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

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1891 Diary

• 1891 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

• The entries from January 1 through February 14 were first written in the back of his 1890 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1891 diary. Anything from 1890 that clarifies or adds to the 1891 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Nancy and the girls[2] came. [Nancy brot painting. Rainy day.] Lois[3] and Ida Barber[4] came over. Will and Lizzie Brown[5] here. Verry wet day. Not much taring around.

Jan 2 – Hannah[6] went over to Wm Blakes. Nancy and girls went home on Evening train.

Jan 3 – Went over to Burg[7] to mill took 4 bushels corn & rye for feed. Hannah went to Kalamazoo.

Jan 4 – Very fine day. No one here [but Sally,[8] myself and Ethan[9]]. Hannah down to Nancys.

Jan 5 – Took Hannah over to Ida Barbers. Gave Dick Lamkin my [ulster] overcoat. Not very cold snowed in afternoon. [Snows like fun[10] this Evening.] Ethan went over after Hannah in Evening.

Jan 6 – Hannah went to Mrs Howlets this morning. I worked in Barn and cornhouse and done the chores as usual.

Jan 7 – Mercury 3 Abz[11] fine day. Sarah[12] and I went down to Alvin Lees.[13] Mr Allerton[14] moving. He sold his farm to Mr Miller of Kalamazoo for a stock farm.

Jan 8 – 4 Abz nice day. Mr Allertons family left for their new home up north.

Jan 9 – Ethel Crosfield a visiting here this afternoon. Ed Harmon load wood [two cords] this afternoon.

Jan 10 – Home as usual all right. Nice warm day. Repaired wire fence.

Jan 11 – At home. No one here. No snow and first rate wheeling.

Jan 12 – 33 Abz. Washing. Some blustrous rather rough in Evening.

Jan 13 – Nice weather some cold north wind. Ed brot load wood [two cords]. Mrs R. G. Smith[15] came over.

Jan 14 – The two Hannahs went to Mr Mires this morning. I turned two knobs for Lois cupboard. Very fine day. All well. Hens making all the Eggs they can afford for 20 cts pr doz.

Jan 15 – Pleasant day. Woking on Lamkins wagon jack. Some wind. [Nice wheeling no snow.] Roads smooth as a floor.

Jan 16 – Pleasant. Worked on jack some. Ground [froze] hard as a rock rather hard on Horses they drive so like old split foot. [Rather hard on wheat.]

Jan 17 – Took Hannah over to Lois in the fore part of the day. Went over after her about 4 PM. Bot one Bushel potatoes paid one Dollar for them. [Will Clark[16] there.] Ethan took his mother[17] over to George Blakes in Evening. Mr Wood and wife there.

Jan 18 – At home all day. No one here. None of the Christians called to see if they could get Hannah to work for them two or three days in May or August.

Jan 19 – [Went to mill.] Jim[18] came home to day. I made a pounder. Will Clark came over stayed all night. Hannah went to John Blakes this morning.

Jan 20 – Mercury 30 Abz. Jim started for Chicago[19] on the 8.25 AM train.

Jan 21 – Will here. I went over to burg afternoon took over 8 doz Eggs 18 cts pr doz. Will went back home with me found Charley [Clark][20] there.

Jan 22 – Took Sarah over to Lois to quilting.

Jan 23 – Mended Dels[21] razor. Mr Woods folks called just at night. They went down to Mrs Streators[22] stayed all night. They are moving a part of the Alphadelphia Mansion[23] up to the burg for a foundry and machine shop. Fine weather.

Jan 24 – At work in shop some. Split some wood and various small jobs such as feed the hens and fetch in the Hogs and milk.

Jan 25 – Mr Woods folks came to day. [George] Blakes and [Harry] Wilsons folks came over in Evening also Ida Barber.

Jan 26 – Mr Woods folks here all had seance[24] in Evening. Charley Town[25] came over. Very nice pleasant weather.

Jan 27 – Very nice day. Mr Woods folks left for home. I took Hannah over to Ida Barbers in morning went and brot her home in Evening. She went up to Charley Ogdens this Evening.

Jan 28 – Mr Wilcox came and got Lamkins jack.

Jan 29 – Shelled corn for Bill and Fans[26] feed. Rainy day not very cold. Mrs Henry Clinton Buried to day.

Jan 30 – Went to mill [took 4 bushels corn and rye]. Fine day. Got this Diary to day. Lois brot it up from Kalamazoo. Will Clark sent it.

Jan 31 – Took 4 Doz Eggs over to Lois 16 cts pr doz. Nice day for a winter day nicest kind of wheeling.

Feb 1 – At home [all day. No one here.] Fine weather [no snow]. Lots folks out to church. I expect they went that way I did not go to see where they went.

Feb 2 – Mended Hannahs rule [put zinc on the end]. Hannah at home all day.

Feb 3 – Doing chores as usual. Not very cold some blustrous about two inches snow.

Feb 4 – Pretty cold wind some snow very cold night.

Feb 5 – Mercury 34 in Evening. Worked in shop [some on ax helve]. Ethan finished the moddle. Charley took it up to Culls[27] in Evening.

Feb 6 – Fixed the pounder. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood. Paid him $16 sixteen Dollars.

Feb 7 – Worked in shop some. Fine day [no snow]. Went over and got Lois.

Feb 8 – At home. All right. No one came to day.

Feb 9 – Went over to burg got half bushel potatoes 50 cts. Have got the poor House into town in front of Grove St.

Feb 10 – Worked in shop some [on ax helves]. Nice day. Charley Town went to Battle Creek with the moddle.

Feb 11 – Hannah went to Shelbyville.[28] She sent her clock up by town [home].

Feb 12 – Fine day. Put a new valve in pump at the barn. Went up to the saw mill.

Feb 13 – Took the old saddle to peaces. They got the poor House [the Alphadelphia Mansion][29] a cross the Rail Road to day. Admiral Porter died to day.[30]

Feb 14 – Warm day. Cleaned out the shop. The Grand Trunk Rail Road was surveyed a cross my farm to day [from Battle Creek to Kalamazoo]. Steaks set for the line. General W. T. Sherman died to day.[31]

Feb 15 – Not very cold rather nice day. Hannah up to Lous.[32] Lou some better.

Feb 16 – Very foggy all day. Surveyors no work to day. Charley Town started this Evening for Toronto Canada.[33]

Feb 17 – Moved the turning lathe to day. Very rainy day quite foggy in afternoon.

Feb 18 – Mercury 19 Abz. Worked in cornhouse sorted my corn and moved things around generally. Mr Randals[34] auction to day. Cold north east wind. Schroder and Olin drawing lumber down to the stock farm the J. T. Allerton[35] farm the Miller farm now.

Feb 19 – Went over to burg in afternoon. The Railroad surveyors out to day. Mr Randal and his new wife[36] drove in to enquire something about the title to his farm he has sold out. Rained and snowed in night.

Feb 20 – Rainy morning very sloppy rained most of the day. Bad day to be out not much teaming. Schroders team drawing lumber for Mr Miller at the stock farm west of the Keith farm on the river road.

Feb 21 – Pleasant day quite cool wind. Went over to the burg in morning after Lois. I shelled some corn for to make the jonny cake[37] and de mush and milk.[38]

Feb 22 – Home to day not go to church. Hannah up to Shelbyville. Sick with the grip. Nice day.

Feb 23 – Went over to burg just at night. Got a letter from Nancy said she was some better. Mrs Thomas Durkees remains was brot to the burg to day for interment.[39] Also Wesley Strubles. Fine day Mercury 50 at 2 P.M. The new barn was raised this afternoon on the Allerton farm. Filed saw for Mr Randal. Mr Frank Austin died to day.[40]

Feb 24 – Mercury 57 Abz just at night. Shelled corn. Rainy day high wind very much like April weather. Ethan went over to the office no mail. No had the cutter out yet this winter.

Feb 25 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Rather cold wind. Mr Dick Barber and Charley came over here. Mr Frank Austin was buried to day.

Feb 26 – Cold snowey day. D. Harris[41] here to dinner. Wm Ralph[42] called here to see Dee. I worked in shop some. Cul Town went to Allegan with load of goods for Mr Rodney Addams.

Feb 27 – Cold windy day. Took 5½ bushels corn and rye to mill. Hannah came home from Shelbyville. Nancy came home with her. Snowed in the night.

Feb 28 – About 5 inches snow this morning rather blustrous cold wind with sunshine. Not doing much to day.

Mar 1 – Mercury 12 Blow zero. At home. Hannah and Nancy here. Lois and Ina[43] came over. Lizzie Brown came down in afternoon.

Mar 2 – Mercury 15 Ab zero. Went over and got Lois. She came over to help Hannah tye some comforters. Mr Randal moving to day. Not very cold some snow.

Mar 3 – Nancy went over to Lois at noon. She goes home on the Evening train. Snow all day. Mr Randal moving some more things to day.

Mar 4 – At work in shop. Some cold wind. Mr Randal left for his new home.

Mar 5 – Cold wind. Work around house and shop some. Logs and wood being hawled to the burg and mill.

Mar 6 – Very blustrous snowed and blowed all day. Went over to burg got the mail and steak beef.

Mar 7 – Went up to Herb Earls[44] got some turnips. Elva, Luella & her brother came down in Evening.

Mar 8 – Rain some this morning. No one here to day after Hannah. Cool wind.

Mar 9 – Worked in shop some. Snow most all gone some. Logs and wood going to the burg.

Mar 10 – Hannah went over to R. G. Smiths this morning to make a dress for Mrs Smith. Mercury up in the forties. Martin Milham[45] called in awhile about noon.

Mar 11 – Worked in shop cut out some ax helves. Charley Town got home to day from Canada and York state, Ohio and various other towns. Rained afternoon and Evening.

Mar 12 – Worked some in shop. Not very cold. George Milham[46] got his stone boat[47] plank.

Mar 13 – Worked in shop all day. Cold windy day. Hard going not much going on here.

Mar 14 – Cold blustring day snowed and blowed all day. Not do much but chores. Hannah working for Mrs Emily Commings. Some sleighing.

Mar 15 – At home. Cold wind some blustrous bad day for the Tristians to get to church.

Mar 16 – Some wind not very cold. Went over to burg in afternoon. Ina came home with me stayed all night. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on the 9.15 train Evening. Hannah went to Mrs McNaughtons this morning.

Mar 17 – Mercury 24 at six A.M. cold south west wind. Chored around worked in shop some. Went over to burg in Evening after Ethan he not come. Mercury 42 in Evening. Dr. Wm Sprague of Pavilion Wyoming Co. N.Y. buried to day.[48]

Mar 18 – Mercury 37 in morning. Washing day. Ethan came on noon train. Some wind no snow. Hannah sewing at the burg this week. Very much mud now days.

Mar 19 – Cold south west wind. Made helve for the splitting ax. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Mar 20 – At home choring around as usual. Not much work.

Mar 21 – Working around house and shop. Ethan not doing much in shop. Some muddy cold wind.

Mar 22 – Jesse Earl[49] came down awhile in afternoon. Frank Crossfield[50] and cousin came down in Evening. Mrs Wesley Merryman died this morning.[51]

Mar 23 – Went over to burg at noon got Lois satchel for Ethan. He is going to Kalamazoo to help Hanks folks[52] move.

Mar 24 – Took Hannah over to R. G. Smiths this morning. Took over seven doz eggs to Skinner[53] 15 cts pr doz. Got some hay of Charley Town. Ina came over stayed all night. Mr Stephen Comfort of Jamestown N.Y. died this morning Ae. 84 years.[54]

Mar 25 – Took corn and rye to mill. Ina came over stayed all night. Went down to Mr Simmons. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood.

Mar 26 – Washing in fore noon. Mary An Oscar[55] came this forenoon. I took her over to the 2 oclock train. Ethan came home on the six oclock train. I went over after Hannah. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood.

Mar 27 – All right. Choring around as usual. I went down to Mr Simmons to see about the dray.

Mar 28 – Not much work to day. Not verry well. Ethan making patterns.

Mar 29 – Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts. Nice day.

Mar 30 – Mr Simmons brot twenty five hundered and seventy bbls hay. Ed Harmon brot two cords wood. Rained hard.

Mar 31 – Some ledle rainy day. I went up to Schrams to see about getting some seed potatoes.

Apr 1 – Rainy day not do much to day. Worked in shop some. Ethan work on patterns. Hannah home sick not go up to Sates to work.

Apr 2 – Hannah up to Sates to day. Worked in shop some. I. D. L. Schram[56] here a while to day. Snowed some.

Apr 3 – Took two bushels wheat to mill. Some snow to day cold wind. Made button hook for Bes. Turned one for Lelah.[57]

Apr 4 – Made handle to Hannahs button hook.

Apr 5 – Went up to Herbs in morning then went over to Bennet House[58] after Ed and Mage Allen. They came over and stayed all day. Edwin Flanders sick.

Apr 6 – Snow two inches deep this morning. Went over to town meeting in afternoon saw Robert Jickling and Walter Huntington.

Apr 7 – Ethan took Hanah over to Ripley Commings in morning she did not stay. Henry Crawford[59] came stayed all night. Nice day.

