelle Strait came over and looked the binder patterns over. We talked binder business also.

X Dec 15 – Went over to see Lucelle Strait this A.M. about binder business. 8½ inches of snow on the ground this morning. Rec’d a letter from Florence and Henry. Wrote to Florence also to Henry and told him on what conditions I would let him have a 1/6 interest in the binder. Charley Clark is 25 years old to day.

Dec 16 – 10°. Worked at patterns. Charley Clark was down this P.M. and turned the lathe for Pa to turn some pump tops for Theodore. Jim has gone to the Rink to night. Will stay with Lois all night.

Dec 17 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Coldest day yet this winter. Charley Clark was down this A.M. took dinner with us. He and Jim went to the Burg. Jim has gone up to Put Milhams to see Jessie about going to the dance Friday night.

Dec 18 – 14° below. Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this eving. I paid Hank three dollars for the Sci Amanian another year. Jim got the paper and lath off from overhead in Grandma’s bed room to day.

Dec 19 – 16º below. Worked at patterns. Jim and Jessie Milham have gone to the first club dance at the Rink this evening. Will Clark came out to day. Charley went to Kal after him.

Dec 20 – Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Snowed quite hard this evening. Will Clark went back to Shelbyville this A.M.

Dec 21 – Jim went over and got Lois and Ina this morning. Pa took them home this evening. Hannah and I went up to Charleys and spent the evening. Mr Dewey brought Hannah home this A.M. from Scotts.

X Dec 22 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Commenced the large cog wheel on the binder this A.M. Wrote to J.F.T.

Dec 23 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this A.M. Lela and Bessie came home with them. Hannah and I drove down to Mr Allertons this evening. She wanted to see Mrs A about sewing for her, then we took the children home. Lois and Ina went out to Ceresco to day.

Dec 24 – Worked at patterns turned the large cog wheel. Hannah and Jim have gone to the Cantata at the Methodist church this evening. Snowed I presume 10 inches last night and to day. Must be 20 inches of snow on the land.

Dec 25 – 1º. Christmas. Pa, Ma, Hannah, Jim and myself took dinner with Charley and Clara. I went over to the Burg this evening attended the Masquerade at the Peerless skating Rink. Was good. Jim and I put the carpet down in Grandma’s room this morning. Saw Lucelle Strait this evening said he had heard from his father and that he was satisfied with our bargain in regard to the binder.

Dec 26 – 22º below zero. Changed a sleigh shoe pattern for I. D. L. Schram[171] this P.M. Ma is 63 years old to day. I put the carpet down in the “little room” bedroom this evening.

Dec 27 – Made a little table for Edna Clark to day. Jim and Charley Clark went to the Burg this P.M. Rainy this P.M.

Dec 28 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim went to the Burg this evening. Hanks folks went to Mrs B-s to day called on their way home. Will and Lizzie took Stella Ogden[172] home. Ella Allen went over to Hanks to stay a few days. Rainy to day. Rained last night.

Dec 29 – Worked on patterns making coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder. Painted the little table that I made for Edna. Rainy. Snow is going fast.

Dec 30 – Worked a patterns, finished the coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder, 80 of them. Pa took “Peter” the pig over to the slaughter house and had him killed. Would weigh about 225 dressed I guess. Jim has gone over to the Rink to night. Rained all day, our 20 inches of snow is gone and it went with a rain and all settled into the ground.

Dec 31 – Worked at patterns a little while. Clara Clark has been down helping Ma to day. Jim went to Kal- to meet Lou and Dee but they did not come. Went to the Burg this evening. Another year is drawing to a close and no great change with me. I think my health is some better and my business prospects better than one year ago.

——-

Memoranda

“He who does the best his circumstances allow,
Does well, acts nobly. Angels could no more.”

“A beautiful life ends not in death.”

“The crown and glory of life is character.”

“The truest self respect is not to think of self.”

“It is not rank, nor birth, nor state,
But get up and get that makes men great.”

“The good is always beautiful,
The beautiful is good.”

Never change in anything but name.

Politeness is to do and say the kindest things in the kindest way.

“The richest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation.”

“Take time to deliberate but when the time for action arrives stop thinking “Nell.”

I have seen so many changes years felt
On earth I am a stranger grown
I wander in the ways of men
Alike unknowing and unknown.
(Uncle Jessie Turner)

Maltine with Phosphates

How to make Cheese Digestable Sci A.M.
No 10, March 8th 1884

C.P.R.P. Ferry Sci A.M.
Supplement No. 399

Jan 9, 12, 14, 21, 23, 31
Feb 24
March 17
April 16
June 10
July 7, 28
Aug 18
Sep 2, 3, 10
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 18

Edward Lyman
Constructive Engineer
New Haven Conn
Lyman’s Gear Chart.
Price 50 cts.

S. M. Skedling
Treatment for Constipation
Sci A.M. Supt 284

For worms on Currant Bush
Petroleum 30 parts, water 10 parts, soap 20 parts

——-

[1] Ethan placed X’s at the top of several entries, however, there was no explanation as to why

[2] His half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, and her daughter, Ina Skinner

[3] His sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown, and her son, Claude Brown

[4] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his sister and her husband, Louese & D.D. Harris, lived

[5] His younger brother, James Clinton Keith

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[8] William Clark, his nephew, son of his sister Lois by her first husband, Byron Clark

[9] Willis Brown, neighbor and brother of Henry Brown

[10] Bess Brown, the daughter of his sister Nancy

[11] Neighbor, Herbert Earl

[12] His sister, Hannah Keith

[13] Matilda (Allen) Brown, neighbor and mother of Henry Brown

[14] His brother-in-law (Nancy’s husband), Henry Brown

[15] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known as Luke

[16] Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[17] His half-brother and sister-in-law, Henry & Florence (Stahl) Keith

[18] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[19] Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[20] Possibly the business was relating to their mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, who was living with Ethan’s parents, and needing more attention and assistance in her old age

[21] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[22] Neighbor, and cousin of Henry Brown

[23] His niece, Lela Brown (Nancy’s daughter)

[24] Michigan marriage records show that William Morton and Myrtie Barlow were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 16, 1884

[25] His paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith

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

[27] John Batey

[28] His sister, Louese (Keith) Harris, and her son, Jay Harris

[29] Neighbor, and brother of Herbert Earl

[30] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[31] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[32] Michigan death records confirm that Bela Wright died on January 19, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[33] Michigan death records confirm that John Batey died on January 18, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[35] Nickname for Hiram Crawford Jr.

[36] His paternal first cousin

[37] Hiram’s wife, Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[38] His brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[39] Believe he is referring to his cousin, Frank John Tomlinson

[40] His nephew, Charles Ira Clark

[41] His neighbor, Isaac Schram

[42] The family’s horse

[43] His brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris Jr., also known as D. or D.D., who was married to Ethan’s sister Louese

[44] Cousins, Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[45] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s son

[46] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter

[47] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter

[48] Neighbor in Comstock, Ida (Barber) Howe

[49] Carrie and Charles Howe

[50] Ethan’s mother Sarah and Hiram’s brother, Henry Clay Crawford

[51] Henry lived in South Bend, Indiana

[52] Don’t know who he is referring to; research continues

[53] Lucius Prosper Crawford, another brother of Sarah and Hiram Crawford

[54] Strait Windmill Company

[55] Uncle Pros

[56] Hiram was the treasurer for the North Chicago City Railway Company and horses were used to pull the trolley cars along rail lines. Although electric cable cars were introduced in 1882 and replaced horsecars on feeder routes when they became available, it wasn’t until 1906 that all their lines were converted to electricity

[57] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith

[58] His cousin, John “Frank” Tomlinson

[59] Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul RR, early predecessor to the Milwaukee Road

[60] Perhaps he switched the letters around and is referring to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad

[61] Chicago & Rock Island Railroad

[62] Michigan Central Railroad

[63] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. From Wikipedia: At its founding in 1874, the stated purpose of the WCTU was to create a “sober and pure world” by abstinence, purity, and evangelical Christianity. The constitution of the WCTU called for “the entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.”

[64] From Wikipedia: On December 24, 1883, a young white German named William Berner and his accomplice, Joe Palmer, a man of mixed African and European descent, robbed and murdered their employer, William Kirk, a livery stable owner in the West End of the city. The murderers dumped Kirk’s body near the Mill Creek in the Northside district. After the men had been arrested, 500 potential jurymen were called before Berner’s lawyer accepted the jury of twelve. After a prolonged trial, on March 26, 1884, the jury returned a manslaughter verdict despite the testimony of seven different people to whom Berner had admitted his cold-blooded planning and execution of the murder. The judge, who gave a sentence of 20 years in prison, called the verdict “a damned outrage.” The next day, the newspapers called for a public meeting to condemn the verdict. Tried separately, Palmer was convicted and hanged. A New York Times article dated March 27, 1884, reported that James Bourne, one of the jurors, had spent the previous night at Bremen Street police station after being threatened by a mob. Returning home on the morning of March 27, a crowd threatened to hang him but was dispersed by the police. Later he was severely beaten and was again taken to the police station for his own safety. Another member of the jury, Charles Dollahan, was pelted with rotten eggs and dared not return home. Louis Havemeyer was told he was fired when he went to work. A crowd tore the blinds from the house of L. Phillips on Liberty Street, and threw dead cats and rotten eggs through the windows before discovering they had the wrong Phillips, not a member of the jury. The foreman of the jury, A. F. Shaw, had gone into hiding. On March 28, several thousand people attended a meeting to protest the lenient sentence. A large group of protesters then headed to the jail, apparently planning to lynch Berner. Unknown to the rioters, Berner was not there. He had been sent to Columbus, Ohio, for his own safety, and had escaped en route. The rioters managed to break into the jail through the Sheriff’s apartment, but left when they were shown that Berner was not present. Then more rioters arrived. The Sheriff had the alarms rung which had the effect of drawing yet more people to the scene. The mob, now 10,000 strong, pelted the jail with bricks and stones. They were driven out by reinforcements from the militia armory who entered the building via a tunnel from the courthouse. After one of the attackers was shot dead the violence escalated. Rioters attempted to set the jail on fire using stolen kerosene. By the time the situation became temporarily under control late on Friday night, five people had died, including one police officer, and many more were wounded.

[65] Chicago & North Western Railway

[66] His second cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel & Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee until March 18, 1870 when he joined his family in Salt Lake

[67] Katherine Sarah “Kit” (Crawford) Birkland, daughter of Robert Crawford (see footnote to April 8^th entry)

[68] Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

[69] His mother Sarah’s brother

[70] Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway

[71] To complete the process of boiling down the syrup in making maple sugar until it is thick enough to crystallize

[72] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts’ brother

[73] Pros Crawford’s wife, Isabella (Steele) Crawford

[74] Jay Keith Harris was the son of his sister and brother-in-law, Louese & D.D. Harris

[75] Neighbor, Charles Towne, Hannah Keith’s future husband

[76] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[77] Son of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to January 18^th entry)

[78] Believe he is referring to his family’s horse, Bill, and the Brown family’s horse, Tom

[79] George Tomlinson’s wife, Marion (Sprague) was the daughter of Patty (Keith) Sprague (see footnote to January 24^th entry)

[80] Ogden, Mary (Wareham) and Cleo Tomlinson

[81] Alvin Lee and his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee. Alvin and Ethan were second cousins

[82] Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths. Although Memorial Day became its official title in the 1880s, the holiday didn’t legally become Memorial Day until 1967

[83] Neighbor, Dexa Strait; the future wife of Jay Ralph Harris, D.D. Harris’ brother

[84] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his cousin, the daughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[85] Ansel Lee Milham, Lucy’s son

[86] Mary (Clapp) Earl, Herbert Earl’s mother

[87] A climbing plant with pleasant-smelling, yellow flowers such as Virginia creeper, or honeysuckle

[88] He had affixed a 2¢ postage stamp at the bottom of the page

[89] His maternal first cousin, Edna (Crawford) Allen

[90] His maternal uncles, Robert, Henry and David (D.C.) Crawford

[91] But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me

[92] Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[93] Patty’s granddaughter, Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett, the daughter of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[94] His brother-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert Skinner

[95] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham, who was the husband of Ethan’s cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[96] His maternal first cousin, Eugene L. Crawford

[97] 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

[98] His nephew and his wife, Charles I. & Clara (Youngs) Clark

[99] His cousin, John Frank Tomlinson; also went by the name of Frank or J. Frank

[100] Jesse Turner was actually his first cousin once removed

[101] Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

[102] FindAGrave.com confirms that Peter S. Carmer died in Otsego on June 19, 1884 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Michigan. According to Luke Keith’s April 7^th diary entry he had just moved to Otsego

[103] A poisonous emerald-green powder used as a pigment, insecticide and wood preservative

[104] Patty lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, in Perry, New York. Hannah stayed in Perry until September 10th

[105] His patent attorney, Lucius C. West

[106] Clara’s daughter, Edna Clark, who was almost 3 years old

[107] Neighbor, Isaac Odell Jr.

[108] Believe this to be Ethan’s cousin, Hannah Marie Comfort. Hannah was the niece of Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[109] Neighbor, Ransom E. Strait; Dexa was his daughter

[110] Luke Keith noted in his diary on August 22^nd that Jay Barton died

[111] Galesburg Cornet Band. It was organized August 4, 1870 and Ethan was an original member, playing the 2^nd E-flat cornet

[112] Assume this to be Arthur Arms, who was the widower of Cynthia (Brown) Arms, the sister of Ambrose Brown (Matilda [Allen] Brown’s late husband)

[113] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[114] Hannah (see footnote of July 4^th entry) lived in Ontario, Canada and was most likely visiting her brother, Dr. Francis Comfort, who lived in Logan, Iowa

[115] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[116] Louese was pregnant with her daughter, LaVergne, who was born September 10, 1884

[117] Newspaper articles: Kalamazoo Gazette 08 August 1862 p 3: “The Gale of Monday” A gale and thunderstorm swept over this place and surrounding county on Monday resulting in much damage to buildings, trees and fences; and we are pained to say also by claiming some loss of life. All through our streets and enclosures may be seen broken trees, but we hear of no other particular damage in the city. But we learn that at the residence of J. MILHAM, Esq., some two or three miles southeast of here was unroofed, and that the falling timbers killed several cows and sheep. Other damage was done to his premises, but we have not the particulars. At Galesburgh the storm was very destructive. We refer to a communication in another place for the details. At Battle Creek too, there was considerable damage done; among other things we are grieved to hear that the elegant Methodist Church was severely marred by the falling of its steeple, cracking the walls and shattering the roof. We have rumor of several lives lost here and there which we do not think reliable.”

