Nancy Brown’s 1898 Diary

1898 DIARY OF NANCY KEITH BROWN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jan 20 – Ethan is 47 to day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 18 – Will Brown[37] is 38 to day.

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

Mar 20 – Lela & I helped at gallery.

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

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

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

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

Mar 25 – I went to gallery again to day.

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

Mar 27 – Lela helping at gallery.

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

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

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

Mar 31 – Bessie went to drawing class.

Apr 1 – (no entry)

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

Apr 3 – I went to Claudes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 15 – (no entry)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 23 – Mrs McKee here to see Lou.

Apr 24 – Claude went back to Chicago.

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

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

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

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

Apr 29 – Floyd Harris 12 years old.

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 6 – (no entry)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May 14 – I met Floyd this a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 11 – Baked, worked at cleaning and settling.

Jun 12 – Dr & Mrs McKinney here to dinner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 28 – Ironing this a.m. 25.00.[68]

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

Jun 30 – (no entry)

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

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

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

Jul 4 – Hannah working on her shirt waists.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 21 – (no entry)

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

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

Jul 24-27 – (no entries)

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

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

Jul 30 – Aug 8 – (no entries)

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

Aug 10 – (no entry)

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

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

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

Aug 14 – H.A. took in 50.00.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 2 – Awful hot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 18 – Hannah & I caned 13 qts peaches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 25 – Very nice & plesant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 23 – Plesant. Got home 4-50 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 30 – Home all day. Dark & rainy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 13 – Lela to Essies to dinner.

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 19 – (no entry)

Nov 20 – I went to Mr Wagners to dinner.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec 16 – (no entry)

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

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

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

Dec 20 – (no entry)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

——-

[1] Her son, Claude Brown

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

[3] Her brother, Ethan Keith

[4] Sarah (Crawford) Keith

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

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

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

[8] Her daughter, Bess Brown

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

[10] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[11] Scotts, Michigan

[12] Nickname for her husband, Henry Brown

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

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

[15] Her daughter, Lela Brown

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

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

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

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

[20] Also a nickname for her husband Henry

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

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

[23] Hank was a photographer

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

[25] Her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

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

[27] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union

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

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

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

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

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

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

[34] Her father, Charles Luke Keith Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[41] Believe this refers to a bicycle

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

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

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

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

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

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

[48] Michigan death records confirm that Porter Olmsted died May 1, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[49] Henry’s photograph business

[50] Her sister Louese Harris’ oldest son, who would have been 15 years old; he died February 12, 1887

[51] Nancy’s brother and his family, James, Cora (Meredith), Winifred and Walter Keith

[52] Henry’s brother and his family, Willis, Elizabeth (Ogden), Ray, Perry and Ruth Brown

[53] Her half-sister Lois’ granddaughter, the daughter of William & Ina (Skinner) Holmes

[54] Michigan death records show that Jesse Earl died May 18, 1898 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[55] Believe this is “Edie”. (See footnote to March 4^th entry)

[56] Cullin Channing Packard. He is also mentioned in the February 25^th and April 25^th entries and it would appear he worked with Henry in some capacity in the photography business. Henry also wrote a letter to Nancy on May 1, 1898 comparing his new place to Packard’s. Michigan death records show that he died May 31, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan as a result of shooting himself because of despondency. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[57] Edgar Atkins was her husband Henry’s cousin

[58] Her brother and his family: James & Cora (Meredith) Keith and their children, Winifred and Walter

[59] South Haven

[60] Presumably Cullin Packard’s widow, Mary (Caryl) Packard

[61] Shelbyville, Michigan

[62] Chicago

[63] Her brother-in-law Willis Brown and his wife and daughter, Elizabeth (Ogden) and Ruth Brown

[64] Ruth’s father, Henry Ogden

[65] Her dog

[66] Possibly Lizzie’s brother, Charles Ogden

[67] Michigan death records confirm that Willard Mills died on June 23, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. He was 90 years old

[68] Believe this refers to money that Henry sent home

[69] This was during the Spanish-American War

[70] Willis Brown’s son, Ray Brown

[71] From Wikipedia.com: The Battle of Santiago de Cuba was a decisive naval engagement that occurred on July 3, 1898, between an American fleet led by William T. Sampson and Winfield Scott Schley, against a Spanish fleet led by Pascual Cervera y Topete, which occurred during the Spanish–American War. The significantly more powerful United States Navy squadron, consisting of four battleships and two armored cruisers, decisively defeated an outgunned squadron of the Royal Spanish Navy which consisted of four armored cruisers and two destroyers, sinking all the Spanish ships without losing a single ship of their own. The crushing loss sealed American victory in the Cuban theater of the war, alongside ensuring the independence of Cuba from Spanish rule

[72] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier

[73] Her cousin, Clara (Milham) Owens

[74] Ruth Owens

[75] Michigan death records confirm that John McBride died August 9, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[76] Sister of D. Harris, Lou’s husband

[77] No record was found; research continues

[78] Michigan death records show that Foster Pratt died August 12, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo

[79] See July 28^th entry

[80] The 9-9-1898 edition of the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph on page 3 noted the following: Miss Cora Harris of Shelbyville has a compound fracture of both legs, a dislocated right ankle, a broken shoulder and several bad cuts as a reward for rescuing her pet pug dog from the cars. The dog escaped uninjured and the woman is at the point of death

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

[82] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier

[83] Her mother’s brother, Robert Crawford

[84] She often refers going to her parents’ home as “home”

[85] From the Spanish-American War

[86] Michigan death records confirm that Harold Rogers, age 3, was run over by a streetcar on September 28, 1898 in Kalamazoo and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[87] Harold’s parents, Levant & Carrie (Flick) Rogers

[88] Unknown at this time; research continues

[89] Michigan death records show that Andrew Jackson Burdick died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 29, 1898 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[90] William Rufus Shafter was born in Galesburg, Mich. He served in the Union army during the Civil War and in 1867 joined the regular army, rising to become brigadier general (1897). Shafter was teaching school in Michigan when the Civil War began. He accepted a commission with a Michigan volunteer unit and by war’s end, he had earned the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In the Spanish-American War he was placed in command of the army that in June, 1898, invaded Cuba. After hard fighting at El Caney and San Juan Hill, the expedition entered Santiago on July 17. Shafter was much criticized, however, because the expedition had been poorly prepared and ill-equipped and the mortality rate from disease was high. Shafter retired in 1899 and was advanced to major general on the retired list in 1901. In 1895 Shafter received the Medal of Honor for meritorious service in the Civil War. Shortly after his promotion to major general in 1901, he retired to his sixty-acre farm adjoining his daughter’s ranch near Bakersfield, California. On November 12, 1906, Shafter, terribly overweight, died at his daughter Mary’s home from an intestinal obstruction complicated by pneumonia. He was buried next to his wife at the presidio in San Francisco, California. His films include: “Surrender of General Toral” (1898) and “Major General Shafter” (1898). In both films he played himself. (From FindAGrave.com)

[91] Mary (Shafter) McKittrick

[92] Celebration of the country’s success and end of the Spanish-American War and honored the troops

[93] Will Pendleton

[94] See July 28th entry

[95] Hank’s aunt, Hannah (Brown) Chase

[96] Don’t know why she referred to her husband Hank that way

[97] Neumaier

[98] Michigan marriage records show that Clarence Schroder married Gertrude Olin in Richland, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)

[99] Michigan marriage records show that Arthur Burroughs married Mamie (Wood) Starr in Plainwell, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)

[100] This last sentence was written across the October 19, 20 & 21 entries

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

[102] Michigan death records show that Lucinda (Cory) Burdick died October 20, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[103] Will and Caroline (Neumaier) Pendleton

[104] Chicago, Illinois

[105] Her paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith

[106] Napoleon B. McKinney. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, Michigan

[107] Michigan death records show that Richard Pengelly died November 6, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery also in Kalamazoo

[108] Michigan death records show that Charles Hitchcock died November 15, 1898 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com confirms that he is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[109] Michigan death records show that Mary (Sherwood) Bragg (the wife of Leonard Bragg) died November 18, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[110] Mary (Askins) Bennett’s mother was Louisa (Wyman) Askins Manchester. Michigan death records confirm that she died November 21, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Grand Prairie Cemetery in Westwood, Michigan

[111] Michigan marriage records show that Cora Ridler married Olin Bera in Galesburg, Michigan on November 23, 1898

[112] Napoleon McKinney. See November 4^th entry

[113] While we don’t have any of Nancy’s original artwork, below is a photograph that Henry took of Nancy’s rendition of “Pharoah’s Horses” by John Herring which was a very popular print displayed in many homes throughout the early part of the 20th century

[114] Her dog; see below photo of Henry with Zama

[115] Henry and Claude

[116] Etc.

[117] Alida (Carson) Ogden. Her husband, Stuart Ogden, and Lizzie Brown (see footnote to May 16^th entry) were siblings

[118] Olin & Cora (Ridler) Bera (see November 23^rd entry)

[119] FindAGrave.com reveals that Richard W. Wells died December 19, 1898 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[120] Her childhood home; where her parents lived in Galesburg

[121] Bess (Nelson) Milham

[122] George Milham; he was Nancy’s paternal first cousin once removed

PHAROAH’S HORSES

Henry Brown with Zama

---

Scan of 1898 Diary of Nancy Brown

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Henry Brown’s 1873 Diary

1873 DIARY OF HENRY A. BROWN[1]

Jan 1x[2] – I have taken 2 gems[3] to day, 3 groop, 3 Gems of Clark Wheeler. Got a pair of Suspenders. Nancy[4] is sick to day. Went over to father Browns[5] and stayed all night. Took our bird over there. It was a very pleasant day. Hannah[6] was to our house to day.

Jan 2x – Started for Benton Harbor to day. Took dinner at Grand Junction and had to wait until 8 oclock so went all over the City. We[7] arrived in Benton H about ½ past 9 o’clock. Put up at the American House. It has been a very bad stormy day and I am tired now and sleepy to.

Jan 3 – It is an awful unpleasant day, rains and friezes as fast as it falls. Went up to St Joseph this forenoon, came back to Benton about 11 oclock. Made arangements with H. C. Morton (Nem). Left Benton 1 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Grand Junction 3 oclock (min) /2.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day to day. I had to sleep alone last night. I have taken 4 gems and 2 neg’s. Nancy is over to Father Browns yet and I go over there to night. Subscribed 50 cts for Lecture course to day. I choped mince meat and apples this evening for Mother.[8]

Jan 5x – Paid Aunt Julia[9] 50 cts and have paid her 5.00 besides which makes 5.50. Will[10] brought us down to Father Keiths[11] to day. Ethan[12] came and brought us home in the evening. Nancy was sick and we went to bed about 7 oclock. Pleasant.

