Nancy Brown’s 1897 Diary

• 1897 DIARY OF NANCY BROWN

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

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

Feb 21 – Ex President Harrison a girl baby.

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

Feb 27 – This eve went to Mr Frenchs.

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

Mar 4 – In Augeration day. Claude came home.

Mar 5 – I went to Pas.

Mar 6 – Pedro club at Mr Smiths.

Mar 8 – Came home from Pas.

Mar 9 – Hannah came here from Chicago.

Mar 10 – Hannah went to Lous.[7]

Mar 11 – Lela began going to Parsons Junior Colledge.

Mar 12 – Claude began working for C. Williams.

Mar 13 – Went to Mr Deyo to Pedro Club.

Mar 14 – Snowing & blowing.

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

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

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

Mar 18 – Hannah went to Union City.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mar 28 – A beautiful spring morning.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Apr 18 – Warm day very windy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 13 – At Pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 10 – We done lots of sewing to day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 24 – Mr Quail is clap boarding their house.

Jul 25 – Home all day. No one here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 15 – Claude went to Richland.

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

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

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

Four Generations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aug 29 – Bessie is sick in bed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sep 12 – At Pas. Hot & dry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 3 – Claude & I went to church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oct 17 – Cora Harris went to the Peoples church.

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

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

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

Oct 21 – Made our first pumpkin pies this fall.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 5 – Rainy. Bessie & I ironed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nov 21 – Plesant.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec 5 – At Pas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec 14 – Rained all day.

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

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

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

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

Dec 19 – 3^rd ____ ____ Peoples Church.

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

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

Dec 22 – I made Bessies Dressing S__gue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

——-

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

[2] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne

[3] Her brother, James Keith

[4] Her daughter, Lela Brown

[5] Charles Luke Keith Jr.

[6] Her son, Claude Brown

[7] Her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris

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

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

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

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

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

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

[14] Her husband, Henry “Hank” Brown

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

[16] Galesburg, Michigan

[17] Union City, Michigan

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

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

[20] Her son and daughter

[21] Galesburg, Michigan

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

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

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

[25] Her husband Henry’s nickname

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

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

[28] Her nephew, Floyd Harris

[29] Etc.

[30] Her brother, Ethan Keith

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

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

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

[34] Her niece, Leone Harris

[35] Her mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

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

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

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

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

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

[41] Believe this refers to a bicycle

[42] Kalamazoo, Michigan

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

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

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

[46] Battle Creek, Michigan

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

[48] Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

[50] Harriet Plank’s daughter

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

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

[53] Her nieces, LaVerne and Leone Harris

[54] Their dog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[61] LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Mildred Harris

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

[63] Stella (Milham) Bush

[64] Lois’ son, Charles Clark

[65] Charles Clark’s daughter, Edna Clark

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

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

[68] Lizzie’s son, Ray Brown

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

[70] Robert Crawford, her mother’s brother

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

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

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

[74] Nickname for Hannah (Keith) Towne

[75] Nickname for Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

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

[77] Her maternal first cousin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[87] Again written by Marian

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

Scan of 1897 Diary of Nancy Brown

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Luke Keith’s 1889 Diary

1889 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1 – 23.[2] Nice pleasant day. Nice wheeling. Hank[3] came up. They went down to Mrs Browns.[4] Will Clark[5] here. Allice Williams Buried to day.[6]

Jan 2 – 24. Went over to Burg[7] after Lois and Ina.[8] Two strangers here to dinner. Went down to Katharines[9] with Nancy.[10] Fine day.

Jan 3 – 43. Very pleasant day. Nancy went over to Lois stayed all night. Lou and children[11] here.

Jan 4 – Mercury 36. At home. Lou went up to Jim Milhams.[12] Sarah[13] went over to Fanny Towns.[14] D[15] came this Evening.

Jan 5 – 36 Abz.[16] Took Lou up to W^m Ralphs.[17] D. and Will Ralph went hunting. I went over after H. Crawford[18] he no come. Ethan[19] went to Kal.[20] Bot this Diary 20 cts.

Jan 6 – Mercury 34. D, Lou and children and Cory came back stayed all night. Will and Lois went down to Katharines. Not very cold.

Jan 7 – M. 32 in morning. D went over to Burg. Ethan took Lou over to Lois. Hannah[21] went over to Fanny Towns this morning. Some fine snow rather damp.

Jan 8 – Mercury 40. Went over to burg in morning. Took Lou and children over to Mrs Ralphs.[22] I got Jays pin mended. The gun smith of Maplow was performing at the Galesburg Opra House to night. Rained all night.

Jan 9 – Mercury 42 in morning. Rainy forenoon snow and blowed like blazes in afternoon and Evening. Hannah at Towns (rest of entry is illegible).

Jan 10 – Mercury 21 in morning about two inches snow. At home all day. Not much work.

Jan 11 – Mercury 36. Some work. Went over to burg at noon got no mail. Albert Chase[23] got his violin he paid one Dollar.

Jan 12 – Mercury 18 in morning about 40 in middle of the day. Not much work to day. Sawed some wood. Nice weather for winter.

Jan 13 – Mercury 30 nice day sun came out some. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. No one called here to day.

Jan 14 – Mercury 34. Turned two roolers for H. D. Streator.[24] Not very well.

Jan 15 – Mercury 32. Mr Bogards Died to day. Finished Streators roolers. Will Clark came over with Ethan stayed all night. Sally[25] and I went up to Jesse Earls[26] in afternoon stayed the Evening. Rained some.

Jan 16 – Mercury 54 rainy day. No work to day. Ethan and Will went over to burg in Evening.

Jan 17 – Mercury 30 in morning wind blowing from the west. Will here. Not very well. Ethan and Will making moosik on de guitah and de fiddlind.[27] J C Perkins Died to day[28] L. C. Wests[29] Draftsman.

Jan 18 – Mercury 38 in forenoon. Sawed some wood. Ethan mended the big yellow Rocking Chair. Ethan and Will went over to Burg in Evening. Snowed some.

Jan 19 – Mercury 12 in morning south East wind cold. Went down to Katharines she was feeling some better. No snow Mercury 20 in Evening.

Jan 20 – Mercury 2__ in morning west wind. Sate[30] here. Snowey day Mercury 31 in afternoon.

Jan 21 – Mercury 18 in morning snowing like blazes. Bert Staffords boy here selling Fruit trees.

Jan 22 – Mercury 12 in morning very nice day. Done the chores and pared apples. Ethan went over to burg in morning. Mercury 37 in afternoon. Dick Lamkins called got the iron brot. He had been to Flanders got a lot of old iron.

Jan 23 – Mercury 23. At home. Done some chores. Went over to burg in afternoon after Mrs Gaffing she no come.

Jan 24 – Mercury 48 nice day very pleasant shiny. Gaffing here.

Jan 25 – Mercury 46. Will Clark came over. Pleasant spring day. Ethan and Will gone down to Mrs Browns in Evening.

Jan 26 – Mercury 26. Went over to burg in morning to the mail then took Gaffing down to Katharines. Cloudy south west wind.

Jan 27 – Mercury 26 in forenoon north East wind and snowing.

Jan 28 – Mercury 23. Took Hannah over to burg in morning she went to R. G. Smith. Filed saw for N. L. Randal[31] he paid me for plane and saw 25 cts. Harry got his pulleys 25.

Jan 29 – Mercury 34 some snow. Hannah went up to Culls[32] to day. I cut Hickory tree up by the gap North side of woods. Some snowey day wind south west.

Jan 30 – Mercury 34 nice comfortable day south south west wind. Hannah up to Culs. I trimed up the Hickory tree sawed some wood and done the chores. Ethan patterns for bundle carrier.

Jan 31 – Mercury 31 some wind and snow sort of a blustrous day. I got the sleigh out for the first. Drew one load wood. Not much sleighing a bout a inch and a ½ snow.

Feb 1 – Mercury 13 Abz very nice day. Went up and got the last of the Hickory tree. Went over to Burg after match plane.[33] Got glass for school house.

Feb 2 – Mercury. Cloudy not very cold. Not very well. Not much work to day.

Feb 3 – Mercury 38. At home all day. Ethan and Will went down to Katharines. Hannah at home.

Feb 4 – Mercury 36. Shelled some corn for feed took it over to mill in afternoon. Mr Nichols turned some brush handles. Got some match plane of Charles Whitcomb.

Feb 5 – Mercury 10 Abz snows and blows. Went down to Katharines found her rather weak not able to sit up any. She gave me the paper. Mercury 7 Abz in Evening.

Feb 6 – Mercury at zero at 7 am. Went over to burg. Took over some hickory timber to Lockhart. Snowed like blazes a while. Filed saw for Will Brown.[34] Will Clark came home with me he went down to C. Fords.[35]

Feb 7 – Mercury 12 abz in morning. Not much work. Ethan put Wills Desk together. Hannah not go to Dods. Mercury 20 Abz about 5. P.m.

Feb 8 – Mercury 26 in morning. Not very well. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines to cut and fit dresses for the three youngest girls.[36] Strong south west wind Mercury 36 in afternoon. No sleighing yet.

Feb 9 – Mercury 26 Abz. Went down to school house in fore noon. Put in 3 lights glass. Will Brown drew two loads wood.

Feb 10 – Mercury 14 in morning about 3 inches snow. Some sleighs out to church to day. Wind south west.

Feb 11 – Mercury 20 in morning. Hannah went to Caywoods. I took Sarah over to Barbers in afternoon. Snowey. Went with the cutter the first time it has been out. About 4 inches snow. Cutter runs very well. Mercury 20 in afternoon.

Feb 12 – Mercury 14. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Snowed some Mercury one above zero in Evening.

Feb 13 – Mercury 7 Abz in morning. Took Sarah over to Lois in forenoon. Snows and blows some in afternoon.

Feb 14 – Mercury 14 in morning. Hard cold. Hued out some ax helve. Not very well. Mercury 20 in Evening. Hannah came home. Will Clark came over.

Feb 15 – Mercury 14 Abz in morning. At home. Hard cold. No work on my plate. Hannah at home cleaning house. Went to Mill took two bushels wheat.

Feb 16 – Mercury 21 rainy morning cleared of about Eleven. Will Clark and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Hannah stayed to Nancys.

Feb 17 – Mercury. At home. Will here all day he went home at night. Snow all gone.

Feb 18 – Mercury 24 snows like fury and blows some. Wind blows hard just at night. Snow piling up some. I shelled some corn for feed for Fan.[37]

Feb 19 – Mercury 8 Abz very Blustrous snow flies lively. About all I wanted to do to keep fires and do the chores at the barn. Hens lay some three Eggs to day.

Feb 20 – Mercury. Went over to mill took corn and oats for feed. Went over after Hannah. Cold wind. Very good sleighing. Will Clark gave me his Watch the one I used to own.

Feb 21 – Cold south west wind. Went down to Katharines. Katharine not so well very weak no appetite. Hannah down to Streators to work making Mrs Streator[38] a dress. Blanch Olin Married this Evening.[39]

Feb 22 – Mercury. Went over after Lois this morning. Will came over. Snows some. Some cold day.

Feb 23 – Mercury 9 below zero very cold. No work out side. Sawed some little wood. Ethan to work on Wills Book case.

Feb 24 – Mercury 9 below zero in morning. Took Sarah down to Katharines.

Feb 25 – Mercury 4 Abz in morning. Went down to Katharines in afternoon after Sarah. Jim Milham called got axhelve 50 cts.

Feb 26 – Mercury 22 Abz snows some. Went over to post office. Left my watch with Wilson to be cleaned. Bot Bottle of Log Cabbin Sarsparilla 75 cts. Mrs John Lay died this Morning.[40]

Feb 27 – Mercury 38. Went over to Blakes. Took Checks over for Stevens[41] trunk and satchel. Evva here all day.

Feb 28 – At home. Not very well. Will Brown got his desk. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Mar 1 – Mercury 24. At home. Worked on table top. Mrs John Lay buried to day. Nice stormy day snowey day.

Mar 2 – Worked on table made drawer. Theodore came down got two draw made. Mercury 44 Abz.

Mar 3 – At home. No one here Except Stephen Comfort. Nice day.

Mar 4 – Mercury 44. Went down to Katharines she no better. Theodore, Allice and Claud,[42] Herb, Luella & Royal,[43] Frank, Elva & Ethel[44] here in Evening.

Mar 5 – Mercury 42 verry nice day. Finished the table. Ethan making medicine cupboard. Put Cutter up over Stable. Mrs Galusha here in afternoon. Hank stayed all night.

Mar 6 – Mercury 48. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to see Mrs Barber. Bot Trimmings for Medicine cupboard. Very nice day. Received the Leroy[45] Times. Ad Russel Married to day.[46]

Mar 7 – Mercury 44. Got out stuf for Clauds[47] draft board. Stormy some big snow flakes. Will Clark worked here to day. Ethan and Hannah up to Theodores this Evening.

Mar 8 – Mercury 34. Will Clark, Ethan and Hannah cleaning house. Cold day. Took Hannah over to Barbers in morning. Ethan and Hannah went up to Theodores in Evening.

Mar 9 – Mercury 32. Ethan and Will Clark went to Kalamazoo. Stephan cleaned the clock. Cold north west wind.

Mar 10 – Mercury 27. At home. No one here Except Stephen. Ethan at Hanks.

Mar 11 – Mercury 22 in morning. Sawed and split some wood. Stephen sick. Ethan not come home yet. Mrs Joseph Flanders Died about ten AM to day.[48] Mer 45 in afternoon. Ethan and Hannah up to Crosfields this Eve.

Mar 12 – Mercury 32. Went over to Mill got corn and oats groung. Took Dinner to Skinners.[49] Put Clauds board to gether.

Mar 13 – Mercury 53. Mrs Joseph Flanders buried to day. Went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Mar 14 – Mercury 54. Repaired Will Caywoods chairs. Went over to burg just at night. Stephen here yet. Ethan and Hannah gone to Herb Earls this Evening.

Mar 15 – Mercury 64. Worked in shop and chored some.

Mar 16 – Mercury 66. Went over to Towns with Jesse Earl. Saw Uncle Cullin. Mr A Town[50] sick. Went to Mr Frenches funral this afternoon.

Mar 17 – Mercury 54. At home. Ethan & Hannah went down to Mrs Browns.

Mar 18 – Mercury. Mrs Harvey Freer buried.[51] I went down to Katharines she not much if any better. Will Brown went up to Abe Powers got load Hay 1600 & 10 lbs. Paid $5.44[?]. Nancy and children[52] went home. Jim[53] came home.

Mar 19 – Ella Annis buried to day. Very fine nice weather.

Mar 20 – Mercury 48. Build manger for Fan. Nice day. Jim at home.

Mar 21 – Mercury 44. Worked on manger. Put in seed box for Fan. Nell Sanford came over stayed all day. Jim went down to Charly Fords.

Mar 22 – Mercury 4__. Went down to Katharines she not much better. Charley, Mate Ford[54] & H. D. Streator here in Evening also Will Clark. He stayed. Took two bushels wheat to mill in morning.

Mar 23 – Mercury 66. Made saw Buck. Will C here. Jim left for Chicago on 9 oclock train. Let Jim have $5.00 five Dollars. Mrs Hannah L Tuttle buried to day.[55]

Mar 24 – Mercury 64. At home. Mrs Brown, Will, Lizzy[56] and children[57] here. Hannah went up to Kate Thompsons just at night. Mrs Dibble buried to day.[58]

Mar 25 – Made Kneading board. Sarah and Ethan went down to Katharines. Mr Comfort here.

Mar 26 – Mercury. Cool south west wind. Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Shelby Ville.[59] Set hen on Eleven Eggs just at night. Sawed some wood. 28.

Mar 27 – Mercury 48. Sawed some wood shelled some corn done the chores. Ethan up to Shelbyville. Old Mr Comfort here Mrs Betts[60] Brother.

Mar 28 – Mercury 46. Took 2 Bushels corn and oats to mill. Oscar[61] came here about noon. I sawed some wood. Katharine no better.

Mar 29 – Mercury 35 and snowing like fun.[62] Went over to burg. Let Del[63] have 10½ Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz. Hannah came home. Snow about all gone.

Mar 30 – Mercury 40. Went down to Katharines in the afternoon she no better. Snowed in night. Mrs Heister buried to day. Took Hannah over to R. Gs in morning.

Mar 31 – Mercury 35 in morning snowed and rained. Rained all day the first rain of the season. Ethan up to Lous I spose so.

Apr 1 – Mercury 33. Went over to Burg in afternoon to Town Meeting. Nice day. Sally went over to Lois. Sate some better. Mr Gates paid one Dollar for repairs on School House.

Apr 2 – Mercury 30. Not much but chores. Nice day. Will came over stayed all night.

Apr 3 – Mercury 32. At home. No one here but Stephen, Lois and Will. Filed saw for C. Town.

Apr 4 – Mended Lous curling iron put handle in. Charley Town[64] paid one Dollar for filing saws. Went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Apr 5 – Mercury 36 and snowing like fun snow all gone at night. Will Brown took load wood up home with Nell and Tom. Cool night.

Apr 6 – Mercury 54. Worked in shop some on Lous Knife. Ethan and Charley working on fence machine. Mary Ann[65] called here just at night.

Apr 7 – Mercury 34. At home all day. Will Clark here. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Will Clark went to Chicago on Evening Express.

Apr 8 – Mercury 68. I moved the old logs out of the yard south of the house. Hannah home sick not able to work to day. Very nice day rained in night.

Apr 9 – Mercury 38. Ethan took Hannah over to Mrs Stanfords. I raked yard some. Had a nice rain in morning C. A. Town took Fanny Wilkins to Kalamazoo she went home.

Apr 10 – Mercury 40. Killed Bob.[66] Very nice warm pleasant day. Old Mr Comfort sick not getup to day. I sawed the large wood in the yard. Stired up the old stack bottom by the hen yard.

Apr 11 – At home. Not much work. Had thunder storm in night. Ann Elize Shafter Decker Aldrich Died in night.[67] Warm nice rain. J. W. Keith Died.[68]

Apr 12 – Worked round yard dugng up ground for my roots. Rained some to day. Went down to Katharines she no better.

Apr 13 – Manured the ground and set out the roots.

Apr 14 – Mercury 44. Nice pleasant morning. At home all day. Cold wind all day. Mrs Ann Eliza Shafter Aldrich Decker buried to day.

Apr 15 – Mercury 61. Put chip manure on the asparagus beds and around some small appletrees. Set the Wyandotte hen on 13 Eggs just at night.

Apr 16 – Mercury __4. Mr Comfort sick. Worked on East door in barn. Went over to burg at noon after Hannah. Bot hinges for door. Fanny and Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Apr 17 – Mercury 74. Worked on door put hinges on cleats and brace. Old Mr Comfort some better no start for home. Very warm day.

Apr 18 – Mercury 68. Mr Comfort left on the 10.45 Train for Detroit. Finished the door at the Barn. Jo Smith chopping. Hannah to J. T. Allertons.[69] Rained some in afternoon 51 days.

Apr 19 – Jo Smith Chopping. I not do much. Rainy afternoon. Jo worked all the afternoon no stop for the rain. Quite warm. Paid Jo $2 Two Dollars.

Apr 20 – Nice warm day. Went over to burg in morning. Bot shugar, coffee, molasses, soap. Took over 14 Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz. Went down to Katharines in forenoon.

Apr 21 – Cold north wind. Went to Kalamazoo went to Nancys at their new home. Took 11½ lbs Butter to Nancy for Mr Knapp. They fetch 22 cts pr lb.

Apr 22 – Jo Smith came over helped me get out manure. Nice pleasant day. Hannah went to R. Comings in morning. She was sick had to come home.

Apr 23 – Nice day. Went over to burg to mill took over two bushels wheat. Went to see Mr Souls about putting in corn. $1 bot pants one Dollar.

Apr 24 – Went over to Mr Comings and burg changed my pants. Saw Smith Thomas about putting in corn. Jo Smith copping.

Apr 25 – Put handle on the East Barn door. Drew some manure out on East lot. Hannah at home not very well. Ethan went to the burg in Evening.

Apr 26 – Mercury 30 in morning. Dick came over and plowed potatoe ground, draged that and garden, drawed wood in after noon. Ethan paid him Two Dollars.

Apr 27 – Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Cold wind. Went down to Alvins to see if I could let me have some potatoes.

Apr 28 – Mercury 40. At home all day. Very cold wind.