Apr 8 – Went over to burg in morning after Lois. Ed and Madge came over. Henry left for home[60] on the one twenty train. Ethan took Lois and Ed over in Evening. Very dark.

Apr 9 – Wating on the grip. Not do something.

Apr 10 – Tending to the grip. Quite damp. Rained some in the night.

Apr 11 – Looks stormy cool wind.

No entries from April 12 to 25 and then sporadically until September 14

Apr 26 – G. A. Lockhart Died this morning.[61] Edwin Flanders and wife[62] called here in afternoon. Elva and Lizzie, Will Owens and Cllara Milham.[63]

Apr 28 – Mr Lockhart buried to day.

May 12 – Paid Beckwith and Wells Bills.

May 16 – Will Brown took some wheat to mill. Verry dry.

May 18 – Big fire in Perry Wyoming County NY.

May 19 – Will Brown got out manure in forenoon.

May 20 – Will got out manure in afternoon. Mrs Geo Blake came over. Had a shower. Mr Earl and Mrs called to see Hannah. Rained in the night.

May 23 – Mrs Isaac Clark died to day.[64]

May 25 – Mrs Clark buried to day. Will Brown plowed the potatoe ground. Mrs A. B. Sumner Buried to day.[65]

May 26 – D came this Evening stayed all night.

May 27 – D went home on the one thirty five pm train. Got some potatoes of Schram $10. Paid Edwin Flanders ten Dollars.

Jun 3 – Lou went home on the one thirty five pm train. Paid Doc McBeth $2.00 two Dollars at the Depo at Galesburg.

Jun 4 – Received two barrels potatoes from Shelbyville. A cold day for June.

Jun 10 – Jim and Cory wer married to day.[66] Verry nice day. Dell, Lois, Ethan, Hannah and Charley, Nancy and the girls went to the wedding. Took some wheat to mill.

Jun 12 – Will Clark came over this afternoon. Pleasant day.

Jun 20 – Clara Clark[67] came to day.

Jun 21 – Sarah and I went down to Nancys.

Jun 22 – Jim and Cora started for Chicago. Came to Hanks. Took the 3 oclock train for South Haven. Mrs Kellog killd her self to night.[68]

Jun 23 – Ed Allen came to Hanks in fore noon. We started for home about one PM. Bot oil stove $1.80 one pr shoes $2.00 one pail .30.

Jun 24 – Lois came over stayed all day. Verry hot.

Jun 25 – Took Clara over to burg this morning. Clara and Lois went to Kalamazoo. Got my watch at Wilsons charges $1.00.

Jul 4 – Hannah went to Kalamazoo to day.

Jul 5 – Doctor Motram,[69] old Mrs Schroder[70] and Al Mot[71] wer all buried to day. Ethan went to Kalamazoo after Hannah.

Jul 6 – George Addams died to day.[72]

Jul 7 – The Binder went up to I. D. L. Schrams this afternoon.

Jul 11 – Bes went home to day. Ina came home. McCormic and his Experts from Chicago came to see the Binder work.

Jul 12 – Charley finished cutting Schrams wheat.

Jul 13 – Went to mill to day took wheat and corn and rye. Lost the umbrella. Got my small hand ax tempered. Had a big wind and rain storm.

Aug 7 – Took Bag wheat to mill one bushel corn.

Aug 8 – Went to mill took bag of wheat one bushel corn. Very hot and dry.

Aug 9 – Had a little rain just at night.

Aug 12 – Went to Kalamazoo with Nancy and Lela stayed all night.

Aug 13 – Came home. Lelah came back with me.

Aug 14 – Mr Sallmon from Ackron Ohio came here to see the Binder work. Was here to tea. Doctor Rogers of Scots came here he sayed to tea. Charley went up to Culls. Hannah went to Erastus Towns.[73] Had a thunder shower in afternoon.

Aug 15 – Clara Milham came up in forenoon stayed to dinner.

Aug 17 – Sarah and I went to Shelbyville to day. Found Lou some better.

Aug 31 – Cora came to Kalamazoo on the Chicago Express 7 PM.

Sep 1 – Left Shelby for Kalamazoo. Stayed to Nancys all night. Found Cora there. She went to Shelbyville on the 7 PM train.

Sep 2 – At Nancys all day. Warm day.

Sep 3 – Got home just at night.

Sep 14 – Went up to Scots to day after medicin for Hannah and myself. Lois went with me.

Sep 15 – Hannah went to Union Citty to day.

Sep 16 – The plums came to day from Perry[74] all right. Very warm mercury 92. Clearing out the upper part of the buggy house.

Sep 17 – Went over to burg in morning got shugar, tea and coffee. Clara Milham and Will Owens wer married this morning before breakfast.[75] Ethan cutting corn.

Sep 18 – Went over to George Blakes stayed all day. Very hot rained quite hard when we came home.

Sep 19 – Lois and I went to Kalamazoo went to Nancys saw Mrs Owens. Stayed all day.

Sep 20 – Very warm day. At home all day. No one here.

Sep 21 – Went over to the 1.30 PM train after Hannah.[76] She came from Union Citty. Very hot mercury up in the ninetys now days.

Sep 22 – Hannah went up to Flanders. E Hopkins brot the hubs and spokes for his wheel Barrow wheels. Ras and Tip[77] came down this Evening to see Hannah.

Sep 23 – Turned out Hubs for Hopkins wheels. Very hot is getting dry a gain a good shower would help wheat and grass cowcumbers and young pigs. R.G. called in a while. He had been up to Mr Halls to make his will. Mercury 93 in shade.

Sep 24 – Worked on Hopkins wheels. Put spokes into one hub.

Sep 25 – Morticed one hub got out some spokes. R.G. came over in Evening. Fullerton Chesebrow and Jo Neff working at the school house building, wood house and privy.

Sep 26 – Went over to burg got some mortor of Mr. D. Vose for Hannah. Ethan and Hannah worked over to the house all day. Very warm and dry.

Sep 27 – At home. Mercury 95 in shade at 2 PM. Mr Crosfield came down a while towards night.

Sep 28 – Finished Hopkins whees. Put spokes in one hub. Fullrton Chesebrow and Jo Neff worked for Hannah cut door way between setting and parlor.

Sep 29 – Went up to I.D.L. Schrams got some peaches. Schrams folks went up to Mr Swaddles to Mr Swaddles birth day party. He was 80 years old.[78]

Sep 30 – Some cooler. Lois here to day. She came over to help Hannah. I put the top on my violin to day put in a new bass bar and filled in the Belly in the center.

Oct 1 – Put the finger board on the old Fiddlein and strung it up. Ethan, Hannah and Lois working over to the Town House. Nice hot weather.

Oct 2 – Moved Hannahs things over to the Town House. Ras brung down three bags taturze. Ras, Cull and Charley Scott[79] cutting C. D. Towns corn.

Oct 3 – I dug some potatoes. Carried Hannahs sewing machine over to the Town House. Ras and Charley came down and cut and picked corn. Drew one load down. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo this afternoon noon. Very hot and dry. They stayed all night.

Oct 4 – At home. No one here. Nice warm day. Ethan and Hannah came home.

Oct 5 – Went up to Culs got straw to put in beds. Went over to burg after Lois. Went up to Jesse Earls got some tomatoes.

Oct 6 – Set some glass over to the Town House. Nice day mercury 44.

Oct 7 – Went over to burg in the morning got shugar, flour, salt, tea and coffee. Went to Kalamazoo took Nancy home. Stayed all night. Lizzie and children[80] wer there.

Oct 8 – At Nancys. Some frost. C. D. Towne came home. Spect they layed together all night mabby.

Oct 9 – Filed two saws for E. P. Flanders. Drew in the pumpkins. Ethan dug some potatoes. Ras and Charley Scott Town plowing for C. D. Towne.

Oct 10 – Lou and Cora came to day. Nice weather for this season of the year. Worked in shop some.

Oct 11 – All at home. Lois came over. Ras and Culs folks all down to Charleys. Jesse Earl called here a while.

Oct 12 – All hands went over to Charleys to tea. I went over and got Lois. Turned rooling pin for Cora.

Oct 13 – Mercury 38 in morning. Put handle on Lous pairing knife. Made cloths stick for Cora. Lou and Cora went over to Lois in afternoon and stay the night. Charley shipped a lot of hogs to day.

Oct 14 – Took Sarah over to Lois. Went down to Mr Ralphs with Lou. Lou and Cora left for home on the one twenty seven P.M. train. Rained some in the afternoon. Hopkins got his wheels.

Oct 15 – Chored around the house and barn all day. Some nice day pleasant and cool. I am 78 years old to day. Had ten chickens born to day.

Oct 16 – Pulled the beans and fixed the coop for the hen and chickens. Very fine pleasant day. Ethan husked sweet corn and popcorn.

Oct 17 – Working round as usual. Cleaned out the buggy house overhead. Picked up some potatoes. Ethan finished diging and husked the sweet corn. Some letle rainy wet, &c.[81]

Oct 18 – Nice day. At home all day. Charley and Hannah came over just at night.

Oct 19 – Worked around the yard and garden. Put straw and weeds on the bean stack. Picked up all the old crocks and bottles around yard put them into the glory hole.[82] Charley thrashed his rye and oats to day.

Oct 20 – Worked around hous and garden. Will Johnson took his Engine and separator away to day. Hannah bot cow of Mr James Little to day paid thirty dollars.

Oct 21 – We drew in six loads corn and husked some. Very fine day. Mr Little moved to Galesburg to day.

Oct 22 – Repaired cornhouse in forenoon. Husked corn in afternoon. Hank came up on the six oclock train. Nice day pleasant and dry. Alvin Lee called in a few minutes at noon.

Oct 23 – Husked corn all day. Hank went home on the one oclock P.M train. Two strangers drove in at noon wanted to know if they could drive up threw my lot to the woods. They wanted to see if they see any rabbits. Fine weather for October.

Oct 24 – Husked corn in forenoon finished drawing in in afternoon. Clared the lot. Very fine day sprinkled some about one oclock P.M.

Oct 25 – At home. Put over in Charleys lot with his cow. They got into his cornfield. Was out all night. We not find them. Charley and Hannah went up to Tip Towns.

Oct 26 – Helped some about washing. Got some medicine of Dr C. H Walker of Kalamazoo. Ethan husked corn.

Oct 27 – Worked in shop on Will Caywoods squair. Very nice weather. Ethan husking.

Oct 28 – Worked on Caywoods square. Pleasant and dry. Wheat wants a little more rain looks very well considering the chance it has no frost yet to speak of.

Oct 29 – Finished Caywoods square. Finished husking. Went over to Hannahs to supper. Mrs John Powers and Mrs Dewey wer there to day. Very nice warm day mercury 42 in the morning.

Oct 30 – Thrashed and cleaned up the beans gathered the walnuts and dug out the corn stibble in the garden. Warm Indian summer weather mercury 53 in shade rained in the night.

Oct 31 – Mercury 59 at noon. Churned and done varias things. Nice weather rained in morning strong south west wind all day. Charley John horse sick in afternoon.

Nov 1 – At home all day. Pleasant some wind. Will Caywood got his squair in the Evening of the first day.

Nov 2 – Fixed the cellar windows. Shiny day. Put some shingles on the buggy house. Cull commenced drilling Charley rye. Mercury 22 in the morning. This is Fathers[83] 100 and 7^th Birth day.

Nov 3 – Prepared feed to grind. Shelled corn and put up corn, oats and rye. There was a big fire in the burg in the night. Two drug stores burned Burdicks and Browns.

Nov 4 – Went to mill got corn, rye and oats ground for Bill and Fan. C. D. Towne went to Fiting[?] creek to day.

Nov 5 – Chored round house and barn. Got some walnuts. Ethan put the cabbage in cellar. Cool wind mercury 27 in morning.

Nov 6 – Mercury 27. Burned some brush and other rubbish on the hill. Eva Blake came over. Charley and Hannah went up to Rass.

Nov 7 – Went to Kalamazoo to Nancys. Fine day. Got there about dark stayed all night. Rained some in the night.

Nov 8 – At Hanks. Rained all day not go out much. Lost my whissle that Ancel Lee[84] gave me.

Nov 9 – At Hanks. No get out. Rained all day and all night.

Nov 10 – At Hanks. Rained all day and all night. Went up town in the morning with Lelah and Bes to ge them some rubbers. Madge Allen came just dark to see if Nancy could down to Mr Shafers in the morning to see her mother who is sick.

Nov 11 – Left Hanks about nine oclock for home. Rained all the way home got some wet not much.

Nov 12 – No rain to day. Ed Harmon brot load wood. Went up in the woods. Found things all right.

Nov 13 – Went over to burg in morning bot some flour and soup bone. Ed Harmon bot load hard wood. I bot one sack graham flour one violin E string.

Nov 14 – Chored around house some. Went up to Culls got crosscut saw. We not any. Ethan making ironing board. Snowed some in Evening.

Nov 15 – At home all day. Rainy day. Jesse Earl came down just at night.

Nov 16 – Washed and chored around all day. Some stormy night. Ethan and I sawed up the tree into wood for to burn in de stove sah. Some snow in the night.

Nov 17 – Stormy day. Not very much work done here. Sawed out stuf fore streight Edge and yard stick.

Nov 18 – Fixed up chicken coop for the young chickens.

