1873 DIARY OF NANCY (KEITH) BROWN
Jan 1x[1] – Pleasant. Hannah[2] was over to our house to day and spent the afternoon. Father Browns[3] folks went up to Mr Woods[4] to spend the day. They stoped for Hank[5] and I on their way home. We went home with them. Hannah received a letter from Will to day.
Jan 2x – Rainy. Hank & Henry[6] started for Benton Harbor this morning. Father took them down. Miss Yawger went with them. We quilted on my quilt (the churn dasher to day. Father went to the Burg[7] after he got home from Kalamazoo. Mr and Mrs Caywood,[8] Mr and Mrs Armstrong,[9] Mr and Mrs Streetor[10] were here and spent the evening. I am at Fathers staying while Hank is gone. It is splended sleighing.
Jan 3 – Very Windy. Ma[11] and Hannah came down here to quilt. They came in the morning. Pa[12] came down and spent the evening. Mrs Simmons had a party. Mr and Mrs Allerton,[13] Mr and Mrs Sherwood and Mr and Mrs Plank[14] were there. (Sick a gain this morning.)
Jan 4x – Pleasant. Quilted all day got it half off. Father drew corn stalks from the other place this fore noon. Went to the Burg this afternoon. Will[15] was sick to day. Lois[16] is a visiting at Pa,s this afternoon. She and Dell[17] got back from Lima Indianna yesterday. They went last Tuesday. Hank came home with Father to night, got home at eight o.clock and twenty minutes last night. I mended Hanks pants to night. Mrs Vanvleete[18] died two weeks ago to day.
Jan 5 – Pleasant. Will brought Hank and I up to Pa,s this forenoon. Sate Skinner[19] is here. She came down yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan[20] took her home to night. Hannah went with them. When he came back he took Hank and I home.
Jan 6x – Pleasant. I have been sick all day, have not set up but a little. Fred Hawver and Pheobe Armstrong[21] was married yesterday. Hank took a negative[22] for Willis Oatman to day.
Jan 7 – Pleasant. Ethan came after me this morning to go over to Father Browns. I was sick and could not go. Ma and Mrs Plank and Lois, Sate and Mrs Skinner[23] were going to be there to help quilt. Hank went to Kalamazoo to day to see the doctor and get some M[24] for me. Ida Allen[25] called here this afternoon. Hank took a negative of Mr Lays Baby to day. Hannah got a letter from Eberle Underwood[26] this evening.
Jan 8x – Blustering. I have been sick most all day. Ethan and Henry called here to day and also Father Brown. Hank has printed to day and is making candy this evening. Ethan got a letter from Eugene[27] to day. I have been stringing beads this evening. Flora Swaddle[28] died to day aged 17 years.
Jan 9 – Cold and Blustering. Old Mr Joy[29] died this morning. Flora was buried to day, the funeral was at the house. Hank took a negative for a young fellow from Augusta. Henry and Ethan have been here to day. Father Brown brought us a cord and a half of wood. Hank bought me six yards of calico for a polonaise[30] this morning. He has printed again to day. Cora Allen[31] called in here to night.
Jan 10x – Blustering. Isac Odells son[32] died this morning. Mr Vanburen lectures this evening in the Baptist church. Subject Labor.
Jan 11x – Pleasant. Mr Joy,s funeral was to day. It was at the house. He was eighty years old. Ma was over here to day. Pa came over to supper. Father and Will have been here to day. Ethan is down to Aunt Kates.[33] Mart[34] is sick. Hank took a negative of Ma this afternoon.
Jan 12x – Pleasant, but looks like rain. We were a lone all day. Hank went down to the depo to see a couple of engines that was in.
Jan 13x – Rainy, most all of the snow is gone. The Bell tolled again this morning for Mr Evans wifes sister. Uncle Ed Armes[35] has been here to day. Hank got a looking glass and a show mat to day. He is silvering paper this evening. I have been sewing velvet on my brown dress. Hank got me some ventilating garters to night price 40 cts.
Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Pa called here this morning. He was on the way to Howlandsburg to Mill. Hank has printed to day. We went down to Mr Barbers[36] to night. Mr Bailey and wife,[37] Pa and Ma, Father and Mother and Mr and Mrs Streetor were there. Mr Bailey is a spiritual speaker.[38]
Jan 15 – Rainy and warm. Hannah came over this forenoon and stayed till night. Ida Barber[39] came and spent the afternoon. Pa and Louesa[40] came after them to night. Hank took a negative of a little boy to day. Mr Dillenbee has a lawsuit to night. Father came after Mr Bailey and wife this afternoon.
Jan 16x – Rainey all night, snowed hard all day to day. Ida Allen has been here a visiting to day. I showed her how to make wall baskets out of hoops. I have been sick all day. Mr Baily Lectures to night in School District No 7, Subject Spiritualism. Mr Nick Gault died to day.
Jan 17x – Pleasant & good sleighing. Pa went to Howlands Burg after the grist.[41] Ma went up to Mr Swaddles.[42] Father and Mr Baily called here to day. Baily did not lecture last night on account of its being stormy. He lectures to night. There is also a lecture to night in the Baptist Church. Hank & I intend to go. Professor Fraizer of Kalamazoo lectured. Hank and I went.
Jan 18 – Pleasant but cold. Pa came after me this morning. Hank came over at night and we staid all night. Pa & Hannah went down to Aunt Kates, Hannah stayed all night. Will Plank[43] came home to night. Jimmy[44] went down to Fathers and stayed all night with Will. Fathers folks went up to Mr Powers to take Mr Bailey and wife. Mr Gaults funeral was to day. It was at the house.
Jan 19x – Pleasant to day, snows this evening. It is splended sleighing. We are at Pas. Ethan & Henry came home and spent the day. Hannah came home with Ethan. We all ate supper at Mr Planks to day. Fred Allerton[45] also took supper there. Will went home with him.
Jan 20x – Pleasant. Hank went home this morning. I stayed untill noon then Pa carried me home. Hannah, Mary, Carrie[46] and Will went with me. Will, Mary & Carrie had their pictures taken togather. Will started for Grand Rapids on the two oclock train. The girls spent the afternoon here. Cora Allen called here to see if Hank and I could go over to Pa,s to spend the eve. We did not go. Father was here this evening. They were all at Pa,s a visiting.
Jan 21 – Snows a little to day. Hank has taken a negative of Charley Haywood. I had my picture taken with Hanks clothes on this morning. Hank bought a bushel & a half of Potatoes to night for nine 9. Shillings. They were the Peerless. Pa and Ma and all of Fathers folks were up to Mr Ralphs to day.
Jan 22 – Very Pleasant and warm. Ida Allen called here to night to see if we could go over to Pa,s. Hank went down to Mr Barbers to see if we could get their horse & cutter and to ask Ida to go to. They said we might take it. We expect them with it any minute. Ida, Hank & I went. We went with Mr Barbers team. Byron, Cora, Ida & Libbie[47] also went. Ma and Mrs Plank and Becca[48] were up to Mr Taylors a visiting this after noon.
Jan 23x – Blustering and cold. Hank has taken his first lesson in inking this morning he is takeing of Mary Warren. We ate breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time sinse we were married.
Jan 24x – Pleasant. Lois, Henry and Sate were here a visiting. Dell went to Battle Creek on the eleven oclock train. Father, Mother and Aunt Jule[49] spent the evening here. Will took Louesa and Mary to the lecture at the Congergational Church. Dr J. A. B. Stone Lectured, subject Rome. Edith called here this afternoon for the first time.
Jan 25 – Snows. Henry went to Howlands Burg to Mill. Will came as far as here and stayed while he was gone. We expected him after us to go up to Mr Flanders[50] but he did not come. Jimmy was here to day. Mr Phillip Potts[51] died to day, aged sixty four 64 54. Hank done my hair up this morning. Ida Allen[52] was 18 years old to day.
Jan 26x – Very Pleasant x. We have stayed at home all day. Nothing of importance transpired. Hank made molasses candy to day. Father, Mother & Will were here this evening. They were going up to Mr Drlinbecks. Sarah Rickey was married to day. She married a man by the name of Stratton.
Jan 27 – Pleasant. Hank took another lesson in inking to day. He took a negative of Mr McClary. Marion Bristol[53] called here to night. Pa was here this morning.
Jan 28 – Pleasant but a cold west wind. Mr Potts was buried to day, service at 11 oclock in the Methodist Church. He was born April 10th 1819. 5 difrent Ministers addressed the congregation. I went with Ida. There was a collision this morning by Mr Whitfords crossing. The Eclipse run into the Lanset. The (E) was a passenger train, the (L) a frieght train. No one hurt. Hank took a neg of Allie Wightman[54] to day he is printing.
Jan 29 – Cold. Have been sick all day. Hank received a box of goods to day. He has taken a neg of Mr Burgeses little boy. I expected Pa after me to day but he did not come. Hank is fixing the stove in the other room. He is moveing the drum in to the operating room.
Jan 30 – Cold. Pa called here to day. He come over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[55] The reason he did not come after me was he broke the sleigh thill[56] Tuesday when they were coming from Uncle C.[57] They were intending to go down to Aunt Katies to day after Ethan but did not go. Henry and Sate have gone to the Creek to see the doctor.
Jan 31 – Pleasant, thaws a little. Father and Will have been here this evening. They are going to the lecture. Mr Austin George lectures to night. Ida B– and Ella Swaddle[58] were here a little while this afternoon. Mrs Barber[59] has gone to Battle Creek a visiting.
Feb 1x – Snowed a little. Pa, Ma & Jimmie came over to our house this morning. I went home with them. Lois also went with us and stayed till afternoon. Will went after Hank to night and we went home with him. Mrs White was there. I have cut carpet rags all day. Ida Allen, Mary and Carrie went down to Mr Randalls a visiting this afternoon.
Feb 2x – Very cold west wind. Will, Hank and I went down to Pa,s this morning after Hannah. I was sick all day. Ma, Pa & Jimmie came down to Fathers in the evening to see how I was. We had a goose for dinner. Mrs White and Clarance were here. Mrs White stayed all night the night before. Helen Carlton and Charley Vanhousen were married to night. Mr Ford married them. Dora Mack and Mrs Lane were also married.
Feb 3 – Rained this afternoon. Hank went to Kalamazoo this forenoon to see the Doctor. He got back about twelve. He went with Fathers team. He & Father shelled corn and drew wood this afternoon
Feb 4 – Very Windy. Mother and Aunt Jule washed. Father went to Howlands Burg to mill. Hank came home with him. Ethan came home to day sick with a hard cold. Mart brought him home. Ma came down to Fathers and stayed till evening. Pa came after her. Helen Fields and Truman Johnson was married to day.
Feb 5 – Warm and pleasant. Father brought me home this fore noon. Hannah came home with me. She stayed with Tamer last night. Pa came over with us. Hank printed to day.
Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hank printed to day. Pa was here to day. Hannah is here yet. Ethan is sick. Hannah had her picture taken with Hanks clothes on.
Feb 7 – Warm. Ma, Pa and Jim were here this evening. I have been sick all day. Will Brown called here after the lecture was through. Hank bought him a pair of boots at the Auction store to night, price four Dollars. He also got me a pair of slippers.
Feb 8 – Snowes. Father and Mother were here to day. Hank got me a pair of shoes to night.
Feb 9x – Pleasant. Pa came after Hannah to night. Mary, Louesa and Jim came with him. They are going to the concert. Sis[60] is going to stay with me a day or two.
Feb 10 – Rained a little this afternoon. Sis is here yet. She went down to Idas and got her sticks for me to do my hair upon. Hank bought me some corsets to night at the auction store.