Apr 29 – Mercury 42. Cold north wind. Went down to Alvin Lees[70] bot Eight bushels potatoes 2/- pr bushel $2.00. Ethan papering Sallys Bedroom.

Apr 30 – Mercury 43. Nice day cool wind. Worked in garden. Floated potatoe ground and garden. Ethan cleaning house and put down carpet. Charley Town had wagon to get potatoes of Alvin Lee. Mary Allerton Plank Died to day.[71]

May 1 – Mercury 43. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Cold north wind. Ethan planted potatoes.

May 2 – Mercury 45. Went to mill in morning took over corn and oats. Bot codfish. Paid Read for beef 25¢.

May 3 – Mercury 45. Went over to burg in morning. Got Wichita paper notice of Wesleys Death.

May 4 – Mercury 49. Went over to burg and over to D. Stafford. Got a Piece of the clavel___ water wheel to send to Henry.[72] Got letter from Jim he sent $2.00. Hannah came home.

May 5 – Nice day. Jesse Earl here in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. She not some better.

May 6 – Mercury 90. Charley Town commenced plowing East lot for corn. I put out my grape cuttings. Ethan working on corn planter.

May 7 – Very hot day. I helped Sarah wash. Cleaned up yard some worked some in garden. Charleys boy plowing East lot and very hot.

May 8 – Not very well. Choring round. Ethan and Charley working on planter.

May 9 – Working around house and garden. Trimed some appletrees.

May 10 – Trimed some trees sowed some raddish and Lettauce seed. Went over to burg took 12 Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz 3.2/4 lbs Butter 15 cts pr lb. Rained in Evening.

May 11 – Trimed some trees. Took Sarah down to Katharines just at night she stayed all night. Charley planting with new planting machine.

May 12 – Went down to Katharines after Sarah in afternoon. Katharine no better she very bad off.

May 13 – Took Hannah over to W A Blakes in morning Bot 2 qts Beans 16¢. Tom Russell marking East lot. Rainy afternoon some.

May 14 – Sowed some corn chored round. Went down to Katharines just at night. She was worse we stayed all night.

May 15 – At Katharines she is a little Easier this morning. We stayed until 3 PM we came home. Nice day. Charley planted the East lot to day with the new patent planter.

May 16 – Had nice rain in the morning rained hard. Not much done. Cut some dry limbs in orchard.

May 17 – Mercury 84. Went down to Katharines in morning found her no better. She seemed to be failing just at night when we left for home.

May 18 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Sarah went down to Katharines stayed all day. Clara[73] brot her home just at night. Had a heavy shower. Ethan and Lou no come home. I finished sowing corn. Mrs. E. M. Clap buried to day.[74]

May 19 – Ethan and Lou came home. Hannah sewing girl came Lulu Forrester. Lou and children came.

May 20 – Hannah and girl up to Em Ralphs. I went down to Katharines in forenoon Katherine no better.

May 21 – Took Sarah down to Katharines in afternoon. She stayed all night. Katharine very sick.

May 22 – Went over to mill got my meal. Went down after Sarah just at night. Katharine no better. Cold wind very cold.

May 23 – Ethan went over to burg got my grist. Went down after Sarah just at night. Took Sarah down.

May 24 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see L. C. West and Hooker. Cold North west wind.

May 25 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Took Sarah down to Katharines she stayed all night. Nancy here. Ina came over. Charley Town brot Eleven hundred hay. Katharine Died at seven oclock PM.[75]

May 26 – Mart[76] brot Sarah home. Mart and I went over to Burg to see Labbit[77] an the sexton. Rainy night.

May 27 – Rainy morning. Went to Funeral one oclock AM. Cleared of in afternoon. Katharine Buried to day.

May 28 – Mercury 40 at five Am. Had a big frost this morning the first we had here. Hoed corn & Potatoes in East garden. Stella and Mary Milham[78] and Emma Schuyler here in afternoon.

May 29 – Mercury 42 in morning some rainy. Ethan, Lou and children went over to burg. Cold wind.

May 30 – At home. Lou and children here. Cold, snowed and rained all day. Very rough day.

May 31 – Cold and windy. Lou went home to day. Went over to burg after some one to plaster. Found Sam Hartwell.

Jun 1 – At home. Not much work to day. Picked up brush in orchard. Rany afternoon. Hannah came home in Evening. Rany night.

Jun 2 – Some sprinkle in morning. Lois and Ina drove over just at night. John Ives drove in a few minutes to see Hannah. Ethan and Hannah went over to burg just at night.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg after Nancy took her over to C. Fords to help Hannah. Went up to Ed Flanders[79] got mortar. Sam Hartwell plastered in middle room. Cold wind.

Jun 4 – Went over got Hartwell to white wash and paper the room. Cold wind. Corn very backward. E Flanders called got some mortar.

Jun 5 – Nice morning sun came out for the first time in two weeks to warm up much. Went down to Katharines in forenoon.

Jun 6 – Cleaned house cleaned middle room. Cool. Mr Russel planting over East lot. Hannah and Nancy went to Geo. Blakes this morning.

Jun 7 – Work around house. Ethan put down carpet. I hoed some in garden. Some showery. Russel planting. Verry wet and cold.

Jun 8 – Some rainy. Russel finished planting. Kate and Blanch[80] came on the B.T.[81] 6 oclock run.

Jun 9 – Rainy. Kate here. Not much going on. I put the figures on Squair for Jim Milham.

Jun 10 – Letle sprinkle some. Went over to Burg in morning after Kates trunk. Made Charley Towns pulleys to clock. Jim got his Squair. Ground verry wet.

Jun 11 – Worked in garden. Fine day. Jesse[82] came up on Bobtail 6 PM. Got letter from George[83] with a v___ in.

Jun 12 – Very pleasant day. Worked in garden. Went over Bot shoes for Jesse bot one pair for Sarah.

Jun 13 – Nice morning. Took Jess over to burg. She went back to Kalamazoo.

Jun 14 – Not very well. No work to speak of.

Jun 15 – Hannah and Kate sewing like the Divol for Jesse making commencement Dresses.

Jun 16 – At home. No go to church to day. Kate and Blanch here.

Jun 17 – Will Brown brot Pig. Made pen for them. Lost my glasses. Gathered up old iron for Dick Lamkins.

Jun 18 – Went over to burg. Not work much. Rainy verry wet now days.

Jun 19 – Had a hevy shower this morning. Took Kates Trunk over. Blanch and Bes[84] went to Kalamazoo. Took Kate over she went on 2.47 train. Big rain blows hard.

Jun 20 – Not much work. Helped Sarah wash. No one here company all gone. Filed saw for Charley Town he paid me for the pulleys and _____.

Jun 21 – Some ledle rain this morning. Not much work to day. Worked in garden some. Cool wind. Took Sarah over to Lois. Took Gaffings Box over to M Nichols.

Jun 22 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill.

Jun 23 – Cyrus and Mrs Streater[85] called here just at night. Ethan and Hannah went down to Kalamazoo. Pleasant day rather cool wind.

Jun 24 – Nice fine day. Went up to E. P. Flanders to raising. He raised a large Barn 88 x 36 feet.

Jun 25 – Sick headache no work to day. Dr. Spinney and wife[86] stayed to Charley Towns all night.

Jun 26 – Very warm day. Hoed some in garden. Went up to Herbs got 54 cabbage plants just at night. Hannah working to J. T. Allertons.

Jun 27 – Not very well. Took Sarah over to Lois. Worked in garden some.

Jun 28 – Took Sarah over to Lois she not stay. Commencement Exercize at Church. Reception at ____ Olins in Evening. Nancy and Lelah[87] came up.

Jun 29 – Put Paris Green[88] on potatoes. Rained some in afternoon.

Jun 30 – At home all day. Very warm. Ethan I went over and got Lois she came over stayed all day. Hannah promised to go in company with Nell in Streator.[89]

Jul 1 – Mercury 94 in shade. Worked in garden put paris green on potatoes Clara Milham[90] came up in afternoon.

Jul 2 – Mercury 94 in shade. Put poison on potatoes. Charleys boys cultivated in East lot.

Jul 3 – At home. Not doing something. Very hot. Corn growing nicely.

Jul 4 – Mercury 90. Sprinkled potatoes. Verry hot mercury up in the ninetys.

Jul 5 – No work. Repairing my old violin the first it has Ever had of any amount.

Jul 6 – Hot. Not much work. Not well headache most of the time.

Jul 7 – Very quiet day but a few callers.

Jul 8 – Mercury 95 very hot. Charley Clark[91] came in Evening stayed all night. Hannah was sewing for Mrs Randall.

Jul 9 – Mercury 100 in shade. Charley here brot his wagon down just at night.

Jul 10 – Took Hannah down to Mr Randalls.

Jul 11 – At home. Not much work to day. Very hot and dry.

Jul 12 – Mercury 98. Not very well. Put water on leach[?]. Hoed some in garden.

Jul 13 – Went over to burg at noon after cherries bot one bushel 1.50, shugar 75 cts. Went over in Evening.

Jul 14 – Some rainy morning rainy day it fixed up Potatoes and corn first rate.

Jul 15 – Went up to Herbs got fifty cabbage plants. All hands picking berries. Claud[92] and I went up and picked three quarts red respberries. Paid 8 cts pr qt 24 cts.

Jul 16 – Nice morning took Hannah up to Culls in morning.

Jul 17 – Took Sarah over to Lois. I not ver well some. Not do much. Very warm.

Jul 18 – Rainy day some had a heavy rain. Claud here now days on a visit. Mrs Streator here in afternoon.

Jul 19 – Makesum some soap not much. Had a nice shower at noon. Sarah went over to Fannies in afternoon.

Jul 20 – Not much work. Not very well now days.

Jul 21 – At home. Will and Lizzie came over. Lois here all day. Mrs Streator came down stayed while Harry went to burg.

Jul 22 – Went over to burg got carpet from Chicago. Plowed potatoes in afternoon. Nice day. Hannah over to Commings.

Jul 23 – Fine day not very hot. Worked on roler frame. Helped wash. Hannah up to Ralphs in forenoon. Went down to Myron Flanders in Evening. Pearl[?] Barn to day.

Jul 24 – At work some in garden. Not very well. Russel cultivating Ethan.

Jul 25 – Not much work. Ethan making pattern for Mr Knapp. They are shingling the Methodist Church at the burg.

Jul 26 – Fine day had a nice shower this morning. X Took two bushels wheat to mill.

Jul 27 – Not very well. Choring round. Had a heavy rain and wind storm in Evening. Lois got home from Jaxon[93] to day.

Jul 28 – At home all day. Hannah went up to Gull with Galusha folks.

Jul 29 – Ethan sick. No work to day. Cloudy and cool. Hannah sewing over to Towns. Lelah here.

Jul 30 – Cloudy morning look some rainy. Ethan not some better ledle mite. Doc McBeth came over to see Ethan.

Jul 31 – Went over to burg in morning. Nancy and Bes came on the morning Train. Went over at night got Nancy she stayed all night. Doc came over.

Aug 1 – Took Nancy and Bes over to burg. They went home on the Eight 22 train. Al Read got Bull of C Ford. Killed him just west of the house. Doc came over.

Aug 2 – Put in buggy shaft for Mr Franklin 80 cts. Nice day. Ethan not much better.

Aug 3 – Went over to burg in morning got bolt for thills[94] 5¢.

Aug 4 – At home all day. Mrs Brown came down. Lelah went home with her at night.

Aug 5 – Went over to burg. Repaired Russels boys violin glued it up some. Ethan some better not much.

Aug 6 – Worked in shop some on violin. Worked in garden. Went over to post office at noon sent letter to Lou one to Jim. Bot pint wine for Ethan 40 cts.

Aug 7 – At home. Went over to burg. Worked round garden. Ethan some better. Aunt Hannah Wilmarth came here stayed all night.

Aug 8 – Had a nice shower. Worked in garden some. Aunt Hannah Wilmarth[95] came this morning. Lelah came back to night. Mr Fred Hawver Died.[96]

Aug 9 – Had a nice shower this morning. Took Aunt Hannah over to Mrs Byingtons this morning. Jim came home to night.

Aug 10 – Took Lelah over to burg. She went home. Went up to Theodores got some Pears and Apples. Mr Hawver Buried to day.

Aug 11 – At home all day. Jim here. No one here but the family to tea. I chased chickens all day.

Aug 12 – I not very well. Jim went to Shelbyville. Ethan some better.

Aug 13 – Will Clark came over this morning stayed all night.

Aug 14 – Nancy and Bes came up this morning. I went over got Bes. Hannah went to Kalamazoo on the Evening train. Theodore got Peter pig. Mrs Geo Wheeler Died.[97]

Aug 15 – Nice morning. Lots folks going to Pionere Picknic at Long Lake. Ina came over. Hannah went to the Pionere Picknic at Long Lake. Very nice day.

Aug 16 – Mrs Geo Wheeler Buried to day. I went with Jesse Earl. Very fine day. A good turnout. She was one of the oldest Pioneres of our Town and County. I think she came in 1833.

Aug 17 – Jim and Cora[98] went up to Scots.[99] Nice weather. Not much work but chores.

Aug 18 – At home all day. Will Clark was here awhile just at night. Mrs Streator called a while. Jim and Cory went up to the Lake. He drove Bill.[100]

Aug 19 – Jim and Cory went to Shelbyville Corys home. J. T. Allerton thrashed his wheat and oats. M. Milham done the job.

Aug 20 – Sarah and I went down to Katharines old home she no there. Jim came back from Shelby.

Aug 21 – Sent money to Hellen.[101] Jim and Will Clark started for Chicago on the Two twenty two run P.M. in the afternoon of that day. Hannah sewing at Mr Frank Crossfields.[102]

Aug 22 – At work on roller. Warm and dry. Not very well in some places.

Aug 23 – Working on rooler. Nancy came over stay all night. Bes came over from Wills.

Aug 24 – Hot and dry. Nancy and Hannah sewing making over dress for Nancy. Nancy and Bes went home on the 9 10[?] Train P.M.

Aug 25 – D Harris[103] came this morning on 3 oclock train. Hannah went to Vick ville. Ed Harmon sold my wheelbarrow wood to D. $5.00.

Aug 26 – Worked on roller. Very warm and dry.

Aug 27 – Mercury in the 90s. Finished one roller. Ethan worked on Charley Towns moddle some.

Aug 28 – Mercury 93. Nancy and Lelah came up. I went over at noon got Lelah. Bot roap for Fan 5 feet 22¢. Hannah up to Mary Fishers at Scotts.

Aug 29 – Mercury 93 hot and dry. Not much work to day.

Aug 30 – Mercury 101 2 pm. Worked on roller. Very hot.

Aug 31 – Mercury 95 2 Pm. Worked on roller. Very hot and dry. Sarah went over to Towns. Ethan repaired Mr Randals melodeon. Lelah here.

Sep 1 – Mercury 94 3 PM. At home no one here. Advent Camp meeting in full blast on the north side of the river opposite our place. Commenced work for H. Cruttenden 43 yrs to day.[104]

Sep 2 – Mercury 93. Worked on roller staves. Very hot. Ethan cut some cornfodder.

Sep 3 – Mercury 95. Not very well to day. Hot and dry. Lelah here.

Sep 4 – Mercury 92. Put one roller in frame. Took Sarah and Lelah over to Lois. Ethan bound up the cornfodder. Rained in the night.

Sep 5 – Rainy morning had a nice shower. Went over to burg at noon. Sent package to Hellen. Hannah at Lois sewing for Mrs G Beach.

Sep 6 – Hot and dry Mercury 70. Not doing much. Ethan working for Knapp.

Sep 7 – Hot day. At work round as usual. Not do much. Corn drying up. Cut cornfodder. Nancy and Lelah went home on 9 oclock accommodation bobtail.

Sep 8 – Mercury very much high. At home. The camp meeting closed to day. Ed Harmon called here in Evening.

Sep 9 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill. Bot one bushel corn 45 cts. Hannah at Galushas. Recd letter from G.T.[105]

Sep 10 – At home. Not do much work. Nice weather very hot. Patty[106] left home[107] on 4.30 PM train.

Sep 11 – All right. Went over to burg at noon. Patty came on 2.22 train all right.

Sep 12 – Mercury 91. Not very well. Not much work. Hot and dry.

Sep 13 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Hannah went to Shelby ville.

Sep 14 – Working around work in shop some and garden.

Sep 15 – At home. No one came in to day. Very quiet for Sunday meeting. Folks no call to see Hannah.

Sep 16 – Hot and dry. Charleys men cutting corn. I dug some potatoes picked up some apples.

Sep 17 – Some cooler Mercury 58 pleasant some cool wind. Ethan went to Augusta after Rose James.[108] She came on the Olin Excursion Train. Cool Evening.

Sep 18 – The Olin Reunion at the M. E. Church to day. Big croud. I took Patty over to Lois. Oscar and Mary came on noon train. Nice day. They stayed all night.

Sep 19 – Oscar took Mary up to her mothers[109] in afternoon. He came back stayed all night. Cool morning some frost the first of the season.

Sep 20 – Pleasant day. Oscar went up to Mrs Bateys. Olin union had a dance at the rink.

Sep 21 – At home. Working around shop and garden.

Sep 22 – At home. No one here. Hannah at Hanks. She came down from Shelby ville.

Sep 23 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Rose went with him she went Rices.

Sep 24 – Patty and I went down to Katharines and Julias. Warm day. Mart repairing clover Huller.

Sep 25 – At home as usual. Not mutch going on. Pleasant some some ledle rainy.

Sep 26 – Repaired Marts concave. Ethan working for Charley Town. Mr Brown Died.[110] He lived on East Main St. front of Grove St Galesburg.

Sep 27 – Fine day. Drew two loads wood from the woods. Patty here.

Sep 28 – Mercury 77. Chored round. Drew one load wood. Very warm. Ina came over in afternoon. Ethan worked for C. Town.

Sep 29 – At home all day. No one here Except Pattsy and Rose and Hannah. Mr James Millham Dide about 12 oclock to night.[111]

Sep 30 – Went over to burg in morning. Patty, Rose and Hannah all here.

Oct 1 – Nice day. Ethan took Rose to Augusta and back. I took Hannah over to Mrs Thad Claps.[112] Mrs Gaffiny came home with me.

Oct 2 – Took Patty Kalamazoo. Went to Jesse Turners.[113] Fine day. Patty stayed with Nancy. I went home.

Oct 3 – Went to Kalamazoo on the way to Shelby ville. Got left. Stayed to Hanks. Very ____ day. Hank and I went up to the burg to attend Mary Schroders wedding.[114]

Oct 4 – Went up to Shelby ville on the 7.30 train.

Oct 5 – At Lous. D & Jay[115] went up to Bradley to the Ball play. Shelby team Beat the Bradley team very much bad.

Oct 6 – At the Harris House. D and I and Floyd went and found Jumbo. Got him home.

Oct 7 – At the Harris House all right. Cool wind. Went over to Jays a while in afternoon.

Oct 8 – Left Shelby ville on the Eigh Oclock run in morning. Came to Nancys stayed until night. Came up on the 5 oclock run.

Oct 9 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths. Theodore dug the potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 10 – Working around. Got 3 bags wheat over to Charley Towns. Took one bag over to mill.

Oct 11 – Hannah came home. I went over and got Nancy she stayed all night.

Oct 12 – Mercury 64. Took Nancy and Hannah over to burg this morning. Rainy warm.

Oct 13 – Mercury 40 nice pleasant morn. All at home. Cool East wind. Claud and Nancy came up here.

Oct 14 – Went over to the cemetry with Patty. Worked on roller some. Nice day very dry.

Oct 15 – Finished putting in the staves in roller. I am 76 yrs old to day.

Oct 16 – Put head on roller. Very nice weather. Took Patty over to Lois. Got one load wood down. Bot pants one Dollar.

Oct 17 – Put rooler together. Worked around the yard and Barn. Patty and I went around the squair. Very nice weather.

Oct 18 – Worked on road all day. Nice weather. Went over to burg after Nancy at night.

Oct 19 – Worked on road in forenoon. Cut some grass for Bill. Ethan working for Charley Town. Took Nancy over to burg in morning.

Oct 20 – At home. Patty here. All well and feeling better.

Oct 21 – Washing as usual. No one here but de famle.[116]

Oct 22 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo after Frank and Hat.[117] Lois drove the rig over in morning for them. They had Bill Olmsted and surrey.

Oct 23 – Took Patty over to Lois in morning. She stayed all day.

Oct 24 – Ethan, Frank, Hattie and Hannah went over to Lois.

