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 1890 Diary

1890 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Mercury 46 morn. Not very well. Cool wind rainy day 53 at noon 54 at Evening.

Jan 2 – Mercury 42 morning 31 Evening. Went over to burg.[2] Z. C. Durkee buried.[3] Phil Corey brot here for burial from Topeka Kan.[4]

Jan 3 – Mercury 23 morn. Very pleasant day. Took Lelah and Bes[5] over to the cars.[6] They went home on the 2.15 P.M. train. Mr Corey Buried to day.

Jan 4 – Mercury 29. Cul Town[7] brot load straw. Filed saw for C. Town.[8] Cory Harris[9] here. Took 6 Doz Eggs over to Dell[10] 18 cts pr doz. Coley Durkee came and wrote some in Evening.

Jan 5 – Mercury 58 rainy day. No on here.

Jan 6 – Mercury 27 8:30. At home choring. Nice day. Took Hannah[11] over to W^m Ralphs.

Jan 7 – Mercury 25 31. Theodore[12] came down. I went to Theodores got his ladle. Nice day. Dr A B Spinney[13] here in Evening to see Sarahs[14] glasses to put in new lenzes.

Jan 8 – Mercury 36. Went over to burg. Sent postal to A. B. Spinney Detroit. Cold north west wind all day.

Jan 9 – Choring as usual working round some in shop and barn.

Jan 10 – Went over to burg. Went to printing office. Saw the Labar violin. Rainy night. An Old italion instrument made in the year 1716.

Jan 11 – Mercury 56. Verry warm day strong south west wind. Went over to burg got picture of Jims car.[15] Nancy[16] sick some better to day.

Jan 12 – Mercury 49 noon. At home. Very rainy not cold. Cattle getting most of their living out so far this winter. At 9½ Evening 63 very high wind all night a perfect gale.

Jan 13 – Mercury 28 wind a blowing some snow falling. Quite a tedias day.

Jan 14 – At home. Worked in shop some. Sawed some wood. Went over to burg. Ethan[17] went to Kalamazoo with Charley Town.

Jan 15 – Mercury 40. Went over to burg took over seven Doz Eggs 16¢ pr doz. Cool wind pleasant day. Rather rough wheeling. Not feel very well. Looks stormy. H. E. Sterns & Ella Bennet married this Evening.[18] Jerome Bierly married to day.[19] Filed meat saw for E. Galusha.[20]

Jan 16 – Not very well now days may be some grippe[21] dont know. Evva Blake[22] came over in morning. I went over to burg got some cheese.

Jan 17 – No work to day no ver well. Some cool wind.

Jan 18 – Mercury 37 at 3 P.M. Got two bushels wheat ground wheat 73 cts pr bushel. Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Nancy. Nice day no snow of any account. Filed buck saw for Charly Town.

Jan 19 – At home all day. Not very rough rained just at night. Hannah down to Nancys.

Jan 20 – Cold wind. Sorted corn in cornhouse. Rather cold work. Hannah came up on morning train. She worked to Lois.[23] Came home in Evening.

Jan 21 – Mercury 14 cold blustring day snowey. Hannah went to Neal Comings this morning. Worst day of the season. Very blustrous all day. No wash to day.

Jan 22 – Mercury morning at zero. Doing chores as usual. Quite a pleasant day but cold in fore part of the day. Very comfortable in middle of the day.

Jan 23 – Choring. Saw some wood. Nice cool day. Washing worked in shop some. Snowed some.

Jan 24 – Fixed up well and pump at the barn. Nice pleasant day. Sharpened two pairs shears and two pinking irons[24] for Mrs Allerton.[25]

Jan 25 – Not much going on to day. Chores. Not very cold.

Jan 26 – Went over to Harry Wilsons to a meeting. So not many there. Rained some. Mr Perse[?] and wife wer thare from Climax and a Mr Mittiman from Scots[26] Blakes folks.

Jan 27 – At home working about as usual. Hannah went to Mate Fords[27] this morning. Fine day.

Jan 28 – Not very cold. Went to Kalamazoo to Hanks.[28] Verry muddy. Rough wheeling.

Jan 29 – At Hanks. Lou and Vern[29] came down in morning stayed all night. Bot wheelbarrow for Floyd.[30]

Jan 30 – Came home started about ten AM. Lou went on noon train. We got home half past one P.M. Came up on north side gefired muddy.

Jan 31 – At home. Some cool wind. Worked round house some, washed &c.[31]

Feb 1 – Not very well. Chored round. Went over brot Lois over. She and Hannah stired up things up stairs and down.

Feb 2 – Home all day. No one here. Hannah home. Cool wind.

Feb 3 – Not very well to day feel some grippe. Not do much. Took top of the old violin. Stranger called here to get stock put on gun. Rained all night.

Feb 4 – Mercury 56 [or 66] at noon. Went over to burg after Hannah Smith.[32] She [and] Hannah sew this week. Charley Ford[33] brot one cord wood. Nice warm day.

Feb 5 – Mrs Smith here sewing for Hannah.

Feb 6 – Fixing old fiddle. Not very well now days.

Feb 7 – Choring round. Girls sewing. Not verry cold snowey day some.

Feb 8 – Ethan went over after Lois. She came over to help the Hannahs sew. Snows some.

Feb 9 – At home. Will Owens and Clarra Milham[34] here in Evening.

Feb 10 – Went over to burg after Mrs Hannah Smith. I not very well. Put top on the old violin Speery[?].

Feb 11 – Went over after Lois in morning. Ethan took Mrs Smith and Lois home in Evening.

Feb 12 – Not very well. E B[35] went over after Nancy and Lelah. I went over at noon after Hannah. Took 7 Doz Eggs 1/-[36] pr Doz. Nice weather.

Feb 13 – Very pleasant day. Ground bare no snow nice April weather. The Fisher girls came down to day Fanny and Mary.

Feb 14 – Some rainy rainy. Not much well to day. Fanny and Mary went home in forenoon. Went over to Not go over to burg.

Feb 15 – Very nice day. Nancy and Lelah went over to Lois after noon. They go home on the 9.20 train Evening. Hannah goes with them. She goes up to Lous next week.

Feb 16 – Nice kind of a day. George and Clara came up.

Feb 17 – Mercury 63. Fine day April weather no rain no snow ground bare. Cattle runing out to grass and have been all the winter so far.

Feb 18 – Mercury 41 in morning. Killed Major[37] this morning. Went over to Charleys got hand pump. Cleaned the East window in shop. Thad Clapps Aniversary wedding to day.[38] Jim came home to day. Will Brown[39] here to dinner.

Feb 19 – Fine day. Got three Bushels wheat of C. Town. Took it to mill. Jim and Cory[40] here. Charley and Mate here in Evening.

Feb 20 – Took Fan down to Charley Fords to get a Jersey calf no get him.[41] Jim took Cory up to Stella & Mary Milhams[42] this morning.

Feb 21 – Jim and Cory went to Shelbyville[43] to day. I not ver well not do much to day. Fan cutting up generally. Lois came over. Cold wind.

Feb 22 – Mercury 30 in Evening. Sarah and I went up to Will Browns to day. Pleasant but cool wind.

Feb 23 – At home. Cold wind stormy in fore part of the day snow and rain all clear in afternoon. Mr Edwin and John Thresher here in forenoon to see draft of the press.

Feb 24 – Rather cloudy foggy damp day. Sally[44] and I done a two weeks washing to day all right got the clothes dry and in at night. We thought that we done well.

Feb 25 – Jim went up to Will Browns. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Feb 26 – Jim started for home on the 2.22 PM train. Went to Kalamazoo took the 5 oclock Express. Ed Knapp married to day at Grand Rapids.[45] D Harrises[46] Barn and Horses, cow and calf Burnt.

Feb 27 – Went to burg. Took 12 Doz Eggs 1/- pr doz 1.44. Jim takes his car 12.4 this PM. Ed and Lady came home to day. Ed Swaddle and Olive Scrahm wer married this Evening.[47]

Feb 28 – At home doing chores as usual. Not very cold some rainy day. Melted up my lead[?].

Mar 1 – Mercury 10 Abz[48] snowey fore noon about a inch snow. About all gone at night. Cut out small calipers. Hannah came home from Shelby.

Mar 2 – At home. All well. Hannah home to day.

Mar 3 – Cold wind March weather. W^m Ralph left his gun here. He is making stranger up to _____ _____. Hannah went to Harve Thomas this morning.

Mar 4 – Snows and blows rather squally day. Filed saw for Nell Hill. 14 Eggs to day.

Mar 5 – Mercury 2 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put callipers together. Took Sarah over to Fanny Towns.[49] Cold wind no snow. Hannah over to Louese Blakes. 9 Eggs to day.

Mar 6 – Not very cold rather pleasant for March. Work round. Took Sarah over to Lois.

Mar 7 – Went over to burg. Got Door of Lois. Mrs Richard Barber Died half past Eleven AM.[50]

Mar 8 – Worked up stairs puting of door to the little beds room. Pleasant day.

Mar 9 – Nice pleasant day. Mrs Richard Barber buried to day. Dr A. B. Spinney preached the Funeral sermon asisted by Rev Hickmot at the congregational church Galesburg.

Mar 10 – Mercury 35 2 inches snow this morning rained most of the day. Hannah went over to Cora Beaches this morning. Cora came after her. Nancy went home on the 2.27 run. A. B. Spinney at Towns last Evening went _____.

Mar 11 – Work at the cloths press up stairs. Now days all right. Nice some rainy day.

Mar 12 – Not much work to day. Not feelum some good. Filed saw for Charly Town.

Mar 13 – Hannah went down to Mr Mitchels this morning. I went over to Burg bot hooks for cloths press 40 cts. Took over 10 doz Eggs 12 cts pr Doz. Bot shugar, soda crackers, cheese, starch, thread & twist.

Mar 14 – Went to Kalamazoo on the 8.25 run. Stayed there until Evening took the 7 oclock train went to Shelby vile. Snowed like fun.[51]

Mar 15 – At shelby ville. Cold and snowey. All well as usual. Leone[52] better seems to be improving.

Mar 16 – At Shelby ville. All well as usual.

Mar 17 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 18 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 19 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 20 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 21 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 22 – At Shelby ville.

Mar 23 – At Shelby ville. D and I went over into Mr Meridith[53] woods no find any game to shoot at. Found a bottle. D set it up smashed it the third shot.

Mar 24 – Left Shelby ville on the 8.15 train for Kalamazoo. Freight train broke down at Monteith which detained us about ___ hours. Got to Hanks about noon. Came up on the 6 oclock train.

Mar 25 – At home. Not do much. Snow all gone.

Mar 26 – Pleasant quite a cold west wind. Theodore and Mr Barber[54] sawed wood in afternoon.

Mar 27 – Took Sarah over to Barbers in fore noon. Took ten doz Eggs over to Lois 10 cts pr Doz. Went over after Sarah just at night. Cold and blowed hard something of a snow squall.

Mar 28 – Some 3 inches snow this morning and snowing and blowing like blazes. Hannah came home from Scots.

Mar 29 – Worked up sairs [stairs] put casing on the bedroom door. Put hoos [hooks] on for the closet. Ethan went to the city to see Mr West.[55] Hannah c[ame] home in Evening from Culs.

Mar 30 – Mercury 14 or 15. Neal Commings[56] and Mrs Sam Kingsley[57] called here in afternoon. Jesse Earl[58] here. Will and Clara Caywood[59] called just at night ¼ past 78 Evening 25 abz.

Mar 31 – Ethan and Bes came up on the 7.27 train this morning. Hannah at home to day.

Apr 1 – Took bill[60] over to Mr Mungers got his teeth cut down. Paid one Dollar. Took Sarah over to A. Hoags.[61] Mary Mason very bad don look as thought she can stand it long.

Apr 2 – Not very well. Not do much. Very nice day. George and Evva Blake[62] called here awhile. Herbert Keith[63] came here this afternoon. Stayed all night.

Apr 3 – Mercury 50 & 56 rainy day. Ethan too Herb up to Mrs Bateys[64] in afternoon. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Apr 4 – Lou and the children[65] came on the noon train to Kalamazoo to see Spinney. She stayed to Nancys all night.

Apr 5 – Nancy and Lou came up on 2.22 PM train to the burg. Lou and children came over in Evening.

Apr 6 – Nancy and Lois Lois came over this morning. Doc McBeth[66] brot them over. He was going down to Mr Caywood to see Tena. Some rainy day.

Apr 7 – Went to Town Meeting. Nice day. Lou and children here. Nancy and girls went home.

Apr 8 – Fine warm day. Went over got the carriage mended paid one Dollar. Stell Milham here in Evening. Some thunder and rain.

Apr 9 – Took Lou and children over this morning she went home. Theodore sowed some clover & Timothy seed this afternoon.

Apr 10 – Theodore finished sowing the clover seed. Allice[67] here most all day. Nice day.

Apr 11 – Ver pleasant day. Mr. J. T. Allerton[68] got Ed Flanders[69] called this morning. I drew down two loads of wood that Theodore and Barber cut.

Apr 12 – Mr. I. C. Abbot Died this morning.[70] Cleaned up yard. Opened cellar window. Hannah came home from W^m Ralphs.

Apr 13 – Mercury 15 in morning. Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts[71] in afternoon. Very warm day. Hannah stopt to Mr Caywoods.

Apr 14 – Went over to burg to I. C. Abbots funral in afternoon. Fine day. Washed in forenoon. Henry Rennison Died to day.[72]

Apr 15 – Mercury 34. Cleaned up yard. Put chip manure on the asparagas bed and around some of the trees. Charleys hired boy finished rolling the East lot.

Apr 16 – Very nice day. Went over to burg at noon after Kate and Blanch.[73] They no come. Went over agan at six PM. They came out that train all right.

Apr 17 – Kate and Blanch here. Warm day. I laid up fence on hill south of house. Cut some bushes. Put up some fence up by the woods. Ethan and Blanch went after Hannah down to Caywoods.

Apr 18 – Mrs Hannah Smith[74] here. They are making a dress for Kate. I went over to the burg. Dress lining for Kates dress. Blanch Lois here in afternoon.

Apr 19 – Ethan took Blanch over to Lois in morning. She stayed over. Kate and Blanch went to South Bend[75] on the 2.15 train PM. Nice warm day.

Apr 20 – At home. No one here. Hannah at home.

Apr 21 – Went over to Express office sent Kates dress 35 cts. Got some _____ plant roots of Dell. Set them out. Drew one load wood. Warm days very dry. Put Eleven letters in the Post office to day.

Apr 22 – Cut grubs and grape vines around East lot. Very warm day. I. D. L. Schram[76] planted potatoes.

Apr 23 – Mercury 50 in morning rany morning. Not much work to day.

Apr 24 – Picked up and burnt brush in orchard. Very fine day. Allis called here a while. Hannah came home at night. Etta came over in Evening. East wind. Mr Martin Died.[77]

Apr 25 – Not work much. Washed the carriage. Pleasant day. Cool East wind.

Apr 26 – Went to Kalamazoo. Rained all the after noon and evening. Put Bill in the water street. Farmer Sheads stayed to Hanks all night. Cellery Martin buried.

Apr 27 – Came home in the afternoon. Edna senator was at Hanks boarding a few days. We got home about sundown. Nice day.

Apr 28 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths. Went and saw Dick about plowing the garden. Went up to Herbs[78] to get the ladder.

Apr 29 – Verry nice day. Went over to burg in morning bot 50 lbs flour $1.12½ cts, one bunch shingles 38 cts. Went over at noon bot 50 lbs flour $1.12½ cts, one bunch shingles 38 cts. Theodore put on shingles.

Apr 30 – Mercury 40 nice warm day. Went over in morning got another bunch shingles. Theodore came down and put them on. Rained some. I took the ladder home. Drew one load wood.

May 1 – Cut commenced plowing for corn. I burned some weeds and brush. Nice day.

May 2 – Theodore and Barber cutting wood. I drew three loads wood. Chauncey Pond died to day at Pearl Creek Wyoming Co N.Y. Ae 78 years & 7 mos.[79]

May 3 – Warm nice day. Jo Smith came over and helped me draw manure. Had a shower in afternoon some thunder and lightning. Theodore and Barber sawing wood. Paid Theodore $3.00 Jo 1 dollar.

May 4 – At home most all day. Went over to burg took in morning. Took a package over to R. G. Smiths.

May 5 – Cul and Lee plowing. I took out some grubs. Hurt my back. Turned Fan into the East lot to day.

May 6 – Some snow in the area rain some ledle. I cant hardly get around to much lame back. Cul plowed garden and finished plowing corn ground.

May 7 – Lame back no work. Cool south wind. Cull and Lee plowing and draging and marking some.

May 8 – Back no better. Took Hannah over to McNaughtons. Cull commenced planting. Cool wind.

May 9 – Back no better. Rainy forenoon some rained all night cold wind.

May 10 – Rainy morning rained until about 4 PM. Charly drilling his pins. Very cold disagreable day. Mr Warner came over to hire out to C A Town.[80] Theodore working for Town.

May 11 – Went over to burg in morning after Lois. She came over stayed all day. Fine day.

May 12 – Rainy day some. Ethan marked out potatoe ground. Got the potatoes out of the cellar. My back no better. Mr Warner commenced work for Charly Town. Theodore sowed clover seed for C. A Town not much.

May 13 – Nice day. Ethan planted potatoes south of orchard. Cloudy day. Ira Joy and Cogswell called in to see moddle of Elevator. Took 10 ½ Doz Eggs to Lois 10 cts pr doz.

May 14 – Worked round some. Made mallet to nock manure with. Cold wind.

May 15 – Went up to Herbs got garden seed 30 cts. We washed. Pleasant day cold wind.

May 16 – Nice day warm. Cul Town finished planting my corn. Mrs George Blake here this afternoon. George helped Mr Foster plant corn.

May 17 – Pleasant quite cold wind. Fixed up fence on hill.

May 18 – At home. Will and Lizzie Brown[81] here. Fine day. Edwin and Mary Flanders[82] called here in afternoon to see Hannah.

May 19 – Nice pleasant day. Washing day here. Will Brown called here in afternoon.

May 20 – At home. some rainy. Not much work.

May 21 – Mr Orrin Franklin Died this morning.[83] Not very well. Not much work.

May 22 – Not much work. My back not much work better. Dont work much. Took Fan over to Towns to Bull &c. Traded knives with Theodore.

May 23 – Nice warm day warmest day of the season yet. Corn coming up some. Ethan planted some Beans.

May 24 – Nice warm day. Went to Mr Orrin Franklins Funeral in afternoon. Had a thunder shower in afternoon some wind and rain. Had a big wind south west. Rained all night.

May 25 – Raind hard this morning. Went over and got Ida Barber and children[84] brot them over they stayed all day.

May 26 – Went over to the burg in morning after Nancy. She came up on the 7.28 AM train. Jo Neff here cleaning house. Went over got lime for white washing. Got $.12 at Bank for Hannah.

May 27 – At home choring. Jo here to work. Fine day. Ethan working for Town.

May 28 – Jo here to day. He finished cleaning. Paid him $.45__. Nancy went home.

May 29 – Nice warm weather. Not work much. Ethan over to Charley Towns to work on machine.

May 30 – Ethan over to Towns to work. Fine growing time corn coming on nicely. Hannah at Galushas.

May 31 – Worked in garden all day. Hoed corn, potatoes and potatoe Bugs killed lots of them. Very warm day. Hannah came home.

Jun 1 – At home. No one here. Mr Hiram Toby died this morning.[85]

Jun 2 – Hot morning. Hannah went to Mrs Sumners this morning.

Jun 3 – At home. Not very well. Hoed some in garden. Went over to burg after cabbage and tomatoe plants of Jo Smith. Got Hannahs Bonnet.

Jun 4 – Washing day. Verry hot. Hoed some in garden. Run of some leye for soap. Took Hannah over to Clapps in morning.

Jun 5 – Worked in shop some. Put handle on dipper fo to dip ley &c when I make some soap. Hoed some. Killed some bugs.

Jun 6 – Cul and Lee planting in corn. Mr Crossfield[86] and Jesse Earl called here. Mrs R. G. Smith here helping Hannah. Nice growing time. Jim came home just at night.

Jun 7 – Fine weather. Went over and got Jims trunk this morning. I hoed some in garden. Warm day. McKonky show here in Burg this Evening.

Jun 8 – Fine day. Pioneer called here and took dinner.

Jun 9 – Went over to burg got tomato plants. Took Hannah over to Claps.

Jun 10 – Hannah and Mrs Smith went to J. C. Blakes.[87]

Jun 11 – Hoed some in garden. Cut some grass.

Jun 12 – Took Sarah over to Lois in morming. Ethan and Charley Town went to Kalamazoo. ____ planted peanuts.

Jun 13 – Washing day. Warm. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Theodore went with him. Alvin Lee[88] called here a few minutes. He was going over to the burg. Claud[89] came. J. Frank Warren shot this morning.[90]

Jun 14 – Hoed in garden planted in some corn. Rain some.

Jun 15 – Fifty three years about nine oclock in Evening I landed here on this farm for the first time. Ethan left for Chicago 3 PM to see the McCormic Machine Co.[91]

Jun 16 – Mercury 94 in shade. Took Hannah over to Hat Taylors[92] in morning. Ed Childs came here. Went over to burg just at night. Took 11 doz Eggs 11 cts pr doz. Emmet Crawford[93] came. W^m Blake raised his shed on Battle Creek St. Got 50 lbs flour.

Jun 17 – Ethan came home this morning from Chicago. Emmet went home on the 2.15 train. Had a thunder shower verry hot day.

Jun 18 – At home. Worked in garden some. Hoed beans and some potatoes.

Jun 19 – Hoed corn and potatoes. Cul and Lee finished cultivating second time. Jim came home from Lous.

Jun 20 – Jim gone down to Fred Franklins this morning.

Jun 21 – Jim went to Kalamazoo after Cora and Floyd. They came up. Floyd came stayed over Sunday. Very hot day.

Jun 22 – At home. Floyd stayed here. Jim and Cory went up to the lake. Very much hot day. Mr Robert Snow Esq of Warsaw Died this morning. Ae. 73.[94]

Jun 23 – Mercury 86 in morning. Jim started for Chicago this morning. Cary and Floyd went on same train to Kalamazoo. They go home on the afternoon train. Mr Albert Town Died about noon to day.[95] Very warm day.

Jun 24 – Mercury 95 in shade PM. Went over to burg bot ½ bushel potatoes 20 cts. Ethan went up to Scots just at night after Hannah.

Jun 25 – Mercury 96 ½ past 11 AM. I not very well. Mr Albert Town buried to day. Ethan took Hannah up to Scotts this Evening. Fanny no better.

Jun 26 – Mercury 96 at 3 PM. Put poison on potatoes. Very hot day. Corn and potatoes grow fast. Folks haying some.

Jun 27 – Worked in garden some. Sprinkled potatoe bugs some. Very hot mercury 100 in shade.

Jun 28 – Mercury 102 in shade in afternoon. Hoed potatoes. Went up to Theodores after strawberries no got some.

Jun 29 – At home. Mercury 102 in shade. Mrs Sam Kingsley and Louisa Kingsley[96] called here in afternoon. Charley Clark[97] came stayed all night.

Jun 30 – Mercury 92 in morning when the accomodation came in. Hannah went over to Olmsteds. Fanny no better. Charley went home on Bobtail. Fanny Town Died ½ past Eight this Evening.[98] Rained in night.

Jul 1 – Mercury 90 and upwards. Went over to burg bot chicken feed. Ethan got Binder over. Clara, Girtie and Vinne[99] came up in afternoon. Made Clara a churn cover.

Jul 2 – Mercury 89 in morning. Sprinkled bugs and hoed some. Very warm nice breeze. Went over and got Ida Barber in afternoon. She went over to Towns to see Fanny.

Jul 3 – Fanny Town buried this afternoon. A. B. Spinney officiated. Mercury 90 ½ past 3 P.M. Some wind made it quite comfortable.

Jul 4 – Hot weather. Hoed some. Fed the bugs some tea very green tea.

Jul 5 – Mercury in the 90s. Hoed some in garden. Not very well.

Jul 6 – Cool morning. Sarah and I went to Kalamazoo this morning. Lou and children at Nancys found them all well.

Jul 7 – Hot morning. Came home to day. Stopt to Marts took dinner. Got home about sundown. Ver warm. Mrs Bea Caleb Smart Died to day.

Jul 8 – Very Hot. Choring round. Most to hot to do much.

Jul 9 – Nancy and Claud and Lelah came up.

Jul 10 – Very warm and dry. Not much work. Ethan working on binder.

Jul 11 – Warm. Hoing some. Claud, Nancy an Lelah here. Fence burned on hill south of barn. Think Mr H. Dale Addams[100] droped a match when he lit his pipe as he started for home.

Jul 12 – Went over to burg in morning took over 7 Doz Eggs sold them to A. Wells Beckwith Skinner & Co 11 cts pr doz. Bot 50 lbs flour 1.25. Sarah and Nancy went up to Will Browns.

Jul 13 – At home. Warm day. Had to be fence all day. Ed and Hannah went up to Gull Lake. Nancy thought there was a Hog around the house in night.

Jul 14 – Put up fence on hill what de smoke man burned hoop.[101] Rained some in afternoon. Cora Harris[102] came.

Jul 15 – Nancy, Claud and Lizzie Brown went up to Flanders after berries. Took Cora up to Ralphs.[103]

Jul 16 – 90 in morning. Hoed some in garden. Very hot.

Jul 17 – 96 in afternoon in shade. Took Nancy over to train. She went to Kal[104] to see how things was at home. Claud worked for Cull Town drew in wheat. Nancy came home on bobtail. Jesse Earl came down with some letters.

Jul 18 – Very warm morning. Hoed some in garden. Nancy, Claud and Lelah here.

Jul 19 – Not very well. Not work much. Very hot and dry now days. Looks like rain but he no com.

Jul 20 – 96 very hot. Jesse Earl came in to see about C. R. Cridlands[105] last letter.

Jul 21 – Mercury 85 at 2 PM. Drew tw loads wood in fore noon. Lou and children came to day.

Jul 22 – At home. Hoed some in garden. Very hot an dry.

Jul 23 – Went over to burg bot straps for wagon box.

Jul 24 – Turned out mawl for to drive bar to hold Fan. Mrs Caroline Earl here and Elva Crossfield.

Jul 25 – At home not do much. Very hot and dry. Went over got sack flour at Beckwiths $1.25.

Jul 26 – Hot and dry. Not much done. Hoed hoed some.

Jul 27 – At home no one here. Nancy and Claud went up to Will Browns.

Jul 28 – Mercury 105 in shade at noon. Hannah went up to W. W. Russels. Nancy and Claud went to George Smiths after berries.

Jul 29 – Very hot. Mr Smith brot one bushel berries to day. I not well laying around all day.

Jul 30 – No work to day. Mr Smith brot ½ bushel berries to day. Hot and dry.

Jul 31 – Will Clark[106] came over this morning. Nancy went to Kalamazoo to day.

Aug 1 – Very warm day. No work to day. The Foundry and machine shop planing mill Roulands big livery Barn andnd Hank Storms Barn Burned Just at night. Big fire.

Aug 2 – Mercury up in 90s very hot and dry. Went over to burg in morning.

Aug 3 – Mercury 110 in shade. Will Clark came over. Had a nice shower just at night. Nancy, Lou and their families here.