“The Tornado at Galesburgh”

Ed. GAZETTE:-A tornado passed through our village yesterday about 4 o’clock which filled the minds of our citizens with great gloom and solemnity. It began to do its great work in the western part of the village by destroying three homes and injuring others. It then passed in an easterly direction blowing the roof off the grist-mill and entirely destroying our new part that was recently attached to the mill. It then made its rage through the eastern part of the village destroying barns, cabinet shops and three dwelling houses, tearing up every tree in its course.

Three families were entirely buried in the ruins of their own dwellings. No one injured except A. SHERMAN who was badly bruised and a little girl about eight years old a daughter of MR. BATCHELDER was instantly killed by a falling stick of timber. A Committee of five was appointed by the citizens to examine the property injured and ascertain who is made destitute in consequence of the storm. They report that damage at thirteen thousand, six hundred and twenty four dollars. M.G.

Burial: From Tombstone Inscriptions in Kalamazoo County, Michigan by Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, 1980. Galesburg Old Cemetery, Section 13, corner of Hastings & Division, Comstock Twp., Kalamazoo County.

Batchelder, Anna L. Daug of J. D. & L, Aug 4, 1862 5 yrs 10 mos 11dys Killed by the tornado

Lurectia, wife of J.D. Sept 17 1862, 45 yrs 8 mos”

[118] Neighbor; son of Ransom Strait and brother of Dexa Strait (see footnote to May 31^st entry)

[119] Following this are three lines of underlining. Ethan made several cryptic entries (see August 22, September 8, November 28 & 29) which seem to relate to the fact that he had been engaged to Helen “Nellie” Bristol, who went to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and married Clarence Spencer on October 25, 1885

[120] Believe he is referring to Flora Milham, the daughter of Richard & Hannah (Goodrich) Milham, and Mary A. Milham, the daughter of James & Ella (Adams) Milham. Richard and James were Martin Milham’s half-brothers

[121] Neighbor, John T. Allerton. Later in 1896, Will would marry John’s daughter, Elizabeth Allerton

[122] The 5-year-old daughter of Harry & Helen (Randall) Streator

[123] Helen “Nellie” Bristol

[124] Elva was the sister of Theodore and Herbert Earl. She married Frank Crossfield and they had a daughter, Ethel Crossfield

[125] See footnote to August 6th entry. There is also an entry in Ethan’s 1899 diary: Took Hannah to Cora Beras this A.M. went after this evening. Went over part of the same road seventeen years this even’g.

[126] Laura (James) Vair and Roselia James, daughters of John & Elsie (Prentiss) James

[127] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[128] Erasmus Towne, who was the brother of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5^th entry)

[129] Scotts, Michigan

[130] See footnote to August 6th entry

[131] Martin Turner was actually his first cousin once removed but was probably referred to as Uncle because of an age difference of 47 years

[132] John Wesley Keith. According to the Keith Family Bible, Wesley was the adopted brother of Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. A May 4th entry in Luke’s 1874 diary shows that “Wesley and family left for Kansas on the Eleven fifty Eight run”

[133] Mrytie LaVern Chaffee, the daughter of Ethan’s first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” Keith & Thomas Jefferson Chaffee Jr. Mrytie’s husband was Jesse Eugene Stevens

[134] The train

[135] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Planks had been the Keith family’s neighbors in Comstock until 1873 when they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan

[136] Neighbor, Charles Ford, husband of “Mate” Ford (see footnote to July 30^th entry)

[137] Neighbor Frances Towne. She was the sister of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5^th entry)

[138] Ida Barber married C. Eugene Howe on February 15, 1882 and on February 18, 1884 had twins (see footnote to February 18^th entry)

[139] This text had a border around it. While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. She left behind seven children, the oldest being 18 years old and the youngest 9 months old

[140] Ethan’s cousin, Marion Adelphia York, the granddaughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee (see footnote to January 7^th entry)

[141] Ida (Clark) Bronson was the niece of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s first husband, Byron Clark

[142] Gull Creek is at the south end of Gull Lake. A control structure was built there in the mid-1800s to provide power for a grist mill and to control lake level

[143] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[144] Michigan death records reveal that Mary (Lester) Schram died September 30, 1884 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[145] Neighbor, George R. C. Adams

[146] Michigan death records show that David S. Bronson died in Comstock, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[147] Sarahetta (Calkins) Tipton was Matilda (Allen) Brown’s niece

[148] Lavinia Lucy Milham, the baby daughter of Lucy (Lee) Milham. According to Lucy’s obituary, her mother, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, had the responsibility of raising the children: “the aged mother of the deceased, who having filled a full rounded life of labor and usefulness, at three score and ten finds new reasons for perennial youth to complete the task prematurely layed down by her daughter.”

[149] Charley Clark’s first cousin, Herbert Loren Clark

[150] His cousin, Harvey R. Keith

[151] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[152] Ambrose Brown, Matilda Brown’s husband, and Hank and Will Brown’s father

[153] Schroder & Harris, a general store of which D. D. Harris (Louese Keith’s husband) was part owner

[154] Grover Cleveland defeated James Blaine, becoming the 22nd president of the United States. He also was the 24^th president, the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office (1885–1889 and 1893–1897)

[155] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspapers

[156] Michigan death records reveal that Andrew (not William) Hill died November 4, 1884 in Comstock, Michigan. Andrew was the father of Otis Hill

[157] Edward Kent Streator, the son of Worthy & Sarah (Sterling) Streator. It is believed that Edward and Marius (see footnote to January 18^th entry) were brothers; research continues

[158] Neighbor, Mary (Knowles) Barber

[159] Willis Allen Brown and Elizabeth Rebecca Ogden were married in Charleston, Michigan

[160] Lizzie had five brothers, Stuart, Charles, George, Murray and Arthur, and four sisters, Mary, Fanny, Estella and Ida

[161] Henry Ogden

[162] Daughter of John Allerton (see footnote to August 13^th entry)

[163] Charley Clark’s mother-in-law, Rhoda (Wood) Youngs

[164] Ella was Henry Brown’s maternal first cousin, the daughter of his Uncle Wilson Allen

[165] Among other thing, Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr., pulled teeth for his neighbors

[166] See footnote to August 6th entry. Also, an entry from his November 27, 1899 diary indicates that: 17 years to night went to the Lights O Londen at Kal-.

[167] See footnote to August 6th entry

[168] Neighbors, William and Marena Caywood

[169] His mother’s brother, David Caleb “D. C.” Crawford

[170] See footnote to September 26^th entry

[171] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[172] Estella Ogden, Lizzie (Ogden) Brown’s sister

Luke Keith’s 1878 Diary

1878 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Went over to burg[2] after Hannah.[3] Henry[4] came down went over got Nancy.[5] Jim[6] went over got Hank[7] at night. All here to supper. Davis Stafford and Mr Giddings called here.

Jan 2 – Drawed 4 loads wood. Carried Hannah down to Caywoods in morning. Ed Phelps buried to day.[8] Cold day, no snow.

Jan 3 – Pleasant clear morning, mercury 14 Abz[9] in morning. Went over to burg[10] in forenoon with M. O. Streator.[11] Bot two Diarys 40¢ one for Ethan.[12]

Jan 4 – Went to Comstock[13] to mill carried 4 bushels corn, two bushels wheat, two of Buckwheat. Snowed quite hard. Mr Barton[14] thrashed some wheat. Harry Streator[15] drawed load wood.

Jan 5 – Mr Barton thrashing. Mercury 12 Abz at noon. Worked in shop some. Put sills together. Some snow. Mr Burgess little boy buried to day.[16] Went over to burg got Katharines[17] carpet 7.85.

Jan 6 – Snows like fun[18] this morning. At home all day. Charley Whiting[19] got Ernests[20] cutter.

Jan 7 – Mr Barber[21] finished thrashing had Eight bushels wheat. Went up to Foundry in afternoon.

Jan 8 – Cleaned out Barn and chored round. Fastened[?] up north cellar windows. Spect Ida Allerton was married to day[22] dont know sartin.[23]

Jan 9 – Not very cold mercury 31 Abz at ten AM. Some sleighing. Dell and Lois[24] called here on their way to _____. Rained some.

Jan 10 – No sleighing, not very cold. Not very well. No work to day.

Jan 11 – No work, hard cold. Not much done, at home all day.

Jan 12 – Went over to burg in morning. Hannah and Mrs Betts[25] went over. Claud[26] came over with us. Mrs Betts stayed. Went down to Katharines just at night. Carried her carpet down. Stayed all night.

Jan 13 – At Katharines stayed all day. Came home at night. Snowed hard. Not very cold. Very good wheeling. Not much mud.

Jan 14 – Went over to burg in morning after Mrs Betts. Not much snow, not very cold. Sarah[27] went over to Hanks in Evening with Browns folks.[28] Mrs McKinney[29] there.

Jan 15 – Worked on boddy some. Not verry cold. Barber drawed some manure. Put one side on boddy.

Jan 16 – Worked in shop on boddy put sides on.

Jan 17 – Went to Comstock to mill carried 3 bushels wheat. Got my Buckwheat flour. Come back by Kates. Got some fresh meat. Dell and Lois came stayed all night. Fine day.

Jan 18 – Fine day. Not much done to day. Skinners[30] went home. Carried Sarah over to burg at night. Very pleasant day no snow.

Jan 19 – Worked in shop on Simmons buggy boddy. Not verry well. Carried Mrs Betts over to burg in Evening. Not very cold. Rained in night. Mercury 48 Abz. Stopt milking the cow.

Jan 20 – Rainy, Mercury 38 Abz in morning. Muddy as the Devil not verry deep however. Went over to burg took Hannah over got Sarah and Mrs Betts. Rainy night.

Jan 21 – Rainy morning. Jim commenced going to School to _____ at the burg. Carried Hannah machine over to burg. Paid N. L. Randal[31] two Dollars for order.

Jan 22 – Worked in shop. Put seat bottom together. Not very well. Snows some. Not very well. Went down to Browns. Got some Hogs heads &c.[32]

Jan 23 – XX Carried Mrs Betts over to burg. No get some money. No work in shop much. Filed saw for Jo Flanders.[33] He brot some beef down. Freight train broke into on Prairie just at night.

Jan 24 – Worked on seat. Put the flare on seat bottom. Very pleasant day. Not very well now a days.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop some on Henrys thill.[34] Allen Simmons called here to see his buggy boddy. Bot shelf to stove pipe. Gave two bushels corn for it. Nice day, no snow.

Jan 26 – Put thills together. Fine day. Browns folks and Arthur Arms and wife,[35] Hank and Nancy all here in Evening. Josefine Whiting died in night at 12 oclock.[36]

Jan 27 – At home all day. Mr Barber and Ida[37] came over. Brot Mrs Betts home. Henry came down.

Jan 28 – Nice day. Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over to burg. Henry came down brot money from Frank sent for belts. Josefine Whiting brot in from Chicago and buried.

Jan 29 – Worked in shop. Finished Henrys thill.

Jan 30 – Mercury 27 Abz. Very cold windy day. Worked on seat. No snow on ground. Hard on wheat.

Jan 31 – Worked in shop on boddy. Fine day. Snowy day.

Feb 1 – Went over to burg after money no get it. Worked in shop on buggy boddy.

Feb 2 – Went over and moved Hank into Schroeders house. Received of Township Treasurer 56 fifty six Dollars. Paid Minnie Randall 40 forty Dollars.

Feb 3 – At home all day. Mrs Betts went over to burg with Harry Streator. Mart, Lucy[38] and Jo York[39] came up after Hannah. Mercury 6 below zero.

Feb 4 – Mercury 10 below zero in morning. Filed saw for Erve Hall.[40] Went over to burg in afternoon.

Feb 5 – Drawed one load wood. Mr someboddy put shelf on Nancys stove.

Feb 6 – Worked in shop some. Made jacks for Simmons buggy. Charley Howlet called here from Perry.[41] Said the folks wer all well.

Feb 7 – Worked in shop some. Not very cold.

Feb 8 – Went to Comstock to mill. Carried 4 bushels buckwheat. Snowed like fun afternoon and Evening. Barbers folks[42] over here.

Feb 9 – Blustrous day. Sawed and drawed two loads wood. Hank and Nancy came over stayed all night. Dick Lamkins came down left his violin.

Feb 10 – Cold. Henry called here. He went up to Jo Flanders.[43] Ethan went over to Nancys.

Feb 11 – Worked on buggy pole for Will Brown.[44] Not very cold mercury at zero.

Feb 12 – Worked in shop some on pole. Dick Lamkin got his violin. Went down to A. Browns in afternoon. Some Snow. Folks draw some logs. Mrs Jane Sunderland died to day.[45]

Feb 13 – Fine morning mercury 28 A. Carried Sarah over to burg. Carried Alfleda[46] down to Browns. Worked in shop some. Had Ernests cutter. Ernest had my sleigh to go to Kalamazoo.

Feb 14 – Finished Simmons box to day. Not much sleighing. Filed saw for N. L. Randall. Hung ax for Ernest Whiting. Mrs Jane Sunderland was buried to day at Waukegan Illinois.

Feb 15 – Worked on my wheels. Put the bolt through the floor to hold wheels down. Mrs Sam Kingsley buried to day.[47]

Feb 16 – Went down to browns. Ground axes. Went up in woods sawed some wood. Mrs Betts went over to burg with Sarah Dunning. M O Streator and wife[48] here in Evening. Ethan came home.

Feb 17 – At home. Rain some snow some. Not very cold. No sleighing. Mart and Lucy called here in Evening on their way home from Jims and Puts.

Feb 18 – Went over to burg in morning after oil and paint for Simmons. Hung ax for E Whiting. Got hogs head and shoulder of Whiting. Went down to A Browns in Evening. Saw Skinner at burg.

Feb 19 – H. A. Taylor[49] came down here in morning. Hat and Lib[50] came down in afternoon. Jo York brot Hannah home. Painted buggy boddy.

Feb 20 – Jo went down to Katharines. Went over to burg. Hannah went over to Nancys. Painted buggy box over. Nigger concert at the Methods Epikettle Church this Evening.

Feb 21 – Rainy day. Not much done. Fixed new fiddle some. To paid T C Ford[51] $16 sixteen Dollars. Rained all night. Hank Johnson called here just at night. Rain. W^m Aldrich little Boy buried.[52]

Feb 22 – Rainy morning. Hank Johnson called her at night. Worked in shop some.

Feb 23 – Drawed three loads wood. Not very cold.

Feb 24 – At home all day. Henry came down. Hannah went down to Jacksons.

Feb 25 – Snowed some. Nancy and Claud came over stayed all day.

Feb 26 – Worked in shop on wheels. Fine day.

Feb 27 – Fine day. Finished my wheels. Eugene[53] came to Hanks.

Feb 28 – Very fine day. Went down to Comstock after my grist. Me no get him. Edna[54] came on noon train. Eugene came over with me. Sarah and hannah went over to burg.