Feb 11 – Pleasant. Thaws some, not much sleighing though. People go with them yet. Dell came after his new wagon to day. Louesa is not very well, she has got a cold. I got her in a sweat to night and gave her aconite[61] for her fever. Think she will be better by morning. Hank printed to day.
Feb 12 – Pleasant. Hank took a negative of Guss H— to day. There is to be a donation at the Methodist Church for Elder Ingle to night. Hank has taken a picture of the Methodist church to day. Mrs Will Lockhart left her husband last night. They had been married about four weeks. He had been keeping up a corespondance with May Galigan since his marriage and she heard of it and left.
Feb 13x – Snowes a little to day. Cora and Emma Allen[62] called here to night. Have not done any thing of any account to day.
Feb 14 – Pleasant. Ethan was here most all day. Mrs Randall, Miss Biers, Miss Yawger, Ella & Minnie called here this evening. They were going to the lecture. Hank has gone. I was not well enough to go. Clara Spires[63] and Stella Millham[64] called after Sis. She did not go. Hank has printed to day. Father and Will called here this eve., also Carrie and Mary Plank and Ida Clark.[65] They have all gone to the lecture.
Feb 15 – Pleasant. Clarence Wing[66] died this morning Aged 6 years. Sis is here yet. Mary and Carrie Plank visited at Mrs Potts this afternoon. They called here this eve. Pa and Ma came over. Sis went home with them. Father came after us to go over there but we did not go. There is a party up to Mr Clapps[67] to night. Henry & Hannah intend to go.
Feb 16 – Pleasant. Clarence was burried to day. Funeral was at three at the house. Father and Mother was here a little while this evening. Mother brought me some carpet rags to sew. I am reading Edna Browning one of Mrs Holmes writtings.
Feb 17 – Thaws, slighing a bout gone. Hank has taken 3 negatives, one of W– Scott and one of Alice Cary and her husband. Will came over here this evening to see if we could go up to Mr Fords Wednesday eve. to a party. Oscar[68] called here this morning.
Feb 18 – Thaws very fast. Lois called to our house to day. I went home with her. We are going to a party up to Mr Flanders. It is Henrys farewell party. He starts east Thuresday if nothing happens. Byron Allen came up here this afternoon to see if we would go down to Ida Barbers to spend the evening. Of course we did not go.
Feb 19 – Cold. We went to the party. Hank and I stayed all night. Henry brought us home this morning. We came with the buggy. Mr Flanders had thrashers to day. Katie Keith[69] and Louesa came over here to day to have their pictures taken. Edith also called here. Mary Warren was here painting to day. Hank has taken one small negative and one large one to day.
Feb 20 – Snows. Arthur and his Father[70] was here to day. Hank and I printed to day. Mary Keith[71] started for home to day, did not go any farther than Aunt Katies. Tamer and Charley Ford had a party to night. We did not go. Henry starts for Havanna to night at 7 oclock expects to stop at Buffalo and Perry a few days.
Feb 21x – Pleasant but cold, some sleighing. Kate, Mertie[72] and Lois and Pa was here this forenoon. Mertie had her picture taken. Mary is here painting a gain to day. She is painting her mothers portrait. Ebb is down to Mr Osgoods, sick. Hank has got the sick head ache this evening. Mrs Walter Coe[73] died this morning.
Feb 22 – Cold and Blustering. Hank is not much better though he has tryed to print some to day. Ella Swaddle called here to day. She has been to Kalamazoo a visiting. I have put a pocket in my water proof cloak to day. Oscar called here this morning on his way back from East Saganaw. He went there as a delagate for the Odd Fellows.
Feb 23x – Very cold and Blustering. Father came over here this evening. Hank has been reading and I have been pairing apples for sauce. I went to sleep on Hanks lap to day. Mrs Coe was burried to day.
Feb 24 – Pleasant but cold. Sewed carpet rags all day. Hank took a large negative of Bell Galigan to day, also two gems.[74] Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day to take a lesson. He is taking of Professor Van de Sim a German teacher. He pays $1.00 per lesson. Edwin York[75] died to day. He is to be buirried Thuresday.
Feb 25 – Warm and Pleasant. Expected Ma here to day but did not come. Will Brown, Clarra Spires, Ed Scram, Stella Milham, Elis Keith[76] and Louesa spent this evening here. It was their first turnout. Ethan and Dell called here this evening. Father and Mother spent the evening at Pa,s. Ida Barber called here this afternoon.
Feb 26x – Pleasant this forenoon, snowed this afternoon. Ma spent the day here. Ethan went up to Dells to do his chores. Dell and Lois were going up to Brady. Hank bought some Sardines to day.
Feb 27x – Cold and Blustering. Mother and Father came over here this afternoon. We had oysters. It was the first time Father had ate with us.
Feb 28 – Snowed a little. Snow is about 8 inches deep. Pa called here this morning before we had been to breakfast. He was going to Howlands Burg to Mills. Will called here to night. Hank cut his hair. I bought some light calico and sugar to day. Hannah and Jimmie are not very well.
Mar 1 – Cloudy. Pa went to Howlandsburg after the grist. Jimmie came over here and stayd. I went home with them. Hank came over at night. We went down to Fathers to stay all night. Tamer Ford was a visiting at Mr Planks this afternoon. Hannah is not very well.
Mar 2x – Thawed this forenoon, snowed this afternoon. Father took us home to night. We stoped at Pa,s. Hannah is quite sick, has not set up any to day. Ethan was up to Dells. He went to see how Lois was. She has been sick up to Mrs Burges. Dell was going after her to day. Old Mr Amus Chipman[77] was burried to day.
Mar 3 – Cold but Pleasant. Father and Will came over here to night after us. Fathers Law Suit[78] comes off tomorrow. Hank has got to go as witness. Mr Plank was over here to day. He said Hannah was better. We stayed to Fathers to night.
Mar 4 – Thermometer 10 degrees below zero. Hank went down after Pa this morning to go to the lawsuit. I went with him. Ma and Ethan brought me back to Fathers in the evening. Pa did not come any further than Aunt Kates. Hank and Father got home about nine oclock in the eve. Hannah was not as well to night. Carrie Plank came home sick.
Mar 5 – Thawed a little bit, still good sleighing. Courting again to day. The men folks had to be in town at nine in the morning. Got through with the witnesess to day. Will not know whitch beats untill to morrow. Ethan was sick to day.
Mar 6 – Thawed, snow going off pretty fast. Hank went home this morning. Father went to Kalamazoo to see about the law suite. He beat Mr Allerton and I have gained the Pea nuts. Sarah Clark was married to day. Father brought me home to night. We came with the buggy. We called at Pa,s. Ethan is sick.
Mar 7x – Rainy and muddy. Will Plank called here this morning but did not get the Pea nuts. Cora & Ida Allen were here to night. Did not stay but a little while. Harry Streator[79] was her to day.
Mar 8 – Pleasant, snow all gone. Hank has taken 10 neg to day. Father and Will called here this morning. Father went to mill. Will stayed here. Pa called here this afternoon. Ethan is better. Eb Underwood was also here. Mrs Fox, Marion, Nellie and Jack Bristol spent the evening here.
Mar 9x – Snowed all night and most all day. Hank had to retouch negatives to day. Will was here to night. He was going to Union meeting.
Mar 10 – Thawes very fast. Pa was here to day. He said Henry had got back. Mrs Alferd bought Hanks negatives this morning. She paid him 20 dollars. Mrs Lewis Barber and Fannie called here this evening to see if I could learn to make wax wreaths of Mrs Austin. She asks three dollars to learn. Do not know wheather I shall learn or not.
Mar 11 – Rainy toward night. Hank printed to day. He printed over seventy 70 small prints. Took in seven dollars and a half. Father called here this morning he was going to mill. Tip Town was here a little while. Ras[80] had a tooth pulled.
Mar 12 – Pleasant. Hannah came over here to night to stay a day or two. Stellie Millham called here a little while to day. She went up to Mr Allens to stay to night.
Mar 13 – Pleasant and warm. Hannah is here. There is going to be Bell ringers here to night. They played on the street this morning on their horns. There was three girls that played. Ida Barber came up here and stayed while they were playing, also Cora A–. Hank and I went to hear the bell ringers this evening. They were splendid. Hannah went down to Ida,s this afternoon & stayed all night. Lois was here to day. Sold to Mrs Alferd to day.
Mar 14x – Rained a little this noon, pleasant this afternoon. Hannah came back this afternoon. Ida came with her and spent the afternoon. Henry, Ethan, Hannah, Ida and Mary Plank were here to supper. Mary went up to Mr Allens and stayed all night. It has froze every night since the 14 of November till to night.
Mar 15x – Rainy. Eberle and Harry were here to day, also Ethan and Jimmie. Jimmie stayed till night. Pa came after him. Ma is down to Aunt Kates. Lucy is sick a bed. Aunt Kate is almost. Mrs Daniels called here this evening. Eli Wightman has been here to day. He got back Thuresday night. Rained real hard this morning, Thundered a lightened some.
Mar 16 – Pleasant, then wind blew dreadful hard all night, rained some. Hank had to print to day. He has printed about 90 ninety pictures. He has been mounting them this evening. Will has been here to day. He went to church. I heard the robbins sing for the first time this spring to day.
Mar 17 – Cloudy. Ethan was here to day. Hank finished his pictures that he printed to day. Ethan bought some annise[81] for Edna Crawford[82] to day.
Mar 18 – Rained most all day. Hank has been real sick all day. Jimmie came over to have a negative taken to day. Hank was to sick to take it. Ma and Becca were here all day. Mrs Plank was here two or three hours then went to Mrs Potts a visiting. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags to night. Pa and Father were also here.
Mar 19 – Pleasanter than yesterday. Father and Mother came over to day. Ma came back here to day and stayed all night. Hank is worse to day. We had Dr Buroughs for him. Ethan started to come after Ma. Bill[83] run away with him smashed thing up pretty bad.
Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home this morning before breakfast. Lois came over to bring Henry and Dell to the cars. They were going to Plainwell. Ma went home with her. Hank is better. I am some sick to day. Ethan and Father came over here to help pack but Hank could not do any thing. Father went home and got Hannah & Mother Mrs (?).
Mar 21 – Cloudy. Mrs Barber called here this morning. Hank is better, I am not as well. Ethan came over to day. Will was here this morning. Mrs Alferd commenced moveing to day. Ida Barber has been here to day. She stayed all the afternoon. Mrs Phillip Goodrich[84] hung her self last night.
Mar 22 – Pleasant. We are both better. Hannah is here yet. Mrs Alferd took her first picture in this room to day. Hank is packing some things to day. Father and Will were here to day. Cora & Ida Allen and Sate Beckwith called here this morning.
Mar 23 – Pleasant. Hank, Hannah and I have been packing to day. Jimmie and Mary Plank, Father, Mother and Aunt Jule were here to night also Arthur Armes.
Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Took most of our things to Pa,s the rest we took to Fathers. Arthur Armes has been here to day. Hannah and I went with him. Hank rode with Father. I do not feel very well to night. Mr Taylor, Mr Lottie, Ida, Hattie and Libbie spent the evening at Pa,s.
Mar 25 – Cloudy. I am sick abed. Ethan and Hank has gone to the Burg. Hank is going to take a negative of Ethan this morning also one of Lillie Wightman.
Mar 26 – Snowed real hard all day. Hank went over after the Doctor this morning for me. Hank has been to the Burg to day to finish printing. Mrs Plank tied a comforter to day.
Mar 27 – Plasant. I dont feel much better. Lois and Dell has been here this forenoon. Father and Mother went to Kalamazoo to day. They came up here this evening. Louesa went home with them. It is quite good sleighing.
Mar 28 – Pleasant this forenoon rainy this afternoon. Hank went to Battle Creek to day. He does not feel very well. I am better. My Pallet broke this morning think I shall get a long now.
Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainy. Hank and I layed a bed most all day. Sis came home to day. Mr and Mrs Allerton & Mr and Mrs Simmons were a visiting to Mr Planks to day.
Mar 30 – Rainy and cloudy. We are feeling some better. Mr and Mrs Plank, Rebecca, Mary and Carrie took supper with our folks this afternoon for the last time before they move.
Mar 31 – Some Pleasanter. Hank has gone to VicksBurg. Ethan went as far as Kalamazoo with him to take a lesson. Mr Planks folks commenced packing their good to day. Mary and Carrie stayed with Ida Clark to night. Lind Mathews arrived at Galesburg to day. Emmett Crawford[85] came to our house to day. Aunt Katie fell in to a kettle of hot sugar to day burnt her real bad.
April 1 – Rainy. Mr Allerton and Mr Simmons took Mr Planks goods to Kalamazoo to day. Mary and Hannah went up to Mr Spires a visiting this afternoon. Hank went to Augusta. Mr Planks folks stayed to Mr Allertons to night. Becca is haveing fits. Hank and I came home with Father & Mother tonight.
April 2 – Rainy. Hank cracked some walnuts this forenoon. He and father went to the Burg after the rest of our pictures this afternoon.
April 3 – Cloudy but pleasant. Hank went down to Pa,s this morning to see if Ethan would go up to Mr Flanders with him to get some sugar. They went. Hank brought some home with him and Mother sugared it off. Henry went to Elkhart to day. Aunt Mary Crawford[86] came to our house to day. Father went to Mr Lappins auction. He bought a plow.
April 4 – Rainy. Hank cracked some walnuts and butternuts this fore noon. He and Father went to the Burg after the rest of our pictures this afternoon.
April 5 – Dreadfull warm. The wood sawyers are here yet. Will not get through to day. Henry called here to day. He had been down to Pa,s. They were killing a pig. Will had to stop working this noon and go to bed, he is sick. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates. Ben Jackson has been here to day. Father got a dispatch to night that his brother Williams wife[87] was dead.
April 6 – Pleasant this forenoon rainy this aftenoon. Hannah, Hank & I went down to Aunt Kates to eat warm sugar. She is awful bad off. Lucy is sick. Hellen[88] is there doing the work. They have made about 500 weight of sugar in the past week. Sap still a running.
April 7 – Rainy. Hank finished moveing to day. Joe Boardman came here this noon to finish sawing wood. He went from here to Mr Fords.
April 8 – Rained all night and all day to day. Hank has gone to the Burg. He has got to stop at Pas to do some work. Mother and Aunt Jule washed to day. Mr Streetor was here this forenoon. Hank did not get back till most night. He got twelve yards of black calico and 12 yds of orange calico for a dark room also calico for me a dress. He paid 11½ cents a yard and 16 cents over.
April 9 – Cold west wind. Hank and I sewed on the tent this forenoon then he stoped and got some wood and carried it down to Pa,s. He has just gone after load. Ethan is with him. I kept to work at the tent till three then helped fix the carpet. We expect to moove down to Pa,s to morrow.
April 10 – Pleasant this forenoon rained this evening. We went down to Pa,s this morning. We commenced keeping house to day. Hannah went down to Mr Fords a visiting to day, has not got back yet. Jimmie has gone up to Wesleys[89] to stay to night. Hank has made a bureau to day for his cemicals. James Flanders[90] died one year a go to night.
April 11 – Pleasant. Hannah came home this morning. Charley and Tamer brought her home. They all went to the Burg. Hannah and Tamer stoped to Mr Barbers. We got things arraingd this afternoon. Louesa has gone up to Wesleys. Hattie and Libbie Taylor and Lind Mathews called here to night. Sis and Jim has got home. Father commenced draging to day.
April 12x – Cloudy x. Ma and Hannah washed. Hank went down to Fathers this morning. When he got back he and pa went to the burg. I finished the dark room to day. Dell and Henry stoped here to day. They went to the Burg. Ethan and Hank went with them.
April 13x – Warm and Pleasant. Pa took Hannah and Ethan down to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[91] to day. Mr Rogers called here to night. Hank and Jimmie went after gum up in Mr Schrams wood. Hank wrote a letter to Loyd this morning. Ma is writting one to Grandma[92] this eve.
April 14 – Warm and pleasant. Hank took his first picture to day and used his dark room. It was not dark enough. He went to the Burg and got some more black calico to fix it with. Mart came up to night to go to the meeting. Ethan came home with him and went to the Burg. He and Hank did not stay to the meeting.
April 15x – Cold and Rainy. Hank and I worked on the dark room to day. He has taken a picture. It works all right. Jimmie went to the Burg to day, was gone all the forenoon.
April 16 – Cloudy, some warmer than yesterday. Hank made me some sticks to curl my hair on to day. He and Ethan and Pa went to the Burg this afternoon. When they got back they mooved the Privy. Georgie Barber[93] visited Jimmie this forenoon and Stellie Millham visited Louesa this afternoon. Ethan received a letter from Loyd to day also one from George Turner.[94] Florence Plank died one year ago to day aged twenty years. Hansell.[95]
April 17x – Rainy. Ma washed to day. Will Plank came here to day. Pa went to the Burg to night. Hank and Ethan pounded out the clothes for Ma this forenoon. They and Will payed Croquet this afternoon.
April 18 – Rainy this forenoon, pleasant this afternoon. Will and Ethan went up to Mr Fords this afternoon. Hank went to the Burg he bought a Cod fish paid 10 cents a pound. It weighed two pounds and a half. Will stayed to Mr Allertons to day night.
April 19 – Pleasant but cold. Ma and Pa went down to Aunt Kates to day. Lucy is no better. Aunt Kate is on the gain. Nell Whitmore is to work there. Hannah is also there. Ethan went to town with Dell to day. Will went home. Jimmie is down to Dells. He staid all night last night. Louesa, Hank and I are here alone. I played Croquet for the first time to day since I was married.
April 20 – Cloudy. Mart brought Hannah home to day. Clara[96] came with them. Henry and Will are here to day. Hank and Ethan went as far as Fathers when they went home. Father and Mother went up to Mr Armes to day.
April 21 – Pleasant. Hank and I went down to Fathers to day noon. Hank took a negative of Fathers house this afternoon. It snows a very little this afternoon. I have made a Chemise for Clara this afternoon.
April 22 – (no entry)
April 23 – Pleasant. Hank printed this afternoon and plowed for Father this afternoon. Ma and Pa went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Lucy sent Hannah and I about three pounds of maple sugar. We sugared off this evening (had snow to wax it on). Libbie Keith stayed here all night to night. Ethan went to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H Streetor.
April 24 – Snow six (6) inches deep and still a snowing. Father brought us home this morning. Ethan and Hank went to the Burg. Pleasant. Ma and Hannah washed to day. Hank went to the Burg this afternoon. Henry Keith came here from Elkhart. He got here about 11 oclock in the night.
April 25x – Snowed for about three quarters of an hour as has at any time this winter. Henry stayed till about two this afternoon. Jimmie has gone down to Aunt Kates to stay to night. He went to carry some clothes we have been making for Clarie.
April 26 – Pleasant but cold. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo this afternoon. Hannah Ironed this forenoon. Hank had his tooth pulled to day. Dr Sullings pulled it. They stoped to Aunt Kates and got supper.
April 27x – Real pleasant. Hank and Ethan went a gumming to day. They got some cow slips, the first greens we have had this spring. Mr and Mrs Barber and Ida were here a little while to day. Ethan and Hannah went up in the woods. Ethan got some wild flowers to day, the first I have seen this spring.
April 28 – Cloudy, sprinkled a little. Hank got up about five this morning, went down to Fathers after Bill and the buggy. Got back about light. Started off to take pictures about ten got back about four. Give up the buisness. Went and took the team home. Promised to work for Father to morrow. Hannah walked to the Burg to night. She is going to stay with Ida tomorrow. They are going to visit Cora.
April 29 – Pleasant. Hank commenced working for Father to day. I wrote a letter to Alice Crawford.[97] Ma wrote one to Uncle Henry.[98] Hannah came home to night. Ida came with her. Will Barber brought them over. They visited Cora Allen this afternoon. She is expecting to go to York State to be gone a year.
April 30 – Pleasant. Hank plowed for Father to day. He also plowed Pa,s east garden. Father, Mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Ella Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Fletcher. Father got us eight pounds of sugar & a pessle. Ida Barber stayed untill to night. Will came after her this evening.
May 1 – Cold this forenoon, rained this afternoon. Hank and Mr Halley[99] had to quit work on account of its raining. Mr Halley finished plowing this morning and commenced dragging. Ethan has not got home yet.
May 2 – Thunder shower last night, some rainy to day. Ma and Hannah washed. Hank helped Father clean up wheat. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Mother and Aunt Jule were here a little while this afternoon. Jimmie and Will went a fishing this afternoon. Hank has gone over to the Burg to night. Ethan came home to night.
May 3 – Rainy in the forenoon stoped about nine oclock. Hank and Ethan worked in the garden this forenoon. Hank plowed for Father this afternoon. Henry and Will stayed here to night also Hank Harvey. Eliza Galfus Delano[100] died this afternoon.
May 4x – Pleasant. Ethan, Henry and Hannah went down to Aunt Kates to day. Ethan and Henry went to K– after medicine for Lucy. She is getting worse all the time. The Doctor lanced one of the swellings (the one on her temple. There was nothing but blood come. She seffers everything. Hank wrote to Dr. P. T. Johnson of Ypsilanti to day sent him 1.00 to pay for an examination. Eliza Delano was burried to day.
May 5 – Pleasant. Hank plowed for Father all day. Ma and Hannah washed. School commenced to day. Nettie Quay teaches. Pa, Hannah and Jimmie went to to the Burg to night. Mrs Barber told her I must write to Dr Johnson or he would not make a correct examination.
May 6 – Pleasant. Hank worked for Father to day. Ethan went to town got twelve dollars and a half on patten right.[101] Bought him a pair of pants & a necktie. Henry went to the Burg stoped here and had supper with Hank and I. I wrote to Johnson this morning. Have worked on my dress all day.
May 7x – Rainy. Lois came down this morning stayed all day. Hannah went home with her. Hank plowed untill four in the afternoon. Hank received a letter from Dr Johnson. Eliza Riddle stayed here to night. Jimmie went home with Harvey.
May 8 – Rained all day. Hank and Ethan went to the Burg this morning. They made a Brackett saw to day. Jack Bristol was married to day. He married the widow Burge.[102] I finished my light wrapper to day.
May 9 – Rainy. Hank plowed this forenoon. He and Ethan fixed their Bracket saw this afternoon. Hannah came home to night. I & Hank went down to Fathers and stayed to night. Susan Giddins has got a little girl baby.[103]
May 10 – Some Rainy. Hank burned brush for Father this forenoon. He plowed part of the afternoon and draged the rest. I came home this noon. Libbie Keith was here, she stayed here last night. Guss Giddins came over to see if he could get Hannah to go up there and stay two or three days. She went.
May 11 – Cloudy. Ethan wrote to ________ Grand Rapids to day. Ma wrote to Miss Wiseman.[104] Hank and Ethan went up to Mr Earls mill to night. I wore my light wrapper to day, Sis her dress Edna sent her, Ethan his new pants, all for the first time.
May 12 – Cloudy. Ma washed to day. Pa has been trimming the orchard. Pa sold the heifer for 14 dollars to day. Mr Brockway bought her. Hank has been to work for Father to day. Hannah received a letter from Mary, Louesa one from Carrie, and Ma one from Mrs Plank to day.
May 13 – Pleasant but windy. Hank planted corn for Father to day. Ethan and Pa planted for Mr Halley. Ethan and Hank went to the Burg this evening. Jimmie stayed with Will Brown to night. Mr Ruben Coe[105] died yesterday. The boys heard of it to night.