Aug 4 – Some cooler had a nice shower about noon. Took Jims trunk over to Depo. Will Clark went back to Chicago on the 2.15 train. He takes Jims trunk to him. Quite cool this afternoon. Eva Blake came over made a short call. Doc Wightman Died.[107] Bot 50 lb sack flour 2.25.

Aug 5 – At home. Not very well no work. Very hot.

Aug 6 – Mercury 100 in shade. All at home. Nancy and family, Lou and family all here. Doctor George R. Wightman buried to day.

Aug 7 – Very hot and dry. Ethan working on machine.

Aug 8 – Hot. Claud went over to burg after Lois and Ina.[108] I put finger board on my violin.

Aug 9 – I took Lou and children over to burg. They went home. Claude went to Kalamazoo with Charley Town.

Aug 10 – At home. Nancy went over to Lois in Evening. Bess came back with Ethan.

Aug 11 – Took Hannah over to Lois. Got the tires put on carriage $1.50. No rain yet.

Aug 12 – Went over to burg 355 lbs feed mixed 4.43. Not much work. Drew three loads wood. Hot and very dry. I. D. L. Schram thrashing.

Aug 13 – Looks like rain but he not come. Mr Whitcom thrashed. Mr W. W. Olins silver wedding this Evening.[109]

Aug 14 – Not very well. Very hot ad dry. Nancy and girls over to Lois. Hannah over to Town.

Aug 15 – Not much work. I not very well. Ethan work on binder. Hannah up to Culls. Trains met at Augusta the Limited Express and Freight, Engineer & fireman killed.[110]

Aug 16 – At home. The Advent Camp Meeting commenced to day north side of the river about 100 rods from our house.

Aug 17 – Raining very nicely at home. No one here except Nancy and family.

Aug 18 – Went over to burg in after noon bot fifty lbs Flour 1.40 cts. Ethan put the machine in the field.

Aug 19 – Had a nice shower this morning some thunder.

Aug 20 – Cool not very warm. Lois went up to Jackson to day. I went over to burg in Evening. Rained hard in night.

Aug 21 – Had a nice rain. Claud went to Kalamazoo on the 2.15 train.

Aug 22 – Cool and pleasant. Hannah and Nancy and Bess went up to Tips[111] this morning, drove Bill. Barnums show in Kalamazoo to day. They had a smashup at Shelbyville this morning.

Aug 23 – Not much work in me to day only chores.

Aug 24 – Charley Town, Ethan, Hannah, Nancy and Nell Wilkins and Mr John Maynard and his two sisters went to Vicksburg to a camp meeting. I went over to Mr Commings and R. G. Smiths.[112]

Aug 25 – Worked some on cross head. Wm Schroder came over to see Binder. I went over to burg in Evening took over 11 Doz Eggs to Wills 12 cts pr doz. Mrs Smith came home with me stayed all night. She expected to go to Scots.

Aug 26 – Rained this morning. Ed Childs came down after them. Hannah went but Mrs Smith no go. Ed took her home. I worked some on cross head.

Aug 27 – Chored around as usual. Went up to Mr Ridlers got some witch hazle to make a wash for Sarahs legs. Rena Galusha came down finished her picture.

Aug 28 – Mercury 84. Went over to burg in morning bot coffee, shugar, soap and lots things. Took the tickets over got the spoons.

Aug 29 – Charley Ford took Nancy and children home to day. She found Mrs Brown there.

Aug 30 – Hannah came home from Ed Chiles. Ed brot her home.

Aug 31 – At home all day. Nice day. Sherman Davis Buried to day.[113]

Sep 1 – Hannah went to Whiting Russels this morning. Fine weather. Ethan and Charlie working on Elevator.[114] I worked on Nancys Easle. Got 50 lbs flour 1.40 cts.

Sep 2 – Mercury 86 in shade. Dressed out stuf for the Easel. Verry hot and dry.

Sep 3 – Worked some on Eazle. The boys tried the binder it went very well.

Sep 4 – Took Hannah over to McNaughtons. Went over after Lois. Del brot over some peaches and pears. Lois came over and caned them. I finished Nancys Eazle.

Sep 5 – I dug potatoes in forenoon. Mr Sanborn[115] came up to see the Binder work it went all right. Rained in afternoon.

Sep 6 – Not much work. Doing chores as usual. Hannah at Em Evens to day.

Sep 7 – At home. Thought I would not go to church to day.

Sep 8 – Hannah some sick in forenoon. I took her over to Evens in afternoon.

Sep 9 – Hannah went up to Herb Gilsons this morning. Fanny came for her.

Sep 10 – I went over after the mail in morning. Del and Lois came over he was going down to Mr Jacksons after peaches and I went with him. Ethan and Charley went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 11 – Bill[116] sick this morning. Chored around and doctered Bill all day. Ethan got Bell Town[117] and took Hannah up to Ed Flanders.

Sep 12 – Bill no better not Eat. Gave him medacine all day. Ethan and Charly run the machine some in afternoon. Mr Knap came over. Rass[118] here. I chased pigs most of the time.

Sep 13 – Bill some better Eats some. I got horse of Charley Town. Went down to Marts in afternoon found the house all a lone no one at home. Finished diging potatos.

Sep 14 – At home all right. Nice day. No one here to day after Hannah.

Sep 15 – Nice day. Picked up some apples. Rained all night this Monday night. Cut down two old appletrees west of the house.

Sep 16 – Picked up some apples and pared them for pickling. Agent called here to sell some fruit trees. Mrs N. L. Randal Died this Evening.[119]

Sep 17 – Nice warm day. Pared more apples to day. Mrs Hall brot the grapes.

Sep 18 – Mrs N. L. Randal buried to day. Hannah and Mrs R. G. Smith[120] sewing. Jennie Isherwood and Haratio Patterson married this Evening.[121]

Sep 19 – Mercury 66 rainy day. Mrs Smith went home at noon. I went over to burg in morning sold 8½ Doz Eggs 15 cts pr doz 1.28 cts. Hat and children came to day.

Sep 20 – At home all day. Not done but drive pigs out of the garden and corn field.

Sep 21 – Lois and Ina came over and spent the day. Dell no come some.

Sep 22 – Hattie left for Jackson on the 7.27 am train. Nice pleasant day. Ethan took Hannah up to Rass Towns at noon.

Sep 23 – Went to Kalamazoo to Hank Browns. Mrs Brown[122] went up to Wills. Got bench screw 50¢.

Sep 24 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo. Mart and Mary[123] came up this morning brot up some timber for concave to clover Huller. Verry nice day. Charly cut some rye.

Sep 25 – Worked on Marts machine concave. Mart came after his concave. He paid $1.00. nice day.

Sep 26 – Got two bushels wheat of CA Town.[124] Took it to mill. Drove hogs the most of the day.

Sep 27 – Cool North East wind. Mrs R. G. came over worked for Hannah in forenoon. Took her home at non. Etta ____ worked in afternoon.

Sep 28 – Heavy frost this morning the first of the season here. Mr Andrew McLary died this afternoon.[125]

Sep 29 – Nice pleasant day. Mrs Smith came over. Charley thrashing to day.

Sep 30 – Went over and got Lois brot her over home. Took her back at night. Cora and Laverne[126] called in a few minutes. They wer with Mr Ralphs children. Hannah went to shelbyville to day.

Oct 1 – We washed to day. Rained some in afternoon. I went over got some medicine just at night for Ethan.

Oct 2 – Went up to mill to see the cross head and get the length of the bolts. Theodores folks moved to Battle Creek. I worked some on chair made one arm.

Oct 3 – Nice warm day. Repaired high chair. Mr Andrew McLary buried to day.

Oct 4 – Chored round. Split some wood. Went over to post office in Evening. Rained some. Hannah came home from Lous.

Oct 5 – At home. No one called to see Hannah about sewing. Rather a strange ocurrence for us not to have any callers on sunday.

Oct 6 – Hannah went to Mrs Bushes to work. I not do much. Cul Town and Nye came home.

Oct 7 – Clara came up here to day stayed all day.

Oct 8 – Sarah went over to George Blakes. I not very well. Very Nice weather. Took up the tomatoes.

Oct 9 – Not work much. Dick came over sold him axhelve 50¢. He not pay me.

Oct 10 – Mercury 63 in morning. Went over to burg took some tomatoes over to Lois. Very nice weather. Hannah over to Mrs Bushes this week.

Oct 11 – At home choring around as usual. Nice weather.

Oct 12 – At home all day. No one here I think not.

Oct 13 – Went to Kalamazoo in morning. Went to Nancys stayed all day. Went up to Lous on the three oclock P.M. train. D. went to Otsego to go down the river.

Oct 14 – At D. Harris. Found them all well. Lou and children doing well. Saw Cora Meridith[127] in morning.

Oct 15 – At the Harris house all day. Not do much.

Oct 16 – All right. At Lous all day not went over to Jays[128] a while towards night. D and Walter came home this Evening. Mrs Meridith[129] and Coras birthday. Cora is 20 years old.

Oct 17 – Went over to Mr Merediths[130] in afternoon a while and saw Coras birth day present. Very nice.

Oct 18 – At the Harris house. All right. Doing not much. D. and Walter went a fishing this Evening no get Eel. School closed to day. Floyd went in forenoon.

Oct 19 – At Harris house. Not go to church.

Oct 20 – At Lous. Doing some chores.

Oct 21 – At Lous. Choring as usual. Mary Mason Died this morning.[131]

Oct 22 – At Lous. Doing nothing as usual.

Oct 23 – At Lous. Feeding the pig and Eating pumpkin pie. Left shelby on the 2 oclock train. Went to Kalamazoo stayed to Hanks all night.

Oct 24 – Left shelby on the 2 oclock train went to At Kalamazoo all day. Went home on the 6 oclock P.M. train got home not far from seven oclock. Mary Mason buried to day.

Oct 25 – At home. All well. Went over to burg in Evening.

Oct 26 – At home. Nice day. Went over to Skinners just at night. Lois had got home. A young man by the name of Miller accidentaly shot himself at Scots to day.[132]

Oct 27 – Pleasant day. We washed. Ethan went over to Charleys got the rye[?].

Oct 28 – Took Sara over to Hoags[133] in morning. I went and saw Sam Hartwell about repairing chimney. Ed Allen[134] came here about 7 oclock Evening. Rained like fun.

Oct 29 – Rather rough day snowed some in afternoon. Ed left here a little past five PM for Boston. Mr Worden Wells Died to day Ae. 86 yrs.[135]

Oct 30 – Went up to I. D. L. Schrams got load sand to plaster the chimney. Some rain some snow.

Oct 31 – Turned out some rollers fo Mr Caywoods wringer. Snow. Went up to mill to see if I could find some maple for the rollers. Ethan worked on the road.

Nov 1 – Went over and got Claud in morning. Turned two rollers. Took of screen doors. Henry Crawford[136] came.

Nov 2 – Henry and Claud here. Some rainy morning. Charley and Hannah went down to Mr Pease. Will Caywood got his rollers.

Nov 3 – Henry and Claud went on the Eight 20 train this morning. Snowing some. Ethan took (incomplete)

Nov 4 – Went over to Election.[137] Not much work to day. Took Hannah over to Clapps.

Nov 5 – Sam came down this morning he no stay. I went over to burg in Evening got lime. Mr Whitcom moved to day from the Taylor place.

Nov 6 – Sam no come to repair chimney. Very fine day pleasant and warm.

Nov 7 – Hartwell came and took down the chimney and built it up a gan. Rather misty not he not rain very hard. Got brick of Dell fifty of Schroder.

Nov 8 – Sam came down and finished the chimneys. Some rainy.

Nov 9 – At home. No one here to stay. Edwin Flanders and wife and Mabel[138] called in a while to see Hannah.

Nov 10 – Went over to burg got Fans halter strap mended. Saw R. S. Vanvleet.

Nov 11 – Drew one load wood one load corn and the fodder that it came from. Dell, Lois and Mrs Hart Expect to go to Chicago to night. Mr John Sumner Buried to day.[139]

Nov 12 – At home. Work round house and doing things generally.

Nov 13 – Went up to the mill to see if I could get some boards to make bins in cornhouse to put the corn in when Cull got ready to put it in. Min came to day.

Nov 14 – Went up to the mill got some boards to fix cornhouse. Cull drew in the corn put in three loads. Min left for home on the 2.20 PM train.

Nov 15 – Sorted some corn. Went over after Nancy at noon she no come. Hank and Nancy came up on Evening train stayed all night.

Nov 16 – Hank and Nancy went up to Wills in afternoon came back in Evening. Rained all night.

Nov 17 – Raining hard. Hank went home on the Eight 20 AM train. I took Nancy over to Lois in forenoon. She goes home on the two 22 P.M. train.

Nov 18 – Working round doing chores and all kinds of work. Went over to burg.

Nov 19 – Clara Milham came up stayed all night. She had Will Owens[140] Horse and carriage.

Nov 20 – Went over to burg after Lou she came on noon train. Clara went up to Jim Milhams.[141] She came back stayed all night. I put some shingles on cornhouse.

Nov 21 – I put some shingles on cornhouse. Very nice pleasant day. Ethan and Clara went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 22 – Cut and drawed two loads wood in forenoon. Not do much in afternoon. Pleasant but cool. Two boys killed at Comstock to day noon by the west bound Express.

Nov 23 – Very pleasant and dry. Went over got Lois in morning. Lou and children here. Stell Milham here in Evening. Roads good and dusty. Nice fall weather.

Nov 24 – Work in woods. We cut and drawed three loads wood.

Nov 25 – Cold and windy. Put some shingles on cornhouse. Mrs Pierce killed by the cars at the burg this afternoon.[142]

Nov 26 – Went to Kalamazoo to get preasans for the wedding. Frank Raymond and Maud Addams wer married this Evening.[143]

Nov 27 – Sarah, Ethan, Hannah, Lou and Nancy and children all went up to Will Browns to turkey to day.

Nov 28 – At home. Lou and Nancy here. D. and Verne came this Evening.

Nov 29 – At home. Nancy went home to day. Hannah came home this Evening. Charley Town went out to Nells.

Nov 30 – All here. D and Floyd went up to W^m Ralphs. I broke Dells razor. We are all well.

Dec 1 – All here this morning. Hannah went over to W^m Blakes to work. I took Laverne and Floyd over to the cars they got left. D. and they wer going home.

Dec 2 – Some ledle snow on the ground. D. and the children went this morning on the 8.15 train. My business now days is going to Galesburg and home a gain from one to three times a day. Lou went over to burg.

Dec 3 – Lou went over to burg this[144] Sarah and Lou over to Lois this afternoon.

Dec 4 – Lou and Leone here all day. Sleighs running some to day. 4 inches snow.

Dec 5 – About six inches snow. Lou went to Kalamazoo on morning train on her way home. Took 2 bushels and 55 lbs wheat to mill. Sleighs running lively to day.

Dec 6 – Ethan went up to Shelbyville. I split some wood and chored around generally.

Dec 7 – At home. No one here. Mr Galusha folks drove in to see Hannah.

Dec 8 – Not much work to day but chores. Hannah went to Ed Gallushas to makum dress for some of the folks. Ina came over stayed all night.

Dec 9 – Went over to burg after Ethan he no come. Went over a gain in Evening he not come. Lois came home with me stayed all night.

Dec 10 – Went over took Lois home. Ethan no come on morning train he come on noon train. We washed to day.

Dec 11 – Not ver well. Sawed and drawed three loads wood. Took Sarah over to Geo Blakes.

Dec 12 – Chored round the house and barn. Cleaned out cornhouse. Finished sorting corn. Not very cold.

Dec 13 – Mercury 19 & 34 cold windy day. Went over to burg. Bot pail and varias things. Brot over one pair of shoes for Sally to try on to see if she liked um. She no likeum. Cold blustrous day.

Dec 14 – At home. No one here. Ethan and Hannah went up to Ed Flanders in afternoon. Nice day very nice weeling no snow to make de sla run some.

Dec 15 – Very nice pleasant sun shown out nice and warm all day. Roads smoot as a floor. Hannah to J. T. Allertons this week.

Dec 16 – At home choring around as usual. Nice wheeling.

Dec 17 – Took Sarah over to Jane Hoags. I patched cornhouse roof some. Nice weather.

Dec 18 – Went down to Marts to mill. Took some corn down for meal no get him. Not grind to day.

Dec 19 – Went down and got my grist. Nice wheeling. No snow.

Dec 20 – Ethan and I sawed and split two loads wood and drew it down.

Dec 21 – Sarah and I went down to Marts. Cold wind no storm. Found them all at home.

Dec 22 – Jim and Cora came this morning on the seven thirty train. Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 23 – Mercury 28 3 PM. Went over to burg in morning. Paid my tax $5.00 five Dollars. Very high wind all day. Jim and Cora went over to Lois in afternoon. Levy Struble and Cal Sumner married.[145] Grant Oatman and Mary Milham married to day.[146]

Dec 24 – Jim and Cora went to Shelbyville to day. All well as usual. Not work much.

Dec 25 – At home. No go somewhare to Christmass.

Dec 26 – Took Hannah over to Barbers in morning. We washed. I worked in the barn fixing well in afternoon. Charley drew the machine into the _____. Mr Randal and wife[147] came to day.

Dec 27 – Cold and blustring. Went over to Lois after Hannah 11 oclock AM. Wind blew and snow flew like fury. Worked at the pump some no get it thawed out.

Dec 28 – A little more mild to day. Ethan took Jim to Kalamazoo to day. He goes to Chicago on the 5 AM Express this Evening to night.

Dec 29 – Nice pleasant day. Hannah went to Mr Ralphs to work for Maud Struble. I worked at the well in barn. Charley Town brot nine hundred pounds of wheat to day. Old Mr Rogers Died to day.

Dec 30 – Pleasant day not so cold. Shelled some corn for feed for Fan and (illegible). Ethan and Bes went over to the burg in Evening.

Dec 31 – Shelled some corn. Rainy day some. No one here. Hannah came home. Old Mr Rogers buried to day.

——-

^[1] Known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

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

[4] FindAGrave.com shows that Philip Gray Cory died January 4, 1890 (not the 2^nd) in Topeka, Kansas, and that he was buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[5] His granddaughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[6] The train

[7] Neighbor, Cullen Towne

[8] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[9] Sister of D. Harris, Luke’s son-in-law

[10] His son-in-law, Adelbert Skinner, who was married to his daughter Lois

[11] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[12] Neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl

[13] Andrew B. Spinney

[14] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[15] His son, James Keith, who lived in Chicago and worked for the Chicago streetcar system

[16] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[17] His son, Ethan Keith

[18] Michigan marriage records show that Henry E. Storms and Ella Bennett were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 15, 1890

[19] Michigan marriage records show that Jerome Baeuerle and Marie Bremer were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 15, 1890

[20] Neighbor, Edgar Galusha

[21] Influenza; a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory passages

[22] Neighbor, Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[23] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[24] Pinking irons were used to finish the edges of fabrics in lieu of hemming, as well as to provide decorative embellishments for garments. When struck with a mallet, the iron cut through the fabric to produce a crisp, scalloped edge.

[25] Neighbor, Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[26] Scotts, Michigan

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

[28] His son-in-law and Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown

[29] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris, and granddaughter, LaVerne Harris

[30] His grandson, Floyd Harris

[31] Etc.

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

[33] Neighbor, Charles Ford; husband of Mate (see footnote to January 27^th entry)

[34] Clara Milham was the daughter of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) & Martin Milham, and she married William Owens on September 17, 1891

[35] His son Ethan whose middle name was Bradley

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

[37] One of his hens. His 1888 diary notes that on April 27 – Set Major at night on 15 Eggs

[38] Michigan marriage records show that Thaddeus Clapp and Mary Sherwood were married on February 18, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan

[39] Willis Brown, Hank Brown’s brother

[40] Cora Meredith, his son Jim’s future wife

[41] Took his cow to the bull, but it appears it was a wasted effort

[42] Neighbors, the daughters of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham

[43] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Louese lived

[44] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[45] Michigan marriage records show that Edmund Knapp and Viola McMillen applied for a marriage license in Kent County, Michigan on February 26, 1890 but does not show that the marriage took place. The 1900 census does show them as married and living in Grand Rapids, Michigan

[46] His son-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., known as D. or D.D.

[47] Michigan marriage records show that Edward Swaddel and Olive Schram were married in Galesburg, Michigan on February 27, 1890

[48] Above zero

[49] Neighbor, Frances Towne; sister of Charles and Cullen Towne

[50] Mary (Knowles) Barber. While Michigan death records show that Mary Barber died April 20, 1890, Oak Grove Cemetery records show she died March 7, 1890, which agrees with Luke’s entry

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

[52] His granddaughter, D. and Louese’s daughter, Leone Harris, who was about 7 months old

[53] Possibly referring to Cora Meredith’s father, Walter “Burton” Meredith

[54] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[55] Attorney Lucius West

[56] Neighbor, Cornelia (Daniels) Comings

[57] Neighbor, Sarah (Simmons) Kingsley

[58] Neighbor and “shirttail relative;” father of Theodore Earl (see footnote to January 7^th entry)

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

[60] His horse

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

[62] Neighbors, George & Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake

[63] Believe he is referring to his grand-nephew, John Herbert Keith, the son of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[64] Eliza “Betsy” (Old) Batey, Herbert’s grandmother

[65] His daughter Louese and her children, LaVerne, Floyd & Leone

[66] William McBeth

[67] Theodore’s wife, Alice (Vandercook) Earl

[68] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[69] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[70] Michigan death records show that Isaac C. Abbott died in Comstock, Michigan on April 11, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[71] His sister Catherine’s son-in-law, Martin Milham

[72] Michigan death records show that Henry Rennison died April 14, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillside, Michigan

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

[74] Neighbor, Hannah (Flint) Smith

[75] South Bend, Indiana, where her brother-in-law Henry Crawford’s family lived

[76] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[77] No death or burial information was found for Mr. Martin, however, since the April 26^th entry refers to him as Celery Martin, it is assumed that he was a celery farmer. Kalamazoo County was known as the Celery Capital of the World in the early decades of the last century

[78] Neighbor, Herbert Earl

[79] A neighbor from when Luke was living in Covington, New York. FindAGrave.com confirms that Chauncey Pond died May 2, 1890 at the age of 78 years, 7 months. He is buried in Pearl Creek Cemetery, Pearl Creek, New York

[80] Cullen Albert Towne; also referred to as Cul/Cull

[81] Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; brother and sister-in-law of Hank Brown (see footnote to January 28^th entry)

[82] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders

[83] Michigan death records confirm that Orrin Franklin died May 21, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[85] Michigan death records show that Hiram Tobey died in Charleston, Michigan on June 1, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[86] Jesse Earl’s daughter, Elva, was married to Frank Crossfield, so this could be referring either to him or to his father, Charles Crossfield

[87] Neighbor, John C. Blake

[88] Alvin Lee was the son of Luke’s first cousin, Charles Lee, & Juliana Davis.

[89] His grandson, Claude Brown

[90] From the June 20, 1890 Hornellsville Weekly Tribune: “Last night Hubert Warren of Elmira, shot and killed his father for abusing his mother.” FindAGrave reveals that J. Franklin Warren is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira, New York. His parents, Julius & Irene Warren, had been Luke’s neighbors in the 1860’s and 1870’s

[91] McCormick Harvesting Machine Company

[92] Neighbor, Harriet Taylor

[93] The son of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford

[94] The New York death index shows Robert Snow died June 22, 1890 in Warsaw, New York. Apparently Robert Snow was a neighbor of Luke’s when he had lived in New York

[95] Michigan death records show that Albert H. Fown [sic] died in Comstock on June 23, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[96] Sarah (Simmons) Kingsley and Louisa (Turner) Kingsley; they were married to brothers, Samuel and Salmon Kingsley, respectively

[97] His grandson, Charles Clark

[98] Michigan death records show that Fanny Fown [sic] died in Comstock on June 30, 1890 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. She died from an “unknown cause” just a week after her father, Albert Towne, died

[99] His grand-nieces, Clara, Gertrude and Lavinia Milham, the daughters of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[100] Neighbor, Harry Dale Adams

[101] Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries; in this case meaning “what the smoke man burned up,” referring to the July 11^th entry

[102] D. Harris’ sister

[103] Presumably her grandparents, George & Hetta (Burgess) Ralph, who lived in Charleston, Michigan

[104] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[105] Charles R. Cridland, a former neighbor

[106] His grandson, William Clark

[107] Michigan death records show that George Wightman died August 8, 1890 (not August 4) and FindAGrave.com also shows he died August 8, 1890, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[108] Lois’ daughter, Ina Skinner

[109] Neighbors, Washington W. & Mary Lucretia (Carson) Olin

[110] See Claude’s August 16, 1890 letter to his father at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/august-16-1890-letter-to-henry-brown-from-claude-brown

[111] Neighbor, Eunice (Wood) Towne

[112] Neighbor, Russel G. Smith

[113] Michigan death records show that Sherman Davis died in Comstock on August 28, 1890 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[114] Also referred to as the binder, or grain binder

[115] J. H. Sanborn, the general agent for the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[116] His horse

[117] The Towne’s horse

[118] Erasmus Towne, Charles Towne and Cullen Towne were brothers

[119] No death record was found, however, FindAGrave.com revealed that Jane Randall, wife of Nathan L. Randall, died in 1891 (not 1890) and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan; research continues

[120] Hannah (Flint) Smith, the wife of Russel G. Smith (see footnote to August 24^th entry)

[121] Michigan marriage records show that Horatio Patterson and Jennie Isherwood were married on September 19, 1890 (not the 18^th) in Comstock, Michigan

[122] His neighbor, Matilda (Allen) Brown; Hank and Willis Brown’s mother

[123] Martin Milham and his daughter Mary Milham; the husband and daughter of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[124] Neighbor, Cullen A. Towne

[125] Michigan death records confirm that Andrew McLary died September 28, 1890 in Charleston, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[126] Cora Harris and LaVerne Harris, the sister and daughter of D. and Louese (Keith) Harris

[127] His son Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[128] His son-in-law D. Harris’ brother, Jay Ralph Harris

[129] Malvina (Johnson) Meredith

[130] Walter “Burton” Meredith

[131] Michigan death records confirm that Mary Mason died October 27, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals that she is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[132] Michigan death records show that Samuel Miller, age 26, suffered an “accidental shooting” and died October 26, 1890 in Climax, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Gilson Cemetery in Climax

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

[134] His wife’s niece, Edna (Crawford) Allen; she was often referred to as “Ed” in Luke’s diaries

[135] Michigan death records show that Worden Wells died October 31, 1890 in Charleston, Michigan; however, the 10-31-1890 Kalamazoo Gazette ran an obituary showing “Galesburg, Oct. 29 – Worden Wells of the town of Charleston died this morning age 86…”

[136] His wife’s brother

[137] The 1890 United States elections occurred in the middle of Republican President Benjamin Harrison’s term. Members of the 52nd United States Congress were chosen in this election

[138] Neighbors, Edwin & Mary Ellen (Smith) Flanders and their daughter, Mabel Flanders

[139] Michigan death records show that John Sumner died on November 10, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland, Michigan

[140] Clara’s future husband

[141] Clara’s half-uncle, who was the father of Stella and Mary (see footnote to February 20^th entry)

[142] Michigan death records show that Etta Odell died on November 25, 1890 in Charleston as a result of being “killed by cars,” and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. The November 25, 1890 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph had this report:  STRUCK BY THE ENGINE. Mrs. Odell is Thrown a Distance of 70 Feet, Killing Her Instantly. GALESBURG, NOV. 33—[Special.]—Mrs. Austin Odell, commonly known as Loretta Pierce, a woman about 50 years of age, was instantly killed last evening by the fast train going west. The circumstances are not known as no one saw her until the engineer pulled back to the station and gave the alarm—he having seen her as she was thrown past the window. She was found about 70 feet from the crossing east of the depot, and it is thought she must have been attempting to cross there and was thrown that distance. The signals were given as usual and it seems strange that she did not hear them.