Nov 19 – Went down to Marts to mill got feed ground. Ed Harmon brot load wood just at night. Rained when he came. Shelled corn to take to mill. Cool and damp day.

Nov 20 – Went down to Marts to mill. Rather cold wind from the south west rained most of the night.

Nov 21 – Rainy morning mercury 52. Went over to the burg in morning after Lois. Banked up the well house and back stoop. Hannah and Charley came over in afternoon. Etta Ralph and Cory Harris[85] called here just at night.

Nov 22 – Mercury 52. At home all day. Rainy. I churned most of the day. Charles and Hanah went up to Culs.

Nov 23 – Done not much but chores. Some rainy day in afternoon. Ethan finished the ironing board and repaired Inas chair and helped Hannah wash.

Nov 24 – Mercury 29. Fixed up the well at the house and the one at the barn. Some cold day quite a strong wind.

Nov 25 – Mercury 29 in the morning snowed some in fore noon. Went over to burg at noon took dinner with Dell and Lois. Went after the mail just at night. Ed Harmon brot fifteen bushels wheat from E. P. Flanders.

Nov 26 – Lelah and Bess came came up to Thanksgiving. Nice day some stormy. Tin pedler came and bot old plow.

Nov 27 – Nancy came to day. Snowed and blowd. Took the folks over to Hannahs at noon on the sleigh. First sleigh ride of the seson. Snowed all day some not very hard as the saying is.

Nov 28 – Nancy and girls here all day. They went home on the Evening accomodation. Cold Evening. Ethan took Nancy over to the train. The girls went over with Charley.

Nov 29 – At home all day. Nice day. Some sleighs running. Charley and Hannah went down to Mr Peas at Comstock. Mercury 7 Above zero at 7.30 AM.

Nov 30 – At home working around doing chores. Went up in woods with sleigh. Drew down a short log.

Dec 1 – Worked in shop some and tinkered around. Went over and got Charleys ax and helve.

Dec 2 – Nice day. Hung ax for Charley. Went over to Hannahs churned a while. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on noon train. Mercury 44 in Evening.

Dec 3 – Mercury 46 in morning. Churned at home in the morning. Went over to Charleys in morning cleaned up some rye. Got ½ bushel to grind. Went over and churned for Hannah after dinner. Lois there to day sewing. Quite a strong south west wind all day and Evening.

Dec 4 – Cold south west wind. Pulled turnips and put them in the cellar.

Dec 5 – Not verry well. Not do much to day. Ethan splitting wood up in the woods. Some cold wind. Ed Harmon brot one load wood. Ethan broke two mawls.[86]

Dec 6 – Mercury 27 Abz. At home all day. Very snowey day snowed all day cold north East wind.

Dec 7 – Cold blutering day. Some sleighs running not very good sleighing. Made mawl for C. D. Town.

Dec 8 – Made me silf a mawl sor be gabers. Hannah got the red bed spread to put up between the setting room and parlor.

Dec 9 – Mercury 34 Abz nice pleasant day. Dressed out a streight edge and measureing rule six feet long. Cleaned out one eve trough done the chores and churned. Snow about gone. Mr David Vosburg died this morning Ae. 86 years.

Dec 10 – Mercury 34 in the morning. Worked in shop most of the day. Cora Harris called here a while in the afternoon. Nice pleasant day south west wind.

Dec 11 – Mercury 24 in morning nice pleasant day no wind. Went down to Marts got some 52 lbs rye ground. Mercury 29 in evening some wind at night when we came home. Mr Vosburg buried to day.

Dec 12 – Mercury 24 in morn. Finished my long rule and streight edge. Very nice day mercury 33 in Evening. Ethan over to the burg.

Dec 13 – At home. No one here. Fine day. Charley and Hannah here in the Evening. No snow.

Dec 14 – Mercury 4. Ethan went to Kalamazoo on the 8.20 train. Rained all day. Fan and Bill out in lot all day. They got wet but no hurt them. Mercury 44 in afternoon. Aunt Sally Turner died this morning 7 am.[87]

Dec 15 – Mercury 57 Abz in morn. Rained some. George Milham came up to let us know of Aunt Sallys death. Jesse Earl came in he was hunting up for Theodore some he had lent to some one in the neighborhood he did not find some here.

Dec 16 – Cold windy day. Ed Harmon brot load wood. Aunt Sally Turner buried to day. Old Mr Gates father of L.M. and G.M. Gates of Kalamazoo and Comstock Died to day in Rochester N.Y.[88]

Dec 17 – Mercury 21 in the morn cold wind all day not much cloudy. Not very well no work. Mrs Pease came up to Hannahs to have some work done. George and Eva over to Charleys in Evening. Ethan went over to the burg this Evening.

Dec 18 – Went over to the burg in forenoon got lamp chimneys, ginger, dried beef &c. Paid my tax $4.82. Left my watch with Wilson.

Dec 19 – Mercury pleasant sunshiny day. I drew 4 loads wood from the woods. Very good wheeling. Lots wood going to the burg.

Dec 20 – At home as usual. No one here. All well. Nice weather for winter no snow good wheling.

Dec 21 – Doing chores as always. Fine pleasant day. Lots wood going to town. Cattle getting part of their living out lots hay going to town.

Dec 22 – Mercury 52 cool south west wind. I pulled the last of the turnips. Lois came over to Hannahs. Mrs Pease went home. Cull drew load straw.

Dec 23 – Mercury 43 nice fall weather pleasat sun shown all day no frost in the ground. Edwin Flanders called here in Evening. I paid him $20 Dollars. Maggie Collins died this morning.[89] She was teaching in the high school in the burg.

Dec 24 – Mercury. Went over to the burg after oil and the mail. Maggie was taken to her home at Vicksburg to day. Went to Kalamazoo on the 8.20 train A.M.

Dec 25 – Mercury 43 in morning. Went over to Hannahs in the afternoon to oysters and chicken. Mercury 54 at one oclock P.M. Extra nice day.

Dec 26 – Mercury 20 Abz in morning cold north wind all day some snow in the are all day rough day to be out. Cull brot plank for the water tank.

Dec 27 – Mercury nice day. Will and Liz Brown called just at night. Charley and Hannah here in Evening.

Dec 28 – Cold south west wind all day. Cull brot rods and timber for tank. I split up one of the old stumps in the lane south of the barn.

Dec 29 – Went over to burg in forenoon got my watch. Fine weather good wheling.

Dec 30 – Went over to Lois in morning and post office. George Blake and wife came over stayed the Evening. Bot Diary 25 cts.

Dec 31 – Lelah, Bes and Laverne came up to day. Nice day rained some. Mr Kinney got the old Cherry Bedstead. Wil and Lizzie, Charley and Hannah came over to dinner.

——-

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

[2] Daughter and granddaughters, Nancy, Lela and Bess Brown

[3] Daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[4] Ida Barber married Eugene Howe in 1882, however, the 1900 census shows Ida as a widow and she and her children were listed as Barber (not Howe). Ethan Keith’s diary entry of September 22, 1884 shows: Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day. He feels real bad about it

[5] Neighbors, Willis & Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown; Willis was Nancy’s brother-in-law

[6] Daughter, Hannah Keith

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

[8] Nickname for his wife

[9] His son, Ethan Keith

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

[11] Above zero

[12] Wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

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

[14] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

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

[16] His grandson, William Clark, who was the son of his daughter Lois

[17] Don’t know why he referred to his wife this way

[18] His son, James Clinton Keith

[19] Jim lived in Chicago

[20] His grandson, Charles Clark, who was the son of his daughter Lois

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

[22] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

[23] For more information, see https://oldfamilyletters.wordpress.com/2015/12/07/the-alphadelphia-association

[24] The Keith family, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[25] Neighbor, Charles Towne

[26] His horse and cow

[27] Cullen Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[28] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his daughter Lou and her family lived

[29] In 1948 the Alphadelphia Association sold its property to Kalamazoo County and the county used the mansion for its poor house. Now it was apparently going to be used as a foundry and machine shop (see January 23^rd entry)

[30] From Wikipedia.com: David Dixon Porter (June 8, 1813 – February 13, 1891) was a United States Navy admiral and a member of one of the most distinguished families in the history of the U.S. Navy. Porter began naval service as a midshipman at the age of 10 years under his father, Commodore David Porter, on the frigate USS John Adams. Promoted as the second U.S. Navy officer ever to attain the rank of admiral, after his adoptive brother David G. Farragut, Porter helped improve the Navy as the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy after significant service in the American Civil War

[31] From Wikipedia.com: William Tecumseh Sherman (February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was an American soldier, businessman, educator, and author. He served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861–65), receiving recognition for his command of military strategy as well as criticism for the harshness of the scorched earth policies he implemented in conducting total war against the Confederate States

[32] His daughter, Louese (Keith) Harris

[33] Regarding Ethan’s grain carrier invention

[34] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[35] Former neighbor, John T. Allerton

[36] Susan (Cross) Murcell. Nathan’s first wife, Jane, died September 16, 1890 and Nathan married Susan on December 24, 1890

[37] Johnnycake is like a pancake except it is made with cornmeal

[38] Luke quite often used silly language in his diaries

[39] FindAGrave.com shows that Polly (McAllister) Durkee died in Colon, St. Joseph County, Michigan on February 19, 1891 and she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[40] While the Michigan death record shows that he died February 3, 1891, FindAGrave.com and the Oak Grove Cemetery records confirm that he died February 23, 1891

[41] His daughter Louese’s husband, Daniel D. Harris, Jr., who went by the nicknames D. and D.D.

[42] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

[43] His granddaughter, and Lois’ daughter, Ina Skinner

[44] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[45] The husband of Luke’s late niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[46] Martin Milham’s son

[47] A type of sled for moving heavy objects such as stones or hay bales

[48] A cousin of his second wife, Jerusha Crittenden. While FindAGrave.com shows he died March 10, 1891, North America, Family Histories at Ancestry.com gives a date of death of March 16, 1891, which is more in keeping with a burial date of March 17

[49] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”; the father of Herb Earl

[50] Jesse Earl’s son-in-law; he was married to Elva Earl

[51] Michigan death records reveal that Eleanor (Osborn) Merriman died in Charleston, Michigan on March 22, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[52] His daughter Nancy and her husband, Henry Brown, and family

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

[54] FindAGrave.com confirms that he died March 24, 1891 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Jamestown, New York. Stephen Comfort was the uncle of Luke’s wife Sarah

[55] Believe he is referring to Mary Ann (Batey) Keith, the wife of his nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[56] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[57] Bess and Lela Brown, his granddaughters

[58] A hotel in Galesburg

[59] His wife Sarah’s brother

[60] South Bend, Indiana

[61] Michigan death records show that George Lockhart died on April 26, 1891 and state that he was living in the Comstock Poor House at the time of death. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

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

[64] Michigan death records show that Jane (French) Clark died in Charleston, Kalamazoo County, Michigan on May 23, 1891

[65] FindAGrave.com shows that Harriet (Frazer) Sumner died May 22, 1891 and is buried in Shafter Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[66] His son, James, married Cora Meredith

[67] Clara (Youngs) Clark, the wife of his grandson, Charles Clark

[68] FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah (Brown) Kellogg was despondent and committed suicide by taking a mixture of morphine and nux vomica. She died June 22, 1891 in Kalamazoo, Michigan and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo

[69] Michigan death records reveal that William Mattram died in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 2, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[70] Michigan death records show that “Mary Schroeder” died in Comstock, Michigan on July 3, 1891. Oak Grove Cemetery records show that “Maria (Carp) Shroder” died July 3, 1891

[71] No records were found

[72] While the Michigan death record shows his date of death as July 8, the Oak Grove Cemetery records agree with Luke’s diary entry showing he died July 6, 1891

[73] Believe he is referring to Erasmus Towne, Charley Towne’s brother

[74] Perry, New York

[75] Michigan marriage records show that they were married in Kalamazoo on the 16^th, although a newspaper clipping (source unknown) had the words Sept 17^th 1891 handwritten in

[76] Since this is the date that Hannah married Charles Towne, it is curious that Luke didn’t mention the marriage in his diary. Also since he makes no mention of Charley, perhaps Charley was working at Union City and could not come home with her. Family story is that Charley had tuberculosis and his sister told Hannah that it would be better to marry him even though she would soon be a widow, than to remain an old maid. Most likely, because of this, it would seem that Luke was displeased with the marriage and this was his way of not acknowledging it

[77] Erasmus & Eunice (Wood) Towne

[78] Samuel Ward Swaddel

[79] The son of Eunice (Wood) Scott Towne. His biological father was Joseph Scott (he & Eunice were married in 1865). The 1870 census shows him and his mother, Eunice (with the last name of Scott), living with Eunice’s parents, Simeon & Reliance Wood. Whether Joseph Scott died or left the family is unknown. Eunice then married Erasmus Towne in 1871 when Charles was about two years old and he then went by the name of Charles Wood Scott Towne

[80] Ray and Perry Brown

[81] Etc.