Jan 6x – Pleasant. Nancy was sick this morning, did not get up until ten oclock, and then she was up and down all day. Took one negative to day. Byron[13] came up to day and I paid him 35 cts for team use.

Jan 7 – Pleasant. I went to Kalamazoo to day on Accomidation, came back on Mail. Nancy was sick all day to day. Took more baby pictures to day than I ever took in one day before. Met Cousin Oscar Yates[14] at Kalamazoo.

Jan 8x – Tryed to be pleasant to day but made out to be most awful cold and blustering. Nancy was sick again to day, is better now so that she is stringing beads. Printed to day. Making molasses candy to night.

Jan 9 – Very Blustering to day and cold. Have not taken any pictures to day except One Neg. Nancy was sick to day. Ethan and Henry[15] were here to day. Father drew me a load of wood.

Jan 10x – Very Cold and Blustering again to day, worse than yesterday. Did not take any pictures to day. Nancy sick. Mr Van Buren Lectures to night. Subject “Labor.”

Jan 11x – Wether modarate. Took a negative of Ma[16] to day, she was here a visiting to day. Did not take any pictures to day. Father and Will were here.

Jan 12 – Pleasant. Stayed at home all day, no one here to day. I went down to the depo and saw two new palace cars. Nancy took a napp.

Jan 13x – Stormy and warm. Have been busy all day. Opened Arthurs[17] box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up. Put some pictures in the mat.

Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Printed to day. We went to Mr Barbers[18] this evening, had a circle.[19] Mr Bailey and wife[20] were there, Pa and Ma, Father & Mother, Mr & Mrs Streator[21] were there. Pa went to Howlands burg to mill to day.

Jan 15 – Very unpleasant to day, rainy and icey. Hannah came up here this morning and stayed all day. Ida[22] came this afternoon. Dalenbeck is haveing a Law sute about stolen wheat. J Shafter, G & J Strubal and another man are arested.

Jan 16x – Snowed all day, there was about one foot of snow fell to day, cleared off about four oclock. Ida Allen[23] was here to day. Nancy was sick abed part of the time.

Jan 17x – Pleasant to day. I printed to day. Father, Pa & Ma have been here, did not stay any. We went to the Lecture this evening, a Mr. Frazer, Supt of Kalamazoo Schools.

Jan 18 – Quincy Streator[24] came this (home) morning. It has been a pleasant day to day but cold. Have taken one picture to day. Nancy went over home with Pa to day and I went over at night. Nancy is sick with the headache. Will Plank[25] came home to day.

Jan 19x – Stormy and cold. At Pa’s to day. Henry & Ethan were at home to day. Ethan is stopping at Aunt Kates.[26] We all ate at Mr. Planks.[27] Mrs Plank[28] and me had a very lively discussion on religion this evening. Fred Allerton[29] ate at Planks to day. Will went home with him.

Jan 20x – Pleasant but cold. Will Plank and Carrie & Mary[30] came over and got a groop taken. Carrie, Mary & Hannah visited at our house to day. Will went back to day. Nancy did not get home until one oclock.

Jan 21 – Pleaseant. In an hour snowed all day, warm. Took two pictures for Charley Haywood to day. Nancy has had a head ache all day. I brought 1½ bu of Patatoes to day. Paid 1.12 for them.

Jan 22 – Pleasant. Henry Keith and Pa were here to day. Emma Allen[31] was here to supper. The Allens, Ida Barber and us went over to Pa’s. We had Mr Barbers horse and Buggy cutter. Got home about 11 oclock.

Jan 23x – Cold and stormy. We ate Breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time in my married life. I took my first lesson in inking to day on Mr Evans.

Jan 24 – Pleasant. Henry, Louis[32] & Sate[33] were here to day. I took 4 Gems for Sate and Louis to gather. Father, Mother and Aunt Julia were here to night. Will and Mary Plank and Sis[34] went to the Lecture. J. A. B. Stone Lectured.

Jan 25 – Pleasant. James[35] was here to day. Eberly Underwood[36] came up here and stayed almost two hours. Henry was comeing after us to go home with him but did not come. Nancy & me have both been sick to day.

Jan 26xx – Pleasant. We have been at home all day to day. Moly and her Amos did not go to church. I wrote two letters to day, one to Uncle Sidney[37] & one to E. P. Wightman.[38] Father, Mother and Will were here to night.

Jan 27 – Pleasant. I took another ink lesson to day. Took 1 neg and 2 Tin types. Nancy has been sick all day. I contracted 6 cords of wood to day of Henry Covil at 200 per cord. Loaded up.

Jan 28 – Rail Road Colision this morning at three oclock. I got up and went down. It was on the switch. Pleasant but cold. Nancy went to Mr Potts Funelel[39] with Ida Barber.

Jan 29 – Cold. Nancy has been sick all day. Took one negative to day.

Jan 30 – Cold. Pa was up to see us a little while this morning. Came over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[40] They were Breaking Colts.

Jan 31 – Pleasant. Dull day for Pictures. I inked all day on Mr Evans[?] Picture. Father and Will came down and went to the lecture. We did not go to the lecture because Nancy was sick.

Feb 1x – Pleasant but cold. Nancy went over to Pa’s this morning and Will came over and I came home with him, stoped and got Nancy. Mrs White was at our house, stayed all night. Took 2.40 worth of Gems.

Feb 2x – Pleasant But cold. Will and Nancy & me went down and got Hannah. Pa, Ma & James came up and got her in the evening. Nancy is sick. White went home this after noon.

Feb 3 – Stormy. I went to Kal[41] with Fathers team. Went down on the north side of the river came back on the south side, got home half past twelve. Helped shell corn and draw wood. Nancy is sick.

Feb 4 – Pleasant. We are at Fathers yet. Nancy is sick, she has gone to bed. I have taken one dollar and seventy five cents worth of gems to day. Helped Amos move his book case to day.

Feb 5 – Pleasant. We are at home again and Hannah is with us. I have been very busy to day printing and takeing gems. Nancy is sick to day. I went down town this evening a little while.

Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah is at our house yet. Wrote to Dr. Sullings to day. Printed and took 2 gems. I have got my prints all mounted. Nancy and Hannah have gone to bed. Pa was here to day. Ethan is sick.

Feb 7 – Warm and Pleasant. Nancy has had a very hard headache all day. Galesburg was favored with an auction store to day. I bought me a pair of boots and Nancy a pair of slippers.

Feb 8x – Stormy and warm, grew cold on toward night. Nancy is a little better to night but pretty tired. I went down to the band room to night, bought Nancy a pair of shoes.

Feb 9x – Pleasant and warm. Hannah went home to night with Pa and Louesa[42] is going to stay over here a few days. Nancy is beter to day than she has been in two weeks most.

Feb 10 – Pleasant. Business dull. Sis is here yet. I went over to the auction store to night and made them give me a Blacking brush. Went to bed about seven o’clock.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. I have printed to day. Mr Burgess came up to night and said print the rest of those photos. Sad affair happened to night. Miss Carrie Homles sent her picture back.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Printed to day one picture of Will M^cColum. Nancy is sick to day. I took two negatives of the M. E. church to day. Took 2 gems and a negative of Guss Hiney to day.

Feb 13x – Cloudy and snowed a little, cold. I have not done any thing to day but sit around and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and, and, and, and, and, and.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Dull day, did not have any thing to do to day But Print and only a few prints to make.

Feb 15 – Pleasant to day. Had more gems to take to day than I have had before in many a day. Father was here this evening and so were Pa & Ma, Mary and Carrie Plank. Louesa went home to night.

Feb 16xx – Pleasant but cloudy. We have been alone to day for the first time in most two weeks. Father and Mother were here this evening a little while. Nancy is better to day than she has been in two or three days.

Feb 17 – Most a splendid day. I have took quite a lot of pictures to day But to day has been the worse day that I ever saw with me. Every thing has went ass end foremost, a topsy turvey. Will was over to night to ask us to go up to Mr Fords tomorrow evening.

Feb 18 – Pleasant. Louis was here to day. Nancy went up home with her so to go to Mr Flanderes[43] to night. She was sick and had to go to bed. Miss Earl and Miss Allerton were there. We stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Henry brought us home this morning and I have done some business since if I know myself. Miss Mary Warren commenced work in my room to day. Nancy is better. Letters from Loyd & Ely.

Feb 20x – Pleasant in the forenoon but snowed in the afternoon. Printed to day. Henry Keith starts for New York to night. I expect Allice Carey was here this afternoon a little while. Got a letter from Walzl (?) to day.

Feb 21- Pleasant part of the day and stormy the rest of it. I cleaned my show case to day. Took 2 gems of Misty Chafey.[44] Kate & Louis were here to day with Pa, did not stay very long.

Feb 22 – Stormy and cold. Printed a little to day and have got it mounted. Have not done any bussiness to day, only took in 1.50. Nancy has got sore lips. I have had a headache ever since last night, better.

Feb 23x – Stormy, very cold and some blustering. Father came over to night and brought us some apples and butter and some egg, two pies, some cabage cut up cold, amen.

Feb 24 – Cold and blustering but some warmer than it was yesterday. I have not done much work to day. Took one neg of Zell Glligan and two gems. Ethen stoped here to day when he went to Kal to take his lesson. He said Ma was coming over tomorrow.

Feb 25 – Pleasant. No business to day but John Carey and wife and they are business if I know any thing about business. I have taken four or five negatives a piece of them and now I dont expect they will be suited.

Feb 26x – Cloudy. Comenced snowing about four oclock and snows yet (9 o’clock). Not very cold. Pa and Ma were here to day. Last night after we got to bed, Will, Ed and Chub, Louesa, Stella ang Clara came to visit us.

Feb 27x – Snowed all day. Father came over to day to get the horses shod and mother came along and they stayed all of the afternoon. I have taken one baby’s picture to day. Mary was here to day.

Feb 28 – Cloudy and warm to day. No business at all. Received a letter from E. P. Wightman to day. Pa went up to Howlands to mill to day. Nancy got 3 yds of Calico to day and 5# Sugar.

Mar 1 – Cloudy and some dull. Vilage caucus to day, some excitement at the caucus about officers. Nancy went over to Pa’s today and I went over at night and Ethan took us down to Fathers.