[143] Michigan marriage records confirm that they were married in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on November 26, 1890

[144] Sentence was incomplete

[145] Michigan marriage records confirm that Levy Struble and Clara Sumner were married on December 23, 1890 in Comstock, Michigan

[146] Michigan marriage records confirm that they were married on December 23, 1890 in Galesburg, Michigan

[147] Michigan marriage records show that Nathan L. Randall married Susan (Cross) Murcell on December 24, 1890 in Middlebury, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1889 Diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 22 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 7 – Very quiet day but a few callers.

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

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

Jul 10 – Took Hannah down to Mr Randalls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henrys[132] Number
335 Miner Avenue
Stocten California
USA

——-

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

[2] Mercury reading

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

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

[5] His grandson, William Clark

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

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

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

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

[10] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

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

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

[13] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[14] Neighbor, Frances Towne

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

[16] Above zero

[17] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

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

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] His daughter, Hannah Keith

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

[23] Hank Brown’s cousin

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

[25] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[26] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

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

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

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

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

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

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

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

[34] Willis Brown, Hank’s brother

[35] Neighbor, Charles Ford

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

[37] His cow

[38] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

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

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

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

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

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

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

[45] Leroy, New York

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

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

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

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

[50] Neighbor, Albert Towne

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

[52] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[53] His son, James Clinton Keith

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

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

[56] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[57] Ray and Perry Brown

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

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

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

[61] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

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

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

[64] Neighbor, Charles Towne

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

[66] One of his farm animals

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

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

[69] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[70] His cousin

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

[72] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[73] Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham

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

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

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

[77] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker

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

[79] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

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

[81] Bobtail train run

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

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

[84] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

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

[86] Andrew B. & Frances Spinney

[87] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

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

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

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

[91] His grandson, Charles Clark

[92] His grandson, Claude Brown

[93] Jackson, Michigan

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

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

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

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

[98] Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[99] Scotts, Michigan

[100] His horse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[109] Eliza “Betsy” (Olds) Batey

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

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

[112] Mary (Sherwood) Clapp

[113] His maternal first cousin

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

[115] D Harris’s brother, Jay Harris

[116] “The family”

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

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

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

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

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

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

[123] Hiram Crawford’s nickname

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

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

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

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

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

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

[130] Perry, New York

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

[132] His son, Henry L. Keith

Luke Keith’s 1887 Diary

1887 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Mercury 2 Abz.[2] Jim[3] went to Kalamazoo after Sarah.[4] Very cold day good sleighing. I not very well.

Jan 2 – Mercury 22 below zero. At home all day. Ethan and Hannah[5] went down to Marts.[6]

Jan 3 – Mercury 5 Abz. Went over to burg.[7] Went to Mr Ralphs. Bot violin strings 50¢. Hannah went up to cals[?].

Jan 4 – Mercury 5 below. Made wood box. Charley Rowland here in afternoon.

Jan 5 – Mercury 19 Abz. Pleasant. Hannah went over to Mr Ralphs. Lois[8] came over. Lizzie Crawford[9] came to H A Browns[10] to day from Chicago.

Jan 6 – Went down to Mrs Streators[11] took Hannah down there. Cold stormy day. Bes[12] here. Went down to Mrs Browns.[13]

Jan 7 – Mercury 15 below. Jim and Henry Webster went to scotts[14] to sell his Buggy. He no see Webster not much.

Jan 8 – Jim went to Kalamazoo took stove down to H A Browns. Cold day. Bessy here. Mr Clapp Died to night.[15]

Jan 9 – Jim and Henry Webster went up to Scots. Stor[m]ing day snowed all day. Some folks out to church.

Jan 10 – Mercury 8 Abz. No work to day. Cold day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 11 – Mercury 10 below cold and blustrous quite a blizzard. Theodore[16] called in in fore noon. Cold blustring day. Mr E. M. Clapp buried to day. Ethan came home.

Jan 12 – Mercury 26 Abz in morning. Jim went up to scotts to take Harness to Webster.

Jan 13 – Mercury 33 Abz. Went over to burg in forenoon got Ethans shoes mended. Not so very cold some rain this Evening.

Jan 14 – At home. Not much work. Liz Crawford came.

Jan 15 – Went over to burg got my boots tapt 60¢. Henry Crawford[17] came from Jackson.

Jan 16 – Henry and Lizzie here. Hannah at home. George Blake and wife[18] here in Evening.

Jan 17 – Mercury 26 Abz stormy been mooch wind, snow flies, very much bluster. Henry went back to Jackson.

Jan 18 – Mercury 10 below. Cleaned up wheat. Very cold blustring day. Lizzie here. Lots snow hard sleighing. Gallusha braking road.

Jan 19 – Old Mr Schroder Died this morning.[19] Cap Rowlands sister Buried to day.[20] Went over to Mill took 5½ bushels wheat. Jerusha Rowland.

Jan 20 – Went over to burg in morning after grist. Ethan went over in afternoon. Bill[21] got down in snow drift broke harness.

Jan 21 – Went over in afternoon got harness mended. Old Mr Schroder buried to day. Jim and Lizzie went over to a dance.

Jan 22 – At home. No work to day. Not very well. Snow melting very fast.

Jan 23 – Mercury 53 Abz. Rainy day, very sloppy, snow running very fast.

Jan 24 – Hannah and Lizzy went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 25 – Went over to burg bot medicine 1.00. Not very well.

Jan 26 – Ethan went over to Burg. Paid Beckwith 1.00 one dollar for medicine Jo Smith chopping to day.

Jan 27 – Went over to burg in morning bot some lard and pork. Jo chopping. Lizzie came back to day.

Jan 28 – Jo chopping. Not very cold.

Jan 29 – Wright & Jim drew wood in afternoon. Nice day. Mr Flanders[22] got ax helves. Mrs Brown and Lizzie here.

Jan 30 – Mercury 19 Abz snows and blows like the mischief. No one here but Lizzie.

Jan 31 – No work. Not very well.

Feb 1 – Cold windy day. Took Lizzie over to cars. She went to Battlecreek to Mrs Grahams. Jim went to Kalamazoo.

Feb 2 – No work. Jim chopping for Mrs Brown.

Feb 3 – Went down to Marts. Nice day some wind. Mart grinding. Got letter from D.[23] Jay[24] very sick.

Feb 4 – Mercury 11 Abz. Jim took Hannah to Kalamazoo she went up to Shelby.[25] Jay very sick. Lois went up to Shelby. Edwin Flanders[26] brot me a Wiandot Rooster.

Feb 5 – Mr Right drew wood in fore noon paid him 75 cts. Hannah up to Shelby.

Feb 6 – At home. Rainy day. Jim went down to Alvin Lees[27] to see Julian Darling.

Feb 7 – Went over to burg after Hannah. She no come. Jay no better. Rany day no work.

Feb 8 – Mercury 55 Abz rainy day. Went over to the office got no letter. Hannah no come. Jim went up to Howlands Burg after Nellie Giddings. Some thunder in morning. Stranger got his violin.

Feb 9 – Mercury[28] very nice pleasant day. Went up to Levy Woods with Cyrus Streator. Nice October day.

Feb 10 – Went over to burg after Hannah. She no come. Fifty years to night I bot my violin paid $30.00.[29]

Feb 11 – Cold stormy day. Went to Shelby Ville. Found Jay no better.

Feb 12 – At Shelby Ville. Jay no better. Jay Died about five oclock P.M.[30]

Feb 13 – At Shelby. Cold day. Nancy[31] and Lois here.

Feb 14 – Left for home half past Twelve noon for home. Nancy went on Eight oclock train. D. started with Jay at twelve noon got home a bout six Evening.

Feb 15 – Jay Buried to day up East on the Old Flanders farm.[32] Ethan paid Mr Lewis $2.00 the minister.

Feb 16 – Pleasant cold day. Ethan, Jim and Lizzy went to Kalamazoo. Ethan and I went up to Jays grave in morning. Ethan paid Oatman $2.00 & Labit[33] $4.00. Mrs Rumry Buried to day.

Feb 17 – Not very well no work. Rainy day. No one here.

Feb 18 – Went up East to grave yard all right. Cold and stormy. Bot coffeepot of Dick Lamkins 80 cts.

Feb 19 – At home all day. Hard cold no work. Hannah came home in Evening.

Feb 20 – At home. No one here. Cool cloudy day.

Feb 21 – Not very well hard cold. Went over to burg in morning. Came around by the grave yard.

Feb 22 – Nice day not very cold. Went up to Levy Woods. Heard from Jay.[34] Old Mrs Olin buried to day. Mary Allerton Married.[35]

Feb 23 – Rather a cool day. Took Ethan over to burg he went up to Shelby Ville. Peat[36] one year old to day. Ed Schram got his ax.

Feb 24 – Not very well. No work but chores. Ethan and Jim up to Shelby Ville.

Feb 25 – Took Sarah over to Lois. No snow some wind.

Feb 26 – Cold stormy day. Hannah came home with Ed Flanders. I went over to burg with Ed after the mail.

Feb 27 – Mercury 13 Abz. At home. Cold blustring day. Mrs Quays team ranaway ran between the cherry tree and fence and stopt them. Schuyler had them.

Feb 28 – Mercury 11 Abz nice pleasant day. Harry[37] took Hannah to Kalamazoo.

Mar 1 – Mercury 46 Abz nice pleasant still day. Jim came home from Shelby Ville. Lou[38] and children[39] all right.

Mar 2 – Not very well no work. Ethan up to Lous.

Mar 3 – Jim went down to Kalamazoo after Hannah and Nancy. Very nice day.

Mar 4 – Pleasant day. Marenas Caywood Killed to day.[40] His horses run with him.

Mar 5 – Not very well no work. Ethan to Lous yet. Jim and Hannah down to Mrs Browns.

Mar 6 – Mr Orra Bush Died.[41] Marenas Caywood buried to day. Jim and Hannah went to funeral. Sate[42] stayed all night.

Mar 7 – I not very well. Jim drew load wood for A. R Skinner.[43] Jim took Sate home this morning.

Mar 8 – Took Nancy over to burg she went home. Took Hannah over to Nells at noon. Mr Lewis called here. Sold him some hens. Nice day. Henry W. Beohr[44] Died to day.

Mar 9 – Took five hens over to Mr Lewis this morning. Hannah went to Allertons.

Mar 10 – At home no work. Jim at home.

Mar 11 – Not very well. Ethan working on moddle.

Mar 12 – No work not much done.

Mar 13 – Cold windy day. Expected Hellen and Adelpha[45] here. No come.

Mar 14 – Hannah went up to Ras Towns.[46] I filed saw for John Wright one for Hat & Libby Taylor.[47]

Mar 15 – Nice pleasant day. Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Jim started for Dacota. Took Peter[48] up to culls to Bull.

Mar 16 – Went over to office get no letter from Lou. Floyd[49] some better. Rial Coe died to day.

Mar 17 – Went over to burg. Cold wind some dusty. Pleasant and dry. Ethan making moddle for Whitford.

Mar 18 – Cut some lims of the old apple tree. Went over to burg after mail. Cold wind. Ethan finished moddle.

Mar 19 – Not very well. Not much work but chores. Pleasant weather dry and dusty.

Mar 20 – At home. Pleasant day. Ethan, Hannah and Lelah went up to cemetry where Jay was buried.

Mar 21 – Some colder, rain some in afternoon. Went over to burg. Hannah went to Caywoods this morning.

Mar 22 – Took Sarah to Kalamazoo she went up to Lous. Cold wind disagreable day to be out.

Mar 23 – Pleasant morning. At home not very well. Went over to burg in afternoon.

Mar 24 – No work to day. Cold wind. Sarah up to Lous. Hannah down to Mr Caywoods.

Mar 25 – Cool wind. Went down to Marts to Mill. Hellen and Adelpha. Saw Ruthann York.[50] A. Simmonds paid 25¢.

Mar 26 – At home. No one here but Ethan and my self. Hannah came home in Evening.

Mar 27 – Cold blustring day, snow and wind.

Mar 28 – Mercury 7 Abz. Hannah went up to Net Towns in morning. I put top on violin.

Mar 29 – Cold, mercury 1 below zero at six morning. Ground covered with snow. Clara[51] came down in afternoon.

Mar 30 – Clara went home. Sarah came home. Got one bushel potatoes of Town. Jesse Crawford[52] came up in Evening.

Mar 31 – Not very well no work. Pleasant nice weather.

Apr 1 – Went over to burg. Del and Lois went out to their farm.

Apr 2 – Went over to burg after the mail. Jesse here.

Apr 3 – At home. Hellen, Clara and Adelpha came up.

Apr 4 – At home. Very blustrous, snows and blows like the mischief.

Apr 5 – Cold wind. No work. Jesse here.

Apr 6 – Jesse went home. Claud[53] here. Sate and Delpha came. Sate came over to help Hannah.

Apr 7 – Very nice pleasant day. Albert Town[54] here with Claud. Ethan took Delpha down to Katharines.

Apr 8 – Trimed Trees. Nice pleasant day. Got letter from Lou. Children better. Set Hen to day.

Apr 9 – Nice pleasant morning. At home all day. No work. Not very well. Mary Randal Died to day.[55]

Apr 10 – Went down to Katharines. Nice day. Had some warm Shugar.

Apr 11 – Nice pleasant day. Mary Randal Buried to day.

Apr 12 – Chored round. Repaired pump at barn. Nice warm day. Bot clover seed $2.25 cts.

Apr 13 – Nice pleasant day. Mr W^m Scott Buried to day.[56] Dell came over ground tools. Ethan sowed clover seed.

Apr 14 – At home. Trimed some trees. Went over got Lois. Expected Katharine up she no come. Charley Cory came over.

Apr 15 – Lois here. Trimed some trees. Not much work. Not ver well.

Apr 16 – Not much done but chores. No one here.

Apr 17 – Went to Kalamazoo to Lou she was at Nancys. Some cool wind.

Apr 18 – Pleasant Except cold north East wind.

Apr 19 – Cut some brush in orchard. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Nettie Bradley died in night.[57]

Apr 20 – Del came over and got out manure. Some rain not much.

Apr 21 – Trimmed and grubed out some old peach trees. Ethan went to Kalamazoo with C. Town.[58] Nancy sick.

Apr 22 – Nettie Bradley Today buried to day. Mr Ogden got my Buggy. Hannah went to Pattersons. Whitford got the Eggs $1.30¢ 13 Doz.

Apr 23 – Blustrous morning some snow.

Apr 24 – At home all day. No one here. All well as usual. Nancy sick.

Apr 25 – Not much work chored round some milk cow feed de pig. Cold wind.

Apr 26 – Went to Kalamazoo. Nancy some better.

Apr 27 – Worked roun. Repaired door out the Barn yard. Will Brown[59] plowed garden. Pleasant day.

Apr 28 – Pleasant nice day. Went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon.

Apr 29 – Cleaned up orchard. Took out berry bushes and trimed some trees.

Apr 30 – Burned Apple Tree brush. Charley commenced plowing for corn. Mr Buthere Beckwith buried to day.[60]

May 1 – Had some thunder this morning rained some ledle.

May 2 – Dell came over in afternoon helped draw manure. Nice warm day.

May 3 – Dell came over in morning got the horse and wagon to draw manure.

May 4 – Warm day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Kalamazoo to see about Jesses dress. Put handle on fork.

May 5 – Worked round garden and in shop some. Spread manure on west garden.

May 6 – Charleys man plowed west garden. Ethan painting Blinds for Lois.

May 7 – Fan calve some time. Worked in garden some and went over got carriage repaired. Ethan finished painting Blinds.

May 8 – Mr Cornell Died this morning. I took Bess down to Mrs Browns. Will and Claud went fishing got some trout.

May 9 – Pleasant morning. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Nancy. Lelah came home with them. Charley planted corn. Mr Byington Died in night.[61]

May 10 – Ethan cultivated strawberries this morning. Mr Cornell buried to day. Nancy had a Sirgical operation performed to day.[62]

May 11 – Not very well to day. Mr Imus buried to day.[63] Jesse Crawford here to day to have her dress made. She went home on 9 30 train.

May 12 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Lou. Nancy some better. Warm day.

May 13 – Went over to burg in morning after Lous Trunk and cab. Not much done to day.

May 14 – Hoed in garden in forenoon. Warm day. Mr George Stewart took morphine. He Died Ten Oclock P.M.[64]

May 15 – At home. Very warm and dry. Lou here. Very dry. Want rain. Ina[65] came over.

May 16 – Went over to burg got Postal from Mrs Brown. Nancy better. George Stewart Buried to day.

May 17 – Went over to burg hoed some not much.

May 18 – Plowed out garden and hoed it. Warm and dry we want rain. Wheat begins to show the want of rain.

May 19 – Sarah went to Kalamazoo to take care of Nancy. She went down with Will and Lizzy Brown.[66]

May 20 – Mercury 99 in shade nice warm morning. Hannah went down to Mr Franklins.

May 21 – Mercury 100 in shade at 2 PM. Went over to burg bot groceries. Hannah went to Isherwoods. Whitford got Eggs 9 Doz 90 cts.

May 22 – Mercury 98 in shade. Katharine and Clara came up. Had a nice shower in night. Lou and I went up to cemetry.

May 23 – Mercury 80 in shade some rainy day. Fan dropt a nice Jersey Heifer calf 10 oclock AM. Fan went 290 days.

May 24 – Lou here. I worked in garden. Warm day.

May 25 – Hoed some, killed some bugs. D. came over a while in afternoon. He went home on night train. Hannah came home from Tip Towns.[67]

May 26 – Lou and children went up to Em Ralphs.[68]

May 27 – Hoed some in garden. Cleaned out the cistern. Went over after Lois. Ina came over they stayed all night.

May 28 – Repaired fence up on west line west side of corn. Whitford got 6½ Doz Eggs 65¢. Lois one Doz 10¢. Lou went down to Mr Browns.

May 29 – Sarah came home Ethan went after her. Hiram[69] came with them.

May 30 – At home. Hiram here he left on night train for home.[70]

May 31 – I went and took Sarah back to Kalamazoo. Nancy was getting a long first rate.

Jun 1 – At home. Lou here. Not much done rainy day. Hannah over to Nells.

Jun 2 – Rainy. Lou and the children went over to Mr Ralphs and Lois.

Jun 3 – At home. Sarah down to Kalamazoo. Hoed some in garden. Got some cabbage plants of Hat and Lib.

Jun 4 – Shelled some corn cleaned out corn house. Whitford got 3 Doz and 4 Eggs 33 cts. H. D. Streator[71] paid 25 cts.

Jun 5 – At home all day. No one here. Sarah to Nancys yet. Nancy no better. Rained some in night.

Jun 6 – Mercury 84 in shade rainy some. Ethan and Lois went to Kalamazoo. Lee Milham came up after the long Ladder. 50 years to day I started for Michigan.[72]

Jun 7 – At [home] hoed some chored round. Got two bushels wheat of Charley Town took it to the new mill. Rained in night lightning struck Mr Smiths house.

Jun 8 – Went down to Katharines to see Hellen. She goes to Idaho.[73] Rainy day some.

Jun 9 – Cloudy some mist cool wind.

Jun 10 – At home. Hoed some in garden. Very warm.

Jun 11 – Some hot. Every thing growing very fast. Ina here. Lois to Kalamazoo.

Jun 12 – At home. Warm day, Ethan and Hannah went down to Alvin Lees.

Jun 13 – Very hot. Hoed potatoes. Some dry.

Jun 14 – Finished hoing potatoes in west lot. Will Brown and Fred Kranklin shearing sheep for Charley Town.

Jun 15 – Mercury 94 in shade very hot. Mr David Carson Buried to day.[74]

Jun 16 – Edna Henry and Loulu Crawford[75] came here. Warm very hot.

Jun 17 – Edna and Lu Lu here. Lizzie Crawford came. Had a rain and wind storm. Alvin and George called here.

Jun 18 – Lizzie and Lou went over to Lois stayed all night. Kate Crawford[76] came on noon train.

Jun 19 – Kate and Edna here. Lizzie and Lou over to Lois.

Jun 20 – Edna, Lizzie and Lu Lu here. Very warm. Old Mrs Smith buried to day.

Jun 21 – Cloudy. Lois and Ina here. Mr Peter Johnson Buried to day.[77]

Jun 22 – Edna, Lizzy and Lu Lu went to Battlecreek to day.

Jun 23 – Sarah and I went down to Nancys. Cool day. Nancy is doing well rather on the gain.

Jun 24 – Pleasant and cool in morning.

Jun 25 – Took Ednas trunks over to burg. The girls went up to Lous.

Jun 26 – Nice morning. Finished putting poison on the potatoes this morning.

Jun 27 – Took Sarah over to Lois. I hoed potatoes, cabbage and beans. Ground siccle for Mr Randal.

Jun 28 – Choring. Charley cutting wheat. Started the new Binder. Fixed spear for Morry Randal.

Jun 29 – At home. Not much done. Ethan and Sarah went to Kalamazoo. Hot day.

Jun 30 – Charley Ford cut the wheat East of Barn. Fine day shower in afternoon.

Jul 1 – Hoed some in garden. Warm day.

Jul 2 – Henry Webster and Clarence Thresher Drew in the wheat. Had a nice shower.

Jul 3 – Some rain warm. No one here.

Jul 4 – Went over to burg in forenoon after Lois. Took over 10¾ lbs Butter 10¢ pr lbs. N. L. Randal[78] paid 30¢.

Jul 5 – Very hot. Sarah went down to Mr Randals. I drew in six shocks wheat. Went over to burg.

Jul 6 – Worked in garden some. Lois and Charley[79] came over in afternoon.

Jul 7 – Went down to Mrs Browns got my plow. Ethan plowed out potatoes.

Jul 8 – Very hot. Not much done but chores.

Jul 9 – Hoed in garden some. Willie Giddings raked wheat stubble. Had a nice shower. Whitford got 11 Doz Eggs 10 cts pr Doz.

Jul 10 – At home all day. Not much done.

Jul 11 – Mercury 100 very hot. Hoed some. Very dry. Mr Isted cut Taylor girls wheat. Charley Ford drew in the rakings.

Jul 12 – Mercury 104 in shade. Went over to burg in morning. Got the Ring bolt to buggy mended 20¢.

Jul 13 – Mercury 106 in shade. Worked in shop some painted springs. Took out tooth for Theodore. Ethan, Will Brown and the girls went to Gull.[80] Lizzie Crawford started for Iowa on night train.

Jul 14 – Very hot and dry. Not much done. Dixie Harris[81] came over. D and Lou here. Hank and Nancy came up on Six oclock train.

Jul 15 – Nancy here feeling very comfortable. Very hot and dry Mercury runs from 93 to 104 now days.

Jul 16 – Mercury 105 in ___. Not much work now days. Pastures getting very dry.

Jul 17 – Mercury 108 in shade. Nancy and children here.

Jul 18 – Whitford got Eggs 10½ Doz 1.05. {Robbie Henry died to day.}[82] Hoed some in garden. Mr Pattersons Barns burnt this morning.

Jul 19 – Sick. No work to day. Very dry. Grass in yard all dried up.

Jul 20 – Mercury 100 in shade. Not very well.

Jul 21 – Took some corn to mill. Very hot. Not much done. Worked on cradle some.

Jul 22 – Finished cradle. Put springs on wagon seat. Nancy down to Mrs Browns.

Jul 23 – Nancy down to Mrs Browns. Hoed some in garden. Went over to burg at noon. Hot and very dry.

Jul 24 – Mercury 85 some wind. Hannah at home to day. Hannah went to Caywoods.

Jul 25 – 94 in shade. Went over to burg got tyre set on one of the carriage wheest [wheels] 80¢. Bot Horse Net 75¢. 40 Years to day Jerusha Cruttenden and I wer married in Covington Gensee Co. N Y.[83]

Jul 26 – Worked round house and garden. Very hot and dry hardly a green thing to be seen. Pastures all dried up.

Jul 27 – Cut drilled corn in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. No rain yet some. Mercury runs high.

Jul 28 – Very hot 100 in shade. Not much work to day. Nancy and bes here. Ethan casting chain links for machine.

Jul 29 – 98 in shade hot and dry no rain. Pastures dry as a Powder house.

Jul 30 – 100 in shade. Mrs Freer here. I hoed some in garden.

Jul 31 – 100. Mrs Streator called here. Very hot day. All at home.

Aug 1 – 106. No work. Gefired hot. No signs of rain. Hannah over to Fans sewing for Nell Wilkins.

Aug 2 – 100 very dry hot as ever. Worked on Jims violin repairing top making it thinner. Went over brot Lois over.

Aug 3 – 98 very hot. Nancy went down to Mrs Browns at night. Hank came up. Ina over here.

Aug 4 – 100. Went down to Mrs Browns repaired her tables. Had a little shower.

Aug 5 – Repaired pump at Barn. Cooler in afternoon. Cloudy looks some like rain.

Aug 6 – Not much done. Worked in shop. Some cooler to day.

Aug 7 – At home all day. Worked on Jims violin.

Aug 8 – Took Eggs over 11 Doz 11 cts pr Doz. Bot Hat 20¢.

Aug 9 – 103, 2 PM in shade. Worked in Barn repairing floor. Hannah went up to Mr Powers. Mrs Randall here in Evening. Coes Barns Burnt this morning.

Aug 10 – 104, 2 PM in shade. Repairing Barn floor. Shortened Harry Streators Gun Stock. Had a nice rain in night.

Aug 11 – 80 in shade. Worked in barn. Cloudy rain some.

Aug 12 – Worked in Barn repairing floor. Warm and dry. Nancy came just at night.

Aug 13 – Will Johnson thrashed my wheat in afternoon 58 bushels. Nice day.

Aug 14 – Mrs Gilson Brot Hannah home. Had a heavy shower rained hard. Soaked the ground good.

Aug 15 – Nancy and children here. Choring round. Not very well.

Aug 16 – Cleaned up some wheat.

Aug 17 – Went to Mill. Worked round house and shop some.

Aug 18 – Worked in shop on Charleys wagon pole. Nice day.

Aug 19 – Went up to Augusta with Dell[84] to see a farm he talks of trading for.

Aug 20 – Put straw in Barn. Fine day.

Aug 21 – Nancy and children here. Claude not very well. Rained some. Hoed the cabbage.

Aug 22 – Worked in shop some on wagon pole. Hank and Will Plank[85] came on comodation at night.

Aug 23 – Took Hannah down to Katharines. Will and Hank went home. Rained some at night.

Aug 24 – Took Sarah and Nancy over to Barbers.[86] Nice cool day.

Aug 25 – Nancy and children over to Lois they came home at night. Hannah went up to Dar Russels.

Aug 26 – Dug my Early Rose potatoes. Katharine and children came up to day. Hannah came home. Stella came down just at night.

