1898 DIARY OF NANCY KEITH BROWN
Nancy’s handwriting is extremely hard to read, especially names.
Jan 1 – [The entry is too faint to read.]
Jan 4 – I called Mrs Bartlett Crane[?] told her the boys had left. ____
Jan 10 – Claude[1] went on 1 A.M. train to Chicago to work for Imperial ___lin Co[2] – cor. Clark & Adams.
Jan 13 – Ethan[3] came for Ma[4] to day. Lavernes[5] teeth finished to day. Mrs Smedley[6] 83 to day.
Jan 14 – Will Pendleton[7] in Chicago this p.m. with Claude.
Jan 15 – Laverne went home this morn been having teeth fixed. Bessie[8] went to the Burg.[9] Hannah[10] is going to Scotts[11] for a few days.
Jan 17 – Mr & Mrs Wagner, Mr & Mrs Evens, H.A.[12] & I invited to Will Wagners[13] this eve.
Jan 18 – H.A. went to the Burg. Mother,[14] Lela[15] and I are alone. H.A. took Woods Cabinet for Lodges.
Jan 19 – I am about sick got grippe I guess.
Jan 20 – Ethan is 47 to day.
Jan 21 – Plesant. Dr Blooms up stairs caught fire. 4 or 5 hundred dollar damage. Caused by the oil stove heater.
Jan 22 – Snowing & blowing. Mr Merediths[16] home caught fire no great damage. H.A. & Bess came home from the Burg.
Jan 24 – Claude 23 years old yesterday. He sent me a dollar. I wrote to him.
Jan 25 – H.A. went to 3 Rivers & Elkhart. Blusters and snows teribly.
Jan 26 – Mr Evens[17] and party start for Klondyke. Dr James McCall had leg amputated.
Jan 27 – Bessie went to class. Emma Harris went with her. I saw Mr Snyder for first time.
Jan 29 – H.A. came home from 3 Rivers. We were invited to Dr McK[18] to tea, did not go.
Jan 30 – Mrs Crane preached this eve on “Trooper Peter Halhat.”
Jan 31 – H.A. & I done our washing. Mrs Kelly has been doing it. Snowed and blowed so did not hang all the clothes out.
Feb 1 – Plesant but very cold. H.A. & I spent the eve at Mr Frenches. Their baby uses braces on her feet.
Feb 2 – Very cold and blustring to day. Cars run once in three or four hours.
Feb 3 – Coldest morning this winter. I went down town with Lela this A.M. got some things at Kingsmans. Bessie & Mona gone to drawing [?] class.
Feb 4 – Plesant. Lela got letter from Fany[19] yesterday. She has been excepted in hospital.
Feb 5 – Plesant. Hank[20] put new grate in stove. Mrs W- here all day. Mr W- came to tea, brought us a 20# ham.
Feb 6 – Mr & Mrs Ford, Lela & I went to church this eve. Peoples Church.
Feb 7 – Very plesant. Washing and work all done 9-20 A.M. Bessie is 17 years old to day.
Feb 8 – Plesant. I spent the day with Mrs Wagner. She made her party cape. Jay Wilson had sleigh ride party. Bessie went.
Feb 9 – Bessie got home 4 A.M. slept till 1:40 p.m. Mr & Mrs Doyen & Francis[21] here this evening.
Feb 10 – Warm & plesant snow going fast. I spent the afternoon with Mrs McKinney.
Feb 11 – Raining. H.A. & I went to Dr Fletcher and had new glasses. Lela to a reception at Mrs Cranes for Mrs Boyd. H.A. & I to Mr Bennetts this eve.
Feb 12 – Colder. Mrs Ford (Emmas Turneys mother) died yesterday 2 A.M.[22] H.A. & I went to Clarence Smiths they were going away to a surprise party for Mr Dye.
Feb 13 – Rained this eve. Essie here all night.
Feb 14 – Plesant. We washed. Spent this p.m. at John Hewitts. H.A. there to supper. H- made penny pictures[23] of us to day. Got a dish from grants.
Feb 15 – Twelve years to day we came to Kalamazoo. H.A. & girls finished up the pictures this eve. Snowed & blowed teribly.
Feb 16 – Jay Harris[24] left for the Klondyke this 1-30 A.M. I spent the afternoon with Bessie Milham Lee came here from the east.
Feb 17 – Ethan came on train this p.m. Rained and he stayed all night. Brought us a nice chicken. Claude begins working on a salary[?].
Feb 18 – Ethan home on 11-52 A.M. train. Got a letter from Lou[25] & Laverne.
Feb 19 – Bessie and I done housework all the forenoon. Mona here this eveing.
Feb 20 – Snowing. H.A. worked at gallery took 19 15[?] negatives.
Feb 21 – Hardest snow storm yet. Did not hang out the clothes.
Feb 22 – Put the clothes out this a.m. Spent the eve at Mr Wagners. Mattie & John did not come. Matties aunt died.
Feb 23 – Bessie and I sewed on her blue waist.[26] We sewed in the forenoon. Frances Willard trained[?] in Chicago. W.C.T.U.[27]
Feb 24 – I went down town. Lela & I to dinner at “La B A _____.” Lela bought 2 gold fish. Bessie worked at penny pictures all day.
Feb 25 – H.A. & Bess toned & washed 636 pictures. Took them to Mr Packard to mount round.
Feb 26 – Ma & Ethan came this p.m. Ma to see Dr McKinney. I got a telephone that Lou was sick, went there on 6-40 p.m. train. Terrible explosion this eve 10 killed many wounded. Hall Bros laboratory.[28]
Feb 27 – Ma & Ethan went home. Claude came home last eve on a visit.
Feb 28 – Papa and I washed and toned 1482 pictures this A.M.[29] I came home on 8-40 train, brought Lou, Leone & Mildred.[30]
Mar 1 – 7 of the victims buried to day, 4 from St. Augustines. Lou had hard spell. Dr here. Lou worse this eve. Dr came again. Florence Turney married.[31]
Mar 2 – Lou better. Victor Vocelle[32] one of the injured came home to day. Memorial services at Cong. Church at 4-30.
Mar 3 – Hank toned over 1800 pictures. Took 75 negatives to day. Mr Ford called this evening. Bessie began working for her Pa at penny pictures.
Mar 4 – Very plesant. Claude & Edith N[33] went up to Pas[34] this p.m.
Mar 5 – H.A., Lela & I went to “surprise” on Mr & Mrs Denynes. H. got a cup & saucer, Lela mustard dish, head prises.
Mar 6 – Hannah came here on 10 a.m. train went home 6-40 p.m. Claude went back to Chicago this p.m.