Mar 2x – Cloudy and sunshiney by spells. I got one hundred a fifty dollars of Aunt Julia to day and gave my note payable on demand at “10 pr ct”. Father signed it with me. Dated tomorow. Hannah is sick abed to night. (back)

Mar 3 – Pleasant. Lection to day of Vilage officers. I took 4 gems and 2 negatives to day. Father came over to night and got Nancy and me to go to Kalamazoo to morrow to that law suit. Nancy is going to stay to Pa’s tomorow.

Mar 4 – Pleasant to day but cold. Fathers and Allertons[45] suit comenced to day. I went over home last night and stayed all night to Fathers and in the morning I went and took N down to Pa’s and got him and took him to K.

Mar 5 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. At law to day again. Got done takeing testamony today and the lawyers got through talking law to the judge. We went home before they adjourned.

Mar 6 – Pleasant an warmer again to day but it was the coldest morning we have had an at leaste it froze the hardest in our rooms last night. Verdct renderd to day. Gave Father 22 dollars and all of the costs. Nancy came home to night.

Mar 7 – Pleasant. A dull day to day. Printed to day, did not have very good luck. Will Plank was here to day. He was out here on Allertons law sute, went home to day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant but windy. Eb was here to day and said he would go in with me if he could get the money. I have taken nine negatives to day. Jacks[46] people are here to night.

Mar 9 – Snowed last night and all day to day. Snow is now 6 or 8 in deap. I have worked all day to recouching negatives and fixing up things around a little.

Mar 10 – Pleasant But not much business.

Mar 11 – Pleasant part of the day. Printed to day and took in seven dollars. Father was here to day a little while. He went to Howlands burg to mill today. Mrs Alfred talked some of buying me out to day.

Mar 12 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred is talking some of buying me out to day again but dont think she will hardly do it. I have taken two neg’s to day and three tin types.

Mar 13 – Pleasant. I printed to day and sold out to Mrs Alfred in part to day. Busines has been prety lively to day. Went to the bell ringers to night.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Hannah and Ida were a visiting this afternoon and they and Mary P., Ethan and Henry were here to supper to night. Will was here this evening a little while.

Mar 15 – Rainey and windy. Eberly was here to day and we comenced takeing an Inventory of property that I am to put into trade. James was here to day. We came prety near haveing a fire in town to night.

Mar 16 – Pleasant to day and I printed. Last night the wind blew so hard that it shook the house. Will came over to day and went to church. He took our dirty cloths home with him.

Mar 17 – Not very pleasant to day nor very bad weather. Finished up pictures all day to day. Comenced haveing a sore throat to day but did not think it would amount to much. I went down to see about some lumber but did not buy any.

Mar 18 – Cloudy. I got up this morning and built two fires and loped around till after breakfast and then took two neg’s for Dalenbeck of his wind mill, then went to bed stayed all day. Ma, Pa, Father, Jim, Becky[47] & Mrs Plank were here to day.

Mar 19 – Cloudy. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags all night, came here and stayed to night. Father and Mother were here to day. I was sick all day. Nancy she did not feel very well. Ethan started to come over after Ma to night and Bill[48] ran away, broke the wagon all up.

Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home with Lowis before breakfast as she was over to bring the boys to take the Cars for Plainwell. Nancy is sick to day and I am better. Hannah came over to day with Father. Ethan was here also.

Mar 21 – Cloudy and blustering. Mrs Alfred comenced moveing in to day. Will came over to see how we were this morning and Ethan this afternoon. “We are.” Nancy worse, I am beter. Hannah is here yet. I must go to bed as I am tired. Worked to day.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred took her first pictures to day in this room. Father and Will were here to day. Ethan was here to night. Hannah is here yet. Eberly was here to day, spoke to Hannah to day.

Mar 23 – Pleasant. We have been packing up to day so to moove tomorrow. Hannah is here. Our people were here to night, all but Will and Arthur was with them. Father is comeing down tomorrow to moove us.

Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Mooved part of our things over to Pa’s and part over to Fathers. Nancy is not very well.

Mar 25 – Cloudy. I took three negatives of Ethan too day and two of Allie Wightman. Nancy is sick to day. Ethan got some rice and I got a beef bone and we had soop for supper.

Mar 26 – Cloudy. Nancy is sick, had Dr Alfred over to see her this morning. He said she only had the sore throat. Printed to day with Mrs Alfred, had very good luck. Rode home with Wolcott.

Mar 27 – Pleasant. I came over this morning and mounted my prints and retuched them and Eli took 6 home of Allie. Nancy had a trance[49] this evening and she felt better after it.

Mar 28 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rainey in the afternoon. I went to Battle Creek to day. Nancy is better to day and I am worse. I did not have any success at Battle Creek.

Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I stayed to home to day all day. Nancy and me were both worse to day. Ethan and me sawed wood to day a little while and then I went to bed.

Mar 30 – Pleasant part of the day and rainey part of the day. We were at Pa’s yet, have been here ever since last Monday night and dont know how long we shall remain here. Mr Planks people were at Pa’s to dinner to day.

Mar 31 – Pleasant but mudy and weather raw. I went to Vixburg to day. Went down to Kalamazoo on Accomidation at 9.53 A.M. and started from K. to V. at 4.15 P.M., started from V. to K. 7.10 P.M., started from K. to G. 9.30 P.M., got home at 11.00 oclock P.M.

Apr 1 – Rainey part of the day. I went to Augusta to day to see about getting a set of rooms to photograph in but did not succeed. We have been at Pas one week and a day and now we are at Fathers to stay a week or two.

Apr 2 – Stormy. I went over to the burg and got some pictures an other traps and mooved them over to our folkses. I cracked some black walnuts and butternuts to day. I was told to get some things at Pas but forgot them.

Apr 3 – Pleasant. I went down to Pas in the morning to get some things and ask Ethan to go with me up to Mr Flanderes and we went in the after noon. Aunt Mary Crawford[50] came to day. We went down to see her in the Evening with Pa.

Apr 4 – Pleasant. Ben Harthy came here last night to go to work to day. We commenced mooveing fence but we only mooved one load and then the sawyers came and we had to saw in the afternoon. I went up and got Skinners[51] hired man at noon.

Apr 5 – Pleasant. I helped saw again to day but was so lame that I could not do much but drive, so I quit at 3 o’clock and went to the burg. Pa and Ma went up to Aunt Kates to day. Miss Yawger was here to night.

Apr 6 – Stormy. Nancy, Hannah and myself went up to Aunt Kates to day. Aunt Kate is layd up with a burnt arm. She fell into a pot of boiling sugar. Lucy[52] is sick with epizoot. Hellen York[53] and her children[54] were there.

Apr 7 – Stormy. Town meeting to day. Father and me both staid away from town meeting. I went to the burg and got two loads of goods this forenoon and sawed wood in the afternoon. Got through.

Apr 8 – Stormy. Will an me went up to Fords to take up a load of traps for Boardman. I went to gales burg and got 32 yds calico for a tent and dress for Nancy and some other things, amt 4.72.

Apr 9 – Stormy. I sewed on the tent in the forenoon and Nancy helped me. She worked on it alone in the afternoon and I went up in the woods and choped a load of wood and then came down and got the team and drew it down to Pas.

Apr 10 – Pleasant. Went downd to Pa’s to day and went to ceeping house. I went over to the burg this morning and got some glass and pictures and some other things. Hannah went up to Fords to day “quilting.”

Apr 11 – It comenced raining last evening and rained some all night and a little this morning. Hannah got home this morning. I tinkerd all day on things to Photo ___ with. Pleasant this afternoon.

Apr 12 – Snowed last night about one inch. I went down to Fathers this morning and got some things and then went to the burg and got some groceries and chemicals. Went to the burg again this afternoon and got some meat.

Apr 13 – A very pleasant day to day. I wrote a letter to Loyd to day. Jimmie[55] and me went a guming to day up in Schrams woods. Pa went and took Ethan and Han up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[56] to day.

Apr 14 – Pleasant. I worked all day most trying to take pictures and working Cheimicals. Found that my dark tent was too light so went over to the Burg and got twelve yds more calico.

Apr 15 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I worked on tent all of the forenoon and tried it and it worked first rate. I made envelopes this afternoon. Jimmie went to the Burg this forenoon and stayed all of the forenoon.

Apr 16 – Cloudy but not so bad as yesterday. I made 44 sticks for Nancy to curl her hair on. Went to the Burg in the afternoon and when I got back Ethan and me mooved the Privy. Father and Will Plowed to day.

Apr 17 – Stormy most of the time to day. Will Plank came here to day. Ethan, Will and me played crochet to day. Father went up to Mr Samples Auction to day. Will went to the Burg this afternoon. Nancy and me have got the toothache.

Apr 18 – Cloudy and raw. I played crochet with Will P., Ethan an Lou. I went to the Burg to day and got some cod fish oil, cloth and some thill[57] straps. Made the straps my self. Nancy and me bothe got the tooth ache to night.

Apr 19 – Pleasant. Very. I albumenized some glass to day and took some pictures. Took one picture of Laton and his peddle wagon. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day and got some lines and a mane strap. Paid 95 cts for them.

Apr 20 – Pleasant but Some cloudy and a raw wind. Looked some like a storm. It snowed a little and rained a little. Henry and Will were here to day. Ethan and me were down to Fathers a little while.

Apr 21 – Cloudy and raw. We went down to Fathers to day. I took a negative of the house to day. I helped Will tar the boat to day and the tar got a fire. I played 5 games of crochet with Hannah this morning.

Apr 22 – Snow storm last night and this morning. It fell about six inches deep but it is almost gone now. Ethan has been working all day on patent right street car starter.[58] He and me went to the Burg this afternoon.

Apr 23 – Pleasant to day. I printed to day in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon for Father. Mounted my prints about half past four in the afternoon. Ethan went over to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H. D. Streeter Esq.[59]

Apr 24 – Pleasant. I finished up pictures this forenoon and helped wash. Went over to Galesburg in the afternoon. I go so Creisote[60] to put on my tooth. Ethan has been at work on modle all day.

Apr 25x – Pleasant. Henry came home from Elkhart last night and stoped at Pa’s and stayed all night and untill about noon to day. Ethan has been at work at modle. I have been loafing all day. Nancy is sick some to day.

Apr 26 – Not Very Pleasant to day but still it was not so bad that Ethan and me went to Kalamazoo. I had my tooth pulled to day. Got 2# Nitric and 2#Muriatic acid, One box Concentrated Lye. We stoped at Aunt Kates and got supper.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Ethan and me went a guming to day. Will went to church to day on town. We had a mess of greens to day and three Roosters. Hannah and Ethan went up to the woods to day.