Aug 27 – All here Nancy and children. Nice day.

Aug 28 – Fine day. No one here except famlee &c.

Aug 29 – Went over to burg three times. Hannah went to Shelby Ville.

Aug 30 – Warm day. Cut weeds on East road up the hill. Taylor Girls thrashed their wheat and oats.

Aug 31 – Will Brown thrashed to day. Warm day. Nancy went home. Right got his saw 25¢. Mr Forbush Died in night.[87]

Sep 1 – The Boys cut the corn south of orchard to day.

Sep 2 – Some ledle rain this morning. Not much done. Mr Forbush buried to day.

Sep 3 – Choring round. Not very well.

Sep 4 – Went up to cemetry to Jays grave and to Lois.

Sep 5 – Went over to R. G Smiths office got some writing done.

Sep 6 – Ed Rowland got Eggs 8 doz 90¢. Sarah went up to Hats in afternoon.

Sep 7 – Took Sarah over to Hoags[88] in afternoon. Charly finished cutting the corn.

Sep 8 – Not much done fixed cutter and painted some. Nice pleasant day. Bina Earl[89] here in afternoon.

Sep 9 – Some rainy in morning. Not much work.

Sep 10 – At home. Went over to burg in fore noon.

Sep 11 – At home all day. Went down to Will Browns in morning he went to Kalamazoo.

Sep 12 – Went over to burg in morning at noon and at night got.

Sep 13 – Went over to burg. Got grapes of Mrs Blake. Went over at noon got thill[90] for carriage 40¢. Jo York hurt today.

Sep 14 – Put thill into the carriage. Mrs Hall called here. Ed Rowland go[t] 5 doz & 3 Eggs 63 cts.

Sep 15 – Fine day. Worked on cutter and carriage thill. J. M. York Died To day.[91]

Sep 16 – Put trimmings on carriage thill and painted cutter. Shanyard called here I gave him 20 cts.

Sep 17 – Painting some and choring round.

Sep 18 – At home. No one here to day.

Sep 19 – Painted cutter thills. Went over to burg at noon. Sold some Butter to Cord Beach for cash no trade.

Sep 20 – Pleasant morning. Working round choring and doing nothing.

Sep 21 – Went to Kalamazoo called on Jess Turner.[92] Rained some. Ida Newton Died this Morning.[93]

Sep 22 – Ida Newton buried to day. Pleasant afternoon.

Sep 23 – Nice day. Worked on road shoveled dirt all day.[94]

Sep 24 – Worked in shop on Caywoods machine. Worked on road in afternoon. Went over to Burg in Evening to Colin Concert[?].

Sep 25 – Went down to Katharines. Some cool. All well.

Sep 26 – Worked on road. Finished triming the trees on the crossing down near the Bridge.

Sep 27 – Worked round house and Barn. Husked some ledle corn.

Sep 28 – Sarah went over to Fan Towns.[95] I dug potatoes in afternoon.

Sep 29 – Not very well. Went up to Mr Flanders[96] got load Apples. Rainy night. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns.

Sep 30 – Not much work. Rainy day.

Oct 1 – Rainy not very cold. At home. All well.

Oct 2 – Sate came over at night to help Hannah.

Oct 3 – Went over to burg in morning after Lois. She came over to help Hannah.

Oct 4 – Hannah started for Ohio went with the Olin Excursion. She went to Ravana.

Oct 5 – Worked on hog pen. Ethan went to Kalamazoo with Charley Town after lumber for Binder frame. No got some.

Oct 6 – Very nice day. Worked in hog pen. Went over to burg in morning. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to Fair. Sold 7½ lbs Butter to Beach 20¢ pr lb.

Oct 7 – Mercury 74 in shade rainy forenoon. Sarah went over to Forbush.[97] I worked on Hogpen. Nice afternoon.

Oct 8 – Mercury 72 at noon. Put Dick in pen. I set glass in windows at school House in afternoon. Set 10 lights.

Oct 9 – At home all day. Not go to church to day. Rained hard all day.

Oct 10 – Went to Mill took four bushels wheat.

Oct 11 – Drew in corn and husked some. George Tomlinson[98] came stayed all night.

Oct 12 – Took George to Kalamazoo he went to Allegan.[99] We went up to the Asylum saw William Tomlinson.[100] Mary Plank[101] came up with _____.

Oct 13 – Husked some corn drew the pumpkins cut some wood and drew it down. Fine day. Sarah cleaning house. Took up and cleaned the carpet.

Oct 14 – Bot nine clamps 45¢. Dug potatoes in forenoon. Went over to burg. Let Beach have Butter and Eggs 7 Doz 15¢ pr doz Butter. Mary came up here.

Oct 15 – No work lame Back. Nice day. Mary went down to Mr Simmons in afternoon. I am 74 years old to day Got potatoes of from ____.

Oct 16 – At home Went to down to Katharines.

Oct 17 – Worked round barn husked some corn.

Oct 18 – Choring Around getting ready to go to Shelby Ville.

Oct 19 – Ethan took us to Kalamazoo. We went up to Lous in Evening.

Oct 20 – At the Harris House in Shelby Ville all right.

Oct 21 – At the Harris house. Split some wood done some chores.

Oct 22 – At Lous. Mrs Plank[102] came down on the One Oclock train.

Oct 23 – At the Harris House. Some windy. Mrs Plank here. Wind blew very hard in Evening.

Oct 24 – Mrs Plank went home on morning train. Nice day. Split some wood.

Oct 25 – At D. D. Harris in Shelby Ville. Boles making cheese. Ball play at Shelby to day.

Oct 26 – Split some wood carry some up stairs. Split some for Engin.

Oct 27 – Working on cupboard and doing chores. Nice day. Mr and Mrs Wood came down a while.

Oct 28 – Working on cupboard some. Warm day.

Oct 29 – Work on cupboard. All well as usual. Cheese factory shut down to day.

Oct 30 – Went up to Mr Woods had a good visit. Went home by the way of Selkirk Lake.

Oct 31 – Started for home on noon train. Went to Kalamazoo stayed to Nancys.

Nov 1 – Ethan came down with the horse. We came home with the horse. Ethan came on the cars.[103]

Nov 2 – I took Lois home in morning. No work to day but chores.

Nov 3 – At work round house and barn. Cut some wood drawed some down.

Nov 4 – Went down to Katharines. Put up her partition in parlor.

Nov 5 – Not mutch done. Very nice weather Indian summer. Very smoky.

Nov 6 – At home. No one here. Fine day. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders in Evening.

Nov 7 – Mrs Elan Huntington buried to day.[104] Worked in barn some. Made plant stand for Mrs Randal 50¢. Went over to burg in Evening to hear Mr Blair lecture.

Nov 8 – Took the old Farming Mill to peaces. Nice dry weather, smoky.

Nov 9 – Went up to the Mill. Got Theodores wrenches to repair the pump. Rain some. Fixed stables so could put the cows in.

Nov 10 – Sorted the Apples. Charley drew in corn and corn fodder. Cold wind.

Nov 11 – Nice pleasant day. Worked round barn. Stoped up some holes put on some shingles.

Nov 12 – Filed saw for I D L Schram.[105] Went up to the mill got load sawdust to put in well.

Nov 13 – Mr Daniels called here a while. Ethan and Hannah went down to H. A. Browns Kalamazoo. Nice pleasant day.

Nov 14 – Fixed the well at the Barn. Very nice day rained just at night. Drawed load of wood.

Nov 15 – Worked round barn some fixed pump. Hannah sewing for Mrs Olmsted.

Nov 16 – [no entry]

Nov 17 – Cut some wood. Went over to burg. Fix pump.

Nov 18 – Went over to burg got plank for platform. Lou came on six forty train.

Nov 19 – Filed saw for Mr Randal 15¢ one for Dod Sumner 15¢. Snowed in the night.

Nov 20 – 28 Abz about 3 inches snow. Nancy, Lelah, Lou, Vern and Floyd here. Mrs T. B. Lord died in the night.[106]

Nov 21 – Nancy and Lelah went home on 11.40 train. Cold wind.

Nov 22 – 38 Abz nice day, smoky. Put rivet in Jays knife one in Lous curling iron. H. D. Streator paid me 25 cts for cutting of gun stock.

Nov 23 – Lois and Sate here all day. Ethan took them home in Evening. Mrs T. B. Lord buried to day.

Nov 24 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot pork 1 barrel of Jo Smith 1.50. Some rainy day.

Nov 25 – Took Lou over to burg in forenoon. Jim came home to day.

Nov 26 – Rainy morning. Jim took Hannah down to Galushas in morning. I went over to burg at night after Lou. Rained hard all night.

Nov 27 – Snowed and rained stormy day. Oscar Caton Carleton and wife[107] called here to see Hannah.

Nov 28 – Cold wind snow some. Jim cut some wood. I drew two loads. Jim went down got cask to seald pigs in.

Nov 29 – Nice day. Killed Dick pig he weighed 282 lbs. Took cask home.

Nov 30 – Chored round. Jim cut some wood. I drawed two loads. Cold wind.

Dec 1 – Took Plymoth Rock Rooster over to Fanny Town and one Wyandot Rooster over for Erastus Town.[108] Charley and Mate Ford[109] here in Evening.

Dec 2 – Got Ethans watch. I cut of Fred Franklins gun stock. He paid 50¢. Went over to Burg at noon took letters over. Rainy day. Robert Emmet played at the Rink to night. Saw Jim Holden.

Dec 3 – Rainy day. Hannah went to Gus Gates to work. Jim cut some wood. I drew two loads wood.

Dec 4 – 54 Abz some sprinkly. Warm for December. Old Mrs Forbush Died this morning.[110] Emily McCausey Died this morning.[111]

Dec 5 – Tim Whitcomb brot 1970 lbs Hay. Nice day for Gustavus Gates.

Dec 6 – Very fine day. I paid Mr Gus Gates $11.75 cts for Hay delivered yesterday. Got Charleys Mill and cleaned up wheat. Mrs Em McCausey Buried to Day.

Dec 7 – Went to Mill took 4 bushels wheat. Bot midlings 75¢. Went to Mrs Forbush funeral in afternoon. Very nice day.

Dec 8 – Oat Hill and Jim chopping. Cut big oak tree. Nice day.

Dec 9 – Jim cut some wood I drew three loads. Nice day. Took Sarah down to Mrs Streators in afternoon. Mrs Hubbard Lewis Died.[112]

Dec 10 – Very stormy rained all day. Jim helped Will Brown Butcher. Mrs H Lewis Buried to day. Snowed in night. Galesburg Bank Burglarised. One man shot. Charley Cory shot one fo [sic] the gang.

Dec 11 – 34 snows some. At home all day. Big times at the burg to day.

Dec 12 – At home choring some. Ethan took Rooster down to Mrs Browns.

Dec 13 – Oat and Jim chopping. Fine weather. Shaved out helve for Fred. Mart called here in Evening Et supper.

Dec 14 – Oat and Jim chopping. Nice day. Went down to Mrs Browns took Hanks cask down to put his Beef in.

Dec 15 – Took [S]arah over to Lois. Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Ethans Knife came from Toledo.

Dec 16 – Jim Huling wood for Will Brown. Will Brown brot quater Beef this Evening. Jim Lawrence the Bank Robber that Charley Cory shot in the Burg Died to day.

Dec 17 – Drawed two loads wood. Jim worked for Arthur Armes.[113] The man that Cory shot went Anarbor on the night Express.

Dec 18 – Jim went to Augusta. Ethan went over to Lois.

Dec 19 – Drawed, worked round, worked round barn and house. The Burglar went to Anarbor to day.

Dec 20 – Went over to Burg took over Butter 4½ lbs 18¢ pr lb 1.91 cts for Butter and cream.

Dec 21 – B. Vosburg Died to day.[114] Went over to Burg in morning after Lois. Nice windy day very much cold. Hannah came home Mr H Gilson brot her.

Dec 22 – Cold snowey Blustring day. Dodings but chores to day. Charley Town got Peater to day. Peter had a calf to day.

Dec 23 – Cold blustrous day. Not much done to day.

Dec 24 – Took Hannah up to Mr Flanders this morning. Drawed two loads wood in afternoon. Barnard Vosburg Buried to day.

Dec 25 – At home all day. Not very cold.

Dec 26 – Worked on Theodores cross head. Bess came up here. Mary Ann and Inez[115] came. Charley Town paid $30 Dollars for Pete.

Dec 27 – 33. Took Mary up to Mrs Bateys[116] in morning. Went over to burg in afternoon. Snowed like fun.[117] Got sack Graham flour 25 ____ ____. Arthur Arms Killed Ring to day.

Dec 28 – 10 Abz very Blustrous day snows and blows snow flies. Drew two loads wood. Very cold day. Very few teams moving. Bes came up stayed all night.

Dec 29 – Lizzie came up after Bes. Went over to Burg Bot btl salt $1.00 Bot 88 Diary 25¢. Paid my Tax $7.71 cts.

Dec 30 – At home. Worked in shop some and chored round.

Dec 31 – Put cutter thills on. Went down after Bes. Mr Caywoods Brother road with me as far as Mrs Browns. Rainy afternoon.

MEMORANDA

Sir William Keith 3d Vol 186 Page

——-

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

[2] Above zero

[3] His son, James Clinton Keith

[4] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] His son and daughter, Ethan Bradley Keith and Hannah Jerusha Keith

[6] His late niece Lucy (Lee) Milham’s husband, Martin Milham. Lucy was the daughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

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

[9] Believe he is referring to Melissa Crawford, his wife Sarah’s niece. Melissa was referred to as Lizzie and was the daughter of Robert and Louisa (McCann) Crawford

[10] His son-in-law, Henry Ambrose Brown

[11] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[12] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[13] Henry Brown’s mother, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[14] Scotts, Michigan

[15] FindAGrave.com shows that Edwin M. Clapp died January 8, 1887 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[16] Theodore Earl, neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[17] His brother-in-law, Henry Clay Crawford

[18] Believe he is referring to George & Mary (Forbush) Blake

[19] Michigan death records reveal that William Schroder died in Comstock on January 19, 1887 and Oak Grove Cemetery records show his name as Wilhalm Schroder

[20] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that Jerusha Rowland died in 1887 and is buried in Lot 164; also buried in Lot 164 are Ezra C. (2-21-1824 – 11-25-1908) and Daniel T. (1825-1885). Since her brother Daniel was listed as “insane” in the 1880 census, it is assumed that her brother Ezra is the one referred to as Cap

[21] His horse

[22] His neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[23] His son-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., known as D or D.D.

[24] His grandson, Jay Keith Harris

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

[26] Edwin Flanders, the son of Joseph Flanders (see footnote to January 29^th entry)

[27] The son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee. Charles Lee was Luke’s paternal first cousin

[28] Luke didn’t enter the reading of the thermometer

[29] Worth about $800.00 in 2019

[30] Jay Keith Harris was 3 years 10 months old when he died of scarlet fever. Michigan death records record his date of death as February 14, 1887 contrary to Luke’s entries. Jay was originally buried on “the Old Flanders farm” but later moved to Oak Grove Cemetery. Family story is that the quinine (I think it was) that they gave Jay during his illness preserved his body. Why they opened the coffin during the move is unknown, but his body was perfectly preserved. They wanted Louese to come and see him, but she refused

[31] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[32] According to the Riverside Cemetery records on RootsWeb.com, Joseph & Amanda Flanders were the pioneer homesteaders of the property

[33] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker. See copy of his ad from the 10-30-1880 Galesburgh Express attached

[34] The Keith family, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances, so it is presumed Luke is referring to his grandson who died on February 12^th. See Nancy Brown’s February 26^th letter which also seems to refer to this

[35] Michigan marriage records show that Mary Allerton married Addison Irving Plank in Galesburg, Michigan on February 22, 1887

[36] Luke’s diary entry for February 23, 1886 reads: Fan had a calf to day it droped 12 noon.

[37] Neighbor Harry Streator

[38] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[39] LaVerne and Floyd Harris

[40] Michigan death records confirm that Marenus Caywood died on March 4^th in Comstock, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. Sadly, Marenus died only six months after his marriage to Mary Fisher

[41] Michigan death records show that Orra Bush died on March 7 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

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

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

[44] Hard to decipher the last name. Could possibly be Beach

[45] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York, and her daughter, Marion Adelphia York. Helen was the daughter of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley York, and her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[46] Neighbor Erasmus Towne

[47] Harriet Taylor and her sister, Flora Elizabeth “Libby” (Taylor) Schram. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[48] See footnotes to February 23 and December 22

[49] His grandson, Floyd Harris

[50] Ruth Ann (Fletcher) York was the widow of Edwin York. Edwin and Helen (Bradley) York’s husband, Joseph York, were brothers

[51] Clara (Youngs) Clark, the wife of his grandson, Charles Clark

[52] His wife Sarah’s niece, the daughter of Hiram Crawford, Jr.

[53] His grandson, Claude Keith Brown

[54] His neighbor, Albert Towne

[55] Michigan death records reveal that Mary Randall, the 28-year-old daughter of Nathan & Jane Randall, died April 9, 1887 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[56] Michigan death records show that William Scott died in Galesburg of consumption at the age of 56 on April 18, 1887; this conflicts with Luke’s entry that he was buried on the 13^th of April

[57] Michigan death records show that Nettie Bradley, the 16-year-old daughter of Samuel & Harriett (Burgess) Bradley, died of rheumatism of the heart on April 7 in Comstock. Rheumatism of the heart is a complication of rheumatic fever in which the heart valves are damaged. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that begins with strep throat

[58] Neighbor Charles Towne, who was the son of Albert Towne (see footnote to April 7^th entry)

[59] Hank Brown’s brother, Willis Brown

[60] Michigan death records show that Berthier Beckwith died in Charleston, Michigan on April 28, 1887 and FindAGrave.com, although it gives his date of death as May 1, 1887, shows that he is buried in Augusta Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[61] Michigan death records show that Randall Byington died May 8, 1887 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg

[62] A note written by Nancy’s granddaughter, Dorothy (Recoschewitz) Langmayer, noted that Nancy had one of the first hysterectomies (perhaps in the area). It was performed with the use of chloroform in May of 1884 when she was 32 years of age. Seven doctors assisted in the operation which was performed in Henry and Nancy’s living room. While Nancy was 32 years old in 1884, it is not known if this is the surgical operation Luke wrote about and that Dorothy was mistaken with her information, or if this was some other operation

[63] FindAGrave.com reveals that Alonzo Imus died May 9, 1887 and is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[64] The Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph, May 14, 1887, p.2, reported that George Stewart, “age about 70”, died in Galesburg, Michigan, from an overdose of morphine. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[65] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner

[66] Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; Willis was Hank Brown’s brother and Matilda Brown’s son (see footnotes to January 5^th and 6^th entries)

[67] Eunice (Wood) Towne, the wife of Erasmus Towne

[68] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[69] His wife Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[70] Chicago, Illinois

[71] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” Streator

[72] From New York

[73] According to the [September 1887] obituary of Helen’s husband, Joseph M. York, “His health was poor, and he went to Colorado eight years ago, and came here to Idaho with poor health. Mrs. York had remained in Michigan with her daughter all these years, partly to take care of her aged mother and sister’s children, hoping that Mr. York would regain his health and get located so that they would have a home to go to. The daughter had poor health and they made arrangements to come to Idaho, and arrived at Kuna on the 2nd of July last.”

[74] FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[75] Edna (Crawford) Henry and Lulu Crawford were the daughters of his wife Sarah’s brother, Robert & Louisa (McCann) Crawford

[76] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, the wife of Hiram Crawford Jr. who was the brother of his wife Sarah

[77] FindAGrave.com shows that Peter Johnson died in Galesburg, Michigan on June 18, 1887 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg

[78] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[79] His grandson (and daughter Lois’ son), Charles Clark

[80] Gull Lake

[81] Believe he is referring to Dexa (Strait) Harris, who was the sister-in-law of D. D. Harris (see footnote to February 3^rd entry)

[82] Robert E. Henry, the four-year-old son of Edna (Crawford) and Emmett Henry, and the grandson of Robert & Louisa (McCann) Crawford, died in LeClaire, Scott County, Iowa, from Summer Complaint, which was a major cause of childhood death in the late 1800s. It was usually the result of drinking spoiled milk and caused watery diarrhea and vomiting, bringing on severe dehydration. It occurred chiefly between the months of April and October

[83] Luke was engaged to Jerusha Crittenden/Cruttenden, but then Minerva Payson came to town and Luke broke his engagement to Jerusha and married Minerva on April 23, 1839. They had two children: Lois and Henry. Minerva died just four years after they were married. He then married his first love, Jerusha, on July 25, 1847, however she died just a little over a year later. Luke then married Sarah Crawford on November 14, 1849 and they had six children: Ethan, Nancy, William (died in infancy), Hannah, Louese and James. In the evenings Luke would go to the cemetery and play his violin at the graves of his first two wives

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

[85] The son of William & Harriett (Groat) Plank who had been neighbors of the Keiths in Comstock until they moved to Grand Rapids in 1873

[86] Neighbors, Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[87] Michigan death records show that George Forbush died in Galesburg, Michigan on August 31, 1887 at the age of 81 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg

[88] Abel & Sarah “Jane” (Mason) Hoag. Luke’s wife Sarah and Jane were good friends

[89] Neighbor, Albina Earl, who was the daughter of neighbors and “shirt tail relative,” Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

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

[91] Joseph M. York, the husband of his niece, Helen (Bradley) York (see footnote to June 8^th entry). According to his obituary, he was attempting to “fix his shoe to the hind wheel of the front wagon. While fixing the shoe to make the wheel run onto it, his horses started and in attempting to catch hold of the lines he made a misstep and fell under the wagon so that the hind wheel of his front wagon and both forward and hind wheels of the trail wagon ran over his legs, partially lengthwise, crushing both bones of his right leg just below the knee and crushing the thigh bone of the left leg. The wheels all ran over his legs in the same place, each one doing its terrible work in grinding the bones and flesh to a jelly. His right arm was caught some way, probably by the shoe, and the flesh torn on the inside from the elbow to the wrist, laying the cords all bare.”

[92] His maternal first cousin

[93] Ida (Lee) Newton, the granddaughter of his first cousin, Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[94] The men of Comstock were required to work on the roads a certain number of days based on how many acres they owned. To see more, go to https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2018/06/16/luke-keiths-road-tax

[95] His neighbor, Frances Towne

[96] His neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[97] Assume he means Almira (Dane) Forbush, whose husband George had recently died (see footnote to August 31^st entry)

[98] The husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson, who lived in Perry, Wyoming County, New York

[99] Allegan, Michigan

[100] William’s relationship to George Tomlinson is unknown at this time; research continues

[101] The sister of William Plank (see footnote to August 22^nd entry)

[102] Harriett (Groat) Plank. (See footnotes to August 22^nd and October 12^th entries)

[103] Railroad train cars

[104] Minnesota death records show that Rebecca (Galusha) Huntington died November 4, 1887 in Minneapolis, Minnesota and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[105] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[106] Even though Michigan death records show the date of death as November 25, 1887, the grave marker has the date of death as November 20, 1887, which corresponds with Luke’s entry. FindAGrave.com shows that Mary (Hawes) Lord, the wife of Thomas B. Lord, died in Comstock and she is buried in Comstock Cemetery

[107] Neighbors, Oscar & Alzina (Rosier) Carleton

[108] Erasmus was the brother of Fanny and Charley, who were all children of Albert Towne

[109] Neighbors, Charles & Mary Ann (Thompson) Ford

[110] Michigan death records show that Almira (Dane) Forbush died in Galesburg, Michigan on December 4, 1887 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg

[111] No death record was found for Emily McCausey; however, the notes at FindAGrave.com for her husband, Charles McCausey, show he married Emily Wheaton in May of 1865. Her date of death was listed as December 4, 1884, but believe this to be a typo

[112] Michigan death records show that Mrs. A. M. Lewis, a widow, died of Typhoid Malaria on December 9, 1887 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that Adeliza (Hubbard) Lewis is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg. However, Luke noted in his diary on March 14, 1886 that “Mrs Hubberd Lewis marred to day” to Charles Rimmey in Galesburg. It is unknown why she was referred to as Mrs. Lewis rather than Mrs. Rimmey; research continues

[113] Arthur Arms, paternal first cousin of Hank Brown

[114] Michigan death records show that Barnard Vosburg died in Comstock, Michigan on December 21, 1887 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[115] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith and her granddaughter, Inez Randall. Mary Ann was the wife of Luke’s nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[116] Eliza “Betsey” (Olds) Batey, Mary Ann’s mother

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

1886 Diary of Charles Luke Keith Jr.

1886 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Luke wrote his entries for 1886 in three different diaries: it appears that he first wrote the January 1-30 entries in the back of his 1885 diary, then January 31 to March 31 in the back of his 1881 diary. On March 4^th he bought an 1886 diary and started to copy all those entries, but only copied January 1-9, left the following pages blank and then started entering daily on April 1 through the end of the year. As the January 1-9 entries in his 1886 diary are shortened versions, I have used the 1885 version.

Jan 1 – Mercury 36. Very nice day no snow. Went over to Lois[2] to a New Years dinner me self and Sarah,[3] Hannah,[4] Lou,[5] Mrs Brown,[6] Jim,[7] Ethan,[8] Will Clark.[9]

Jan 2 – Mercury 41. Filed saw for Jim. Cut and drew two loads wood and one load corn. Rainy day.

Jan 3 – Mercury 43 no snow, rainy morning. At home all day.

Jan 4 – Mercury 38. No work but chores. Ethan went over to Foundry to work.

Jan 5 – Mercury 30 snowey. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. D.[10] came home with him.

Jan 6 – Mercury 11 Abz.[11] Lou and D. went home. Mr Lanfor Burdick Died Six Oclock this morning.[12] Went down to Mr Randals got Butter. Cold wind. Fanny Town[13] called in.

Jan 7 – Mercury __4. Took Hannah over to the burg[14] in morning. Choring around. Took saw up to Theodores[15] to be gumed[?]. Filed saw for Skinner[16] 25 cts.

Jan 8 – Mercury 16. Not much done. Very windy day. Mr Burdick buried to day.

Jan 9 – Mercury 18. Snowey and Blustring day. Drew two loads wood one corn. Theodore came down here.

Jan 10 – Mercury 14 in morning. At home. Cold snowey day about 4 inches snow. Husked some corn. Mercury 4 four below in Evening.

Jan 11 – Mercury 3 below in morning cold and blustring. Jim and Will Clark posting bills for H. A. Brown.[17]

Jan 12 – Mercury 6 Abz. At home doing chores.

Jan 13 – Choring, no work to amount to much. Cutting some wood. Went down to Randalls.

Jan 14 – Mercury 10 Abz. Cut and drawed three loads wood.

Jan 15 – Rainy. Drawed two loads corn.

Jan 16 – Mercury. Went over to burg in morning got glass for schoolhouse. Went and set them. 4 lights 40 cts. Got 3½ lbs Butter of Fanny Town.

Jan 17 – At home all day. No one here till just at night George and Evva Blake[18] called here.

Jan 18 – Mercury 32. Went up to mill. Ground my ax. Herb Earl and wife[19] stayed in their new House for the first time.

Jan 19 – Mercury 14 Abz. Husked some corn cut some wood. Went over to burg got some nails.

Jan 20 – 9 Abz. Went down to Katharines[20] and M. O. Streators.[21] Very stormy day snow all day.