Oct 25 – Patty, Frank and family started for home on the 3.00 PM train. Nancy came over stayed all night.

Oct 26 – Took Nancy over this morning. I went up to Theodores got pump put it in well at the house.

Oct 27 – Mercury 39 in morning. At home. No one here but what belongs here. Ed came down. Ho__ got some bark of the appletree.

Oct 28 – Very fine day. I made crosshead for Theodore. Hannah went down to Mrs Summers to make um dress for Cal. She had nothing to wear to church but her night gown. Mrs Cooley called to see Hannah.

Oct 29 – Got sweet corn into the barn. Husked some.

Oct 30 – Took Sarah over to Mr Ralphs and Blakes. Cool day. Carried Neal Commings dress over to her. Mr Edmons Auction to day.

Oct 31 – Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Kalamazoo. Lois came over in forenoon I took her home at night. Some ledle rain not much.

Nov 1 – Rainy day. No work out to day. Nancy Hart came up as usual stayed to Lois all night.

Nov 2 – Chored round all day. Ethan repaired Mr Towns clock and Mrs Randals sewing machine. Hanks folks went up to Will Browns stayed all night. Let Herb Earl have $1.00 for Hannah.

Nov 3 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went up to Will Browns. Hanks folks came here stayed all night.

Nov 4 – Hanks folks went home on the Eight 20 run. Hannah went up to John Blakes to sewing. Mrs R. G. Smith went with her. Sally and I washed.

Nov 5 – Went down to Katharines. Pleasant cold wind. Mart thrashing for D. C. Read on portage st Kalamazoo.

Nov 6 – Mercury 26. Picked up some brush in orchard and fixed up cellar windows. Ethan went over to burg in morning and Evening.

Nov 7 – Drew two loads wood. Rained. Went to Mill. Bot Shoes $2.00.

Nov 8 – Rainy day. Not much work to day. Ethan went over to burg in morning. Husked some corn. Bill out in lot now days. Nancy came over.

Nov 9 – Mercury 45 some rainy. Worked in corn house cleaning up getting ready to put in the corn. Took Nancy over to burg in Morning.

Nov 10 – Mercury 40. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Nice warm day for this season of the year. Will and Clara Caywood[118] called here.

Nov 11 – Mercury 44. The two Hannahs went to J. C. Blakes this morning. Nice day. Patched the roof to the corn house ___. Mr Daniels called here. Mrs Olmsted called here just at night.

Nov 12 – Mercury 56. Patching corn house roof. Rainy afternoon. Sarah went over to burg in afternoon to Em Ralphs and Barbers. Sam White Died to day.[119]

Nov 13 – Mercury 50. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day to see West.[120] I went up to Herbs got Hannahs ticket. Not very cold. Put some shingles on corn House.

Nov 14 – Mercury 39. Ethan got home at noon. Some stormy cool wind. Charley drew one load corn put it in corn House. Some snow in the air. Sam White buried to day.

Nov 15 – At work in barn some. Went over to burg after Lou and children. Nancy came over in Evening stayed all night.

Nov 16 – Took Nancy over to burg this morning. Put some shingles on cornhouse.

Nov 17 – Ethan went over after Lois she came over had to go home. Luke Smiths folks came down.

Nov 18 – Rainy day. Washing day. Ethan cut some wood up in woods.

Nov 19 – Mercury 46. Drew two loads wood. Went over to burg in morning after Lois she stayed all day. Bot broom 80¢. Em Ralph brot the chickens.

Nov 20 – Mercury 45. Quite nice and warm for fall weather. Not very well. Ethan chopping. No work but chores. Some misty.

Nov 21 – Mercury 44. Took Lou over to Mrs Ralphs. Sarah went over to Fan Towns. Hiram[121] came on noon train. Hannah up to Gates sewing.

Nov 22 – Mercury 41. Hannah to Galushas. Cold rainy day verry rough day. Stell and Mary Milham came down in afternoon. Nancy came over at night. L Carson Died to night.[122]

Nov 23 – Mercury 41 pleasant day. E. took Nancy over to burg. Hi[123] not very well. Hiram left on 2.15 train. Ethan took Lou over to Em Ralphs in afternoon. Ed Harmon and _____ went cademy of theater at Kalamazoo.

Nov 24 – Mercury 47 pleasant but cold north wind. Ethan and Lou went over to Lois.

Nov 25 – Mercury 42. Lou went to Kalamazoo on 2.15 train. Charley Clark came on the morning train. Mr Alonzo Carson Buried to day. Clark stayed all night.

Nov 26 – Mercury 25. Charley went home on 7.20 train. Ethan worked for Dell putting in storm doors. I went up to E. P. Flanders got five Bushels apples. Snowed like blazes. Charley drew the cornfodder to day.

Nov 27 – Mercury 33 Snow ten inches deep this morning. Not do much to day. Some sleighs running to day.

Nov 28 – Mercury 27. At home all day. Not go down to Nancys to Thanksgivum. Ethan went over to burg sent letter to Aylmer.[124] Some sleighs running not much sleighing.

Nov 29 – Mercury 18 some cloudy sun shows through some. Hannah up to the Flanders farm. Bess here. Nancy came over stayed all night.

Nov 30 – Mercury __7. Ethan took Nancy over to burg in morning. He drawed wood on sleigh the first sleighing of the season. Nancy and Bes went home on Evening train. Hannah came home.

Dec 1 – Mercury 23 in morning. At home. Hannah went over to Flangers[Flanders] in Evening. Some sleighing. Took top of Jims violin.

Dec 2 – Mercury 44. Washing and doing chores. Hannah at Galushas to day goes to E. P. Flanders this Evening. C. A. Town[125] paid Ethan $10 Dollars cash. No sleighing snow going off.

Dec 3 – Mercury 33. Put some stifning in Jims violin top. Went up to Herbs and Jesses. Frank sawing. Theodore gone to Kalamazoo.

Dec 4 – Mercury 21. Went up to Herbs got 70 heads cabbage $1.00. Exchanged some corn with Jesse Earl.

Dec 5 – Mercury 36. Mr Mitchel came after Hannah. Shelled some corn fo to take to mill. Eva Moore called here to get her chart.

Dec 6 – Mercury. Took Sarah over to A. Hoags[126] in forenoon. Very pleasant day sun shone all day. Filed buck saw for Charley Town 25¢. Paid Tax $54 cents. Jefferson Davis Died to day.[127]

Dec 7 – Mercury. At work around house and barn. Took Nancy over to burg in morning. Nice day no snow.

Dec 8 – Mercury 60 very nice day. D Harris came this morning stayed all day. Hannah went to Scotts this Evening to Mrs J Richardsons.

Dec 9 – Mercury 55. Washed the big bed coverlets. Very fine day. Cull drew some cornfodder. Set hitching post south of the house.

Dec 10 – Mercury 44 rainy day some thunder and lightning in Evening. Went over to burg in afternoon. The Rink stood in front of the Rank and Post office on Pearl st.

Dec 11 – Mercury 42 very nice day. Went over to burg in morning. Took 2 bushels wheat to Mill. They turned the corner of Pearl and Battlecreek sts with the Rink.

Dec 12 – Mercury 40. Went down to Marts to Mill. Took some corn got meal for house use. Clara came home with me she stayed all night. Fine day.

Dec 13 – Mercury 42. Sarah and Clara went over to Lois. I went up to Herbs to see Jo Smith about chopping. Charley commenced sowing rye.

Dec 14 – Mercury 34. Lee sowing rye. I not very well. Ethan working on Edwins moddle. Clara took Sarah over to Fannys. Some sprinkle not much.

Dec 15 – Mercury 32. At home. George came up after Clara. Not very cold. E. E. Thresher, John Thresher and Mr Chesebrow came over to see moddle traction Engine went East in forenoon went to Climax.

Dec 16 – Mercury 44. Washing day. Not very well to day. Ethan finished Threshers moddle took it over in Evening. Some rainy day. Herbs girl Born this Morning 7 oclock.[128]

Dec 17 – Mercury 44 in morning rainy this morning. Chored round house and barn. 46 in Evening.

Dec 18 – Mercury 46 in morning. Took Ethan over to burg in morning he went to Kalamazoo. Jo Smith cut grubs to day. Nice day for winter.

Dec 19 – Mercury 35. Went over got Hannahs cloak in morning. Jo chopping. Elva Cross field here in Evening. Frank came down. Rained all night.

Dec 20 – Mercury 40 rainy morning. Jo no come to day.

Dec 21 – Mercury. Jo chopping. Nice day. He finished cutting grubs. I went over to burg in morning to see about the picture —– which Nancy selected one. Ethan went over in Evening.

Dec 22 – At home. No one here. Went over the river found the whip[?] on the hill north of the bridge in the mud. Ed Harmon here in Evening.

Dec 23 – Not much work to day. Ethan drawed wood. Took Hannah down to Caywoods in morning. Went over to burg got picture.

Dec 24 – Mercury 44 in morn very warm nice day. Ethan finished drawing the wood. I worked in shop some on violin put on finger board. Mercury 64 at night. Agness Smith Married.[129]

Dec 25 – Mercury. Went over to burg in morning. Lois came home with me. Bot sack Buck Wheat flour 33 lbs. Lelah came this Evening. Bot my 1890 Diary 25 cts.

Dec 26 – Went up to mill got load sawdust some lumber of Mr Crossfield 30 feet. Fixed the well at the House.

Dec 27 – Mercury 25. Took Hannah over to Commings. Worked on window for the well room made the sash. Got Lelahs package. Lois at Nancys. Got Ha_____ package from Perry.[130]

Dec 28 – Worked window some and platform strut up the well room.

Dec 29 – Put in the stops inside. Lelah here.

Dec 30 – Put outside stops on outside of window. Fixed inside of the room some. Mr C Durkee Killed on the railroad track just west of A. Cars place.[131]

Dec 31 – Not verry well to day. Expected to went to Kalamazoo to day but no go. Ina, Lelah and Bes here.

Memoranda.
Dimensions of my violin top
Length of Bas Bar ____ inches
2 in fron lower End
2 ¼ from upper End
General Thickness 1/8 in
under right hand side of B. Bar 1/8 and 1/16[?]
And diminish Each way to 1/8 in
Heith of B. Bar under Bridge 5/16

Henrys[132] Number
335 Miner Avenue
Stocten California
USA

——-

[1] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] Mercury reading

[3] His son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Brown

[4] Hank’s mother, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[5] His grandson, William Clark

[6] Michigan death records confirm that Alice Williams, age 22, died in Pavilion, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan and an accompanying obituary states she died of Typhoid Fever

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

[8] His daughter and granddaughter, Lois (Keith) Clark and Ina Skinner

[9] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[10] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[11] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris, and her children, LaVerne and Floyd Harris

[12] James Milham was the half-brother of Martin Milham, who was the husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[13] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[14] Neighbor, Frances Towne

[15] His son-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, known as D.

[16] Above zero

[17] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

[18] Either Hiram Crawford Jr. or Henry Clay Crawford; both of whom were brothers of his wife Sarah

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[22] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph, wife of William Ralph, and D. Harris’ aunt

[23] Hank Brown’s cousin

[24] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[25] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[26] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[27] Luke often uses silly words in his diaries; in this case, making music on the guitar and fiddle

[28] Records of Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan shows that John C. Perkins was interred there on January 17, 1889

[29] Lucius C. West, patent attorney in Kalamazoo

[30] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s son-in-law

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[32] Neighbor, Cullen Albert Towne, Fanny Towne’s brother

[33] A plane having cutters designed to make the tongues and grooves on the edges of boards so they fit tightly together

[34] Willis Brown, Hank’s brother

[35] Neighbor, Charles Ford

[36] After her daughter, Lucy (Lee) Milham, died in 1884, Catherine took care of the children. The three youngest girls would be Nina (9), Gertrude (7) and Lavinia (6) Milham

[37] His cow

[38] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[39] Michigan marriage records show that Blanch Olin married Charles White in Galesburg, Michigan on February 21, 1889

[40] Sophia (Beckwith) Lay. FindAGrave.com shows that she died February 26, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[41] Stephen Comfort, his wife Sarah’s uncle (see March 3^rd entry)

[42] Theodore & Alice (Vandercook) Earl and Alice’s ten-year-old son from a previous marriage, Claude Seeley

[43] Herbert & Luella (Farr) Earl and their two-year-old son, Royal

[44] Frank & Elva (Earl) Crossfield and their five-year-old daughter, Ethel. Theodore, Herbert & Elva were the children of Jesse & Mary “Polly” (Clapp) Earl

[45] Leroy, New York

[46] Michigan marriage records show that Addie Russell married Harry Burroughs in Galesburg, Michigan on March 6, 1889

[47] Believe he is referring to his grandson, Claude Brown. At the time Claude was 14 years old and later became a professional commercial artist

[48] Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders. FindAGrave.com confirms that she died March 11, 1889; she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[49] His daughter and her husband, Lois & Adelbert “Del” Skinner

[50] Neighbor, Albert Towne

[51] FindAGrave.com shows that Anna Maria (Elsworth) Freer died March 17, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[53] His son, James Clinton Keith

[54] Neighbors, Charles & Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[55] According to FindAGrave.com, Hannah Streator (Matthews) Tuttle died March 20, 1889 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galeburg, Michigan

[56] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[57] Ray and Perry Brown

[58] Prudence (Lamb) Dibble; according to FindAGrave.com she died March 22, 1889 and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[59] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Lou’s family lived

[60] His late mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[61] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

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

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

[64] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[65] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith, the wife of his nephew Oscar Keith

[66] One of his farm animals

[67] Michigan death records confirm that Ann Eliza (Shafter) Decker died April 12, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Shafter Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[68] The Keith Family Bible shows that “Wesley Keith” was Luke’s adopted brother. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Goddard, Kansas

[69] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[70] His cousin

[71] FindAGrave.com shows that Mary (Allerton) Plank died April 30, 1888, not 1889, and that she is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Anoka, Minnesota

[72] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[73] Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham

[74] Mary (Stedman) Clapp, the wife of Edwin M. Clapp. FindAGrave.com shows she died May 16, 1889 in Detroit, Michigan and that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[75] See obituary at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2019/12/23/obituary-of-catherine-keith-bradley-lee

[76] Martin Milham, Catherine’s son-in-law

[77] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker

[78] The daughters of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham; James and Martin were half-brothers

[79] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[80] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford and her daughter, Blanche Crawford, who were the wife and daughter of Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[81] Bobtail train run

[82] Jessie Crawford, Katherine & Hiram Crawford’s daughter

[83] George Tomlinson, the husband of his niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[84] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[85] Cyrus Streator and Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator. It is believed that Cyrus was the brother of Laura’s late husband, Marius Streator; research continues

[86] Andrew B. & Frances Spinney

[87] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

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

[89] Believe this should be “Nell and Streator,” which would be Nellie (Underwood) Stanford and her cousin, Henry “Harry” D. Streator

[90] His grandniece, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham (see also footnote to May 18^th entry)

[91] His grandson, Charles Clark

[92] His grandson, Claude Brown

[93] Jackson, Michigan

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

[95] According to the 1880 census, Hannah was the sister of Luke’s neighbor, Joseph Flanders. Luke often referred to the parents of a family member, or of a neighbor, as Aunt or Uncle

[96] FindAGrave.com shows that Frederick Hawver died August 8, 1899 and is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

[97] FindAGrave.com shows that Ethelinda (Tubbs) Wheeler died August 14, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan, and is buried in Ford Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[99] Scotts, Michigan

[100] His horse

[101] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of his late sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[102] (See footnote to March 4^th entry)

[103] His son-in-law, Daniel Harris

[104] His first wife was Jerusha Crittenden (also spelled Cruttenden). She had a brother by the name of Henry Crittenden, so perhaps that is who Luke is referring to

[105] George Tomlinson (see footnote to June 11^th entry)

[106] His sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[107] Patty was living with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion & George Tomlinson

[108] Roselia James. Rose lived in Charlestown, Ohio, and the future wife of Luke’s cousin, Edward Wolcott

[109] Eliza “Betsy” (Olds) Batey

[110] Thomas Brown. Michigan death records confirm that he died September 26, 1889 in Comstock, Michigan

[111] While the Michigan death records show his date of death as October 1, 1889, FindAGrave.com has his date of death as September 29, 1889 which agrees with Luke’s entry

[112] Mary (Sherwood) Clapp

[113] His maternal first cousin

[114] Michigan marriage records show that Mary Schroder married Lester Carson in Galesburg, Michigan on October 3, 1889

[115] D Harris’s brother, Jay Harris

[116] “The family”

[117] His grandnephew and his wife, John “Frank” and Harriet (Root) Tomlinson

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

[119] Michigan death records confirms that Charles White died November 12, 1889 in Charleston, Michigan

[120] Lucius C. West, patent attorney in Kalamazoo

[121] His brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[122] Michigan death records show that Alonzo Carson, age 32, died of Typhoid in Ross, Michigan on November 24, 1889 (not the 22^nd as Luke wrote) and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[123] Hiram Crawford’s nickname

[124] Luke had a cousin by the name of Aylmer Lot Keith; perhaps this is to whom he is referring

[125] Cullen Albert Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[126] Abel Hoag; Abel’s wife, Sarah “Jane” (Mason) Hoag, and Luke’s wife Sarah were good friends

[127] Jefferson Finis Davis served as the president of the Confederate States from 1861 to 1865

[128] Michigan birth records show that Mary Earl was born in Comstock, Michigan on December 16, 1889 to Herbert & Luella (Farr) Earl

[129] Michigan marriage records show that Agnes Smith married Edward Wilber in Battle Creek, Calhoun County, Michigan

[130] Perry, New York

[131] Michigan death records show that Zerah C. Durkee, age 49, was killed by a train engine in Comstock, Michigan on December 30, 1889 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[132] His son, Henry L. Keith

Luke Keith’s 1882 Diary

 1882 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1] 

Jan 1 – Aron Vandusen called here. We all went over to Hanks.

Jan 2 – Shelled corn and carried it to mill.

Jan 3 – Choped and drawed wood. About two inches snow. Jim[2] & Will Brown[3] went to Kalamazoo. Bot this Diary 35 cts.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day Mercury 5 Abz[4] in morning. Jim commenced choping for Hank.[5] Went over to burg[6] got potatoes $1.00. Sarah[7] found five Dollars. Cold windy day.

Jan 5 – Husked corn. Cold day. Jim chopping. No sleighing but very little snow on ground.

Jan 6 – Went down to Mrs Browns[8] got three bushels wheat carried it to mill paid $2.50. Not much work to day. Herb Earl[9] brot down a piece of Elm for hoop to his billiard board.

Jan 7 – Went over to burg after grist. Hanks folks[10] came over stayed all night. Rainy night. Solomon Youngs Died to day.[11]

Jan 8 – Rainy day. Hank & Nancy went up to Scots[12] to see Mrs Powers. I carried Hannah[13] down to Katharines.[14] Very windy day.

Jan 9 – Chored round. Husked some cut some wood.

Jan 10 – Worked on Herbs biliard table worked 4¼ Hours. Jim went down and got his Books. Snowed like fun[15] in afternoon. Jim went over to the Lyceum[16] in Evening.

Jan 11 – Cut and drawed three Loads wood. Worked in shop some. The slides came for Earls Table.

Jan 12 – Worked in shop on Billiards Table. Turned some for Theodore.[17] Turned two boxes split one. Jim and Charley Camp chopping down to Browns. Some sleighing. About 3 inches snow on ground.

Jan 13 – Went up to sawmill got huing block. Went over to burg to carry Nancys dress. Worked 6½ hours on Herbs Biliard Board. Rained some.

Jan 14 – Husked some chored round worked some on Earls board 1 Hour. Harry and Nell[18] here in Evening.

Jan 15 – Not very cold mercury 40 Abz in morning. Ethan[19] and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Jan 16 – Painted Herbs Board. Chored round. Not work much. Jim chopping with Rial French up to Win Fords. Clarrissa Turner Died this Evening.[20]

Jan 17 – Cold day. Painted Board over again finished turning the cues. Fanny Town[21] came over this afternoon a while.

Jan 18 – Worked in shop. Took table to pieces. Jesse Earl[22] came down a while. Boardman Chipman called here with one of Cate Isherwoods girls. James Ralph Died to night.[23]

Jan 19 – Went to Kalamazoo to Attend Clarrissa Turners Funeral. Fine day. Saw Jane Robinson, Silva Johnson and her two children. Charles and Rheoba got cutter (shoe $1.14 cts.