Apr 28 – Cloudy and sprinkled some. I went out a little while to day and tryed to get a job but could not so I came home again. Was gone from home six hours. I agreed to go and help Father to morrow.

Apr 29 – Pleasant. I comenced working for Father to day, worked all day. Ethan has got his modle done. John T. Allerton licked and drove his gray mare all the forenoon in a shamefull manner.[61] Ida Barber stayes with Hannah to night.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. He and mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Hellen Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Flecher.

May 1 – Cold this forenoon and Rained this afternoon. I worked untill ten o’clock and then turned out on account of the rain. Put the team in Pas barn until after dinner and then went down to Fathers with the team.

May 2 – Rainey in the morning but pleasant in the afternoon. I went down to Fathers, helped him run through a load of wheat for market and then I went up in the woods and split fence stakes until noon. Afternoon helped run through another load of wheat and then went to the Burg.

May 3 – Rainey in the morning but cleared off about nine o’clock. I worked in garden in the forenoon. Worked for Father in the afternoon at plowing. Mr Warren came over to see me about getting my life Insured.

May 4 – Pleasant all day. We were at home all day. Ethan and Hannah and Henry went down to Aunt Kates to day and Henry and Ethan went to Kalamazoo after medicine. I wrote to Dr Johnson to day and sent him 1.00.

May 5 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father all day. Will went over to the burg to day. Father went over this mor afternoon after noon and got some plaster. Lew Bristol[62] was at Fathers to day.

May 6 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. Ethan went to town to day and got twelve dollars and a half on “pattent right.” He bought him a pair of pants and a necktie. Nancy wrote to Johnson today.

May 7 – Rainey all day to day but I plowed until about half past three P.M. Lowis was here to day. Halley comenced marking for corn. Father comenced draging this afternoon. Eliza Jane Ridler staid here to night.

May 8 – Rainey all day but cleared off about night. I went over to the Burg in the morning and got my boots repaired. Ethan and me worked all day on a bracket saw. Got it so that it worked first rate. Jack Bristol was married to day.[63]

May 9 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rained in the afternoon. I plowed for Father in the forenoon and in the afternoon Ethan and me worked on sawing machine. Nancy and me went up to Fathers and stayed all night.

May 10 – Cloudy all day, rained some. I worked at burning brush for Father in the forenoon and plowed and draged in the afternoon. Will went over to the Burg to night. Nancy came home when I went to plowing at noon.

May 11 – Rained in the morning and cloudy and cold the rest of the day. Hannah went up to Mr Giddings last night to help Susan. She has a little girl 2 or three days old.[64] Ethan and me went up to the saw mill.

May 12 – Pleasant but windy. Draged, plowed and Planted to day. Put in a full day. We comenced planting corn to day. Finished plowing for corn to day.

May 13 – Pleasant but windy. I planted corn ¾ of the day for Father and set out 49 cabbage plants. Ethan and I went over to Galesburg to night. Mr Halley[65] comenced planting to day. Pa and Ethan helped him.

May 14 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I planted corn and potatoes up to the west place in the forenoon and planted corn at the east place this afternoon. Mr Halley finished to day. Mrs and Miss Barber, Mother and Aunt Julia were here visiting to day.

May 15 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Planted corn for father to day, finished about five o’clock. Father and Will went over to the burg and Ethan went with them. He helped me plant part of the afternoon.

May 16 – Very Pleasant. I went down to Fathers this morning and worked at the compost until 9 oclock and then came down and went to putting it on the corn. Worked a little while and then came home and had the ague.[66] Took a dose of Pills to night.

May 17 – Pleasant. Pa delivered his heifer to day. I helped him drive her over to the burg. I stayed to the burg until half past two P.M. Talked trade with E. P. W.[67] some to day but did not come very neer tradeing. I sent Dr Johnson for medicine for Nancy.

May 18 – Pleasant to day to some but I have not spent a very day. I had a very hard fit of ague. Father and Mother came down to night and we went home with them to stay all night.

May 19 – Some rainey but we went to town. Ethan came down and rode with us. Nancy stayed to Aunt Katies while Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo. The great Eastern show was in Kalamazoo. They had three band wagons and one steam piano, 26 dens[?], 1 small Elephant, 2 camels, 10 couple Ladies and Gentlemen on horse back.

May 20 – Rainey this morning but cleared off in the afternoon. I had the ague all night last night and all day to day but sat up a little while along toward night. Father plowed a little piece down by the bottom land for potatoes. Nancy got her medicine.

May 21 – Pleasant. I have not got the ague to day so I go a greening down on the bottom land and get some horse radish and grate it and some artichokes and pickle them. Ethan Finished plowing today.

May 22 – Rained last night but pleasant to day. I escaped the ague last night but felt pretty bad in the forenoon, felt better in the afternoon. Ethan and I went a fishing, caught a quite mess. I feel better tonight.

May 23 – Pleasant but windy. I worked some to day. “Put in about ¼ of a day for father”. Mart Millham and wife and Child[68] were here to day. Ethan planted for Towns[69] people. They had to plant over.

May 24 – Pleasant. I put in ½ day helping Father plant potatoes. I went over to town in the Evening. Ethan, Sis and Hannah went up to Aunt Katies. Sis stayed all night and Net Whetmore came home with H and E.

May 25 – Pleasant. I have been at home all day. Nancy has been sick. Hannah and Ethan went to take Nettie Whitmore up to Aunt Katies. E Henry Keith was here a little while this afternoon and Henry Rodgers and little girl.

May 26 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Worked all day to day. Drew straw in the forenoon and piled lumber and choped in the afternoon. Nancy is better to night. Will was complaining of being sick to night. Ethan went to Kal. rode back with M. O. Streator.

May 27 – Warm and Showery. ¾ of a day worked at building and repairing fence. Ida and Libbie Allen were here this afternoon. Pa and Ma went down to Fathers to night. Pa went up to Fords after a brass kettle.

May 28 – Pleasant. Worked all day for Father. Nancy and Ma and Hannah came up to Fathers this afternoon. Nancy and me are going to stay all night. Father and me built fence all day. Will plowed.

May 29 – Pleasant. I worked all day Fixing fence and triming orchard. It looks like rain and sprinkled a little, the wind blows quite hard. Will was sick all day with the ague.

May 30 – Pleasant. I worked ¾ of a day for Father and he worked ¼ of a day for me. Nancy was taken sick this after noon and between 9 and 10 she gave birth to twins, both boys, one was dead and the other lived about two hours.

May 31 – Pleasant. I remained in the house all day with Nancy. She feels pretty well considering if she would give up the baby’s. She feels awful bad about loseing them and dont want to give them up. When she sleeps she talks about them all the time. Frost this morning.

Jun 1 – Pleasant. Frost this morning. Nancy is not as well this morning. She feels weak and aches all over. She is better this afternoon. Lowis, Mrs Skinner,[70] Arthur, Uncle Ed and Aunt Hannah[71] were here to see Nancy, and Henry Keith and Will Clark.[72]

Jun 2 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked about a third of the time to day for Father and the rest of the time I was with Nancy. Lowis, Henry, Louesia, Ethan, Hannah, Ma, Mrs Ford and Tamer were here to day.

Jun 3 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked ¼ of a day. Tip, Rass, Sate, Schram, Jim were here to day. Hannah came up, stay all night. I finished moovening the lane fences day. Allertons cattle were on Fathers to day.

Jun 4 – Pleasant. Nancy is getting better. I worked ¾ of a day. Eberley came along and stoped to Pa’s and asked if he could lay down as he was very sick so Ethan let him have the Lounge and then went and carried him home.

Jun 5 – Pleasant, very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. I worked my poll tax[73] to day. Mrs Skinner and Lowis were here this afternoon. Hannah went home a foot to night.

Jun 6 – Pleasant and very warm, Nancy is on the gain. I worked all day cultivating corn. Ma came home with me at night & Ethan came up and got her at dark. Nellie Stanford called this evening and Harry was at Pa’s.

Jun 7 – Pleasant and very warm. Nancy better. I worked all day, cultivated in the forenoon and washed sheep in the afternoon. Hannah came up with us at noon. Will went to town after we got through washing sheep.

Jun 8 – Pleasant, warm and looks as if it wood rain. Lowis was here this morning and Willie and Ethan and Milhams were here. Willis went to the consert with the horses and buggy. Nancy sat up and had her dress on.

Jun 9 – Pleasant but very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. Ma came up with me at noon. I put in 2/3 of a day cultivating corn. I went to the burg and got my hair cut and carried Mrs Alfred some chemicals ½# Ether, 1 pt Alcohol, ½# Colodion.

Jun 10 – Pleasant but dry and warm. I worked all day, drew stone in the forenoon and hoed corn in the afternoon. I went to bed with the ague before dark. Louesa staid here all night. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon.

Jun 11 – Very Hot, dry, dusty unhealthy weather. I got up this morning and went from the parlo bed room to mothers and got into her bed and did not get out until three o’clock. Nancy is about as usual.

Jun 12 – Hot & Dry Weather. I got up this morning and tryed not to have the ague but it comenced shakeing me a bout 8 oclock and I did not feel like getting up. Was sick all night. I slept or layed and rolled in Mothers bed. Hannah slept with Nancy. Nancy had the ague.

Jun 13 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels better I believe but still feels aguey. I got up this morning and tryed to get to the table but could not so I went back to bed and could not get up until three oclock. The hardest ague fit I ever had I think.

Jun 14 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels some like the ague and she lays down on the lounge and Father puts her to sleep and she sweats it off. I go to bed and shake an hour and a half and then fever and sweats. Get up at ½ past three.

Jun 15 – Hot and dry. Nancy is not quite so well. I am better, did not have the ague. Ma came up here yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan and Hannah came up after them to night. Pa’s old hen (Grannie) died about 5 oclock.

Jun 16 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up and went back to bed again with the ague before seven o’clock. Mr Cross and Guss Gidings sheared sheep for Father to day. I had the belly ache pretty hard all the afternoon. Father had about 200# of wool, was offered 40 cts for it.

Jun 17 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up feeling pretty well and have felt pretty well all day. Pa went up to Aunt Katies after Ma. She went up last night with Uncle Joe[74] this morning before four o’clock and got back about four oclock PM.

Jun 18 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I have not had the ague but felt pretty bad all day. Lowis was here in the forenoon. Father went to Kalamazoo and when he got back he and I went to the burg to get some tinkering done.