Jan 21 – Made door to Egg cupboard.

Jan 22 – Mercury 1 below. Stormy. Painted cupboard.

Jan 23 – Mercury 15 below. Took Sarah down to Marts.[22] She went to Kalamazoo to see Ed Allen.[23] Very cold. Plenty snow but not very good sleighing.

Jan 24 – At home all day.

Jan 25 – Mercury 29. Went to Kalamazoo after Sarah. Stoped to Marts saw the mill run. Charley and Clara[24] stayed here.

Jan 26 – Mercury 26 Abz. Jim drawed 3 loads wood one corn. Hank, Lelah and Bes[25] came over they came to Lois.

Jan 27 – 30 Abz. Went over to burg. Took Clara up to Hats.[26] Charley went home. I shelled some corn. Filed saw for N L Randall.[27] Hank to work in galery at the Burg.

Jan 28 – Mercury 22 Abz. Went down to Marts to mill. Got six bushels corn and oats ground. Louese came home.

Jan 29 – Mercury 23 Abz. Took Lou over to burg to get pictures taken. Lou, Clara, Lelah and Bessey here stayed all night.

Jan 30 – At home all day. Lou here she went over and got negatives of the children. D came at night. Cold day.

Jan 31 – Lou went over to burg. Got pictures of the children. D came at night. Cold day.

Feb 1 – Cold good sleighing. No work but chores. Mr Albert Carletons House burned to day.

Feb 2 – Cold day. Took Hannah over to Mrs Sumners. D went up to Scotts.[28] Cold.

Feb 3 – Mercury 32 below zero in morning. Hank went to Kalamazoo. Theodore & Dick Barber[29] came down here. D. & Lou, Ethan and Hannah went down to Mrs Browns.

Feb 4 – Mercury 17 below. D. & Lou went home. Clear and cold. No work but chores.

Feb 5 – Cold day at home. Choring. Old Mr Bennet[30] killd at the burg by the cars.[31]

Feb 6 – At home, cold, bad getting around. Hank left for Galesburg Ill. on Evening Express.

Feb 7 – Mercury. At home. Will Aldrich here. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Mrs Joh Schrader called here.

Feb 8 – Mercury 40 Abz. Went over to Mr Towns[32] got 2¾ lbs butter paid $1.20 cts. Went over to burg in Evening after Hannah.

Feb 9 – Mercury 54. Drawed two loads corn. Jim drawed one Load wood. Hank and Nancy[33] came on noon Train.

Feb 10 – Mercury 44. Took sarah over to Mrs Watts[34] Funeral. Husked in fore noon. Went over in Evening got Nancys trunks.

Feb 11 – Mercury 45. Took Nancy down to Mrs Browns in morning. Took Sarah up to Mr Rogers in afternoon. I drew two loads corn in afternoon. Sprinkled some just at night.

Feb 12 – Mercury 35. Husked corn some. Worked round house and shop.

Feb 13 – Mercury 33. Choring, not much work. Hannah came home from Austin Peases place. Hank came home in Evening.

Feb 14 – Mercury 35. Hank, Nancy an children[35] here. Hank and Nancy went down to Mrs Browns.

Feb 15 – Mercury 27. Hank and Nancy went to Kalamazoo. Snows some. Edna Allen came to day.

Feb 16 – Mercury 5 Abz. At home. Took Nancy over to burg she went to Kalamazoo. Georde [sic] Tomlinson[36] came on noon train. Went down to Katharines.

Feb 17 – Mercury 23 Abz. Went over to Burg. George left for home on noon train.

Feb 18 – Mercury 38. At home. Worke in barn fixed stall for fan.[37] Ed and Madge[38] here.

Feb 19 – Mercury 23. Cut and drawed some wood. Cold wind.

Feb 20 – Mercury 12 Abz. Cut some wood. Hannah came home from Caywoods.

Feb 21 – At home. Ed and Mage here. Lelah and Bes here.

Feb 22 – Mercury 23. Took Hannah and girls over to cars. Lelah and Bes went home. Hannah went to Lous. I cut some wood.

Feb 23 – Mercury 21. O. M. Allen[39] came up to see Ed. Fan had a calf to day it droped 12 noon.

Feb 24 – Drawed load wood. Made pen for calf.

Feb 25 – Mercury 15 Abz. Cleaned up some wheat. Cold and snowey, high wind, very blustring.

Feb 26 – At work round Barn. Sawed some wood. Went over to burg went to mill.

Feb 27 – Drawed some wood. Not much snow. Very rough roads.

Feb 28 – At home. No one here Except the Allen family. O. M. came up in afternoon.

Mar 1 – Choring round as usual. Went over to Burg at noon. Got some medicin for Edna. Got Harness oil of Semour Miner.

Mar 2 – At home. Jim had Bill[40] to draw straw.

Mar 3 – Mercury 26. Cut some wood drawed some wood.

Mar 4 – Went to Kalamazoo. Went to Hanks. Bot Diary 75 cts.

Mar 5 – Mercury. Mended Kettle. Chored round. Very pleasant day.

Mar 6 – Cut and Drew two loads wood. Very nice day.

Mar 7 – Nice day. O. M. came up. Doc McBeth came over to see Edna. I went over in Evening after McBeth.

Mar 8 – Snows like fun. Doc came over in morning. Ethan sick.

Mar 9 – Mercury 32. A. R. Skinner cut wood part of the day. Fine day snowed some not very cold.

Mar 10 – Mercury 38. Went over after Lois in morning. Put clasp on Mrs Bradshaws album. Cow sick.

Mar 11 – Went over to burg bot medicine for cow. Drawed some wood and some corn. Cow sick.

Mar 12 – Mercury 38. Ben Smith Died shelby ville.[41] Snowed like Blazez. Went over after Del he came over to see cow. Charley Corey taking down the old Brick on corner.

Mar 13 – 30 Abz. Not very well. Went over to Burg got oil. Cow some better not much.

Mar 14 – At home all day. Mrs Hubberd Lewis marred to day.[42] Mr Benj Smith of Shelby Ville Buried to day.

Mar 15 – Went up to Mr Ridlers to by some wood. He Brot one cord wood $1.75.

Mar 16 – Cow sick. Went over to burg after Hanks things at Galery. Put handle in Spade.

Mar 17 – Went up to Jesse Earls[43] got vice of Theodore. Went to burg got some medicine for cow of Munger $1.00.

Mar 18 – Went down to Mrs Brown & got some potatoes. Glued Mrs Rogers chair. Mrs Bradshaw got her Album 25 cts.

Mar 19 – Mercury 70. Cut some wood. Filed saw for A. Kaywood. Put up iron vice. Clara Milham[44] here.

Mar 20 – At home. Cut some wood.

Mar 21 – At home. Filed saw for Dell Skinner.

Mar 22 – Went down to Mrs Browns got some potatoes. Snowed some cold March wind. Hannah came home from Shelby Ville.[45]

Mar 23 – Went over to burg after Cora Meridith.[46] She came stayed all night.

Mar 24 – Worked on Hat & Libs[47] cupboard. Cora went up to Jim Milhams.[48] Ethan took Hannah down to Smith Carletons.[49] Very nice day.

Mar 25 – Worked on cupboard. Fine day. Ina[50] came over stayed all night.

Mar 26 – Went over to burd [burg] in morning after Lumber to finish cupboard.

Mar 27 – Mercury 32. Worked on cupboard. Very nice day. Charley Town[51] finished fence on north side road. Hannah came home from Carletons.

Mar 28 – Went to Katharines. Cold East wind.

Mar 29 – Changed corn with W^m Rogers. They moved three Loads goods.

Mar 30 – Rainy day. Finished the cupboard. Mended spade for Jim. Jim bot Horse of Taylor Girls.[52]

Mar 31 – Mercury 41. Rainy fore noon. Davis Stafford and Mr Brown came down to see the Binder. I took the girls cupboard up to them. Mr W^m Rogers took the last load goods to day.

Apr 1 – Mercury 34 stormy snowey bad day. Shelled some corn. Doc McBeth[53] here morning and Evening.

Apr 2 – Mercury 24 some snow ground well covered. Filed saw for Jim. Went over to burg after Doc McBeth at noon Ed Allen Blowed out this evening.[54]

Apr 3 – Mercury 20 very pleasant morning. Cut and drew some wood one load corn. Lois came over.

Apr 4 – At home. Ethan took Hannah up to Scotts to Jon Powers.

Apr 5 – Nice pleasant day. Went to town meeting. Ed some better. Doc comes twice a day.

Apr 6 – Mercury 32 the wors Bluster of the season, snowed and blowed a perfect gale all day.

Apr 7 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot some maple shugar 48 cts.

Apr 8 – Mercury 25. Ethan and Lois went to Kalamazoo. Nancy gone up to Lous. Very nice day. I cut some wood. Bot can Honey of Mr Rainy[?].

Apr 9 – Drew two loads straw two loads corn one wood. Very pleasant day.

Apr 10 – Worked in woods and in shop. Ed not much better.

Apr 11 – Nice day. I husked corn all day. O. M. Allen came up. Rainy day.

Apr 12 – Nice warm day. Laid up fence on hill south of orchard. Went over to Lois just at night.

Apr 13 – Went to Kalamazoo. Lois went to see Nancy. Bot Hat $1.50. Paid for the Telegraph[55] one year $1.50. Nicholas Chilson Died to day Ae 80y.[56]

Apr 14 – Mercury 85 Abz very nice day. Drawed stone in forenoon. Took down some fence up by the woods in afternoon. Hannah came home from Scots.

Apr 15 – Moved some fence. Nice day. Drew some corn.

Apr 16 – Took down fence. Drew one load old rails.

Apr 17 – Husked corn in forenoon. Hot day had a thunder shower just at night. Hannah came from Em Ralphs.[57]

Apr 18 – At home. Ed some better. Bessie here. O. M. no come up to day. Theodore and Hannah went to W^m Rogerses.

Apr 19 – Very warm day. Went over to burg got groceries. Ed Rouland paid two Dollars for Repairing violin.

Apr 20 – Mercury 80 Abz. Drew 3 loads corn one load old rails. Jim commenced plowing on the hill for oats. Nice warm day.

Apr 21 – Mercury 84. Took Lois trunk to the Depo. She went to shelbyville. Husked some corn. Jim plowing. Bot 1½ bushel clover seed $10.50.

Apr 22 – Mercury 84. Husked some corn. Very nice day.

Apr 23 – Mercury 87. Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Nancy. The children came.

Apr 24 – Mercury 84. Jim finished plowing the oat ground drew in the corn all in. I dug out some stumps.

Apr 25 – At home. Nancy and children came up stayed all night. Very pleasant day. O. M. came up in afternoon.

Apr 26 – Nancy went home on 11 oclock run. Jim ploting oat ground. W^m Blake called in to see Jim. Rainy afternoon.

Apr 27 – Went up to M. O. Streators bot six bushels wheat 85 cts pr bushel. Took it over to mill in afternoon.

Apr 28 – Drew some stumps of south lot one load stone. Jim commenced Drilling oats.

Apr 29 – Jim finished drilling oats he plowed the garden.

Apr 30 – Went over to Burg in morning. Draged the garden and potatoe ground.

May 1 – Not mutch work to day. Rainy some. Went over to burg in afternoon.

May 2 – Nice day. Jim, Mrs Brown and Hannah went down to Nancys.

May 3 – Took Edna Allens trunk over to the Depo at noon. Got a draft cashed for her $50.22 cts. She went on the 9.20 train Evening.

May 4 – Went up to Mr Flanders[58] got ½ bushel potatoes 25 cts. Rained quite hard. Sarah went down to Mr Randals a dance to Mike Maloneys new barn.

May 5 – Went up to mill. Turned rooler for Mr Beals of Climax. Went over to Burg got Sarahs Dress and ticking.

May 6 – Husked corn in afternoon. Nice day.

May 7 – Finished husking corn. Mrs Brown and Bessie came up here. Bes stayed all night. Show at the burg I went saw murmaid.

May 8 – At home. Mended wire fence on East road spliced one wire. Rainy night. Hannah over to Nells.

May 9 – Went down to Katharines. Rained some not vey cold.

May 10 – At home. Worked round house and garden.

May 11 – Went over to burg in afternoon to the Band Torniment. Received postal from George.[59]

May 12 – Worked round choring. Went over to burg. Shelled corn in afternoon. Nancy and Mrs Wagner came up in afternoon.

May 13 – Mercury 81 warm day. Sarah went over to Hoags.[60] Ina went to Shelby Ville. I went to Milhams to mill.

May 14 – Mercury. Worked in garden some. Went over to burg. Bes here.

May 15 – Went over to Forbush in afternoon. Rainy.

May 16 – At home all day. Nice day.

May 17 – Went over got the Buggy thill[61] iron mended 85 cts. Lois came home from Shelby.

May 18 – Took Sarah over to Lois. I cut and drew one load wood plowed out corn in the garden went after Sara.

May 19 – Pleasant morning. At home working round house and garden. Jim plowed the corn ground.

May 20 – Went down to Mrs Browns got drag. Draged corn ground and floated it. Very warm day. Lois came over.

May 21 – Very warm day. Marked my corn ground. Went down to M. O. Streators got seed corn.

May 22 – Hot as blazes. Planted corn. Mr & Mrs Streato[62] and Mrs Brown here in Evening. Expected Forbush & Blakes folks here dey no came.

May 23 – Mercury 90 in shade. At home all day. No one here. Ethan took Lois and Ina home in morning.

May 24 – Planted potatoes covered them with straw. Nice day.

May 25 – Planted potatoes. Cool day north wind. Set hen to night in Bills west feed box.

May 26 – Not mutch done. Went over to burg. Nancy and girls came up this morning.

May 27 – Went over to burg in morning. Jesse Earls gray Horse died this morning. Ob Evens and Maty Carson married this Evening.[63]

May 28 – Went over to burg in morn sold 1400 & 60 lbs Hay to Met Thomas 50 cts pr 100. Took some things up to Wm Ralphs to go to Lous. Mr Williams of Berry died.

May 29 – Went over to burg twice. Worked in garden some cultivated corn and potatoes.

May 30 – Went up to Mr Levi woods. Syrus and Moridz Streator went had a good time. Nice day. Very dry.

May 31 – Worked in garden planted beans hoed corn plastered corn.

Jun 1 – Sarah went over to Mr Austins to a crazy quilt party.

Jun 2 – Went to Kalamazoo to get Sarahs teeth Extracted. Bot coat. Nice day very dry.

Jun 3 – Plastered corn. Hot day no rain.

Jun 4 – Painted Jims Buggy. Mr Wood and wife of Shelby here stayed all night. Charles Anderson came he went over to Mr Fords stayed all night.

Jun 5 – Charles came over in morning left on noon train for Battle Creek. Mr Woods folks left for home.

Jun 6 – At home. Very dry. Jesse Earl came down here. Walter Thresher and his uncle came over to see the binder.

Jun 7 – Very warm and dry. Made corn drag. Painted Jims Buggy boddy one coat.

Jun 8 – Mercury 84. Cultivated corn. Very hot and dry. Hannah went up to Mr Deweys at Scotts.

Jun 9 – Worked on buggy. Put last coat on boddy. Very hot and dry.

Jun 10 – Put leathers on thills. Cleaned the dash. Finished the buggy. Went down to Mrs Browns got my buggy.

Jun 11 – Mercury 90 in shade very hot. Cultivated corn. Went over to burg twice.

Jun 12 – Mercury 99 in shade. Cultivated corn in fore noon. Took Sarah down to Mrs Browns.

Jun 13 – Mercury 84. Sprinkle some in forenoon.

Jun 14 – Mercury 104 in shade. Got one tire set on carriage 35. Got Bridle mended 20¢. Charley cut Mrs Wrights grass. Cameron & George Barber[64] here.

Jun 15 – Mercury 90 very hot. Jim commenced cutting the grass in East lot. Had a nice shower just at night.

Jun 16 – Mercury 84. Ethan went to burg to pay Thresher for Enterprise.[65] Jim got cabbage plant.

Jun 17 – Mercury 83 pleasant nice day. Chored round in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in afternoon to see Mart. He is sick had his wens[66] cut out.

Jun 18 – Worked in garden and hay field. Went up to Herbs got cabbage plants.

Jun 19 – Jim finished cutting hay. Tip and Quin called in Evening to see Binder.

Jun 20 – At home. Nancy and Lelah & Bes here. Lois came over.

Jun 21 – Mercury 96. Worked in hay field all day finished. Ethan went to Kalamazoo took Nancy home. Took ook[?] his Knotter down to West.

Jun 22 – Mercury 84. Drew in some hay finished up. Had a nice rain.

Jun 23 – Worked in garden some. Mr Town and Fanny went to Kalamazoo. Hannah went up to Hat & Libs to sew. I cultivated corn some.

Jun 24 – Took Sarah over to Lois had a big rain. Mary Flanders[67] an her cousin Mrs Jackson came in stayed through the shower.

Jun 25 – Hoed in garden some. Plowed corn in afternoon.

Jun 26 – Took Sarah to Kalamazoo she went to Shelbyville. Claud[68] came home with me.

Jun 27 – At home. Lois and Ina came over. I finished plowing corn plowed out the potatoes up by the woods.

Jun 28 – I finished plowing corn plowed out the potatoes up by the woods.

Jun 29 – Hannah to Hats sewing. Hoed in garden some. Set out cabbage plants 77.

Jun 30 – Mercury 80. Hoed cabbage, chore round. Hannah went to Streators. Mr Erastus Stuart Died this afternoon.[69]

Jul 1 – Mercury 8 [sic]. Mr Streator came and got sewing machine.

Jul 2 – Hoed corn some cultivated potatoes up by the woods. Sarah came home from shelbyville. Maria Flanders buried to day.[70] Erastus Stuart buried to day.

Jul 3 – Went over to burg to celebration. Took dinner to Lois. Went over in Evening to the dance in Corey Block and at the rink.

Jul 4 – At home all day. Clara and Lee came up. Hanah went down to M. O. Streators. H. N. Tubbs buried to day.[71]

Jul 5 – Hot morning. Working in garden and choring round.

Jul 6 – Went over to burg. Hoed some. Went to M. O. Streators in morning and afternoon. Mr Streator sick.

Jul 7 – Went over to burg in morning. Sold Eggs 9 Doz. Took zinc back.

Jul 8 – Went to Kalamazoo after Hannah. Mr M. O. Streator Died 15 minutes past twelve noon.[72]

Jul 9 – Mercury 104. Hoed in garden some, chored around, set up wheat.

Jul 10 – Mercury 94. Plowed corn in forenoon and some afternoon. Very hot. Mr Burdick and Mr Wilson called here to show some violins.

Jul 11 – Mercury 90 very hot and dry. Mr M. O. Streator Buried to day.

Jul 12 – Mercury 84. Hoed in garden and chored round. Jim Drew in wheat. Fine day not so hot.

Jul 13 – Jim raked the wheat and

Jul 14 – Jim raked the wheat scatterings and drew them in. The Whiting family at the burg to day. I went over in Evening. Oliver Young died.

Jul 15 – Ethan, Hannah, Jim and Claud went to Kalamazoo to see Barnums show. Nice day Mercury 84.

Jul 16 – Plowed corn. Fine day. Went over to Burg in morning. Cyrus and Quincy Streator[73] called here.

Jul 17 – Hoed corn some in forenoon. Went over to burg at noon. Syrus & Quin called here jus at night. Some cooler.

Jul 18 – Mercury 74 some cooler. Katharine and Lee came up here.

Jul 19 – Lelah and Bess came on noon train. I went over and got them. Lois came over with me.

Jul 20 – Mr. Harry and Ed Rowland called here. Lelah and Bes here. Very smoky.

Jul 21 – Mercury 91. I went up to Levi woods with Cyrus Streator. Mrs M. O. Streator and Quin and Cyrus here to tea. Very dry.

Jul 22 – Mercury 94. Hoed corn and done the chores. Went up to Cullin Towns[74] afternoon.

Jul 23 – Mercury 93 very hot, dry and smoky. Hoed garden.

Jul 24 – Mercury 94. Hoed some corn and cabbage. Very hot day. Nancy came up.

Jul 25 – Mercury 104 in shade. At home all day. Ethan, Hannah and Hanks folk, Lizzie and Will[75] came to Mrs Browns.

Jul 26 – Mercury 69 rainy morning, rainy day. Nancy and girls went home.

Jul 27 – Took Sarah over to Lois. I worked in shop on axhelves.

Jul 28 – Made helve for G. A. Lockhart. Ethan took crank pattern over to Foundry. Rained some this morning.

Jul 29 – Mr Randal cut the oats. Mrs Ed Hoges Buried to day.[76] I worked in shop to day.

Jul 30 – Jim drawed oats. Fine hot day rained just at night.

Jul 31 – Mercury 94. Mr Johnson thrashed the wheat and oats 129 oats 46 wheat. Rained one ledl mite just at night. Very hot.

Aug 1 – Mercury 104. Hannah came home from Howlands Burg. I went down to Katharines. All well.

Aug 2 – Worked in garden some. Chored round most of the day.

Aug 3 – Went over to burg. Worked round house and garden.

Aug 4 – Cut weeds and grubs along the fence up the hill. Hot day. Allerton[77] thrashed. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 5 – Went down to Mrs Browns. Helped Jim clean up wheat. Rainy forenoon. Cut weed on hill.

Aug 6 – Went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon. Sarah went. Ed took pig down to Rial French.

Aug 7 – Took Fan up to Mr Flanders to get Jersey calf.[78] Went down to Katharines in afternoon after Hannah. Sarah went down to see Minnie Randal.

Aug 8 – Nice day. Jim and Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Lou.

Aug 9 – At home choring. Not much work to day.

Aug 10 – Took Hannah down to Mate Fords.[79]

Aug 11 – Mercury 96. Mr Joseph Whitford buried.[80] Henry Crawford[81] came here this morning. He went home on the Eleven Oclock train.

Aug 12 – Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo after Lou. Robert Crawford[82] came to day. George Turner Buried to day.[83]

Aug 13 – Robert here. Went over to Burg after Lous trunk. Robert and I went around the squair. Rained in Evening.

Aug 14 – Cloudy some mist. At home. Robert here. Very warm.

Aug 15 – At home. Hot day. Robert and Sarah went over to cemetry.[84] Mary Ellen Allerton[85] and Carrie Plank[86] called here in Evening.

Aug 16 – Took Robert over to the train. Rainy morning. Robert left for Canada.

Aug 17 – Sarah and Lou went down to Mrs Browns. I helped Jim repair the grainry.

Aug 18 – Cut and drawed some wood. Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo to see the Sham Battle. Cord Beach got hurt.

Aug 19 – Took Sarah and Lou up to Em Ralphs. I Repaired chair for Em.

Aug 20 – At home. Went down to Mr Browns in morning.

Aug 21 – Harry Crawford[87] came on 7 Oclock train. Carrie Plank and Mary Allerton here in afternoon. Lois came over. D came. Went over to burg in Evening. Ha[d] a heavy shower rained in night.

Aug 22 – Cloudy looks like rain. Harry Crawford here. All well.

Aug 23 – Not much work to day. Jim commenced plowing East lot. George Hubbards baby died this morning.[88] Carry Plank here.

Aug 24 – Hannah and Carey went down to Mr Allertons. Lou and children went over to Lois. Oat Hills mother Died to day.[89]

Aug 25 – Took Lou over to Mr Ralph. Robert came back from Canada. Glen Keith[90] came on noon train. Mrs Hill buried.

Aug 26 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Harry went with him. Robert went up to Nelt Blass.

Aug 27 – Mercury 102. Took Robert over to burg he went to Chicago. Carrie Plank came here stayed all night.

Aug 28 – Mercury 99. Carrie went up to Gull Lake to attend the Grange Picknic. Jim plowing. Lou here.

Aug 29 – Had a heavy shower. Went down to Katharines.

Aug 30 – Let Jim have six bags full of corn. Mr Hampton here to dinner tin pedler. Hannah took Carrie Plank to Kalamazoo.

Aug 31 – Lou and children here. Jim plowing. Very warm.

Sep 1 – Jim plowing. Nice day. Lou here. I not very well. I commenced my last years work for H Cruttenden[91] 40 years ago to day.

Sep 2 – Took Lou to Kalamazoo. She stayed to Nancys all night. Very nice day.

Sep 3 – Jim plowing. Warm. Working round as usual. Some hot weather.

Sep 4 – Jim plowing. I cut load wood drew it down. Just at night had a heavy thunder storm. Lightning struck Cole Durkees hors Barn burnt it and straw stac.

Sep 5 – Mercury 80. At home. No one here but our own folks. Hannah came home this morning from Streators. She is making Mary Fishers wedding dress.[92]

Sep 6 – Mercury 93. Cut some corn. Jim floted wheat ground. Very hot day.

Sep 7 – Mercury 90. Cutting corn. Jim working for M. Caywood[93] cutting corn spec so.[94]

Sep 8 – Mercury 86. Cleaned wheat. Took 4 bushels to mill. Hot day. Rained in night.

Sep 9 – Mercury 69 some rainy this morning. Went down to Mrs Browns. Jim went to Kalamazoo. Cate Crawford[95] came home with him.

Sep 10 – Chored around house and shop. Not much done. Warm day.

Sep 11 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg in afternoon. Cate went over with me. Rained in night.

Sep 12 – Nice morning. At home all day. Kate here.

Sep 13 – Work in shop some. Kate here. Ethan working on Knapps canal power. Got the sewing machine 60 cts Freight.

Sep 14 – Choring around. Cut some corn. Hannah & Nancy went to Jackson. Lelah & Bes came here.

Sep 15 – Took Ethan over to Burg. He went to Jackson to State Fair. Jim took Kate to Kalamazoo. Sarah went over to Mr Ralphs.

Sep 16 – Cut corn some. Fine day some wind. Blowed uncle Isaac Clarks[96] Barn down.

Sep 17 – Cut corn. Choring round.

Sep 18 – Finished cutting corn. Ethan came home.

Sep 19 – At home all day. Nancy came home to day.

Sep 20 – Fine morning. Jim dragging. I cut some wood and d[r]ew it down.

Sep 21 – Mercury 56 some lidle rany. At home. Jim dont be dragging to day some. Mr Franklin brot machine home.

Sep 22 – Mercury 67. Jim draging with spring tooth.[97]

Sep 23 – Went over to Burg in morning. Bot ½ bushel Timothy seed 1.13¢. Rainy lots Lightning & thunder.

Sep 24 – At home. Hannah came home sick from Mr Ogdens.

Sep 25 – Choring around. Put Beens in Barn and done various things. Mr Levy Woods folks came over. Stayed to Mrs Browns all night.

Sep 26 – All hands went up to Mrs Streators. Had a good time. Hannah some better. Rainy night.

Sep 27 – Rainy morning. Helped Jim. I went down to Katharines in afternoon.

Sep 28 – Helped Jim clean up wheat. Mr D. L. Tuttle buried at Galesburg to day.[98]

Sep 29 – Mrs Skinner Died.[99] Mrs Forbush and Eva Blake here in afternoon. Mrs Browns Jersey cow Died.

Sep 30 – Went down to Mrs Browns. Helped bury the cow.

Oct 1 – Cut some wood dug some potatoes. Lumis Robinson came here. He went home on nine oclock run.

Oct 2 – Went to Kalamazoo stayed all night. Went to the Accadamy of music** in Evening. Hank and Nancy went with us.