May 14 – Pleasant but cold. Ma ironed this forenoon. Hank worked for Father to day. Mother, Aunt Jule, Mrs Barber and Ida spent the afternoon here. Father and Will came up to supper. Aunt Jule gave me a Lasup[?] mat. It snowed a very little this morning. Ma has had a bad time with her stomach to day.
May 15 – Cold and cloudy. Hank planted corn for Father, finished to night. They have put in about ten acres. Ma got so she could not lie down about twelve last night. Pa got up & built a fire and steeped hops and vinegar & put on her. I got up and made a bag and put hot brand in in it and put that on her. She got better, does not feel very sick. Mrs Nate Potts[106] died this morning aged twenty four 24.
May 16 – Warm & Pleasant. Hank commenced to work for Father this morning. Stoped about ten on account of the Ague. Ethan worked for Mr Town[107] to day. Mrs Potts was buried to day. Ma colored anoline[?] to day for her carpet. Ed Porssel and Fan Whitting Struble were married yesterday also George Yumans and Nell Russell. I have made a shirt to day.
May 17x – Pleasant. Pa & Hank drove the heifer to the Burg this morning. Ma & Pa have gone down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Ethan is helping the Town boys[108] again to day. Sis and Libbie have gone over to Mr Allens to day. Jimmie and Will have been a fishing this afternoon. I had another weak spell to day. Hank sent four dollars to Johnson for medicine to day.
May 18 – Pleasant. Hank has had the Ague real hard to day. Father and Mother came up here to night. We went home with them. Ethan went down to Dell to day.
May 19 – Some rainy. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day. I went as far as Aunt Kates with them. Hank got some medicine for him self to day of Dr Sill. Lucys head is getting worse.
May 20 – Rainy this forenoon, pleasant this afternoon. Hank had the Ague all night last night and most all day to day. Pa went to the Burg this forenoon. He got my medicine of from Dr Johnson. Ida Barber went to Ypsilanti yesterday.
May 21 – Pleasant. Hank went greening to day down to the bottom land. Ethan plowed the west garden. He plowed up some horse radish. Hank grated it this afternoon. Ma got some greens around the yard. We had a good mess.
May 22 – Rained last night, pleasant this morning. Hank has not had the Ague to day, does not feel very well. He and Ethan went fishing this afternoon. Got a good many fish.
May 23 – Pleasant but windy. Hank worked some to day. Ethan planted corn for Towns people. They had to plant over. Mart, Lucy and Clarie[109] were here this afternoon.
May 24 – Pleasant. I made two lemon pies to day, Ma made some Pumpkins Pies, Hannah baked some cookies. Hannah and Ethan went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon after Nell Whitmore. Louesa went with them, she did not come back.
May 25 – Pleasant. I have not been very well to day. Henry was here a little while to night, also Henry Rogers and girl. Ethan & Hannah took Nell home to night. Louesa came back with them.
May 26 – Very warm. I feel some better to day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day. Hank worked for Father.
May 30 – Our Little Boys Born May 30. 1873
Died May 30. 1873
May 31 – (no entries until June 22)
Jun 22 – Very warm. Sprinkled a little about noon. This is the first I have tried to write since my little Babys was born. They were born May 30th, one about nine and the other about ten oclock in the evening. One was dead when born, the [other] lived a bout two hours. Hank has gone to Lyons, went yesterday, will not be home till tomorrow. I am lonesom to day with out him. If my babys had lived it would not be so bad but that was not to be.
Jun 23 – Rained this afternoon. Hank got home to night about ten in the evening. I do not feel very well. Pa went to Kalamazoo. Henry went back up to Reed City to day.
Jun 24 – Rained this afternoon. Hank does not feel very well. Father is cutting grass for Mr Streator. Ma and Ethan came down here a little while to day. Hank and Father went to the Burg. Hank got some cloth for shirts. Lois brought me home to night. I have been down to Fathers four weeks tomorrow. Hank and I went out to see our Babys grave[110] to night. It was the first time I had seen it.
Jun 25 – Pleasant. Hank is better, I am about sick. Aunt Mary Crawford and Edna[111] came here about twelve oclock last night. They went home to night on the eight oclock freight. Hank commenced packing to day. He went to the Burg to night. He sent ten dollars to Mr J Olmstead. Uncle Joe[112] came after Hannah to go and help Aunt Kate. She went.
Jun 26 – Very warm. Rained real hard last night in the night. I feel pretty well to day. Mrs Seamer is here weaving ma a carpet. Hank went down to Fathers this morning to get the Chromos to pack. Ethan went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon to get some cabbage plants.
Jun 27 – Rained quite hard this noon. Hank worked for Father to day. Ethan worked for Dell. Bill Mathews buried his little boy to day. He was drowned in the cistern yesterday. School was out to day. Mert Quay was teacher. Frank Towsley got his leg broke in jumping from the cars yesterday. Hank is most sick to night. Jimmie stayes with Will B– to night.
Jun 28 – Pleasant. Hank worked for Father. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon. Pa and E– have gone to the Burg. Mrs Seamer went with them. Hank went to the Burg to night and got a letter for Ma from Uncle David.[113] They have got a little girl. It was born the 20th of May her name is Ida Susie Louise Crawford.
Jun 29 – Warm and rainy. I do not feel very well. Father called here a little while this morning. Willie Clark[114] has been here all day. Jimmie went home with him to stay all night. Lois, Mrs Skinner and Sate called here just at night. Hannah came home to night. She rode with Wesley and Libbie.[115]
Jun 30 – Pleasant and cool. Hank worked for Father. Louesa has gone to the Burg to stay to night. Hannah is to work on her buff dress. I finished Hanks shirt to day and cut out my apron. Ma is to work on carpet rags.
Jul 1 – (no entry)
Jul 2 – (Wednesday)[116] Hot sun, cool wind & showery. Hank worked for Father. Father went to mill to day. He carried a grist for Pa. Jimmie went to the Burg three times to day. Hank is twenty three years old to day. Hank got two letters from Muir of Mr Jay Olmstead.
Jul 3 – (Thursday) Rainy. Hank took the things to the Burg to send to Muir. Ethan went with him. Arthur Armes was to the Burg. The boys came back with him. I have just finished my light calico apron, the one like my wrapper. Hank and Ethan have gone to the Burg to hear the Band play. Lucy and Mart were here to day.
Jul 4 – (Friday) Uncle Hank, Aunt J–, John and Georgie[117] came to day. 5 They went away to day.
Jul 6 – Pleasant. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Kates this morning, came home to night. Mrs Seamer came back to night. Ethan went to Dells to day. Father and Mother went to Uncle Eds[118] to day.
Jul 7 – Pleasant untill six to night. Commenced raining then and rained real hard. The boys did not get home till eight. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. Jimmie worked for Mr Randall. Vina Allen[119] is here. She has been up to Mr Sherwoods. Mrs Seamer has been sick to day. Hannah finished her buff dress.
Jul 8 – Cool and cloudy. Ethan has been sick to day. He got some pos____ to night. Hank worked for Father. Ma and Pa went to the Burg to night. Pa got the worp for my carpet. It is the Clarence worp. Sate Skinner stayes here to night.
Jul 9 – Rained this noon. I am 21 years old to day. Hannah went home with Mrs Barber to night. She has been picking berries on Mr Streators to day. Hank worked for Father. He came home to night when Dell came back from the Burg. We went down to F– to stay two or three days. Sate went home to night.
Jul 10 – Rained this noon I Pleasant, cloudy and cool. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. Mother, Aunt Jule & I picked Raspberries this afternoon. It rained some last night in the night. I went out to the Babys grave and stayed a spell. I pulled the weeds all up that was on it and threw them away.
Jul 11 – Very Pleasant and cool. Hank & Ethan worked for Father to day in the harvest fields. I picked 4 quarts of cherries, Aunt Jule picked 2. Mother caned them. Hank and I went out to the Babys little grave to night.
Jul 12 – Warm, lookes like rain to night. Hank and Ethan worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon and drew in eight loads. Arthur Armes came down to night. He is going to stay all night. Jimmie went to Aunt K to stay to night. Mother picked eight geese to day. She got two pounds of wool feathers. I went out to our little Babys grave to night and stayed a little while. Aunt Jule is fixing her silk polonaise.
Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. Father, Hank, Mr Streator, Eberle and Harry drew wheat all day to day. Arthur helped also. Father brought us home to night. Mother and Aunt Jule came with us. Pa took Hannah down to Aunt Kates to day. She expects to stay there this summer.
Jul 14 – Very warm. Hank commenced packing the chest. Went to the Burg this morning. Hank and I went down to Fathers to night. We went with Bill. Father went to the Burg to night. Ethan is working for Dell, does not come home to night.
Jul 15 – Very warm. Hank went away to day.[120] He left the Burg twenty minutes of twelve. Ethan is to work for Dell. I was sick this forenoon. Jimmie took some cans down to Mother. He said she was making Jellie.
Jul 16 – Very warm. Had a very hard rain north of here this forenoon. Mrs Seamer finished Mrs Schroders carpet to day. Mrs Schroder came after it to night. Ma spooled the warp for my carpet this afternoon. Ethan got a letter from Loyd yesterday. He sent his Photograph. He gave Hank and Ethan a blowing up for not answering his last letter.
Jul 17 – Hot sun, cool wind. Ma washed. Louesa helped her for the first time. Mrs Seamer got my carpet in and wove two yards. Jimmie went to the Burg, got two papers for Father, one for Pa. Ethan has not got back yet. He is working for Dell.
Jul 18 – Cool wind. I received a letter from Hank. Father and Mother were here a little while. Father went to the Burg. Louesa went down to Aunt Kates this morning. She went a foot. Do not expect her home till Sunday. Ma received a letter from Grandma.[121] Ethan came home this forenoon. He has got through harvesting.
Jul 19 – Cool. Ma went over to Mr Towns to help Fannie and Nellie[122] make a dress. Mrs Seamer cut out two widths of my carpet and I hemed them and got them partly sewed to gather. Ethan got a letter from Will P– also one from Proffesor Vandesen. Mrs Seamer went to the Burg to stay till monday night. Lois and Dell has gone to the Creek. Pa got me some braids to weave on my hair. He got Ma a pair of shoes. Jimmie got him a new Black straw hat. I commenced writing to Hank.
Jul 20 – Cool this morning, warmer this evening. Ethan has gone down to Aunt K after Hannah and Sis. Elis and Harry was down here a little while. They and Jimmie went in baithing. I finished my letter to Hank. I have not felt very well to day. Father called here this morning. He had been burning stumps down on the bottom lands. Lois and Dell called here to night. Hannah, Ethan and Louesa came home to night. Carrie Chapin Brown died last night.
Jul 21 – Warm. Father, Mother, Aunt Jule, Hannah, Jim, Ethan and I went to Adam Forepaughs show. We We Fathers folks and I went to Jack Bristols[123] and took dinner. Ma went to Mr Towns and finished the girls dresses. Pa and Sis stayed to home alone. Minnie Potts gave birth to a little boy[124] last night. It weighed 8½ pounds.
Jul 22 – Pleasant. Do not feel very well. Lois has been here to day a visiting. Uncle Joe came up here and stayed all day. Hannah is most sick.
Jul 23 – Pleasant. Ethan took Hannah down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. I came as far as Fathers. Aunt Jule and I picked currents to night. Father and Mother went to the Burg. They had to go by the upper bridge. They got a paper for me from Hank.
Jul 24 – Pleasant. Aunt Jule and I picked currents this forenoon. Dell got a letter for me from Hank. He sent his pictures. He sent seven pictures to Ethan.