Jan 20 – Worked in shop. Made machine for striking an Elipsis. Very nice day not much snow on ground. Theodore brot Blackwalnut rail to repair table with.

Jan 21 – Made Axhelves[24] for Jim. Not very cold. Ethan and Jim got down some wood.

Jan 22 – At home all day. Very cold and blustring considerable like winter.

Jan 23 – Went over to burg in morning. Mrs Betts[25] went over. Painted Herbs board over. Went over to Burg in Evening. Took cutter over to get shoes put on.

Jan 24 – Worked on table 6½ Hours. Went over to burg in Evening got Bottle ink. Sent papers to George Tomlinson.[26] Mercury 2 Abz in morning. Sent papers to George.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop on Table 7½ Hours. Rained most all day. Hannah went up to Mr Earls to sewing.

Jan 26 – Worked in shop on table. Rainy day Mercury 53 Abz no snow. Mr Holmes Buried to day.[27] Austin Odell Buried to day.[28] Very muddy High wind this Evening.

Jan 27 – Went over to burg in morning bot oil and cake soap. Very nice day. Worked two Hours on Table. Herb came down. Mr Knapp came over here. Ethan went over to burg in afternoon. Harry called here.

Jan 28 – Worked on Table. Painted Herbs Board. Went down to Katharines. Cold wind. I got hurt. Wind blowed Barn Door against me hurt me good deal some.

Jan 29 – Came home at night. Broke Buggy spring. Cold west wind. Lucy[29] came up after Hannah.

Jan 30 – No work to day. Very lame. Pleasant day no snow on ground. Jim chopping for Hank. Jim joined the Templers this Evening.

Jan 31 – Pleasant day this morning. Worked on Board 1½. Herb brot some Turnips and carrots. No snow.

Feb 1 – Mercury 40 Abz. No work to day. Nice sunny day no snow nice october weather. Jim helping Harry Hall clover to day. Fine day for February first.

Feb 2 – No work to day lame as ever. Fine pleasant day no signs of snow nice fall weather. Ethan and Jim gone over to burg this Evening to Strait and Barber about patenting his machine.[30]

Feb 3 – Very Pleasant day. Worked on Table 6½ Hours. Jim went to mill got 1½ of wire Brown one bushel and half. Ethan went over to burg carried 2½ bushels wheat to mill.

Feb 4 – Worked some on Table. Very fine day. I am quite lame yet.

Feb 5 – At home all day. Pleasant as June.

Feb 6 – Went to Kalamazoo to get moddle. Roads nice and dusty. Very warm for February.

Feb 7 – Mrs Betts went to Chicago. Nice day. Sarah went over to Nancys stayed all day. Ethan went over after her in Evening show to Winslow Opera House. Hank went to Three Rivers. Worked on Table 5½ Hours.

Feb 8 – Worked in shop on Table. Mr Taylor got our Sausage Grinder.

Feb 9 – Worked on Sub Treasury Box. Finished the cues to the Trivoli Board. Sarah went down to M. O. Streators[31] in the afternoon. Very pleasant nice day.

Feb 10 – Put pictures on board for Herb. Sarah went over to Fanny Towns. Very fine day good October weather. Jim chopping to Taylors. Harry here in Evening.

Feb 11 – Not much work to day. Went over to burg in morning got some violin Timber. Saw Mr Signor, Mate Ford[32] and Mary ___ter here in afternoon. Nice day Mercury 56 Abz.

Feb 12 – Warm Mercury 53 Abz. Went up to Mr Hardy. Very fine day. Had a Thunder shower in night.

Feb 13 – Worked on Table 5 Hours. Nice day. Herb got his Trivoli Board.

Feb 14 – Worked on Herbs Box. Very fine day. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night.

Feb 15 – Worked on Herbs Box. Mercury 57 Abz. Worked in shop with door open very comfortable. Ida Barber Married to day to C Ugene How Editor of Galesburg Express.[33]

Feb 16 – Worked some on Box. Very fine day Mercury 52. Sarah came home this Evening. Smoky some like Indian Summer. El Cary Died to day.[34]

Feb 17 – Turned two table legs. A little cooler no snow. Last Club Dance in the night. Mrs Dr Upjohn Died to day.[35]

Feb 18 – Finished Herbs Box. Some colder cold East wind. Nancy came over. Mr George Sumner Died this Evening.[36]

Feb 19 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Feb 20 – Chored round not much done. Rained some not very cold. Mrs Youngs called here.

Feb 21 – Worked on Table 6½ Hours just on the legs. Very blustrous snowed most all day very wintery. Mr Summer Buried to day. Mrs Youngs came here Stayed all night.

Feb 22 – Rough stormy day. Hank, Nancy, Jim and Lou went up to Scotts [Michigan] to a dance stayed all night.

Feb 23 – Young ones came home this morning. Not very cold snowed some. Nancy went down to Mrs Browns. Went over to Mill in afternoon.

Feb 24 – Went over to burg in morning got cutter fixed. Pleasant day not much sleighing. Carried Sarah, Mrs Brown and Nancy up to Mate Fords.

Feb 25 – Theodore came down in forenoon. Cleaned out shop in afternoon. Will Brown brot ash log for wiffletrees.[37] No sleighing snow most all gone.

Feb 26 – Not very cold no snow plenty wind. Lucy and Hellen[38] came up here.

Feb 27 – Worked on table some. Not very well some lame. Made rack for table leaves. Frank Tomlinsons Boy Born to day no live long.[39]

Feb 28 – Finished Table. Rainy day. Mrs Willard Mills Died at 12 Oclock to day.[40]

Mar 1 – Pleasant day mercury 60 Abz. Herb got Table. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns in afternoon. Mr Flanders[41] got croper tools.

Mar 2 – Jesse Earl paid me $9.00. Went to Kalamazoo to get Spring Mended. Jesse Earl went with me. Mrs Betts came home went over to Burg after Mrs Betts. Rial and Jim Chopping. Mrs Mills Buried.

Mar 3 – Chored round. Rial French choped with Jim.

Mar 4 – Theodore came down. Cut some washers for buggy. Rainy day.

Mar 5 – At home all day. Jim and Nancy went down to Marts.[42] Not very cold.

Mar 6 – Worked in shop made wiffletrees for Will Brown. Cool wind. Jim worked for Will Brown.

Mar 7 – Some cooler this morning no Snow.

Mar 8 – Worked in shop some glued dumb Bell together. Went over to burg bot pants 1.25. Ethan Turned heads for Charley Towns[43] Filter.

Mar 9 – Turned Dum bells. Rainy day rather cool. Dr Spinney Lecturing in Burg.

Mar 10 – Went down to Marts after Hannah. Took her over to burg. Mrs Betts went over with Mrs Brown.

Mar 11 – Went over to burg in afternoon girls all went to Lecture. Carried Jay Harris[44] pattern over. He paid 75 cts. Snowed in night.

Mar 12 – About two inches snow this morning. Went over to burg just at night. Took Hannah over brot Mrs Betts home. Very much muddy some.

Mar 13 – At home chored round worked in shop some. Sarah went over to Spinneys Lecture. Made stain.

Mar 14 – Made some stain to stain violin with. No good.

Mar 15 – About two inches snow. Went over to burg got some cochineal. Tried my luck a gain no get it right some no how. Jim went to work for Ed Flanders.[45]

Mar 16 – About two inches snow this morning Worked on violin some. Turned roller for Theodore $_____.

Mar 17 – Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns to quilting. Nancy, Mrs Betts, Hannah and Lou went. Theodore and Jim Bartlett came down. Turned Brass pipe.

Mar 18 – Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns to get quilt of. Mrs Siniska Tuttle Warren calld here.

Mar 19 – Ethan carried Hannah down to Katharines.

Mar 20 – Rainy day some. Swap Eggs with Patty[?] Earl. Saw Ciniska there.

Mar 21 – Hen commenced Sittin on the Earl Eggs. Snows and Blows quite hard.

Mar 22 – Around home choring some not much done. Went over to burg some.

Mar 23 – Worked round house and shop some. Not very well.

Mar 24 – Grubed out west garden along the road fence. Went over to burg in Evening to hear the Hurtt children sing.

Mar 25 – Went over to burg after Hannah Comfort.[46] Cold and snowey.

Mar 26 – At home all day. Hank and Nancy here. Rainy day. They stayed all night.

Mar 27 – Carried Nancy and children home in morning went over twice. Went down to Mrs Browns. No work some not much.

Mar 28 – Carried Katharine home in afternoon. Pleasant day. Smith Carleton and John Darling[47] making shugar sap run like fun.

Mar 29 – Carried Hannah over to Burg in morning. Chored round. Not very well hard cold.

Mar 30 – Rial French helped me draw wood. Cold wind.

Mar 31 – Made mallet for Allan Simmons.

Apr 1 – Chored round in forenoon. Grubed out Sassafras along the road West of garden. Ayres Raymond paid me 1.25 cts.

Apr 2 – Very warm day mercury 76 in shade at one o clock P.M.

Apr 3 – Went to Kalamazoo on Biz Niz. Fine Day. Jesse James the Train and Bank Robber Killed to day by Robert and Charles Ford[48] at St Joseph Missouri.

Apr 4 – Went over to burg to see D. Lamkin. Hen commenced setting on the Taylor Eggs. Will Brown commenced plowing for Oats. Rained all the afternoon and night.

Apr 5 – Rainy morning. Hannah Comfort went over to Nancys stayed all night. Dee Harris[49] came to day.

Apr 6 – Hannah Comfort started for home[50] this morning.

Apr 7 – Worked on box some. Ethan went over to burg. Charles P. Galligan Brot up to Galesburg and Buried.[51]

Apr 8 – Worked on Box put some Irons on side boards. Rainy.

Apr 9 – Jim went over brot Emma Allen[52] over. I went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Albert Chase buried to day.[53]

Apr 10 – Worked in west garden raked up weeds and leaves burnt up the weeds and leaves.

Apr 11 – Worked in garden cleaned out sage roots.

Apr 12 – Worked in shop some on Box. Louese Married to day.[54] Fine day. Mr Van Blake came over in Evening. Carried Sarah over to Law Suit.

Apr 13 – Went over to Burg in morning. Worked in shop on Box. Will Brown plowing south lot for Oats.

Apr 14 – Worked on wagon Box some. Very nice day.

Apr 15 – Finished Box. Will Sowed the Oats. Lois and Ina[55] came on the noon train.

Apr 16 – Lois came over this morning. Fine day.

Apr 17 – Went down to Caywoods with Lois. Went up to Mr Flanders got some potatoes. Jim came home in Evening to see Lou and D.D.

Apr 18 – Went over to burg in morning with Trunk. D.D. and Lou started for Phoenix Northern Michigan in the copper mines.[56]

Apr 19 – Worked round some in shop in garden. Rainy and very windy.

Apr 20 – Some cold rainy and very windy some not much. Painted wagon box.

Apr 21 – Finished Wills Box. Fine pleasant day. Will plowed some. Lois went over to Nancys. Found calf in Barn this morning.

Apr 22 – Went over to Burg in morning carried Mrs Betts over. Will plowing. Very windy. Will got his Box. Cold bad day to be out. Lois went home[57] to day.

Apr 23 – At home all day. Went over to burg at night after Mrs Betts. Got 4 four bushels clover Seed of Mr Flanders.

Apr 24 – Dick Lamkins came over. Got out manure. Went over at noon with Hannah. She went to Vicksburg. Mrs Mary Crawford Died to day.[58] Dick had one bag corn.

Apr 25 – Dick and Boy drawing manure. Let Dick have one bag corn and fifty cents cash.

Apr 26 – Went down to M O Streators got some Turnips. Went over to burg in afternoon. Rained some.

Apr 27 – Sowed Clover seed on wheat lot south west. Mary Crawford Buried to day. Pleasant day. H. M. Shafter Died This Evening.[59]

Apr 28 – Finished Sowing clover Seed. Cold wind.

Apr 29 – Not much work to day. H. M. Shafter Buried to day. Cold wind in afternoon.

Apr 30 – At home all day. Nancy came over. Dick got bag corn.

May 1 – Worked round. Cold wind. Made some stove Boat[?]. Got some Rasberry roots of H. A. Taylor.

May 2 – Worked on Oats violin 2 Hours. Carried 1½ Bu corn to Mill.

May 3 – Pleasant day. Worked on violin. Let Dick have one Bag Corn. Went over to burg with Ed Flanders. See _____. Oscars Katey Died this Morning.[60] Rainy night.

May 4 – Rainy day. Went down to Mrs Browns in morning. Went over to burg in afternoon. Rainy got some wet. Planted potatoes in East garden.

May 5 – Nancy and Matilda Brown here. Cold wind. Planted some corn in west garden. Charley Town commenced planting to day.

May 6 – Went up to Scots after Hannah. Rained and hailed some.

May 7 – Went down to Katharines. All well. No rain.

May 8 – Went up to Mr Jo Flanders got 2½ bushels potatoes. Harry and Jo Darling plated and Harrowed corn ground. Charley Atkins Rolled East lot. Had a heavy rain.

May 9 – Went up to Mr Flanders got ½ bushel climax potatoes. Harry Draged and marked corn ground.

May 10 – Chored round. Some rainy day.

May 11 – Not much done. Cold rainy day. Wind North East.

May 12 – No work. Cold rainy day. Wind North East. Went over to burg in afternoon.

May 13 – Went over to Burg in morning to carry Hannahs cloak and Rubbers[?] over. Cold and rainy. North wind. Charley Camp Planting corn.

May 14 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Cold north East wind.

May 15 – Planted corn in west Lot. Harry, Oscar Darling, Ethan and meselfe soing Be Jabbers.[61] Will Brown sold Caty here in my yard for $90 Dollars. Swap Eggs with Fanny Town. Set hen.

May 16 – Put in back _____ Handle for Theodore. Got 12 bolts of Theodore. Pleasant day. Ethan and Hannah papering. Planted some potatoes. Thysa Youngs stayed here all night.

May 17 – Finished planting potatoes. Warm nice day.

May 18 – Hoed some in garden. Chored round generally.

May 19 – Worked round garden some. Went over to burg. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night.

May 20 – Went over to burg in morning after Sarah. Went over at noon to help Hank. He had got floor laid.

May 21 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg in morning to church to hear the gospel preached.

May 22 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Put in shelves in pantry. Hanks folks moving. Patty[62] came to day on noon train.

May 23 – Went over to burg got Pattys Trunk. Cold wind. No corn up yet not much.

May 24 – Frost this morning and some ice. Went over to burg. Mrs Browns Horses gone. Will had Bill[63] to find them. Carried Patty down to Katharines. Cold west wind. Had Jesse Earls ______ seat.

May 25 – Pleasant morning. Worked on violin some.

May 26 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Put up shelf for Nancy. Finished Oats violin. Rainy night.

May 27 – Rainy day. No work to day out side.

May 28 – Went down to Katharines to see Patty and all the rest. Fine day.

May 29 – Warm day. Put the cow into Theodores Pasture. Planted cranberry Beans in west garden. Hoed some corn in East garden.

May 30 – Hoed potatoes. Fine day. Edwin Flanders brot some lumber for his rack. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Betts went over to Burg.

May 31 – Rained some in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in forenoon to carry letter and paper to Patty. Went over to Hanks fixed Screen doors. Mr Josiah Loveland Buried to day.[64]

Jun 1 – Went over to burg. Finished Hanks doors in forenoon. Harry cultivated corn. I hoed some in garden.

Jun 2 – Rainy day some. Cut out some stuf for Eds Rack 3 Hours. Rained all night.

Jun 3 – Rainy day. Not much work to day. Ethan carried Mrs Betts over to Burg to conveniest meeting.

Jun 4 – Rainy and cold wind.

Jun 5 – Cut out stuf for Eds Rack. Hoed some.

Jun 6 – 45 Years to day Started for Michigan.[65] Bot gold ring of __. Clark Batai___ worked on road north of corners. Fine day.

Jun 7 – Worked on road. Warm day west wind all day. Ethan went down to Katharines to carry Pattys mail.

Jun 8 – Worked on road in forenoon. Cut weeds. Hoed some in garden.

Jun 9 – Worked round garden some. Nells Baby Died to day noon[?].[66]

Jun 10 – Hoed garden and chored round.

Jun 11 – At home. Alvin and his Mother[67] came up. Patty and Katharine came up here.

Jun 12 – Went over to burg in morning. Hoed garden and chored round.

Jun 13 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. Went back got mail.

Jun 14 – Worked on Rack and Box some. Old cow out. Went to Burg.

Jun 15 – Went up to Mr Ralphs to see rack. Carried Patty over to burg. Went over to burg in Evening. Sold lot Iron to Dick Lamkin. I came to Comstock Forty Five Years to day.

Jun 16 – Went over to burg in morning after Patty. Hatty and Frank[68] came to day. Katharine came up with them.

Jun 17 – Frank and Hat left for home. Not much _____ work to day.

Jun 18 – Patty and I went down to Katharines. Sarah Sick. Mr Hoover Died in night.[69]

Jun 19 – Carried Pattys Trunk over to Burg in morning. Went over at noon with Patty. She left for home on 12.30 train.

Jun 20 – Worked in shop some. Hoed some.

Jun 21 – Hoed East garden. Worked in shop some not much. Mr Hoover buried. Hot day.

Jun 22 – Went up to Mr Flanders in morning put cleats on box. Went over to burg in afternoon got some bolts and screws. Drayton Smith called here in afternoon. Very Hot 96 Abz.

Jun 23 – Cloudy and warm after the rain. Worked in shop on Rack.

Jun 24 – Worked in shop on Eds Stock Rack. Some rain in afternoon had a thunder shower in night.

Jun 25 – At home all day. Jim carried Mrs Betts over to Burg in morning. Jim and Charley Camp went up to York ville to see Gull Lake.

Jun 26 – Went over to Burg in morning after Box irons no get him. Went over at noon got some. Bot violin string of Wilson 25¢. Worked on box some.

Jun 27 – Warm morning. Went over to Burg Sarah went over. Ethan carried Mrs Betts down to Mrs Browns. Ida Barber How moved to Lansing.

Jun 28 – Worked in shop on Rack. Hot day.

Jun 29 – Will Brown commenced cutting clover in East Lot. Ethan and Mrs Betts Crawford Comfort went down to Katharines. Rained in night.

Jun 30 – Guiteaus a____ Rainy morning. Put Rack together. Mr Fisher Brot Hannah home. Big Necktye[?] Social at Washington.

Jul 1 – Worked in shop on Rack. Ethan took Mrs Betts over to Burg.

Jul 2 – At home all day. No one here.

Jul 3 – Worked on Rack. Mr Flanders came down. Had a shower in afternoon. Commenced painting Rack.

Jul 4 – Finished Rack put it on wagon. A. Hoag, Mary Mason and Mrs Hale called here. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Frank Austins Boy died to day.[70]

Jul 5 – Worked round shop and garden. Mr Flanders got the Rack.

Jul 6 – Went over to Burg in morning Brot Nancy over. Marion and Nell Bristol[71] came over here. Fred Austin Buried to day. Will Drawed in hay. Old cow out found her at ______ Barn.

Jul 7 – Will cutting and drawing hay. Had a shower in afternoon. Will Wightman Buried to day.[72]

Jul 8 – Rainy Day. Went up to Marshall to see Lois and the rest of the folks found them all well. Dell and I went to Ceresco in afternoon. Saw Mr Cole.

Jul 9 – At Skinners. Went over to Mrs Halls. Very Hot. Jimmy Goodrich Buried to day.[73]

Jul 10 – Went and saw Mr Coles folks in forenoon. Started for home ¼ past one P.M. go home about seven P.M. all right.

Jul 11 – Ethan took Hannah up to Em Ralphs.[74] He went to the burg. Will finished drawing hay in forenoon.

Jul 12 – Some rainy. Got 110 plants of Herb Earl. Turned 8 pins for Ayres Raymond 15 for Harry Streator.

Jul 13 – Chored round. Hoed some in garden &c.[75] Show in burg in Evening.

Jul 14 – Show went up the Hill[?]. Chored round. Hoed some in garden.

Jul 15 – Turned 35 pins for Jim Milham,[76] Orrin Knapp and John Culver. Cut wheat on hill south of corn.

Jul 16 – Mrs Abraham Lincoln Died to day. Carried Mrs Betts over to burg to hear and see the gospel preached. Went after her at noon. Charly Town commenced cutting wheat cross the road. Turned Fan and Bill in East Lot.