[82] Down the outhouse pit

[83] Charles Luke Keith Sr., also known as Luke

[84] His paternal first cousin

[85] Believe this to be Hetta (Burgess) Ralph and her granddaughter, Cora Harris (D. Harris’ sister)

[86] A maul is a tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for tasks such as ramming, crushing, and driving wedges

[87] Sarah (Davis) Turner, who was the wife of Jesse Turner, Luke’s cousin. FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[88] New York death records show that Reynold Marvin Gates died in Mendon, Monroe County, New York on December 16, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in North Bloomfield Cemetery, Ontario County, New York. Reynold Gates was the father of Lyman M. Gates and Gustavus M. Gates

[89] Michigan death records show that Maggie Collins, age 27, died in Galesburg, Michigan of heart failure on December 23, 1891 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Schoolcraft Township Cemetery, Vicksburg, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1891 Diary

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 1879 Diary

1879 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Went over to burg[2] with Edna Allen,[3] she went home. Bot stove pipe 40 cts. Mr Browns folks,[4] Hank and Nancy[5] and Mrs Betts[6] here. Had a jolly old time. [Che Che[7] came. Had a dance.][8] Carried Mrs Betts home at night. Mink Streator died this morning.

Jan 2 – No work to day. Very blustring day. Carried Nancy home at night. Cold as blazes.

Jan 3 – Mercury 10 below zero in morning. No work to day Except chores.

Jan 4 – Shoveled snow so we could get to the woods. Drawed four loads wood. Carried Hannah[9] over to Nancys at night. Lucinda Brown of East Gainesville, Wyoming County, NY died to day AEged 63 years.[10]

Jan 5 – Alvin Lee[11] came here made an axhelve for him. Went over to burg after Hannah.

Jan 6 – Went over to burg in the morning to see Doc Burrows to get county order. Went up in woods after wood. Went over to Bartons. Ethan[12] went over to Hanks to stay with Nancy. Hank gone to Kalamazoo. Mr Philip Goodrich died this morning at seven Oclock.[13] Jim[14] went to school. Bot this Diary 40 cts. Hannah went down to Henry Kings. Ethan repaired Guittar.

Jan 7 – Not much done. Cold day. Ethan came home. Wind south west.

Jan 8 – Went over to burg. Sarah[15] went over to go to Funeral. Mr Goodrich buried to day. Went up in woods got one load wood. Went over to burg after Sarah. Wind west south west.

Jan 9 – Cut out bords for Box. Went over to burg got board for End boards to Dells[16] box. Got nine Dollars of County on county order. Dressed out some box boards. Konk Smith called here. Wind North west in morning North East at night.

Jan 10 – Worked in shop, plained out side and End boards for Dells box. Made moulding board for Sarah. Let Alfleda[17] have one Dollar, Sarah half Dollar. Mercury 2 Abzo.[18] Wind 2 minutes North of west.

Jan 11 – Worked in shop some. Sawed out sash stuf, plained out some boards. Mercury 14 Abz.

Jan 12 – At home. Katharine,[19] Orrin[20] and Jim came up here. Mercury 10 A. Wind west. Caywood brot Hannah home in morning.

Jan 13 – Worked in shop on Skinners box all day. Not very cold. Wind west North west. Mercury 2 Abz in morning.

Jan 14 – Mercury 21 Abz in morn. Wind South west.

Jan 15 – Carried Sarah over to burg. 3 lbs nails 15¢. Claud[21] came home with me. Went down to Mr Caywoods after Hannahs Pleeter.[22] Snowed and blowed like fun.[23] Wind in North East. Mercury 18 Abz.

Jan 16 – Mercury 17 abz in morning. Cut down tre East of house south side road. Sun came out. Wind North west. Went down to Browns got four bushels wheat. Cleaned up four bushels Buckwheat, shelled 2 bushels corn. Jim came home stayed all night. He paid me fifty cents. Lost bag of Buckwheat flour of of the sleigh. Mr Ridler picked it up.

Jan 17 – Went to mill up to Howlands. Alvin, Julia and Orrin at Hanks. Jed Blodget and wife here when I got home.

Jan 18 – Went and cut some wood. Split and drawed some wood. Charley Smith came after Hannah. Orrin went up to Mr Flanders.[24] Walter Austin came over after Guitarr in Evening. Fine day, wind South west. Austin Potts Hulling clover up to Schrams.

Jan 19 – Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Cold and some blustrous. Wind North west in forenoon, South East in Evening.

Jan 20 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Snowed some. Bot salt bottles 10, bot two for Katharine. Went over to Straits got Calipers. Mr Peter Johnson paid me 50¢. Wind South South west.

Jan 21 – Nelson Nickols choped wood for me to day. I drawed wood in afternoon. Very good day. Mercury 11 Abz. Wind south west.

Jan 22 – Nickols choped and sawed wood. Went down to Browns got his saw. Luther Eldred and wife here to dinner. Fine day mercury 43 Abz. Paid Nelt one 1.25 Dollar and 25 cents. Wind South East.

Jan 23 – Filed Browns saw. Made some bix ins for Theodore.[25] Drawed one load wood. Went over to burg at noon. Went down to M O Streators[26] in Evening. Wind South west. First Egg for the season.

Jan 24 – Mercury 24 Abz in morn. Wind South west.

Jan 25 – Went over got Nancy in morning. Worked on patterns some. Carried Hank and Nancy down to Browns in Evening. Wind South west.

Jan 26 – Mercury 19 Abz in morning. Jim came home after his cloths. Rained in night. Wind South East.

Jan 27 – Rainy day mercury 44 very foggy. Worked on Churn cut grove for head, made head. Wind south west. Snow setled very fast.

Jan 28 – Worked on churn. Fine day all day. Wind south. Mike Hess wife died.

Jan 29 – Fine day. Finished churn in fore noon. Alvin, Ida and Julia called here. Alfleda went home with them. Wind south west. Harry Streators girl Born to day. Hellen Randall helped Born it.[27]

Jan 30 – Very pleasant morning no clouds looks like spring. Mercury 37. Wind North west at noon. Shortened up Mrs Betts cupboard.

Jan 31 – Drove up to Mr Ralphs. Went over to burg bot file &c.[28] Theodore came down to gum saw. Worked on Box some. Got out stuf for pulley to Henrys[29] Buz saw. Sarah went up to Mr Taylors. Mrs Jo Flanders[30] called here. Mr Knap came over. Mrs Fancher buried.[31] Wind North west.

Feb 1 – Mercury Abz 16 in morning. Carried Sarah up to Ralphs in morning. D. Stafford came down and helped turn some patterns. Went after Sarah in Evening. 7 Eggs. Wind North in morning.

Feb 2 – At home all day. No one here. Nice day, cold wind. Got 10 Eggs. Wind North west.

Feb 3 – Worked in shop. Went up in woods got load wood. Worked on pully to Buz saw. Mrs D. K. Rogers died this morning.[32] Browns folks here in Evening. Wind south and south East.

Feb 4 – Put cleats on Dells box. Turned out pully for buz saw. Theodore turned the lathe. Made Nancys Ironing board. Not very cold. Bot three brooms of pedler for fifty cents. Wind south East.

Feb 5 – Carried Sarah over to burg to Mrs D. K. Rogers funerall. Dressed out seat for Dells box. Bot paint. Went over after Sarah at night. Bot oil and venecian red 25¢ paint 50¢. Not very cold. Wind North East. Ruth McLary died 6 oclock P.M.[33]

Feb 6 – Worked on box. Alvin and Julia came up brot Alfleda home. Carried Sarah over to Barbers at noon. Went after her just at night. Wind North West.

Feb 7 – Pleasant morning very good sleighing. Jim came home this morning. Painted Dells Box. Ruth McLary buried to day. Wind west mercury 32 Abz.

Feb 8 – Worked in shop some. Painted Dells box. Mrs Streator[34] called here. Nancy came over with Allen Simmons. Hank came over stayed all night. Wind North west.

Feb 9 – Pleasant morning. Not very good sleighing. Went down to Katherines in afternoon found them all well as usual. Orrin went over to Comstock. Wind North west.

Feb 10 – Carried Nancy home this morning. Got some rivet head nails made for wagon box 10¢. Drawed 3 loads wood in afternoon. Ethan went over to burg. Davis Stafford brot load wood for shop in afternoon. Wind South East 7½ minutes.

Feb 11 – Worked on sash all day. Not very cold. Ethan came home. Wind South.

Feb 12 – Finished my sash. Dressed of cross head for Theodore. Mr Taylor came down after meat grinder. Wind west.

Feb 13 – Turned out some patterns. Primed sash. Edwin Flanders[35] brot down 3 bas boards. Theodore came down. T. C. Ford[36] called in to see Theodore. Snowey and blustrous wind North west. Went over to burg in Evening after Hannah, she no come home. T. C. Ford got runaway with, got hurt some.

Feb 14 – Worked on patterns. Cold and blustrous. Dell Skinner called. Mercury 2 below zero. Wind North west.

Feb 15 – Worked in shop some. Painted sash and Mrs Betts cupboard. Dell went home. Wind south south East.

Feb 16 – At home. Jim and Katharine came up, she stayed. Mercury 20 Abz. Wind North west.

Feb 17 – Went over to burg carried over patterns. Went to Staffords. Went down to A. Browns. Hannah went down to see Mrs Brown[37] about going to Kalamazoo.

Feb 18 – Put glass into shop window. Carried Sarah and Katharine over to burg. Drawed one load wood. Not very good sleighing. Mercury at zero. Wind North west. Carried Hannah over to Nancys in Evening took Mrs Betts cupboard over. Sarah and Katharine came home with me.

Feb 19 – Went over to burg in morning. Katharine went over to see Osgood. Snowey bad day. Carried Katharine home in afternoon. Wind North south East.

Feb 20 – Put glass into sash to south window in shop. Tamer Ford[38] called here. Orrin Lee and Miles came stayed all night. Wind south East.

Feb 21 – Orrin and Miles here making candy. Cold. Wind west Mercury 16 Abz. Volney Hascall Died AE. 59 years.[39]

Feb 22 – Orrin and Miles went over to burg. Pleasant day. Dell and Lois[40] came Dell got his Box. Mercury 36 Abz.

Feb 23 – At home. Carried Hank and Nancy down to A. Browns. Cold west wind. South west wind Mercury 20 Abz.

Feb 24 – Snowey day not very cold. Husked some corn split some wood. Lois and Ina[41] here they washed to day. Wind East mercury 20 Abz.

Feb 25 – Carried Lois over to burg. Brot Mrs Betts over. Lucy[42] and Orrin came up went over to Hanks. I carried Mrs Betts home in Evening. Lucy and Orrin stayed the Evening. Che Che came up had a dance. Wind south East.

Feb 26 – Some blustrous this morning. Wind South west in morning. Worked on patterns some. Paw Paw fruit man Claxton came here. Stayed all night. Wind South west. Good sleighing.

Feb 27 – Mercury 6 Below zero. Worked on patterns. Carried Lois and Sarah down to Browns. Claxton left. Wind south west but cold.

Feb 28 – Worked on patterns orin patterns. Snowed some not very cold. Ethan not very well. Lois here. Wind South East mercury 29 Abz.

Mar 1 – Worked in shop on patterns some. Carried Lois over to burg in Evening. Mercury 44 Abz. Wind south East.

Mar 2 – Mercury 24 Abz. Went down to Marts[43] after Jim, he no come home. Cold wind. Very good sleighing. Wind East.

Mar 3 – Pleasant morning. Worked on patterns. Wind East in morning mercury 18 Abz.

Mar 4 – Worked in shop on twister grear. Carried Lois up to Myron Flanders[44] in afternoon. Alfleda went down to Browns. Sarah went down to Mr Randalls to see Ella. Henry came home stayed all night. Wind North west not very cold.

Mar 5 – Worked on patterns. Stafford came down. Peter Hall came down I filed two saws for him. Henry went up to Mr Flanders in morning. Mr Flanders, Edwin and Henry went over to burg in after noon. D. J. Hart went to Mr Flanders after Lois. She went up to Harts spect Mrs Hart is coming in soon. Wind South East.

Mar 6 – Went over to burg carried patterns over to Foundry. Drawed one load wood. Henry came down I turned pick handle for him. Wind South west.

Mar 7 – Worked on patterns. Not very cold. Henry went home. Lois came back.

Mar 8 – Carried patterns over to burg in morning. Drawed two loads wood two loads corn. D. J. Hart called here. Mrs Brown came up. Wind south mercury 68 Abz.

Mar 9 – Quite warm in morning. Lois and Ina here. Killed two Roosters White Jimme. Rained some had some thunder just at night heavy shower of north. Wind South west very strong. Mercury 58 Abz.

Mar 10 – Finished the circle pattern. Got out three spoke for my wagon wheel. D. J. Hart came after Lois in afternoon. Rained in Evening some Thunder and Lightning, quite warm. Mr T. C. Ford Died to day.[45] Wind South west.

Mar 11 – Repaired my thills[46] to wagon. Wind North west, warm.

Mar 12 – Went to funeral T. C. Ford buried. Made boulster to wagon. Jim came home. Wind North west.

Mar 13 – Put boulster on wagon. Nice warm day. Draw twenty stooks corn one load wood. Wind west.

Mar 14 – Husked some corn. Worked round barn some. Went over to burg in Evening to a dance. Cold wind. Nettie Keith Died to day.[47] Wind west.

Mar 15 – Put End board into wagon box in forenoon. Some blustrous. Wind. Mercury 15 Abz.