Jun 19 – Hot and dry. Nancy is still better. I feel pretty well. Father commenced haying. I went down home a horse back twice and up to Dell’s[75] a foot. It looks some like rain to night. Hannah was here a little while. Mrs Seymor came over to help Ma weave.

Jun 20 – Hot and dry. Ethan and me went to Brady. Started from home ½ past five. Got home about ½ past ten. I went to see about getting a room to take pictures in. Heard about Lyons and concluded to start for there in the morn.

Jun 21 – Hot and dry. Ethan took me to Kalamazoo to the cars. Started from home at 5 oclock, left Kal at 8 am, arived at Rapids at 10.30 am, left Rapids at 11.20 am, arived at Muir 1.20 pm. Done up the business I could to day and started for Dickersons, arived there 7.10 pm, walked all the way.

Jun 22 – At Dickersons. It comenced raining about 9.00 Am and stoped about noon. We all went over to Marys after it stoped raining. She came back with us. Lewis went to see his chickey-bidey and did not get back until one oclock.

Jun 23 – At Dickersons. Threatning rain. Mr Dickerson took me down to Muir, got there about seven o’clock. Made arangements with Jay Olmstead about rent, got the refusal of his room until next Monday. Got home at 9 pm.

Jun 24 – At home. Some rainey. I have felt prety near used up to day. Nancy is well enough to come home and Lowis came and brought her home. Father and me went over to the burg to night after supper.

Jun 25 – Pleasant but hot. I went down to Fathers to help him but Lewis Bristol came and took my place so I came home and packed up some goods. Went to the Burg and sent Jay Olmsted rent, ten dollars. Got box and some nails.

Jun 26 – Pleasant. I have worked all day packing. Have got things pretty near packed. Father took his wool down to the burg to night. Ethan went down to Aunt Katies and got some Cabbage plants.

Jun 27 – Pleasant, two little showers. I worked all day cultivating corn. Was pretty near tired to death at night. Ethan worked for Dell haying. Jim went down and stayed with Will to night. Frank Tousley got his leg broke last night jumping off the cars.

Jun 28 – Pleasant but hot. I worked for Father ¾ of to day. Took the mowing machine apart and fixed it in the forenoon and worked in garden in the afternoon. Went to the burg after supper. Bill Mathews youngest child was drowned thursday 4 pm, buried yesterday.

Jun 29 – Warm and rainey. I have been at home all day. Nancy is not very well to day. Lowis, Mrs Skinner and Sate were here this afternoon. Father was here this morning. Jim went down to Fathers to stay all night.

Jun 30 – Cool, rained some in the forenoon. I worked for Father all day dragging the follow and Father sowed the buckwheat and dragged it in. Nancy is better, she finished my shirts to day and comenced her an apron. I feel pretty good to day.

Jul 1 – Hot sun, cool wind and showery. I have worked all day for Father. He went to mill over to Comstalk, took 4 bushels over for Pa. I wrote a letter to Dr Johnson for aunt Julia. Father went to the burg to night.

Jul 2 – Showery. I went down to the burg with my goods this forenoon. Arthur was to the burg and I came over with him. He staid to Fathers until five oclock. We ground the cradle and knives and killed a sheep.

Jul 3 – Showery. Ethan and me went to the burg and I shiped my goods to Lyons. Father comenced harvesting. I did not get to work until about eleven oclock, quit at half past three pm. I borrowed 500 of Osgood and went over to night and paid him, or I paid it to his clerk.

Jul 4 – Showery. I went up to Fathers this morning to harvest but we could not do anything for rain, so I staid at home until noon and then went down again. We came down and finished cutting this piece on the corner. Ma’s brother and wife[76] came this afternoon.

Jul 5 – Pleasant for the first time in a week. Worked for Father harvesting. Got about half of the piece at home done. Ma’s brother people went home to day. Allerton shut Fords cattle up at noon and went and notified him at sundown.

Jul 6 – Pleasant and cool. I set out some of Fathers wheat this morning and at night set it up again. Pa and ma went up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Edds. Ethan went up to Skinners.

Jul 7 – Pleasant in the forenoon and until about six o’clock and then it comenced raining and rained until bed time. We drew four loads and one jag of wheat. Randall has most of his wheat cut and it lays on the ground in bunches.

Jul 8 – Pleasant and cool. We worked at harvesting. We had only Streator to help us. Ethan was sick to day so he had to lay off. Sate came down and staid all night. Aunt Julia got a letter from P. T. “Barnum” “Johnson” to day and he told what ails her.[77]

Jul 9 – Cool wind, some showery, but we drew wheat all day. Got all of our wheat that grew on our own land. Father went to the burg to night. I rode home and Nancy was ready to go to Fathers so when Dell came along we went to stay two or three days.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some cloudy and cool. Harvested all day. Nancy has been picking berries. Will has been complaining some to day. I am some lame and I feel some as though I might have the ague.

Jul 11 – Very Pleasant. Harvested all day. Nancy picked cherries some to day. Streator, Father and John Culver went to the burg to night. Eberly drove on the machine all day. Nancy is feeling pretty bad to night.

Jul 12 – Warm, looks some like rain to night. Hank worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon, drew in nine loads in Mr Streators barn and four in Fathers. Will raked the wheat stubble up to the other place and part of this down here. Arthur Arms[78] came down to night. He is going to stay all night. (I[79] wrote for Hank, he was tired).

Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. We drew wheat all day. Father paid me twenty dollars to night. Finished harvesting to day. Our folks came and brought us home to night. Hannah went up to Aunt Katies to stay all sumer.

Jul 14 – Very warm. I comencdced packing my Chest this morning. Went over to the burg in the forenoon, rested some in the afternoon and Nancy and me went up to Fathers just night. Very warm to night.

Jul 15 – Very warm. I started for Muir 11.35 am, had to wait in Jackson almost three hours, arived at Muir about half past ten pm. I was very warm. The chest was some racked but not seriously. Stayed at the Olmstead house.

Jul 16 – Warm and showery. I commenced on packing my goods in Muir. I have woorked pretty hard to day and am pretty tired to night. My goods came from detroit to day and were all right. I am going to lodge myself to night.

Jul 17 – Warm and showery. I have worked all day streightning things around. Have not got quite done yet. Am pretty tired. Sent a letter to Nancy to day. Run in debt to day for some curtains.

Jul 18 – Pleasant and cool. I tried to take pictures to day for the first in Muir. Did not have very good success at first but did better. Took two for a little boy, very good ones. I have had the blues like thunder, and home-sick as a dog.

Jul 19 – Pleasant and cool. I took my first negative this morning in Muir. Chemicals dont work worth a snap yet. I was so home-sick to day that all I ate I had to crowd down with a fork. Pewamo Band up here to night to give a Concert for benefit of Muir Band.

Jul 20 – Pleasant and cool. I went to church this forenoon to the Pres^b church and after dinner which was at 2 pm I took a stroll over to Lyons to a lecture at the Pres^b church in the evening, sub Prear[?] Test.

Jul 21 – Pleasant and cool. I got up this morning and worked all day. Took two dollars worth of gems to day. Loafed around all the evening. Went up to see the editor of the Grand River Hereld about advertiseing for me.

Jul 22 – Pleasant and warm. I have had a pretty good day for business to day, took two negatives and a good many positives. Took in 3.90 and some more that I have not got yet. I expected a letter from Nancy to day.

Jul 23 – Warm but otherwise pleasant. I received a nice long letter from Nina[80] today and answered it. I have worked hard but have not accomplished much. Bought 13 yds cambric for curtains.

Jul 24 – Warm but Pleasant. Mary Holbrook was here. I went over and played with the Brass band a little while to night. I think I will write a letter to Ethan to night. I have taken pictures just a week and have taken in 13.90.

Jul 25 – Warm but pleasant, looks some like rain. I printed a little to day. I went to band meeting to night and played with the boys. Today has been the dullest day since I comenced business here. I put my name up to day on my sign.

Jul 26 – Warm but pleasant. I have not been very busy to day but still have had enough to do for cumfort. I went up north about 2 mi with the band to practice and we came back and played in town.

Jul 27 – Very warm. I have been very lonesome to day. Went to church to the Deciple to night. I wrote a letter to Nina and one to Geo. R. Angell ordering a back ground and some other fixings and chemicals. I have had the blues to day.

Jul 28 – Warm, had a very nice shower to day. I took two Lagruners[?] pictures with just their pants on. They were pretty drunk. I went over to Lyons and painted three places on the fence (Photos at Muir). Sent a letter and a paper and some Photos to Nina.

Jul 29 – Very Pleasant. I recived a letter from Nina to day. Was most tickeld to death to hear from her again. I took a picture to coppy to night and make a 4-4. Mr Abby is going to let me know in the morn about rent.

Jul 30 – Very warm. I have written some to Nina to day, shall send it tomorrow if nothing happens. I drank a glass of beer and smoked a cigar to day, told Nina all about it in my letter. Went out a looking a place to rent to night but did not rent.

Jul 31 – Rainey and cool toward night. I scrubed out this morning. Took 2 gems and one negative for Ed Von Aultne[?]. I went up to Ionia to day on mail 4.30 D & M, came back 6.30 D-L-M, so cost me in all 50 cts. I bought a Warbler to charm babys with, make any kind of I noise.

Aug 1 – Pleasant part of the day and cloudy and hot. I went to bed last night feeling pretty near like haveing the ague but did not have it. I woke up and was awful sick, vomited the rest of the night and was sick most all day to day. Sweet comenced work for me to day.

Aug 2 – Pleasant. Aunt Lib and Uncle Geo[81] were down to Muir and I went to up home with them to stay all night. I left about ¼ to four in the afternoon. I did not feel very well and I thought I ought to take a little rest. We got up there about 6 oclock.

Aug 3 – Pleasant and cool. At Uncle Georges. Lewis and I went over to Marys and got her in the morning. We had green corn for dinner. After dinner Lewis took Mary and me and came within 3 miles of Muir and then I got out and he went to take Mary home.

Aug 4 – Very pleasant. It has been a rather busy day but not much pay. I ripped up my dark tent and made back ground and curtains of it. I went up and played with the band a little while then came down and got to talking with the tinner and talked until bed time.

Aug 5 – Pleasant. It has been very dull today. I got a letter from Nina and one from Mother. Comenced answering Nina’s to day. Took a negative of my room this afternoon, took a negative of Prof Bengamin, teacher of the brass band. Added 1 oz of Silver to my neg bath.