Mar 1 – Went over to burg after the girls Nancy, Hannah and Edna. Drawed one load straw to Browns one for myself. Fine day. Ernest got my wagon to go to Kalamazoo with some beef.

Mar 2 – Carried Nancy home. Edna Crawford went home. Chored round all day. Mr Perry Cornell died to day.

Mar 3 – At home all day. Eugene here. All well. Claud went home. Will Brown carried him over. Mr Cornell buried to day.

Mar 4 – Eugene went to day. Ethan went over to burg with him. I choped all day. Fine pleasant day. Rev. Russell Tomlinson of Plymouth Mass Died to day.[55]

Mar 5 – Drawed some wood. Sarah went up in woods.

Mar 6 – Sawed wood in forenoon. Very fine day. Made blocks for Theodore at noon. Rained in afternoon.

Mar 7 – Chopt wood. Cut down black oak. Fine day.

Mar 8 – Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over to burg. Barber came over. We pulled up the currant bushes. Warm day. Jim went down to Katharines.

Mar 9 – Mercury 74 Abz at noon. Worked in hogpen. Warm day. Went down to Browns at noon got butter and milk. Mart and Lucy came up got some pictures. Ida Barber came over stayed all night. Lucy stayed.

Mar 10 – At home 66 Abz. Lucy and Ida here. Alvin and Ida Lee[56] here. Went over to burg at night after Sarah and Mrs Betts. Ida went home. Rained like fun.

Mar 11 – ____ cut currant bushes in fore noon. Carried Lucy and Hannah over to burg at noon. Verry warm day.

Mar 12 – Worked round. Drawed apple brush out of the orchard. Ethan put up wind mill.

Mar 13 – Went up to Jo Flanders after currant and raspberry bushes. Took dinner at Flanders. Rained some. Ernest got his buggy. Left Skeleton buggy and took my watch.

Mar 14 – Worked round garden. Set currant bushes. Worked in shop some on wheelbarrow. Claud came over helped set currant brush.

Mar 15 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg up in woods. Drawed some wood. Filed saw for Ernest.

Mar 16 – Made fence around west garden. Some misty. Mrs Ralph[57] here all day. Ernest got his Skeleton. Bot 21 lbs Soap grease of Whiting.

Mar 17 – Cloudy morning. Henry here. Hank Brown came over just at night.

Mar 18 – Drawed some wood. Chored round. Worked in shop some. Browns folks here in Evening.

Mar 19 – Trimed appletrees. Fine day. Had a big time at the burg red Ribbon gathering.

Mar 20 – Fine. Pleasant morning. Drawed brush out orchard[?]. Rained some in night.

Mar 21 – Shelled some corn. Turned cloths stick for Nancy. Libby and Emma Allen[58] here to day. They went up to Jim Milhams[59] at night.

Mar 22 – Cloudy morning. Went up to Henrys to mill. Ethan and Claud went. Carried five bushels corn. Very fine day. Jim went down to Howlets schoolhouse to hear Mr Ross read.

Mar 23 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Mrs Betts went over with me. Went to Comstock after my Buckwheat. Fine day. Lois and Will came. Henry came down stayed all night.

Mar 24 – Will carried Mrs Betts over to church. Cold day some snow flying. Henry went up to Mr Flanders. Jim and Will went down to A Browns. Jim got Kicked by a colt.

Mar 25 – Cold morning. Chored round. Allen Simmons brot wheels here to have boxes set. Lois and Will here. Made over Fathers[60] old Jack plane.

Mar 26 – Went over to burg in morning. Got rimmer. Set boxes in wheels. Night Express off the track between Galesburg and Kalamazoo.

Mar 27 – Went over. Carried rimmer home. Got Nancy and Claud. Simmons got wheels. Carried our folks down to A Browns. Warm day. Pulled grubbs some in afternoon west of garden.

Mar 28 – Snowed like fun. Not much done. Lois went over to Nancys at noon. Will went up to Harts. Miner Bellringers in galesburg to night. Blocked out axhelves.

Mar 29 – Worked in shop some. Pulled grubs west of garden. Broke whiffletrees.[61] Sarah went to burg. Lois and Will came back. The publicans caucus to day.

Mar 30 – James went down to Browns got his team. Rolled west lot. Finished pulling grubs in west lot. Democratic caucus to day. Snowed like fun in afternoon.

Mar 31 – At home all day. Lois and Will went home. Not very cold. Isaac Hizer came down to see about trading buggy for watch.

Apr 1 – Went over to burg in afternoon to town meeting. Mrs Betts went over. Fine day. Hannah went down to A. Browns.

Apr 2 – Made soap in forenoon. Burnt brush in afternoon. Very nice day. Went up to mill. Got load bark.

Apr 3 – Pleasant morning. Made soap in forenoon. Chored round in afternoon. Went up to mill. Put in guide. Got some posts. Fine day.

Apr 4 – Worked round. Went up to mill. Put in guide. Got some posts. Went down to Katharines.

Apr 5 – Mended Browns drag. Jo York, Hellen[62] and Katharine came up here. Very fine day. Perry A Pier died this Friday night.

Apr 6 – Went over to burg in morning. Got two ^2/” Dollars for Alfleda four ^4/” for Sarah. Doc Burrows paid me $19.50¢ for county order. Went over to burg at noon. Alfleda went to Waverly. Sarah and Mrs Betts went over to burg.

Apr 7 – Fine day. Carried Claud home just at night. Mrs Nancy B. Betts of Galesburg came home with me. Rev Platt Betts Lady formaly of Omro Wisconsin.[63]

Apr 8 – Pleasant morning. Made guides for Theodore[64] in morning. Went down to M O. Streators got four bushels wheat paid him ten Dollars. Rained in night.

Apr 9 – Rainy morning. Went to Comstock to mill. Rained. Carried four 4 bushels wheat 5½ five and half corn.

Apr 10 – Drawed brush in west lot. Hannah and Nancy came over in morning. Mrs Brown and Jule[65] came up here. Got Whiffletrees mended. Nell Tomlinson married to day.[66]

Apr 11 – Worked round yard and garden. Carried Nancy home at night. Extracted two teeth for Mr George Ralph he paid me two one Dollar.

Apr 12 – Killed my pigs. A Brown helped me. Fine day. Cut up the pigs. Will Wagner here. Jim and Abby had a flare up.

Apr 13 – Went over to burg in morning. Carried Hanks barrels over. Made some soap. Salted my pork. Went over to burg in Evening after Hank and Nancy. They came over stayed all night.

Apr 14 – Hank and Nancy here. Henry came down. I carried Hannah down to Katharines in afternoon. Rained all the while I was gone. Carried Nancy and Claud home in Evening.

Apr 15 – Got out manure. Very fine day. G. A. Lockhart and Will started for Kansas. Lou Bristol[67] went with them. Mrs Randal and Mrs Wagner here in Evening.

Apr 16 – Got out manure. Nice day. Mrs Wagner went home. Mr Browns folks went over to burg in Evening. Jim went over after medicine.

Apr 17 – Pleasant day. Mr Daniels called here to see Ethan. Finished getting our manure. Mr C. S. Haskins brot trees and Raspberries paid him $1.65.

Apr 18 – Set out trees. Barber came over. We plowed gardens. Warm day. Mrs Forbush and Mrs Blake came over here in afternoon.

Apr 19 – Worked round garden. Set out rasberry bushes.

Apr 20 – Cleaned out yard. Cultivated garden. Dug out Elder roots. Mercury 85 Abz 80 Abz.

Apr 21 – Carried Mrs Betts over to burg. Warm morning. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Nancy here. Hank and Claud went up to Armes.

Apr 22 – Cloudy looks like rain. Jim plowed in forenoon. Rained in afternoon. No plow.

Apr 23 – Rainy. Went over to burg in morning. Bot springs for wagon seat 2.25. Bot oil and lead 65¢. Bot one bottle Kenady 1.25. Warm.

Apr 24 – Warm. Some rain. Worked round. Painted wheelbarrow. Rany.

Apr 25 – Worked in shop some. Tinkered round house and garden.

Apr 26 – Not much done to day. Worked round choring &c. Wet.

Apr 27 – Some rainy. Drawed out Buckwheat straw. Put it on hill South East of barn.

Apr 28 – Cloudy and some rainy. At Home all day. No one here. All well as usual. No bellyache. All able to eat Heggs[?] &c.

Apr 29 – Charles Lee[68] and Alvin came up in morning. Extracted tooth for Charles. Alvin got one helve. Jim got Tom Brown and plows in forenoon. Brown planted potatoes down North.

Apr 30 – Went down to Charles Lees got 4½ bushels potatoes ½ bushel beets ½ bushel turnips. Got some sage roots of old Mrs King. Dick Barber got two bushels corn he paid one Dollar. Will Brown got Eight bushels corn.

May 1 – Very pleasant morning. Worked round house and garden.

May 2 – Dragged garden west side house. Seeded croquet ground and draged it. Harry Streator and Hellen Randall married this Evening.[69]

May 3 – Planted some potatoes. Henry and Davis Stafford called here. Some rain. Hannah and Katharine came up. Barber plowed some.

May 4 – George plowing some. Planted potatoes up south. No rain to day. Claud and Nancy here. Hank came over. They went down to Mr Browns. Henry came down stayed all night.

May 5 – Henry here to day. I carried Katharine home in afternoon. Cool wind. Carried Mrs Betts over to burg in morning.

May 6 – Dug out five stumps south of barn. Barber plowed. Cow calved in night.

May 7 – Chored round. Burnt cornstalks out by barn. Barber plowing. Rain some. Jim went to work for Mr Streator.

May 8 – Rainy morning some thunder. Filled up stump holes South of Barn. Sarah went over to burg with Barber. Claud here. He came over with me in morning.

May 9 – Work round. Split up oak timber. The jobs let to day to fill up north sluice this side river and build bridge across mill brook by Jesse Earls.[70] McLewis builds bridge $153.00. W^m Aldrich fills sluice $16.50 (16.50).

May 10 – Put heads in mawl. George Ives called here. Went up in woods cut some wood. Barber finished plowing. Fine day. Hannah went up to T Fords stayed all night.

May 11 – Frost this morning. Cut some wood drawed two loads. Mrs Betts went over to burg with Doc Wightman[71] in afternoon. Tamer[72] carried Hannah over to Nancys.

May 12 – At home all day. Went over to burg at night after Hannah and Mrs Betts. Browns folks here in Evening. Frost this morning.

May 13 – Frost this morning. Hoed in garden some. Barber draging. Cool day. Mrs Wightman[73] here. Ida Wing came up after Hannah.

May 14 – Chored round in forenoon. Barber draging. Went to Mr Simmons raising in afternoon. He raised a big barn.

May 15 – Chored round. Worked in garden and shop some. Sarah and Mrs Betts went down to Mr Browns.

May 16 – Marked corn ground East of house. Jim came home from Streators. Barber planted corn. Went up to Foundry to see waterwheel.

May 17 – Finished marking corn ground and planted East of house. Barber finished planting. Carried Nancy and Claud home.

May 18 – Went to Kalamazoo to attend a Greenback Convention.[74] Fine day. Rained in Evening. Rainy night.

May 19 – At home. No one here. Some rainy. Hank came over in afternoon.

May 20 – Marked Jims corn ground and planted it. Made calf yard. Hoed strawberries and currant bushes.

May 21 – Worked round hoed some and tinkered round generaly.

May 22 – Repaired wheel. Put in two felloes and set tire.

May 23 – Went up in woods. Sawed some wood. Hoed corn and beans. Jim Ralph brot his buggy down. Worked on that some. Bot suspenders 50¢. Gloves 1.35.

May 24 – Drawed 3 three loads wood. Finished Ralphs spring bar. Painted windmill. Mr Brown got some cabbage plants.

May 25 – Hoed in garden some. Went over to burg. Received twenty 21 one Dollars of Township Treas. Hannah came home. Nancy came over stayed all night.

May 26 – Pleasant. Hank and Nancy went down to Browns.

May 27 – Went up on hill got load sand. Went over to burg. Got lime and hair.[75] Mrs Betts went over to burg.

May 28 – Went over to burg. Got link twister made. Mrs betts came home. Sarah went over. Claud came home with me. Went over at night. Brown plowing south lot.

May 29 – Went over to burg after chain and link twister 30¢. Rained hard. Not well.

May 30 – Sick. Hard cold. No work to day.

May 31 – Shelled lot corn. Went over to burg. Got link hook made. Went down to Browns. Got some wheat 64 and 72 bags in all.

Jun 1 – Fine morning. Went to Comstock to mill 5½ corn 2 Wheat. Mr Brown finished plowing west lot. Went over to burg at night. Took Hank, Hannah & Claud over.

Jun 2 – Cloudy look like rain. At home all day. Not very well. Hard cold.

Jun 3 – Sick. Not much done. Jim plastered corn. Eugene went home on night Express Eugene came on

Jun 4 – Jim cultivated corn. Made new side piece to cultivator. Eugene went home on night Expr. Henry and Davis called. Ethan sent moddle to Washington. Claud went to Coggins to party.

Jun 5 – Hoed some. Plastered corn in garden. Douglass drawed logs for Henry. Mr Brown sowed Hungarian grass. Mrs Skinner and Mr Smiths folks went up to Mr Flanders.

Jun 6 – Worked round house and garden. Went down to Browns got buggy. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jun 7 – Went out to Skinners. Rained some. Found them well. Sarah sick. To paid Susan Giddings $5 five Dollars.

Jun 8 – Dell and I went up to Marshall.[76] I saw the Cleveland wheel. Rainy day.

Jun 9 – Dell and I went over to Whites station and Ceresco.[77] Saw lots of big wheat. Lois and I went over to Mr Coles just at night.

Jun 10 – Traded watch and wheel for buggy. Started for home. Sarah went on cars from Ceresco to Galesburg. I came with the buggys. Got home about 4 oclock. Sarah stayed to burg. Mrs Deyo buried to day.[78]

Jun 11 – Went over to burg after Sarah in morning. Worked in garden some.

Jun 12 – Went over to burg. Got Harness repaired 1.20¢. Hoed some.

Jun 13 – Cultivated corn East of house. Hannah came home.

Jun 14 – Finished cultivating corn. Hoed. Jim put plaster on his corn. He paid Abby Jackson 16 sixteen Dollars.

Jun 15 – Sick. No work. Pedler here to dinner. Lois, Will and Ina[79] came out brot 2 pigs. Mrs Ford, Mrs Perry and daughter called here. Had a fine shower. Warm night.

Jun 16 – Fine morning. Mercury 75 Abz. Lois and Will here.

Jun 17 – Stephen Daken died to day.[80] Hoed corn some. Lois and Will went home. Took calf and wheels.

Jun 18 – Painted buggys. Hoed some corn. Barber cultivating.