Jul 17 – Made soap in forenoon. Made fence East side of the Barn. Charly finished cutting this afternoon. Nice harvest weather dry not very hot.

Jul 18 – Hoed strawberries in the forenoon. Jim Milham got his pins. Put in cradle hinges[?] for Mr Flanders. Got Boards for door step.

Jul 19 – Hoed in garden some. Chored round. Mrs Abraham Lincoln Buried to day.

Jul 20 – Worked on door step some in afternoon. Will Brown drawed in the wheat.

Jul 21 – Finished Door step. Not very hot. Ethan went over to burg. Lelah[77] came home with him.

Jul 22 – Worked on Door frame some.

Jul 23 – At home all day. Ethan carried Hannah down to Katharines.

Jul 24 – Work on Door frame. Barber came over.

Jul 25 – Finished door frame put wire on. Went over to burg in Evening. Marion Bristol started for Massachusetts on one oclock train. Pet Beckwith married to night.[78]

Jul 26 – Very hot and dry. N. L. Randel[79] thrashing.

Jul 27 – Cut grass in orchard. Put paper on Mrs Betts room over head. Had a nice shower rained most of the night Thunder and Lightning.

Jul 28 – Put up Screen Door this morning. Chored round. Cow got out. Finished papering Mrs Betts room. Old cow went to Bull about 4 oclock P.M. sharp.

Jul 29 – Repaired cow poke. Old cow got out. Had a Divle of a time to get her. Found her up by Davis Staffords in Evening. Grange Meeting at Bert Staffords. Jesse Crawford[80] came.

Jul 30 – At home all day. Kept Fan in Barn all day. Ethan went down to Marts after Hannah.

Jul 31 – Cut hole into west Leanto attic. Rainy some rained some in night. Hannah went Down to Streators in Evening to make Dress for Mrs Streator.[81]

Aug 1 – Put frame into the Partition. Rainy afternoon warm. Ban Jacobs hors in pasture.

Aug 2 – Worked round shop and house. Sawed out violin tops. Rained in night.

Aug 3 – Put violin top together. Rainy day some. Not feeling very well.

Aug 4 – Cloudy some sprinkle not much. Cats came back this morning.

Aug 5 – Worked on violin top some. Nancy and children came over. Nel Bristol came over with them.

Aug 6 – Ed Flanders paid me $5.00. Rainy afternoon. Jim carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Jim went up to Jo Smiths in afternoon.

Aug 7 – Worked in shop some. Chored round. Some rainy.

Aug 8 – Went down to Mrs Browns got Horse and wagon. Went over to Burg got lumber to seel the west bedroom over head. Mr Kent commenced cutting the oats. Charley Town cutting Oats.

Aug 9 – Went over to Burg in morning got paint and paper for Bedroom. Mr Kent cutting oats. Some rain.

Aug 10 – Put on seeling. Kent finished cutting oats. Old Mr Patterson Died.[82] Cool wind cloudy.

Aug 11 – Repaired Bills Poke in morning.

Aug 12 – Finished putting on seeling. Worked in shop some. Florence and Boy called here in Evening.

Aug 13 – At home all day. Hank here to Breakfast. Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Ethan and Hannah went down to Mrs Browns.

Aug 14 – Went over to burg in morning after mortar no got some. Whittled some on violin neck. Charley Town thrashed his wheat. Austin Potts was de man.

Aug 15 – Went over to burg after mortar got him. Very hot. Got Barbers trowel.

Aug 16 – Put on mortar. Mary Flanders[83] and Florance came here. Mr Flanders here to tea.

Aug 17 – Painted some in west bedroom &c.

Aug 18 – Went over got oil. Painted seeling in west bedroom &c. Thysa Youngs and Daughter Elsie called here.

Aug 19 – Painted sash &c. Rained in afternoon. Went down to Katharines stayed all night.

Aug 20 – Went over to Mr Elwoods in fore noon with Mart came home at night.

Aug 21 – Painted seeling in west Bedroom. Whittled some on violin. Theodore and Orrin Schram drawed away the stone pile out by the Buggy House.

Aug 22 – Went over to burg got my new trowziz [trousers?]. Nell Bristol came over and helped paper the west Bedroom. Rained in the Evening warm rain.

Aug 23 – Cloudy 73 Abz in morning. Chored round. Worked in shop some. Florence came down just at night.

Aug 24 – Florence here. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Dr. Spinney. Florence went over to Nancys just at night. Bessy sick.

Aug 25 – Worked in shop some. Chored around some.

Aug 26 – Went over to burg in morning. No work to day. Hiram and family[84] came to day. Hite[85] sick.

Aug 27 – Hite some sick. Ethan gone after Nancy. Bessy sick she no come. Jim and Florence went up to Gull Lake. Edwin and Mary and children[86] went also.

Aug 28 – Hites folks started for home left here about ten A.M.

Aug 29 – At home. Chored round. Went down to Katharines in afternoon with Hannah. She went down to fit Clarras[87] dress.

Aug 30 – Choring around. Paint some.

Aug 31 – Went up to Mr Flanders carried some cucumber. Got some apples. Ed & Mary and Mabel went to Vicksburg to Pioneer Picknic. Nell Stanford[88] here.

Sep 1 – Carried Mrs Betts over to burg she went up to Augusta. Carried Sarah over in Evening she stayed all night. Paint some. Mrs Jones killed two Cats.

Sep 2 – Cut corn in garden. Painted seat to Mrs Jones.

Sep 3 – At home all day. Rained in afternoon.

Sep 4 – Hannah went to Mr Franklins. Mrs Betts came home from Augusta. I went over to burg after her.

Sep 5 – Chored around. Worked on Blackboard some. Fine weather. Edwin Flanders called here in Evening.

Sep 6 – Worked round shop some. Went over to burg. Worked on Green board some.

Sep 7 – Put cleats on Green board. Turned out box for Town pump at Galesburg.

Sep 8 – Ethan, Mrs Brown, Nancy, Hannah and Nell Bristol went over to Schoolcraft to Spiritualist Meeting.[89]

Sep 9 – Foggy. Worked round house. Painted Kitchen and some oder dings.[90]

Sep 10 – Foggy morning. At home all day. Ethan took Mrs Betts over to burg to hear the Gospel talked about.

Sep 11 – Commenced Topping corn. Fine warm day.

Sep 12 – Topping corn some. Fine day.

Sep 13 – Topping corn and choring round. Florence and her mother came here stayed all night. Edwin and Mary came down.

Sep 14 – Topping corn. Florence and mother went home over to burg in afternoon.

Sep 15 – Toped corn. Warm day very dry.

Sep 16 – Toped corn. Hot and dry. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Betts went over to Burg with Mr Bronson.

Sep 17 – Hank and Ethan went up to Edmon Chase[91] after crab Apples. They went with Bill. Very hot and dry.

Sep 18 – Worked in corn some. Fine day.

Sep 19 – Went over to burg. Got Hook made for stone boat.[92] Mr Taylor sick.

Sep 20 – Topt some corn. Chored round.

Sep 21 – Topt corn put in stack[?]. A. R.[93] and Lois came stayed all night. Will Brown thrashed wheat and oats had 48 Bushels wheat 60 bushels oats.

Sep 22 – A. R. went to _____. Ethan went down and got Nancy and Hannah. Took up the Milham Note $26.32 cent. Got the money of Hank Brown.

Sep 23 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Florence. Cut some corn. Nell came over. Nancy went home. Mrs Ira Clark Died this Morning.[94]

Sep 24 – At home all day. Edwin and Mary Flanders called here just at night.

Sep 25 – Topt corn. Warm day. _____ paid Hank $___.00 cash.

Sep 26 – Finished my corn. Cut up sweet corn. Quite warm.

Sep 27 – Made cross Head for Theodore. Dick Lamkins brot his organ over had it cleaned and new knees well made. He and his wife here to dinner. They went after Elder berries.

Sep 28 – Pickd beans. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Florence left for California. Louese and D. came on Evening freight.

Sep 29 – Went over to Burg in morning to mill. Got slating for Black board. Went over to burg after Louese. Not much rain.

Sep 30 – Some cloudy. Went over to burg in morning got glass and putty. Set glass in windows at School House. Lois and Ina came in Evening.

Oct 1 – At home all day. Lois and Ina here, D. and Lou, Hank and Nancy.

Oct 2 – At home. Put slating on Black Board. Cow got out went after her at night.

Oct 3 – Lou and I went to find cow went up to Nelt Blasses in forenoon up to Oatmans in afternoon no find her.

Oct 4 – I went up East in forenoon found her at Marhops. Dug some potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 5 – Dug some potatoes. Very warm and dry. Erve Stilwell thrashed his Buckwheat on Wrights place had 126 Bushels. Jim came home sick some. No work.

Oct 6 – Dug potatoes. Warm and dry very much. Lou up to Mr Ralphs. Mr Wm Blass Died to day[95] been out of health some time some _____. Not much done.

Oct 7 – Dug some potatoes husked some corn. Ethan and Nell went to Kalamazoo. Mrs Betts went over to burg Stayed all night to Hanks.

Oct 8 – Hank and Nancy, D. and Lou, Hannah and Jim went up to Scotts. Nell and Lelah & Bessy stayed here. Mr Wm Blass Buried to day.

Oct 9 – Made Box for stone Boat. Ethan dug potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 10 – Finished Box. Mr Knapp came over. Drawed down the potatoes. Ethan dug some in forenoon. Barber here to dinner. Had a good rain in afternoon.

Oct 11 – Dug potatoes drawed some down put them in cellar.

Oct 12 – Drawed down some potatoes. Dug in afternoon. Ethan took Sarah over to burg. Lelah came back with him. Cora Harris[96] came stayed all night. Mr John Allen Died.[97]

Oct 13 – Dug potatoes and drawed down some. Had a heavy shower. Dug some in afternoon.

Oct 14 – Finished digging potatoes got them in the cellar. Ethan went over after Sally[98] in Evening. Mr John Allen buried to day.

Oct 15 – Went over to burg in morning after Hoops for Mary Fisher. D.D.[?] came home this morning. I got a nice present This morning from the children a nice Nicle plated clock as a Birth day Present. I am 69 years old this fifteenth day of October 1882.

Oct 16 – Worked round barn and house. Shelled sunflower seeds.

Oct 17 – Ethan went to Chicago. Put some batten[99] on corn house. Went over to burg in morning.

Oct 18 – Went over to burg in morning. Worked on corn house put on battens patched roof some. Smith Carleton came up after Sarah in night for Lucy.

Oct 19 – Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to Erve Blakes. Toots[100] girl Born This morning.[101] Husked some corn.

Oct 20 – Husked corn. Fine day. Went down after Sarah.

Oct 21 – Husked corn part of the day. Went to mill. Took Lou over to burg in Evening and Hannah down to Mrs Browns. Ethan got home from Chicago.

Oct 22 – At home all day. Newton McLarry buried to day.[102]

Oct 23 – Husking corn. Warm and dry.

Oct 24 – Husking corn. Warm.

Oct 25 – Sick no Husk to day. Warm nice day.

Oct 26 – Husking corn. Edna Allen came here to day. Nice pleasant weather.

Oct 27 – Husked corn. Fine day.

Oct 28 – Husking corn. Edna here.

Oct 29 – At home all day. Edna here.

Oct 30 – Husked corn picked some. Rainy night.

Oct 31 – Warm mercury 66. Finished picking corn. Took Lous things over to burg. Lou moved to Shelbyville[103] to day.

Nov 1 – Husked corn some & cut some wood.

Nov 2 – Drawed some wood. Fine day. Ethan carried Mrs Betts down to Mrs Browns to see Lois.

Nov 3 – Finished Husking corn. Very pleasant weather. Plained out step for Nancys plant stand in Evening.

Nov 4 – Chored round. Not much work done. Went over to burg.

Nov 5 – Went down to Katharines. Some cold. Went over to Burg after I got home after Mrs Betts.

Nov 6 – Worked in shop made mallet for Mr Chester[?]. Cold rainy day some.

Nov 7 – No work to day. Went over to Election. Broke Buggy thill.[104] Ethan went over in Evening carried Tools over to do some work for Hank.

Nov 8 – Shelled some corn. Picked out some spokes for my wheels. Mr Jacob Fancher buried to day in Galesburg cemetry. He died in dacota.

Nov 9 – Drawed some lidle wood. Got my hickory stick out East side of East lot. Theodore went out with me. Turned some for Theodore. Mr Flanders brot ____ rack. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns to see Lois.

Nov 10 – Went over to burg in morning. Got thill for buggy. Sick all day and all night. Mr Streator (illegible). Jim husked corn. Warm day.

Nov 11 – Harry got home they all came down. Husked in forenoon. Harry finished in afternoon. Not very well. Went and put stops in windows at schoolhouse. Ethan and Sarah went over to burg in afternoon.

Nov 12 – Jim took Mrs Betts over to church in morning. He went up to Scotts.

Nov 13 – Not very well no work to day only chores.

Nov 14 – Went over to burg to mill carried wheat and corn. Mrs Brown got home.

Nov 15 – Stephen Withey[?] Died to day. Choring. Hannah came home from Gibsons. Ethan took her down to Caywoods. Not cold. David Powlison Died This morning.[105]

Nov 16 – Went over to burg after meal. Broke thill iron again. Mr Flanders brot wagon down. Rainy night.

Nov 17 – Carried Sarah over to burg got flour. Not much work to day. David Powlison buried to day.

Nov 18 – Mr Flanders brot Lois and Ina down. Chored round.

Nov 19 – Lois, Jim and Will here today. Pleasant day no snow no frost in ground.

Nov 20 – Worked in shop some. Put thill in buggy.

Nov 21 – Worked in shop some. Chored round. Ethan made some castings.

Nov 22 – Carried Lois over to burg in morning. Turned out some pump stops for Theodore.

Nov 23 – Some rainy. Ethan, Sarah, Lois and Hannah gone to Kalamazoo. I filed buck saw.

Nov 24 – Worked in shop some (illegible). Broke _____ on auger. Elva Crossfields here. Herb came down in Evening.

Nov 25 – Drawed some wood in sleigh. Abrose Milham and wife,[106] Zeak and Kate Davison called here awhile.

Nov 26 – At home all day. Lois and Ina here. About 4 inches snow.

Nov 27 – Lois and Ina went home. Hank & Nancy Home. Ethan, ____, ____ and Jim went to Kalamazoo to theater in Evening. Bessie stayed here all night Lelah went to Shelbyville. James Nobles died to day.[107]

Nov 28 – Ethan took Hannah down to Mate Fords.[108] Took ____ over to Burg in forenoon.

Nov 29 – Not very well not much work but chores. James Nobles buried to day.

Nov 30 – Worked round barn cleared out so as to put fodder in.

Dec 1 – Jim and Will got in corn fodder. Warm day. Mr Charles Dibble Buried to day.[109]

Dec 2 – Went over to burg in morning got auger mended. No sleighing. Jim sawing wood for Bill Ralph. Will to work for Harry Streator cleaning wheat.

Dec 3 – At home all day. Clarra, George and Lee came up here to day. Not very cold no snow of any account.

Dec 4 – Shelled some corn carried it to mill. Jim and Will went hunting.

Dec 5 – Went over to mill in fore noon. Took the old wagon wheels to pieces. Mrs Clinton here in afternoon. Bot Diary for 1883 45 cts.

Dec 6 – At Home. Some cold. Carried some potatoes over to Hanks. Snowed in night.

Dec 7 – Mercury 6 Abz. Finished boring standards for rack. Snows about 4 inches deep.

Dec 8 – Mercury 5 below zero in morning.

Dec 9 – Worked in shop some chored round.

Dec 10 – At home all day no one here. Mrs Betts went to Burg to church.

Dec 11 – Worked in shop some ledle unto. Cold some sleighing. Mended Clauds skate.

Dec 12 – Went over to burg in morning with cutter. Sarah went over stayed to Nancys. Went over after her in Evening.

Dec 13 – Cold and blustrous. Carried Hannah down to M. O. Streators in afternoon. Hat Allen left for Niles.

Dec 14 – Went over to Burg after Nancy. Chored round worked in shop some.

Dec 15 – Carried Hannah down to Katharines. Cold snowed some. Jim and Will chopping. Very good sleighing.

Dec 16 – Shelled corn in forenoon carried corn and oats to mill. Repaired violin for Young Fay. Paid my Tax $5.82.

Dec 17 – At home all day. Jim went over to Burg. Took Nancy and Bessey out riding.

Dec 18 – Mercury 9 Below zero. Jim and Will drawed wood. Ethan casting.

Dec 19 – Mercury 20 Above zero. Went over to Burg after grist. Bot Mittens 50 cts. Rained some in Evening.

Dec 20 – Mercury 30 Ab zero. Jim and Will chopping. Rainy day some.

Dec 21 – Not much work but chores. Snow all gone.

Dec 22 – Not very well. Worked some in shop not much.

Dec 23 – Went over to Burg carried over my Receipt for High way work. Lou & Cory came on the noon Train. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 24 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg to Bap Church. Brot Lelah and Bessy over took them Back at night. Jim took Charley Camp up to Scotts.

Dec 25 – Went over to Hanks to dinner. Very much wet snow. Had a Lottery sold two Bibles. Oat Hill got the Large one $.12 Burt Warren the other.

Dec 26 – Good sleighing this morning. Went over to burg in morning got Bessey. Bot Boots paid 4.00.

Dec 27 – Went over to burg took Bessey home. Old Mrs Ralph came here. Dell & Mr Smith here to Dinner. Mr Ralph took dinner. Sarah & I went up to Mr Flanders in Evening.

Dec 28 – Worked in shop some on Jims Violin Trunk. Hannah sewing to Mr Towns.

Dec 29 – Worked on Trunk all day. Not very cold. Hannah came home to night.

Dec 30 – Worked round some in shop some on corn shelter[?]. Not very good sleighing. Took Lou up to Mr Ralphs in Evening.

Dec 31 – At home all day. D. came this morning. He went after Lou in Evening. Stella Milham[110] and Emma Allen called here to see Lou in afternoon.

Memoranda

Cure for Small Pox
Sulphate of Zinc 1 Grain
Fox Glove 1 Grain
Half Teaspoon Sugar mix with two Tablespoonful water
when thoroughly mixed ad four ounces water
Take a Spoonfull every Hour. For a child – smaller dos according to age

To Kill Cabbage Worms Persian Insect Powder

325 Bushels Oats from 3 & ¼ acres of ground the Oats was of the Blu___ or Poland variety

——-

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

[2] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[3] Willis Brown, the son of Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown and the brother-in-law of Luke’s daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[4] Above zero

[5] Henry Brown, his daughter Nancy’s husband

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith; the 2019 equivalent of $5.00 is just under $125.00

[8] Neighbor, Matilda (Allen) Brown (see footnote to January 3^rd entry)

[9] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative

[10] Henry & Nancy (Keith) Brown and their three children: Claude, Lela and Bess

[11] No records confirming his death or burial were found

[12] Scotts, Michigan

[13] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[14] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

[16] Lyceums flourished in the U.S. before and after the Civil War. During this period hundreds of informal associations were established for the purpose of improving the social, intellectual, and moral fabric of society. The lyceum movement featured lectures, dramatic performances, class instructions, and debates, by noted lecturers, entertainers and readers. They would travel the “lyceum circuit,” going from town to town or state to state to entertain, speak, or debate in a variety of locations, never staying in one place for too long. Their appearances were open to the public, which caused them to contribute significantly to the education of the adult American in the 19th century

[17] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl, and brother of Herb Earl (see entry of January 6^th)

[18] Neighbors, Harry Streator (son of Marius & Laura [Rawson] Streator), and his first cousin, Nellie (Underwood) Stanford

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] No death record was found for Clarissa (Whitcomb) Turner, however FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] Neighbor, Frances Towne, the sister of Charles Towne who would become Hannah Keith’s husband

[22] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative; father of Herbert and Theodore Earl mentioned earlier

[23] Michigan death records list James Ralph’s date of death as January 9, 1882 (not January 18) in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan, showing his date of death as “Jun” 9, 1882

[24] Ax handles

[25] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[26] The husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[27] Michigan death records show that Hamlin Holmes died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[28] Michigan death records show that Austin Odell died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[29] His niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[30] For more about the binder machine see my blog post at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/ethan-keith-inventor

[31] His neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[32] Neighbor, Mary Ann (Thompson) Ford

[33] Michigan marriage records show that C. Eugene Howe and Ida Barber were married in Galesburg, Michigan on February 15, 1882

[34] FindAGrave.com shows that Ananias E Caray (A. Ell Caray in the 1880 census) died February 16, 1882 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[35] Michigan death records show that Maria (Mills) Upjohn died February 17, 1882 in Richland, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[36] Michigan death records confirm that he died on February 18, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[37] A whiffletree is the pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[38] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York. Lucy and Helen were half-sisters, both daughters of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[39] Frank was Luke’s grand-nephew, the son of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. No records confirming the birth/death or name of the baby were found

[40] Maria (Root) Mills. FindAGrave.com confirms her date of death as February 28, 1882; she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[41] Most likely his neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[42] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy Lee

[43] Neighbor Charles Towne, who would marry his daughter Hannah

[44] Neighbor Jay Ralph Harris

[45] Edwin Flanders, son of Joseph Flanders (see footnote to March 1^st entry)

[46] Nancy Betts’ niece, Hannah Marie Comfort

[47] Neighbors, Smith Carlton and John Darling

[48] Jesse James was shot to death by Robert Ford, a member of his gang who hoped to collect the bounty on Jesse’s head. Charley was Robert’s younger brother and also a member of the James Gang

[49] Neighbor, Daniel D. Harris Jr. He was referred to as D.D. or D.