Aug 6 – Pleasant but warm. I printed to day. Was not very busy. Took in 3.00 after 4 oclock. I went to band meeting and learned one piece. I sent a letter to Nina with a picture of the Gallery and a dollar in money. I have had the blues some to day if I know myself.

Aug 7 – Pleasant and warm. I done more business to day than any day before. Went a seranading with the brass band. Had lots of wine, apples and cake. Got home after midnight a little. I am going to print tomorrow.

Aug 8 – Pleasant, but very warm. I printed to day. Have not taken in but three dollars and a quarter to day. Mr Sweet has been here part of the day. I packed a bunch of shingles to day for the first time in my life. I am lonesome to night or home sick or something.

Aug 9 – Pleasant and warm. I have been lonesome to day as bussiness has been dull. Harvey Holbrook has been here to day. Wanted me to go home with him but I could not go. I feel some like the ague but am not going to have it.

Aug 10 – Pleasant and very hot. I went to church this forenoon and then went over to see Mrs Long. She aggreed to do our washing for .40 a week and is to do mine washing and ironing until Nina gets here for the same and She furnishes soap and starch.

Aug 11 – Pleasant but very warm. Harvey Holbrook was here stoped on his way to Partland. He gave me two apples. Today has been the best day I have had since I came to Muir. I have taken 7.05. The Lyons Artist was here to day and I went over there this evening.

Aug 12 – Warm and Showery. I rec’d a letter from Nina and one from Father and mother. I have read them several times through and it does me more good to read them than it does to eat. My stomach is in a very bad condition. I never had it feel so before.

Aug 13 – Pleasant but warm. I had a pretty good day of it today. Mailed a letter to Nina and one to Faher. Sent Nina 16 dollars this afternoon. I dont fell very well yet but think I shall get along all right.

Aug 14 – Cool this forenoon and very warm in the afternoon. I printed to day. Went over to Lyons to night. It has been very dull all day out. I have taken some pictures, did not take any until after three oclock.

Aug 15 – Rainey and dull. I took 4 gems but did not get pay for them. The first day since I have been in Muir but what I took in something. I went out a seranading with the band last night. Did not get home until after midnight. Went out in the country.

Aug 16 – Pleasant and cool. I feel pretty well considering that I was out on a drunk last night. It has not been a very busy day but I have taken 6.40. I could not go to dinner so I went over about three oclock and had a boal of bred and milk.

Aug 17 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I went to church and when I came back I went to the P.O. and got a letter from Nina. She will be here in a week from next tuesday if nothing happens. I comencd answering it right off so as to get it out to morrow.

Aug 18 – Pleasant. I finished writing to my Nina to day and mailed it to her. I have been pretty busy to day takeing tintypes. Took one negative of a man on my own hook. If nothing happens I will have less flies to morrow than I have had to day as I netted my windows.

Aug 19 – Pleasant but very warm. It has been very warm to day and very dull. I rented the room over Probascos Brocks store to day and paid 4.00 in advance for them at 1.00 per week. I wrote a letter to my Mothers to day and got one from Mother.

Aug 20 – Very warm and threatning rain. I have printed to day but have not taken in a cent. I orderd a bill of goods to day. A young lady came here to day and said she would learn the trade to comence next Monday morning for 10.00.

Aug 21 – Very hot this fornoon. I did not take any pictures until afternoon. I rained very nice this afternoon. The lighning stuck one House in Muir. I got a letter from Nina to day and mailed one to her this afternoon. She sent me a bill of our goods.

Aug 22 – Very warm. I took babys pictures all the afternoon. Did not have very good success only took in 2.45. I receved a bill of goods to day, 3 yds carpet and a back ground and some other little things amt 20.75. I had to borrow 2.00 of Pussey Burt.

Aug 23 – Cooler to day, cloudy and very dull. I have not taken in a cent to day. I am strapped and worse and feel as though I could go right down through the floor. My throat is most awful sore to day, cant hardly swallow. Plainly speaking I have got the blues.

Aug 24 – Warm and pleasant. I went to church in the forenoon, staid to Sabath. I took charge of Mrs Ransoms class. I received a letter from Nina to day. She is comeing Tuesday on mail. It has been a very long day to day.

Aug 25 – Pleasant but hot. I am sick, brok out with the heat. It has been a pretty good day for busines to day. I went down to the Plaining mill to get my Frame but they had made a mistake and made it 4 ft square instead of eight.

Aug 26 – Cloudy in the morning, cleared of about noon but cloudy afternoon. Nina came to day on mail and the goods arrived here yes this morning and Hank brought them over after dinner. We ate supper at home alone to night in Muir for the first time.

Aug 27 – Pleasant but warm. I did not do much to day, awful dull only took in .50 and we got three chairs and some curtains. Went to bed pretty tired to night. Have not got settled yet but still it seems like home. We sent a letter to Ma to day.

Aug 28 – Pleasant. I took in .35 cts to day. Put up my back ground to day. Took one picture of Nina and she put it up. I helped Nina wash the woodwork to night. We sat and talked and looked out of the window a good while. Nancy is feeling pretty well.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and foggy in the morning. This morning about 6 o’clock a freight train ran into the morning express doing fearful damage, several killed and a large number wounded. At night more died through the day. I scrubbed out the Galery this afternoon. Nina went over and helped wash dishes at the hotel.

Aug 30 – Pleasant and a very dull day. Did not take in a cent. Uncle George came down and we went home with him. The past week has been the dullest week since I got up here. I am strapped and am not doing any work at all. No one comes, have not done any thing to amt to any thing since Monday.

Aug 31 – Rainey and hot. Uncle Georges folks and us went over to Marys and after supper they came and brought us home. I am pretty near sick and so is Nina. Johney Long came and brought our cloths home after I had got to bed.

Sep 1 – Pleasant But dull. Only took in .65 to day. I have got the blues pretty bad. Nancy is in a fix,[82] got so the first week which was last week. It beets the duce how I do get along. I cant help but wish that I was dead.[83] I bought some beats to day.

Sep 2 – Pleasant and very dull. I could not get any butter this morning so we had to get along with out. Nancy got up this morning sick at her stomach which estableshes the fact that she is in a fix again.

Sep 3 – Rainey and dull. I did not take in a cent all day. I expect that I will see some pretty hard times now. I dont know whether it is because my pictures dont suit or because I am such a mean unlucky cuss.

Sep 4 – Pleasant this morning. Nancy is not feeling very well. I took in four dollars and 50 cents to day, all for photographs. Retuched three negatives. I have got the blues most awful bad to day and expect to have them the rest of my days.

Sep 5 – Peasant but windy. Very dull. I have printed to day, got done about two oclock. Nancy was sick to her stomach again this morning and I have got the blues worse than ever. Oh! how I do wish I could get along without haveing the blues so.

Sep 6 – Cloudy and cold this morning. We had a fearful accident here last night. Little Jimmie Sylvester[84] was killed while playing with the cars.[85] I did not take in a cent to day but I tended to my bussines just the same.

Sep 7 – Some rainey and windy. I boiled my baths to day. Nancy is not very well so we did not go to church. She wrote a letter to Dr our folks and I wrote one to Dr Foote. We went down to the dam in the maple river just sundown.

Sep 8 – Pleasant but cool. It is very dull, not a thing to do and of corse I have got the blues like the duce. I have taken 2 gems of Mr Long to day and that is all I have done. I have made up my mind to quit business october first.

Sep 9 – Pleasant and cool. I took in 2.25 to day but it is most awful dull now days. I albuminized glass this morning. We got a letter from home this morning and one from Loyd Higgins.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. I took in 5.00 to day, the most I have taken in in a quite a while. I took a 4-4 negative of Probascos little girl which I did not get paid for and dont expect to get any thing on that as they want something two nice altogather.

Sep 11 – Pleasant and warm. I had a good day again to day, took in 5.00. The artist over at Lyons came over here and left three negatives for me to print some pictures from, two fancy pictures and a lady.

Sep 12 – Pleasant in the morning but cloudy in the afternoon and rainey. I printed to day the biggest job of printing I have had since I have been in Muir. I had very good luck printing to day. Bought 2 pr Shears.

Sep 13 – Saturday. I put up pictures all day and every one was suited that saw their pictures. I felt like the ague all day, had some fever most all day. Only took in 1.70. I got the Saturday night and got a letter from Mary Plank to Nina. I took in a little over 16. this week.

Sep 14 – Very cool but Pleasant. We went to church and like to froze to death. I dont think I will go right away unless they will try and make it comfortable. I guess I had a chill to day at any rate I felt like the ague in the afternoon and went to bed with a high fever.

Sep 15 – Cloudy and some rainey. I helped moove the stove into the other room this morning. I had to buy 4.35 worth stove pipe and a piece of zinc .75. Mary Holbrook was her to day to dinner, the first person that has eat with us in Muir.

Sep 16 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday and day before. I took in over six dollars to day and went a fishing. Did not catch any but bought one and paid 30 cts for it. I was pretty near sick to night had a mustard plaster on my back and front.

Sep 17 – Cool and rainey all day. I have retuched two negs to day. Have not taken in a cent but have been in my rooms all day. I feel a little better than I did yesterday. We received a letter from Ma last night.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. I took in 8.50 to day and have retuched some negs or some on one negative. I am at work on one of the worse negatives now that I ever saw in my life I believe. I got a bill of goods to day amt 5.30.

Sep 19 – Pleasant and cold. I have printed to day and shall mount them this evening if nothing happens. I bought a load of wood to day paid 2.00 for it. We looked for Ethan some to day but he did not come. I shall look tomorrow.

Sep 20 – Pleasant and cool. I spotted out pictures all day to day. Only took in 1.45 to day. I took two pictures of Mrs Burt but did not get my pay. I went to the train to see if Ethan came but he did not and I was awful disipointed to think he did not come.[86]

Sep 21 – Cloudy but pleasant. I was disturbed from my peaceful slumbers last night or this morning rather about half past two by somebody knocking and went to the door and found Ethan there. We got up and prepaired a place for him to sleep.

Sep 22 – Rainey and cool this morning. Ethan is here yet. He started frome here about half past 11 eleven oclock. It has been a very dull day to day and I have broke a 4-4 negative of Mrs. Fers.

Sep 23 – Cloudy and dull. I took in $3.37 cts to day. We went to the circus in the evening. It was the best circus I ever went to. Nancy is about sick. She has a sore throat and we have booth got bad colds. I got a letter from Horise Utica Ny.

Sep 24 – Cloudy and dull. I paid Probasco to day for rent on building 4.00. He took the picture of his little girl at 3.00. I received 2 more offers to day, answerd them.