Jun 19 – Painted buggy. Stephen Daken buried to day. Mr Browns cousin George Wells[81] here.

Jun 20 – Rainy morning. Worked on buggys.

Jun 21 – Finished varnishing buggy. Rainy day. Put pigs in yard. Harry Streator got hurt. Fell from a tree. Cow went to Bull.

Jun 22 – Rainy morning. Mrs Betts sic. Went over to burg in morning. Old Mrs Beakes[82] Died this morning. Nancy came over.

Jun 23 – Ida Wing came here brot Hannahs things. Hank and Nancy here. Henry came down got violin. Will Brown got his buggy. Nice day. Mrs Betts sick yet.

Jun 24 – Fine morning. Jim gone down to Mr Kings to work. Mr Wells started for home, Mr Browns cousin.

Jun 25 – Mowed grass along the fence up to the woods. Hoed some corn. Went up to mill with Mr Flanders. Saw Mr Cleveland. Went over to burg in Evening. Got Tea from New York.

Jun 26 – Cloudy morning. Hoed some. Ridler got. Went to Kalamazoo in afternoon with Jim. He went down to get some cloths.

Jun 27 – Worked round. Hoed some corn. Barber Sowed Buckwheat. Very hot day 90 in shade. Ethan oiled harness.

Jun 28 – Went up in woods. Got poles to poll beans. Drawed down hay up towards the woods. Mercury 94 in shade.

Jun 29 – Mercury 99 in shade noon. Finished hoing East of house. Ethan went to Mill. Hannah went over to Nancys. George and Marion[83] came on noon train.

Jun 30 – George and Marion here. Carried George down to Katharines. He goes to Chicago. Mrs Barnum died.[84]

Jul 1 – Put Poison on potatoes. Plowed some corn hoed some potatoes. Rained in night. Marion here.

Jul 2 – Rainy morning. Went down to M O. Streator got Six bushels wheat. Shelled some corn. Mrs Barnum buried.

Jul 3 – Rainy. Went to Comstock to mill 4 bushels wheat 8 corn.

Jul 4 – Plowed and hoed corn. Worked round garden. Marion here. Had no doings to Galesburg. Jim and Ethan went to Kalama[zoo].

Jul 5 – Finished plowing corn in East lot. Went up to Henrys mill with Marion. Charley Town[85] cutting wheat.

Jul 6 – Worked round. Went down to Browns in morning got some peas. Old Mrs Lord Died.[86] Carried Marion down to Katharines in afternoon.

Jul 7 – Rainy morning. Mrs Lord buried to day. Henry Rogers called here a while.

Jul 8 – Put Parris Green on potatoes. Had a heavy shower. Lou Burgess drove into Barn. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jul 9 – Mercury 94 at noon. Ethan took Hannah over to burg. Hoed corn and potatoes on hill. Bela Wright cutting wheat. Had a wind storm in night. W^m Blake started his self Binder.

Jul 10 – Hoed some in East end of corn. Put poison on potatoes.

Jul 11 – Went over to burg in fore noon. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Mrs Lydia barber[87] here to dinner.

Jul 12 – Went down to Katharines. Very hot day. Marion here.

Jul 13 – Marion goes to Vicksburg. Plowed out corn and potatoes on hill. Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over to burg. Tamer Ford here. Ethan went over to burg after the whimmen. Charley Baker called here in Evening.

Jul 14 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went over to burg just at night. Hot day. Blake cutting wheat with the Gordon binder.

Jul 15 – Cloudy morning. Finished plowing Jims corn. Plowed some of mine.

Jul 16 – Mercury 98 100. Hoed in garden in forenoon. Had a heavy thunder shower in afternoon. Rained very hard blowed corn down.

Jul 17 – Mercury 98. Spliced my old violin bow made two rings. Barber came over. Hannah went over to Nancys at night.

Jul 18 – Hoed some. Very hot day. Wright drawing wheat. Went down to A Browns got some peas. Jule not much better. Made ring. Went over to burg.

Jul 19 – Mercury 96. Hoed corn in south lot on hill. Went over to burg took over butter and Eggs.

Jul 20 – Hoed corn on hill. Very hot day. Albert Warren called here to see about getting a leg repaired.

Jul 21 – Cool wind. Went down to Katharines after some vinegar. Went up to mill. Saw new waterwheel run. Went by burg took Hannah home.

Jul 22 – Chored round in forenoon. Worked on Albert Warrens leg. Warren here to supper. Mercury 84.

Jul 23 – Finished Warrens peg leg in forenoon. Not very hot 86 in shade at noon.

Jul 24 – Big show at Kalamazoo. Hank Brown and Hannah had Bill[88] and buggy to go to Kalamazoo to show. Mrs Betts went over to burg.

Jul 25 – Hoed corn all day, finished. Sarah, Mrs Betts and Alfleda went down to Browns. Hot day. Put in cradle finger for Mark Simmons. Rained aall night.

Jul 26 – Rainy morning. Cleared off in afternoon. Went over to burg bot cloth for overhalls. Got big Pictures of Sarah and Luke.[89]

Jul 27 – Pleasant morning. Mercury 79. Plowed out potatoes and corn on hill. Ethan and Henry went down to Katharines. Hannah and Claude came over. Stayed all night. Cool.

Jul 28 – Cool. Mercury 75 in morning. At home. Went over to burg after Sarah.

Jul 29 – Worked round shop and house. Went over after Sarah. Hannah and Claud went home.

Jul 30 – Cleared out old shop and chored round. Went over to burg in Evening after hoop iron.

Jul 31 – Put hoop on pork barrel. Chored round. Put beam in Browns two shovel plow. Cut grass for bill.

Aug 1 – Worked round garden and house. Went up in woods got load wood. Ethan and Mrs Betts went over to burg.

Aug 2 – Went down to Katharines after Blackberries. Got a good lot. Very hot day. Mart cutting grass.

Aug 3 – Not much work to day. Henry Crawford[90] came on noon train. Ethan and Henry went over to Nancys in Evening. Jim went up to Shermans lake to a picknic.

Aug 4 – At home. Henry Crawford here. Very warm day. Carried Henry Crawford to Kalamazoo in afternoon.

Aug 5 – Hoed corn in East lot and pulled weeds. Went over to burg in Evening. Bot boots $3.75 three Dollars and seventy five cents.

Aug 6 – Hoed and pulled weeds. Hank and Nancy came over just at night. Had Isaac Odells Horse and buggy.

Aug 7 – Hoed corn East of garden. Henry got Bill and Buggy to go to Marshall.

Aug 8 – Hoed some in forenoon. Took west side of from west well house. Had a nice shower in afternoon. Mr Flanders took lumber up for Drum to waterwheel.

Aug 9 – Hoed corn East of garden. Henry got home with Bill and buggy. Lois and Dell came out.

Aug 10 – Finished hoeing. Dell, Lois and Harts folks went up to Flanders. I went down to Kings after Jim.

Aug 11 – At home all day. Henry down here. Dell went home. Lois over to Hanks. Dell and Lois no come here.

Aug 12 – No work to day. Not very well. Henry called here. Mr Isaac Clark called here a while. Not very well. Went over to burg in Evening to temperance lecture. Fred Farland lectured. I D L Schram[91] thrashed wheat.

Aug 13 – Worked round house and garden. Nancys girl[92] Born to day about noon. Bird Abbott called here to see about putting in pump. Jim Bayl came with him.

Aug 14 – Carried Sarah over to Nancys. Claud and Ina here. Went up to mill. Got some plank for platform to well. Mrs Betts leg very big some.

Aug 15 – Worked round. Mrs Burdick and Mrs Blake called here. Went over to burg in Evening after rollers. Baker Stilsons[?] Barns burned to day.

Aug 16 – Went up to A. McLarrys after rollers. Got some plank up to Earls. Went up to Henrys in afternoon to see water wheel. A. Brown thrashed wheat.

Aug 17 – Got some wood. John Allen[93] came down to Mr Towns.[94] Tried the Lansing plow. Went down to Kings after Jim.

Aug 18 – Cloudy morning. At home all day. Mrs Betts went to burg. Ethan took her over.

Aug 19 – Barber came over and helped move the old cornhouse. Jim stayed and helped.

Aug 20 – Worked round cornhouse. Went over to Andrew McLarys. Carried rollers up in Evening. Carried Jesses plank home. Henry went to Marshall.

Aug 21 – Worked on buggy house. Put in floor at south End. Ethan went over to burg. I. D. L. Schram had bill to go to Picknic to Shermans Lake. Warm day.

Aug 22 – Mr Norman Durgy Died this morning. Blocked up buggy house. Mr Schram came down to see if he could get Bill to go to Kalamazoo. Mrs Bronson here. Mrs Barber and Ida[95] came over to see about going to Schoolcraft. Becky P[96] died to day. Brown drawed in Hungarian grass.

Aug 23 – Worked round house and buggy house. Wheeled some dirt. O. D. Schram[97] had Bill and wagon to go to Kalamazoo with load onions. Fine day. Mr Durgy buried to day.

Aug 24 – Cloudy morning. Worked round. Got ready to go to Schoolcraft. Fine day. Henry came down stayed all night. Rebecca Plank buried to day. Stephen Loveland[98] died to day.

Aug 25 – Henry and Stafford here. Went over to Schoolcraft to spiritual meeting. Went to Mr Arms,[99] left horses, took the cars to Schoolcraft. Speakers York, Mrs Shephard, Farland, Doctor Thomas, &c. Got home about Eleven. Brown, Streator, Mrs Barber and Ida.

Aug 26 – Ethan went down to Browns after Hannah. Took her over to Nancy. Very fine morning. Stephen Loveland buried to day.

Aug 27 – Went over burg in morning. Carried papers over to Vanburen. Shelled some corn. Repaired wagon wheel. Went over in Evening after Sarah and Lois.

Aug 28 – Went to Comstock to mill. Lois and Ina went down to Katharines. Had a good shower. Got wet some. Got home noon. Lavina York[100] died this morning 5 oclock Am.

Aug 29 – Went to Kalamazoo with Lois. Bot plasters for Ethan and Hannah. Stopt to Katharines. Bird Abbott put in pump.

Aug 30 – Went down to graveyard down by Daleys. Vinny York buried to day. Went over to burg in Evening. Mrs Blake, Mrs Forbush and Mrs Henry Rogers here in afternoon.

Aug 31 – Rainy morning. Not much done to day. Went down to Henry Kings after Jim. Bus carried Mrs Betts over to burg. Claud came over stayed all night.

Sep 1 – Fine morning no rain. Went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Sep 2 – My office Expired as Assessor. Went over to burg. Got money on post office order $20.00. Received of Township Treasurer 48.25¢ forty Eight Dollars and twenty five cents. Paid Abby Jackson forty Dollars. To paid C. L. Keith[101] $2 Dollars. Helped Brown get up clover seed. Dell called here.

Sep 3 – Warm morning. Lois went home. Ethan took her over to burg. Paid T. C. Ford six Dollars and twenty five cents 6.25.

Sep 4 – Went up to Augusta to the Pionere picnic. Lois and Dell went home. Had a nice time. Fine day. Uncle Isaac Clarks Barn burnt, two buggys, lot wheat, &c.

Sep 5 – Pleasant day. Ethan carried some timber up to mill for Henry. Filed saw for Erve Hall.

Sep 6 – Not very well. Chored round. Went over to burg in Evening. Very hot day. Mercury 96 in shade. Ethan finished car.

Sep 7 – Worked on buggy house. Went over to burg at noon after Hite.[102] He no come. Went to see lumber man. Very hot day. Ethan took car over to Hank. Extracted tooth for J. Flanders. Mr Allerton[103] thrashing with steamer.

Sep 8 – Very hot. Carried Mrs Betts over to burg in morning to hear the gospel preached. Went over after Mrs Betts at night.

Sep 9 – Some cooler. Made tightner frame for Theodore Earl. Had a good shower in night. Steamer Billy Rice thrashing for Mr Simmons.

Sep 10 – Some rainy this morning. Went up to sawmill got two loads wood. Carried tightner up. Went down to M. O. Streators got some apples.

Sep 11 – Steamer Billy Rice at Towns to day. Went over to burg to see Barton about cutting corn. Went over after Nancy and Hannah. Fine day. Steamer went up to Jesse Earls.

Sep 12 – Dave and Jay cutting corn. Steamer Billy Rice thrashing up to Jesse Earls. Made steps to East door. Finished cutting corn. Fine day. Paid Barton $2.00 for cutting corn.

Sep 13 – Went over to burg in morning. Sarah and Mrs Betts went over. Got some nails. Went over at noon. Got some butter for Mrs Brown. Rained some. Carried Nancy down to Browns. Uncle Isaac Clark had my buggy to go to Kalam[azoo].

Sep 14 – Worked round. Got Ernests buggy. Hiram and family[104] came on night Express. Fine weather but dry.

Sep 15 – Hite and I went around the squaire. Went to Mr Flanders. Nice day.

Sep 16 – Went up to Henrys in forenoon. All went over to Nancys in afternoon. Hite went down on Night Express. Warm and dry. Bill Blake sowing wheat on North side.

Sep 17 – Went down to Katharines in forenoon. Hot and dry. Went over to burg in Evening after Kate and Hannah.

Sep 18 – Went up to uncle Isaac Clark in morning to carry harness. Carried Hannah up to Jesse Earls. Took Kate around the square. D. C. Crawford and family[105] came and Edna Crawford[106] from Omro.[107]

Sep 19 – Went over to burg. Got D. C. Crawfords Trunk. Hot day. No work.

Sep 20 – No work to day. Cloudy, some rain, high wind. David, Amanda[108] and Kate went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 21 – Nice day. Hannah and Edna went over to Hanks. I took Kate up to Scots station. She went to South bend.[109]

Sep 22 – Fine morning. David and I went up to Yorkville and gul Corners. Took dinner at Benja____ Fox.

Sep 23 – At home. Ethan and David went over to burg. Jim at home. A Brown commenced plowing west lot. Brown sold his hogs.

Sep 24 – Went over to burg in morning. Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over. Carried Amanda and one trunk came back took David and trunk over. They all left for Dowagiac[110] on 12:52 train. Went over in Evening after Sarah. Fide Barber Died.

Sep 25 – Will Barber[111] cut Buckwheat. Rainy day. Edna here. Hannah sewing for Mrs Jesse Earl.[112] Mrs Henry Rogers[113] Died 2 oclock AM.

Sep 26 – Pleasant morning. Will finished cutting Buckwheat. Not very well. Not much work. Went over to burg in Evening after Edna.

Sep 27 – Ethan, Hannah and Edna went to County fair to Kalamazoo. Mrs Henry Rogers buried to day funeral at Methodist Church. Rev Henderson preached. The first time I was in the church.