Mar 7 – I went down town got 3 dishes for Hannah for Blanch, Florence and Ettie. Lela home all day with sick headache. I got shirt waist paid .88.
Mar 8 – Very plesant. I sewed on Bessies blue bunting dress. We fixed Mildreds hood put fur around.
Mar 9 – Doors opened so warm. We went downtown had Lous & Mildreds pictures taken. Blanche Blake & Ned Stevenson married.[35]
Mar 10 – Lou sick in bed all day did not sleep any last night.
Mar 11 – Rainy. Lou & children went to Pas on noon train.
Mar 12 – Zella & children went to Chicago this p.m. I went to the Burg on 6.55 train. Rained hard. Found Lou worse.
Mar 13 – At Pas. Dr McBett came to see Lou.
Mar 14 – I came home to day, brought Leone. Saw Mrs McKee for Lou. Lela & Bessie got cloth for shirt waists. D.[36] Here this p.m.
Mar 15 – Lou & Mildred did not come. Lou is not so well. D. gone to Pas to night. I fixed Leones big doll.
Mar 16 – Very warm & plesant. Began Lelas dress skirt to day. D. gone home. Lou no better. Mildred 3 years old to day.
Mar 17 – Plesant. Dr Westbrook began work on my teeth. Dr McK– went to Burg to see Lou. Laverne went to the Burg this noon.
Mar 18 – Will Brown[37] is 38 to day.
Mar 19 – Mother Brown[38] is 79 to day.
Mar 20 – Lela & I helped at gallery.
Mar 21 – Lou no better. I went to the Burg 6.40 train rode over home with Mr Schram.
Mar 22 – Lou a little better. I changed her bed. Came home on 10-47 a.m. train. “Sid” Hayes buried.
Mar 23 – Bessie has a candy pull to night. Mrs McKee went to the Burg to see Lou on 6.55 train.
Mar 24 – Bessie not well. I went to gallery in her place.
Mar 25 – I went to gallery again to day.
Mar 26 – I went to gallery to day. Hannah came on 1 p.m. train. She & Mrs McKee went back on 6.55. Claude sent the girls belts.
Mar 27 – Lela helping at gallery.
Mar 28 – Bessie went to the gallery. Cloudy & some rain. Mr Hassic[?] learning picture business. Penny business dropping off.
Mar 29 – Plesant. We got a letter from Claude. Bess one from Edna Clark.[39]
Mar 30 – John & Mattie Hewitt to supper & spend the eve. It is their 12th wedding anniversary.
Mar 31 – Bessie went to drawing class.
Apr 1 – (no entry)
Apr 2 – Went down town. Bessie got a new jacket priced 5.50, gloves 1.00. Ordered a hat 2.75. Mr Denyens moved on Rose Place.
Apr 3 – I went to Claudes.
Apr 4 – Got a letter from Hannah. Lou not much better.
Apr 5 – I went to Burg on noon train. Mrs McKee came on evening train. She, Laverne, Mildred & I came home this evening.
Apr 6 – Laverne at gallery. Lou stood the trip well. Mrs McKee here this noon.
Apr 7 – Laverne & Leone went home on noon train. Leone been here 5 weeks.
Apr 8 – Got 51 yds muslin for sheets paid .5 a yd. Cut out sheets to day. Lou lots better. Sit up a good deal.
Apr 9 – Floyd[40] came this a.m. bought a wheel[41] (Cupid) paid 22.000. Claude surprised us by coming home, brought his wheel.
Apr 10 – Orchestra played. Easter Sunday. Claude and I went to church.
Apr 11 – Lela & Bess bought a wheel paid 33.000 name of wheel Volant.
Apr 12 – Floyd went home. Lois[42] & Ethan here. Mildred went home with them. America Bunt here. Geo Crawford had his leg amputated last week. Lou & Ds 16th wedding anniversary.
Apr 13 – Claude painted our gasoline stove. Bessie got her bicycle shoes. Lela got a new dress .75 a yard.
Apr 14 – Bess home to day. We fixed her bicycle suite & worked on Lelas dress. Charley Zinn drowned this p.m. in race at the mill. Age 5 years.[43]
Apr 15 – (no entry)
Apr 16 – Hannah came this p.m. brought Mildred. She & I went down town this eve got her a hat paid $4.00. Charley Z– buried this p.m.
Apr 17 – H- cut Lelas jacket. Thunderstorm this eve.
Apr 18 – Colder. Pa came on 10-47 a.m. train. I paid Dr McK– 5.00 for Lou, 2.00 for Ma. I went to Dr Fletchers. Saw Marena Caywood.
Apr 19 – Cold & rainy. Dr Fletcher brought my glasses. Pa went home on 6-55 p.m. train. D. sent 9 doz eggs & some butter.
Apr 20 – Cold & rainy. I began Lelas grey jacket to go with her suite. Whistles began blowing 10-40 a.m. to announce war declared between U.S. & Spain.
Apr 21 – Plesant. Scavengers cleaned our closet yesterday, cost $4.90. Bessie went to drawing class.
Apr 22 – Finished Lelas jacket. Got a letter from Ma. Claude to Will Pendletons this eve. He made pictures of McKinley. Lee and Uncle Sam to church.
Apr 23 – Mrs McKee here to see Lou.
Apr 24 – Claude went back to Chicago.
Apr 25 – Lois here to dinner. Dell[44] in Chicago. H.A. finished up with Packard. Will Smith and Monica Coe married.[45]
Apr 26 – Light guards left for Island Park at 10 a.m. Sad day for Kalamazoo.[46] Mrs W– & I had negatives taken. H.A. & I spent eve at Mr Wagners.
Apr 27 – Hank went to Chicago. D. came on his wheel, stayed all night. Lela to church cooking class supper.
Apr 28 – D. went home on 5 a.m. train. Bessie went to drawing class.
Apr 29 – Floyd Harris 12 years old.
Apr 30 – Bessie went to Burg on wheel left here about 7 a.m.
May 1 – Bessie & Hannah came on 10 a.m. train. Hank opened gallery in Chicago.[47]
May 2 – Hannah gone to Mary Cousins to sew. Porter Olmstead died last night 11 p.m.[48] H.A. wrote for Bessie to come to Chicago Wednesday.
May 3 – Hannah gone home to day. I got her cloth for cape took to train. Saw Ida Allen.
May 4 – Bessie went to Chicago on 2-18 train to help in penny gallery.[49] Porter Olmstead buried this p.m. Lous Jay 15 to day.[50]
May 5 – D. 39 to day. Card from Claude said met Bess O.K. I went to Dr McK– this eve. She is going to try Mrs McKee.