Sep 25 – Cloudy and dull. I received more offers to day and answerd them. I have taken in almost 5.00 to day. We received a crock of Butter from Mother to day. Nancy is not very well at present.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Took 3 negatives but did not take in any money until evening and then I took in 1.20. Sold two frames to Mrs Wagar. It was cold this morning but grew warm toward night and was quite warm.

Sep 27 – Pleasant and very warm. I have took in 8.50 to day. Got a letter from Uncle H Crawford.[87] Says I can have a job if I come. I expect a job of photo soon so I shant go.

Sep 28 – Rainey and dark. I printed all day to day. Dont think I shall try to print any more in Muir. Nancy is not very well but is better than she was. I went up to Mrs Longs to take the dirty clothes up and.

Sep 29 – Rainey again to day. I Finished up my pictures to day that I made yesterday. I comenced packing a little to day. I have been pretty busy to day and expect to be busy all the rest of the week.

Sep 30 – It cleared off to day and I packed some and took one negative of the telegraph operator and sold it to him for 12/-.[88] I took my last pictures in Muir to day.

Oct 1 – Pleasant. I packed all day to day and was pretty tired at night. I expect to start for home next saturday if nothing happens. Louis was here to supper to night.

Oct 2 – Pleasant. I finished packing up my things in Muir to day at the gallery.

Oct 3 – Rainey. Packed all day at the house. Get most every thing packed at the house to day and start for home to morrow night if nothing happens.

Oct 4 – Rainey. We finished packing and got the goods at the depot after noon. We started from Muir ½ past five went over to Lyons to take the cars and they were late so we did not get away until after mid night. Took a freight from Lansing to Jackson.

Oct 5 – Rainey in the morning and cleared off at noon, but rained again at night. We had to stay all day at Jackson. Got home about ½ past 8 oclock in the evening.

Oct 6 – Awful cold to day at Pa’s. Ethan took us down to Fathers and staid to dinner then he and me went to Mr Riddlers to a raising. We staid to Fathers all night. Alfred Luley was there too.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Alfred Luley and me went down to the burg and got my trunk. Hannah came home to day. Stoped at fathers and staid till Nancy and me went down that night. We staid all night at Pa’s.

Oct 8 – Pleasant and very warm. We went up to Aunt Katies with Pa’s Horse and wagon. Aunt Fledia[89] went up with us, she stayed. Ethan went as far as Busters to work. When we came back Nancy stoped to Fathers and I took bill home then I come back.

Oct 9 – Pleasant. I have written in Wednesday what I ought to write to day so I will write here what I ought to write for Wednesday. We washed to day and I husked two shocks of corn and helped pick up.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Father and me went to Hartwells to make cider and in the afternoon we picked up some Butnuts and I carried them up stairs. Father went down to Galesburg with a load of wheat. He got 1.35 for it. Croock-neck Squash and carry me home. Weve spliced to day.

Oct 11 – Rained a little this morning. I sowed plaster to day. This eve Father, Will, Fred and I went to the Burg. Nancy went up to Pa’s. Ethan went to the Burg with us. Pa lanced Hannahs Felon[90] to night. Mrs Earl, Hattie and Libbie Taylor visited at Pa’s this afternoon.

Oct 12 – Pleasant. We were at Fathers all day. We looked for Gustus Chase[91] and his wife but Tip and Rasstus and Charley[92] went up there so they did not get down. Mother and Nancy worked all day getting my cloths ready to go to Chicago.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Nancy and me went down to Galesburg this morning to take my trunk down. We called on Mrs Alfred and Mrs Barber. Then we stoped at Pa’s and staid and Father took the team home. Father, Mother and Will came down to Pa’s in the evening. I started for Chicago 11.58 P.M.

Oct 14 – Pleasant all day. I arived in Chicago this morning about 7.00 oclock AM. I walked up Michigan St to Clark and up Clark to the North Chicago City Railway office. Found Uncle and he introduced me to Mr Squiers and he gave me a job.

Oct 15 – Pleasant. I comenced work for N.C.C.R. yesterday afternoon as student and worked all day to day as student. I wrote a letter to Nancy this after noon.

Oct 16 – Pleasant but cool. I ran as student this forenoon and ran for My Tutor this afternoon. Got to bed about 10 oclock P.M. I was pretty tired when I got to bed.

Oct 17 – Cool but not very bad. I did not get a run to day so I strolled about the streets. I went down to the river and on board of some of the steamers and saw the sights. Got lost but soon found myself.

Oct 18 – Some rainey and cool. It rained and blew quite hard last night in the night, blew up some side walk. I got a run this afternoon and did not get in until almost mid night and was pretty tired.

Oct 19 – Cool raw wind. I did not get up until 7.00 am, ate breakfast and went down to the office but did not get a run so went down to the lake and to the water works. Came home and got dinner and went to work on extra, recived 1.50.

Oct 20 – Pleasant but cool. I did not get any run to day so I went up to the park this forenoon and saw the sights. Afternoon I went down to state street and Madison. Sold my silver for 5.00 and left my watch to be repired at Severns.

Oct 21 – Cloudy and coold. I have not worked any to day. I went down to the lake and all over north side. Got a letter from my Nancy to day, answerd it to night. She is not very well.

Oct 22 – Cool in the morning but warm in the after noon. I went on this morning and worked until about six oclock Making about 11 hours. I run to day on lincoln avenue for George Haskin on set car.

Oct 23 – Cool in the morning but warm through the day and cool in the evening. I have been running for the same man to day that I did yesterday. Comenced 10.56 am and quit 12.00 mid night.

Oct 24 – Cool but pleasant. Dust flew awfuly. I worked on Lincoln ave to day. Got in at midnight. I am not feeling very well.

Oct 25 – Cool but pleasant, warmer in the middle of the day. I did not do any thing to day only loaf. Got a letter from Mother and Nancy to day.

Oct 26 – Coold and rainey. Loafed all day again. I comenced a letter to Nancy but did not finish it.

(No more daily entries.)

——-

Notes in back of diary:

H. C. Morton & Son
Benton Harbor, Michigan

Jan 3d 1873
Mr Morton agreed to watch a chance for a place to put in a side and sky light and apprise me of as soon as possible.

Left Junction at 4 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Kalamazoo 6 oclock and 50 minutes. Started from Kalamazoo 7 oclock and 51 minutes, arived at home 8 oclock and 20 mi.

Jay Olmsted, Muir, Mich
Photo

Gruse[?] Eradicator
1 oz Sal Soda ½ oz Borax
1/8 Salt petre 1 pt Soft water compound and all is ready. Apply with a woolen cloth

Hiram Crawford
430 North Clark St
Chicago, Ill

Oct 21, 73
Received of H. A. Brown 5.00 five dollars for board
Mrs Long

Enamle for photos
1 oz white wax some turpintine some brams[?] some perfume

Jan 19th Henry, Ethan, Hannah, Pa and Ma, Louesa, Nancy & myself were at Mr Planks to dinner to day besides Fred Allerton, Mr & Mrs P, Will, Carrie, Mary & Becky.

Good negative colodion
Makes good Ferotypes[?] by adding about 1 gr of Bromide of Cadmion to each ounce and Dulute about 2/3 with AxE

March 2nd 1873 we were to Fathers all day to day. Father brung us home to night.

Toning Solution
30 oz Water
30 gs Acetate of Soda
30 gr Salt

——-

[1] Inscription on the front cover: H. A. Brown, Photographer, Muir, Galesburg, Mich. Henry is known better, and referred to, as Hank

[2] The X’s, which were placed under the date, are not explained

[3] A gem was a small tintype photograph. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin

[4] His wife, Nancy (Keith) Brown. They were married October 5, 1872

[5] Ambrose Brown

[6] Nancy’s sister, Hannah Keith

[7] According to both Luke Keith’s and Nancy Brown’s diaries, he went with his brother-in-law, Henry Keith

[8] Matilda (Allen) Brown

[9] His mother’s sister, Julia Allen, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda Brown

[10] His brother, Willis Brown

[11] Nancy’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. Both Nancy & Hank refer 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

[12] Nancy’s brother, Ethan Keith

[13] Believe he is referring to Byron Allen, the son of neighbor, John S. & Amanda Louisa (Worden) Allen. Any possible relationship between them and Matilda (Allen) Brown is unknown at this time

[14] The stepson of his uncle, John Wood Allen; he was the son of John Wood Allen’s second wife, Mary Stephenson, and her first husband, John Yates

[15] Nancy’s half-brother, Henry Keith, the son of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith

[16] Nancy’s mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[17] Believe he is referring to his paternal first cousin, Arthur Arms

[18] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[19] A seance

[20] Neighbors, John & Eliza Ann (Young) Bailey

[21] Neighbors, Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[22] Neighbor, Ida Barber, the daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[23] Neighbors, Byron, Cora, Ida, Libbie and Emma Allen are mentioned throughout the diary. They are the children of John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[24] John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[25] The son of neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[26] Nancy’s aunt, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[27] Neighbor, William Plank

[28] Neighbor, Harriet (Groat) Plank

[29] Neighbor, the son of John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[30] Carrie and Mary Plank, the daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[31] See footnote to January 16^th entry

[32] Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, the daughter of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith. Hank sometimes spells her name Louis or Lowis

[33] Lois’ sister-in-law, Sarah “Sate” Skinner

[34] Nancy’s youngest sister, Louese Keith, who is sometimes referred to as Sis or Louesa

[35] Nancy’s youngest brother, James Clinton Keith

[36] Hannah’s boyfriend. From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood

[37] His mother’s brother, Sidney Allen

[38] Eli P. Wightman

[39] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Phillip Potts died January 25, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[40] Alvan and Jesse Lee, Nancy’s second cousins

[41] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[42] See footnote for January 24^th entry

[43] A neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[44] Nancy’s paternal first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee, the daughter of Harvey and Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[45] 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

[46] Believe he is referring to Jackson P.  & Julia S. (Wood) Bristol; Julia & Hank were paternal first cousins

[47] Rebecca Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[48] Luke Keith’s horse

[49] Nancy would sometimes fall into a trance. During these trances she had an Indian spirit guide named Maumee and would produce very delicate intricate drawings. When she came out of her trances, she remembered nothing of what had happened nor was she able to produce the same style drawings. She would be so drained after these trances that Hank finally told her that she should tell him if she felt a trance coming on. He then, somehow, kept her from going into the trance