Oct 3 – Nice weather. At Browns. I went up to the Asylum in forenoon and then Hank and I went over to the water works. We came home at night. Old Mrs Daniels Died to day.

Oct 4 – Mercury 76 in shade. Fine day. Drawing rails for fence south of Barn next to the wheat.

Oct 5 – Laid bottom rails for fence. Fixed two saws for Allan Simmons. Jim and Charley Ford moved Rial French.

Oct 6 – Finished filing Simmons saws and turned driver for Bench Screw. Very nice day. Mercury up in the 70 & 80.

Oct 7 – Went over to burg in morning and down to C. Fords. Ethan picking apples down to Mrs Browns. Very nice weather.

Oct 8 – Mercury 80. Went up in woods cut some steaks. Went over to burg got band for sewing machine. Bot box Buggy greace. Lois came home. Nice weather.

Oct 9 – Mercury 84. Took Sarah over to Lois. I chored a round house and barn.

Oct 10 – At home all day. Lois and Ina came over. George Yeomans and Burt Burrell here.

Oct 11 – Jim came home from Shelby Ville. Jay[100] came home with him. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Oct 12 – Husked some corn. Very nice day very dry. Lum Robinson and wife here in afternoon.

Oct 13 – Built fence south of barn. Very nice day. Mrs Gilfus died to day. Jay here all right.

Oct 14 – Rainy day. No work. Rained and blowed hard all day. Blowed my corn most all down.

Oct 15 – Nice day. Finished my fence. No frost yet of any account. Dell and Sate[101] got home. 73 years old to day.

Oct 16 – Went over to burg. Bess and Jay went over to Lois. Nice day. Not much done. Rather lame. Old Pionere here to dinner.

Oct 17 – Mercury 69 pleasant some wind. Ethan, Hannah, Bes and Jay gone to Kalamazoo. George Yeomans and Burt Burrell here to day.

Oct 18 – Mercury 54 very nice day warm and dry. Husked corn. Jay here. Mr Knap here. Work on propeller.

Oct 19 – Mercury 57 very pleasant and dry. Husked corn. Mr Knap here to day working on propeller.

Oct 20 – Kalamazoo House Burned to day. Drew in my cornfodder in the morning. Went down to Mrs Browns got apples. Rainy. Went over to burg in afternoon. Not cold.

Oct 21 – Warm day. Choped some wood. Aunt Hannah Wilmarth[102] here to dinner stayed the afternoon.

Oct 22 – Nice day. Put apples in cellar. Drawed some wood in afternoon. W. H. Knap & Agent came over in afternoon.

Oct 23 – Fine day. Went to Kalamazoo with Jay. He went home. Claud went with him.

Oct 24 – Picked up Hickory nuts. Nice warm day. Jim went down to Hanks after Hannah. Lois went with him.

Oct 25 – Took the W. H. Knap Propeller up to Butterfield to try the Boats. Husked corn in afternoon. Cold day.

Oct 26 – Cool wind. Husked corn. Ethan dug potatoes. Hannah work for Fanny Town. Jim went to Kalamazoo with wheat.

Oct 27 – Husked corn. Cool day. Put potatoes in cellar. Jim went to Kalamazoo with wheat.

Oct 28 – Went to Mr Isaac Clarks funeral to day. Cool wind.

Oct 29 – Went up to Levy Woods. Mrs Streator and Mrs Green and Cyrus went.

Oct 30 – Husked some. Chored round. Put lights in windows to school House.

Oct 31 – At home. Picked up some Hickory nuts and cut some sage.

Nov 1 – Mercury 54. Finished husking to day. Sate worked for Hannah. Charley Smith came over after Sate.

Nov 2 – Mercury 55 nice warm day. Went over to Election. Levy Wood and wife here, Fanny Town and Mrs Pease.

Nov 3 – Drawed my cornfodder. Very nice day. Went over to burg at noon. Mr Knap an Ethan tried the Boat.

Nov 4 – Ethan and Jim Conky went to Kalamazoo. I dug some roots for Sarah. Cyrus and Mrs Streator. called. Tip Town[103] called.

Nov 5 – Worked round. Lelah and Bes here. Nancy came up. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns.

Nov 6 – Went over to burg. Took Nells dress over. Went to Lois. Saw Mary Hall. Nancy and girls went down to Mrs Browns. Snowed in night the first of the season.

Nov 7 – About ½ inch snow on the ground this morning. Jim Konky came got his camery. Hank came up here.

Nov 8 – Cut some wood. Nancy and girls went down to Mrs Browns.

Nov 9 – Drawed one load wood. Rained then snowed like fun.[104] Made stall for Peter. Not very cold. Will Brown moved to day.

Nov 10 – Doing chores. Made ladder or apart of one. Cold.

Nov 11 – Took Sarah over to Lois. Cut out rounds for ladder. Cleaned up some wheat.

Nov 12 – Went over to mill. Made cloths stick for Nancy.

Nov 13 – Nancy went home. Lou came home. She came up with Jim. I went over to Comstock. Sarah went down to Katharines.

Nov 14 – Pleasant day cool wind. Herb Earls Boy born this morning.[105]

Nov 15 – Put plank down at the west door at barn.

Nov 16 – Took Lou over to Lois and Mr Ralphs. Mr Knap and Ethan tried the Boat. Cold wind.

Nov 17 – Rainy day. Got pig of Jim. Went over to burg at night. Got oil. Lou went up to Jim Milhams.

Nov 18 – Mercury 25 cold and blustrous, snowey, cold. I worked in barn some.

Nov 19 – Lou and children[106] here. Cold wind. Ethan cut some wood. I drew two loads.

Nov 20 – Ethan choped some wood. I jointed boards for East side of barn. Doc Martin and wife called in Evening to see Hannah.

Nov 21 – At home all day. Pleasant. Lou went to Kalamazoo. Levy Wood and wife and Mrs Streator here.

Nov 22 – Boarded up East side barn. Nice day.

Nov 23 – Mercury 58. Repaired pump and well in barn.

Nov 24 – Mercury. Went over to burg got shugar and oder dings,[107] cinnamon and Raisins, oil &c.[108]

Nov 25 – Went over after Lois. Snows. Del came over got Horse and wagon. Took load stone over. Hannah came home.

Nov 26 – Ethan took Hannah down to Mrs Howlets. I got thirty Dozen Eggs of Fanny Town to send to Chicago. Cold day.

Nov 27 – Sent Eggs and Butter to Chicago to Hiram Crawford.[109]

Nov 28 – At home. Hannah went up to Herb Gilsons.

Nov 29 – Mercury 2 Abz. Not much done. Ed Schram called here. I hired him to cut some wood.

Nov 30 – Ethan went over got Lois in morning. She came over to wash. I went over to burg in Evening to get stove for Hanks folks.

Dec 1 – Mercury 8 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo took Hanks stove down to them. Mrs Brown went. Very Blustring. Jim and Bell Starr came up with me. Lum Robinson started for home. Saw Dob Zinsky[?].

Dec 2 – Cut some wood. Put ladder together in Evening. Cold and blustring he snow very hard some.

Dec 3 – Drawed two loads of wood on sleigh. Jim called here said he had sold his team to Will Brown. Ed chopping. Dr Babcock buried to day.[110]

Dec 4 – Ed chopping. Cold day. I drawed wood.

Dec 5 – Mercury 16 Below zero. Went over to burg in morning. Jim shingling for Dell. Ed Schram chopping.

Dec 6 – Mercury 2 blow zero. Went over to burg in morn. Jim shingling for Dell. Ed chopping.

Dec 7 – Drawed wood in forenoon. Went down to Marts in afternoon. Nice day.

Dec 8 – Fine day. Drawed wood. Ed no chop some. Fanny Town came over in afternoon.

Dec 9 – Drawing wood. Not much snow. Very nice weather.

Dec 10 – Drawed wood in forenoon. Got all down that was cut. Snow about gone. Leon[111] here stayed all night.

Dec 11 – Leon went up to Batey.[112] Glen came down with willow[?] in morning. Leon came back stayed all night. Dell put some shingles on Barn.

Dec 12 – Leon and Glen lef for home.[113] Rained some.

Dec 13 – Not much done but chores.

Dec 14 – Snowed and blowed hard. Very rough day. Went down to Caywoods and Mr Flanders. Paid Ed $— for butter. Mate Ford came here.

Dec 15 – Cold snow about — inches deep. Hannah went to Dr Ma– to sew. Took Sarah down to Mrs Browns. Filed saw for Jim. Hung ax for Herb Earl.

Dec 16 – Cold day. Worked in shop some. Smoothed up axhelves. Ethan went to burg in Evening.

Dec 17 – Finished up axhelves and chored round. Sarah went up to Ha–. I went up took tea with them. Snowed and blowed.

Dec 18 – Worked in shop some. Finished up my helves. Ed Schram called here.

Dec 19 – At home. Went over brot Lois over. Some stormy.

Dec 20 – Mercury at zero. Took Hannah over to train she went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 21 – Mercury 34 Abz. Went over to burg in Evening after Hannah and Lelah. Shelled corn for feed.

Dec 22 – Mercury 5 Abz. Went down to Mrs Browns. Took letter down to Lizzy with sample in. Hannah went up to W^m Ralphs.

Dec 23 – Went over to burg in morning paid my tax $6.78 cts. Went over at noon got money order cashed. Went over to Lois in Evening.

Dec 24 – Went down to Marts to mill. Took 7½ bushels corn and oats ground. Sent books to Claude, Lelah & Bes, Jay and Verne[114] and Marts children.

Dec 25 – Worked on toboggin for Claude. No good he break some. Not very cold.

Dec 26 – At home. No one here. Cold winter weather. Good sleighing.

Dec 27 – Mercury 13 Abz. Went up to Theodores got board for toboggin. Oscar, Mary Ann[115] and Glen here to day. They left for home.

Dec 28 – Mercury 3 below. Went over to burg. Got shoes for Sarah. Cold day.

Dec 29 – Mercury 3 Abz. Went over to burg in morning got calender. Mrs Beley Wright Died this morning 7 oclock.[116] Went over to burg in Evening.

Dec 30 – Mercury 15 below very much cold day. Sarah & I went to Kalamazoo she stayed to Nancys. Bot articks $1.25. Very cold. D. and Jim came.

Dec 31 – Mercury 13 below. Went over to burg in afternoon. Ina went home. Mrs Bela Wright buried to day. Very cold day. I done nodings not much to day ver mooch goot sleigh plendy snow some. Lou sent me money, pay some money. D went home on noon train.

——-

[1] Known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[3] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[4] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[5] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[6] His son-in-law Hank Brown’s mother, Matilda (Allen) Brown, who was also Luke’s neighbor

[7] His son, James Clinton Keith

[8] His son, Ethan Keith

[9] His grandson, William Clark

[10] His son-in-law, Louese’s husband Daniel Harris, Jr.

[11] Above zero

[12] The Michigan death record lists his date of death as January 21 (although it’s possible that the 1 in 21 is actually a 4) and there is a notation “Names added to list by Henry Laffitt [Labbitt] Undertaker Galesburg Michigan.” FindAGrave.com agrees with Luke’s entry of death on January 6, 1886, and shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan. The January 9, 1886 edition of the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph, p.3, noted: The funeral services of the late Langford [sic] Burdick of Galesburg were held in the Baptist church at that place yesterday, Rev. J. S. Boyden officiating, and were largely attended. The remains were interred in the cemetery in Charleston Township.

[13] His neighbor, Frances Towne

[14] Galesburg, Michigan

[15] Theodore Earl, neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[16] His son-in-law, Lois’ husband, Adelbert Skinner

[17] His son-in-law, Nancy’s husband, Henry Brown, who was a photographer. It appears Jim and Will were posting advertisements around town. The February 9, 1886 edition of the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph, on page 6, reported the following: Henry A. Brown, photographer, recently of Galesburg, Ill., who has been taking all the pretty prizes in town (if each is left to be sole judge) for the past two weeks, will locate in Kalamazoo in the bank building, on the northwest corner of Main and Burdick streets.

[18] George & Mary Evelyn “Eva” (Forbush) Blake lived in Charleston, Michigan, which is about five miles east of where Luke lived

[19] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Herbert Earl, and his wife, Luella (Farr) Earl. Herb and Theodore (see footnote to January 7^th entry) were brothers

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

[21] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[22] His late niece Lucy (Lee) Milham’s husband, Martin Milham. Lucy was the daughter of his sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[23] His wife Sarah’s niece, Edna (Crawford) Allen. See also February 23^rd entry

[24] His grandson, Charles Clark, and his wife, Clara (Youngs) Clark

[25] His son-in-law and his daughters, Lela and Bess Brown

[26] Neighbor, Harriet Taylor

[27] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[28] Scotts, Michigan

[29] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[30] Michigan death records show that F. K. Bennett was “run over by cars” in Galesburg, Michigan on February 5, 1866

[31] Train cars

[32] His neighbor, Albert Towne, who was the father of Fanny Towne (see January 6 & 16) and Charley Towne (see March 27)

[33] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[34] Michigan death records reveal that Harriet Watts died February 8, 1886 in Otsego, Allegan County, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Allegan County, Michigan

[35] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[36] George Tomlinson, the husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[37] His cow

[38] Edna Allen and her daughter Madge

[39] Edna’s husband, Oscar M. Allen, Jr.

[40] His horse

[41] According to FindAGrave.com, Benjamin Smith died March 11, 1886 and is buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Wayland, Michigan

[42] Michigan marriage records show that Adeliza (Hubbard) Lewis, the widow of Franklin Lewis, married Charles Rimmey in Galesburg, Michigan on March 14, 1886

[43] Neighbor, and father of Theodore (see January 7^th entry) and Herbert Earl (see January 18^th entry)

[44] His great-niece, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[45] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Louese lived

[46] Cora Meredith, his future daughter-in-law; she would marry his son Jim in June 1891

[47] Harriet Taylor and her sister, Flora Elizabeth “Libby” (Taylor) Schram. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together

[48] Neighbor, James Milham, who was the half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote to January 23^rd entry)

[49] Neighbor, Smith Carlton, son of Albert Carlton (see February 1^st entry)

[50] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner

[51] His neighbor, Charles Towne

[52] Hat and Lib Taylor

[53] From an ad in the October 23, 1880 Galesburgh Express: Wm. L. McBeth, M.D., PHYSICIAN & SURGEON. Office at Burdick’s drug store. Residence on Battle Creek street, two doors east of Bennett House. Calls attended to promptly at all hours. Galesburgh, Mich.

[54] Hard to decipher the order of his words as some were squeezed in between lines, so this may not be a true reading

[55] The Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph newspaper

[56] An old neighbor from when Luke lived in Covington, Genesee County, New York. The New York Death Index shows that Nicholas Chilson died in Batavia, Genesee County, New York and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York, although it shows his age as 77

[57] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[58] His neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[59] George Tomlinson

[60] Neighbors, Abel & Sarah “Jane” (Mason) Hoag

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

[62] Marius O. & Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[63] Michigan marriage records show that Oliver Evans and Mary Carson were married in Richmond, Michigan on May 27, 1886

[64] His neighbor, the son of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[65] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspaper

[66] Common fluid-filled growths (cysts) that form from hair follicles that are most often found on the scalp

[67] Neighbor, Mary (Smith) Flanders, the wife of Edwin Flanders

[68] His grandson, Claude Brown

[69] Michigan death records mistakenly show that Erastus Stewart died October 3, 1886 in Comstock, Michigan with the notation “Names added to list by Henry Laffitt  [Labbitt] Undertaker Galesburg Michigan.” Langford Burdick (see footnote to January 6^th entry), likewise added by Henry Labbitt, was also incorrectly entered. The Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph newspaper editions of July 1 and July 6 (both on p. 2) agree with Luke’s entry showing that Erastus Stewart died on June 30, 1886

[70] Maria (nee Thayer), who was the widow of James Flanders (the son on Joseph Flanders, see footnote to May 4th entry), married Victor Gardner. She is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan alongside her first husband, James Flanders

[71] FindAGrave.com reveals that Horatio N. Tubbs died July 2, 1886 and is buried in the Elmwood Cemetery, Wayland, Michigan

[72] Michigan death records show that he died in Comstock, Michigan on July 8, 1886 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Luke Keith’s diary entry of 10-18-1894 reads: Went down to Mrs Streators with Will Clark they took up Mr M. O. Streators remains and put them in the new cemetry at Galesburg

[73] Believe them to be the brother and son of Marius Streator

[74] Cullen Towne, the son of Albert Towne (see footnote to February 8^th entry)

[75] Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; Willis was the son of Matilda Brown (see footnote to January 1^st entry)

[76] Michigan death records show that Adeline Hodges died July 27, 1886 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[77] His neighbor, John T. Allerton

[78] Fan was his cow. Presume he was taking Fan to the bull

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

[80] Michigan death records show that Joseph Whitford died in Charleston, Michigan on August 10, 1886 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[81] His wife Sarah’s brother

[82] His wife Sarah’s brother

[83] Michigan death records show that George Turner died in Kalamazoo from a fall from a scaffold on August 10, 1886 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[84] Most likely the Galesburg Old Cemetery where their mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, was buried

[85] The daughter of neighbors John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[86] Carrie Plank was the daughter of William & Harriett (Groat) Plank who had been neighbors of the Keiths in Comstock until they moved to Grand Rapids in 1873

[87] The son of Hiram & Kate (Atcheson) Crawford; Hiram was Sarah’s brother

[88] Michigan death records reveal that Floyd Hubbard, the six-month-old son of George & Alice Hubbard, died in Galesburg, Michigan on August 23, 1886

[89] Michigan death records reveal that Sarah (Watters) Hill died August 23, 1886 in Galesburg, Michigan

[90] His grand-nephew, the son of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[91] On July 25, 1847 Luke married his second wife, Jerusha Crittenden (she died September 23, 1848). Jerusha had a brother Henry; perhaps this is who he is referring to

[92] Mary Fisher married Marenus Caywood in September. Sadly, on March 4, 1887 Marenus was killed when his horses “run with him” according to Luke Keith’s 1887 diary

[93] Neighbor, Marenus Caywood

[94] Expect so

[95] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, the wife of Hiram Crawford, Jr., Sarah’s brother

[96] No relation is known at this time; however, often the parents of a husband or wife of a family member, or the parent of a neighbor, were referred to as Aunt or Uncle

[97] An outdated piece of farm equipment which used many flexible iron teeth mounted in rows to loosen the soil before planting

[98] FindAGrave.com shows that David Tuttle died in St. Louis, Missouri, on September 25, 1886 and he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[99] Sarah (Knight) Skinner, the mother of Del Skinner (see footnote to January 7^th entry). FindAGrave.com shows she died September 29, 1886 in Ceresco, Michigan and that she is buried in the Quaker Cemetery in Waterloo, New York

** See https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2019/10/25/academy-of-music-kalamazoo-michigan for more info on the Academy of Music

[100] His grandson, Jay Keith Harris, who was 3 years old

[101] Sarah Skinner, the sister of Del Skinner (see footnote to January 7^th entry)

[102] According to the 1880 census, Hannah was the sister of Luke’s neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[103] Neighbor, Eunice (Wood) Towne

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

[105] Royal J. Earl was born to Herbert & Luella (Farr) Earl

[106] Jay (3), LaVerne (just under 2) and Floyd (7 months) Harris

[107] Other things

[108] Etc.

[109] His brother-in-law

[110] FindAGrave.com shows that Isaiah J. Babcock died December 1, 1886 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[111] His grand-nephew, James Leon Keith, the son of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[112] Presumably to visit his grandmother, Betsy (Olds) Batey, in Pavilion, Michigan

[113] Bloomingdale, Michigan

[114] Lou’s children

[115] His nephew’s family; see footnotes to August 25^th and December 10^th entries

[116] Betsy (Fisher) Wright. Michigan death records reveal that she died in Galesburg on December 29 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1884 Diary

1884 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH, JR.[1]

Jan 1[2] – Mercury 1__º in morning. Made Bessey[3] stool. Cut down my Long Jointer. Lois and Nancy[4] came home from Shelbyville[5] to day. Very little snow, no sleighing not much.

Jan 2 – 16 Abz[6] about 10 inches snow, very blustrous. Drawed one load wood. Varnished Herbs[7] Lap boards. Jim[8] took Bessie home. Hannah[9] went up to Em Ralphs.[10] Charley Pierce got his sentence.

Jan 3 – At zero, very windy, snow drifting. Nothing but chores. Very cold, blustrous. Minerva Lockhart[11] died to day at Petesky.[12]

Jan 4 – 4 below zero gefired cold. No work but chores. Cold blustring, 16 below in Evening. Lois and Ina[13] here.

Jan 5 – 14 below in morning. Jim and I cut tree on west line nex to Towns[14] cornfield. Drawed one load wood in afternoon. Very cold and blustring. Lois and Ina here. 4 above zero in Evening, about one foot snow.

Jan 6 – 14 below in morning. At home. Lois and Ina here. Cold.

Jan 7 – 10 below in morning, wind south west. Jim came down. We cut and drawed two loads wood. Ethan,[15] Lois and Hannah went down to Katharines.[16] Minerva Lockhart buried to day at galesburg cemetry.

Jan 8[17] – 7 below. Went over to burg in morning after chicken feed. Went over at noon. Bessey came home with me. Lois and Ina went home on noon train. Herb got lapboards. Old Mr Hawes died this morning.[18]

Jan 9[19] – Worked in shop on Derick cap. Not so very cold.

Jan 10 –18 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Hanna. Mrs Ed Childs at Nancys. Worked some on patterns. Cut, drawed two loads wood in afternoon. Mr Hawes buried to day.

Jan 11 – Worked in shop, turned out Derick cap &c.[20]

Jan 12 – 17 Abz. No work to day only chores. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Smith & Woodard one of the windmill Firms. They wanted to get him to make Patterns for them.

Jan 13 – 37 in morning Abz. At home all day. Went over to Nancys in Evening Bessy sick. Bill[21] got a way went down to the church. Lou Bristol[22] and Dell Strait caught him and drove him back to Hanks.[23]

Jan 14 – 20 in Evening Abz, nice day. Cut and drawed two loads wood. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Jan 15 – 8 Abz. Turned lathe in forenoon, glued track circle in derrick cap. Hannah went over to burg. Mr Ed Lane buried to day.

Jan 16 – 12 Abz pleasant morning. Worked in shop on patterns. Mr Will Morton and Miss Mertie Barton wer Married to day.[24] Mr Porter Whitford and Zeak Halls widder wer married this Evening.[25]

Jan 17 – Went over to burg. Cut some wood drawed one load.

Jan 18 – Went over to burg. Took Lou[26] over to Douglass to get her teeth filled and cleaned. Got Eight Baskets of Ears corn. Will Clark[27] had Bill to go up to Russells. Mr John Baty Died.[28]

Jan 19 – Filed saw for Mr _______, works for Simmons. Mr Bela Wright Died to day.[29] Filed saw for Will Brown.[30]

Jan 20 – 6 Abz in morning. At home. Cold. Nancy and Lucy[31] here. Mr Wright Buried to day.

Jan 21 – 20 Abz in morning. Chored round not much work to day but chores.

Jan 22 – 22 Abz in morning. Took Lou over to burg in morning. Went down to Mr Ralphs with Lou. Got feather Bed for Lou of Sarah Struble.

Jan 23 – Cut and drawed one load wood. Went over to burg at noon. Took Lou up to Depo, she went home.[32] She had Jays[33] hair cut. Mr. Batey buried today.

Jan 24 – Choring. Fed de cow and hos. Cut some wood and so on.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop some, not much mabby[?]. Went over to burg. Mercury runs from ten to 20 Above.

Jan 26 – Cut some wood Jim drawed load wood. Went over to burg at noon after the Crawford boys,[34] they no come. Went over in Evening, they no come. Took Bess home.

Jan 27 – 20 Abz good sleighing. Hiram Crawford[35] came this morning.

Jan 28 – Went over to burg at noon. Hiram went with me. Ethan took Hiram over in Evening he left for home. Mrs Dunning Chipman Died to day.[36]

Jan 29 – Ethan and Hannah went over to burg in morning.

Jan 30 – Cut wood and chored round. Not very cold.

Jan 31 – Cut cherry tree on west Line nex to Towns cornfield, cut wood up in woods. Emmet Crawford[37] came here in Evening. Cold night.

Feb 1 – 19 Abz in morning. No work but chores. Emmet Crawford here. Filed saw for Mr Caywood.

Feb 2 – Cut and drawed wood. Not very cold. Emmet went home on Evening train.

Feb 3 – 19 Abz wind N.E. At home no one here Except those that was here.

Feb 4 – 21 in morning wind N.E. Bushed one roller to Mrs Browns Wringer. Not much cold, rainy day, rained all night.

Feb 5 – 36 Abz morning wind S.W., raining, very icy. Worked on Wringer.

Feb 6 – Choring in the biz niz now days. Finished Wringer.

Feb 7 – Work in shop some. Went over to burg in forenoon git sack flour.

Feb 8 – 19 Abz. Worked in shop some. Cut some wood. Not much sleighing.

Feb 9 – No work but chores. Thawing some. D[38] came down to day.

Feb 10 – 9 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Hanks folks. D came over with me.

Feb 11 – D went back to day. I cut some wood drawed one load in afternoon. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Feb 12 – Chored around some. Rainy day, very icy.

Feb 13 – Took Ethan to Kalamazoo. He went to Chicago to see a Doctor.[39] Snowed like fun[40] when I came home. Clarra[41] came home with me. Mart[42] went up to Wickwires to thrash.

Feb 14 – Not very cold. At home. Clara Milham here. No work but chores. Mary Starring Chase died this morning.[43]

Feb 15 – Worked in shop some on Ethans knife. Herb Earl came down here.

Feb 16 – 21 Abz. Worked on Ethans Knife some. Took Sally[44] and Mrs Elder Betts[45] down to Mrs Browns.[46]

Feb 17 – 40 Abz. At home. Not very cold, rather sloppy, snow going very fast.

Feb 18 – 42 Abz in Evening. Took Mrs Betts over to burg. Saw E. T. Mills. Went down to foundry to get them to come and get the patterns.

Feb 19 – Took Sarah[47] over to burg in morning went over with the buggy. Strait came over got the Patterns. I made cover to Nancys flour barrel. Clara came back with me. Put Ethans knife together. Rainy night. No go after Sarah. Snows and blows.

Feb 20 – 15 Abz. Took Clara up to Jim Milhams[48] in morning. Cold wind. Went over to burg. Carried Nancys cover to flour barrel.

Feb 21 – 19 Abz. Worked round Barn. Made sleigh rack. Hat and Libby Taylor here in afternoon.

Feb 22 – Went up in woods cut wood. Snowed like fun. Clara came back from Jims.

Feb 23 –11 Abz. Chored round sawed some wood. Made step for Nancy. Went over to burg in afternoon to see the wind mill company. No get any money. Nancy and children[49] went down to Mrs Browns.

Feb 24 – 15 Abz in morning snowed and blowed some. Clara here. Lucy and George[50] came up in Evening after Clara. Not very cold mercury 26 ½ past 7 seven in Evening.

Feb 25 – 26 Abz in morning. Went over to burg in morning bot sack patent roller Flour. Bessie came home with me. I chored round, sawed some wood. Snowed like fun in afternoon. Hannah went over to Burg. Bessie went home.