May 6 – (no entry)
May 7 – Long letter from Bess with plan of house & gallery.
May 8 – Mrs McKee here this p.m. Lela, Emma Harris & Gertie Cay went riding on their wheels.
May 9 – I got letter from Claude. Wrote last weeks receipts were 85.00.
May 10 – I cleaned the Barn this a.m. Got a letter from H.A. with 30.00 check. Mildred sick a little guess its measles.
May 11 – I sewed this a.m. Mrs McKinney called has taken three treatments, is better. Mrs Quale over this p.m.
May 12 – Lou had a hard stomach spell. Mrs McKee helped her. Mr Snyder here. I paid telephone bill.
May 13 – Dr came to see Mildred. Lou telephoned to D. that I would meet Floyd tomorrow morning. Mr Abbey called.
May 14 – I met Floyd this a.m.
May 15 – Lela & Floyd went to Burg on wheels. Rained last night.
May 16 – Lela & Floyd got home 5.45 a.m. Floyd gone home this noon. D sent home eggs & butter. Long letter from Bess with pictures of Jim[51] & Will[52] folks.
May 17 – Mildred all broken out is real sick. D- came here to night stayed all night.
May 18 – Mildred a little better. Lela brought home 1 pint Ice cream. Hard thunder storm to night hail & some wind.
May 19 – Mildred very restless all night and to day. Lou all used up. Telephoned for Laverne. Gertrude Holmes 1 year old to day.[53] Major Abbey left this a.m.
May 20 – Mr Jessie Earl[54] & Wm H Gladstone died the 19th. Mildred better to day. I cleaned cellar.
May 21 – I got ready to go home. Street car only went to show ground so I got left.
May 22 – Lou, Mildred, Mrs McKee and I went street car riding.
May 23 – I went to Burg. Ethan came over about 11. I went home with him. The first I had seen the new paper it is red. Came home on 10 p.m. train.
May 24 – Laverne went home on 12-20 train. Got letter from Hank & Bess with $65.00 money order. Lela to Essies to supper.
May 25 – Family bought & moving in the McEntye house. Dr & Mrs McK– here to dinner. We had ham & greens.
May 26 – Claude surprised us by coming home this p.m.
May 27 – Fumigated for measles to day. Mrs McKee came after we had gone to bed.
May 28 – Paid for last 3 weeks. Lou & Mildred went home on 6-40 train. Lela went with them, took Mrs C. Kodak. 3 months to day since Lou came.
May 29 – Mother & I alone all day, very lonesome. Claude to West Lake.
May 30 – Lela came home this a.m. Claude & Eddie[55] went to Ball Park. Lela had to work so could not go. I began cleaning chamber.
May 31 – Mr Packard shot him self this a.m.[56] Mrs Kelley helped me clean this p.m. Mr Jackson called. Ed Atkins[57] also. Brought neg of house. Claude went up to Burg.
Jun 1 – Jim, Cora, Winnie & Walter[58] came via S-H-[59] this a.m. Mrs W & Mr Titus called. I called at Mrs Packards.[60] Joined “B___ Oak Branch”. Letter from Bessie.
Jun 2 – Jims all went to the Burg 7 a.m. Began cleaning my room. Went to Mrs Wagners. Heard Mr T lecture on Aliens[?].
Jun 3 – Claude took up bed room carpet. Had our first mess beet greens. Claude & Lela to Will Pendletons. I to Mrs Orcutts this eve. Letter from H.A.
Jun 4 – Jim and family here early this a.m. Went to S–[61] on noon train. Claude bought screens. Lela & I wall paper.
Jun 5 – Claude, Lela & Edie out in the country making pictures.
Jun 6 – Claude went to Chicago on 1 a.m. train. Jim came from Shelbyville this a.m. to C–[62] this p.m. via South Haven.
Jun 7 – The wall paper came this a.m. Letter from H.A. 25.00.
Jun 8 – Joe Neff sick so had paper hangers from Andrews & Russell. Began this p.m. C____ men took up parlor carpet & rug.
Jun 9 – Papering finished this p.m. I cleaned windows & wood work. Very tired to night.
Jun 10 – Telephone put in dining room to day. Parlor carpet laid this p.m. Hard thunder storm.
Jun 11 – Baked, worked at cleaning and settling.
Jun 12 – Dr & Mrs McKinney here to dinner.
Jun 13 – Went down town this noon with Lela. Paid paper bill & got molding. Man put it up tonight. Rained very hard. Mrs Smith and Harold here.
Jun 14 – I put down the light brussels carpet in my bed room to day. H.A. 25.00.
Jun 15 – Lois here to spend the day. The new bed room suite came this a.m. Price 24.00. Lela home this p.m.
Jun 16 – Worked all over the house to day. Ironed some.
Jun 17 – Cleaned kitchen to day. Mrs McKinney here all day. Lela home this p.m.
Jun 18 – Will Brown came. Lizzie and Ruth[63] went to Mr Ogdens.[64] Girls all home.
Jun 19 – Will, Mother, Lela, I & Zama[65] went to Pas. Had livery 2.50.
Jun 20 – Ruth came back with us last night. Lizzie & Charley[66] came this a.m. All here to dinner. Will, L- & R- go home via South Haven.
Jun 21 – To day finished on cleaning. I went over to Mrs Sawyers & Willsons. McMann girls here this eve. Lela & I saw Fannie Smiths puppies.
Jun 22 – Mrs Kelley helped wash 5 quilts & 3 comfortabers. Mrs Wagner here this p.m. & to supper. Lela went riding with Eda.
Jun 23 – Began putting 2nd coat of paint on house. Dea Willard Mills died 9-30 this a.m., aged [blank].[67]
Jun 24 – Finished my blue “hubbard” Clara cut a year ago.
Jun 25 – Telephoned for Lou to come down was not well enough. Painters finished to night. Mr & Mrs Britten[?] here this eve paid him 40.00. Essie here all night.
Jun 26 – Mr ______ at Peoples Church to day. I did not go.
Jun 27 – Lela home this a.m. not well. I cleaned barn painted ______. Jim & C- picked our first raspberries, enough for supper and a dish for Mrs Huffman.
Jun 28 – Ironing this a.m. 25.00.[68]
Jun 29 – Boys left for Tampa to night.[69] Howard Bronson, Clarence Miller amongst them.
Jun 30 – (no entry)
Jul 1 – Bess & Ray[70] came from Chi- via S- H- this p.m. A surprise to me, brought Lela a parasol, a black __ll dress for me.