Jul 25 – Pleasant. Ma, Mrs Seamer and Lucy was down here a visiting this afternoon. I went out to our little Babys grave to night. Pa came down here this morning after Salt Petre for the cow.
Jul 26 – Pleasant and warm. I came home to day with Father and Will when they came to work. I commenced fixing my drab[125] Polenaise. Henry and Dell were here. H– got home Friday night. Edith and the Haines girls were here. Ethan got a letter from Hank. Mrs Seamer finished my carpet to day. I paid her 3.45. She wove 34 yards and a rug.
Jul 27 – Pleasant. I wrote to Hank. Father cut around his oats. He was here about 2 hours to day.
Jul 28 – Pleasant. Ma cleaned the chamber. Mother and Aunt Jule came up here. Mother made my carpet. Rained a little this afternoon. Ethan has gone to Dells to help get in the oats.
Jul 29 – Cool in the morning, very hot and dusty in the afternoon. I went to Kalamazoo with Fathers folks. Got some lace to trim my silk dress also some lining for it and some cloth for pillow shams. Cam back to Aunt Katies and stoped. Uncle Joe went up to Pas. He got a letter and paper for me from Hank. He sent me one dollar.
Jul 30 – Pleasant. Fannie Cook came here this morning and stayed till after dinner. I wove some hair for Lucy. Mart went to town. Hannah and I went down to Uncle Joes to nigh.
Jul 31 – Rained most all day. Hannah Ironed all this forenoon. Lucy commenced a shirt for Mart.
Aug 1 – Pleasant and muggy. Aunt Kate washed some this forenoon. Mart, Lucy, the children, Hannah and I came up to Dells this afternoon. I stayed and the rest went home. Henry went down to Pa,s to stay to night and get Ethan to do some work for him.
Aug 2 – Pleasant, rained real hard in the night last night. I got a letter from Hank and also one from Loyd for Hank. Jimmie is here a visiting Willie. Dell went to town this afternoon. Mr Henry Clinton[126] died last night. Henry came back to Dells to night.
Aug 3 – Pleasant but cold. I wrote to Hank. Ma and Pa went to Aunt Katies. Lois and Dell brought me home this morning. We went up to Aunt Harriets[127] and then over to the Bridg.
Aug 4 – Pleasant and some warmer. Ma washed. Mother came up here and worked on my carpet. She and Father were here to supper. She gave me calico for a skirt. Ethan hlped Father in his oats to day.
Aug 5 – Pleasant. Ethan worked for Father. Aunt Katie, Mart, Clarie and Georgie[128] visited here. We had boiled cabbage for the first time this year. Eugene came here this afternoon. He is keeping books for in Kalamazoo for the Novelity-Iron works. Stellie Milham stayed here to night.
Aug 6 – Pleasant, some warmer. Ma fixed Hannahs lawn[129] polonaise. I worked on my silk dress. Jimmie went to the Burg this morning and got Ma a darning needle. He forgot to go to the Post office. Sate, Lois and Willie called here to night. They had been up to Brady. Henry had a runaway yesterday, smashed up Edwins new buggy.
Aug 7 – Pleasant. Ethan worked for Dell. Ma and I went down to Fathers. He and Ethan went to the Burg. They got me a letter and paper from Hank. He sent me two pictures of the Galery. Rained some this afternoon. We had ripe tomatoes this morning.
Aug 8 – Warm. Father, Mother and Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Ethan got him a valice, paid $5.00. I commenced a letter to Hank.
Aug 9 – Warm. Ma washed some. Mother and Aunt Jule were here this afternoon. I finished my silk dress. Mother finished my big carpet. We commenced Ethans shirt.
Aug 10 – Pleasant, very worm. I wrote to Hank. Ethan wrote to Mary and Frank Tomlinson.[130]
Aug 11 – Very warm. Pleasant. Ethan worked for Dell. Henry came home with him. Pa went to the Burg this morn. Libbie Allen was here this afternoon. Ida Allen went to Edith. Libbie went up to Mr Jacsons to stay too night. Sis stayes with Libbie Keith to night.
Aug 12 – Pleasant. Pa went down to Aunt Katies. I went as far as Fathers and stayed till he came back. Aunt Jule gave me fringe for a stand cloth and I sewed it on while there. Father hired a man yesterdy for fifteen a month his name is Albert Weazner.
Aug 13 – Rained a little last night. There is a picknic up east of Mr Earls to day. Ma, Pa, Jimmie and I went down to Fathers to eat rost pig. Ma & Mother tied a comforter for me. I finished Mothers pillow cases for her. I got a letter from Hank, he sent me $5.00.
Aug 14 – Pleasant. Henry is here, has been here two or three days. Jimmie stays with Harry to night.
Aug 15 – Pleasant. The marsh up south is on fire. People have to fight it to save their houses. Ma washed. Sis went home with Stellie. Henry got me a letter from Hank. He sent me an order for $16.00.
Aug 16 – Pleasant. Mother was here this afternoon. Aunt Fleda[131] came to day. Dr Alfred[132] died to day. He was sixty three. I wrote to Hank. Lois is 33 years to day.
Aug 17 – Pleasant. Mart brought Hannah a Delpha[133] up here to day. Father, Mother and I went to the Dr funeral. It was a grand affair. The Masons came from Allegan, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek & Jackson. Elder Jingle preached the sermon.
Aug 18 – Pleasant. Will Plank and Carrie came here to day. Will is 21 to day. Henry is as here to day.
Aug 19 – Pleasant. Father and Mother came her this morning. Mother stayed here all day. She helped me pack. Pa and Father carried our good over to the cars. There was 970 weight. I went over to Idas with Pa to stay all night. I got me a postminie[?] and some lace and muslin, also two pie plates. I got a letter from Hank. I got the money Hank sent me to day.
Aug 20 – Very warm. Ida and I went down to the post office. I wrote a letter to Hank and sent him the bill of goods. I ordered a bonnet made to Mrs Morton. Henry and Lois came after me. Lois stayes here to night. Hannah and Carrie stays with Tamer, Sis and Delpha with Stellie.
Aug 21 – Hard rain and hail storm. Lois, Hannah, Ethan and I went up to Ediths this afternoon. Sis and Delpha was there.
Aug 22 – Pleasant. Hannah & I went home with Father this noon. They had rost pig for dinner. Ma washed to day. I got a letter from Hank. Mrs Streaters visited here this afternoon. Uncle Ed and Mrs Sherman stayed here to night. Carrie Plank was here.
Aug 23 – Pleasant, warm. I wrote to Hank. We went home this afternoon with F– when he went to work. Mrs Streator[134] and Nell[135] visited here this afternoon. Ethan got my bonnet.
Aug 24 – Pleasant. Ida Barber came over and stayed last night. Edith and Dell and Lois was here to day, also Fathers folks this evening.
Aug 25 – Looked like rain when I left home. Father brought me her to Kalamazoo this morning. Ethan and Hannah came with us. I got to Mr Planks half past three.
Aug 26 – Pleasant. I left GR at ten this forenoon, got to Muir half past 12. Hank and I took dinner at the Olmstead house. Our goods came about three this afternoon. We got the bedroom carpet down and the bed put up so we slept at home, also ate supper at home.
Aug 27 – Pleasant. Put down the big carpet to day and got partly settled. We wrote to our folks to day.
Aug 28 – Pleasant. We washed the wood work to day. I went down to the galery this afternoon.
Aug 29 – Pleasant. There was a smash up on this rail road this morning about six oclock. The freight engine Ontario run in to the passenger train, killed three. An other died in the after noon. Three or four more not expected to live. I helped at the hotel. Hank and I went and looked at the crops this evening.
Aug 30 – Pleasant. Mr Dickens came down after us to night. We went home with him. Mr Holbrook rod home with us.
Aug 31 – Rained last night and till about ten this morning. We all went over to Marys to day. Uncle George and Aunt Lizebeth[136] brought us home to night. We went over to the Iron bridge to night.
Sep 1 – Pleasant, very cold last night. I made my black dress skirt to day. Hank has got the blues. He got som beats tonight, paid five cents for a peck.
Sep 2 – Pleasant. I have baked bread and cake. Hank feels pretty bad this morning. I wrote to Mary Plank to day. Hank got me some baking powder. Lucy gave birth to a little girl.[137]
Sep 3 – Pleasant this forenoon, rainy this afternoon. We got a letter from Ma & Ethan this morning. Hank and I took a walk up on the hill last night. It is the first I had been up there.
Sep 4 – Pleasant. Hank took in $4.50 to day. He got a peck of Onions and a pound of crackers. He commenced a letter to F– folks.
Sep 5 – Pleasant this forenoon, looks like rain this afternoon. We finished writing to our folks. Hank feels pretty bad. I feel sorry for him. Jimmie Sylvester[138] was killed while playing with the flat cares to night, aged nine years. Hank got two clocks to night, one for the galery and one for the house.
Sep 6 – Pleasant. I baked pies and cake this forenoon. Went down to the galery this afternoon. Stayed till about 4, came to the house and Ironed some.
Sep 7 – Rained a very little. I do not feel very well. Took a sit bath last night. Jimmie Sylvester was burried this forenoon. We did not attend the funeral. I was not well enough. Hank and I went over to Mr Abbys lumber yard this evening. I wrote to Pas folks to day.
Sep 8 – Pleasant. Have been to the galery most all day. Hank sent our letter to Pa and a paper to Father, also a letter to Dr Foot. Mr Long has had two gems taken this afternoon. I burnt three of my fingers this morning by steam.
Sep 9 – Pleasant. Baked pie to day. Went back to the galery with Hank at noon. We got a letter from Father and Mother also one from Loyd. He is going to be married this month. Lucy has got a little girl born last tuesday.
Sep 10 – Pleasant. Stayed to the galery most all day. Hank took in five dollars and took a 4 x 4 negative of Mrs Probascus little girl which will be three dollars more.
Sep 11 – Pleasant. Baked bread, jelee cake & tarts this forenoon. Went to the gallery this afternoon and wrote to Ida Barber. Hank bought me 8 pairs of fine white stockins at a bankrupt sale for $1.00.
Sep 12 – Pleasant this forenoon, rainy this afternoon. Hank printed. Had 125 prints to make but could not make only about 100 of them. Hank got two pairs of shears for twenty five cents at the auction.
Sep 13 – Pleasant and cooler. Baked this forenoon. Hank got a book from Dr Foot. I got a letter from Mary Plank.
Sep 14 – Pleasant but awful cold. We went to church for the first time since we I came to Muir. We wrote to Fathers folks. Hank had a chill and fever all night.
Sep 15 – Cold and some rainy. We mooved the stove into the front room. Hank had to buy $4.35 worth of stove pipe. Mary Holbrock took dinner with us. Hank was sick all night, was light headed part of the time. Tom Thumb was married the 31st of May to Miss Vinton of Bridgeport Ct.[139]
Sep 16 – Cool but warmer than yesterday and day before. The express train run off at Lowel last night in the night. Two killed & seven wounded, three very bad. Hank is getting ready to take a picture of Mr Ely. He wants Photographs. Mr Burt caught a fish to day that weighed 24 lb and 14 oz. Hank & I went fishing to night and lost the line. We bought a fish for 30 cents. We got a letter from Ma & Sis. Ethan & Hannah went to the Rapids to day.
Sep 17 – Rainy. I made a pie and fixed my waterproof cloak this forenoon. Went to the galery this afternoon. Hank soaked his feet and had three mustard plasters on his lungs last night.
Sep 18 – Pleasant and warm. Stayed to the house this forenoon. Went to the galery this afternoon.
Sep 19 – Pleasant. We printed this forenoon. Had fifty four prints card size and two 4/4. Hank mounted them this evening.