Feb 26 – 20 Abz no work to day. Got some hard cold. Filed crosscut saw for Will Brown. Mrs Pixley Judson Died to day.[51]

Feb 27 – No work but chores. Cold hangs on yet. Filed saw for Will Brown. Hannah over to Nancys, came home in Evening.

Feb 28 – 4 below this morning. Not very well. Windy. Cut splitum some wood not much. Some ledle better. Martin Turner[52] came here stayed all night. He had been to Charles Whitcombs Birth day party. Cold day.

Feb 29 – 4 below. Martin here all day until most night. He went home on Evening Train. Henry Crawford[53] came on Michigan City freight in Evening. Jim drawed Hannah cord of wood.

Mar 1 – 10 Abz. Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. H Crawford here all day. Jim drawed cord wood. Took Nancy home at night.

Mar 2 – 10 Abz. At home all day. Henry here all day. No one here excep Henry Crawford. 14 above in Evening.

Mar 3 – Took Henry over to train this morning he started for Auburn N.Y. Bessie came home with me. Jim drawed two loads wood from Mr Taylors woods. I got Eight Baskets of corn in the Ear of Will Clark. Cold day 14 Above in Evening.

Mar 4 – 5 Abz. Went up in woods in forenoon cut some wood. Went once to burg in afternoon. Called and saw Ida Hows twins.[54] Mart drawed one log for stone Boat[55] plank.

Mar 5 – 2 below. Went over to burg took Hannah over. Got oil and molasses. Cut one load wood and drawed it down.

Mar 6 – 24 Above in Evening. Sawed wood in forenoon. Went over to burg at noon after Nancy. Sawed some wood in afternoon. Will Brown took Nancy home at night.

Mar 7 – 20 Abz in Evening. Not very well no work but chores. Went over to burg afternoon after Lelah. Bessie not very well.

Mar 8 – 16 Abz in morning hard cold some. Filed saw for Sam Barton old shitlick went over to burg afternoon. Carried draft Board over to the Strait windmill Co.

Mar 9 – 18 Abz. At home. Cold winter weather. Hank and Nancy came over and got Lelah. Very good sleighing.

Mar 10 – At home. No work but chores. Not very well, hard cold.

Mar 11 – 42 Abz. Choring round. Thawing snow went off very fast. Went over to burg at noon got Lelah and Bessey took them down to Mrs Browns. Road full of water. Rainy night high wind.

Mar 12 – 30 High wind cold. Mrs Betts had a bad spell this morning. Jim went over to burg got Bottle white Pine syrup for her. Libby Taylor came down. Dance to burg to night. Hank & Nancy gone to the Creek.

Mar 13 – 40. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs & Blakes. Theodore came down and Repaired cistern pump. M. O. Streator and wife[56] here in afternoon.

Mar 14 – 27 Abz. Went up to pump shop. Took note up to Theodore. Cora Harris[57] came over to have dress fitted. Hank Brown went to Chicago on the night Express.

Mar 15 – Took Hannah over to Nancys. She took Ida Howes Boy with her. She will keep him while she stays there.

Mar 16 – At home all day. No one here. Not very cold no snow.

Mar 17 – 40 Abz. Took Mrs Betts over to burg in morning. Hannah came back with me. Sarah and I went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon. Hannah went to Mr Sumners in afternoon. Went over to burg after Mrs Betts.

Mar 18 – Chored round. Repaired manger. Turned one plunger for Theodore Earl.[58] Rainy day or afternoon rather.

Mar 19 – Rainy day. No work. Went over to Burg in afternoon got an order of Barlow on Theodore Earl for Eight Dollars. Presented the order got the cash on it $8.00. Dod Sumner brot Hannah home.

Mar 20 – Filed two saws for Dod Sumner. Went over to burg took Hannah over to burg. She went to Geo Blakes. Jim went to Comstock to mill. Sent corn by him.

Mar 21 – Pleasant day. Made lapboard for Nancy. Went over to burg at noon. Sent letter to Hiram. Mrs Betts had a bad time with her throat this morning. Hard work to breathe.

Mar 22 – Took down old fence west side of garden. Cut some wood and done the chores. Fine day.

Mar 23 – 55 Abz. Nice day looks very much like spring. Wheat looks green. River very high. Went over to Nancys after Hannah.

Mar 24 – Went up to Jesse Earls[59] to see Barbed wire fence. Went up to the Burying ground up by Staffords to see that wire. Went to see Mr Carrs fence. Mate Ford[60] and Tamer Addams[61] called here. Mr Joseph Flanders[62] and Aunt Hannah[63] called.

Mar 25 – 50 Abz rainy. Rainy day. No work but chores. Story Sleeper[64] set fire to a straw stack, crawled into it and burnt up with it. Rained all night. Nell Stanford[65] here in afternoon.

Mar 26 – 40 Abz Cloudy. Cloudy morning pleasant afternoon. Went up to Mr Flanders after post hole digger. Got Rooster Plymouth rock variety. Paid Will Clark $3.00.

Mar 27 – __8 Abz, still. Went over to burg in morning. Dug out posts west side of garden. Took down Hen yard. Drawed some stone. Mrs Brown and Bina Earl[66] here in afternoon. Very fine day. Story Sleeper Buried to day.

Mar 28 – Rainy forenoon cleared of. Drawed brush in afternoon on west line. Charley Town commenced plowing for Oats in west lot. Commenced raining just at night. Prince Leopold Died.[67]

Mar 29 – Windy. Went over to burg in morning after Nancy and children. Sarah & I went down to Marts. Jim and Hannah went over to burg in Evening to hear the McGibbiny family Discourse a few music. Mr John Flint Died to day.[68]

Mar 30 – 32 Abz pleasant. Nice day. At home all day. Jim and Libby Taylor went up to Frank Bronsons.

Mar 31 – Chored round. Not much work done.

Apr 1 – 45. Jim came down in morning helped me saw up cherry tree on west line. Charley plowing. Theodore shingling his shop on north End of mill. I went over to burg in afternoon. It rained some. Mr John Seeley Buried to day at Galesburg.

Apr 2 – 32 Abz. Snows and blows this morning. Kate Isherwood came down after Hannah. Jim pitching shit for Dea Randall. Mrs Ben Jacobs buried to day.[69]

Apr 3 – Took Hannah over to burg in morning. She went to Mrs Hannah Wilmarths. Nice day.

Apr 4 – Went over to burg in morning. Chored round some. Went over in Evening got wall paper.

Apr 5 – Went over to burg after Hannah. Put ___ps on wall they put paper part way around. Saw Riley Coe. Nell and Harry[70] here in Evening.

Apr 6 – 53 in morning, pleasant. Nice morning. At home no go to church to day.

Apr 7 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. Went over at noon to vote. No work to day. Went took Nancy home in Evening. Snowed and rained. P. S. Carmer[71] Left for Otsego. W. A. Blake[72] Elected Supervisor.

Apr 8 – Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs in morning. Snowed some stormy day rain and snow.

Apr 9 – 33 Abz ground covered with snow. Robert Crawford[73] came this afternoon.

Apr 10 – Robert here. Went up to Charley Fords[74] in afternoon to get a place for Harry Crawford.[75]

Apr 11 – Went over to burg in forenoon after Hannah. Robert went over. I went over at noon after clover seed bot ½ bushel $3.25. Jim working for Harry Streator.

Apr 12 – Charley Town sowed Rye and Oats, Timothy and Clover seed to day. Took Robert over to burg he went to Battle Creek. Ed Schrams Baby died.[76]

Apr 13 – Hannah and Jim went up to Mr Flanders to see if they would take Harry Crawford.

Apr 14 – Went over to burg got pattern to change for Knapp.

Apr 15 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Rainy. Went down to Katharines to see how she was, she sick. Very rough rainy day. Took Nancy home in Evening.

Apr 16 – Cold rough morning snows some. Chored round. Worked some in shop on pattern. Robert started for Home on noon train.

Apr 17 – Cold raw day. Worked on pattern some. Sawed out strip for W^m Ralphs[77] frames for Bee Hives. Mrs William Carey Died.[78]

Apr 18 – Finished Mr Knapps pattern took it home over to him. Took Mrs Betts over to burg. Spencer Peat got load Hay.

Apr 19 – Pleasant day. Trimed Blackberry and Raspberry bushes. Ed Flanders[79] and Aunt Hannah called here just at night.

Apr 20 – Cloudy day. Hannah came home from Scots. Mrs W^m Carey Buried.

Apr 21 – Charley Town drawing manure putting it on hill south of orchard. Will Clark commenced work to day moving and laying up fence on hill. Very high wind.

Apr 22 – Charley finished drawing manure. I drawed stone for fence corners and some old rails. Hard wind very much high wind cold.

Apr 23 – Pleasant day no wind. Will Clark working for Charley Town.

Apr 24 – Frost. Chored round. Worked some in garden. Went over to burg in Evening took over Eleven Doz Eggs 15¢ pr doz.

Apr 25 – Got Jesse Earls wagon. Took my wheels over to Lockhart got tyre put on paid him $3.00. Picked up brush in orchard and burnt it. Mr Leonard Evins fell of load hay and Broke his Arm.

Apr 26 – Frost. Burnt brush heap in front yard.

Apr 27 – At home all day. Very high wind. Rev. H. B. Ewell of Pavillion Genesee Co N.Y. Died this morning.[80]

Apr 28 – Will Clark cutting brush on hill fixing to build wire fence. Went over to burg got my wagon wheels. Paid Edwin Flanders $1.96 cts for wheat.

Apr 29 – Went over to burg got Grub hoe repaired 20¢. Will grubbing fence row on the hill. Edwin brot Grist 2 bushels Graham flour $1.96 cts.

Apr 30 – Finished Hanks pattern. Went over to burg in afternoon took Hanks pattern over. Mrs Betts went over with me. Will cutting and burning brush on hill. Mrs Selind Davis Died to day.[81] A fine shower.

May 1 – Rainy morning. Went to Kalamazoo after Ethan. Rained all day. Mrs Davis Buried to day. Stephen Comfort[82] came to day.

May 2 – Worked on hill in afternoon cut one large tree. Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening.

May 3 – Pleasant morning. Worked on hill cut the big Grapevine tree an two others. Very fine day. Burnt brush. Mrs Malony Buried to day.[83]

May 4 – Rainy day not very cold. At home all day. Stephen here.

May 5 – Put cow out to pasture. Worked on hill most of the day cut some trees. Charley Town began plowing corn ground south of orchard.

May 6 – Went over to burg in morning ordered my wire for fence. Had a nice shower about Eleven oclock A.M.

May 7 – Painted my wheels over. Cut some brush on hill. Took Mr Stephen Comfort over to Nancys in Evening.

May 8 – Mr Comfort left on 7 AM run for Canada. I went down to M. O. Streators to get Jim to help Will Clark saw. Will sowed the clover seed.

May 9 – Painted wagon gearing blacked bands on wheels. Will cut brush and burnt some. I went over to Burg in Evening.

May 10 – Will split posts. I took Locust post up to corner. Cullen and Bert[84] planted the south lot to corn. I went up to Mr Flanders got poshole digger, some potatoes, Harness, one pig. Rained before I got home. Rainy night.

May 11 – At home all day. No one here.

May 12 – Will Clark planted corn for Ed Schram in forenoon, for Mr Streator in afternoon. I went over to burg in Evening to see if my wire had come. Rained in night.

May 13 – Jim and Will sawed wood and posts on hill some in forenoon and afternoon. Rained some. I set the corner post up at the corner towards Taylors.

May 14 – Drawed manure six loads. Will planting for Harry Streator. Mr McKay buried to day.[85]

May 15 – Sawed pickets for Hen park. Got out manure in afternoon. Went over to burg in Evening. Mr Conrad buried to day.[86] Will Clark planted for Mr Franklin.

May 16 – Pleasant morning. Got out manure put it on garden.

May 17 – Built Hen Park. Very fine day. Went over got my wire, 403 lbs, 5 lbs staples $24.48. Mrs. M. Sprague[87] came on noon train to Nancys. Came over here in Evening.

May 18 – Pleasant day. Ethan and Patty went down to Katharines.

May 19 – Not very well. Got out some manure on garden.

May 20 – Worked up on Hill some set some posts East side of wheat lot. Will Brown plowed garden.

May 21 – Went down to Will Browns got his Thomas[?] Harrow to drag garden. Will burning brush and distributing posts.

May 22 – Worked on hill set posts. Got Tom Brown[88] drawed some rails.

May 23 – Jim came down with team drawed rails and wood with both teams.

May 24 – Katharine and Geo Worked on fence some.

May 25 – Katharine and George came up here. Alvin and Julia[89] here. George Tomlinson,[90] Ogden Tomlinson, wife and daughter[91] came here.

May 26 – Rainy some. George Tomlinson went to Battle Creek came back went down to Katharines with Orrin Starr.[92] I took Patty down to Katharines. Rainy.

May 27 – Will working on hill throwing up rige on the line of the fence. I went down to M O Streators got some potatoes.

May 28 – Cold north wind no frost. Working on hill throwing up ridge.

May 29 – Worked on fence tightening posts. Will throwing up ridge.

May 30 – Put wire on fence, put up 60 rods, 4 wire fence.

May 31 – Cleaning up and grading.

Jun 1 – At home. Ethan went down to Marts after Patty. Lucy brot her home.

Jun 2 – Went over to burg in morning. Went up to George Billingtons to see Patent fence.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg in morning got some flour some Bran. Found calf with Fan this morning. Not much work to day. Mr Barber and Will setting Posts for Hat and Lib Taylors[93] fence. Rained just at night. Mr Flanders called in.

Jun 4 – Sarah and her Mother went over to Nancys in morning. I drawed some stone from corner. Went over to burg in Evening after Sarah and her Mother got home about ten Oclock. Mrs Betts Died about Eleven Evening.[94]

Jun 5 – Went over to burg in morning to get casket and make arrangements for funeral. Hiram and Kate[95] came in afternoon, D. and Lou came in Evening. Pro

Jun 6 – Took Box over to cemetry, got Mr Miner to dig the grave. Box came this morning. Mrs Betts Buried to day.

Jun 7 – Henry came this morning from South Bend.[96] They all left for home on the 11 Oclock train.

Jun 8 – At home all day.

Jun 9 – Moved fence East of house. Had Tom and Bill.[97]

Jun 10 – Set fence posts on the road east of House.

Jun 11 – Jim came down plowed for the ditch on the road East of house. Skinner[98] had Bill, drew load wood to Hank. I filed saw for Erastus Stewart.

Jun 12 – Will shoveled the dirt up to fence posts. Ethan and I put on one wire in forenoon worked on the ridge in afternoon.

Jun 13 – Strung wire on fence East of House and finished grading.

Jun 14 – Took Sarah and Patty over to burg in morning. Took back wire $3.96. Drew stone from road in afternoon. Skinner came up got shovle plow in morning.

Jun 15 – At home. Ethan took Patty down to Katharines.

Jun 16 – Chored round house and garden. Cut out stuf for screen frames for Hat and Lib.

Jun 17 – Worked on road. Very hot day.

Jun 18 – Worked on road cut weeds and leveled up. Lois and Nancy came over Charley and Clara[99] came. Rained just at night. Took the girls over in Evening.

Jun 19 – James Krum called here in morning he went to Kalamazoo with Ethan. He went down after Jesse. I finished working on road. P. S. Carmer Died to day at Otsego.[100]

Jun 20 – Very hot. Went up to Taylors got size of windows cut one frame. Worked for Charley Town in afternoon. Cut out window on west side of Kitchen. Had a shower in afternoon.

Jun 21 – Ethan took Lou to Kalamazoo she goes home on the afternoon train. Very hot mercury 98 in shade at one oclock P. M.

Jun 22 – At home all day. Very hot day. P. S. Carmer Buried to day at Otsego.

Jun 23 – Went over to M. O. Streators got two bushels wheat took it over to mill. Turned six pins for Will Brown. Brot over some Lime over for C. I. Clark.

Jun 24 – Very hot. Took Hannah over to Mr Ralphs. Charley Clark went to Kalamazoo after his goods. I fitted frames to windows at Taylors House. Rained in Evening.

Jun 25 – Rainy day. Went over to Hanks after Charleys folks took them up to the House.

Jun 26 – At home choring. Went round the squair with Patty. Called to Mr Flanders. They wer at work on cellar wall.

Jun 27 – Worked in shop some on plow. Very hot.

Jun 28 – Worked in shop some. Took the folks over to cemetry. Katharine came up. Patty, Katharine and Sarah went over.

Jun 29 – At home. Very hot. Killed two hens, one Rooster. R. E. Strait came over.

Jun 30 – Patty and Hannah started for Perry, Wyoming County, N.Y.[101] Ethan took them to Kalamazoo. Very hot mercury 100 & 4 in sun at 9 A.M.

Jul 1 – Woodded Will Browns Plow. Extracted tooth for John Isherwoods girl she paid 25 cts. Hot day.

Jul 2 – I took Sarah and Jesse over to Burg in morning. Ethan turned one plunger for Theodore. Put the cow back in pasture to day.

Jul 3 – Painted Will Browns plow over in morning. Rained some ledle much.

Jul 4 – Jim had Bill to go to Gull Lake. I chored round picked some berries. Charley Town cut some wheat in lot North side of road. Rained in night. Aunt Celia Keith Uncle Ozens wife Died to day.[102]

Jul 5 – Windy. Went down to Marts, Frank Burlingham thare, Net Cory also. High wind some cooler. Lois came over stayed all night.

Jul 6 – At home all day. Hanks folks called here at night. Mr Randall got his Reaper Knives he paid 50 cts.

Jul 7 – Went down to Charley Fords bot five bushels Oats 40¢ pr bushel $2.00. Chored round.

Jul 8 – Went down to Charleys got bag I left there when I got the oats. Turned two plungers for Theodore.

Jul 9 – Went over to burg with Charley Clark got some boards to make cupboard. Took Sarah over in afternoon. Rainy. Charley Town commenced cutting wheat.

Jul 10 – Charley finished cutting East lot. Will Brown cut my grass. Fine day.

Jul 11 – Went down to Mrs Browns got Tom and wagon. Drawed in my hay. Very nice day. Charley Clark helped me get it in.

Jul 12 – Picked some berries, done chores, cut the wheat next the fence East of house that the Binder left. Will Clark cut his wheat to day. The Mankin show in town this Evening.

Jul 13 – At home. No one here except those that was here. Charley Town cutting wheat for Cull.

Jul 14 – Show in burg to night. Cut weeds up and down the hill on both sides of fence. Went over to burg in afternoon. Took Sarah over to Hanks. Bot gloves 75¢. Went over in Evening af Sarah. Herd the band play.

Jul 15 – Finished cutting weeds on road. Set up wheat in East lot in afternoon. Charley and Will Crittenden drawed in the girls wheat, Hat and Libs. Rained some in morning.

Jul 16 – Went over to burg in morning. Went up to Mr Flanders got some sed to sow on my fence bank East of house. Show in town to night.

Jul 17 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo with Jesse. She went to shelby ville. I worked in garden some. Very fine weather. Filed saw for Hat and Libby Taylor.

Jul 18 – Chored round. Worked some in shop ledle some.

Jul 19 – Charley Town drawed in the wheat in forenoon. Drawed some of his in afternoon. Very nice weather.

Jul 20 – Went down to Marts in afternoon. Found Toot[103] not some better.

Jul 21 – Took Lois over to burg in morning. No work but chores. Charly drawing wheat up to Culls. Stranger took dinner here, a Mr Goodrich, a Frenchman, said he lived at Sharlotte Michigan.

Jul 22 – Took Sarah over to burg in morning. Chored round. Went up to mill to see if I could get something for gate posts. Tim Whitcomb raked wheat stubble. Mrs Harvey Freer died to day.[104]

Jul 23 – Went over to burg in morning after some whortleberries.[105] Had a nice shower in morning rained hard cleared of about 9 AM. Put in three cradle fingers for Mr Caywood. Ethan took Sarah down to Mrs Browns in afternoon.

Jul 24 – Had a nice rain agan this morning. Repaired Charley Clarks buck saw frame. Charley Town commenced cutting the oats. Mrs Harvey Freer buried to day.

Jul 25 – Turned over the rakings in east lot. Jane Hoag[106] came over to day. Abel[107] went to Vicksburg to Odfellows Picknick. Very hot day. Charley cut some oats, drawed in some of his wheat on north side.

Jul 26 – Went over to burg in morning after Lelah and Bessey. Hank and Nancy went to Toledo. Hot weather mercury 96. Charley town drawing wheat.

Jul 27 – Mercury 94 not much wind. Home all day, Hank & Nancy at Toledo. Ethan & Clark went down to Marts. Bessey & Lelah here.

Jul 28 – Not very well, no work. Charley Town finished cutting oats. Nancy came home. Jim got home.

Jul 29 – Chored round. Got ready for thrashers. They thrashed to Mrs Browns & Mr Randalls. Came up here and set machine.

Jul 30 – Thrashed my wheat & oats 93 bushels oats, 140 bushels wheat. Will Johnsons machine. Had a nice shower just at night. Mr Baptist minister called on my wife dont know what they said or done some not much.

Jul 31 – Went over to burg took 4 bushels wheat to mill.

Aug 1 – Took 4 bushels wheat to mill. Charley brot Bed tick down to be filled, took bags home. Cut weeds on on east fence up the hill.

Aug 2 – Cut weeds on road East of house. Took old violin to pieces. Chored round some. Hot day. Hat and Lib commenced cutting their oats.

Aug 3 – At home. Went over to burg in morning after Lelah & Bessey. Hank, Nancy, Mrs Brown & Sarah went up to Mr Levy Woods.

Aug 4 – Went over after Nancy and the girls in morning. Nancy came over to help Quilt. I done some turning for Oat Hill. Cool day.

Aug 5 – Rainy forenoon. Went to Kalamazoo in afternoon to see about Jessie coming home. She will come tomorrow on noon train. Will Clark bot buggy to day.

Aug 6 – Choring. Jessie no come. George Ives here to Dinner. Took Sarah over to burg in afternoon to see about getting Jessie home. Union[?] Picknic at  Gull Lake to day. Edna and Jes came on the 6 oclock run all right.

Aug 7 – Cloudy morning. Oiled Harness and got things redy to go to shelby.[108]

Aug 8 – Started for Shelby ville 5 oclock AM got to Orangeville at 12 arrived in Shelby ½ past 3 P.M all right. Left my Halter where I fed the Horse at Orangeville.

Aug 9 – At Shelby. Fine morning. Made screen for west window in dining room.

Aug 10 – At Harris House all day. Quite warm. D., Lou and Jay took Bill and their carriage went out riding.

Aug 11 – Some rain this morning at Shelby. Made window Screen. Bot 10 cent Hat 60 cent Rubbers.

Aug 12 – Left Shelby for home about Eight oclock AM got home ½ past five P.M. Kate Crawford came on noon train. She came out after Jes. Very hot day. I was sick in night.

Aug 13 – Not very well to day. Book agent called here. Kate and Jes left for home on noon train.

Aug 14 – Not very well to day. Diavolus Bolus[?]. No work. Clara here all day.

Aug 15 – Sick. Very hot and dry mercury 100 in shade ½ past Eleven A.M.

Aug 16 – Not well, no work. Hot and dry. Ethan and Will Clark went to Kalamazoo. Mercury 97 in shade.

Aug 17 – Mercury 101 in shade. At home. Ethan and Hanks folks gone to Gull Lake. Charley and Will went to Evenges.

Aug 18 – Not much work. Very hot and dry. Mended Rocking chair.

Aug 19 – Went and got Theodores pump tongs repaired pump. Went over to burg in Evening.

Aug 20 – Mr Barney Seely Buried.[109] Went over to Burg after mail, no got him. Went up to Mill. Theodore gave me a big string of fish. Went down to Marts to see Lucy. She not some better ledle mite. Rained some in night.

Aug 21 – Cloudy and some cooler. Jim gone to Battle Creek to the Encampment. Will Clark thrashing to David Bronsons.

Aug 22 – Jay Barton Died.[110] Put violin together I think the Illick violin. Ethan turned out two stand tops for Herb Earl.

Aug 23 – Went over to burg got Nancy and girls. Ethan went over at noon got the James girls, Laura & Rosa.[111] They came from Kalamazoo.

Aug 24 – Fine pleasant morning no frost.

Aug 25 – No work. Went to burg at noon Laura went with me. Ethan and the girls went around the squair.

Aug 26 – Nice morning. Sarah went over to burg. Not much work pulled some weeds in corn, not much.

Aug 27 – No work very much rainy day. Lois and Ina came over in Evening. Took Sarah over to burg. Pulled weeds in corn field.

Aug 28 – No work. Rainy day rain all day. Lois and Ina came over in Evening. Ethan turned Stand top for Laura & Rosa James.

Aug 29 – Went down to Katharines with Lois found Lucy some better I think. Barnums Show in Kalamazoo to day.

Aug 30 – Turned 3 pump handles for Theodore. Laura & Rose here. Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening took the Illick violin over.

Aug 31 – Nice pleasant day some cooler than it was once. Ethan and the girls went out riding.

Sep 1 – Very pleasant morning. The girls left for Jonesville, Laura and Rose James. Turned 12 pump handles for Theodore, 3 tops, one stand top.

Sep 2 – At home. Not very well no work but chores.

Sep 3 – Went down to Katharines to see Lucy. Worked on violin.

Sep 4 – Choring round. Very hot and dry nead some rain considerable.

Sep 5 – Cut out neck for violin. Very hot day. S. Struble threshed for the Taylor girls.

Sep 6 – Hot mercury 95 in shade. Worke on violin neck. Will Clark came here helped Ethan turn stand top.

Sep 7 – At home no one here. Very hot.

Sep 8 – Will Clark commenced cutting corn. I chored round watched cow.

Sep 9 – Martin Turner came here on his way home from Ohio. I took him over to burg. Went down to Katharines found Lucy no better. Very hot mercury 100 in shade. Wes[112] came on Michigan City freight.

Sep 10 – Mercury 102 at noon. Went over to burg at noon to meet Hannah she came on 11.15 train. Saw Wesley.

Sep 11 – Went over to burg after Nancy and children. Hannah & Nancy went down to Katharines. Ethan & Wesley went down to Marts in afternoon.

Sep 12 – Charley cutting corn. Wes here.

Sep 13 – At home. Chores. Laura and Rose came on 9 oclock run from Kirkwoods.

Sep 14 – At home. Went down to Katharines.

Sep 15 – Worked round in shop some and [nothing further written]

Sep 16 – Worked round house and shop. Girls here. Went over after Nancy.

Sep 17 – Ethan, Nancy, Hannah and and girls went to State Fair to Kalamazoo.

Sep 18 – Went over to burg. Took after Nancy home. Took Hannah over to burg in Evening.

Sep 19 – Worked in shop some chored round done not much some dings. Mary Plank[113] and a Miss Hall came here stayed all night. Ethan and the girls all went over to the Rink in Evening, the Grand Opening.

Sep 20 – The girls went home in afternoon. Mary Ellen took them to Kalamazoo. Very nice day.

Sep 21 – It was me self and me woife wint down to see Lucy this after noon sur Lucy no better. Very dry no prospect of rain as yet.