Jul 2 – Hannah came 6-25 train this a.m. She, Lela & I went down town this eve. Hard battle in Cuba. Michigan boys to the front.
Jul 3 – Lou 38 to day. Cerveras fleet sunk off Seltiago.[71]
Jul 4 – Hannah working on her shirt waists.
Jul 5 – Hannah cut Bessies linen ___ll to day & my black “ [linen] ___ll. Very warm. Hank 25.00.
Jul 6 – Sewing hard all day. Mrs Dunbar, Mrs Fraser & Hattie called. They came from home (Detroit) Saturday.
Jul 7 – Hannah to Mary Caywood cousins to tea & all night. Lela & I called on the Grants.
Jul 8 – Hannah came back this a.m. she is about sick. Emma Harris came to visit the girls a few days.
Jul 9 – Hannah went to Lous this p.m. Lela & I went to train with her. We got 9 plates, 9 sauce dishes. 1 bowl & wash bowl & pitcher.
Jul 10 – Eda N– here to dinner. I saw her mother[72] for first time.
Jul 11 – Emma went home on 7 a.m. train. Bessie went to Pas.
Jul 12 – Mrs Frasier & Hattie came this forenoon. They, Lela and I went to medicine show. Girls went to 10 p.m. train to meet Bess.
Jul 13 – Mrs Dunbar spent the afternoon. Mr “ [Dunbar] to tea. Mrs F– & Hattie went home with them.
Jul 14 – Laverne came this a.m. Bessie met her.
Jul 15 – I went to Burg to night stayed with Lois. Got a letter from H. saying not to come to Chi yet.
Jul 16 – To Loises all day. Ethan over this eve. I went home with him. Mas leg very bad.
Jul 17 – At Pas. I saw long[?] buggy first time.
Jul 18 – Made green apple pie a.m. first this year. I go home on 9 pm train.
July 19 – At home. Three weeks drout[?] broken. I have sick head ache. Letter from H & Claude wanting Bess & I to go Saturday. 25.00.
Jul 20 – I took what I supposed was salts. Was very sick for an hour or two.
Jul 21 – (no entry)
Jul 22 – Buffalow Bills show. Hannah, Cora, Floyd & Clark came. Ethan came down with big buggy. He & Hannah went home.
Jul 23 – Bessie and I went to Chicago on 11 am train. Laverne keeping house for me.
Jul 24-27 – (no entries)
Jul 28 – Mr Jim Evers died to day at Dawsun City. Went there last Feb.
Jul 29 – Clara Owens[73] second girl baby born.[74]
Jul 30 – Aug 8 – (no entries)
Aug 9 – John McBride died this noon.[75] Bettie Wolf came to her fathers to day.
Aug 10 – (no entry)
Aug 11 – I came home from Chicago at 3-30 this a.m. Johnny McBride is buried at 4 this p.m. 38.00.
Aug 12 – Cora Harris,[76] Laverne & Leone came from Pioneers picnic last eve. Laverne went home this noon. Claude came this noon. Peace articles signed, war over.
Aug 13 – Cora went home this eve. Lela to a tea party at Edas. Frank Cargill died this eve[77] Dr Pratt yesterday.[78]
Aug 14 – H.A. took in 50.00.
Aug 15 – Nice rain this a.m. Letter from H.A.
Aug 16 – Claude & party gone to West Lake camping. I called on Mrs Wolf & McBride, neither at home. Called on Mrs Doyens & Dunbar.
Aug 17 – Cut out a dress for Mother. Sewed all day.
Aug 18 – Hattie & Effie Frasier spent the day here. We all went to band concert in evening.
Aug 19 – I went to Mrs Hewitts for tea, she has been sick all summer. Told me about Mame & Sherm. Called at Mrs Wagners, not at home. Letter Bessie.
Aug 20 – I called on Mrs Ford this eve. Mrs Loveland there doing the work. Jennie got a place at asylum.
Aug 21 – Very hot. Essie here a little while. Lela went home with her.
Aug 22 – Hotter. Letter from H.A. & Bessie. They have hired Lillie Girard. H.A. 50.00
Aug 23 – Hottest. Letter from Bess, Ma & Hannah. Lizzie is to board Bess for 2.00. Am fixing Lelas Bicile dress over. Bess sent a sample of her black.
Aug 24 – Bought 1 bu tomattoes for .40. Hank help up this eve got 2.00. I went down town. Mrs Wagner told me of Mr Evers death.[79]
Aug 25 – Ethan brought Cora, Winnie & Walter. Lou & Mildred came this p.m.
Aug 26 – Caned 14 qts tomattoes. Mrs McKee here this evening.
Aug 27 – Cora & children went to Shelbyville. Lou, children & I up to Pas. Lela had Essie stay with her.
Aug 28 – Ethan, Hannah & I went to Vicksburg. Mr Cates family there.
Aug 29 – Came home to day. Train late. Clara Wilkins came with me. Eda & Essie here yesterday.
Aug 30 – Very hot. Claude to Mrs Doyens to supper.
Aug 31 – We ironed. Got 1 bu tomattoes for catsup paid .50.
Sep 1 – Lou, Leone & Mildred came from Pas. Caned 1 bu. peaches. Paid 1.00. Terrible hot.
Sep 2 – Awful hot.
Sep 3 – Hot. Lou & children went on 8 p.m. train. Cora Harris struck by engine. Ankle broke.[80]
Sep 4 – I went to Lous on 5.40 a.m. train.
Sep 5 – Rained last night. Cora as well as can be expected. I came home on 3-45 p.m. train. Claude went to Chicago to night.
Sep 6 – Mrs McKinney here all day. Dr[81] here to supper. I ordered ointment for Ma.
Sep 7 – Winnie McKee took Clara riding. Clara stopped to Mr Comstocks stayed all night.
Sep 8 – Cool & plesant. Lela had Eda, Winnie McKee, Mona Mace & Emma Harris to tea to meet Clara Wilkins who is visiting us.
Sep 9 – Eda & Mother[82] took Clara & I riding. We stoped at their house the first I have been there.
Sep 10 – Clara Wilkins gone home 9 a.m. been here 2 weeks Monday. Lela went to Lous 12-19 p.m.
Sep 11 – Mother took her feather bed for good this time.
Sep 12 – Lela came from Lous 8-55 a.m. Lou no better. Cora doing fine. Uncle Robt[83] came here from Pas this p.m.
Sep 13 – Uncle R- left for home on 11-55 train. I put up a lunch for him. Letter from Bess. 25.00.
Sep 14 – I called on Mrs Winslow and Mrs Elena Briggs. Stayed with Mrs Wagner all night.