Sep 28 – Edna Crawford started for Dowagiac Eleven oclock Am. Nice day mercury 65. Ethan, Hannah and Jim went over to Nancys. A. Brown carried some wheat wheat to mill. Will Brown sowed the west lot.

Sep 29 – Went down to Katharines. Came home by Bart gibbs and Flanders. Fine day. Frank Tomlinson[114] came.

Sep 30 – Went over to burg in morning with Frank. Helped J. T. Allerton drive sow and pigs over bridge. Frank and Hannah went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Oct 1 – Will and George Barber[115] came over and got some corn. Frank and Hannah got home before noon. Frank and Ethan went up to Henrys at noon. Mercury 88 At noon. Rained hard in night.

Oct 2 – Fine morning. Frank left on Accomodation 7 oclock 9 minutes AM. Herb Earl[116] brot wheelbarrow wheel down to be repaired. Carried Sarah over to burg at noon. Went up to Henrys mill. Henry came down with me.

Oct 3 – Rimed Jesse Earls wheelbarrow wheel. Jim cut up corn on the hill. Henry went up to Marshall. Mrs Earl and Theodore[117] started for Wisconsin to see Elva.[118] Henry went up to Marshall to see Mr Cleveland.

Oct 4 – Went down and helped Mart fix his cider mill. Cut of the vat. Mr Caywood made cider over to Comstock. Pleasant day.

Oct 5 – Rainy. Overhauled lumber in old shop to get floring. Went over to burg after Salla towards night. Hank and Nancy came over to Browns. Claud went down with Mr Brown.

Oct 6 – Pleasant morning. At home all day. Hank and Nancy came stayed all night.

Oct 7 – Went over to burg in morning after money on post office order. Abbot and Bolls came down and turned pump tops. Went over to burg. Took Nancy home.

Oct 8 – Went down to Brown in forenoon. Picked up apples. Will Barber came over and thrashed Buckwheat. Carried Hannah over to burg at night. She started for Chicago. Rained some.

Oct 9 – Worked round. Cleaned up Buckwheat. Had Eleven bushels. Hannah gone to Chicago. Jim dug potatoes. Fine weather.

Oct 10 – Went over to burg in morning. Got money on order from the boys $30.00. Put casing on wagon _____. Browns folks here in Evening. Went over to Bartons just at night. Rained in night. Jim helping Harry pick apples.

Oct 11 – Some rainy in morning. Hung the Doors to carriage house and put sill at the bottom.

Oct 12 – Ethan tore out Egg cupboard. I tore up floor to stoop and the top to cistern. Carried Sarah over to Nancys at noon. Kit Arms[119] came there. Went over after her in Evening. Jim picked Apples to Streators. Quin[120] came home.

Oct 13 – Went over to burg in morning to see if Hannah came home. Rained some. Mart came up. Katharine and Clara[121] came with him. Hannah came over with Mr Brown, Arthur and Kit.

Oct 14 – Went over to burg in morning. Got money on County Order $19.50¢. Nancy came home. Went up to sawmill got stick timber.

Oct 15 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot lumber siding, sheeting and seeling six Dollars fortyfive cents 6.45. Dave Barton[122] drawed it over. Bot lumber for Skinners wagon box $1.00. I am Sixty five years old to day.

Oct 16 – Window lime and nails 2.55. Went down to Marts after ladder. Jim went down to work. Claud went down to Mr Browns. Went over to burg. Got one stick timber, 4 sticks scantling (4×4) and joist (8×8) $1.40, one Door 150.

Oct 17 – Worked on frame. Framed sill and studding. Drawed some rails on hill put on fence. Solomon Youngs here to dinner. Henry came down stayed all night. Mrs Brown called in.

Oct 18 – Carried Sarah down to Mr Browns. She went to Kalamazoo. Bot stove four Dollars 4.00. Drawed two loads sand. Tore of lath and plaster under stoop.

Oct 19 – Went over to burg in morning. Got bolt to put through sill 20¢. Claud came home with me. Barber put up wall under stoop.

Oct 20 – Put in the studding. Ethan and Hannah, Claud went down to Charles Lees. Henry went up to Mr Flanders.

Oct 21 – Went over to burg. Got lumber studding and one joist, one plank for window sills, boards for casings $__.44¢. Put on sheeting. Mrs Elizabeth Starr came here.

Oct 22 – Went over to burg. Bot nails and irons for sills 36¢ thirty six cents. Finished sheeting and laid some floor. Rainy. Mrs Starr went over to see Cilia Newman.

Oct 23 – Went over to burg. Bot lock buts and screws 33 cents, three lbs nails 10¢ ““.[123] Carried Mrs Starr down to Katharines. Paid Barber fifty cents.

Oct 24 – Went over to burg in morning after Mr Byington. He came over and worked to day. Fine day.

Oct 25 – Hung doors. Went over to burg. Got one 4×4 scantling 16 cents, six lbs nails 21 ““. Carried Byington home in Evening. Paid Byington $2.00. Will and George drawed in buckw.

Oct 26 – Rainy day. Put on water table and sealed up East side of room. Jim came home. Snowed some just at night. Henry putting up his Cidermill at Theodores mill.

Oct 27 – At home all day. Stormy, snow fell about three inches, very damp. Corn all out, some potatoes not dug. Looks quite wintery.

Oct 28 – Went over to burg. Bot nails, can paint and putty 1.16, two bunches Lath. Bot soap and strap 22¢. Lois and Will came. Wiped my ass with a snowball the first time this fall.

Oct 29 – Saw Lind Matthews. Cold morning. Will and Lois here. Went over to burg. Paid for Lath 25¢. Saw quins Lamp. Lois and Alfleda went over to burg. Went down to A. Browns. Bot 12 bushels wheat 87 pr bushel.

Oct 30 – Sarah and Lois went down to T Fords. I worked worked on windows got them rady to case. Rainy afternoon snow all gone.

Oct 31 – Worked on room cased one window and put down base. Cyrus Streator and Franks girl called here. Cold windy day. Lois and Will went down to Katharines. Cap Hodges Buried.[124]

Nov 1 – Went up to Isaac Clarks to rais Barn. Mate Thompson here to day. Mrs Betts came over packed up her goods. She is going to live at the burg. Mr S. Streator called here. Lois here to night.

Nov 2 – Moved Mrs N. B Betts over to Burg. She moved into John Freers house. Pleasant day.

Nov 3 – Fine shiny day. Lois and Will started for home.

Nov 4 – Went over to burg in morning. Hannah went over to Nancys. Went up to Mr Flanders got load apples. Pleasant day.

Nov 5 – Made cider in forenoon. Went to Election in afternoon. Very fine day, pleasant. Went down to A. Browns got five bushels wheat.

Nov 6 – Went to Comstock to mill. Rained some. Katharine came up. Finished digging potatoes. Carried five bushels wheat, ½ bushel corn, two bushels buckwheat. Mrs Oakly died.[125] Katharine came up.

Nov 7 – Cut and drawed two loads wood in forenoon. Drawed three loads dirt. Put in the well.

Nov 8 – Drawed two loads dirt put in the well. Carried Sarah and Katharine over to burg. Mrs Oakly buried. Put on some siding. Barber and Will, Mrs King.

Nov 9 – Finished siding the house. Cloudy not very cold. Barber and Will husking. Quin Streator bot out Gus Osgood hook and line.

Nov 10 – At home. Went down to Milhams. Took Katharine and Hannah home. Brot sewing machine home from Mr Streators. Not very cold. Jim went back to Marts to work.

Nov 11 – Rainy day. Went up to pump shop. Got some boards for draft board. Got some vinegar. Came round by the burg. Bot paint brush 50¢. Mortered up hatchway. Went down to Browns got some lime.

Nov 12 – Put up stove in shop. Pointed wall outside and in celler. Went over to burg. Got lumber 16 feet 28. Got some for draft board for Ethan 16 feet 28¢. Paid R. G. Smith one Dollar and fifty cents one years subscription to Kal Gazette.

Nov 13 – Put some shingles on wagon house. Put down platform over well. Carried Sarah down to A. Browns. Went down after her at night. Will Brown drawing apples to cider mill.

Nov 14 – Drawed load dirt to back up well. Got load sand to plaster. Mary Crawford[126] came in afternoon. Nancy here. Hank came over stayed all night. Very pleasant day.

Nov 15 – Hank went Fox hunting in morning. See him Fox, no get him. Carried Sarah and Mary over to burg in morning. Bot two ventilators 75¢.

Nov 16 – Rainy day. Got out stuff for windows. Put stops in one window.

Nov 17 – At home all day. Put stops in one window. Warm day Mercury 46 about noon.

Nov 18 – Drawed in some corn. Carried Sarah over to burg in morning. Charles Lee died Went over to burg after Sarah at night. Turned out some plugs for Herb Earl in Evening. Herb pd me 75 cent for wheelbarrow wheel.

Nov 19 – Went up to shop with Henry in morning. Got some vinegar. Henry helped me put shingles on barn in afternoon. Warm day. Charles Lee died in night.[127]

Nov 20 – Went up to mill got bunch Shingles. Put some on barn. Henry went to Marshall. Sate[128] came here.

Nov 21 – Paid A. Brown fifty cents. Went over to burg. Bot some plastering hair 12¢, bot vest 1.50. Saw Dell. Sate went home. Went down to Charles Lees funeral in afternoon. Rainy. Saw Orrin Lee.[129] Mr dun preached mormon.

Nov 22 – Went over to burg in morning bot Put ventilators in to day. Mixed up mortar. Put the hair in. Ethan went over to Hanks.

Nov 23 – Went over to burg in morning after Barber. He came over plastered the new room.

Nov 24 – Went down to Katharines. Saw Orrin Lee. He gave me a picture of Marks[130] house. Bill runaway, broke the wagon. Jim took us home.

Nov 25 – Cleared of barn floor so Barber could put in the cornfodder. Fine day. Brown hulling Clover had the Steamer Billy Rice.

Nov 26 – Mr Brown finished his clover. Will and George Barber drawn in cornfodder. Cold raw wind. Henry came down from Marshall went up to Mr Flanders. Henry brot a pair of chickens.

Nov 27 – Went up to Henrys mill with Henry. Got some plank to repair wagon. Rained, snowed in afternoon. Not very cold. Henry went to Mr Flanders just at night. Got wall paper 76¢ cts.

Nov 28 – Some sleighing. Thanksgiving. Git no turkee. Sarah and Alfleda went over to Nancys. Henry came down. I went up to mill helped him load up his things. He moved to Marshall. I got iron wheel and vice screw. Went over to Hanks in Evening to an Oyster supper.

Nov 29 – Worked round house and barn. Put board on south end of Barn to shut Doves out. Filed saw for Erve Hall 20¢. Jim came home. Ethan over to Hanks. Hank went to Battle Creek. Not much sleighing.

Nov 30 – Jim and I went up in woods sawed and drawed two loads wood. Ethan came home. Jim went over to burg in afternoon.

Dec 1 – At home all day. Not very cold. Some snow on ground, no sleighing. Hank and Nancy went down to Kates. They had got the well one hundred and forty one feet.

Dec 2 – Husked corn. Cleared out the barn. Not very cold.

Dec 3 – Carried corn into cornhouse in morning. Drawed in corn in afternoon. Filled barn floor. Rained just at night. Not very cold.

Dec 4 – Husked corn. Cleared the barn. Very good day. Had 12½ bushels I think.

Dec 5 – Will and George came over and thrashed Buckwheat had 4½ bushels. We drawed in corn 24 stooks.

Dec 6 – Husked corn. Snowey day snowed all day. Claud here. Not very cold. Very rough day to be out.

Dec 7 – __s cut down tree on south line. Sawed two loads wood.

Dec 8 – Snowed and blowed all day. Carried Jim down to Katharines. He is going to school.

Dec 9 – Worked round house and shop. Filed saw for A. Brown. Put moulding on arch in East room. Shelled corn. Went down to A. Browns in Evening. Jim commenced school to day.

Dec 10 – Worked in shop some. Put moulding on arch in East room. Went down to A. Browns in Evening. Shelled some corn in afternoon Went to Comstock to mill.

Dec 11 – Went to Comstock to mill in forenoon. Got Buckwheat flour. Got corn ground. Not very good Sleighing not very good. Cut and drawed two loads wood.

Dec 12 – Worked in shop some. Filed and set two saws for Peter Hall, one for A. Brown, one of my own. Put base down in East room. Not very good sleighing.

Dec 13 – Worked round house. Chored round s [incomplete]

Dec 14 – Cut blackoak tree out the North East corner of my woods. Dam thing fell across the fence and broke it down &c.

Dec 15 – At home all day. Jim brot Hannah home. Orrin Lee came up with them.

Dec 16 – Went over to burg. Ethan and Orrin went. We went up to shop to get pattern plank. Orrin got negative. Bot oil and Turpentine 20¢ cents. Ethan painted some. I drawed load wood.

Dec 17 – Went over to burg in morning. Got glass 40 cts for south window. Orrin went up to Mr Flanders. I painted south Door. Henry came home stayed all night. Paid my tax $6.23 cents.

Dec 18 – Mercury 8 Abz cold day. Worked in shop some. Mad frame for small dore in Chamber. Henry went home. Very good sleighing.

Dec 19 – Mercury 14 in morning Abz. Put Door frame in up stairs. Very cold day. Ethan made Will Browns spear. Filed crosscut and buck saws for Will Brown.

Dec 20 – Went up in woods cut one load wood. Went down to A. Browns got Hogs heads and feet. Went over to burg in Evening. Carried 12 Doz Eggs 16 cts pr Doz.

Dec 21 – Very snowey day. Worked in shop made seat for sleigh.

Dec 22 – Went down to Katharine. Carried Jims Trunk. Storing blustring day snowed all day. Marts folks gone to Vicksburg. Orrin went with them.

Dec 23 – Mercury 4 below zero, very cold blustrous day. Not much driving about. One cutter went East. Will Brown drawed one load wood over to Hank.

Dec 24 – Cold and blustrous. No work but chores. Very rough.

Dec 25 – Still it keeps cold. No stirring around. Went down to A. Browns to a Christmas dinner. Very blustrous. Will Planks little girl died to day.

Dec 26 – Went up in woods cut some wood an shoveled snow to get to woods.

Dec 27 – Cold and snows like fun. Shoveled snow and drawed three or four loads wood. Bad day to be out. Ethan went over to burg.

Dec 28 – Worked round house and so forth. Cold day.

Dec 29 – At home all day. Fine day.

Dec 30 – Went to Kalamazoo. Cold day. Bot stovepipe, beadslead. Brot up frames for Hank. Henry came down from Marshall.

Dec 31 – Carried Hanks things over this morning. Went up to sawmill in afternoon. Carried up cross head. Sawed out pattern timber and cutter beams. Henry went over to burg.