Sep 20 – Pleasant. Mr Dickerson brought us some butter, green tomatoes, a few aples and som butter milk this morning. I made some pickles this forenoon, also baked pies and bread. Hank has just taken a picture of a Negro man. We looked for Ethan but he did not come.
Sep 21 – Pleasant. Ethan came about two oclock this morning. He and Hank has been up to the Wreck. Ethan does not feel very well, has gone and laid down. Hank has gone to the post office. Ethan brought me a silver thimble, Henry sent it to me.
Sep 22 – Rainy. Ethan went on the freight. Left Muir half past eleven this forenoon. Hank has got an awful bad cold in his head. Ethan, Hannah and Fred Allerton expect to go home to night. Will get there about eleven (11) to night if they have good luck.
Sep 23 – Cloudy. J. E. Warner has a show here to day. I have got an awful cold sore throt. Hank and I went to the show. It was the best we ever attended.
Sep 24 – Cloudy. We wrote to Fathers folks to day. There is a horse tamer in town. He drove all around the streets without any lines. Hank & I have got real hard colds. Sprinkled a little to night.
Sep 25 – Cold & cloudy. I have baked some this afternoon. Hank has had his whiskers shaved off from the side of his face. I do not feel very well.
Sep 26 – Rained a little this morning. Pleasant but windy the rest of the day. Hank has taken a negative of Mr & Mrs Burt also one of Mrs Bements. We have printed some to day.
Sep 27 – Pleasant but very warm. Hank took in eight dollar and a half today. I put up five gems. I made two custard pies. Hank bought some sugar and cheese.
Sep 28 – Rainy. I was sick all night. Hank got up at two oclock and built a fire and laid hot cloths across me that made me feel some better. We are printing some to day. Hank got a letter from Uncle Hite[140] to night.
Sep 29 – Rainy. I worked on my black calico dress and went to the galery and staid this afternoon.
Sep 30 – Pleasanter. We got a letter from Ethan this morning. He and Hannah did not get home from G Rapids till the next week Wednesday. I finished my dress to night.
Oct 1 – Pleasant. I wrote to Ethan. We got a letter from Mother. Hank commenced packing this morning.
Oct 2 – Pleasant. Hank finished packing at the galery to day and commenced packing a little at the house. Hank went to Ionia.
Oct 3 – Rainy this afternoon. We packed in good earnest to day, got most packed. Expect to start for home to morrow night.
Oct 4 – Rainy. Finished packing. Mr Philp took the goods to the depot. We left Muir five minutes after five, got to Lyons. The cars was behind time, waited seven hours. Got to Lansing about three left there about five.
Oct 5 – Pleasant. We got to Jackson about six this morning. Went to the American house got breakfast and I went to bed & Hank went to the depo. We went to a resturant this afternoon and got supper. Started for home at five this evening.
Oct 6 – Pleasant. We got to Pas at nine last evening all safe. We went down to Fathers this morning. Ma went over to Mrs Hoags to sit up with her.
Oct 7 – Pleasant. Our trunk came to day. Arthur Lilly stayed here last night. Hannah is here to day. She has got a fellon.[141] We came back to Pas to night.
Oct 8 – Pleasant. Hank & I washed the first time since I was married. We went to keeping house to the burg one year ago to day. It is a year this morning since Will Plank lost his hand.[142]
Oct 9 – Pleasant. Hank and I took Aunt A– down to Aunt Kates. We stayed till three, stoped to Loises a little while. I stoped to Fathers. Hank took Bill home and then came come back to Fathers.
Oct 10 – Pleasant. I am fixing Hanks shirts. Went down to Pas a little while. Lois was there. Ma had gone down to Aunt Kates with Mr and Mrs Harris. Ambrose Field and Carrie Holmes[143] was married this evening.
Oct 11 – Pleasant. Aunt Jule washed. Hank, Father and Will and Fred went to the Burg. I went down to Pa,s and stayed till they came back. Ethan went with them. Pa lanced Hannahs fellon this evening. Mrs Earl, Hattie & Libbie visited here to day.
Oct 12 – Pleasant. I finished Hanks shirts. Tip and Rass went up to Mr Chases. Ida and Mrs Barber called here to day.
Oct 13 – Pleasant. Hank and I went to the Burg this forenoon. I got Hannah a brown calico dress. Hank went to Chicago to night. Father, Mother and Will came up to Pas to night.
Oct 14 – Pleasant. I dont feel very well. I done my ironing to day. Hannahs fellon is a little better.
Oct 15 – Pleasant. Ma & I washed. I expected to get a letter from Hank but did not.
Oct 16 – Some rainy. I went down to Fathers to night (Pa took me, did not get any from Hank. Ma wrote to Uncle Hite.
Oct 17 – Rainy. Put my quilt on this morning. We quilted some to day. I got a letter from Hank. He has got a job for 1.75 or two dollars per day.
Oct 18 – Pleasant. We quilted till four then I came up to Pas. Ed Willcott[144] was here. Ethan went to the Burg, got me some sugar to make jelly.
Oct 19 – Pleasant. I wrote to Hank. Mr Hawleys folks went up to their fathers. Ethan, Hannah and Louesa went down to Aunt Kates.
Oct 20 – Pleasant. Ethan got me some grapes. Ma & I made jellie. I got jellie a letter from Hank.
Oct 21 – Snowed a little last night and this forenoon. Thawed most as fast as it fell. Ma, Hannah & I went down to Fathers to quilt on my Album quilt. I stayed.
Oct 22 – Cold and rainy. We finished my quilt this evening. Charley Clark[145] stoped here this morning. He came last night.
Oct 23 – Pleasant and cold. Jimmie brought me down some sewing this morning. I got a letter from Hank. Eva Bronson and Mr More were married to night.[146]
Oct 24 – Pleasant. I bought finished my drawers this forenoon and commenced my chemise. Mother and I sent a letter to Hank.
Oct 25 – Warm & Pleasant. Father and Mother went to Kalamazoo. Mother got me eight yards of cotton. Ma & Pa went down to Aunt Katies. Aunt Jule & I went a beach nutting. Father, Mother, Will & I went to the Phrenalogical[147] lecture. I came home to night. I finished my chemise. I went out to our little Babys grave tonight.
Oct 26 – Rainy. Charley came down here to day. Lois and Dell went up to Brady after Will last night. Mr & Mrs Hawley[148] have gone away to day. I wrote to Alice Crawford.[149] Pa & Ma got home to night.
Oct 27 – Rainy. Ma and Hannah have been to work on her brown calico dress. Jimmie went to the Burg. Ma got a letter from Grandma. She answered it this evening. I am not very well.
Oct 28 – Snow three inches deep this morning, the first we have had to amount to any thing. Charley is here to day. Willie did not come home. Jimmie went to the Burg. Mr Hawley started for Hastings this morn. He went with the horse and wagon. I got a letter from Hank and answered it this evening.
Oct 29 – Some rain and snow. Pa & Louesa went down to Aunt Kates. Pa got a pig of Mart. Sis did not come home. Mr Hawley got home to night.
Oct 30 – Snowed. Charley came down here. He and Jimmie went to the Burg. I sent Hank a Muir paper.
Oct 31 – Cold and blustering. I commenced ____ a chemise this evening.
Nov 1 – Snowed some. Ethan and Charley went to the Burg. Ethan got Charley a pair of Boots. I finished my chemise.
Nov 2 – Rainy. Lousesa came home to night. Ma went back with Mart. The Baby is not expected to live. Grandpa Keith[150] would 91 years old to day if he had lived.
Nov 3 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah and I finished Wolfe Dark to day. Sis worked on her black calico dress. Ethan went to the Burg and got a lamp chimney. He and Pa picked up the apels for cider.
Nov 4 – Pleasant. Pa & Ethan drew corn in to the barn. I got a letter from Hank. Hannah tried to sew on her brown dress but had to give it up. Sis went to the Burg to take some patterns to Mary Mason.
Nov 5 – Pleasant. Pa & Ethan husked corn. Uncle Joe Lee brought Ma & Aunt Alfleda home this afternoon. Lucy Baby died to day at 10 AM. She was one hour younger than Johney.[151] Her name was Catharine Cemantha but they called her Kittie. Hannah & Uncle Joe Lois went home with Uncle J. I wrote to Hank. I washed to day. Hannah is sick.
Nov 6 – Pleasant. Ma & I made Jimmie an over coat & a pair of pants. We did not go to bed till most midnight. Pa & Ethan husked corn.
Nov 7 – Cold. Lucys baby was burried to day funeral at one oclock. Ma, Hannah & I stayed at the house, the rest all went to the grave. Lucy fells pretty bad. We did not come home till after supper. It rained most all the way home. It is thirty two (32) years to day since Father and Mother were married.[152]
Nov 8 – Cloudy. Ma washed. Mrs Gaffney came down here to day. Ida Clark called here to night. Father got a letter from Hank.
Nov 9 – Stormy this afternoon. Jimmie & I walked to the Burg. I stayed all night with Ida. Jimmie came home. Mrs Barber made Ida a hat to day. Miss Mary C Scramblin and Mr John Farmer of Battle Creek were married to day.[153]
Nov 10 – Cloudy & cold. Ida went to the Creek on the five oclock train this morning. Mr Barber went up to Mr Streator to work. I rode home with him. I commenced a letter to Hank. Pa went to the Burg & got a barrel of salt paid $2.25. He got a box of goods for Aunt A. Father got a letter for me from Hank.
Nov 11 – Snowed some. I wrote to Hank to day. Ethan wrote to Henry Keith. Willie C– was here to day.
Nov 12 – Some snow. Ethan brought me down to Fathers. Louesa went up to Jim Milhams[154] to stay with Stellie.
Nov 13 – Snowed hard all day. I am at Fathers. Mother is making her calico dress. I have red Margeret Oakley to day. Hobert Jackson called here this morning to wait for Will to go to school. Father went to the Burg this evening.
Nov 14 – Pleasant but a good deal of snow. Father went to Kal. Mother finished her calico dress. Father took Aunt Jules teeth with him to get them fixed but could not. I commenced Mas tida[155] this morning, got it little more than half done. Will got a magazine for Hank to night, there was twenty five cents postage due on it.
Nov 15 – Thawed. Snow most gone. Father went to the burg this afternoon. I went down to Pa,s with him. Louesa went to the Burg & came back with him. He got a letter from Hank. He sent an order for twenty five dollars, eleven going to Mother for butter for Uncle Hite. Pa killed his pig this forenoon. Lois went up to Brady with Charley. He is going to stay a week. I learned Aunt Jule to make barley corn to night.
Nov 16 – Pleasant. Lucy, Hannah & Georgie went up to Pa,s. Ethan came down after me. When they went home I came back to Fathers. Dell was here and took dinner. Mr Streetor came down toward night and got ten dollars of Aunt Jule.
Nov 17 – Rained a little. Father and Ethan went after our goods. The freight on them was $10.84 from Muir to Kalamazoo. Harry Streetor and Nellie Stanford[156] started for Ohio to night. Harry is going to Canton and Nellie to Randolph.
Nov 18 – Snow and rain. We opened to safe & fruit box. Things were all right. I commenced writting to Hank this morning. Got a letter from Hank and one from Ida Barber.
Nov 19 – Cold. I finished Hanks letter. Father went to the Burg. I went as far as Pa,s. Took my Bureau and bed down there. I came back with him. I forgot to take Hanks letter. I got a letter from Nellie Tomlinson.[157]
Nov 20 – Cold. I wrote a little more to Hank this morn. Will took the letter to the Burg. I finished Hanks shirt and Mas tidy and fixed my gloves. Ethan came down after the quilting frames. He brought my quilt. I cut out some blocks and pieced some. Father killed two sheep. He had a chill to night
Nov 21 – Warm and pleasant. I quilted, fixed Aunt Jules Bonnet. Hank came hom Father and I went to the Burg. I got some calacoe for my quilt. I called at Pas.