Sep 15 – I went and looked at coal heater before coming home. Very hard rain while I was in hard ware store.
Sep 16 – Made 2nd batch of catsup yesterday. Lela & I called on Mrs Mace this evening, first since she came home from Boston[?].
Sep 17 – I went up home[84] 6-00 p.m. Ethan & Hannah came over to Medicine show. I went home with them. Maude Adams & Herb Clark spent eve at Lous.
Sep 18 – Hannah & I caned 13 qts peaches.
Sep 19 – Came home on early morning train got home 6-10 a.m. Letter from H.A. this a.m. & picture from Claude of he and the boys.
Sep 20 – Lela did not go to Chicago, we are all so dispirited. Letter from H.A. and one from Bess. 25.00.
Sep 21 – Bought 1 bu Golden _____ for 1.00. Worked all day at caning & making grape juice. Have 33 qts peaches.
Sep 22 – Made pear pickles preserves and garden salad. Has rained all day. Hank worked in the curing house this eve. Been gone 5 months.
Sep 23 – Co. C came home[85] 1 p.m. Mr & Mrs Hewitt here to supper and evening. Also Mr & Mrs Ford, Mrs Tunney with Mrs Lombard, Frank & his grandpa. Ethan got the wheel to night.
Sep 24 – H.A. went back on 6-25 a.m. train. Lela went to Burg on 6 p.m. train. Mrs McMahan here this eve. Its very lonesome.
Sep 25 – Very nice & plesant.
Sep 26 – Lela home on 6 a.m. train. Ma no better. Bessie bought a mandolin.
Sep 27 – Ethan and Lois here to dinner & supper. She came to do trading. Ethan bought 2 bu peaches to make pickles of.
Sep 28 – Making pickles this a.m. Little Harold Rogers run over by street car on Portage St. died 7-10 p.m.[86]
Sep 29 – Mrs McMahan & I went up at Mr Rogers[87] last night. Hannah came this eve from Aunt Helens.[88] Fit Lelas silk waist.
Sep 30 – Hannah home on 7-15 a.m. train. Harold buried 2 p.m. at River Side. Lela bought her a nice black skirt.
Oct 1 – Cloudy. Made chilli sauce. Lela home this p.m. Rained all the afternoon & eve. I went to Pas on 6 p.m. train. Ethan met me. Andrew Burdick buried to day.[89]
Oct 2 – At Pas. Pa and Dell went for mineral water. Lois stayed here.
Oct 3 – Came home on 5-20 a.m. train. Found Claude here, came 2 p.m. yesterday.
Oct 4 – 2nd street fair opened 9 a.m. by blowing of whistles & ringing bells. Claude, Lela & I spent the noon hour at the Art department in Auditorium. Lela $25.00 from C-.
Oct 5 – Ethan, LaVerne, Floyd, Leone & Marian here to fair. Lela not working this p.m. Nice floral parade. Floyd bought an air gun. Eda here to supper. Lela went to Chicago 6-25 a.m. train Thursday.
Oct 6 – General Shafter[90] & two aides and daughter[91] came. Hannah & Lois down to day. H- stayed all night. Children went home this noon. Bought 1 cord beach[?] & maple wood $2.24.
Oct 7 – “Peace Jubilee Day”.[92] Burroughs, Shafter, Brice, Rice, Noble, Whiting & Todd spoke at the Park. Began raining about 5. No concert to night. E & H went home 6 p.m.
Oct 8 – I ironed & made mother a chemise. Claude did not get up till after 11. Mrs Rogers give me Harolds picture. Letter from H.A., Lela & Bess. $60.00.
Oct 9 – Claude went to Burg on W.P.[93] wheel. Back to dinner. Eda spent evening here. Claude gone to Chicago 1 a.m. train.
Oct 10 – Plesant. Bought ½ bu quinces for .25. Bought a coal heater “Art Garland”. Called on Mrs Evers, first I have seen her since he died.[94] Pieced comfortables. Aunt Hannah Chase 90 years old yesterday.[95] Stove cost $29.85.
Oct 11 – Rained all night. Cleaned Mothers room. Went to Mrs Chapples this forenoon.
Oct 12 – Worked on comfortables to day. Went over to Mrs Rogers a little while this p.m.
Oct 13 – Lela came home from Chicago on 4-10 a.m. train. Got a new hat & fur collarette for herself, a black satin waist for me.
Oct 14 – Cold & Rainy. Cleaned Parlor & part of setting room.
Oct 15 – Finished cleaning setting room. Had new stove put up. Lela wrote to her father[96] that I would go to Chicago Monday.
Oct 16 – Had fire in new stove. Edith & Franklin & Mr & Mrs N[97] called this afternoon.
Oct 17 – Canned quinces & made jellie. I left for Chicago on 2-13 train. Mr & Mrs Merriman sat behind me. Lois & Dell went this morning.
Oct 18 – In Chicago. Bessie and I went down town got things for her silk waist also some for Lela & ____ yoke for me. We all went to Wills and had supper. Clarence Schroeder[98] also Arthur Burroughs married.[99]
Oct 19 – Claude home to day. Its “Peace Jubilee Day” & business is closed. Bessie and I sewed to day. Dr McKinney called at the gallery. A very rainy week.[100]
Oct 20 – Bessie & I over to Jims to spend the day. H.A. & Claude to supper. Mrs Meredith[101] there. Mrs Wm Burdick died.[102]
Oct 21 – We sewed to day. Bess & Mary went down town in afternoon. H.A., Bess & I went to Dearborne saw “A Woman Hater.”
Oct 22 – Lois, Ina & Gertrude to dinner. Jims folks and Mrs Meredith to supper. H.A. & I to Chicago Opera House. Saw the 4 Cohans. I left Chicago 11-30 p.m. for home. Mrs Burdick buried.
Oct 23 – Plesant. Got home 4-50 a.m.
Oct 24 – Very plesant. Got ___ting flanel for Bessie two night dresses. Lela & I spent evening at Ediths. Will & Carrie[103] there.
Oct 25 – I sewed all day for Bessie. Lela home this afternoon. Rained all day.
Oct 26 – Rain & a little snow. Sewed for Bessie. Cut her black briliantine waist out. Etta Tompkins here a little while. Lela & I down to Mr Ford this eve.
Oct 27 – Froze last night ice 1/8 of an inch. Very plesant to day. Lela home this afternoon. Lizzie & Ruth came 2 p.m. They, Lela & I went to cooking class. Mrs Moses called told about M- R-.
Oct 28 – Hannah came 2 p.m. Hung Lelas black ______. Lela got samples of silk for her to take to Cora. Lou telephoned about butter & eggs.