[50] Ontario, Canada

[51] Michigan death records show that he died in Waverly, Michigan on September 13, 1880; FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[52] Neighbor Emeretta Allen

[53] Possibly Louisa (Stewart) Chase, the widow of Albert Chase; research continues

[54] His daughter, Louese, married Daniel D. Harris Jr. (see footnote to April 5^th entry)

[55] His granddaughter (Lois’ daughter), Ina Skinner

[56] D.D.’s family had a general store in Phoenix and he and Louese were moving there to work the store

[57] Ceresco, Michigan which was about 25 miles from Comstock/Galesburg

[58] Mary was the widow of Edwin Crawford who was the brother of Luke’s wife Sarah. FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, Michigan

[59] Michigan death records confirm that Hugh M. Shafter died on April 27, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Shafter Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[60] Catherine (Keith) Randall, the daughter of Luke’s nephew, James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith. Michigan death records reveal that she died at the age of 20 of consumption on May 3, 1882 in Bloomingdale, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in Covert Cemetery, Covert, Michigan

[61] Bejabbers is a euphemistic alteration of bejesus (or by Jesus), and was used as a mild oath expressing astonishment, dismay, disbelief, or the like

[62] His sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[63] His horse

[64] Michigan death records show that Josiah Loveland died in Comstock, Michigan on May 29, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Comstock Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[65] From Covington, Genesee County, New York

[66] Unknown at this time; research continues

[67] His cousins, Alvin Lee and Juliana (Davis) Lee

[68] Frank & Harriet (Root) Tomlinson

[69] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that John J. Hoover died June 18, 1882

[70] Michigan death records reveal that Fred Austin, age 17, the son of Franklin & Gertrude (Quick) Austin, died on July 4, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[71] Sisters, Marian and Helen “Nellie” Bristol, were cousins of Henry Brown

[72] Michigan death records reveal that William Wightman died July 6, 1883, however FindAGrave.com gives his year of death as 1882, which agrees with Luke’s diary entry, and shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[73] Michigan death records show that James Goodrich, age 33, died in the asylum in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on July 8, 1883; however, FindAGrave.com gives his year of death as 1882, which agrees with Luke’s diary entry, and shows he is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[74] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[75] Etc.

[76] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote for March 5^th entry)

[77] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

[78] Michigan marriage records show that Alice Bell Beckwith married Richard Wesley Wells in Galesburg, Michigan on July 25, 1882; Alice was the daughter of neighbors Ezra & Amelia (Anderson) Beckwith

[79] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[80] Jessie Crawford, the daughter of Luke’s brother-in-law, Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[81] Neighbor, Laura (Rawson) Streator, the wife of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to February 9^th entry)

[82] Michigan death records reveal that Orrin Patterson, 70, died of pneumonia in Comstock on August 10, 1882. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[83] Mary (Smith) Flanders, wife of Edwin Flanders

[84] His brother-in-law and family: Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, and their children, Harry, Jessie and Blanche

[85] Nickname for Hiram

[86] Edwin, Mary, Mabel and Wilbur Flanders

[87] Possibly Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[88] Nellie (Underwood) Stanford

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

[90] Other things

[91] Edmund Chase, Henry Brown’s uncle

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

[93] Adelbert R. Skinner

[94] Angeline Clark, the mother of Luke’s daughter Lois’s first husband, Byron Clark. Unable to confirm date or place of death

[95] Michigan death records confirm that William Blass died in Comstock on October 6, 1882. His cause of death was listed as softening of the brain. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[96] D.D. Harris’ sister

[97] Michigan death records confirm that John S. Allen died in Comstock on October 12, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[99] A long, flat strip of squared wood or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall

[100] Lucy (Lee) Milham’s nickname

[101] Gertrude Irene Milham

[102] Michigan death records confirm that John N. McClary died in Detroit, Michigan on October 20, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[103] Shelbyville, Michigan

[104] The long shaft between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[105] Michigan death records confirm that David Powlison died in Comstock, Michigan on November 15, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[106] Ambrose & Lydia (Turner) Milham. Ambrose and James Milham (see footnote to July 15^th entry) were brothers and they were half-brothers to Martin Milham

[107] FindAGrave.com shows that James Nobles died in Pavilion, Genesee County, New York on November 27, 1882 and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, also in Pavilion. James was a cousin of Luke’s wife Sarah

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

[109] FindAGrave.com reveals that Charles Dibble died November 28, 1882 and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[110] The daughter of James Milham (see footnote to July 15^th entry) & Ellen Adams

Luke Keith’s 1881 Diary

1881 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Went over to Burg[2] in morning Evening. Bot sack Buckwheat flour.

Jan 2 – Went down to Marts[3] in afternoon. Not so very cold. Ed Hoges came over to see Pete.[4]

Jan 3 – Carried Sarah[5] down to Mrs Browns[6] to help Butcher, they no Butcher some. I went down just at night got 4 four bushels wheat.

Jan 4 – Received a letter from Mrs Whitmore of Cal-a. Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns, they Butchered. Carried wheat to mill. Mrs Betts[7] went over to Nancys[8] to see Doctor, she saw him some.

Jan 5 – Jim[9] commenced work for Harry Streator.[10] He took Pete with him. Went over to Burg in afternoon to see Nancy. Old Mrs Ralph came here. Extracted two teeth for Mr Ralph.

Jan 6 – Went over to Burg. Got county order. Not much done only chores.

Jan 7 – Cold and some Blustring. Drawed six loads wood and chored round. Alfleda[11] sick unto life, me spec so sum.

Jan 8 – Mercury one below zero at seven Am. Not much done but chores. Went over to Burg in Evening got oil. Nancy some better.

Jan 9 – At home all day. Mercury 4 below zero in morning. Very good sleighing about 4 inches snow. Alfleda sick. Hannah[12] over to Nancys.

Jan 10 – Drawed two loads wood in forenoon. Mercury 18 B. Went over to burg in afternoon. Old Mrs Stannard buried to day. Dee Dee Harris[13] left on night train for Phoenix.[14]

Jan 11 – Went down to Browns in morning. Mercury 4 below zero.

Jan 12 – Mercury 10 below zero. Worked in shop on patterns.

Jan 13 – Worked in shop on patterns.

Jan 14 – Worked in shop on patterns. Catharine[15] came up stayed all night.

Jan 15 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Hoags. Worked on patterns. Sarah, Katharine and Ethan[16] went over to burg in Eve.

Jan 16 – Mercury 2 below zero in morning. took down Went down to Katharines carried her home.

Jan 17 – Worked on patterns in afternoon. Cleaned out stovepipe in forenoon.

Jan 18 – Carried Sarah over to burg in morning went after her at night. Mrs Dick Barber[17] very sick.

Jan 19 – W^m Batt called here. Filed crosscut saw for Ayres Raymond. Strait here. I worked on patterns in afternoon. Charley, Mate and Tamer[18] here in Evening.

Jan 20 – Worked on patterns. Finished core Box. Mr Knapp came over. Ethan and Sarah went over to burg in Evening. Took Lelah[19] home.

Jan 21 – Worked some on patterns. Turned 33 pump tops for Theodore.[20] Hawley turned the Lathe. Barber[21] came over.

Jan 22 – Worked on patterns all day. George Barber[22] came over to see patterns. Mrs Barber some better to day.

Jan 23 – At home. Julia and Alvin Lee[23] here. Sarah and Mrs Betts went down to A. Browns[24] with them when they went home. Good Sleighing.

Jan 24 – Snowey day. Raised the Lathe Power in fore noon. Chored round. Cut some wood in afternoon. Yound Doc Upjohn[25] called here.

Jan 25 – Snowey. Went over to burg in morning took Hannah over. Hung ax for Mr W^m Batt. Snowey day very good sleighing.

Jan 26 – Worked round chored &c.[26]

Jan 27 – Cut wood in forenoon drawed two loads in afternoon. Went over to burg after Hannah.

Jan 28 – Worked on patterns. Pleasant, good sleighing.

Jan 29 – Made door for Alfledas Room. Carried Sarah over to Burg in Evening. Mrs Holcomb Died to night.

Jan 30 – Rial French came here. I went down to Katharines, Rial went down with me. Went over after Sarah.

Jan 31 – Cut wood in forenoon drawed wood in afternoon. Carried Hannah down to A Browns. Ethan went up to Staffords.

Feb 1 – Very Blustrous day. Went over to Burg in morning Bot one Barrel Salt $135 cts. Brot Mrs Browns Sister Margaret[27] over took her down to Browns.

Feb 2 – Made stall for for the Cow in west End of stable. Very cold.

Feb 3 – Cut oak tree in road up towards the corner. Made wash bench in Evening. Claud[28] here. Mercury 11 below zero in Evening.

Feb 4 – Very cold mercury 22 Abz.[29] Went up in woods. Cut wood in forenoon, drawed wood.

Feb 5 – Chored around. Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg in afternoon.

Feb 6 – Went over to Burg in Evening after Mrs Betts. Went down to Mrs Browns in Evening.

Feb 7 – Nancys girl Born this morning about five oclock. Rainy day. Name Bessey Ray.[30] Rainy day. Jim stayed home to cut wood, no cut some.

Feb 8 – Went over to Burg in morning. Rainy. Cut and drawed some wood.

Feb 9 – Don nodings[31] all day cept went up to valley garden got some cabbage 85 heads one cet pr head. Rainy day rained hard in night.

Feb 10 – Rainy. Fan calved a Bull clf about half past Eight this morning.

Feb 11 – Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over to the burg in morning. Hawley chopping. I chopped in afternoon cut up two trees on hill. Very icy.

Feb 12 – Cut Road to wood that Hawley and I cut in fore noon. Drawed four loads wood in afternoon. Went over to Burg in Evening after Sarah. Mrs Betts no come home. Old Mr York died to day.[32]

Feb 13 – Cold and Blustring. Jim home a while. Harry went to church.

Feb 14 – Worked on patterns for Strait worked 7 hours.

Feb 15 – Worked in shop on patterns worked 7 hours.

Feb 16 – Worked in shop on patterns worked 7½ hours. Whiting got the calf.

Feb 17 – Worked on spider pattern. Bot fence lock. Ed Wilcot[33] came here stayed all night. Snowed in the night.

Feb 18 – Snowing like fun.[34] Ethan carried Ed down to Marts. I went over to Burg in Evening. Whiting paid for the calf.

Feb 19 – Split wood and chored around in fore noon drawed four loads wood in afternoon. Some cold.

Feb 20 – At home all day. No one here.

Feb 21 – Drawed four loads wood. Worked worked in shop some.

Feb 22 – Worked on spider in forenoon. Charley Town[35] filed his saw. Barber drawed some corn. Made frame for picture for Mr Jackson.

Feb 23 – Worked on patterns in forenoon 1½ hour. Charley Clark[36] came over in afternoon.

Feb 24 – Worked round house and shop. Charley Clark came over here.

Feb 25 – Worked in shop some. Went over after Clara Clark.[37] Jeddadiah Walker of Covington Genesee Co N.Y. died to day Ae. 71 Years.[38]

Feb 26 – Worked round sawed some wood. Got 31 Heads cabbage of Herbert Earl[39] got them out of the snow.

Feb 27 – At home all day. Rainy day. Charley and Clarra here.

Feb 28 – No work much to day. Charley and Jim choped some. Marvin Pond called here in afternoon.

Mar 1 – Chored round. No do much work some where.

Mar 2 – Cleaned out Barn. Spected load straw, he no cum. Charley went over to burg. Jim let me have twelve shillings.[40]

Mar 3 – Some thunder and Lightning, snows like fun. Harry Streator Brot load straw. I went down to Streators in afternoon got four bushels wheat paid $2.00 on it.

Mar 4 – Lois,[41] Charley and Clara and Ina[42] went up to Mr Lemuel Bronsons. Mr O. D. Schram Died this morning.[43] Old Mrs Thomas Died this Evening.[44]

Mar 5 – Went up to Howlands to mill in forenoon. Snowes like fun.

Mar 6 – At home all day. Lois and Charleys folks came back to day. Very Pleasant day. Mr O. D. Schram Buried to day.

Mar 7 – Went over to Burg in morning got boards plain for Jules cradle.[45] Made cradle. Charles, Lois and Clarra went down to Marts. Old Mrs Thomas Buried to day.

Mar 8 – Chored round drawed some wood. Carried Lois and Hannah up to Mr Flanders.[46]

Mar 9 – Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. I brot cradle back cut it off one foot, took it back. Charly went to Kalamazoo.

Mar 10 – Carried Lois, Hannah and Louese,[47] Clarra down to Mrs Browns in morning.

Mar 11 – Not very well. Mrs Browns Auction to day. Cold wind. Mr J. D. Adams died this morning.[48]

Mar 12 – Snows like fun very Blustrous. Lois and Ina went home to day.

Mar 13 – Went down to Katharines went with sleigh.

Mar 14 – Cut down cherrytree East of house. Charley and Ethan cut it. Filed crosscut saw for Harry Streator 25 bucksaw for N. L. Randall[49] 15¢.

Mar 15 – At home all day not much done. Charley left for Jackson. Mrs Woolcuts Auction to day.

Mar 16 – Hawley chopped wood for me to day. I got out rim for Hawleys wheel.

Mar 17 – Choped wood to day. Hawley worked with us cut two large trees. Filed saw for Will Brown.[50] Set saw for Mr Taylor. Mrs Isaac Cory Died.[51]

Mar 18 – Chored round. Sawed some blocks of the cherry tree.

Mar 19 – Stormy day snowed and rained all day.

Mar 20 – Some snow some rain. Hannah came home. Will Brown went over after Hank[52] and Nancy.

Mar 21 – Not much work done to day. Henry[53] came home to day went up to Mr Flanders in Evening.

Mar 22 – Went over to Burg in afternoon. Got our pictures taken for Henry.

Mar 23 – Went over to burg got pictures taken.

Mar 24 – Em Daken married to night at home. Sawed out stuff for herbs stuff for frames. Net Rowland married to night.[54] Henry and Florence Stahl married this Evening.[55]

Mar 25 – Dressed out stuff for frames. Henry and Florence here to day. Pleasant day muddy as fury. Mrs Betts went over to burg with Ed Flanders.[56]

Mar 26 – Finished Herbs frames. Henry and wife went to Kalamazoo in Evening.

Mar 27 – At home all day. Sold Jim my glass. Ethan, Hannah and Louese went down to Katharines. Stella and Mary[57] went down.

Mar 28 – Choring round. Snow most all gone off. Went over to burg in Evening got money for Alfleda on order.

Mar 29 – Pleasant morning sun came out nice. Mr David Snow Died to day at Pavilion NY Ae. 88 years.

Mar 30 – At home no work to day not very well. Snow fell about 3 inches not very cold thawes some. Ethan went over to burg to send letter to West.[58]

Mar 31 – Drawed some wood on sleigh. Went down to Mrs Browns.

Apr 1 – Worked in shop some. Not very cold. Mrs Lankford Burdick Died this morning.[59] Snow running some.

Apr 2 – Nell had a calf this morning. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to pay L. C. West $25.00 for patent which Henry agreed to pay.

Apr 3 – Carried Sarah and Mrs Betts over to Mrs Burdick funeral. Snowed like fun not very cold. Went over after them towards night.

Apr 4 – Went over to town meeting. Cold wind.

Apr 5 – Worked round shop and house some.

Apr 6 – Went over to burg. Sarah and Mrs Betts went over to see the Bramah girl.

Apr 7 – Chored round. Sarah washed to day I helped make water. Charley Town got hurt to day by a lim falling from a Tree.

Apr 8 – Pleasant morning. Worked in shop some.

Apr 9 – Went up in woods in morning. Cut road. Drawed load wood. Went over to burg after Nancy. Harry got Nells calf.

Apr 10 – Jim and Nancy went down to Katharines. Jesse Earl[60] called in here he was going over to see Charley Town. He got hurt by a lim of a tree.

Apr 11 – Went over to burg in morning. Sold Nell to Mrs Brown Will took her a way. Katharine and Hannah and Lou[61] came home. Snowed in night.

Apr 12 – Drawed load wood on sleigh this morning. Carried Sarah over to Nancys. Went over after them in Evening. Sarah went and Stayed with Jule all night.

Apr 13 – Mr Schuyler husking corn over in Browns lot. Carried Katharine home in afternoon. Pleasant day. Harry Streator brot Mrs Betts ½ cord wood.

Apr 14 – Chored round. Went over to burg.

Apr 15 – Snowed and rained. Drawed load wood. Carried Hannah and Lou to the burg in Evening. Henry sent Sarah 3 Dollars.

Apr 16 – Had a big run after the cow. She got in a darn Bulling Scrape. Lois and Dell[62] came stayed all night.

Apr 17 – Lois and Dell went home. Rainy morning rainy afternoon. Mrs Ellen Milham Died in night.[63]

Apr 18 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Lucy[64] and children came up. Went up to Jims.[65]

Apr 19 – Pleasant morning. Went to Ellen Milhams Funeral. She was buried in Oak Grove Cemetry.

Apr 20 – Very pleasant day. Drawed some wood. Got some boards of Theodore 60 feet Beech boards.

Apr 21 – Made Sparagrass ro bed set one hundred roots. Ethan took Lous trunk over to burg in Evening.

Apr 22 – Pleasant morning. Lou went to Chicago[66] went on 9.9 train AM. Alfleda went down to Bloomingdale.[67] Nice day. Julia Allen died eight oclock this Evening.[68]

Apr 23 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Went down to Browns after Sarah.

Apr 24 – Julia Allen Buried to day. Very hot day. Mrs Hicks of Battlecreek officiated.

Apr 25 – Went over to burg to see Dick Lamkins to get him to plow. He sick. Went up to Erve Halls got him and John Isherwood. Got out manure some. Erve went down to Streators.

Apr 26 – Erve and John commenced plowing. I got out manure. Fine day.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Boys are plowing. Got out manure.

Apr 28 – Went down to Streators to get Drill. Got out some manure. Mr Simmons raised Barn. Got Mr Simmons Drill.

Apr 29 – Boys sowed oats and clover seed. Fine day. Finished sowing.

Apr 30 – Went down to streators. Carried Oats and Bags home. Got some potatoes of Mrs Brown. Hank, Nancy & Hannah went to Kalamazoo to show.

May 1 – Made casket for Ida Lees Baby. Will Johnson carried it down. Ethan and Jim went up to Staffords to see Steamer Lacell start for Battle Creek.

May 2 – Chored round. Drawed some wood. Went over to Burg took Back clover seed. Bot 3 bushels & 15 lbs wheat of Mrs Brown took it to mill.

May 3 – Worked round house and garden. Carried Hannah up to Jesse Earls. Got my grist. Sowed sum grass seed round East lot. Mart came up with colt. Had Bill[69] to go up to Jims.

May 4 – Carried Mrs Betts over to cars she go to Chicago. Cool wind. Fred came up got Bill to Plow left Caty. I went over to Burg after Sarah drove Caty. Burnt brushheap in south lot.

May 5 – Cloudy morning. Worked round house and garden.

May 6 – Spread manure in garden. Took up carpets helped round house. Ethan painted bedroom.

May 7 – Took up carpet in grannys[70] room put it down in our bedroom. Sarah and Ethan papered bedroom. Very hot Mercury 105 in sun at 2 oclock. Went down to Marts stayed all night.