Memoranda

Property traded to A R Skinner for Buggy

One silver watch $50.00

One set buggy wheels $14.00

One violin $25.00

One calf $4.00

One wagon box $6.00

——-

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

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

[3] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[4] His oldest son, Henry Lindsey Keith, by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[5] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[6] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[7] Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown

[8] Luke’s 1877 diary entries show that on December 25^th, Ed’s “gun burst, blowed britch pin into his head.” He died December 31^st. FindAGrave.com reveals he was buried in Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[9] Above zero

[10] Galesburg, Michigan

[11] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[12] His son, Ethan Keith

[13] Comstock, Michigan

[14] Neighbor, Samuel Barton

[15] Neighbor, the son of M. O. Streator

[16] FindAGrave.com shows that Willie A. Burgess died January 2, 1878, at the age of 7, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. He was the son of neighbors, Erastus & Hattie (Shattuck) Burgess

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

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

[19] The son of his neighbors, George & Jane Whiting

[20] Believe this to be his neighbor, Ernest Whiting

[21] His neighbor, Richard Barber

[22] Michigan Marriage Records confirm the marriage date; she married Aaron H. Carr in Galesburg, Michigan

[23] Certain

[24] His daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Adelbert Skinner. Lois was his daughter by his first wife, Minerva Payson

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

[26] His grandson, Claude Brown, son of his daughter Nancy

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

[28] Hank’s parents, Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown

[29] Mary (Stephenson) McKinney, a former neighbor of Hank & Nancy Brown from when they lived in Lawton, Michigan, in 1876

[30] Lois and Adelbert Skinner.

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[32] Etc.

[33] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[34] The long shaft between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[35] Arthur & Caroline “Kitty” (Lockwood) Arms; Arthur was the nephew of Ambrose Brown

[36] FindAGrave.com reveals that Josephine (Whiting) Higgs died in Chicago, Illinois, and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. Josephine was the sister of Ernest Whiting who is mentioned quite frequently in Luke’s diaries

[37] Richard Barber and his daughter, Ida Barber

[38] His niece (Katharine’s daughter by her second husband, George Clinton Lee) and husband, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham

[39] Joseph York, the husband of Katharine’s daughter, Helen (Bradley) York, by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[40] Believe this to be his neighbor, Irwin I. Hall

[41] Perry, New York, where George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson lived; Marion was his niece

[42] Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber’s family

[43] 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

[44] Ambrose & Matilda’s son, Willis Brown

[45] Jane (Comfort) Nelles Sunderlin was his mother-in-law Nancy Betts’ sister

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

[47] Michigan Death Records show that Betsy (Judson) Kingsley died February 13, 1878 in Comstock, Michigan

[48] Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[49] Neighbor, Hannibal “Hat” A. Taylor

[50] Betsey (Clapp) Taylor

[51] Neighbor, Thomas Clark Ford

[52] FindAGrave.com records show that Fay Aldrich (born June 16, 1876), the son of William & Henrietta Aldrich, died on February 19, 1878 in Comstock, Michigan (which agrees with Luke’s entry and the Oak Grove Cemetery records) and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. However, Michigan Births & Christening Index records show his date of birth as August 14, 1876, and Michigan Vital Records reveals that Fay C. Aldrich, same parents and same date of birth, died in Comstock from croup on February 14, 1879

[53] Eugene Crawford, the son of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford and his first wife, Louisa Hall

[54] Edna Alice Crawford, the daughter of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford and his second wife, Mary Hamilton

[55] Massachusetts Death Records confirm that Reverend Russell Tomlinson died in Plymouth, Massachusetts on March 4, 1878

[56] Alvan Lee was his first cousin and it is believed that Ida Lee was Alvan’s niece, the daughter of his deceased brother, John Warren Lee

[57] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[58] The daughters of neighbors, John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[59] James Milham was the half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote for February 3^rd entry)

[60] His late father, Charles Luke Keith Sr.

[61] 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

[62] His niece, and Katharine’s daughter, Helen (Bradley) York

[63] Presume he is being funny or sarcastic in regard to his mother-in-law. Rev. Platt Betts was her second husband; he died December 29, 1861

[64] Believe he is referring to his neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl,

[65] Matilda Brown’s sister, Julia Allen

[66] Nellie was the daughter of Luke’s niece and her husband, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson; she married Walter Gillette

[67] Louis Bristol was Ambrose Brown’s grand-nephew

[68] His paternal first cousin, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[69] Michigan Marriage Records confirm that Henry “Harry” Streator and Helen Randall were married May 2, 1878 in Comstock, Michigan

[70] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[71] Neighbor, George Ransom Wightman

[72] Mary Tamer Ford, the daughter of neighbors Thomas & Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[73] Believe he is referring to Doc Wightman’s wife, Mary (Crandall) Wightman

[74] The Greenback movement (c. 1868–88) was a political campaign, largely by persons with agrarian interests, to maintain or increase the amount of paper money in circulation. Between 1862 and 1865, the U.S. government issued more than $450,000,000 in paper money not backed by gold (greenbacks) to help finance the Union cause in the American Civil War. After the war, fiscal conservatives demanded that the government retire the greenbacks, but farmers and others who wished to maintain high prices opposed that move. The party ran candidates in three presidential elections—in the elections of 1876, 1880, and 1884

[75] Lime plaster was used for exterior plastering and was composed of sand, water, and lime. Horse hair was added for reinforcement

[76] Marshall, Michigan

[77] Ceresco, Michigan

[78] Michigan Death Records show that Kezia (Lester) Deyo died in Richland, Michigan on June 9, 1878 and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in the Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland, Michigan

[79] Lois’ children: William Byron Clark (by her first husband, Byron Clark), and Ina Mary Skinner (by her second husband, Adelbert Skinner)

[80] FindAGrave.com shows that Maj. Stephen M. Dakin died June 17, 1878 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[81] Ambrose Brown’s aunt, Rhobe Brown, was married to a Joseph Wells; however, have not been able to make a connection between Ambrose Brown and George Wells or between Joseph & Rhobe Wells and George Wells

[82] Michigan death records show that Eliza Beakes, a widow, age 85, died in Comstock on June 22, 1878

[83] His niece and her husband, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson

[84] Michigan death records show that Fanny (Taber) Barnum died July 1, 1878 in Pavilion, Michigan

[85] Neighbor, Charles; his daughter Hannah’s future husband

[86] FindAGrave.com records reveal that Prudence (Bishop) Lord died July 6, 1878 and is buried in the Comstock Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[87] Neighbor, Lydia (McClary) Barber, wife of Lewis Barber

[88] His horse

[89] Referring to his wife and himself

[90] His brother-in-law, Henry Clay Crawford

[91] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[92] His granddaughter, Lela Mae Brown

[93] Neighbor, John S. Allen

[94] Neighbor, Albert H. Towne, who was the father of Charles Towne (see footnote to July 5^th entry)

[95] Mary (Knowles) Barber and her daughter, Ida Barber

[96] Michigan Death Records show that Rebecca Plank, age 27, died of consumption on August 22, 1878, and FindAGrave.com reveals that she is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Plank family had been neighbors until they moved to Grand Rapids in April 1873

[97] Neighbor, Orrin D. Schram, who was the father of Isaac D. L. Schram (see footnote to August 12^th entry)

[98] Michigan Death Records confirm that Stephen Loveland, age 60, died of consumption in Comstock on August 24, 1878

[99] See footnote to January 26^th entry

[100] Helen Lavinia York was the granddaughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee. FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in the Schoolcraft Township Cemetery in Vicksburg, Michigan

[101] Himself

[102] Nickname for his wife Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[103] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[104] Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford Jr., and their two children, Harry and Jessie

[105] His wife Sarah’s brother, David Caleb “D.C” Crawford, his wife, Amanda (Thornton) Crawford, and their daughter, Ida Louise

[106] Edna Irene Crawford, the daughter of his wife Sarah’s brother, Robert Crawford

[107] Omro, Wisconsin

[108] See footnote to September 18^th entry

[109] His wife Sarah’s brother (and Edna’s uncle), Henry Clay Crawford, lived in South Bend, Indiana, so presume Edna was going to visit thei family

[110] Dowagiac, Michigan, to attend the wedding of Edna Alice Crawford, the daughter of Edwin (deceased) & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford. She married Oscar M. Allen, Jr. on September 25, 1878

[111] William H. Barber, the son of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[112] Mary (Clapp) Earl

[113] FindAGrave.com and Riverside Cemetery records show that Lucy (Harris) Rogers died September 26, 1878 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[114] Frank John Tomlinson, the son of Luke’s niece and her husband, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson

[115] The sons of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[116] Neighbor, Herbert Earl, the son of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

[117] Neighbors, Mary (Clapp) Earl and her son, Theodore Earl

[118] Daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl; she married Frank Crossfield in 1877 and the 1880 census shows them living in Oakland, Wisconsin

[119] See footnote to January 26^th entry

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

[121] Clara Almyra Milham, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[122] Neighbor, David Barton

[123] The “ditto marks” were used to indicate a repetition of the word on the line above, which was “cents”

[124] FindAGrave.com reveals that George S. Hodges had been a captain during the Civil War and that he died of consumption on October 29, 1878 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[125] FindAGrave.com shows that Charlotte (TenBrook) Oakley died November 5, 1878 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[126] Believe he is referring to Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, the widow of his brother-in-law, Edwin Crawford

[127] His paternal first cousin, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee; Michigan Death Records confirm that he died of pneumonia in Comstock, Michigan on November 19, 1878

[128] Believe he is referring to Sarah “Sate” Skinner, the sister of his son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner

[129] Charles Lee’s nephew, Orrin Strong Lee, the son of Ezekiel & Elizabeth (Strong) Lee

[130] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s earlier diaries and it is believed Luke is referring to his cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and lived with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, until the Spring of 1870 when he moved to Utah

Luke Keith’s 1874 Diary

1874 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

The entries from January 1 through June 10 were first written in the back of his 1873 diary. He copied the entries of January 1 through February 5 into his 1874 diary and they are basically identical to what he originally wrote in his 1873 diary. Anything from 1874 that clarifies or adds to the 1873 entries is noted in brackets. He then had entries in his 1874 diary on August 30 and September 1 and finally daily entries from September 22 through December 31.

Jan 1 – At home. Ethan[2] and girls[3] went down to Lois.[4] Ed Wilcut and wife[5] came here, stayed all night.

Jan 2 – Eds folks went home. No snow [but very] muddy.

Jan 3 – Quite warm 60 Abz.[6] [Not much done but chores.]

Jan 4 – At home. 60 Abz in morning, cool at night 30 Abz. Hannah[7] went to Battlecreek to learn Dress Makers trade. [All well.]

Jan 5 – Cool, no snow, 20 Abz in morning. [Choring round.]

Jan 6 – At home. Not much work [but chores].

Jan 7 – Hank and Nancy[8] moved to Lawton.[9] Fine day.

Jan 8 – Pleasant morning, 30 Abz. Went over to burg.[10] Bot Lock for schoolhouse 30 cts.

Jan 9 – Filed saw for [N. A.] Randal 10¢.

Jan 10 – At home. Mrs [Hat] Hawleys[11] Father and Brother came [here in afternoon, stayed all night].

Jan 11 – At home. Cold, no snow. Henry Semer paid me Nine Dollars.

Jan 12 – Mr Abbot and son[12] left. Went over to burg. Paid my tax 16.87 cts.

Jan 13 – Cool, no snow. At home. Catharine,[13] [Mrs] Gaffing and Jo Lee[14] here.

Jan 14 – Cold. Hannah came home. Snowed [some].

Jan 15 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Catharines. Cool and blustering, snow 2¼.

Jan 16 – Cold, 7 Abz in morning. At home [no work] not very well.

Jan 17 – At home. Worked in shop some.

Jan 18 – Not very cold. Ethan & Hannah [went down to Streators] went over to Barbers[15] in Evening.

Jan 19 – At home. Went down to Streators[16] in morning.

Jan 20 – Went down to Catharines, stayed all night. Thrashers came to [____] thrash clover [seed]. Mart and Lucy[17] went to town. Rainy night.

Jan 21 – Rained in afternoon. Came home in Evening. Rainy. Lois here.

Jan 22 – Rainy morning. [No work but chores.]

Jan 23 – Worked on bob rods and neap. Paid D. S. Bronson fifteen Dollars. Ethan & Hannah went up to S[am] Whites to a Dance. [Hiram Lovelands wife Died to day.][18]

Jan 24 – Snows some. At home. All well.

Jan 25 – At home. Ethan & Hannah went up to Wesleys.[19]

Jan 26 – Finished Bobs. Went down to A. Browns[20] in Evening. Cold, no snow.

Jan 27 – Rainy morning. [Not much work.]

Jan 28 – At home. Worked in shop some.

Jan 29 – Went down to M O Streators, got five 5 bushels wheat. Mrs Semer paid one Dollar.

Jan 30 – 28 cold and snowy. No work. Very blustring.

Jan 31 – Pleasant morning 2 below zero. Went over to burg got Louesas[21] shoes mended 60. Alfleda[22] came back.

Feb 1 – 11 Abz, pleasant morning. Traded harness for sleigh.

Feb 2 – At home. Not much work.

Feb 3 – Went to Comstock[23] to mill. Fine day.

Feb 4 – Made saw frame for Mrs Semer.

Feb 5 – Went over to burg at noon. Carried hams down to A. Browns. J. R. Towsley Buried. Mart and toot[24] came here. Posted up to here.[25]

Feb 6 – Snows this morning. At home.

Feb 7 – At home. Worked round shop and home.

Feb 8 – At home for day.

Feb 9 – Went down to Lois in Evening. All right.

Feb 10 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine came home with me. Went over to burg in Evening. Streator came up in Evening. Wes and Harriet[26] here. Alfleda _____

Feb 11 – Fine day. Went up in woods, got load wood. Carried Catharine home. Streator and T Ford here in Evening.

Feb 12 – At home. Not very well. Rainy night.

Feb 13 – Repaired hand slead. Snow all gone.

Feb 14 – At home. Worked round house and shop some. No snow.

Feb 15 – At home. All Well.

Feb 16 – At home. Cut some wood.

Feb 17 – Sawed some wood. Cold, no snow.

Feb 18 – Went to Kalamazoo. $4.00 paid four Dollars on Sewing machine note.[27]

Feb 19 – Sarah[28] and Alfleda went down to Streators. Stormy.

Feb 20 – At home. Work in barn. Husked corn.

Feb 21 – Sarah went over to burg. Hannah went up to Battlecreek. Oscar[29] called here in morning. Had been to Lansing. No snow.

Feb 22 – Fine day. 29 Abz in morning. At home all day. Hawleys folks went up to Ridlers.[30] Alfleda and Oscar came back just at night. Oscar went home.