Nov 22 – Cold and some stormy. I fixed Aunt Jules bonnet. Hank came home to night sick with a hard cold. Aunt Jule gave me a pair of glove warmers. Will went to the Burg to get Frank shod. He got a letter for Hank from Loyd.
Nov 23 – Snow. Hank is sick to day. Will has gone down to Pa,s after the Balsam for Hank. We are going to sleep in Mothers room to night.
Nov 24 – Snow. Hank was real sick last night. He is all broken out with the Measles. He is pretty sick to day. Father went after his trunk. I went down to Pas after some things. Ma has got the star quilt on. She has got a real lame back. Father killed eight geese and the old gobler to day.
Nov 25 – Pleasant. Hank is a little better. Father has gone to Kalamazoo. He took the fowls and some wheat. Mother has washed. Ida Allerton is twenty one (21).[158]
Nov 26 – Pleasant. Hank is better. We went up stairs to sleep to night. Uncle Ed Armes and Mrs Sherman came here to day, are going to stay all night. Mother cooked the goose.
Nov 27 – Snow this morning, it is good sleighing. Hank and I went down to Pa,s with Will. It is Thanksgiving. Fathers folks are going to have oysters. Pas folks had chickens. Will had a tooth pulled.
Nov 28 – Cold & blustering. We stayed to Pas last night. Henry came down to day. Ma & I washed. Ethan took us down to Fathers this evening.
Nov 29 – Pleasant. Father, Mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to get Will a suit of cloths. They cost twenty four dols. Mother got me some calicos & Zephyr. Ida Barber is 21.
Nov 30 – Pleasant. Will is not feeling well. Uncle Edmund & Aunt Hannah came here this afternoon.
Dec 1 – A little rainy. Hank & I went to Augusta, got lost coming home. Will Plank and Ethan road from the Burg with us. Will came out Saturday. Will and Ethan came down this evening. It rained when they went home.
Dec 2 – Rained all this afternoon. Father killed seven (7) hogs for Mr Caywood. Hank wrote to the Post Master at Lawton to night. Snow is all gone.
Dec 3 – Real warm, seems like spring, commenced raining toward night. Hank went to the Burg. Father and I went up to Pas. Pa cut around my tooth and got the turnkee on it but it sliped off so I would not let him try again. I had the tooth ache real hard all night last night. Will has commenced breaking out with the measles. Hank got a letter from Lawton.
Dec 4 – Dreadful windy all night all at and all day to day. Freezing hard all the time. Hank went to Lawton on the mail. Will is broken all out with the measles. Father is most sick.
Dec 5 – Wind went down about midnight. Pleasant and warm to day. The wind done a good deal of damage, blew down homes and took the iron roof off of the Detroit Depo. Will is pretty sick. Will P– and Ethan went down to Aunt Kates to stay all night
Dec 6 – Pleasant. Will is better. Hank got home about 10 last evening. Dell told me Lucy was sick with the Rheumatism.
Dec 7 – Rainy this forenoon. Hank and I went down to Aunt Kates this afternoon. Lucy is no better. Aunt Kate got home from Joes yesterday.
Dec 8 – Pleasant. Mother and Aunt Jule washed. Hank and father killed six pigs to day. Will commenced to go to school to day.
Dec 9 – Pleasant. Hank brought me home this morning Mr Hank and Father Butchered six pigs to day.
Dec 10 – Pleasant. Hank took me down to Pas this morning. Mrs Hawley was sick, had been sick all night and all day yesterday. I am going to fix my black alpaca dress.
Dec 11 – (no entry)
Dec 12 – (no entry)
Dec 13 – Snow. Hank and Ethan got wood this forenoon. Father went to the Burg this afternoon, stoped for us when he went home. We went home with him
Dec 14 – Snow. I wrote to Ida Barber. Will went to the concert to night. Old Mr Watts died this morning. He fell down seller last night and killed himself.
Dec 15 – Pleasant. Hank brought me home from Fathers this morning. Jimmie did not go to school to day.
Dec 16 – Pleasant. Ethan went to Comstalk[159] to Mill. Lucy and Mart were here to supper. Aunt Fleda went to the Burg.
Dec 17 – Warm. Hank went down to Fathers to help kill geese. Ma went to Mr Watts funeral. It was at one oclock. Mother sent Ma a goose.
Dec 18 – Pleasant. Hank went down to Fathers to go to Kalamazoo. It is half past seven and he has not got home yet. Am afraid he is not coming to night.
Dec 19 – Snowed this afternoon. Hank did not get home last night. Ma & I went down to Fathers this afternoon. I did not go back. Hank and Father helped Dell kill a beef.
Dec 20 – Pleasant. I finished my black alpaca dress. Ma, Pa and I went up to Dells this morning. Hank came this evening. He and I stayed all night.
Dec 21 – Pleasant. We are to Dells. Pa took Mrs Gaffney down to Aunt K. Hannah came home with him, is not going back. Frank Tomlinson, Henry Keith and Eugene Crawford[160] came to Pas last night. They also had the Harris, Keith and B– families there to spend the evening. Henry and Frank called to Dells this eve.
Dec 22 – Pleasant. Hank, Father and I went to the Burg this forenoon. I went to Mrs Barbers, did not get home till four this afternoon. Frank was there. Eugene went back on the two oclock train. Skinners visited Pas this eve.
Dec 23 – Warm and Pleasant, seems like spring. Father, Mother, Aunt Jule and Ma went to Kalamazoo. Ma got Hannah a cloak. Aunt J– got her one. I went back with Father when they he brought Ma home. Hank and Hannah, Frank, E– & I visited Flanders this evening. Skinners were there. Hank was sick with a pain in his bowle bowels. Father and mother went up to Mr Fords to see Mary & Tom this eve. Arthur is here.
Dec 24 – Warm, Pleasant. Hank is worse. We are at Fathers. Hannah stayed with Lois last night.
Dec 25 – Pleasant. Christmas. Mother got me a wrapper for a Christmas preasant. Hank is a little better. Father, Mother & Aunt Jule have gone up to Mr Armes to day. Henry K called here this morn, also Jimmie.
Dec 26 – Cold and some snow. Hank was sick all night, better this morning. Ethan called here this afternoon. He had been down to Aunt Kates.
Dec 27 – Snow. Father made cider. Hank and Will made went to the Burg. Will had a tooth pulled.
Dec 28 – Cold. Will took Hank and I down to Pas to night.
Dec 29 – Blustering. We commenced Hannahs underclothes. Uncle David[161] came to our house to day. Had not seen him in 19 years. He brought Ma a set of silver forks and gave her five dollars. Aunt Kate sent her a pair of undersleeves and three collars and a tie.
Dec 30 – Pleasant. Uncle Dave went away to day. Lois, Lucy, Mart and Uncle Joe were here to day. Mr Hawley killed one Pig and Pa two. Fathers folks were here this evening.
Dec 31 – Cold. Ethan went up to Dells. Mrs Skinner and Dell have gone to Lima. Jimmie stays with Willie.
Names of those that attended Henry’s farewell Party[162]
Dell Clapp } Ida Clark
Mavis ” } Mart Milham
Thadd ” } Lucy Milham
Mary ” } Quin Streator
Dell Skinner }
Lois ” } Addie Raymond
Sate ” } Jennie Hitchcock
Mr Taylor } Cullen Town
Hattie ” } Edwin Flanders
Libbie ” } Myron Latty
Mr Earl } Henry Keith
Elva ” } Henry Brown
Mary Plank } Nancy Brown
Carrie ” } Mr Flanders
Charley Ford } Mrs Flanders
Tamer ” }
Ethan Keith }
Hannah ” }
Fred Allerton }
Ida ” }
It has been so cold part of this month (April) that good many have frozen to death in Kansas and other western states
Mrs Mary J Holmes works[163]
X Tempest & Sunshine
X English Orphans
Homestead on the Hillside
Lena Rivers
X Meadow Brook
Lora Dean
X Cousin Maud
Marian Grey
Darkness and Daylight
X Hugh Worthington
Cameron Pride
Rose Mather
Ethelyn’s Mistake
Mill Bank
X Edna Browning (new)
| Cash Account, January |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 1 |
Silver |
|
.50 |
| 7 |
Medician |
|
.50 |
| 9 |
6 yards calido |
|
.75 |
| 13 |
Ventilating garters |
|
.40 |
| 18 |
Dress buttons |
|
.10 |
| 28 |
Hank gave |
2.00 |
|
| 28 |
Vail |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
2.85 |
| Cash Account, February |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 3 |
Medicine |
|
.53 |
| 7 |
Slippers |
|
.50 |
| 8 |
Gaiters |
|
1.60 |
| 10 |
Corsets |
|
.75 |
| 22 |
Alumin[?] |
|
.2 |
| 24 |
From Hank |
1.00 |
|
| 28 |
Light calico |
|
.45 |
|
|
|
3.82 |
| Cash Account, March |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 10 |
Dr Alferd |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cash Account, April |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 8 |
Calico dress |
|
1.00 |
| 8 |
dress buttons |
|
.23 |
| 29 |
Postage |
|
.3 |
| 26 |
Doctor |
|
.50 |
|
|
|
1.76 |
| Cash Account, May |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 5 |
Dr Johnson |
|
1.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Cash Account, July |
| Date |
|
Received |
Paid |
| 29 |
Lace for dress |
|
3.75 |
| 29 |
|
|
5.66 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
——-
[1] The x’s, which appear at various dates through the first part of the diary, are unexplained. At times they appear to have been erased
[2] Her sister, Hannah Keith
[3] Her in-laws, Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown; Nancy refers to her parents, Sarah (Crawford) & Charles Luke Keith Jr., as Ma and Pa, and to Hank’s parents, Matilda (Allen) & Ambrose Brown, as Mother and Father
[4] Believe she is referring to Simeon Woods, the husband of Reliance (Brown) Woods. Reliance was Ambrose Brown’s sister
[5] Her husband, Henry Brown. They were married October 5, 1872
[6] Her half-brother, Henry Keith. He is the son of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith
[7] Galesburg, Michigan
[8] Neighbors, Andrew & Maria (Eggelston) Caywood
[9] Neighbors, John & Lucina Armstrong
[10] Neighbors, Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator
[11] Sarah (Crawford) Keith
[12] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known better, and referred to, as Luke
[13] Neighbors, John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton
[14] Neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank
[15] Hank’s brother, Willis Brown
[16] Her half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, born to Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith
[17] Lois’ second husband, Adelbert Skinner
[18] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Henrietta Van Vleet died December 21, 1872, and the Oak Grove Cemetery records reveal that her maiden name was Lockwood
[19] Del Skinner’s sister, Sarah “Sate” Skinner
[20] Her brother, Ethan Keith
[21] Michigan County Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Fred Young Hawver and Phebe Armstrong were married in Galesburg on January 5, 1873
[22] Hank was a photographer
[23] Sarah (Knight) Skinner, Adelbert’s and Sate’s mother
[24] Assume she means “medicine”
[25] Neighbors, Byron, Cora, Ida, Libbie and Emma Allen are mentioned throughout the diary. They are the children of John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen. Any possible relationship between them and Matilda (Allen) Brown is unknown at this time
[26] Hannah’s boyfriend. From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood
[27] Most likely referring to her maternal first cousin, Eugene Crawford
[28] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Flora Swaddle, age 16, the daughter of William G. Swaddle, died January 8, 1873, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan
[29] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ira Joy died January 9, 1873, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan
[30] An 18th-century dress with the skirt divided in front and worn looped back over an elaborate underskirt
[31] See footnote for January 7th entry
[32] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Azor Odell, age 19, (the 1860 census lists him as Ezra Odell) died January 8, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan
[33] Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee, her father’s sister
[34] Martin Milham, husband of Aunt Kate’s daughter (by her second husband), Lucy (Lee) Milham
[35] Believe this is William E. Arms, the husband of Cynthia (Brown) Arms. Cynthia was Ambrose Brown’s sister. Hank’s diary for this date mentions that he “opened Arthurs box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up.” Arthur was William & Cynthia’s son
[36] Neighbor, Richard Barber
[37] Neighbors, John & Eliza Ann (Young) Bailey
[38] Spiritualism was practiced by some members of both the Keith and Brown families and at times they had seances
[39] Neighbor, daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber
[40] Her sister, Louese Keith; she is also referred to as Sis or Louesa
[41] Grain to be ground or already ground
[42] Neighbors, William & Celestin Swaddle
[43] The son of neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank
[44] Her youngest brother, James Clinton Keith