Mar 16 – At home all day. Mercury 20 Abz wind North west. Dell and Will[48] came here stayed all night. Nettie Keith buried to day.

Mar 17 – Dell and Ina went home. Ethan went to the burg. Jim and Will went down to Katharines. Painted front End of wagon box. Willard Baty[49] Called here left Postal card. Mercury 17 Abz wind North west.

Mar 18 – Drawed in and husked corn some. Cold. Will Clark[50] here. Wind North west.

Mar 19 – Cold but pleasant. Finished drawing in corn husked some. Mr Henry King started for Nebraska. Wind west.

Mar 20 – Finished husking corn. Went over to burg carried my boots got them tapt 50¢. Went down to M. O. Streators got some scions for grafting. Harry came down in Evening. Wind South East.

Mar 21 – Went over to burg in morning got my Boots. Fine morning. Bot pail 10¢. Mr Thomas Brown of Kalamazoo County superintendant of County Poor.

Mar 22 – Worked round barn and house. Drawed two loads wood. Cold wind. Went over to burg in afternoon to Caucus. Wind west.

Mar 23 – Went down to Marts. Mart gathering sap. Saw Mr Dun. Mr Thomas Brownell Died to day.[51] Wind south west mercury 29 Abz.

Mar 24 – Some rainy. Hannah went down to Mr Browns. Claud went. Will Clark came here. Made plate for Orrin Lees cane cut his name. Wind North West.

Mar 25 – Worked round. Drawed some wood. Chored round. Went over to burg in morning. Ethan came over. Wind west.

Mar 26 – Went over to burg in morning. Sarah went over to Nancys. Made cross head for Theodore. Wind West north west.

Mar 27 – Went down to A. Browns carried lime down. Went up to mill got some bark and wood to butcher with. Wind North west.

Mar 28 – Butchered my Hog. A. Brown helped me. Had a Thunder shower in afternoon. Ethan went over to burg. Wind south East.

Mar 29 – Went over to burg in morning with Orrin Lee. Went to the burying ground. He wanted to see where his grand mother[52] was buried. Salted my pork. Made Orrins cane. Warm day. Wind North west.

Mar 30 – Cold wind. Went down to Marts got some warm shugar. Sent letter and two pictures to Mark.[53] Wind North west.

Mar 31 – Pleasant morning. Worked round. Went over to burg to see Burrows. Went down to Browns got clover one bushel. Bot mop stick. Ambroze, Matilda,[54] Marias, Laury and Cyrus Streator[55] here in Evening. Wind North west.

Apr 1 – Some rain in morning. Ethan went over to Foundry. Wind west in morning.

Apr 2 – Ethan went over to Foundry. Very snowey afternoon. D. J. Hart brot Lois C down. Snow four 4 inches. Cow calved this morning be Jabers had a cow calf be gorry. Wind North West.

Apr 3 – Snows. Went over to burg. Ethan went over. Lois went over to see Mrs Wheeler. Wind North west mercury 18 Abz.

Apr 4 – Went over to burg. Sarah went over to get Mrs Betts dress. Ethan commenced lathing. Got 9.75 cts of county. Wind North west.

Apr 5 – Went over to burg at noon. Took Lois over she went home. Brot Nancy and Frank over. Ethan to work over to Foundry. Fine day. Wind West Nouth west.

Apr 6 – At home. Carried Nancy home at night. Will carried Frank home. Mrs Polly Nobles of Pavilion N. Y. Died.[56] Wind south west.

Apr 7 – Went up in woods cut and sawed some wood. Pleasant day. North west wind.

Apr 8 – Went over to burg in morning got ashes of Hank. Went up in woods sawed some wood. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Wind south west.

Apr 9 – Sawed wood in forenoon. Rained in afternoon. Wind south.

Apr 10 – Sawed wood some. Went down to Charles Lees. Rained some. Wind south.

Apr 11 – Drawed 4 loads wood. Not very cold. Went over to burg in Evening. Sold 19 Doz Eggs 8[?] ct pr Doz. Wind North East.

Apr 12 – Carried Ethan over to burg Nancy came over with me. Wind North.

Apr 13 – At home all day. Alvin Lee, George Newton and Ida here. Wind west.

Apr 14 – Took Ethan over to burg. Jim plowing up by the woods. Cut some brush. Wind North west.

Apr 15 – Jim plowing. Moved log, fixed fence. Got Jesse Earls[57] seed sower. Sowed clover seed in afternoon.

Apr 16 – Worked round. Jim plowing. Wind North.

Apr 17 – Working round garden and house. Henry here. Sherman Cummings and Neal Daniels married.[58] Wind North west.

Apr 18 – Got out manure. Henry and Ethan went to burg. Henry went up to Mr Flanders. Let Henry have two Dollars. Mr Brinningstool Died.[59] Wind west.

Apr 19 – Got out manure and plowed gardens. Planted some potatoes in East garden. Went down to A Browns in Evening. Stranger came here in night about twelve oclock stayed all night, was going to Mr Fords. Wind North East.

Apr 20 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Kates in afternoon. Fine day. Mr Brinningstool died buried to day. Wind North East.

Apr 21 – Went over to burg in morning. Got lumber for windmill patterns of E. R. Strait. Went down to Browns got four bushels wheat. Warm day.

Apr 22 – Went to Comstock to mill. Fine day. Worked on patterns some. Mrs Betsey Lee of Salt Lake City Died to day.[60]

Apr 23 – Worked on patterns some. Warm day. Henry and Ethan work on binder. Hank went to Kalamazoo, had bill.[61]

Apr 24 – Worked on patterns some. Henry and Ethan went over to burg in afternoon. Lawton safe pedler stayed here all night. Wind north.

Apr 25 – Worked on patterns. Jim rolled the wheat. Henry went home. Dave Walker left for Tekonsha.[62] He paid 75¢ for keep overnight. Rained in night. Wind North East.

Apr 26 – Worked in shop on patterns. Warm day. Wind south west.

Apr 27 – Fine day, quite warm, rained some towards night. Hank and Nancy came over after church. Wind south west.

Apr 28 – Worked on patterns. Fine day. Went down to Marts in afternoon with Jim. Mr Hiram Woolcot Died to day.[63] Wind North west.

Apr 29 – Worked in shop on patterns. Went over to burg in Evening. Wind south west.

Apr 30 – Worked on patterns most of the day. Wind East.

May 1 – Fine morning. Worked on patterns some. Wind North East.

May 2 – Worked on patterns. Fine day. Jim plowing in south lot. Wind North.

May 3 – Finished Straits patterns. Jim plowing. Rained in afternoon. Put some grafts in apple tree in south lot. Snocked cow turds some. Wind south west.

May 4 – Rainy morning. Hank had Frank and buggy went up to Rass Towns.[64] Wind North west.

May 5 – Pulled corn stalks. Chored around. Henry came home. Ethan Grafting, Jim plowing. Wind North west.

May 6 – Altered over patterns. Davis Stafford came over. Fine day. Wind North.

May 7 – Finished pattern carried it over to burg. Henry went home. Ethan stayed all night. I glued Johney Blakes violin some. Wind North East.

May 8 – Pleasant day. Ethan over to burg. Work on violin. Old Stocking pedler here, bot 4 prs stockings 55 cts. Cleaned out stove. Mercury 34 some frost. Wind North East stout.

May 9 – Worked on patterns. Went over to burg in Evening. Got some mortar to plaster front room. Wind south East.

May 10 – Barber[65] Came over plastered front room. Nancy came over. Went down to Browns at night. Hank came over. Wind south.

May 11 – Warm. At home all day. No one here. Wind south west.

May 12 – Worked on patterns some. Went over to burg in morning. Jim ploted corn ground. Wind south west.

May 13 – Not much done in shop. Hoed potatoes. Found some bugs. Jim Draged corn ground. Had a shower in afternoon. Wind west.

May 14 – Worked on patterns. Went up to Mr Flanders. Got seed corn and some potatoes snowflake and La_ y Rose. Had a fine rain. Wind North East.

May 15 – Worked in shop some. Rained some. Jim helped Mr Brown plant. I went up to sawmill got to 4×4 scantling. Wind North.

May 16 – Marked out Corn ground. Jim and Will Brown[66] plant. Wind North East. Amos Rogers Died this morning.[67] Warm day.

May 17 – Went down to Mr Browns in morning. Got some seed potatoes. Hannah and Adelfa York[68] went down. Mr Brown and Nancy went to Kalamazoo. Finished planting corn. Carried Sarah over Mrs Betts she stayed all night. Tub[?] came of with nine chickens. Wind North.

May 18 – Warm day. At home all day. Alvin and Julia here. Amos Rogers buried to day. Old Mrs Hurd Died. Wind East.

May 19 – Worked in shop on patterns. Fine day. Sam Cressey called here with a petition for postmaster. Wind south East.

May 20 – Went over to burg in morning with patterns. Hannah and Delpha went up to Jim Milhams.[69] Planted potatoes. Old Mrs Hurd buried to day.[70] Wind north.

May 21 – Cool morning. Went to Kalamazoo after some stiel $2.61 for Binder. Delpha went down to Katharines. Mr Evens Died to day.[71] Wind North East.

May 22 – Mr William Plank Died this morning.[72] Worked on cog circle. Went over to burg twice. Wind south East.

May 23 – Went up in woods got sakes for fence. Drawed three loads slabs from mill to make fence.

May 24 – Went over to burg. Mrs Cornell died.[73] Not much done. Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts stayed all night. Rained in night. Wind south East.

May 25 – At home all day. Dell and Lois came here afternoon. Wind south west.

May 26 – Cool morning. Mrs Lemmon buried to day.[74] Mrs Cornell buried to day. Went to Kalamazoo to get iron. Wind North East.

May 27 – Went over to burg. Got lumber to make platform and door step. Jim plowed some ground for potatoes and corn in south lot. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders to sew for Mate. Wind south west.

May 28 – Warm day. Jim to work for I. D. L. Schram[75] plastering corn. Planted potatoes. Wind south East.

May 29 – Went over to burg in morning after Mrs Betts and Nancy. Sowed some corn planted calafornia corn. Had a fine shower rained in night. Pla[?] wind south East

May 30 – Fine morning. Hoed in garden some. Jim plastered corn. Mad bars out by hen yard and Hogpen. Wind west.

May 31 – Hoed potatoes, corn and berry bushes. Ethan cultivated garden. Windy, verry warm. Had a nice rain. Went over to burg just at night. Nancy came over. Went down to Browns. Rained in night. Wind south.

Jun 1 – Rainy morning. At home all day. R. C. Strait and George Yumans came over to see binder. Wind North East.

Jun 2 – Went over to burg in morning brot Binder patterns home. Planted in corn. Rained some just at night. Wind west south west.

Jun 3 – At home all day. Worked in shop some. Wind south East.

Jun 4 – Went over to burg in morning. Worked in shop some. Hoed some. Frank Tomlinson married to night.[76] Wind North west.

Jun 5 – Went over to burg in morning. Carried over boards to have sawed and planed fore door frames to put netting on. Went over at night got boards. Patty[77] came over with me. Wind North.

Jun 6 – Worked in shop some on patterns some on violin. Jim cultivating corn. Wind North East.

Jun 7 – Worked in shop some on violin and patterns.

Jun 8 – At home some. Went down to Katharines. Patty went down stayed. Jim went to Goguac Lake to Spiritualist meeting.

Jun 9 – Worked in shop on violin some. Turned out some pins for O. D. Schram.[78] Jim cultivated corn. Wind North west.

Jun 10 – Worked on violin put it together. Jim finished cultivating corn. Went over to burg got boots mended. Wind west.

Jun 11 – Went down to Caywood in morning carried Hannahs dress. Went over to burg bot strings pegs for Blakes violin 75¢. Very windy.

Jun 12 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg.

Jun 13 – Went over to burg in morning. Quin[79] left for Ohio. Henry took possession of store. Strait came over. Sarah went over to burg. Henry came over stayed all night.

Jun 14 – West over to burg in morning.

Jun 15 – At home. Mart brot Patty and Katharine up. Stafford and Henry came here.

Jun 16 – Carried Hannah to Mr Flanders. Turned twelve pins for Ayres Raymond. Got two bushels corn of M O Streator. Worked on cultivator.

Jun 17 – Finished cultivator. Jim cultivating.

Jun 18 – Carried all hands over to burg to see show come in. I came home. Hoed some plowed out garden. Sarah, Patty, Katharine and Hannah went.

Jun 19 – Hoed gardens. Davis came down got pattern made. Lucy came up. I went over after Patty and Katharine at night. Henry went to Comstock to get rollers cast.

Jun 20 – Worked in garden. Plowed out gardens. Mr Flanders came down took all the folks up to his house. I carried Katharine home at night.

Jun 21 – Hoed garden. Had a good rain. Went over to burg in Evening. George Travis stayed here all night.

Jun 22 – Cloudy morning. At home. Went in swimming. Warm day. Went over after Nancy.

Jun 23 – Nancy went to Kalamazoo. I went to Comstock after castings. Patty went with me. Henry Nobles married to day at Niles Mich.[80]

Jun 24 – Not much done. Not very well. Henry came over worked on binder. Lucy came up after Hannah and Patty. Hot day Mercury 92 in shade.