[50] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford

[51] Adelbert “Del” Skinner, the husband of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[52] Lucy (Lee) Milham, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her second husband, George Lee

[53] Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[54] Marion and Helen York

[55] Nancy’s younger brother, James Clinton Keith

[56] Simeon Wood, the husband of Ambrose Brown’s sister, Reliance Brown

[57] The poles between which a horse is hitched to a wagon

[58] One of Ethan Keith’s inventions (see May 14, 1873 letter)

[59] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator, the son of Marius O. Streator

[60] Creosote, an oily liquid distilled from wood tar or coal tar which was used as an antiseptic

[61] Luke Keith wrote in his diary that “J T Allertons old white mare lying in the lot almost dead”

[62] Most likely Louis Bristol, the son of Jackson Bristol (see footnote for March 8^th entry)

[63] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Jackson Bristol married Alta Burge on May 8, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan

[64] Michigan Birth & Christening Records at Ancestry.com show that Adelia Giddings was born May 10, 1873 to Augustus & Susan Giddings

[65] Neighbor, Byron Hawley; Luke Keith’s diary mentions him frequently

[66] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

[67] Eli P. Wightman

[68] Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham and their daughter, Clara Milham

[69] Neighbors, Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne

[70] Sarah (Knight) Skinner, Del’s and Sate’s mother

[71] Ambrose Brown’s sister and brother-in-law, Hannah (Brown) and Edmund Chase

[72] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s son

[73] Tax on a person, as distinguished from that on property, especially as a prerequisite for voting

[74] Nancy’s cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[75] Adelbert Skinner, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s second husband

[76] Henry and Virginia (Worley) Crawford. Henry was Sarah (Crawford) Keith’s brother. See Nancy Brown’s July 4, 1873 entry

[77] Julia had cancer in her later years and possibly this is some reference to it. A cradle was built for her as she found the rocking motion soothing. At times the pain would be so intense that she left fingernail marks in the cradle. The reference to “P. T. Barnum” Johnson seems to show Hank’s lack of confidence in the doctor

[78] Son of Cynthia E. (Brown) & William E. Arms. Cynthia was Ambrose Brown’s sister

[79] Nancy

[80] Years later, his daughters, Lela and Bess, were reading through his diaries and noticing the many references to Nina, they thought he was having an affair with another woman. Nancy noticed their hostility towards him and asked what was bothering them. When they told her their suspicions she explained that “Nina” was his pet name for her

[81] Investigation continues as to their identity

[82] It appears Hank believes Nancy is pregnant; however, their son Claude wasn’t born until January 23, 1875

[83] Hank suffered from depression as can be seen by the many entries regarding his feeling blue. Years later, his brother-in-law, Jim Keith, was laid off from his job. In a letter dated May 25, 1890, Jim wrote to his brother, Ethan, regarding his layoff and said, “I dont know what to do. I never had Hank Brown’s blues befour and never want then again.”

[84] 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

[85] Train cars

[86] This last sentence was in Nancy’s handwriting

[87] Hiram Crawford Jr., Sarah Crawford Keith’s brother

[88] /- is the symbol used for shilling. A shilling was a coin of Colonial America and varied between 12¢ and 16¢

[89] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of Luke Keith’s brother, Harvey

[90] Deep inflammation on finger or toe

[91] His maternal first cousin, Julius Augustus Chase

[92] Erastus and Charles Towne; Tip might be their brother Cullen Towne

——-

Cash Account, January
		Received	Paid
2	Fare to Benton Harbor		1.90
“	Dinner at Junction		.50
3	Board at Benton Harbor		1.50
“	Brazilian Nuts		.10
“	Fair to Coloma		.30
“	“ from “ to Junction		.40
“	Junction to K		.90
“	K to Galesburg		.30
“	Peanuts		.05
			5.75

 

Cash Account, April
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Apr 30	To Cash on hand	8.30
“       “	By V for B		1.00
“       “	“ Sugar 8#		1.00
May 6	“ Doctor bill		1.00
“       “	“ One Hat		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.20
“       “	“ Oysters		.25
“       8	“ Repairing bods		.35
“     17	“ Dr Johnson		4.00
“       “	“ Cristar to watch		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.10
“     19	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Medicine		.75
“       “	“ Tomatoes		.06
“     24	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Mescetoes		.40
“       “	“ Tea ½#		.50
“       “	“ 1 paper tacks		.10

 

Cash Account, June
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Jun  2	To Wing B. A	5.00
“       “	By A???ica		.10
“       9	Haircut		.25
“     20	By Beer		.15
“       “	“ Rubber		.06
“     21	To Cash per J A H	5.00
“       “	By Cars		2.90
“       “	Omnibus and Hack		1.15
“       “	“ Dinner		.25
“     23	“ Cars		2.35
“       “	“ Crackers		.05
“     23	“ Beer		.05
“     24	“ Shirts		1.80
“       “	“ Factory		.25
“       “	“ Medicine		.45
“     25	“ Rent to Muir		10.00
“       “	“ Box		.50
“       “	“ Postage		.18
“       “	“ Nails		.06
“       “	To Cash of Father	10.00

 

Cash Account, July
1873		Received	Paid
3	To Cash	5.00
“	By Nails		.06
“	“ Screws		.08
“	“ Leather		.10
“	“ Freight		4.95
13	To Cash	20.00
14	By Rope		.09
“	“ Pens and holder		.05
“	“ Postage		.03
15	“ Cars to Jackson		1.75
“	“    “     “   Lyons		2.10
“	“ Omnibus		.25
16	“ Freight		2.88
“	“ Drayman		.75
“	“ Ball of Goods		8.55
“	“ 2 gel crock		.25
“	“ Comb and brush		.80
“	“ Broom		.35
“	“ Paper & Env		.02
17	“ Wire		.30
“	“ Postage		.03
18	To Cash rc	.75
“	By Egg, Cork, Buttons		.07
“	Silk Thread		.15
19	To Cash Ric	1.90
22	By Cash to bal	27.65	27.65

 

Cash Account, August
		Received	Paid
Jul 22	To Cash on hand	4.54
“       “	By Glass & putty		.85
“       “	“ Paper and nuts		.15
“       “	“ Board		3.00
“     23	“ Curtains		2.62
“       “	“ ½ gal oil		.18
“       “	“ Starch		.06
“       “	“ Wire		.30
“     24	“ Paint		.35
“     24	“ Cotton flannel		.10
“     25	“ Postage		.03
“       “	“ Glass and putty		.25
“     26	“ Netting		.15
“       “	“ 3 Cigars		.25
“       “	To Week rec	14.05
“     27	By Washing		.35
“       “	“ Colars & paper		.50
“     28	“ Postage .08 Med .40		.48
“     29	“ Board		4.00
“       “	“ Bill Goods		5.90
“       “	“ Card board		.05
“       “	“ Nina		1.00
“     31	“ [?]		.50
“       “	“ Sundries		.08
“       “	“ Brandy Soda		.15
Aug 2	To Weeks receipes	15.60
“       “	By Cash to Ball		12.89
		34.19	34.19

 

Cash Account, September
		Received	Paid
Aug  2	To Cash on hand by [?]	2.11
“       “	“      “      “     “	12.89
“       “	By One Lamp Chimney		.10
“       4	By Silver		1.30
“       “	“ Postage and egg		.04
“       “	“ Sewing 2.25 thread .8		.33
“       6	“ Board		3.50
“       “	“ Nina		1.03
“       “	“ Sponge		.10
“       7	“ Rent		8.50
“       8	“ Postage		.06
“       “	“ Leese		.50
“       9	To Weeks rects	19.55
“     11	By Paper & stamps		.10
“     12	“ Nina		5.03
“     12	“ Board		3.50
“     13	“ Nina		16.14
“     15	“ Paper 28 Stamps 06		.35
“       “	“ Band		.25
“     16	“ Board		2.00
“       “	“ Paper		.07
“       “	7.05/1.80.4.40.1.40.6.40	21.05
“       “	By Cash to Bal		12.70
		55.60	55.60

 

Cash Account, October
1873		Received	Paid
Aug 17	To Cash brought over	12.70
“       “	By Soda Gum Netting		.11
“      18	“ Tacks on Neting		.55
“      19	“ Rent to Probasco		4.00
“       “	“ Chalk line		.10
“       “	“ Board		1.50
“      20	“ Hair cut, Aples		.45
“      21	“ Postage		.10
“      22	“ Cocked hat		.10
“       “	“ Bill of goods		20.75
“       “	“ Errors		.09
“      23	To Weeks rect	13.05
“      25	By Medicine		.10
“      26	“       “		.30
“       “	“ Soap 10 Tacks 10		.20
“       “	“ Tea 30 Patatoes 13		.43
“       “	“ Stove pipe		.35
“      27	“ Windo Curtains		1.85
“       “	“ Chairs		4.50
“       “	“ Salt		.10
“       “	“ Tacks 20 Screws 05		.25
“      28	“ Apples		.10
“       “	“ E Notices		.50
“      29	“ ¾# Butter		.15
“       “	“ 2# Sugar		.25
“      30	To Weks receipts	7.49
“       “	By Meat		.10
“       “	To Cash to bal	3.69
		36.93	36.93

 

Cash Account, November
1873		Received	Paid
Sep 1	By Cash to bal		3.69

 

Bills Payable, February
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
28	One Note to E. P. W	200	00

 

Bills Payable, July
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
17	Warmer Merchant Paid Cambrick 17½ yds 15 Oil ½ gal 35		2.63 .18
17	Ice Merchant 1 pail ice
18	1     “     “
21	1     “     “

 

Bills Payable, August
	Jay Olmstead	D	C
Jul 1	Comenced renting Phot rooms of
“   “	To Cash on rent	10.00
“   21	“ Repairing roof
“    “	“ Glass and putty	1.50
“   23	“ Lead pipe and putting it in	1.00
“   25	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
“   29	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
Aug 7	“ Cash	8.50
“    “	“ Redicetion[?]	3.00
“    “	By One quarter vent		25.00

 

Bills Payable, September
	Mrs S. M. Long	D	C
Aug 3	By washing		.70
“     “	To Picture	.20
“     “	“ 2 Gems	.50
“     “	“  “    “	.50
“   11	By Washing		.30
“   17	“         “		.40
“   24	“         “		.40
“   24	To 6 Gems	1.50
“   31	By Washing		.40
Sep 5	“         “		.40
“    8	To 2 Gems	.50
“   12	“    “     “	.50
“     “	By Extra Washing		.20
“    20	“ Washing		.40
“    21	“      “		.40