Oct 29 – Hannah went home 7 a.m. Ma is some better.
Oct 30 – Home all day. Dark & rainy.
Oct 31 – Lizzie & Ruth went home (to Augusta) 11-55 train. Halloween night. Bessie writes she had 5 teeth out Saturday suffered terribly.
Nov 1 – Lois came on 2-8 p.m. train from Chi.[104] Went home 6 p.m. Lela & I chopped mince meat. Got plants in to day. Mr Quales closet tipped over last night. Oscar Keith[105] stayed here.
Nov 2 – (This is for Thursday.) Lela & I took our first lesson in cooking of Miss Kirby.
Nov 3 – I went to Mattie Hewitts this p.m. Met Rallies wife Sadie. Took supper with Mr & Mrs Wagner. (This ought to have been for Wednesday.) Sent fruit & little ______ to Chicago to day. Heard Will Doyle had been hung.
Nov 4 – Lela goes to German[?] Bazaar to night, will stay with Edith all night. Mrs Ford & Ettie here this eve. I called to Mrs W_______. N. B. McKinney died.[106]
Nov 5 – Began raining in the night, rained all day, so Ethan did not come. I went to Burg on 6 p.m. train. Ethan met me. Rained & Blowed like fury. Pa not well.
Nov 6 – At Pas. Ethan & H- put Piano on north side of room.
Nov 7 – At Pas. Hannah cut and fitted my sateene waist. Dessa Carns baby born to day. I came home on 10 p.m. train.
Nov 8 – Went down town with Lela this morning. Fixed Hannah, Lois & Lavernes hat. Looked for Ethan. Election day.
Nov 9 – Fine rain all day. Edith here to supper. She goes to Chicago Saturday. Dr Pengilly buried.[107]
Nov 10 – Regular “C_____ storm” snowing & blowing to beat every thing. Cant go to cooking class to night.
Nov 11 – Snow going fast bright & warm. Letter from H.A. he opens another gallery to day. (Big Fair) 574 Lincoln Ave. Cold to night our pump froze up. 25.00.
Nov 12 – I went down town took a letter for Edith to take to Chicago for H.A. Essie & Emma stayed with Lela all night. Emma left with me.
Nov 13 – Lela to Essies to dinner.
Nov 14 – Worked on ___ell holders for Bazaar also on puff silk pillow. Lela worked this eve got .50.
Nov 15 – Mrs Quale brought over some lace & worked a while. Mrs Ford here this eve they are papering. Lela took _____ lesson. Charley Hitchcock died this a.m.[108]
Nov 16 – I went down town got Crepe on for me a dress skirt. Called on Mrs McKinney she was very nervous was in bed. Lela & I spent the eve at Mr Grants in the Sawyer house.
Nov 17 – Made Bessie a corset waist, sewed some for Mother. Lela & I went to cooking class only stayed through lesson. Lela too tired.
Nov 18 – Mended range, fixed straw & ____ bed. Swept chamber &c, &c, &c. Got out meal boiler. Charley H buried to day at River Side. Mrs L. G. Bragg died.[109]
Nov 19 – (no entry)
Nov 20 – I went to Mr Wagners to dinner.
Nov 21 – Lou telephoned. She, Leone & M would be down on 4 p.m. train. I met them. Lou got velvet hat & 6 tips. Mrs Bennetts mother Mrs Manchester died this a.m.[110]
Nov 22 – Cold & stormy. Lou & children went to Pas on 6 p.m. train. Wind blew very cold. Ettie Tompkins nephew died.
Nov 23 – Cold & snowing. Ethan cant come for us so we cant go home for Thanksgiving. Cora Riddler married to day.[111]
Nov 24 – Lela worked this a.m. Tried to get tickets to El Capitan. Seats all sold so we are out all around but have a plesant home & a good warm fire. Will be thankful for that.
Nov 25 – Snowing. I am about sick sore throat hard cold. Painted some, am “Alone”.
Nov 26 – Dont feel much better. Lela worked till the last car tonight. I painted some to day.
Nov 27 – Etta Tompkins here. Mr Quale called & Essie & Miss Webster[?].
Nov 28 – Feel a little better got Bat for comfortables to day paid .10 a roll. Letter from H.A. gave me for Xmas ¼ int in Lincoln Ave gallery. Lou, Leone & Mildred came from Pas this p.m. Lou had her plush cape.
Nov 29 – Wrote to Claude he is sick has tonsillitis. Mrs Neumeier here this eve also Ettie. Lou got ti____ for her cape.
Nov 30 – Plesant. Lou & children went home 8-10 this p.m. Lela went to train with them.
Dec 1 – Rose McKinney Depew & Mattie Hewitt here this p.m. Rose lives in Montana. Came home to bury her father.[112]
Dec 2 – Painted on “Alone.”[113] Mother up and down as usual and Zama[114] putting in full time snoring.
Dec 3 – Ethan came brought feather bed. Lela went home with him. Met him cor Rose & K- Ave. She got 15.00 tonight.
Dec 4 – Etta & I went to Elks Mermaid[?] _____.
Dec 5 – Lela came home this a.m. train late. Another snow storm coming. Eda came home tonight. Claude better.
Dec 6 – Lela & I went over to see Eda. Got “Theatre car” home had to wait an hour. Lela caught cold.
Dec 7 – Mrs Wagner spent the day here, is making a black lace & grenadine over yellow. Letter from Claude.
Dec 8 – Snowing like fury. Went down town tried to see Miss Kirby but failed. Got slippers for H & C[115] also presents for the girls.
Dec 9 – Lela got her hat to day black velvet tips, blue ____ & buckles &c.[116] She went to Lous tonight took Jay & Leones picture to Lou and D. presents to the children & hat to Dr.
Dec 10 – Mother, Zama & I alone all day. Emma Harris here this eve also Mrs Quale.
Dec 11 – Eda here also Mrs Britten. Mrs Bennett & ___tie.
Dec 12 – Hannah came before day light. Cut my crepe dress skirt. Lela “got left” came home 3-45 p.m. Letter from H.A.
Dec 13 – Mrs Stuart Ogden[117] here to have dress fitted. H- went home 6 p.m. We called on Mary Cousins, Merena was there.
Dec 14 – Grant girls here this eve also Mrs Ford. Brought a letter for us to read from Florence Turney first they have got. Mailed at Queenstown.
Dec 15 – Mattie Hewitt spent the day. She made Xmas bags for the church. I crotched. Lela & I to Mr Smith this eve. Got quilting frames.