Jun 25 – Not very well. No work to day. Jim cultivated Buckwheat ground.

Jun 26 – Not very well. Mr Brown sowed Buckwheat for me. Had a shower in night.

Jun 27 – Carried Sarah over to burg in morning. Jim cultivated corn for Brown. Had a fine shower in afternoon. Dell came after his harvester. Rained in Evening.

Jun 28 – Worked round in shop some. Hoed garden some. Repaired cradle for A. Caywood.

Jun 29 – Fine day. Went down to Winslows Island to a meeting. Patty and Lucy went. Charley Towns[81] Bull screwed a calf into the old Cow so says Jim.

Jun 30 – Hoed some and chored around. Jesse Turner and wife[82] came here stayed all night.

Jul 1 – Hoed in garden some. Jess and Sally went home in afternoon. Went over to burg in Evening bot sack flour 65 cts. Charley Town commenced cutting wheat. Harry Rowland commenced cutting his wheat.

Jul 2 – Some cloudy in morning. Ethan went over to burg. Commenced the step to in and out of Buggy. Painted some.

Jul 3 – Worked round. Put two fingers into A Browns cradle. Went down to novelty shops after castings. Lucy Brot Patty and Hannah up. Will Clark and Lois came.

Jul 4 – I went down after Katharine in morning carried her over to burg. Made boxing and three pins for Jesse Earl.

Jul 5 – Went down to Comstock after twister. Fine day.

Jul 6 – At home. Lois and Will went home. Jim went with them. Had a fine rain in Evening.

Jul 7 – Went to Kalamazoo and Comstock to get castings. Warm day. Folks all cutting wheat. Had a heavy thunder shower in night. Got cabbage plants of H. A. Taylor.[83]

Jul 8 – Went to Kalamazoo after segment. Fine hot day.

Jul 9 – At home. Not much done. Work on binder.

Jul 10 – Worked round shop an garden. Carried Patty down to Marts. Mr Brown cutting wheat. Had a heavy shower.

Jul 11 – Mr Brown finished cutting wheat. Had a shower at noon. I went to Comstock in afternoon got twister cast. Cow gone all night. Carried Sarah over to burg in morning.

Jul 12 – Went over to burg Early in morning after cow, no find her. Went before breakfast, went over again after a while, cow came before I got back. Mr Knap came over. Mr Ralph came down, I Extracted three teeth, he paid fifty cents. Hot day. Ida Barber[84] came over.

Jul 13 – Fine day for harvesting. Davis Stafford came down. Put Binder in opperation.[85] Bound the first bundle of wheat quarter to one P.M. Put six bands around one bundle. Mr Flanders and Mate called here.

Jul 14 – Very hot day. Not much work to day. Lucy Came up just at night after Hannah. Ethan went over to burg in Evening. Mercury 94 in shade. Mr Brown drawed in wheat.

Jul 15 – Very hot morning Mercury 90 in shade in the morning. Picked currants. Mr Knap and Henry came over. Mrs Vradenberg came here stayed all night.

Jul 16 – Hot morning 84 in shade. Went down to Browns got muzle. Mrs Vrandenberg left.

Jul 17 – Plowed out corn an potatoes on hill. Went down to Marts in afternoon.

Jul 18 – Plowed potatoes and corn sout of orchard in forenoon. Went over to burg in afternoon to see Mary and Emmet.[86] They came up to get pictures. Bot two shovel plow shares of W. H. Knapp[87] 80 cts. Jim came home from Lois.

Jul 19 – Hoed some corn on hill. Jim plowed corn. Patty and Kate went to Vicksburg.

Jul 20 – At home all day. Ethan and Henry went down to Marts and Comstock. Hot day.

Jul 21 – Chored round. Hoed some in garden. Jim plowing corn. Very warm day. Willis Oatman and Fred Burrows here in afternoon. Mr Brown cutting oats. Turned some pins for Brown. Claud here just at night. Had a nice rain in night. Mart Milham Sarted his new Engine and Thrasher to day at A. Carletons.[88]

Jul 22 – Rainy morning, a nice rain it is, no wind comes, just right to do good. Lots of wheat out in the shocks. Cut steaks for Tomatoes. Rained in night some Thunder towards morning.

Jul 23 – Some lidle rain in morning. Went over to burg in morning after Mrs Betts. Hoed in garden some.

Jul 24 – Sick all day hard head and back ache. Stafford and Theodore Earl called in in afternoon. Ethan went over to burg. Mrs Betts went home. Rained in morning.

Jul 25 – Fine morning. No work to day. Jim cultivating corn.

Jul 26 – Not much better. I no work to day. Jim work in corn.

Jul 27 – Hank, Will and Jim sarted to go to Lansing to camp meeting. Cars loaded so they could not go. Lucy brot Hannah home in afternoon.

Jul 28 – Fine morning cool not so very hot as it has been.

Jul 29 – Went over to burg in morning got oil and Turpentine. Went over in Evening. Hannah went over to Hanks. I got lumber for steps and board for Nancys lambrequin.[89]

Jul 30 – Went over to burg got lumber plained. Worked on steps some. Very hot.

Jul 31 – Made steps. Sarah and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Bot chairs. Very hot day. Patty and Hellen[90] came home with Sarah and Jim. Mr Olin Came over to see the Binder.

Aug 1 – Very hot. Finished the buggy stand. Jim gone to Comstock.

Aug 2 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy and Mrs Betts. No work to day. Lucy and Katharine came up here. Louese[91] and Jill Murphy[92] Came on the noon train. Went over at night after trunks, got Jills, no got Loueses trunks some.

Aug 3 – Heavy Thunder shower about four this morning. Lois and Patty went over to Nancys stayed all night.

Aug 4 – Went over to burg after Trunks, no get him. Mrs Flanders, aunt Hannah and Mate[93] here in afternoon. I made plow beam for Charley Town.

Aug 5 – Fine Morning. Not very well not much done.

Aug 6 – Went over to burg at noon. Mrs Storms Died about noon.[94] Went down to Katharines in afternoon stayed all night.

Aug 7 – Went over to Mr Maloneys with Mart saw his Engine and Thrasher. Went to Kalamazoo with Patty and Katharine. They started for Perry[95] went on the one forty train. Fare from K. to B. $11.35 cts. Nelson Blass Barns, sheds and stacks burnt in Evening.

Aug 8 – Went over to burg in morning, carried Hannah over, got Lelah.[96] I went to Kalamazoo got casting to Comstock 75 cts. Carried Lelah here at night. Barnums Show in town to day. Hank, Nancy and Hannah went. Louese and Lill went to Shermans Lake in afternoon with Will Brown and Frank Hubbard.[97]

Aug 9 – Chored round. Painted steps and door.

Aug 10 – At home all day. No one here.

Aug 11 – Went down to Marts got some wheat. Got corn of M. O. Streator. Claud went with me. Went over to burg in Evening. Nancy sick.

Aug 12 – Went to Mill. Nancy came over stayed all day.

Aug 13 – Painted some East side house and steps. Rained some. Jim plowed out potatoes. Ethan worked on moddle for Strait.

Aug 14 – Jim and Bill helping I. D. L. Schram Thrash. R. E. Strait[98] came over to get his big pattern change. Rained some in night. Girls went down to Mr Browns. Stranger called here got hammer to fix buggy spring. Pioneer Pickinic at Schoolcraft to day.

Aug 15 – Cloudy rained some in morning. Thrashing Riddlers wheat on Theodores lot. Martha Knapp Died in the night.[99]

Aug 16 – Worked on patterns altered one Straits big pattern. Went over to burg at noon and Evening. Louese and Jill went up to Jim Milhams.

Aug 17 – Working on pattern some.

Aug 18 – Worked on pattern finished patterns. Alva Burgess Died about noon to day.[100] Jim moving stove.

Aug 19 – Finished moving stove. Working on pattern. Boy from Jackson Called here and fed cow. He was going to Vicksburg.

Aug 20 – Jim gone to Picknic to Sherman Lake. Finished pattern. Alva Burgess buried to day.

Aug 21 – Worked in shop some. Turned some washers for Strait. Ethan and girls went down to Marts, had Browns colts Nip and Tuck.

Aug 22 – Not very well. Sis[101] and lill went over to Mrs Betts. I drawed load wood.

Aug 23 – Went over to Vicks burg stayed with Mr York and Hellen.[102] Found them all well. Nice day.

Aug 24 – Went over to Schoolcraft to Spiritualist meeting. Went back to Hellens stayed all night. Found Memorandum book in buggy when I got back to Vicksburg.

Aug 25 – Left Vicksburg about 3 PM for home got home about sun down all right. Went and saw Ives Foundry. Nice Building.

Aug 26 – Worked round house and garden. Lill Murphy went home to night.

Aug 27 – Went up in woods cut some wood. Fixed fence some. Went over to burg at night brot Mrs Betts over. Very dry.

Aug 28 – Working round some. Mrs Betts and Sarah went down to A Browns. Will carried Mrs Betts home.

Aug 29 – Went up in woods got two loads wood. Steamer Thrashing to towns. Mart Thrashing up to Jims. Ethan and Louese went up there just at night. I went over to burg in Evening. Very warm and dry. Jim helping Town Thrash.

Aug 30 – Jim over to Towns. Mercury 84 in shade at nine A.M. 94 at 2 PM. Allerton thrashing. Mart Thrashing up to Nyes. Gefired hot. Sarah went to Dowagiac[103] on the Through freight about 12 oclock in night.

Aug 31 – At home all day. Jesse Earl came down here after some Tanzy.[104] Very hot day. Davis Stafford came here.

Sep 1 – Commenced topping corn. Commenced to rain quater to three PM some Thunder. Mart Thrashing to Jim Spires.[105] Rained most all night. Ethan went to Kalamazoo in afternoon.

Sep 2 – Raining nicely, rained all day. Carried Bags down to A Browns Thrashing. Went over to burg. Expresed Pocketbook to Newton Hutchings, Wakelee Cass Co Mich. Rained all night.

Sep 3 – Raining nicely. No work to day. Went over to burg in rain after Louese. Stopt raining about Eight in Evening 41 hours rain. Thrashers went up to Earls. Henry went up to Whites to tend mill.

Sep 4 – Pleasant morning. Thrashers at Randalls. Went down to Jacksons[106] to see some hogs. Randall had 140 bus wheat. Went down to Browns got my wheat 12 bushels.

Sep 5 – Pleasant day. Went down to Jacksons got sow $6.00. Topt some corn.

Sep 6 – Topping corn. Cloudy some wind. Mr Knap came over in morning.

Sep 7 – At home all day. No one here. Fine day. Hank and Nancy down to Browns. Nancy had toothache all day and night.

Sep 8 – Nice day. Topping corn. Jim over to burg. Ethan went over to burg. Louese went with him. Sow pigged about 4 four PM had Six pigs.

Sep 9 – Topping Corn. Ethan went over to burg in morning. Mr & Mrs Brown went over and got Lelah going to wean her. Nancy sick. Warm day.

Sep 10 – Topping corn. Warm day.

Sep 11 – Topping corn. Ethan went over to burg. I carried Hannah down to Mr Browns. Paid M. O. Streator for Corn 2.33. Turned seven pins for Mr Streator.

Sep 12 – Bound and set up wheat corn stalks I cut yesterday. Commenced raining half past nine AM.

Sep 13 – Cut corn stalks. Claud and Lelah here. Carried them home.

Sep 14 – At home all day. Sis came over just at night. Ethan and Hannah went around the square up by Powlisons Sharpsteens.

Sep 15 – Pleasant some wind. Topping corn some. Mowers stopt at the corners East of house set up their stoves and got dinner. Two wagons, smart looking folks set table, they went south.

Sep 16 – Went over to burg in morning. Carried over 15 day & 5 Eggs 1.80 ct. Went up in woods cut down tree got load wood.

Sep 17 – Topt corn some. Jule Allen[107] came here stayed all night.

Sep 18 – Went over to burg in morning got Nancy and Loese. Finished topping corn. Mr Terry here to dinner. They all went away at night.

Sep 19 – Cutting wood. Fine day. Drawed two loads wood. Mrs Vrandenberg here. Mrs Forbush and Blake here in afternoon.

Sep 20 – Cut wood in forenoon. Went over to burg after Sarah she no come. Old Cow got choaked. Went down got Mr Brown. Ethan & Hannah went over to burg in Evening. Claud came home with them. Nice weather.

Sep 21 – Pleasant morning. At home all day.

Sep 22 – Fine day. Got some wood. Sarah came home on noon train. Mr William Gilmore Died to day AE. 70 years.[108]

Sep 23 – Went over to burg got load lumber of Strait. Went down to Katharines just at night. Rained when we came home. Saw Mr Huntington he had been down to Perry.

Sep 24 – Pleasant Morning. Went over to burg got lumber roof boards & floorboard. The whole amount 6.59. Hannah went down Mr Browns. Nancy & Louese went also too.

Sep 25 – Worked. Worked on sills. Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo to County Fair.

Sep 26 – Put sills together. Chored around. Rained in night. Done Belas chores. Went over to burg in Evening got oil, bot ½ bushel Peaches. The Philothumpers[109] had a show in burg this Evening. Done B. Wrights[110] chores milked two cows fed five pigs pumpd water for five nine head of cattle & one horse.