Feb 23 – Put top on my new violin. Very blustring day.

Feb 24 – Went down to Skinners, got some apples. Hawley[31] got a fart crosswise and blowed a perfect gale.

Feb 25 – Cold, not much wind in morning. At home. Cut some wood.

Feb 26 – At home. Choring round. All well. Sarah went up to Jesse Earls.[32] Turned balance wheel for Ethans Engine.

Feb 27 – Turned balance wheel for Ethans Engine.[33] Sarah went up to Jesse Earls.

Feb 28 – Cut wood. Pleasant day. Eugene[34] came up in Evening.

Mar 1 – Cloudy, no snow.

Mar 2 – At home. Finished husking corn. Caroline Earl[35] came here. Ethan went down to Marts.[36] Nancy came home.

Mar 3 – Carried Caroline over to burg. Rained some.

Mar 4 – Round home, fine day.

Mar 5 – Sawed wood, got quite a pile.

Mar 6 – Went over to burg. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catharines. M. O. Streator and wife[37] here. Sold the bobs to Streator. He paid $.00 ten Dollars.

Mar 7 – Some wind in morning. Rough day, blustrous.

Mar 8 – Hank and Nancy here. They went down to Browns. George Maffit Died.[38]

Mar 9 – Cold. At home. Hank and Nancy went home. Not much work.

Mar 10 – Maffit buried. Went to Comstock to mill. Very cold. Stopt to Catharines. Got letter from Carry Plank.[39]

Mar 11 – Cold morning, no snow.

Mar 12 – At home. No work out doors.

Mar 13 – Went over to burg twice. Went up to Durkees. Received 88 Dollars of Township Treasurer. Paid Miss Davis 88 Dollars. Aunt Linda Hobbs Died.

Mar 14 – Went to Kalamazoo with Dell.[40] Paid A. B. Sumner thirteen Dollars 13.00. Nice day. Sarah went to ARS.

Mar 15 – Catharine here.

Mar 16 – Went over to burg. Went down to Skinners. Got his wagon.

Mar 17 – Went to Kalamazoo. Sold Ira Carlton twenty and half bushels corn fifteen Dollars and 37½ cts. Rained in Evening, Thundered. First thunder storm. Paid Doc Finch ten Dollars. Sarah and Catharine went up to Wesleys.

Mar 18 – At home. Worked round. Got some wood, got Peacock.

Mar 19 – Worked round some in shop some.

Mar 20 – Went down to Kalamazoo with Wesley. Traded my watch with Wes for his Buggy and Harness. Martin Turner[41] stayed here all night. Theodore, Elva and Hurb Earl[42] here in Evening.

Mar 21 – Went over to burg with A. Brown. Tild and Jule[43] here in afternoon. Went over to burg in Evening after Azros and wife. They stayed all night.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. Azros folks went up to Wesleys.

Mar 23 – Went over to burg. Received of Town Treasurer forty Nine and Ninety nine/100 Dollars 49.99. Cold wind.

Mar 24 – Painted wheelbarrow. Ethan went down to Catharines.

Mar 25 – Lois, Sate and Mrs Skinner[44] came down here. Rained some. Jim[45] went up to Mr Flanders, got Pea hen. Henry[46] came brot Boiler.

Mar 26 – Trimed some appletrees and choped some. Cut one tree up in woods.

Mar 27 – Jo Lee and Catharine came up here. Jim and Harvey went down to Catharines.

Mar 28 – Cold and windy. At home.

Mar 29 – Went down to Catharines. Orson Starr and wife came up there. Had some new shugar.

Mar 30 – Helped A. Brown clean up wheat. Sarah came home with him.

Mar 31 – Cold wind. Major commenced to set. She had 14 Eggs.

Apr 1 – Split some logs for wood. Henry came down. They fired up Engine. Martin Turner here to dinner. Hannah came home.

Apr 2 – Wesleys Auction to day. Went up to Wes Auction. Cold, snowed some.

Apr 3 – Went up to Wesleys, got bedstead. Went up agan, got buggy. Ethan, Hannah and sis[47] went up in afternoon. Henry came down. He went up to Wesleys. Snowed like fun.[48]

Apr 4 – Cold morning, 9 Abz in morning. District No. 7 paid C. L. Keith[49] one Dollar $1.00.

Apr 5 – At home.

Apr 6 – Went to town meeting.

Apr 7 – At home. All well.

Apr 8 – Sarah went over to Hoags,[50] Lois Barbers. I went over to Dicks in Evening. Cut wood. Ethan drawed some.

Apr 9 – Tinkered in shop some and round house.

Apr 10 – Went up to Wesleys. Helped him pack his things. He took them to the burg. Harvey and Ellis[51] stayed all night. Ethans Engine went the first time.

Apr 11 – Ellis and Harvey here.

Apr 12 – Mart and Lucy came, Lucy stayed.

Apr 13 – Put in crosbar in M O 50 Streators buggy thills.[52] Made pole for Hawley 1.00 one Dollar. Rained in Evening. Ethan Drawed wood.

Apr 14 – Cloudy. At home. Made Evener for Hawley 25¢.

Apr 15 – At home. Toot here _____. Chored round, cleaned door, yard, piled wood.

Apr 16 – Fixed up kettle for making soap. Toot went up to Jims.[53]

Apr 17 – Cloudy. Hawley took load stalks. Made soap.

Apr 18 – At home. Not very well. No work.

Apr 19 – At home. Fine day, cold wind.

Apr 20 – Worked round in garden and yard.

Apr 21 – Went to Kalamazoo to probate Court.

Apr 22 – Went to Comstock to mill. Got three bushels wheat of M. O. Streator. Harriet stayed here.

Apr 23 – Went over to burg, carried Harriet and children over. Mr Murphy died.[54]

Apr 24 – Drawed manure, put round appletrees. Setled up with Hawley.

Apr 25 – Lame, no work to day. Fine day.

Apr 26 – At home all day. Fine weather.

Apr 27 – Finished trimming currant brush. Catharine here. Ethan packed over Engine.

Apr 28 – Snow 1 inch and ¼ deep this morning.

Apr 29 – Hawley left this morning, he was very sick. Soing machine miller here. Catharine went home. Bely Right paid over first payment on the land.

Apr 30 – Drawed manure from Hogpen. Henry came down here.

May 1 – Fine morning. At home all day. Went down to Skinners just at night.

May 2 – Went to Kalamazoo. Borrowed twenty five Dollars of Jule Allen. Paid miller for machine 30 Dollars.

May 3 – At home. Mart and Lucy came up. Wes and family here.

May 4 – Worked round yard and garden. Went over to burg in Evening. Wesley and family left for Kansas on the Eleven fifty Eight run. Nancy came home.

May 5 – At home, fine day. Alfleda went up to A. Browns. Henry came down.

May 6 – Moved fence south of orchard and west side of lane. Will Plank[55] came in Evening.

May 7 – Pleasant morning. Ridler commenced plowing in south lot.

May 8 – Repaired A. Browns Roller in morning. Ridler plowing. Heard the first Whipporwill.

May 9 – Put handles in Ridlers plow. Ethan got Bill Brown to plow garden. Hank came home.

May 10 – Fine warm day. At home.

May 11 – Plowed gardens. Will Plank went home. Burnt brushheap. Mrs Delia Birge died.[56]

May 12 – Worked round garden. Drawed some roots and brush of plowed ground. Hank went home. Ethan planted for A. Brown.

May 13 – Put cover in Browns churn. Hot day. Will Barber[57] commenced plowing in East lot. Mrs Birge buried to day.

May 14 – Sarah and Nancy went down to Skinners. Ethan planted corn for Dell. Ridler planting in South lot.

May 15 – Went down to M. O. Streators got some potatoes. Rained in afternoon and night. Finished planting South lot.

May 16 – Rainy morning. Worked round garden and and shop.

May 17 – At home. All right. No one here.

May 18 – Planted potatoes. Ed Childs stayed Marked potatoe ground. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Barber and Dell plowed.

May 19 – Planted potatoes. Ed Childs stayed here all night. Rained.

May 20 – Went down to Charles Lees.[58] Sarah Stayed.

May 21 – Went to Kalamazoo to attend Browns & Allertons lawsuit.[59]

May 22 – Went to Kalamazoo. Was sworn on suit.

May 23 – Went to Kalamazoo. Browns Suit Ended. Brown got judgment of 26 Dollars. Ida Barber[60] came home sick.

May 24 – At home. All right.

May 25 – Chored round. Went over to burg. Got Wheel for hank. Hank and Nancy went home. Went down to Skinners just at night.

May 26 – Worked round garden and shop.

May 27 – Worked in shop and chored round.

May 28 – Made Hogyard. Put hogs in. One of them sick.

May 29 – Jo Lee here all day. Altered hog, put rings in his nose. I went down to Catharines, carried Lucy home. Alfleda went with Jo Lee.

May 30 – Went to Kalamazoo as witness on uncle Isaac Pierce Estate.[61] Giddings baby[62] buried to day.

May 31 – Went over to Mrs Wilson in Evening to Spiritual circle.[63]

Jun 1 – Worked on Hanks wheel. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jun 2 – Finished Hanks wheel.

Jun 3 – Not very well. At home. Barber brot thills over to be made.

Jun 4 – Worked in shop some on thills.

Jun 5 – Hued out thills. Barber and Ridler cultivating. Had a fine shower in afternoon

Jun 6 – Cut out rockers for chair. Went over to burg, sent Hanks wheel to him. Ethan and Henry turned mallets and balls for Ed flanders.[64] Had a heavy rain in Evening. Went down to Lois just at night.

Jun 7 – At home. Alvin and Ida Lee[65] came up here.

Jun 8 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Had a heavy shower. Went over to burg in afternoon. Saw Doc. Johnson.

Jun 9 – Hot morning. Took felloes[66] of Wightmans wheels.

Jun 10 – Went over to burg to see show come in.

[End of 1874 entries in his 1873 diary, then two entries in 1874 diary on August 30 and September 1]

Aug 30 – Judge Bazel Harrison[67] Died to day Ae 100 & 3 years.

Sep 1 – Judge Bazel Harrison Buried to day.

[No entries for September 2-21]

Sep 22 – Husked corn in East lot. Nancy came home. Ethan came home in Evening.

Sep 23 – Carried Sarah down to Catharines. Received twenty four Dollars of Town Treasurer $20, primary $4 Library. Husked pop corn, had one bushel of Ears.

Sep 24 – Husked corn, put in the barn. Warm day.

Sep 25 – Husked corn. Finished husking Barbers corn, had 37 thirty seven bushels of Ears. Drawed in seven shock of Ridlers, had seven and half bushels. Hot and dry.

Sep 26 – Rainy forenoon. Drawed in some corn in afternoon. Went down to Catharines after Sarah, stayed all night. Had a heavy shower in Evening. Charley Harris[68] Died this morning.

Sep 27 – At Catharines. Came home in Evening. All right.

Sep 28 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Skinners, got some peaches. Went over to burg in Evening. Paid Emma Sumner[69] forty three Dollars $43.

Sep 29 – Husked corn. Pleasant day. Carried 2½ wheat over to mill. Nancy put on her quilt.

Sep 30 – Pleasant morning, no frost yet. Husked corn. Hannah came home. Mrs Brown and Jule here quilting.

Oct 1 – Husked corn. Ethan and Jim went to Fair at Kalamazoo.

Oct 2 – Husking corn. Finished South lot. Fine day.

Oct 3 – Carried up corn into Cornhouse, 38 bushels. Browns folks here in afternoon quilting. Hank came in Evening. Lois came down in afternoon, helped Nancy quilt.

Oct 4 – Cool, first frost, 31 Abz, pleasant day. Ethan and Hannah, Hank and Nancy, Sis and Jim all gone down to Browns. Mr Spires Died this Evening.

Oct 5 – Drawed corn in forenoon, husked in afternoon. Had a shower. Henry and Sate came in the rain. They were going up to Battle Creek to get Dol doctered.

Oct 6 – Cloudy but warm. Jim and I husked corn. Ethan and Hank went over to Mr Arms.[70] Mrs Brown and Jule up here, got quilt of. Lucy called here, she went to burg. Henry and Sate came back. Mr Spires buried to day.

Oct 7 – Husked corn, drawed in some. Hank and Nancy went home. Had some squirels for dinner. Cullin Town married to night.[71]

Oct 8 – Finished drawing in corn in forenoon. Finished husking my corn. Got hard cold.

Oct 9 – Sick with cold. Jim husking corn for A. Brown. Ethan picking apples. Fine day.

Oct 10 – Fixed Hog pen so I could put hogs in. Ethan and Sarah went down to Orsons. High wind part of the day.

Oct 11 – Rainy morning. Put Hogs in pen this morning. Stormy day. Frank Lee Shot himself to day.[72] He was hunting in Jacksons woods.

Oct 12 – Durkee called and got report for supervisor to Assess on District No. 7 for incidental Expences.

Oct 13 – Shelled two bushels new corn to take to mill. Chored around house and barn. Ethan and Sarah went down to Charles Lees[73] to Franks funeral. Fine day. Ambrose Fields[74] brot in on cars[75] to night. He Died in Ohio.

Oct 14 – Put box on stove boot. Got some apples up to the corner. Brot some wood of the hill.

Oct 15 – Went to mill to Comstock. Carried two bushels new corn, got one ground into _____, the other fine meal. Joel James[76] came here, Stayed all night. Nice day. He was selling washing machines Territory.

Oct 16 – Carried Joel over to burg. Came back and picked some tomatoes and carried them over to Barbers. Sarah went over. Ethan picking apples down to Browns. Jim went down to Catharines. Carried petition over to An Eliza Deckers.

Oct 17 – Dug potatoes. Fine day. Ethan and Jim husking for Brown. Received letter from Oscar.

Oct 18 – Fine morning, very little frost. Charley and Will[77] here. Sarah and I went up to Flanders,[78] went round by Brick School house.

Oct 19 – Dug potatoes. Ridler husked corn in South lot. Ethan and Jim husked corn for Brown. Brot Apples up at night.

Oct 20 – Dug some potatoes. Carried sis down to Catharines.

Oct 21 – Dug potatoes. Fine day. Ethan and Jim husking for Brown. Went down to Browns in Evening. Repaired Blinds for Mr. Ralph.

Oct 22 – Dug potatoes. Boys husking to Browns. Mr Ralph got his Blinds. House Warming to Shimdts. Warmed up the Big House. Ridler and Will husking, finished the South lot. Fine day.

Oct 23 – Sarah went up to Mr Ralphs. Jo Lee came up here. Finished diging my potatoes. Alfleda came home. They had a concert at Methodist Church in Evening. Brownell got the Jack Knife.