Dec 16 – (no entry)
Dec 17 – Saturday I went to Pas 6 p.m. Saw Miss Kirby paid .40 for cooking lessons. Ethan met me. We went to Mrs Blakes got some butter. Called to Lois.
Dec 18 – Ethan, Hannah, Gertrude & I spent evening with Mr & Mrs Berry[?] (Cora Riddler).[118]
Dec 19 – Came home on 2-18 train. Etta Tompkins came on same train.
Dec 20 – (no entry)
Dec 21 – Sewed all day. I baked and ironed this p.m. Etta Tompkins here this eve.
Dec 22 – I went down town. Called on Mrs Bartlett Crane. Got some Xmas things. Made cover for m__ter chair this eve.
Dec 23 – Dick Wells buried to day.[119]
Dec 24 – Worked hard all forenoon. Met Hannah at 2 p.m. train we went down town. Mrs Wagner gave 12 glass cups.
Dec 25 – Claude came on 4 a.m. train. Hannah & I went home[120] on 6 p.m. train.
Dec 26 – At Pas. Ma & I worked on Xmas presents all day. H-, E- & I went to Mr Crossfields to see Xmas tree. I got lots of nice presents.
Dec 27 – I came home 2 p.m. Found Laverne & Marian here.
Dec 28 – Laverne & Marian gone to Mrs ____ to stay all night. Claude & Eda to Mr Doyens to tea. Here this evening.
Dec 29 – Bessie Milham[121] here this afternoon. Geo[122] came to tea & spent the eve. Marian & Laverne back this p.m.
Dec 30 – D telephoned for Marian to come home her Mother is sick. LaVerne had teeth filled.
Dec 31 – Claude & LaVerne gone to Pas 7 a.m. Claude came back this p.m. Lela went to Pas on 6 p.m. train.
——-
[1] Her son, Claude Brown
[2] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Friday 31st – Claude goes to Chicago Sunday night on 2 A.M. train to work for Imperial engraving Co. Cor Adams & Clark Sts
[3] Her brother, Ethan Keith
[4] Sarah (Crawford) Keith
[5] Her niece, LaVerne Harris, the daughter of Louese (Keith) & Daniel Harris
[6] Believe this to be Hannah (Griffin) Smedley, although Michigan death records reveal she was born January 13, 1816 which would have made her 82 years old in 1898
[7] The husband of Caroline Neumeier who was the sister of Nancy’s son Claude’s future wife, Edith Neumeier
[8] Her daughter, Bess Brown
[9] Galesburg, Michigan, where Nancy’s parents lived
[10] Her sister, Hannah (Keith) Towne
[11] Scotts, Michigan
[12] Nickname for her husband, Henry Brown
[13] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Monday 17 – H.A. & I, Mr & Mrs W & Mr & Mrs Evens spent this eve with Will & Laura
[14] Her mother-in-law, Matilda (Allen) Brown
[15] Her daughter, Lela Brown
[16] Believe this to be Walter “Burton” Meredith, the father-in-law of Nancy’s brother Jim Keith
[17] In the back of her 1897 diary, Nancy made the following entry: Wednesday Jun 26 – 98 – Jim Evens & party left for Klondyke to day. Jim McCall had his leg amputated
[18] Neighbors, Mary Elizabeth (Stephenson) & Dr. Martin VanBuren McKinney
[19] Nancy’s December 16, 1897 entry reported that “Fannie Chandler went to Chicago to enter the training school for nurses.”
[20] Also a nickname for her husband Henry
[21] Believe them to be Frank & Matilda (Neumaier) Doyen; Matilda was the sister of Claude’s future wife, Edith Neumeier
[22] Michigan death records show that Elizabeth (Beckwith) Ford died in Comstock, Michigan on February 11, 1898 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[23] Hank was a photographer
[24] Jay Ralph Harris, the brother of Daniel Harris Jr., who was Nancy’s brother-in-law
[25] Her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris
[26] The bodice of a dress, or a blouse
[27] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union
[28] Page 1 of the February 28, 1898 Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph reported that a fire broke out on February 26th at Hall Brothers & Co. (a chemical laboratory). Firemen entered the building to try to extinguish the blaze but then an explosion occurred in one of the rooms. Four of the men who died were firemen
[29] In a different handwriting; presumably written by daughter Bess
[30] Her sister and nieces, Louese, Leone & Mildred Harris
[31] Florence was the daughter of Emma (Ford) Turney (see footnote to February 12th entry). Marriage records show that she married George Franklin Bauch in Lucas, Ohio on March 1, 1898
[32] It was noted in the newspaper article that he had a “gash in head; will survive”
[33] Claude’s future wife, Edith “Eda” Neumaier
[34] Her father, Charles Luke Keith Jr.
[35] Michigan marriage records show that Blanche Blake and Edward Stephenson were married in Galesburg, Michigan on March 9, 1898
[36] D. (or D.D.) was the nickname for her brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris, Jr.