Sep 27 – Rainy forenoon. Went over to burg after the girls. Made whiffletree[111] for A. Brown. Punched pan for a steamer for Mrs Brown. Sarah went over and stayed with Jane Hoag.[112] Done Belas chores.

Sep 28 – Rained hard in forenoon. Went over to Janes after Sarah. Went down to Katharines. Katharine got home. Ella Randall Died to day.[113] Done Belas chores.

Sep 29 – Cut and drawed my corn and pumpkins in south lot. Cut the fodder and one swath Buckwheat. Done Belas chores.

Sep 30 – Cut Buckwheat in forenoon. Went to Ella Streators funeral in afternoon. Very pleasant day. Done Belas chores.

Oct 1 – Went over to burg in morning. Drawed cornfodder in forenoon. Cut and set up Buckwheat in afternoon. Ethan and carried Jims Bed over to burg this Evening. Mercury 86 in shade noon. Very hot day.

Oct 2 – Cut Buckwheat and chored round.

Oct 3 – Worked in Buckwheat. Cut and put up some. Ethan and Hannah went down to Marts.

Oct 4 – Finished my Buckwheat. Nice day.

Oct 5 – Very warm morning. At home all day. Mercury 100 at the burg.

Oct 6 – Chored around. Carried two bushels wheat to mill. Bot lamp chimney 1.20. Tamer Ford stayed here all night. Mrs Brown here in Evening.

Oct 7 – Nancy came over this morning. Carried Nancy home in Evening. Mrs Barber[114] and Ida came over.

Oct 8 – Carried Sarah down to Browns. She went to Kalamazoo with Browns folks. Rainy day. Ed Childs folks came here stayed all night. Got timber for sills to Sxxx house.

Oct 9 – Fine morning Mercury 82 in morning in shade. Childs folks went to Plainwell.

Oct 10 – Warm day. Fraimed falce sills to shit house. Mercury 93 in afternoon. Mrs Skinner and Sate[115] came stayed all night. Had a heavy shower in night. Mrs Stevenson Died to night.[116] Mrs Stowell buried to day.[117]

Oct 11 – Very warm day. Work on Privy some. Raised my Shithouse. D. J. Harts Baby died to day.[118] Ambrose, Matilda and Jule here in Evening.

Oct 12 – Mrs Skinner, Sarah and Sate went down to A. Browns. Very hot day uncomen warm. Hank and Nancy went down to Browns. Had showers North and East of us in afternoon. Had a thundershower in night. Rained hard in night.

Oct 13 – Carried Hannah down to Katharines. Dell and Lois came here to dinner. Mrs. Harts baby buried to day.

Oct 14 – Went over to burg got money on order. Not very well. Chored round some.

Oct 15 – Sowed clover and Timothy seed on west lot. Hot day Mercury 84 Abz. Alfleda went to Paw Paw.[119] Mrs Betts came over with sis to stay all night in Pig pen. I am 66 years old to day.

Oct 16 – Turned over Buckwheat got load wood husked some corn.

Oct 17 – Worked on backhouse sided it up. Warm day.

Oct 18 – Put roof boards on college. Rainy some, some cooler.

Oct 19 – Went over to burg after Louese. Nancy and Hank came over. Jim and Louese went down to Katharines.

Oct 20 – Fine pleasant morning. Paid James Jackson Seven Dollars this morning for Sow.

Oct 21 – Drawed Buckwheat. Thrashed some. Jim helped Louese in store. Sarah and Nancy went down to M. O. Streators.

Oct 22 – Thrashed Buckwheat got it all in at night. Hannah went to Mr Simmons in morning.

Oct 23 – Cool some rainy. Mrs Skinner, Sate and Sarah went over to Nancys. Rained snowed and blowed and rained. Finished Thrashing Buckwheat had 10 & one ½ bushels. Mrs Skinner and Sate stayed here all night.

Oct 24 – Cool North East wind. Mrs Skinner and Sate went home to day. Dug potatoes in south lot and some in corn field.

Oct 25 – Went up in woods got load wood. Chored round.

Oct 26 – Went down to Katharines stayed all night. Lucy and Katharine out to Hellens. Hellen is very sick with Typhoid fever.

Oct 27 – Came home from Kates in forenoon. Husked corn in afternoon. Nice weather.

Oct 28 – Husked corn to day. E. R. Strait over here to work on patterns. Some windy. Henry came home to day. Hellen some better this morning.

Oct 29 – Husking corn. Very windy. Mart thrashing clover to to J. Flanders. Henry went up to see Stafford.

Oct 30 – Husking corn put in 30 bushels. Fine day. Went to mill 2 Bushels wheat one and half corn.

Oct 31 – No work to day. Mr Stephen Hall and wife here to day carried them over to Hoags at night. Old Mr Nye Died.[120]

Nov 1 – Carried Louese over to burg in forenoon. Nancy, Louese and the children went up to Skinners[?] on the noon train. Went over to burg in Evening after Jims things. Sawed some wood.

Nov 2 – Snows like fun not very cold. Snow fell 8¾ inches. Henry L. and Hank Brown stayed all night. Hannah went up to Mr Ralphs. Nancy and Louese out to Loises. Old Mr Nye Buried to day.

Nov 3 – Pleasant shiny morning. Not much done. Went up in wood got one load wood.

Nov 4 – Put up stove in shop. Theodore called here. Jim went Kalamazoo with Mr Brown.

Nov 5 – Snows some this morning. Drawed one load wood two loads corn. Ethan casting his moddle castings.

Nov 6 – Pleasant day. Went down to Katharines. All at home. Hellen some better. Louese and Ina came home this morning.

Nov 7 – Husking corn. Nice day.

Nov 8 – Husking corn. Lois and Will came. Finished husking in the lot. Rained in night.

Nov 9 – Cloudy morning not very cold. Mr Browns folks here in Evening. Mrs Emeline Davison and Mrs Corkins[121] came with them.

Nov 10 – Jim and Will husked corn in afternoon for Brown. Killed two pigs in forenoon. Lois and Nancy went down to Katharines. Had a thunder shower in night. Thundered and Ligtened right smart.

Nov 11 – Cloudy and warm. Lois went up to Mr Flanders. Carried Hannah down to J. Gibbenys. Jim husking for Mr Brown. Rained some Mercury 69. Worked in stable. Rainy night warm spring weather.

Nov 12 – Mercury 64 in morning. Rainy morning real spring weather. Ethan and Henry working on moddle. Ethan making pattern for J. C. Blake.

Nov 13 – Dug some potatoes in East garden. Lois and Sally[122] went over to Nancys. Ethan carried Blakes patterns over to foundry. Bot Barn door hook of Bidwell. Mercury 70 Abz.

Nov 14 – Some rainy some thunder some Lighting about four Oclock. Went over to burg in morning. Lois went over stayed with Nancy. Went up in woods. Jim and Will Mercury 64 Abz sawed some wood. I cut down tree. Boys all went over to burg in afternoon to the theater Philometheans.[123]

Nov 15 – Jim went down to Katharines. Chored round.

Nov 16 – At home all day. All well.

Nov 17 – Drawed cornfodder and sweet corn out of west garden. Mary Ann Oscar[124] called here.

Nov 18 – Sawed wood up in woods, sawed up the black oak. Mary Ann came down stayed all night.

Nov 19 – Jim and I sawed up tree in forenoon cut 21 logs or lengths of stove wood. Very Windy day. Mary Ann went up to her Fathers.[125] Henry an Ethan went to burg. Mr Brown drawing corn.

Nov 20 – Drawed two loads wood. Chored around. Went down to Browns in afternoon carried crick bed scythe and sage and various things. Cold windy day. Forty years ago to night I played for a Wedding party at Comstock. D. M. Hall and Matila Newman wer married.[126]

Nov 21 – Cold some snow flying this morning. Working around house and barn. Went over to burg carried over 3 bushels Buckwheat. Took Dinner with Mrs Betts also Tea. Had Oysters for Dinner.

Nov 22 – Went over and got Buckwheat flour in morning. Chored round.

Nov 23 – Carried Jim down to Marts. He is going to school down there. Hank & Nancy called here when they went home in Evening. Hannah went down to Mr Browns in Evening. She is sewing for Jule & Mrs Corkins.

Nov 24 – Worked up in woods in forenoon. Henry and Sarah went over to burg at noon. Hank and Nancy went to Kalamazoo, they had Bill and buggy. High wind South west. Wind South West.

Nov 25 – Worked round cut some wood. Went up to the sawmill got plank to make cross head. Went down to Mr Browns in Evening Mrs Corkins.

Nov 26 – Went down to Browns got bedstead. Drawed two loads wood. Rainy afternoon. Mrs Corkins left for home[127] on Evening train.

Nov 27 – Rainy. Not much done but chores. Boys to work in shop.

Nov 28 – Made cross head for Theodore. Ethan and Henry over to burg. Some windy no snow.

Nov 29 – Worked around house in shop some. Went over to burg in Evening. Brot Nancy, Hannah, Louese and Claud and Lelah. Hank came over on foot. Not very cold, some windy, no snow.

Nov 30 – All at home. Jim came up from Marts. Carried Hanks folks in Evening. Claud took sled home to use a while.

Dec 1 – Very pleasant day sun shines no wind. Choring round. Barber brot his wheel over to get it new rimmed.

Dec 2 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg, bot lamp chimneys and tin for stovepipe. Not very cold.

Dec 3 – Sawed out felloes[128] for Barbers wheel. Repaired Hugh Aldrich violin. Filed saw for N. L. Randal.[129]

Dec 4 – Cloudy not very cold. Cattle out to pasture. Drawed two loads wood. Boys to work on Binder.

Dec 5 – Fine day sun shone all day. Rimed Barbers wheel. Carried 3 bushels wheat to mill just at night. Hugh Aldrich got his violin 25¢. Seems like spring.

Dec 6 – Worked round shop and house. Not much done.

Dec 7 – Went down to Marts. All well. No snow not very cold.

Dec 8 – Chored round. Carried Hannah Went over to burg after Hannah. Robert Crawford[130] came on noon train.

Dec 9 – Rainy not very cold. Robert, Sarah and I went over to burg at noon took dinner with Mrs Betts. Had a big shower rained all night.

Dec 10 – Rained this morning not quite warm Mercury 58 Abz. Worked on R. E. Straits violin. Carried Hannah over to burg at night brot Sarah home. Robert went to Battlecreek. Henry went up to the Creek to get some Steel to make needle point. Freezing some tonight no snow.

Dec 11 – Put Straits violin together. Nice day for the time of year.

Dec 12 – At home. Drawed wood. Robert came over. Not much done. Nice weather for winter no snow.

Dec 13 – At home. Went over to burg in Evening after Hannah. Jesse W. Turners 80 Eightieth birthday.

Dec 14 – Robert came over in morning stayed until noon. He went over to burg stayed to Nancys all night. Jim and Katharine came up.

Dec 15 – Snowed and blows some like winter. Jim Came home this morning. Went over to burg. Robert left on the one Oclock run he went to Dowagiac.

Dec 16 – Worked round cut some wood drawed some wood. About four inches snow. Hannah went to Mrs Howlets to sewing or to make a woolen Gown.

Dec 17 – Worked round house and shop. Went over to burg just at night after Ethan. Blake made needle for Binder.

Dec 18 – Some sleighing. Ethan went over to burg after needle. I went up in woods cut one load wood. Hannah Came home She went back to Caywoods. Mr Caywood Came and got sewing machine. He no freeze not much some.

Dec 19 – Cut and drawed one load wood. Carried 7½ bushels Buckwheat to Mill. Not very good sleighing. Paid Katharines tax $18.88 cts. Elmer Latell came down and got some Turning done.

Dec 20 – Chored round in forenoon. Went over to mill in afternoon. Saw Quinn Streator and Solomon Kingsley.

Dec 21 – At home all day. Very windy cold East wind. Rain and sleet in Evening, not much snow.

Dec 22 – Sleigh runs verry nicely this morning. Hannah at Caywoods. Henry going to the creek to get goods. Quincy Streator went back to Ohio to day.

Dec 23 – Shelled some corn took it to mill 4 bushels. Sarah went over to burg stayed all day. Went over at night after her. Henry got back from the creek. Very good sleighing. Hannah came home from Caywoods.

Dec 24 – Not very cold, some ice, river very high. Went over to burg in Evening.

Dec 25 – Went At home. Very blustrous. Went over to burg. Went down to Browns. Carried saw home. Jim and I sawed wood in forenoon.

Dec 26 – Cold and blustrous. Went over to burg. Carried boards over to get plainned for panels. Got grist. Mercury 6 Abz.

Dec 27 – Not very cold Mercury 19 Abz ca.

Dec 28 – At home. Jim came up. Louese at home to day.

Dec 29 – Drawed four loads wood. Went over to burg got my boards at Straits.

Dec 30 – Put in knee to Charley Towns bob, he paid 75 cts. Not very cold, not much snow, rather sandy sleighing.