Sep 22 – Went over to burg took Hannah over to Nancys. Wesley came up in Evening after Sarah. Lucy was faling she Died ¼ past to Eleven P.M.[114]

Sep 23 – Sprinkled a little this morning. Not very well. Mrs Aurilla Hood of Salt Lake City Died to day.[115] They found forty Eight Hundred Dollars in specie[116] in a matrass after she died in little bags.

Sep 24 – Rainy fore noon. Went down to Marts. Lucy Buried to day.

Sep 25 – Charley Clark husked corn for me to day. I cleaned out cornhouse. Sent a letter to Mark Lee.[117]

Sep 26 – Went over to burg after Charleys wagon at noon. Drawed in two loads corn in afternoon. Wesley and Adelphia[118] here to dinner. Warm day.

Sep 27 – Worked round cornhouse. Went down to Mrs Browns got some apples. Drawed one load corn. Charley husked corn in afternoon.

Sep 28 – At home. No one here. Nice day.

Sep 29 – Charley husked corn in fore noon. I drawed it in afternoon.

Sep 30 – Not very well no work but chores. Wes came from Scots.[119] Went over to Bill Blakes stayed all night. Old Mrs Schram died to Night.[120]

Oct 1 – Cloudy morning. Went over to burg in morning, No work not well.

Oct 2 – Went over to burg in morning to see Mr Knapp.[121] Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Mrs Schram Buried to day. Wes here to night.

Oct 3 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Chored some. Jim Conky came here to see about getting some sand for Butterfields. Mrs Brown came up. Mrs Forbush and Mrs Blake came over in afternoon.

Oct 4 – Not very well. Very nice weather. Lois and Dell came with one load goods. Very warm weather no frost yet. Grass look nice good feed. Mercury 94.

Oct 5 – Not very well. At home. Lois and Ina here. Very hot day. Will Clark took Jesse Milham[122] out riding.

Oct 6 – Took Lois over to Nancys in afternoon. Bot Boots $4.00.00. Nice day Mercury 84. Jim Milham cut wheat to day.

Oct 7 – Worked in barn some raised up south sill. Took Sarah over to burg. Hank went up to Seresco,[123] came back then he and Nancy went to Chicago. Charley Clark dug potatoes. Went over after Sarah in Evening. Rained in night.

Oct 8 – Some rainy cool wind. Not much done to day. Worked round Barn some. Mr David Bronson Died in night. He not Dead but very low.

Oct 9 – Worked in barn some raised the south sill some. Wesley came just at night. He went up to Ridlers stayed all night.

Oct 10 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Helped Charley and Will get Lois goods in to her House.[124] Bot plank for stable floor and some flooring for rincktum skatum[125] $9.76¢.

Oct 11 – Nice morning. Wesley went down to Katharines with Jesse Earl this morning. Mrs Laura Vancicle Hall Buried to day.[126] Mrs David Vosburg Died 4 oclock AM,[127] Mr David S. Bronson Died 1 oclock P.M.[128] Fine day. Went over to burg in Evening took Oatmans saws over to him.

Oct 12 – Cloudy morning not very cool Mercury 76. Went down to Katharines. All well as usual. Wes was there.

Oct 13 – D.B.S. Very pleasant day. Went to Mr David S. Bronsons funeral. Mercury 70 Abz at one P.M. Hank got home from Read City on night train.

Oct 14 – Nice morning. Went up to mill. Saw John Ralph. Got Theodores pump Tongs. Repaired my pump. Jesse Turner and wife[129] came at noon. Jes went over to burg with me. I went over to get pump rod welded. Wesley left Kalamazoo for home on morning Train.

Oct 15 – Pleasant morning heavy frost. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night. Nancy went up to Lous Jay is sick. Ethan took her to Kalamazoo. I am 71 years old to day.

Oct 16 – Worked in barn all day cleared out stable. Got ready to put in new[?] floor. Mr Skidmore Died to night.[130]

Oct 17 – Not very well. Not much work. Warm weather. Herb Clark and wife[131] at C. I. Clarks.

Oct 18 – Choring around. Went over to burg to get the mail. Jay not much better. Mr Zida Zardis Skidmore Buried to day.

Oct 19 – At home. Hank came over. Lelah & Bessey here. Harvey Keith[132] and Mother[133] came here from Mrs Bateys.[134] Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines in afternoon. Nice day.

Oct 20 – Not much work. Took Hannah over to burg in afternoon. She went up to Tip Towns.[135] Warm nice day.

Oct 21 – Warm morning Mercury 91 Abz. Went up to Mill. Herb gave me string of fish. Ethan went over to Mr Knaps to do a job on his binder frame. Nancy up to Shelbyville. Cloudy. Went over to burg. Rained all afternoon. Nancy came home. Jay no better. Took some straw over to Lois.

Oct 22 – Took Sarah over to burg. Lelah and Bessy went home. Warm day. Not much work but choring.

Oct 23 – Snowed like fun. Went over to burg in morning to take plank over to Lois for side walk. Lost the cows rope. Clara and Edna[136] came down. Charley came down to supper. Charley put down the side walk.

Oct 24 – Went down to M. O. Streators. Made a man hole in the upper Hall. Cyrus and the Doctor wer there. Cool day. I got six large pumpkins.

Oct 25 – Dug potatoes in East garden. Took Hannah over to burg in afternoon. Ethan went over after her in Evening.

Oct 26 – At home all right. Jim and Will Clark here. Ethan went down to Alvin Lees.

Oct 27 – Cleaned out hen house. Took Hannah down to Mate Fords.

Oct 28 – Choring. Went over and got Nancy and Bessey. Ethan took them home in Evening.

Oct 29 – I took Sarah down to Kalamazoo. She went up to Shelby to stay with Lou a few days. Nice pleasant day.

Oct 30 – Went up to mill in morning. Sawed out stuf for Jims skate Box. Repaired check valve to pump. Ethan took Hannah over to the Rink. Nice day Mercury 50 Abz.

Oct 31 – Rainy. Went up to mill. Got Eight nice fish. Carried stable floor plank in barn.

Nov 1 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. She came over stayed all day. Went down to Mrs Browns at night. Ethan and Hank went to Kalamazoo in Evening to see a play at the Opera House.

Nov 2 – At Home no one here except our own family. Sarah up to Lous. Hank and Nancy and children down to Mrs Browns. Fine day.

Nov 3 – Rainy day went over to burg to Election. Worked round barn in forenoon. Went up to Mr Flanders in afternoon. Got load apples. Fine day.

Nov 4 – Rainy day. Went to Election[137] in forenoon. Worked on pigpen in afternoon some. George Milham here awhile. He took Mart up to Election.

Nov 5 – Mr Hill died.[138] Finished pen put Peter into it. Cold wind. Charley Clark had the wagon to carry Lois load wood.

Nov 6 – Went over to burg bot Glass and putty to repair windows to the school House 40 cts. Thomas paid me the balance due on wire $3.96 cts.

Nov 7 – Nice day. Repaired Kitchen floor. Charley Town drew his cornfodder. Charley Clark finished husking corn. Very pleasant nice day quite warm. Some ledle smoky just at night. Truman Dewey Died.[139]

Nov 8 – Put glass in windows at schoolhouse in forenooon. Went over to burg at noon after Sarah. She came from Lous. Drawed in corn in afternoon. Went over after trunk. Lois and Ina came over home with me. Dell came over stayed all night.

Nov 9 – Very pleasant day. Jim and Ed Streator[140] came down in morning. Dell left for home. Truman Dewey Buried to day just at night. Mercury __2 some like Indian summer. Clara, Nina and Gertie[141] came up just at night.

Nov 10 – Took Hannah over to Aunt Hannah Wilmarths came home took Sarah over to Mr Barbers.[142] Mrs Barber[143] sick. Went after her just at night. Hank and Dell went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 11 – Very nice weather. Worked in Barn raised up cross sill. Putting in new stable floor. Ethan went over to burg in Evening. Sent Enterprise[144] to George.

Nov 12 – Put partition in Peters pen made spout to turn his drink in. Ed Chadwicks Auction to day. Willis Brown married this Evening to Miss Lizzie Ogden.[145] Sarah has gone to set up with Mrs Dick Barber. Very nice warm day.

Nov 13 – Went over to burg after Sarah in morning. Fine day. Took Sarah down to Mrs Browns at noon. Worked in Barn some. Will and Lizzie came home just at night.

Nov 14 – Worked in barn putting in stable floor. Went over to burg. Took Hannah over.

Nov 15 – Went over to burg in morning after Hannah. Finished stable floor. Very nice weather. Indian summer, some smoky.

Nov 16 – Went down to Katharines. Marion Rice[146] and Mrs Gaffery wer there. Verry nice day. Rained some when we came home at night.

Nov 17 – Worked round house. Helped take up the carpet in East rom. Finished the stable floor. Pleasant day rather cold wind. Ethan and Nancy, Charley and Lois went to Kalamazoo to day.

Nov 18 – Chored house and barn. Filed croscut saw for H. D. Streator.[147] Charley Clark finished husking for Will Brown. Charley Town working on road.

Nov 19 – Cold morning Mercury 10 Abz in morning. Will Brown drawed his cornfodder. Sarah and I went down to Alvins. Nice dry day. Mr Vose building cellar wall for Alvin under Tenant House.

Nov 20 – Not very well to day. Tinkered round. Shelled some black Beans. Worked in Barn some. Kept Fan[148] at home to day. Sybil Austin called at the door a moment in Evening. Hannah at work to J. T. Allertons.

Nov 21 – Went over got some mortar to plaster East room. Charley came down and put some on. He had company come, Mrs Youngs.[149]

Nov 22 – Charley came down put on some more. I put on in parlor in afternoon. Charley came down shelled some corn. Rainy night.

Nov 23 – Rainy morning. Mercury 55 Abz in morning.

Nov 24 – Mercury ___ Abz morning, cold snowey day. Extracted tooth for C. I. Clark. Choring all day. Ethan made Bevel gear for W. H. Knapp.[150]

Nov 25 – Mercury 24 Abz morning. Cleaned up wheat & took to mill 4 bushels. Took over bag corn for Charley Clark. Ethan made Jims skate Box. Charley Town brot oats over 4 bushels. Cold and snowey, bad day.

Nov 26 – Went over to burg in morning after grist. Brot Charleys meal over. Some cold snow some. Mercury 19 Abz. Theodore and Charley came down to shop.

Nov 27 – Thawed or tried to thaw out pump at Barn. Not very cold.

Nov 28 – Turned five buckets for Theodore. Filed cross cut saw for Gus Gates 25 cts. Not very cold. Nelson Nichols called. Mr Barber called in shop. Lois and Ina came over stayed all night.

Nov 29 – At home doing chores. Gates boy got saw. Brot buck saw to be filed 20¢. Filed buck saw for Mr Randal 15¢.

Nov 30 – Pleasant day. Went down to Katharines. Not very cold nice wheeling.

Dec 1 – Turned 4 buckets for Theodore. Ethan and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Mercury 32 Abz, nicest kind of wheeling, very little snow on the ground.

Dec 2 – Mercury 33 Abz very nice day, nicest kind of wheeling, very little snow, bout a inch. C. I. Clark and Jim sawing wood for H. D. Streator. Mrs Youngs an Clara here this afternoon. Sky very red after sun down. Filed saw for Harry Streator.

Dec 3 – Filed saw for Harry this morning. Worked in Barn made mangers for Fan. Very pleasant day. Sarah went up to Hat Taylors in afternoon. Nice roads. Lots wood going into the burg. Nice moon light nights.

Dec 4 – Mercury 50 Abz very nice pleasant day. Worked in Barn fixing stable. Mr Gates paid 40¢. The Ladies Skating Trial came of this Evening. Ethan and Jim went over. Fine weather for December.

Dec 5 – Mercury 54 Abz quite warm rainy day. Put some shingles on Barn tightened boards on south End Barn. Charley had wagon to draw Lois load wood. Rained all night.

Dec 6 – Worked in Barn fixing well. Rainy day. Mercury 50 Abz. Hannah came home just dark. Grass green, feed first rate.

Dec 7 – Mercury 37 Abz rained all day. Ethan took Hanah down to Mr Caywoods at night. Strong south west wind no snow.

Dec 8 – Worked in Barn banked up barn on East side. Cool day.

Dec 9 – Chored round barn some in forenoon. Moved stove some ledle west. Went over to burg in afternoon with Will Brown. Got some lumber to seel East Bedroom 1.22¢. Ed Flanders paid $1.00 for repairs on schoolhouse. Paid Schroder $1.00. Paid Nelt Nickols $1.00.

Dec 10 – Mercury 34 Abz. Martin Turner called here this morning. Not much work to day. Ethan went down to Katharines in afternoon after Hannah. Stormy afternoon, snow.

Dec 11 – Went up got Theodores wenches to repair pump. Hannah went up to Mr Fishers. Nice day.

Dec 12 – Went up to mill got load sawdust to put in well. Extracted tooth for C. I. Clark. Repaired pump and well. Went over to burg in afternoon. Found out about my Taxes $8.72 cts. Paid Schroder & Olin 22 cts.

Dec 13 – Mercury 28 Abz. Went down to Katharines. Sarah went to fit Claras dress. Snowed very little first rate wheeling. Jim finished work for H. D. Streator.

Dec 14 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. She came over to help make cap. Snowed in night.

Dec 15 – Snow 8 inches mercury 30 Abz. Drove up to Charleys in afternoon. Will Brown got cutter to go to Kalamazoo to make out papers for the farm. Hank and Nancy went. Charley brot mustang down.

Dec 16 – Mercury 11 Abz. Chores to day. I turned 8 pump tops for Theodore. Lots snow. Charley Atkins brot cutter home in Evening. Making cap some out of my otter skin I got of Mark Lee.

Dec 17 – Cold mercury 10 Abz. Choring to day. Paid Nelson Nickols $1.40 cts. Sarah finished my cap to day. Mercury 3 Abz in Evening. Jim gone up to Bets[?].

Dec 18 – Mercury 13 Abz. Chores. Worked in house some. Jim took paper and lath of East room. I commenced putting on ceiling. Mercury 1 below zero at six Evening. Jim and Ethan gone to burg.

Dec 19 – Mercury 16 below zero 7 AM. Put ceiling on East room. Will Clark came down from Shelby ville to day. Very much cold. Jim and Bill gone over to burg to a dance. Good sleighing. Charley went to Kalamazoo after Will.

Dec 20 – Mercury 3 Abz. Finished ceiling the East room. Lots snow. Charley drawed load hay. Ethan and Jim went over to burg in Evening. Snowed like fun. Rough night to be out.

Dec 21 – Mercury 16 Abz. Jim went over to burg in morning got Lois and Ina. Hannah came home. I took Lois home in Evening. Ethan and Hannah went up to Charleys in Evening. Tip top sleighing. Mr John Hull leader of the Hull and Arnold Band Died to day.[151]

Dec 22 – Mercury 22 Abz. Very rough day snowed and blowed like fun. Worked in shop made churn dasher for C. I. Clark and family.

Dec 23 – Mercury 20 Abz. Went over to burg after Oil. Lelah and Bessy came over. Finished churn dash.

Dec 24 – Mercury 13 Abz very Blustrous day snows and Blows. Helped Ethan turn big wheel for Binder.

Dec 25 – Mercury 3 below. Went up to C. I. Clarks to dinner. Very cold. Ethan gave me a cap. Went over to burg in evening after border for East room. Mercury 8 below zero 8 in Evening.

Dec 26 – Painted ceiling in East room in forenoon. Sarah and Hannah papered East room. I went over to burg at noon got roll paper. Jim went to Pavilion. Will got Buckwheat ground. Mercury 22 below zero in morning. Elain Huntington Died to day.[152]

Dec 27 – Worked round house. Put up brackets in East room. Rainy day rained all night.

Dec 28 – Mercury 40 Abz. Went down to Marts. Met Rile Coe. Came home at night. Rained all the Evening. Found them all right. Mr Huntington buried to day.

Dec 29 – Mercury 50. Drawed in some cornfodder. Snow most all gone. Rile Coe here to dinner. Muddy going.

Dec 30 – Mercury 54 in morning. Took Peter over to Rennisons to be butchered. Rained like fun. Went over just at night after Peter. Paid my tax. $8.72.

Dec 31 – Mercury 36 Abz. Jim went to Kalamazoo after D. & Lou. They no come. Cold west wind. No dings but chores to day. Clara down here.

——-

[1] Known better, and referred to, as Luke

[2] This transcription is taken from a very poor photocopy of the original, and although my mother Eda “Jean” (Mueller) Johnson made typewritten notes, it was extremely difficult to transcribe

[3] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

[4] His daughters, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner and Nancy (Keith) Brown

[5] Shelbyville, Michigan

[6] Above zero

[7] Herbert Earl, his neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[8] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[9] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[10] His neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[11] The only record of her death was found in the Oak Grove Cemetery online records which shows that Minnie Maria (Lockhart) Mosier died January 4, 1883; this could possibly be a clerical mistake in entering the date

[12] Petoskey, Michigan

[13] His granddaughter, Ina Skinner

[14] His neighbor, Albert Towne

[15] His son, Ethan Keith

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

[17] This was actually written in the January 9^th spot, with “Tuesday 8th” written in

[18] Michigan death records reveal that Lawrence Hawes died in Comstock, Michigan on January 8, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[19] This was actually written in the January 8^th spot, with “Wednesday 9th” written in

[20] Etc.

[21] His horse

[22] Neighbor, and cousin of Henry Brown

[23] His son-in-law, Henry Brown

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

[25] Michigan marriage records show that Porter Whitford married Mrs. Mary Hall on January 16, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan. Her death certificate gave her maiden name as Porter. Research continues regarding her being the widow of Zeak Hall

[26] His youngest daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[27] His grandson, William B. Clark, the son of his daughter, Lois

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

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

[30] Willis Brown, neighbor and brother of Henry Brown, Luke’s son-in-law

[31] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his niece

[32] Shelbyville, Michigan

[33] Louese’s son, and Luke’s grandson, Jay Harris, who was about 8 months old

[34] His wife Sarah’s brothers

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

[36] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Betsey (Scramlin) Chipman, the wife of John Boardman Chipman, died on January 28, 1884 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. The 1880 census shows them living in Comstock, Michigan

[37] Sarah’s nephew, the son of her deceased brother, Edwin Crawford

[38] His son-in-law, Louese’s husband, Daniel D. Harris Jr., otherwise known as D. or D.D.

[39] In Ethan’s 1884 diary he complains of his stomach and on February 2^nd he wrote: “Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense.” He stayed until May 1^st when he returned home. It isn’t clear from his diary whether the treatments helped him

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

[41] Clara Milham, the oldest child of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[42] Martin Milham, the husband of Lucy (Lee) Milham, who was the daughter of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[43] Mary was the wife of Julius Chase who was Henry Brown’s first cousin. Michigan death records confirm that she died on February 14, 1884 in Kalamazoo and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[44] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[45] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, whose late second husband, Platt Betts, had been an elder in their local church

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

[47] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[48] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham

[49] His grandchildren, Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[50] George Milham, oldest son of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[51] Michigan death records confirm that Polly Ann (Johnson) Judson died on February 26, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] His maternal first cousin

[53] Sarah’s brother

[54] Neighbor in Comstock, Ida (Barber) Howe. She had twins, Carrie and Charles Howe, on February 18th

[55] A type of sled for moving heavy objects such as stones or hay bales

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

[57] Sister of Luke’s son-in-law, D.D. Harris

[58] Neighbor; Theodore was the brother of Herbert Earl (see footnote to January 2^nd entry)

[59] Neighbor; Jesse Earl, who was the father of Herb and Theodore

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

[61] Neighbor, Mary “Tamer” (Ford) Adams

[62] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[63] Joseph Flanders’ sister, Hannah (Flanders) Wilmarth. Luke often referred to older neighbors as Aunt or Uncle

[64] FindAGrave.com confirms the date of death and has a transcript of the newspaper account of his death. He is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[65] Neighbor, Nellie (Underwood) Stanford; she was the niece of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[66] Neighbor Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse Earl, and sister of Herb and Theodore

[67] From Wikipedia: Leopold George Duncan Albert (7 April 1853 – 28 March 1884) was the eighth child and youngest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Leopold was later created Duke of Albany, Earl of Clarence, and Baron Arklow. He had hemophilia, which led to his death at the age of 30

[68] Michigan death records confirm that John Flint died March 29, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in McDowell Cemetery, South Haven Highlands, Allegan County, Michigan

[69] Michigan death records show that Wealthy (Deney) Jacobs, died in Galesburg, Michigan on March 31, 1884 from consumption and FindAGrave.com shows she was the wife of Burban Jacobs and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[70] Neighbors, Nellie Stanford and her cousin, Harry Streator

[71] Neighbor, Peter S. Carmer

[72] Neighbor, William A. Blake

[73] His brother-in-law

[74] Neighbor, and husband of Mate Ford (see footnote to March 24^th entry)

[75] The son of Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford (see footnote to January 27^th entry)

[76] Michigan death records show that Harry Schram, the 14-day-old baby son of Edgar & Netta Schram, died in Comstock on April 14, 1884 (not the 12^th) of blood poisoning

[77] Neighbor, and husband of Emaline (Stone) Ralph (see footnote to January 2^nd entry)

[78] Michigan death records show that Lydia (Phelps) Caray died April 14, 1884 (not the 17^th)

[79] Edwin Flanders, the son of Joseph Flanders (see footnote to March 24^th entry)

[80] FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Henry B. Ewell died April 27, 1884 in Pavilion, New York and is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York

[81] Michigan death records show that Salina Davis died April 29, 1884 in Comstock, and the 1880 census listed her in the household of Isaac Wing as “aunt,” however no further information regarding her death has been found

[82] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts’ brother

[83] FindAGrave.com shows that a Catherine Maloney, the wife of Michael Maloney, died in 1884 (no month or day listed) and is buried in the Riverside Catholic Cemetery in Kalamazoo. The 1880 census has a listing for Michael & Catherine Maloney living in Comstock, so it is assumed this is the Mrs. Maloney referred to

[84] Possibly Cullen Towne and his father Albert Towne. Luke’s son, Ethan, made the following entry in his diary for the same date: Charley Towne planted corn in our south lot to day. Charley was Cullen’s brother and Albert’s son

[85] FindAGrave.com shows that Thomas A. McKay was born in 1847, died in 1884 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. While only the years of birth and death are given, the 1880 census also shows that he was born in 1847 and lived in Comstock not far from where Luke’s mother-in-law, Nancy Betts, was living

[86] Michigan death records show that Rev. Johannes Melchior Conrad died May 13, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

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

[88] Believe he is referring to the Brown family’s horse, Tom

[89] Alvin Lee and his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee. Julia was the widow of Luke’s paternal first cousin, Charles Lee

[90] George Tomlinson’s wife, Marion (Sprague), was the daughter of Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague, Luke’s sister

[91] Ogden, Mary (Wareham) and Cleo Tomlinson. Ogden and George were brothers

[92] Alfleda Starr was married to Luke’s late brother, Harvey Keith, but any connection between Orrin and Alfleda is unknown at this time

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

[94] Ethan’s diary entry shows that “Grandma was taken with one of her hard breathing spells and died at 11.15.”

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

[96] Henry Crawford lived in South Bend, Indiana

[97] Tom was the Brown’s horse and Bill was his horse

[98] His son-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert “Del” Skinner

[99] His grandson and his wife, Charles I. & Clara (Youngs) Clark. See Ethan’s 1884 diary

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

[101] Patty lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, in Perry, New York. According to Ethan’s 1884 diary, Hannah stayed in Perry until September 10th

[102] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Cecelia (Stewart) Keith died July 4, 1884 in Pittsford, Michigan and is buried in Goodrich Cemetery in Pittsford

[103] Nickname for Lucy (Lee) Milham

[104] The Michigan death record and FindAGrave.com shows that Melissa (Powers) Freer died July 22, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[105] Similar to blueberries

[106] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[107] Abel Hoag, Jane’s husband

[108] Shelbyville, where daughter Lou lived

[109] Michigan death record and FindAGrave.com show that Barna H. Seelye died August 14, 1884 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and he is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[110] Ethan Keith wrote in his diary on July 12: “Jay Barton took Paris green this evening but took too much so the Dr may save him.” The Michigan death record index shows that Jay Barten died in Galesburg, Michigan on August 22, 1884

[111] Sisters, Laura (James) Vair and Roselia James. They were the daughters of Luke’s maternal first cousin, John R. James and his wife, Elsie (Prentiss) James

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

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

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

[115] His first cousin, Aurilla (Lee) Hood. Utah death records show she died in Salt Lake City County, Utah, on September 23, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery

[116] Coins; equal to about $125,000 in 2019

[117] His cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, who was Aurilla (Lee) Hood’s nephew

[118] His great-niece, Marion Adelphia York

[119] Scotts, Michigan, which is about 10 miles south of Comstock/Galesburg

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

[121] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[122] Neighbor, Jessie Milham, the daughter of Mathias & Azuba (Chadwick) Milham

[123] Ceresco, Michigan

[124] His son Ethan noted in his July 16^th diary entry that “Lois bought Geo Adams place on Grove St. [Comstock] Consideration $475.”

[125] Skating rink. Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries

[126] FindAGrave.com shows that Lora (VanSickler) Hall died in 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[127] Michigan death records show that Sophronia (Loomis) Vosburgh died in Charleston, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[129] Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner. Jesse was Luke’s maternal first cousin

[130] Michigan death records show that Zardis Skidmore died October 16, 1884 and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[131] Charley Clark’s first cousin, Herbert Loren Clark & Mary (Legge) Clark

[132] His cousin, Harvey R. Keith

[133] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[134] Eliza “Betsey” (Olds) Batey, Mary Ann’s mother, who lived in Pavilion, Michigan

[135] Eunice “Tip” (Wood) Towne, the wife of Erasmus Towne

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

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

[138] Michigan death records reveal that Andrew (not William, as noted in Ethan Keith’s diary) Hill died November 4, 1884 in Comstock, Michigan. Andrew was the father of Otis Hill

[139] Michigan death records show that Truman Dewey died November 8, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[140] Edward Kent Streator, the son of Worthy & Sarah (Sterling) Streator. It is believed that Edward and Marius (see footnote to March 13^th entry) were brothers; research continues

[141] Clara Milham, the oldest of Lucy (Lee) Milham’s children, who was about 16 years old, and her two younger sisters, Nina, age 4, and Gertrude, age 2. Lucy died September 22, 1884

[142] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[143] Richard Barber’s wife, Mary (Knowles) Barber

[144] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspaper

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

[146] Believe he is referring to his maternal first cousin, Marion (Wolcott) Rice

[147] Harry Streator

[148] His cow

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

[150] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[151] Michigan death records reveal that John Hull died in Florence, St. Joseph County, Michigan on December 21, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Peek Cemetery, Constantine, St. Joseph County, Michigan

[152] No death record was found; however, FindAGrave.com shows that Elam G. Huntington died in 1885 and is buried in the Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan with a note that the death certificate shows the year of death as 1884. The 1870 and 1880 census records list him as Elon G. Huntington and living in Comstock, Michigan

1884 Charles Luke Keith Jr Diary Scan

 

Ethan Keith’s 1884 Diary

1884 DIARY OF ETHAN B. KEITH

E. B. Keith
Galesburg Mich
Bought Dec 11 1883

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

X Feb 2 – Went to the Burg this evening. Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate[37] wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.[38]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

X Mar 17 – Went up to the Lincoln Avenue barn and office