May 8 – At Marts some. Hot day. Came home at night. Rained som ledle not much.

May 9 – Went over to burg got some cloverseed sowed it. M. O. Streator[71] plowed East garden. Hank traded of Caty Bine Durgy Cat Mrs Browns colt. Streator, Fred and Mrs Summers Father here during shower. Fine shower in Evening. Theodore and Bools[?] called.

May 10 – Cloudy some sprinkle in morning. Worked round house and garden took fence down south side orchard.

May 11 – Worked round garden and chored round generally &c.

May 12 – Went over to burg. Worked round house. Very hot some.

May 13 – Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns to do some coloring. Went over to Burg bot tun Plaster of Ira Rogers $5.00 paid for the same. Mrs Brown paid $7.50 on heifer.

May 14 – Cleaned out cellar in forenoon. Hot day.

May 15 – Hank and Jim had Bill to go to Hickory corners. Jesse Earl and I went down to Marst after some Elicornpane.[72]

May 16 – John Isherwood and Erve Hall plowed my corn ground four acres $4.00 $1.60 cts back on oats. Put cow into Herbs pasture.

May 17 – Got Caty Brown and the float went over my corn ground. Mr Ford, John McNaughten covering J. T. Allertons[73] Barns.

May 18 – Marked my corn ground one way and part of it the other. Mrs Hank Potts[74] and Mrs John Freeer[75] here visiting to day. Hot dry.

May 19 – Finished marking my corn ground in fore noon. Went down to Mrs Browns got some seed corn. Jim planting corn finished planting before night.

May 20 – Planted some potatoes. Chored round. Mr Fisher came after Hannah just at night. Very dry.

May 21 – Thomas A. Scott Died to night. Went down to Mrs Browns got some potatoes brot sewing machine home. Ethan and I planted potatoes plowed a patch for Burbank Potatoes. Cow gone to night.

May 22 – Cow came home this morning. Hot & dry. I went up by Mr Ralphs. Wheelers and Flanders and Streators called at Browns. Arthur and Kit[76] there.

May 23 – Planted my Burbank potatoes. Erve & John sowed plaster on the oats. Very Hot and dry.

May 24 – Carried Sarah and Hannah over to Burg in morning went after them in Evening. Mary Fisher called here. Kate Cummings Died to day.[77] Hot and dry. Sent Dutch Cheese to Kate C.

May 25 – Hot morning. Fixed up Grape vine. Went over to burg at noon after Mrs Betts she came on one oclock train. Went over got 300 lbs salt $1.05.

May 26 – Very hot. Cut off rails to Hat Taylors Bedstead in fore noon. Kate Cummings buried to day. To hot for me to work out. Daniel Raymond Died to day in South Warsaw Wyoming County N.Y.

May 27 – Chored round. Very hot and dry.

May 28 – Drawed brush and chunks of wood up in woods and drawed 3 loads wood.

May 29 – Carried Mrs Betts over to church. Went up to D. J. Harts to see Lois. Mercury 105 in sun.

May 30 – Sowed plaster on corn in forenoon. Jim carried Sarah over to burg in morning. Cow got out lot. Went over to burg in Evening after Sarah, Mrs Betts and Hannah. Decoration day. Gefired hot.

May 31 – Cloudy morning. Finished sowing Plaster on corn ground. Very hot had a glorious rain rained all night.

Jun 1 – Some ledle rain this morning. Worked round. Got cabbage and tomotoe plants set them.

Jun 2 – Planted in corn. Very hot. Rained in night.

Jun 3 – Went over to Burg in morning after Lois. Worked on road in forenoon planted in corn in afternoon.

Jun 4 – Warm morning. Lois here. Went over to burg after Lois she came over stayed all night.

Jun 5 – Carried Mrs Betts Betts over to burg. Lois came over with Hank. Hank and Nancy went to Kalamazoo. Went over after Mrs Betts.

Jun 6 – Went over to burg after cultivator. Cultivated corn in afternoon. Rained all night. 44 years to day I started for Mich.[78]

Jun 7 – Rainy morning. Hank gone to Lawton.[79] Went down to Mrs Browns got some potatoes.

Jun 8 – Made cultivator frames for Herb Earl. Cool day. Ann McLellen Died ½ past nine P.M.

Jun 9 – Went down to Mrs Browns after boards to make Box for Jules Bureau. Edna Allen[80] came up on noon train went back on 9.

Jun 10 – Cultivated corn south of orchard. Ethan cultivated garden. Charley Town moving his Barn.

Jun 11 – Finished cultivating in forenoon. Worked on box in afternoon. Mrs Betts went over to burg to sell stove.

Jun 12 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts. Rained in night some thunder. Ann McLellen Buried to day.

Jun 13 – Nice morning. Plastered corn. Ethan went over after Mrs Betts she no come no find him.

Jun 14 – No work to day not much. Went over to burg after Mrs Betts got him. Finished Mrs Browns Box.

Jun 15 – Went over to the burg Bot Paris Green. Carried Box down to Mrs Browns got Bureau down. Cultivated corn in afternoon sum. Back very much lame.

Jun 16 – Went down to Mrs Browns in morning. Nailed up Box sent it of to Iowa. Cultivated corn in forenoon. Very hot day. Ethan and Nancy went over to Burg in Evening.

Jun 17 – Fred Billington cultivated corn all day he finished one way.

Jun 18 – Plowed out Burbank potatoes hoed in garden sum. Hank and Claud came from Lawton. took Hank & Nancy down to Mrs Browns.

Jun 19 – Took Hank & Nancy down to Mrs Browns in morning. Hank cut my Hair. Jim and Bill went to Gull Lake.

Jun 20 – Worked round house and garden shop some. went up to Mr Flanders got some wheat.

Jun 21 – Worked in shop some on cradle. Went to mill.

Jun 22 – Mended Caywoods cradle. Carried Nancy down to Mrs Browns.

Jun 23 – Cultivated corn all day.

Jun 24 – Will Brown cut grass in forenoon I raked it up in afternoon.

Jun 25 – Rainy morning. Nancy went to Lawton on one oclock run. Mrs Brown and Mrs Cook[81] came home from Allegan on one oclock train.

Jun 26 – At home all day. Warm day. Put up my hay.

Jun 27 – Chored round. Turned out Break for wind mill.

Jun 28 – Very hot day. Went over to burg in morning after medicine. Mrs Brown and Mrs Cook here in afternoon. Mrs Cook left for Home[82] on night train.

Jun 29 – Had shower this morning Early. I bunched up my hay cocks before the shower. The Willard Tower on Paw Paw Hill Blowed down this morning.

Jun 30 – Will Brown finished cutting my grass in forenoon. The Propeller Lacelle passed here about ten oclock on her way to Long Lake. Captain Strait and Enginere Austin on Board.

Jul 1 – Went over to Burg in morning bot Rake 25 finished Raked up my Hay in afternoon. The folks ____ went up to Mr Ralphs.

Jul 2 – Went over to Burg in morning bot Rake 25 cts. Drawed in my Hay in afternoon.

Jul 3 – Jim took Mrs Betts over to burg. Sarah and I went down to Katharines. Mart and John drawed hay. I raked after the wagon &c. Berness Clark Died to day.

Jul 4 – Ethan took Hannah over to burg. Mrs Betts came home. Cows got of the lot went and got them back. Mrs Earl paid 40 cts for mending chair.

Jul 5 – Chored round. Very hot. Hoed some.

Jul 6 – Not very well. Hot and dry. Charley Town repairing Barn these days.

Jul 7 – Worked round picking Potatoe bugs. Rainy day.

Jul 8 – Worked round garden hoed some. So hot not so much.

Jul 9 – Not much work. Very hot day. Charley Town cutting wheat.

Jul 10 – At home. Hot as Blazes. Katharine, Clara and George[83] came up.

Jul 11 – Mrs Betts had a bad spell this morning. Carried Hannah down to Mrs Browns in afternoon.

Jul 12 – Very hot Mercury 112 in sun at nine am. Mate Ford[84] had a Boy this morning.[85] Strait came over.

Jul 13 – Went to Kalamazoo after Harry he came on the 1.38 Express.

Jul 14 – Took cow to Bull this morning. Repaired fence on river. Worked on Herb Earls cultivator some. Went down to Mrs Browns. Bessey sick.

Jul 15 – Worked on Herbs cultivators put the big one together. Went down to see Bessey in afternoon she got measles. Carried frames down. Deacon Havens Died.[86]

Jul 16 – Worked round. Finished Herbs cultivators. Filed saw for Theodore. Went over to burg in Evening bot Linnen pants 1.25 cts. Bot Oil Stove for Katharine Price $11.00 Eleven Dollars .

Jul 17 – Carried Katharines Stoves down to them. Deacon Jesse Havens buried to day.

Jul 18 – Worked in garden some hoed, plowed potatoes

Jul 19 – Worked in corn. Hot day.

Jul 20 – Worked in corn in forenoon. Turned out Steeples for Charley Towns Barn. Calvin turned the Lathe. Rainy afternoon. Mabel Powers Died.[87]

Jul 21 – Worked round. Barnums Show in Kalamazoo.

Jul 22 – Hank, Ethan, Nancy and Hannah went to Battlecreek to the great show. Mabel Powers buried to day. Worked some on Door frame.

Jul 23 – Worked on door frame some. Went over to Burg got Bolts one ¼ inch auger one small file 38 cts.

Jul 24 – Hank came over and got Bill to go up to Tip Towns.

Jul 25 – Worked on Door frame. John commenced cutting the oats with Royes Reeper.

Jul 26 – Mrs Corkins came here. Finished Door frame. Mr Streator got his Door. The Boys cutting oats. Bill Schroder put his Binder in just at night.

Jul 27 – Hoed potatoes in south lot. Dick finished cutting oats in forenoon. Put Rocker on Lelahs chair.

Jul 28 – Not very well. Went over to Burg got some Bolts to put in cross bar to Buggy thills[88] put them in.

Jul 29 – Repaired Theodores tacle Block in afternoon. Dick Lamkins and D. Wit Olin Drawed in the oats. Fine day.

Jul 30 – Sarah, Mrs Betts and Hannah went down to Mrs Browns in afternoon. I tinkered up one wheel to the wagon. Harry, Mr Rawson and Jim went to Gull Lake fishing.

Jul 31 – At Home. Warm day. I went in swimming to day. Had Geen corn for Dinner.

Aug 1 – Went over to Burg in afternoon to see Horse Show Professor Bristol.

Aug 2 – Chored round. Went over to Towns. Filed two saws for Charley Town set one for Mr Taylor. Went over to Burg in Evening.

Aug 3 – Tore up some things round the back stoop fixing to put in new sill. Went down to Mrs Browns to get wagon to hall my lumber on we get him. Augusta Burnt this morning.

Aug 4 – Worked round house in shop some. Went over to Burg in forenoon got stock timber for sill to back stoop and some boards &c.

Aug 5 – Barber helped put in sill and cleaned the old Rubbish. Very hot day Mercury in shade. Ethan and Sarah went over to Burg in Evening.

Aug 6 – Rainy morning. No work on cistern to day. Went up Theodores got stick for sill.

Aug 7 – Went down to Alvin Lees in afternoon. Took Nancy home in Evening.

Aug 8 – Went over to burg with W^m Ralph he brot over two Barrels lime, one stone, one water, Stone $1.15 cts, water 2.00. Went over got Mrs Betts.

Aug 9 – Ethan carried Mrs Betts over to burg in morning. Barber to work on cistern. I drawed two loads sand.

Aug 10 – Barber to work on cistern. Fine day. I draw sand &c.

Aug 11 – Barber to work on cistern. I draw sand &c. Went over to burg at night after children. Hank and Nancy gone to Battle Creek.

Aug 12 – Went over to burg in morning got one bunch shingles 50 cts. Myself, Barber and Ethan shingled Back Stoop. Went over in Evening got more lime. Joh Cary Died. Joh Cary Died to day.[89]

Aug 13 – Worked on cistern plastered wall to cistern.

Aug 14 – At home all day. Jim and Harry went to Goguac Lake to Spiritual Camp Meeting.[90]

Aug 15 – Put the water Lime cement on cistern. I went over to Burg got plank to cover cistern $1.75 cts

Aug 16 – Worked round. Leveled the dirt round house. Bessy sick.

Aug 17 – Worked round house. Went over to burg at noon to see if I could get floor boards Planed some day. Put Evetrough[91] through well house.

Aug 18 – Worked round house, cistern and oderdings.[92]

Aug 19 – Worked round on cistern. Put in joists.

Aug 20 – Leveled up joists put down some floor. Louese and Jesse[93] came on noon train.

Aug 21 – Daniel Whitmore came. Hannah and Jim went to Goguac Lake to Spiritual Camp Meeting. Fine day.

Aug 22 – Mrs Sarah Ralph died to day.[94] Went down to Katharines in morning with Daniel. Mart thrashing to Smiths. Mamy Young Died.[95] Hank, Nancy and Hannah came home on noon train. Carried Daniel over to Hanks. He goes on the 9 oclock run.

Aug 23 – Laid some floor in back room. Went up to mill got pump.

Aug 24 – Laying floor. Took pump back to get it finished.

Aug 25 – Went down to M O Streators. Got five bushels wheat took it to mill. Went over to burg in Evening 11 doz ½ eggs 12¢ pr doz.

Aug 26 – Worked round house laid some floor. Theodore put in cistern pump.

Aug 27 – Put up the Doors and some partition. Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. Ethan carried Mrs Betts over to burg.

Aug 28 – At home all day. Harry Streator called here just at night got some mellon. Mrs Brown came up in Evening. Mrs Hartwell died this morn.

Aug 29 – Put down threshhold to well room door. Chored round. Went over to burg in Evening got joists for back stoop. Mrs Betts came home. Sent Alfledas trunk of.[96] Old Mrs Hartwell buried to day.

Aug 30 – Worked round put joists in back stoop. Cleaned up Barn floor.

Aug 31 – Thrashers here thrashed oats had 206 bushels. Put straw in Barn in afternoon.

Sep 1 – Jim came down and helped put in straw. Raind some. Got it all in in forenoon. Jim and Harry cut some corn. Amos Rogers girl died.[97]

Sep 2 – Put down floor on back stoop. Harry[98] and Jesse went home to day went on the 11.11 run AM.

Sep 3 – Worked on floor sum. Made trap doors to cistern. Lelah here. Hank came over got oil stove. Claud stayes all night.

Sep 4 – Had a time with granny this morning she got mad as a Cheshier Cat. Sarah and I went down to Katharines. Rained a little in morning.

Sep 5 – Very hot and dry Mercury 105 at noon in shade.

Sep 6 – Went to Kalamazoo after Frank & Hatty.[99] Very hot day. They stayed with Katharine all night.

Sep 7 – Mart brot Frank & Hat up to day. Mart stayed to dinner. Bessy very sick.

Sep 8 – Frank & Hatty left for Concord on the one oclock train. Will Brown commenced plowing to day for wheat in west lot. Hanks folks came over. Bessey sick.

Sep 9 – Worked round house and garden.

Sep 10 – Worked in shop some and chored round.

Sep 11 – At home all day. Mart and Katharine came up here.

Sep 12 – Barber and I cut corn in forenoon. Barber had Bill in afternoon to draw some wood. E. K. Haviland Died to day Ae. 81.

Sep 13 – Cut some corn and chored round. Some hot. Jeneral Ambrose E. Burnside Died to day.[100]

Sep 14 – Went over to Burg after Mrs Powers she came over stayed all day carried her Home at night. Mrs Brown came up. I cut some corn. Nancy and children went down to Mrs Browns.

Sep 15 – Rainy morning. No work to day chored round.

Sep 16 – Cut some corn. Very dry and hard. M Nancy down to Mrs Browns. Bessy sick a gain.

Sep 17 – Cut corn. Theodore down here to try his Gun he nice gun some.

Sep 18 – Sarah down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Betts went over to Burg. Ethan and Jim went down to Alvin Lees.

Sep 19 – Finished Cutting corn in fore noon. Made gun rod for Theodore. Hannah went over to Nancys. James A. Garfield Died 10 Oclock this Evening.[101] Mrs Betts came home.

Sep 20 – Went over to burg in morning took Lou over. Ethan and Hannah went to Loises. Will Brown sowed wheat.

Sep 21 – Worked round stoop some chored round.

Sep 22 – Carried Sarah over to burg in morning. Sis[102] came back with me. Worked on back stoop.

Sep 23 – Worked in shop some. Cleaned some cranberry beans. Paired on some apples. Hot day. carrie

Sep 24 – Chored round. Mr Maffit and Andrew called here. Theodore got his gun rod. Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg.

Sep 25 – Hanks folks went up to John Freers.[103] Alvin and Julia came here. Ethan and Hannah came on the 11.11 train. Katharine and Lucy came up just at night. I went to Augusta with Mr Streator to hear Burnham lecture.

Sep 26 – Had a nice shower this morning. Carried Sarah over to Burg. She and Jim went to Grand Rappids to Mrs W^m Planks.[104] Carried Jim over they went on the one oclock run. James A. Garfield Buried to day.

Sep 27 – Husked come ledle corn.

Sep 28 – Got Shingles twelve Bunches $6.00. Nancy came over. Mrs Blake and Mrs Forbush here in afternoon. Put up stagen on west side.

Sep 29 – Cut old Back House down. Not much work to day.

Sep 30 – Had a nice shower in morning. Teacher called in whilst it rained.

Oct 1 – Not much work to day. Sarah and Jim came home on the One Oclock train.

Oct 2 – At home all day. Rainy day.

Oct 3 – Cloudy no rain yet. Fixed roof some. Ed came over after Lou. Nancy sick. Went over after Mrs Betts. Old Mrs Luddington Buried to day.[105]

Oct 4 – Not much done to day not very well.

Oct 5 – Very fine day frost this morning first of the season. Worked on Herbs lap boards. Went up to J. Ridlers and over to burg. Fanny Whiting buried.

Oct 6 – Went up in woods cut some steaks. Worked on Herbs Lap Boards.

Oct 7 – Finished Herbs big lap boards. Cut out stuff for two small ones.

Oct 8 – Rainy morning. Worked round drawed two loads wood. Theodore and Alvin Holmes here.

Oct 9 – Went to Kalamazoo to get midicine for A. R. Skinner.[106] Saw Jesse Turner.[107] He had just got Home from Massachusetts.

Oct 10 – Work on cros Head for Theodore. Dont feel very well some.

Oct 11 – Made Herbs small Lap boards. Pleasant day. Ethan changed Mr Knapps Wheel. Bina Earl[108] here in afternoon. Em Allen[109] came stayed all night. Rainy night.

Oct 12 – Filed three saws for Erastus Stuart three for my self. Herb got his Lap boards. Em Allen went home in Evening. Very warm. Mrs Harry Rowland Died.[110] Rainy night.

Oct 13 – Cloudy damp day. Went down to Mr Streators got five bush wheat.

Oct 14 – Ethan carried or rather took Louese up to Put Milhams. Rainy afternoon. Carried wheat to mill. Mrs Betts went over. Mrs Harry Rowland buried to day.

Oct 15 – Rainy. Went over to mill got my grist. Sarah went over to Nancys. I am 68 years old to day.

Oct 16 – At home rainy. Hanks folks came over to Mrs Browns. I Killed Rooster. Went down to Marts in Evening very much dark.

Oct 17 – Rainy. Went over to burg. Filed saw for chroder & Olin.

Oct 18 – Went over to burg in forenoon took Hannah over. Nancy sick. Drawed some wood.

Oct 19 – Worked round at various kinds of work.

Oct 20 – Chored round until about 11 oclock then carried Sarah down to Katharines. They went to Bloomingdale to see Alfleda.

Oct 21 – Commenced shingling west leanto. Pleasant day.

Oct 22 – Finished shingling west side. Fine day.

Oct 23 – Took Mrs Betts over to burg. Nancy came over took Nancy home at night. Rainy. Mrs Betts came back.

Oct 24 – Rainy day. Went down to Marts after Sarah. Mart went to Kalamazoo after Katharine & Sarah got back 7 Evening. Stayed all night.

Oct 25 – Came home this morning. Went up to Ridlers he drew down load wood for Mrs Betts. Hannah and Lou went down to Mrs Browns.

Oct 26 – Pleasant. Drawed load wood. Put up stagen East side House.

Oct 27 – Shingled part of East wing. Put hair in two violin Bows for Ephraim Earl.[111]

Oct 28 – Put top on my new violin. Rainy day. Earl got his Bows they Play at Mr Maloneys to night.