[45] The son of John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton
[46] Neighbors, the daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank
[47] See footnote for January 7th entry
[48] Rebecca Plank, the oldest daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank
[49] Julia Allen, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister
[50] A neighbor, Joseph Flanders
[51] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Phillip Potts died January 25, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[52] According to Ida’s death certificate she was born January 30, 1856
[53] Granddaughter of Simeon & Reliance (Brown) Wood
[54] Neighbor Alice Wightman, the daughter of Dr. George & Mary (Crandall) Wightman
[55] Her paternal cousins, Jesse and Alvan Lee, the sons of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee
[56] The long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon
[57] Cousin Charles Lee (1797-1878), the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee. (See also January 28th entry in C. L. Keith Jr.’s 1873 diary)
[58] Neighbor, Ella Swaddle. Ella was the older sister of Flora. See January 8th entry
[59] Mary (Knowles) Barber
[60] Sister, Louese Keith
[61] Drug made from the aconite plant, also known as monkshood or wolf’s bane, which is highly poisonous, but used in some medicines. It could be used to induce sweating
[62] See footnote for January 7th entry
[63] Neighbor, the daughter of Samuel & Hannah (Patton) Spier
[64] Neighbor, daughter of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham; James and Martin Milham (see footnote for January 11th entry) were half-brothers
[65] The daughter of Loren & Amanda (Taylor) Clark; Loren was the brother of Byron Clark, Lois Keith (Clark) Skinner’s first husband
[66] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Clarence G. Wing, age 6, the son of B. A. & Louise Wing, died February 14, 1873; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[67] Neighbor, Edwin M. Clapp
[68] Her cousin, James “Oscar” Keith, son of Harvey & Alfleda (Starr) Keith
[69] Catherine E. Keith, the daughter of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith
[70] Arthur and William E. Arms (see footnote for January 13th entry)
[71] Believe she means Kate Chaffee; see entries in Luke’s diary
[72] Mertie LaVern Chaffee, the daughter of Thomas & Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee
[73] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Charlotte Ann (Goodrich) Coe died February 21, 1873 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan
[74] Small tintype photographs. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin
[75] Neighbor, Edwin R. York, was the brother of Joseph York who was married to Nancy’s cousin, Helen (Bradley) York
[76] Her cousin, Ellis Keith, who was the son of Wesley & Harriet (Blakeslee) Keith
[77] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Amos Chipman died February 27, 1873 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan
[78] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day
[79] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator, the son of Marius O. Streator
[80] Erasmus Town, husband of Eunice (Wood) Town, Ambrose Brown’s niece
[81] Anise, a medicinal herb
[82] Nancy had two cousins who were both named Edna: Edna Irene Crawford, the daughter of Robert & Louisa (Hall) Crawford; and Edna Alice Crawford, the daughter of Edwin & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford. Since Emmett Crawford visited on March 31st and Aunt Mary Crawford visited on April 3rd, it is assumed that here she is referring to Edna Alice Crawford
[83] Luke Keith’s horse
[84] The Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Nancy (Meade) Goodrich committed suicide on March 21, 1873 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan
[85] Her cousin, Emmett Patrick Crawford, the son of her uncle Edwin, and his second wife, Mary (Hamilton) Crawford
[86] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford
[87] Laura (Wheeler) Brown, who died April 5, 1873
[88] Helen (Bradley) York, daughter of Aunt Kate and her first husband, Ethan Bradley
[89] Her uncle, John Wesley Keith; Luke Keith’s adopted brother
[90] Neighbor, James R. Flanders, age 36, died April 10, 1872 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Charleston, Michigan
[91] Simeon Woods, husband of Reliance Brown. Reliance was Ambrose Brown’s sister
[92] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts
[93] Neighbor, son of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber
[94] Nancy’s second cousin, the son of Jesse & Sarah (Davis) Turner
[95] This last word was written sideways in the left hand margin; it is Florence’s married name
[96] Mart and Lucy (Lee) Milham’s daughter
[97] Nancy’s first cousin, the daughter of James & Ann (Rogers) Crawford
[98] Henry Crawford
[99] Neighbor, Byron Hawley; Luke Keith’s diary mentions him frequently
[100] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Eliza (Gilfus) Delano, age 19, died May 3, 1873
[101] One of Ethan’s inventions, a “car starter” (see May 14, 1873 letter)
[102] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Jackson Bristol married Alta Burge on May 8, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan
[103] Michigan Birth & Christening Records at Ancestry.com show that Adelia Giddings was born May 10, 1873 to Augustus & Susan Giddings
[104] Caroline (Williams) Wiseman, a neighbor who had moved to Missouri (see December 28, 1871 letter)
[105] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Reuben L. Coe died in 1873 and is buried in the Prairie Home Cemetery, in Climax, Michigan
[106] A search of Michigan Death Records at Ancestry and at FindAGrave.com reveals that Sarah (Odell) Potts, age 24, died of consumption May 15, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Her brother, Azor (Ezra) Odell, age 19, died earlier in the year on January 10, also of consumption. They were the children of Isaac and Polly “Mary” (Shoemaker) Odell. Searching further, three of their other children also died of consumption: Angeline/Adeline (Odell) Youngs, age 29, on June 3, 1874; Jane Ann (Odell) Olin, age 30, on February 13, 1877; and Ellen Odell, age 25, also on February 13, 1877
[107] Neighbor, Albert Towne
[108] Presumably the sons of Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne: Erasmus, Cullen and Charles
[109] Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham and their daughter, Clara Milham
[110] The twins were buried at the foot of a tree near the horse trough on Ambrose & Matilda Brown’s land
[111] The widow and daughter of Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford
[112] Her cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)
[113] David “D. C.” Crawford, Sarah Keith’s brother
[114] William Byron Clark, the son of Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner
[115] Wesley’s daughter, Hannah “Libbie” Keith
[116] Nancy mixed up her days and wrote July 2 and 3 on July 3 and 4 respectively, and then July 4 at the end of the July 5 entry
[117] Henry, Virginia (Worley), John and George Crawford
[118] Believe she is referring to Edmund Chase, the husband of Hannah Ballou (Brown) Chase. Hannah was Ambrose Brown’s sister
[119] Neighbor, Lovina Allen, another daughter of John & Amanda Allen (see footnote for January 7th entry)
[120] See Henry Brown’s 1873 diary. He and Nancy were moving to Muir, Michigan to set up his photography business
[121] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts
[122] Frances and Helen Towne, the daughters of Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne
[123] Jackson Bristol was the widower of Julia Wood, the daughter of Simeon & Reliance (Brown) Wood. Their children were Marion (see January 27th and March 8th entries), Louis, Helen (see March 8th entry) and Lulu. He then married Alla Birge (see May 8th entry)
[124] Michigan Death Records show that Warren D. Potts was born July 20, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan, to Austin & Marian (Wilcox) Potts
[125] A yellow-gray cloth
[126] The Michigan Deaths & Burials Index at Ancestry.com shows that Henry Clinton, age 73, died August 1, 1873 in Charleston, Kalamazoo County, Michigan
[127] Wesley Keith’s wife, Harriet (Blakeslee) Keith
[128] Clara and George with the children of Mart & Lucy (Lee) Milham
[129] A fine thin linen cambric
[130] Frank Tomlinson, the son of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. Marion was Nancy’s first cousin. It is unclear who Mary was
[131] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of Harvey Keith (Charles Luke Keith Jr.’s brother)
[132] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Dr. Melancthon W. Alfred, age 63, died August 16, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery
[133] Marion Adelpha York, daughter of Joseph York and Helen Bradley (Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee’s daughter)
[134] Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator, wife of Marius O. Streator
[135] 1870 census shows Nellie Stanford (age 27) living in the Marius O. Streator household and again in 1880 (age 37) where she is listed as “niece.” In the 1900 and 1920 census records, she is living with her cousin, Henry Streator. Her headstone shows she was the niece of Laura Rawson Streator
[136] Investigation continues as to their identity
[137] Catherine Samantha “Kitty” Milham, born to Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham
[138] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that James B. Sylvester, age 9, was killed in a railroad accident. He was the son of Henry S. and Mary Sylvester
[139] According to http://www.historytoday.com, Tom Thumb (Charles Sherwood Stratton) married Lavinia Warren on February 10, 1873. Both worked with the Barnum & Bailey Circus as part of the ‘freak show’
[140] Hiram Crawford Jr.
[141] Felon – deep inflammation on a finger or toe
[142] From Luke Keith’s October 14, 1872 diary entry: Will Plank came home badly hurt had his hand took of smashed coupling cars
[143] Michigan marriage records at Ancestry.com show that they were married November 18, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan
[144] Believe she is referring to her father’s first cousin, Edward G. Wolcott
[145] Her nephew, Charles Clark, the son of Lois (Keith) and her first husband, Byron Clark
[146] A search at Ancestry.com shows that Eva Bronson married Levi Moore in Galesburg, Michigan, on October 22, 1873
[147] Belief that mental characteristics and powers can be ascertained by measuring and studying the shape and protuberances of the skull
[148] Byron & Harriet (Abbott) Hawley
[149] Her maternal first cousin, the daughter of James & Ann (Rogers) Crawford. Alice lived in Glen Haven, Wisconsin
[150] Charles Luke Keith Sr.
[151] Johnny Milham was Kittie’s older brother who was born June 27, 1872 and died September 24, 1872
[152] Ambrose Brown and Matilda Allen were married in Sodus, Wayne County, New York on November 7, 1841
[153] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com confirm that Mary C. Scramblin and John Farmer were married in Battle Creek on November 9, 1873
[154] Mart Milham’s half-brother
[155] Tidy – a light detachable covering, as for a chair back. (See also entry for Nov. 20)
[156] 1870 census shows Nellie Stanford (age 27) living in the Marius O. Streator household and again in 1880 (age 37) where she is listed as “niece.” In the 1900 and 1920 census records, she is living with her cousin, Henry “Harry” Streator. Her headstone shows she was the niece of Laura (Rawson) Streator
[157] Nancy’s cousin, the daughter of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson
[158] Neighbor, the daughter of John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton
[159] Comstock
[160] Her maternal first cousin, Eugene Crawford
[161] Sarah (Crawford) Keith’s brother, David Caleb Crawford, better known as D.C., visiting from Colorado
[162] See February 18th entry
[163] From Wikipedia: Mary Jane Holmes (April 5, 1825 – October 6, 1907) was a bestselling and prolific American author who published 39 popular novels, as well as short stories. Her first novel sold 250,000 copies; and she had total sales of 2 million books in her lifetime, second only to Harriet Beecher Stowe. Portraying domestic life in small-town and rural settings, she examined gender relationships, as well as those of class and race. She also dealt with slavery and the American Civil War with a strong sense of moral justice. Since the late 20th century she has received fresh recognition and reappraisal, although her popular work was excluded from most 19th-century literary histories.
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