Oct 24 – Carried potatoes down cellar. Warm day. Went over to Burg, bot Beef bone, got Alfledas watch cleaned[?]. Rained in the night.

Oct 25 – Warm day. Went down to Catharines after Louesa.

Oct 26 – Took wagon to pieces. Made steps to East Door. Ridler finished drawing his cornfodder, cleared both lots. George Tomlinson[79] called here in afternoon bout a our. Rained some.

Oct 27 – Repaired Em Ralphs chair. Drawed pumpkins. Jesse Earl, Martin turner, and Mr Latta called here in afternoon. A. Brown finished husking corn to day.

Oct 28 – Rainy. Ethan and Jim went down to Browns to work. No work to day, sick, head, back and belly ache.

Oct 29 – Sick, no work. Ethan and Jim to Browns drawing cornfodder. Cold, high wind.

Oct 30 – Cold, some snow flying. Ethan down to Browns. Filed saw for A. Caywood. Snowed some, stormy night.

Oct 31 – Snow two inches deep this morning. Dillenbecks Auction to day. Cold raw day. Not well. Went over to burg in afternoon. Snowed and rained, cold, bad storm.

Nov 1 – Cold wind. Jim gone down to Catharines. Sis over to Allens.[80] Jim & Stella Milham[81] here in afternoon. Jim came down to see the binder. Jim went down to Catharines.

Nov 2 – Pleasant, but cold wind. Not very well.

Nov 3 – Went over to burg to Election. Not very weell.

Nov 4 – Carried Sarah over to Hoags. Went up to Schrams[82] to get horse and wagon.

Nov 5 – Got Schrams Horse and wagon. Went down to Marts. Made some cider 34 galons. Fine day. Jo Lee sick.

Nov 6 – Took Horse and wagon home. Cleaned up some wheat got of Mart, took it over to mill. Sarah went home. Ethan and Jim went up to Flanders after Walnuts.

Nov 7 – Mary Ann and Nettie, Glen and Hobert[83] came here. Jim Went to Lawton.

Nov 8 – Not very cold, 59 Abz, rains some. Went down to Catharines. Jo sick there.

Nov 9 – Went down to Catharines. Hannah went with me. Carried stool to Jo. Libby Clark[84] stayed with Sis. Went over to burg, bot shoes for Hannah and odder dings &c.[85]

Nov 10 – Carried Sarah over to Hoags. Carried one pair shoes back to Shroeder and Olins.

Nov 11 – Worked round house and shop. Went after Sarah in Evening. Net came back.

Nov 12 – Cut maple tree by the west stoop. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Cold, snowed some. Jo no better. Libby Allen[86] came here, stayed all night.

Nov 13 – Cold, pleasant morning. Mary Ann and youngones came down. Stayed all night. Sarah and Mary Ann went over to Evys.

Nov 14 – Cold wind. Mary Ann Started for home. Cold wind. Jim came home from Lawton.

Nov 15 – Went down to Catharines to see Jo. He was no better. Pleasant day, no snow yet. Charles Lee sick.

Nov 16 – At home, not much done, not very well. Went over to burg, got ax fixed, 50. Rainy.

Nov 17 – Chored round. Not very well to day.

Nov 18 – Cut down two trees in woods, drawed two loads wood.

Nov 19 – Went up to Henry Clintons. Carried some things to send Mrs Wiseman.[87] Went to burg when we came back. Bot some red paint and blue vitrol.

Nov 20 – Moved bench in to South room. Snowey day. Cut holes in seat for Skinners privy. Henry came down here, stayed all night. Snow 3½ inches.

Nov 21 – Put thill in Sleigh. Drawed load wood on Sleigh. First snow. Henry went home. A. Brown brot quarter Beef, 90 lbs. Henry and I went over to burg.

Nov 22 – Not very cold, looks some like rain in morning. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Rained hard when we came home.

Nov 23 – Rainy and cold. Carried Sis to school. Not much work to day. Snowed and blowed like the old nick, afternoon and Evening. Ethan went after Sis at night.

Nov 24 – Cold, snows some. Worked in shop some. Put batten on crack in well room. Cold blustrous day. Not very well.

Nov 25 – Lois came down, stayed all night. Worked in shop some.

Nov 26 – Went down to A. Browns to turkey dinner. Mr Hubbard and boy was there. Lois went home. Stormed some in Evening.

Nov 27 – Worked on portable partition. Snowed some. Sarah colored Sis and Alfledas Dresses.

Nov 28 – Snowes like fun this morning.

Nov 29 – Ethan and I went down to Catharines with Sleigh. Cold day.

Nov 30 – Shelled and carried three bushels corn over to burg mill. Went down to Mrs Simmons to see about stove.

Dec 1 – Cold. Very good sleighing. Made Shovel and tongs box.

Dec 2 – Worked on gearing some. Went over to burg with sleigh. Not much sleighing now, snow about all gone. Made Lois lap board.

Dec 3 – Worked on gearing some. Went over to burg, got grist. Went with buggy. Henry here. Dick Barber and Mr Allen called here.

Dec 4 – Pleasant, no snow, fine October weather. Worked on gearing.

Dec 5 – Worked on gearing some. Went over to burg in Evening. Sarah went to Jane Hoags.[88] Ethan up to Flanders. Pleasant day. Got first Rilegio[?].

Dec 6 – At home, fine day, Mercury 40 Abz. Pleasant as spring almost. Cut Will Browns hair.

Dec 7 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg. Got pattern of Mary Mason. Sarah went to Lawton on night train.

Dec 8 – Went up to Jo Flanders. Got three bushels wheat, took it over to mill. Fine day, no snow. 13 bushels wheat $1.5¢ pr bushel.

Dec 9 – Went over to burg, got my grist. Cold but pleasant. Worked on gearing some.

Dec 10 – Very pleasant but cool. Went over to burg after Sarah but she no come. Worked in shop some. Staring got ten bushels corn 40 lbs $.4.00.

Dec 11 – Very pleasant day. Roads dusty. Worked in shop. Went down to Browns got ____tting for sand board. Ethan worked for Brown. Will Clark stayed here all night.

Dec 12 – Pleasant morning. Drawed pole to hang hogs on. One load wood. Edwin Flanders brot boards to make tool chest of Mr Flanders. Got Hay Knife. Pleasant and dusty.

Dec 13 – Went down to Catharines. Rainy day. Jo some better. Came home in Evening, got wet. Jim went with me.

Dec 14 – Cold, some snow on ground. Worked in shop. Received letter from Hiram.[89]

Dec 15 – Went up in woods, cut down tree. Ethan drawed two loads wood. Finished waggon gearing. Plasant day.

Dec 16 – Went over to burg at noon. Sarah came home from Lawton. Rainy night.

Dec 17 – Worked in shop on cross head for Theodore Earl. Fine weather.

Dec 18 – Worked on cross head. Pleasant and cold. Put up stove in shop. Henry, Mr. Ives and George Ives called here in afternoon to see my new violin.

Dec 19 – Killed hogs. A. Brown helped. Pleasant day. Theodore got crosshead. Killed two hogs. Lois went to Mary Jane Birges[90] funeral, left Inez[91] here. Mr Flanders called here in Evening.

Dec 20 – At home all day, not very well. Cool day.

Dec 21 – Chored round house and barn &c. Went down to Catharines in Evening. Snowed like fun when we came home. Went up to Mr Flanders to pick out boards for wagon box.

Dec 22 – Snow 2 inches deep this morning. Cut up hogs and salted them. Mart, Catharine and Lucy called here in Evening. They went over to burg. Sarah went with them.

Dec 23 – Not very cold. Work on A. Browns wringer. Ethan drawed some wood.

Dec 24 – Worked on wringer. Made Lapboard for Mrs Flanders,[92] one for Mary Mason.

Dec 25 – Worked on wringer some in forenoon. Dick Barber and wife here to dinner. Fine day, not much snow.

Dec 26 – Pleasant morning. Worked on wringer and chored round. Charles and Julia Lee[93] came up here. Went over to burg with Charles.

Dec 27 – Went down to Catharines. Rainy. Ethan went up to Mr Flanders, stayed all night.

Dec 28 – Worked in shop some. Henry came down, stayed all night.

Dec 29 – Cold morning, 15 Abz, fine snow.

Dec 30 – Worked in shop on wagon box some. Got out cleats. Henry here making stool.

Dec 31 – Henry came down, finished stool. I dressed out some stuff for box cleats under box. Hannah came home.

——-

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

[2] His son, Ethan Keith

[3] His daughters, Nancy, Hannah and Louese

[4] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, his daughter by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[5] His maternal first cousin and cousin’s wife, Edward G. & Sarah (Bliss) Wolcott

[6] Above zero

[7] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[8] His son-in-law and daughter, Henry & Nancy (Keith) Brown

[9] Lawton, Michigan

[10] Galesburg, Michigan

[11] Neighbor, Harriet (Abbott) Hawley

[12] Harriet Hawley’s father and brother

[13] His sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[14] His first cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[15] Neighbors, Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

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

[17] His niece and her husband, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham

[18] FindAGrave.com confirms that Elizabeth Loveland died January 23, 1874; she was buried in the Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Michigan Marriage Records show that her maiden name was Russell

[19] John Wesley Keith, his adopted brother

[20] Ambrose Brown, neighbor and father-in-law of his daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[21] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith

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

[23] Comstock was the town he lived in

[24] Nickname for Lucy (Lee) Milham, daughter of Luke’s sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[25] The entries up to this date had been copied over to his 1874 diary

[26] Wesley Keith’s wife, Harriet (Blakslee) Keith

[27] He made the following entry in his 1873 diary: Jun 5 – Bot Sewing Machine $60. Paid twenty, gave note for forty payable in Eight Months

[28] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[29] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith, son of Harvey & Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[30] Neighbors, James & Mary (Croak) Ridler

[31] His neighbor, Byron Hawley

[32] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[33] Ethan was an inventor; this was one of the projects he was working on

[34] Sarah’s nephew; Eugene was the son of her late brother, Edwin Crawford, and his first wife, Louisa Hall

[35] His cousin, Caroline (Wolcott) Earl, the sister of Edward Wolcott

[36] Martin Milham, husband of Lucy (Lee) Milham. Lucy was daughter of his sister Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[37] Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

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

[39] Caroline Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Plank family had been neighbors, but on April 3, 1873, Luke noted in his diary that they had left for Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

[41] His cousin

[42] Neighbors, the sons and daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

[43] Ambrose Brown’s wife and sister-in-law, Matilda and Julia Ann Allen

[44] His daughter Lois, and her sister- and mother-in-law, Sarah Skinner and Sarah (Knight) Skinner

[45] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[46] Henry Keith, his son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[47] Nickname for his daughter, Louese

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

[49] He’s referring to himself

[50] Neighbors, Abel & Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[51] Wesley’s sons, Ellis and James Harvey Keith

[52] Two poles between which a horse is hitched to a wagon

[53] Not sure who this is; his son, Jim, was only 12 at the time

[54] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Levi T. Murphy died in Kalamazoo on April 23, 1873 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo. Michigan Death Records also show that he died in 1873, so it is unclear why Luke added this in 1874

[55] The son of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

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

[57] Neighbor, the son of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[58] His paternal first cousin. Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee

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

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

[61] Michigan Death Records show that Isaac Pierce died in Climax, Michigan, on July 12, 1873

[62] Michigan Death Records show that Adelia Giddings, age 1, died of spinal meningitis on April 29, 1874

[63] A seance

[64] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[65] His paternal first cousin, Alvan Lee, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee. Ida Lee’s father, Joseph Warren Lee (Alvan’s brother), died April 4, 1864 in an Army hospital from wounds received in battle in Tennessee during the Civil War. Her mother, Nancy E. Taylor, remarried July 29, 1864 to William Count, but died three months later on October 1, 1864. The step-father relinquished his rights to the children and they went to live with their grandparents, Charles & Juliana Lee, in Comstock

[66] Felloe or felly – rim, or segment of the rim, of a spoked wheel

[67] From the Kalamazoo County Sesquicentennial Committee marker: Bazel and Martha Harrison are buried in the Harrison cemetery south of this marker. He led a party of 21 who were the first permanent settlers on Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo County, where they arrived on November 5, 1828. One thousand people attended his funeral on September 1, 1874 because he was admired, esteemed, respected and loved by all who knew him.

[68] Michigan Death Records reveal that Charles Harris, age 28, died of Typhoid Fever on September 26, 1874; FindAGrave.com shows that he was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[69] Neighbor; the 1880 Census shows that she was a school teacher so perhaps she was teaching in 1874 and that was her payment for services rendered

[70] Believe he is referring to Hank’s uncle, William Arms, Cynthia Brown’s husband

[71] Michigan Marriage Records show that Cullen Towne married Sarah Antoinette Adams in Comstock, Michigan on October 7, 1874

[72] The Michigan Death Records reveal that Francis Lee died October 11, 1874 from accidental discharge of gun

[73] Charles Lee (1797-1878), Francis Lee’s grandfather

[74] FindAGrave.com shows that Ambrose Field died October 10, 1874 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[75] The train

[76] His maternal first cousin

[77] His grandsons, Charles and William Clark

[78] Neighbors, Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith, died, Joseph & Amanda took in their children, Henry and Lois Keith. From letters from that time, it would appear that Lois was then sent to Minerva’s parents while Henry lived with the Flanders family. According to Carol (Boyer) Stafford, the Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like he lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” who I believe was actually Henry L. Keith, age 16, living with Joseph & Amanda

[79] The husband of Luke’s niece, Marion Sprague

[80] Neighbor, John S. Allen

[81] Believe he is referring to neighbors, James Milham and his daughter, Stella. James was Martin Milham’s half brother

[82] Neighbors, Isaac & Olive Ellen (Atkinson) Schram

[83] James “Oscar” Keith’s wife and children, Mary Ann (Batey), Glen and John Herbert Keith; Oscar and Mary Ann had two daughters, Jessie and Catherine, but it is unclear if either one of them went by that nickname

[84] The daughter of Loren & Amanda (Taylor) Clark. Loren was the brother of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinners’ first husband, Byron Clark

[85] Other things, etc.

[86] The daughter of neighbors, John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[87] Former neighbor, Caroline (Williams) Wiseman. An October 11 entry in Luke’s 1871 diary reported that “Mr Wiseman (Joseph) and wife left,” and a December 28, 1871 letter from Mrs. Wiseman shows they were living in Utica, Kansas. Another letter dated January 16, 1876 shows they were living in Spring Side, Kansas

[88] Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[89] Most likely his brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[90] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Mary Jane (Bronson) Birge, age 38, died December 17, 1874 in Brady, Michigan, and was buried in McKain Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[91] His granddaughter, Ina Mary Skinner, who was born June 13, 1874

[92] Neighbor, Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders

[93] Charles (see footnote for May 20) & Juliana (Davis) Lee