Oct 29 – Chored round not much done. To wet to husk corn no shingle some nother. Earl brot violin Bow to put Hair in. Hank and Nancy stayed all night.

Oct 30 – Put Hair in bow and varnished new violin. Jim and Louese went down to Katharines.

Oct 31 – Not very cold. Patched corn House roof. Earl got his Bow.

Nov 1 – Jim and Will Brown drawed corn. Nice day. Ethan making machine for Hanks camry.[112]

Nov 2 – Patching cornhouse and Barn Roofs.

Nov 3 – Rainy day. Got new corn ground. Old cow over to Burg. Snowed some in night.

Nov 4 – Not much done to day. Snowey day about 3 inches snow very sloppy mud and water.

Nov 5 – Chored round as usual. Took Mrs N. B. Betts over to Burg brot Lelah back. Nancy and Claud went to Lois Skinners.

Nov 6 – At home all day. Jim at home he is done work for Harry. Ethan went over after Mrs Betts. Pleasant day not cold.

Nov 7 – Cleaned out cornhouse and chored round. Went over to Burg. Nancy and Claud came on Evening Train.

Nov 8 – Went over to Burg Sarah went over stayed. Repaired windows. Mrs Betts went down to Mrs Browns. Rainy afternoon. Paid for the Galesburg Express.[113]

Nov 9 – Worked round husked some.

Nov 10 – Shingled East side House. Bot some Shingles of Charly Town. Lucy came up. Our Knives and forks came from Toledo.

Nov 11 – Mr Ira Clark died.[114] Patched roof some. Snowed like fun in forenoon. Lucy went to burg. Rained hard in afternoon and Evening. Mary Crawford[115] came here in rain.

Nov 12 – Nice pleasant morning. Drawed some wood. Mary Crawford went home over to Nancys stayed all night. O. M. and Edna[116] called here.

Nov 13 – Mr Ira Clark buried. Mary Crawford went home to day. Lucy went to Jim Milhams.[117] Mart came up after them. Jesse Earl called here this Evening to day. Stormy Evening.

Nov 14 – Jim and Will finished drawing wood. Got some cabbages of Herb. I do not much some to day husked som corn. Went over to burg came back with Hank. He had O. M.s Horse.

Nov 15 – Worked on road in forenoon. Patched roof some. Nice day. Ethan and Hannah went over to burg in Evening. I am 800 & 17 months old to day.

Nov 16 – Worked round husked some corn.

Nov 17 – Husked corn some. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. I went after her. Rained so hard we stayed all night. Jim up to Skinners.

Nov 18 – Came home this morning. Husked corn. Snowed in afternoon. Rained in Evening.

Nov 19 – Not very pleasant morning some snow on the ground. Old Mrs Stone[118] died this morning Em Ralphs[119] mother Ae 82. Jim came home on noon run. Rough blustrous afternoon.

Nov 20 – Pleasant some snow on ground. At Home all day. Jim went down to Mr Franklins to go to school.

Nov 21 – Chored round Husked some corn repaired manger. Put armes in Wily Beeches chair.

Nov 22 – Old Mrs Stone was buried to day at McCains Corners. I went as one of the Pall bearers, James Milham, Oreb Williams, & Nathan L Randall.

Nov 23 – Got sleigh out of cornhouse. Went over to burg Lois and Will came on 11.11 train. Not much dun. Hannah went up to Fishers. Snowed some.

Nov 24 – Worked round husked some and chored round. Went over to Hanks to dinner.

Nov 25 – Not much done no particular work. Mr Carmer and wife came over Brot Mrs Bennet over.

Nov 26 – Went over to burg brot Nancy over. Carried her home in Evening. Mrs Bennet went over to County House in Evening.

Nov 27 – At home all day. Jim and Will Clark[120] went up to Demus Jabus Harts.[121]

Nov 28 – Pleasant morning. Old Mrs Isaac Mason Died this morning.[122] Husked corn some. Fine day. Mrs Betts had a Cotillion to day on the soup Ladle. Mrs Town[123] died 10 oclock P.M.

Nov 29 – Rainbow this morning no rain much. Took Lois over to Nancys. Took Mrs Betts over to Mrs Masons Funeral. Went over after her at night.

Nov 30 – Husked some corn chored round. Fine day. Lois, Will and Ina[124] here up to Harts. Old Mrs Ives[125] Died to day at Vicksburg.

Dec 1 – Mrs Town Buried to day. D. K. Rogers Died this morning.[126]

Dec 2 – Went over to Burg in morning got meal. Husked some. Nice day not very cold no snow. Lois and Ina here Will also.

Dec 3 – Drawed corn. Fine Day. Ethan, Lou, Jim and Will Clark went down to Mrs Browns.

Dec 4 – Ethan and Lou went down to Katharines. Lucy and Delpha[127] came up here. D. K. Rogers Buried to day.

Dec 5 – Worked round husked corn &c.

Dec 6 – Drawed in corn. Not very cold no snow.

Dec 7 – Went over to burg got Nancy. Finished drawing in corn. Mrs Allerton[128] here. Carried Nancy home in Evening. Broke the Buggy.

Dec 8 – Some colder. Filed saw for Rily French one for Win Ford.[129]

Dec 9 – Worked on cradle, filed saw, dressed out stuf for cradle.

Dec 10 – Worked on Lelahs cradle. Filed saw for Rily French not very cold. Lois and Will went down to Katharines stayed all night.

Dec 11 – At home all day. Finished Lelahs cradle. Lois and Will came home. Snow some rained hard in night.

Dec 12 – Filed saw for N. L. Randall. Husk some corn. Rained in Evening not very cold.

Dec 13 – Worked round. Carried Lois over to burg.

Dec 14 – Went over to Burg in morning Hannah went over. Lois went home. Lockhart fixed Buggy Ex and thill 75 cts.

Dec 15 – Will Clark chopping. I went down to Mrs Browns got two Bushels wheat carried it to mill 1.25 or 30 cts pr bushel.

Dec 16 – Choped some grubs Nice day. Will Clark chopping. Mr Abijah Ives Died to day Ae. 75 yrs.[130]

Dec 17 – Chopping grubbs. Fine day. Ethan went to Battle Creek. Jim went to Kalamazoo to see Uncle Toms cabbin played.

Dec 18 – At home all day. Ethan took Mrs Betts over to church. Lucy and Youngens[131] here. Very fine day.

Dec 19 – Cut grubs. Pleasant nice day no snow Indian summer weather.

Dec 20 – Made Pole for Ayers Raymond. Rained some. Went up to Mr Taylors to see table. Herb Earl brot table down to get made into an Extencin table.

Dec 21 – Worked on Gunstock. Husked some corn. Rainy day not very cold

Dec 22 – Went over to Burg to Milhams Auction. Rained all day. Bid of cutter for Ethan and Jim twenty five Dollars $25.00.

Dec 23 – Went over to Burg in morning. Mr Brownell brot cutter over. He came over after ceder Tree for Christmass tree. Husked some in afternoon. Will Clark went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 24 – Went over to burg in morning to see Milham. Paid tax $5.03. Herb Earl here. No work sum not much. Husked some. Carried Hannah over to burg at night theater at M. E. Church this Evening.

Dec 25 – At home. Jim carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Hanks folks went down to Mrs Browns. Hank Brot Mrs Betts home. I got cider Pitcher and neck tye presented by Claud an Lelah.

Dec 26 – Went over to Burg gave note for cutter. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders this Evening.

Dec 27 – Will and I choped some. Rained in afternoon. Will went down to Franklins. Rainy night.

Dec 28 – Choped round repaired stable floor some. Ed Gillis married this Evening to Miss Ida Milham.[132]

Dec 29 – Repaired stable floor. Jim and Will Clark went up to Jim Milhams.

Dec 30 – Drawed some wood on sleigh in forenoon. Will Clark went to Gasper to day. Snowed some to day.

Dec 31 – Snowey day. Not much work to day not very well. Took top off new violin. About two inches snow.

Memoranda

Cure for cancer one pint Skoke Berry juice put into one pint whiskey

Hugh McKee Kalamazoo Box 485

——-

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

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

[3] Martin Milham, husband of Lucy Lee, daughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[4] Believe Pete might be his horse

[5] His third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[6] Matilda (Allen) Brown, his daughter Nancy’s mother-in-law

[7] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[8] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[9] His youngest son, James Keith

[10] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” Streator

[11] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of his brother, Harvey Keith. Harvey died in 1851 and the 1880 census shows Alfleda living with Luke and his family

[12] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[13] Future husband of his daughter, Louese Keith

[14] Phoenix, Michigan, where the Harris family had a general store

[15] His sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee. Sometimes he spells her name with a C and other times with a K

[16] His son, Ethan Keith

[17] Neighbor, Mary (Knowles) Barber

[18] Neighbors, Charles G. Ford, his wife, Mary Ann (Thompson) Ford, and his sister, Mary Tamer Ford

[19] His granddaughter, Lela Brown, the daughter of Hank & Nancy

[20] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl

[21] Neighbor, Richard Barber

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

[23] Possibly Julia (Davis) Lee and her son, Alvin Lee. Julia (also known as Juliana), was married to Charles Lee, Luke’s first cousin

[24] Ambrose Brown, his daughter Nancy’s father-in-law; Ambrose died October 27, 1880

[25] “Young Doc Upjohn” referred to his neighbor, Henry Upjohn, who was the son of Dr. Norah Upjohn

[26] Etc.

[27] Margaret (Allen) Stinehart, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister

[28] Claude Brown, his daughter Nancy’s son

[29] Above zero

[30] His granddaughter, Bess Rae Recoschewitz

[31] Means perhaps “done nothing”

[32] Samuel J. York, father-in-law of his niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[33] Edward G. Wolcott, his maternal first cousin

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

[35] Charles Towne was Luke’s neighbor in Comstock; he would marry Luke’s daughter Hannah in 1891

[36] Charles Ira Clark, his daughter Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s son by her first husband, Byron Clark

[37] Charles Clark’s wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark

[38] FindAGrave.com records show that Jedediah Walker died on February 23, 1881 and is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York

[39] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative

[40] A shilling was a coin of Colonial America and varied between 12¢ and 16¢

[41] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[42] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner, Lois’ daughter by her second husband, Adelbert Skinner

[43] FindAGrave.com records confirm that Orrin David Schram died on March 4, 1881 and that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[44] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that Jane (Havens) Thomas, the wife of John Thomas, died in 1881 and a search of Ancestry.com reveals an obituary for Mrs. John Thomas confirming the date of death

[45] Julia Allen, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister. Julia had breast cancer and this 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

[46] After Luke’s first wife, Minerva, died, Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders took care of Luke’s son Henry until Luke remarried; it is believed that his daughter Lois went to live with Minerva’s parents during that same time

[47] His youngest daughter Louese Keith, also referred to as Lou or Sis

[48] Michigan death records reveal that Jervis D. Adams died March 11, 1881 in Climax, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[49] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[50] Willis Brown, the son of Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown

[51] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Eunice (Brown) Corey died March 17, 1881 and is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery in Cedar Springs, Michigan

[52] Henry Brown, Nancy’s husband, and the son of Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown

[53] Henry Keith, his son by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[54] Michigan marriage records show that Annette Rowland married Cyrus W. Utley on March 24, 1881 in Galesburg, Michigan. Annette was the daughter of Henry “Harry” & Delilah (Dawley) Rowland

[55] Michigan marriage records confirm that his son Henry married Florence Stahl on March 24, 1881

[56] Edwin P. Flanders, the son of Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders (see footnote for March 8 entry)

[57] Daughters of James and Ellen (Adams) Milham, his neighbors in Comstock. James was the half-brother of Martin Milham (son-in-law of his sister Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, and Ellen (Adams) Milham was the sister of Charlana (Adams) Meredith, the grandmother of Cora Meredith who would marry Luke’s son James Keith in 1891

[58] Attorney Lucius C. West, who filed patents for Ethan

[59] Michigan death records confirm that Caroline (Toby) Burdick died April 1, 1881 in Comstock, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[60] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative, and father of and Theodore Earl (see footnote for January 21^st entry) and Herbert Earl (see footnote for February 26^th entry)

[61] Nickname for his daughter Louese; also referred to as Sis

[62] Adelbert Skinner, Lois’ second husband

[63] Ellen (Adams) Milham (see footnote to March 27^th entry). No death record has been found but a search of FindAGrave.com shows that James & Ellen Milham are buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan, however, no dates are included. A transcript of Oak Grove Cemetery records lists Ellen O. (Adams) Milham, wife of James, born May 31, 1832, died April 18, 1884. It is possible that there was a mistake in the records and/or that the stone did not have a date or was weather worn. Since Luke’s entries are so detailed as to her funeral and that she is buried in Oak Grove I have to assume that the year of 1884 is wrong

[64] His niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[65] Assume this is his son, James Keith. The 1880 Census shows him living in the household of Adelbert & Lois Skinner (Jim’s half-sister) and working as a farm laborer

[66] Louese had been attending school in Chicago and staying with her uncle and aunt, Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford so presumably she was returning for more schooling

[67] Her son’s family lived in Bloomingdale, Michigan

[68] Michigan death records confirm the date of death and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Ford Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[69] His horse

[70] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[71] His neighbor, Marius O. Streator, and father of Henry “Harry” Streator (see footnote to January 5^th entry)

[72] Perhaps the herb Elecampane, the root of which was used to make medicine. It was used for lung diseases including asthma, bronchitis, and whooping cough and also to prevent coughing, especially coughing caused by tuberculosis

[73] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[74] Neighbor; believe this is the second wife of Henry Potts, Elizabeth (Reed) Gillis Potts

[75] Neighbor, Georgianna (Potts) Freer, the daughter of Henry Potts and his first wife, Eliza (Marks) Potts

[76] Arthur & Caroline “Kitty” (Lockwood) Arms. Arthur was the nephew of Ambrose Brown (see footnote to January 23^rd entry)

[77] Neighbor, Catherine Comings. Michigan death records confirm that Kate Comings, age 22, died of consumption on May 24, 1881 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[78] He left New York on June 6, 1837

[79] Lawton, Michigan. Hank & Nancy had lived there in 1876

[80] Edna (Crawford) Allen, the daughter of Edwin and Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, was the granddaughter of Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts

[81] Matilda Brown’s sister, Margaret (Allen) O’Brien Stinehart Cook

[82] The 1880 census shows Margaret living in Kenny, DeWitt County, Illinois

[83] Clara and George Milham, Lucy and Mart Milham’s children

[84] Mary Ann (Thompson) Ford

[85] Thomas C. Ford

[86] FindAGrave.com confirms that Jesse Havens died on July 15, 1881; he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[87] Michigan death records show that Mabel Powers, age 7, died of diphtheria in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[89] Michigan death records confirm that John Caray died August 12, 1881 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[91] An eavestrough is a roof gutter

[92] Other things

[93] Assume that since Louese had been staying with Hiram & Kate Crawford, that this is their daughter, Jessie Crawford, who was 9 years old

[94] Michigan death records show that Sarah Ann (Tyson) Ralph, age 43, died of heart disease in Charleston, Michigan on August 22, 1881 and FindAGrave.com indicates that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[95] Michigan death records confirm that Mamie Young, age 21, died of Typhoid Fever in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in Augusta Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[96] It appears that Alfleda is moving to live with her son James “Oscar” Keith

[97] A search of Michigan birth and death records reveals that Mary E. Rogers, the daughter of Amos and Mary (Batt) Rogers, was born October 2, 1877, and died from diphtheria in Comstock, Michigan on September 1, 1881; FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Luke’s July 13^th entry tells that he went to pick up Harry from the train; on August 20 Jessie came with Louese when she returned home, so it is assumed that this entry refers to Harry and Jessie Crawford, the children of Hiram & Kate Crawford

[99] His grand-nephew and wife, Frank & Harriet (Root) Tomlinson, who lived in Concord, Michigan

[100] From Encyclopedia Virginia: Ambrose E. Burnside was a major general in the Union army during the American Civil War (1861–1865). Instantly recognizable for his bushy sideburns (the term itself is derived from reversing his last name), [when] Burnside … did take command of the army, he led it into disaster at the Battle of Fredericksburg (1862), perhaps the Union’s most lopsided defeat of the war. After his corps was badly defeated at the Battle of the Crater (1864) he went home on a leave of absence from which he was never called back to duty. Burnside’s dismal reputation is probably unfair, however. He was an innovative engineer but an unlucky general who was often made a scapegoat for larger failures. He died on September 13, 1881, in Bristol, Rhode Island.

[101] The assassination of James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, began when he was shot at 9:30 a.m. on July 2, 1881, less than four months into his term as President, and ended in his death 79 days later on September 19, 1881. He was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C., and died in Elberon, New Jersey. Guiteau’s motive was revenge against Garfield for an imagined political debt. Focused on finding and removing the bullet, the doctors stuck their unwashed fingers in the wound and probed around, without applying any anesthetic. In late 19th century America, such a search was common medical practice for treating gunshot wounds. The doctors tortured the president with more digital probing and many surgical attempts to widen the three-inch deep wound into a 20-inch-long incision, beginning at his ribs and extending to his groin. It soon became super-infected and pus-ridden. Guiteau was later found guilty of murder and sentenced to death, even though he was one of first high-profile cases in American history to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. He was hanged on June 20, 1882, in Washington D.C. There is, indeed, a grain of truth to the assassin Guiteau’s claim “the doctors killed Garfield, I just shot him.” (Taken from Wikipedia and PBS websites)

[102] Nickname for his daughter Louese Keith

[103] Neighbor. Also, from Luke’s November 2, 1878 diary entry: “Moved Mrs N. B Betts over to Burg. She moved into John Freers house. Pleasant day.”

[104] Harriet (Groat) Plank, widow of William Plank. The Planks were Luke’s former neighbors

[105] Michigan death records reveal that Sally (Dunn) Luttenton died on April 2, 1881 and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[106] His son-in-law, Adelbert R. Skinner (see footnote for April 16^th entry)

[107] His maternal first cousin

[108] Believe he is referring to Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl (see footnote to April 10^th entry)

[109] Emeretta Allen, the daughter of neighbors, John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[110] Michigan death records show that Delilah (Dawley) Rowland died on October 12, 1881 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[111] Nephew of Jesse Earl (see footnote for April 10^th entry)

[112] Camera

[113] The local newspaper

[114] The father of Luke’s daughter Lois’s first husband. Unable to confirm date or place of death

[115] Luke’s wife Sarah’s sister-in-law, Mary (Hamilton) Crawford. She was the widow of Sarah’s brother Edwin Crawford

[116] Oscar M. and Edna Alice (Crawford) Allen. Edna was the daughter of Edwin & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[117] The half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote for January 2^nd entry)

[118] Michigan death records confirm that Eleanor (Ward) Stone died November 19, 1881 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com records reveal that she is buried in Boughton Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Luke’s reference to her being buried at McCain’s Corners is unclear at this time

[119] Emaline (Stone) Ralph, was the aunt of D. D. Harris (Louese Keith’s future husband)

[120] His grandson, William Byron Clark, son of his daughter Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[121] In previous diaries Luke refers to him as D. J. Hart

[122] Michigan death records reveal that Charlotte Mason died November 27, 1881; research continues

[123] Pamelia (Hosley) Towne, mother of Charles Towne (Hannah Keith’s future husband). Michigan death records confirm that she died November 28, 1881 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[124] His granddaughter, Ina Mary Skinner, daughter of his daughter Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[125] Michigan death records confirm that Ann Marie Ives died November 30, 1881, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Schoolcraft Township Cemetery in Vicksburg, Michigan. She was the wife of Abijah Ives (see footnote to December 16^th entry)

[126] Michigan death records show that David K. Rogers died in Comstock on December 1^st and FindAGrave.com records show that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[127] Marion Adelpha York, daughter of Joseph and Helen (Bradley) York. Helen was the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[128] Neighbor, Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[129] Neighbor, Winthrop John Ford

[130] Michigan death records confirm that Abijah Ives died December 16, 1881, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Schoolcraft Township Cemetery in Vicksburg, Michigan. His wife Ann died just two weeks prior (see footnote to November 30^th entry)

[131] At this point, Lucy (Lee) Milham had five children ranging in age from 13 years on down

[132] Michigan marriage records confirm the date of marriage; Ida Eva Milham was the daughter of Richard & Hannah (Goodrich) Milham and Richard was the brother of James Milham (see footnote to the November 13^th entry) and the half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote to the January 2^nd entry)