[37] Her brother-in-law, Willis Brown
[38] Her mother-in-law, Matilda (Allen) Brown
[39] Her niece, the daughter of her half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner
[40] Her nephew, the son of her sister, Louese (Keith) Harris
[41] Believe this refers to a bicycle
[42] Her half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner
[43] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com show that Charles Elwood Zinn died on April 14, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, also in Galesburg
[44] Adelbert Skinner who was married to Nancy’s half-sister, Lois
[45] Michigan marriage records show that William Smith and Naomi Coe were married in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 25, 1898. Perhaps Monica was a nickname or Nancy didn’t know her and was mistaken about her name
[46] Believe she is referring to the men who left to fight in the Spanish-American War
[47] A letter from Henry shows that the address was 1141 Western Avenue
[48] Michigan death records confirm that Porter Olmsted died May 1, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo
[49] Henry’s photograph business
[50] Her sister Louese Harris’ oldest son, who would have been 15 years old; he died February 12, 1887
[51] Nancy’s brother and his family, James, Cora (Meredith), Winifred and Walter Keith
[52] Henry’s brother and his family, Willis, Elizabeth (Ogden), Ray, Perry and Ruth Brown
[53] Her half-sister Lois’ granddaughter, the daughter of William & Ina (Skinner) Holmes
[54] Michigan death records show that Jesse Earl died May 18, 1898 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[55] Believe this is “Edie”. (See footnote to March 4th entry)
[56] Cullin Channing Packard. He is also mentioned in the February 25th and April 25th entries and it would appear he worked with Henry in some capacity in the photography business. Henry also wrote a letter to Nancy on May 1, 1898 comparing his new place to Packard’s. Michigan death records show that he died May 31, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan as a result of shooting himself because of despondency. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo
[57] Edgar Atkins was her husband Henry’s cousin
[58] Her brother and his family: James & Cora (Meredith) Keith and their children, Winifred and Walter
[59] South Haven
[60] Presumably Cullin Packard’s widow, Mary (Caryl) Packard
[61] Shelbyville, Michigan
[62] Chicago
[63] Her brother-in-law Willis Brown and his wife and daughter, Elizabeth (Ogden) and Ruth Brown
[64] Ruth’s father, Henry Ogden
[65] Her dog
[66] Possibly Lizzie’s brother, Charles Ogden
[67] Michigan death records confirm that Willard Mills died on June 23, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals he is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. He was 90 years old
[68] Believe this refers to money that Henry sent home
[69] This was during the Spanish-American War
[70] Willis Brown’s son, Ray Brown
[71] From Wikipedia.com: The Battle of Santiago de Cuba was a decisive naval engagement that occurred on July 3, 1898, between an American fleet led by William T. Sampson and Winfield Scott Schley, against a Spanish fleet led by Pascual Cervera y Topete, which occurred during the Spanish–American War. The significantly more powerful United States Navy squadron, consisting of four battleships and two armored cruisers, decisively defeated an outgunned squadron of the Royal Spanish Navy which consisted of four armored cruisers and two destroyers, sinking all the Spanish ships without losing a single ship of their own. The crushing loss sealed American victory in the Cuban theater of the war, alongside ensuring the independence of Cuba from Spanish rule
[72] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier
[73] Her cousin, Clara (Milham) Owens
[74] Ruth Owens
[75] Michigan death records confirm that John McBride died August 9, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo
[76] Sister of D. Harris, Lou’s husband
[77] No record was found; research continues
[78] Michigan death records show that Foster Pratt died August 12, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, also in Kalamazoo
[79] See July 28th entry
[80] The 9-9-1898 edition of the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph on page 3 noted the following: Miss Cora Harris of Shelbyville has a compound fracture of both legs, a dislocated right ankle, a broken shoulder and several bad cuts as a reward for rescuing her pet pug dog from the cars. The dog escaped uninjured and the woman is at the point of death
[81] Neighbors, Mary Elizabeth (Stephenson) & Dr. Martin VanBuren McKinney
[82] Valentina (Seifert) Neumaier
[83] Her mother’s brother, Robert Crawford
[84] She often refers going to her parents’ home as “home”
[85] From the Spanish-American War
[86] Michigan death records confirm that Harold Rogers, age 3, was run over by a streetcar on September 28, 1898 in Kalamazoo and is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan
[87] Harold’s parents, Levant & Carrie (Flick) Rogers
[88] Unknown at this time; research continues
[89] Michigan death records show that Andrew Jackson Burdick died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on September 29, 1898 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo
[90] William Rufus Shafter was born in Galesburg, Mich. He served in the Union army during the Civil War and in 1867 joined the regular army, rising to become brigadier general (1897). Shafter was teaching school in Michigan when the Civil War began. He accepted a commission with a Michigan volunteer unit and by war’s end, he had earned the rank of brigadier general of volunteers. In the Spanish-American War he was placed in command of the army that in June, 1898, invaded Cuba. After hard fighting at El Caney and San Juan Hill, the expedition entered Santiago on July 17. Shafter was much criticized, however, because the expedition had been poorly prepared and ill-equipped and the mortality rate from disease was high. Shafter retired in 1899 and was advanced to major general on the retired list in 1901. In 1895 Shafter received the Medal of Honor for meritorious service in the Civil War. Shortly after his promotion to major general in 1901, he retired to his sixty-acre farm adjoining his daughter’s ranch near Bakersfield, California. On November 12, 1906, Shafter, terribly overweight, died at his daughter Mary’s home from an intestinal obstruction complicated by pneumonia. He was buried next to his wife at the presidio in San Francisco, California. His films include: “Surrender of General Toral” (1898) and “Major General Shafter” (1898). In both films he played himself. (From FindAGrave.com)
[91] Mary (Shafter) McKittrick
[92] Celebration of the country’s success and end of the Spanish-American War and honored the troops
[93] Will Pendleton
[94] See July 28th entry
[95] Hank’s aunt, Hannah (Brown) Chase
[96] Don’t know why she referred to her husband Hank that way
[97] Neumaier
[98] Michigan marriage records show that Clarence Schroder married Gertrude Olin in Richland, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)
[99] Michigan marriage records show that Arthur Burroughs married Mamie (Wood) Starr in Plainwell, Michigan on October 19, 1898 (not October 18)
[100] This last sentence was written across the October 19, 20 & 21 entries
[101] Malvina (Johnson) Meredith, Cora (Meredith) Keith’s mother
[102] Michigan death records show that Lucinda (Cory) Burdick died October 20, 1898 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[103] Will and Caroline (Neumaier) Pendleton
[104] Chicago, Illinois
[105] Her paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith
[106] Napoleon B. McKinney. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton, Michigan
[107] Michigan death records show that Richard Pengelly died November 6, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery also in Kalamazoo
[108] Michigan death records show that Charles Hitchcock died November 15, 1898 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com confirms that he is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan
[109] Michigan death records show that Mary (Sherwood) Bragg (the wife of Leonard Bragg) died November 18, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo
[110] Mary (Askins) Bennett’s mother was Louisa (Wyman) Askins Manchester. Michigan death records confirm that she died November 21, 1898 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and FindAGrave.com reveals she is buried in Grand Prairie Cemetery in Westwood, Michigan
[111] Michigan marriage records show that Cora Ridler married Olin Bera in Galesburg, Michigan on November 23, 1898
[112] Napoleon McKinney. See November 4th entry
[113] While we don’t have any of Nancy’s original artwork, below is a photograph that Henry took of Nancy’s rendition of “Pharoah’s Horses” by John Herring which was a very popular print displayed in many homes throughout the early part of the 20th century
[114] Her dog; see below photo of Henry with Zama
[115] Henry and Claude
[116] Etc.
[117] Alida (Carson) Ogden. Her husband, Stuart Ogden, and Lizzie Brown (see footnote to May 16th entry) were siblings
[118] Olin & Cora (Ridler) Bera (see November 23rd entry)
[119] FindAGrave.com reveals that Richard W. Wells died December 19, 1898 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[120] Her childhood home; where her parents lived in Galesburg
[121] Bess (Nelson) Milham
[122] George Milham; he was Nancy’s paternal first cousin once removed
PHAROAH’S HORSES
Henry Brown with Zama
Scan of 1898 Diary of Nancy Brown
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The Diaries of Charles Luke Keith Jr 