Dec 31 – Snows some. Ethan gone over to burg. Mercury 29 Abz at nine 30 AM

——-

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

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

[3] Edna Alice (Crawford) Allen, the daughter of his wife’s late brother, Edwin, & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[4] Neighbors, Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown, who were the parents of his son-in-law, Henry Brown. Matilda’s sister, Julia Allen, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda, was also there

[5] His son-in-law and daughter, Henry & Nancy (Keith) Brown

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

[7] Both the Brown and Keith families were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances. Chee Chee was Ambrose Brown’s spirit guide

[8] January 1-5 entries were originally written in the back of his 1878 dairy and then copied into his 1879 diary. This phrase, however, was only in his 1878 diary

[9] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[10] FindAGrave.com shows that Lucinda (Curtis) Brown died January 4, 1879 in Warsaw, Wyoming County, New York, and is buried in Wrights Corner Cemetery, Wyoming, New York

[11] His cousin, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[12] His son, Ethan Keith

[13] FindAGrave.com confirms that Phillip Goodrich died January 6, 1879 in Galesburg, Michigan, and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[14] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[15] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

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

[17] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, the widow of his brother, Harvey Keith

[18] Above zero

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

[20] His cousin, Orrin Strong Lee, the son of Ezekiel & Elizabeth (Strong) Lee

[21] His grandson, Claude Keith Brown

[22] Hannah was a seamstress so it is thought this was one of the items she used in her sewing

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

[24] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[25] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl

[26] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[27] Mabel Streator was born to Henry “Harry” & Helen (Randall) Streator. Since Helen is the baby’s mother, presume Luke is being funny. Harry Streator was the son of Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[28] Etc.

[29] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[30] Neighbor, Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders

[31] FindAGrave.com records show that Almira Fancher, the wife of Jacob Fancher, died January 30, 1879 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[32] FindAGrave.com reveals that Eliza (Beadle) Rogers died February 3, 1879 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[33] Michigan death records confirm that Ruth (Scarborough) McClary died in Charleston, Michigan on February 5 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[34] Laura (Rawson) Streator, the wife of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to January 23^rd entry)

[35] Neighbor, Edwin P. Flanders, the son of Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders

[36] Neighbor, Thomas Clark Ford

[37] Matilda (Allen) Brown (see footnote to January 1^st entry)

[38] Mary Tamer Ford, the daughter of neighbors Thomas & Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[39] FindAGrave.com records show that Volney Hascall died on February 24, 1879 (not the 21^st), in Kalamazoo County, Michigan and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[40] His son-in-law and daughter, Adelbert & Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[41] His granddaughter, Ina, the daughter of Adelbert & Lois Skinner

[42] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his niece (Catherine’s daughter by her second husband, George Clinton Lee)

[43] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[44] Neighbor

[45] FindAGrave.com records reveal that Thomas C. Clark died on March 10, 1879 in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[46] The long shaft between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[47] Jessie “Nettie” Keith was the daughter of his cousin, James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith. FindAGrave.com shows that she died on March 3 (not the 14^th) and is buried in Covert Cemetery, Covert, Michigan

[48] Believe he is referring to his grandson (see footnote to March 18^th entry)

[49] Willard C. Batey, the brother of Mary Ann (Batey) Keith (see footnote to March 14^th entry)

[50] His grandson, William Byron Clark, the son of his daughter Lois by her first husband, Byron Clark

[51] Michigan death records and FindAGrave.com confirm that Thomas C. Brownell died March 29, 1879 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[52] From Luke’s diary entry of 2-28-1863: Mark & Joseph Lee Brot up Aunt Rhodas remains & buried them side of Clinton. (Note: Marquis deLafayette Lee was the grandson and Joseph Warren Lee was the son of Charles Lee & Rhoda Keith. Believe “Clinton” refers to George Clinton Lee, Charles & Rhoda’s son.) George Clinton Lee was buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[53] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s earlier diaries and it is believed Luke is referring to his cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and lived with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, until the Spring of 1870 when he moved to Utah

[54] Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown; see footnote to the January 1^st entry)

[55] Neighbors, Marius O. Streator, and his wife, Laura (Rawson) Streator; it is believed Cyrus Streator, who lived in Waverly, Michigan, was Marius’ brother

[56] Mary “Polly” (Sprague) Nobles was the first cousin of Luke’s first wife, Jerusha Crittenden. FindAGrave.com confirms that she died April 6, 1879 in Pavilion, Genesee County, New York and is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York

[57] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[58] No marriage record was found; however, the 1880 census shows Sherman Comings and his wife, Cornelia Comings, living in Comstock, Michigan

[59] Michigan death records show that Alanson Brininstool died April 17, 1879 in Comstock, Michigan; his burial location is unknown

[60] Elizabeth (Strong) Lee was the wife of Dr. Ezekiel Lee, Luke’s first cousin. She actually died in Peoa, Utah, and was the mother of Orrin Lee (see footnote to January 12^th entry)

[61] His horse

[62] Tekonsha is located in Calhoun County, Michigan

[63] Michigan death records show that Hiram Wolcott died April 27, 1879 in Climax, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Boughton Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[64] His neighbor, Erasmus Towne

[65] His neighbor, Richard Barber

[66] Ambrose & Matilda Brown’s son, Willis Brown

[67] Michigan death records confirm that Amos Rogers, age 33, died of consumption on May 16, 1879 and FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[68] Marion Adelpha York, the granddaughter of his sister, Katharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[69] James Milham was the half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote for March 2^nd entry)

[70] FindAGrave.com confirms that Anna Hurd was buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 20, 1879

[71] Michigan death records reveal that Andrus M. Evans died May 21, 1879 in Charleston, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[72] FamilySearch.com shows that William Plank died May 2, 1879 [as opposed to May 22] and FindAGrave.com lists his place of burial as Greenwood Cemetery in Grand Rapids, Michigan

[73] Michigan death records reveal that Hepsa Cornell died May 24, 1879 and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[74] Michigan death records reveal that Isabel Lemon died May 24, 1879 in Pavilion, Michigan

[75] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram

[76] Michigan marriage records confirm that John F. Tomlinson married Hattie A. Root in Concord, Jackson County, Michigan on June 4, 1879

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

[78] Neighbor, Orrin D. Schram. Orrin was the father of Isaac D. L. Schram (see footnote for May 28^th entry)

[79] Neighbor, John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius O. Streator

[80] Michigan marriage records show that Henry Nobles married Katie B. Nickhane on June 23, 1879 in Niles, Michigan

[81] Neighbor, Charles Towne; his daughter Hannah’s future husband

[82] Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner; Luke and Jesse were maternal first cousins

[83] Neighbor, Hannibal “Hat” A. Taylor

[84] Daughter of neighbors, Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[85] For more about the binder see my blog post at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/ethan-keith-inventor

[86] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford and her son, Emmett Patrick Crawford, the wife and son of the late Edwin Crawford who was the brother of Luke’s wife, Sarah

[87] Neighbor, William H. Knapp

[88] Neighbor, Albert Carlton

[89] A short piece of decorative drapery hung over the top of a door or window or draped from a shelf or mantelpiece

[90] Believe this to be Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, and niece of Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[91] His daughter, Louese Keith; she had been living in Chicago with her uncle and aunt, Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, while attending school there

[92] Assume she was Louese’s friend from Chicago

[93] Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders; her husband Joseph’s sister, Hannah (Flanders) Wilmarth; uncertain as to Mate Flanders’ identity

[94] Michigan death records show that Alice (Hughes) Storms died at the age of 32 on August 6, 1879 in Comstock, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Prairieville Cemetery in Prairieville, Michigan

[95] Perry, Wyoming County, New York; his sister Patty’s daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, lived in Perry

[96] His granddaughter, Lela Brown, Nancy & Henry Brown’s daughter who was almost one year old

[97] Neighbor, the son of Albert & Margaret (Jackson) Hubbard

[98] Neighbor, Ransom E. Strait

[99] Michigan death records indicate that Martha (Knapp) Perry, age 24, died of Typhoid Fever on August 15, 1879

[100] Michigan death records, the 1880 Census Mortality Schedule and FindAGrave.com show that Alvah/Elva Burgess, age 23, died of consumption on August 18, 1879 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[101] Nickname for his daughter, Louese Keith

[102] Joseph & Helen (Bradley) York; Helen was the daughter of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[103] Dowagiac, Michigan, where the family of Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford, lived

[104] A perennial flowering plant of the aster family. Tansy was used to treat intestinal worms, rheumatism, digestive problems, fevers, sores, and to bring out measles

[105] Neighbor, James Spier

[106] Believe he is referring to his neighbor, James Jackson

[107] Julia Allen, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister

[108] The 1880 Federal Census Mortality Schedule confirms that William Gilmore, aged 70, died in New York in September 1879 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Pavilion Cemetery, Pavilion, New York, although it shows the date of death as 1878

[109] Believe he is referring to Bible lovers

[110] Neighbor, Bela Wright

[111] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[112] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[113] The 1880 Federal Census Mortality Schedule confirms that Helen “Ella” (Randall) Streator, age 25, wife of Henry “Harry” Streator (see footnote to January 29^th entry), died of consumption on September 28, 1879 and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[114] Mary (Knowles) Barber

[115] Adelbert Skinner’s (see footnote to January 16^th entry) mother and sister, Sarah (Knight) Skinner and Sarah “Sate” Skinner

[116] Michigan death records show that Julietta Stephenson, age 37, died in Comstock, Michigan on October 10, 1879; however no other information concerning her was found at this time

[117] Michigan death records show that Mary Stowell, age 58, died of heart disease in Comstock on October 8, 1879; no other information was found

[118] Michigan death records show that Frances Bell Hart, age 7 months, died in Richmond, Michigan, on October 11, 1879, and FindAGrave.com shows that she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Hart and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[119] Paw Paw, Michigan, where Alfleda’s (see footnote to January 10^th entry) daughter Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee’s family lived

[120] Michigan death records shows that Jonathan Nye died October 31, 1879 in Charleston, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[121] Believe this is actually Mary (Allen) Calkins, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister. She is also mentioned on November 23, 25 & 26

[122] Assume he is referring to his wife, Sarah. Their marriage license lists her name as Sally

[123] The Philomathean Society was founded in 1813 “for the advancement of learning” and appears to have been a sort of debate society. Perhaps this is what Luke was referring to

[124] His nephew and his wife, James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[125] John Batey, who lived in Pavilion, Michigan

[126] Luke made the following entry in his 1839 Ledger/Diary: “November the 20 1839 Attended A party at Cumstock or A wedding rather.” Results from a search of Ancestry.com shows a family tree (Lisa Grace Warren Family Tree) wherein Daniel Mason Hall (1816-1891) married Matilda D. Newman (1820-1908) about 1840

[127] The 1880 census shows she was living in Wysox, Carroll County, Illinois

[128] Felloe or felly – rim, or segment of the rim, of a spoked wheel

[129] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[130] His wife’s brother

Luke Keith’s 1873 Diary

1873 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.^[1]

The entries from January 1 through January 10 were first written in the back of his 1872 diary and are basically identical to what he then wrote in his 1873 diary. Anything from 1872 that clarifies the 1873 entries is noted in brackets.

Jan 1 – Worked in shop some on cutter boddy. Went over to burg[2] with Ed Flanders.[3] Louesa[4] went over to burg.

Jan 2 – Worked on cutter boddy. Ida Allen[5] here. Mercury 35 Abz,[6] rainy. Henry [Keith][7] and H. A. Brown[8] went to Benton Harbor.

Jan 3 – [Lots ice.] Henry and Hank came home. Went down to A Browns[9] in Evening. Very windy day. Worked on cutter box.

Jan 4 – Worked on cutter box, cut some wood. Sate Skinner[10] came here, stayed all night.

Jan 5 – Hank and Nancy[11] came up here. Snows like fun.[12] Snow fell 4 inches.

Jan 6 – Went to Kalamazoo. Got two bushels wheat of Mart.[13] Could not get it ground.

Jan 7 – Pleasant [morning]. Ethan[14] went over after Nancy. She was sick could not come over.

Jan 8 – Put cutter box frame together. Cold and blustring. Henry came down. Very cold [darn cold day]. Flora Swaddle[15] died to day.

Jan 9 – 6 Below zero, very cold. Put chain on well. Henry came down agan. Very [cold and] Blustring. Flora Swaddle buried. Mr Joy[16] died to day. He was 80 years old. Cullen Bryant Town here in Evening.

Jan 10 – Cold, mercury 6 below zero. Henry went home. [Louesa down to Lois.[17]] Jo Lee[18] came up after Ethan. Paid I. D. L. Schram[19] $42.00 Dollars to get School wood.

Jan 11 – Went over to Nancys. Bot this Diary .50¢. Paid Amos Rogers 1.50. for Detroit Tribune for one year.

Jan 12 – Went down to Marts. Nice sleighing. Found them some better.

Jan 13 – Rainy, snow most gone, lots of ice, very slipery.

Jan 14 – Went up to Howlands to Mill. Very Icy. Went over to barbers[20] in Evening. Mr Baley and wife[21] there. Rained some.

Jan 15 – Rainy morning, mercury 34 Abz this morning. Cut tree out East boot of the hill. Went up to Wesleys[22] and Schrams to see if they folks could have the Schoolhouse to have a lecture.

Jan 16 – Snowey day. Snow fell 8½ inches. Shelled some corn, put up some Buckwheat to carry to mill, put Eight bushels in box. Snowed all day. Charley Town[23] borowed two inch auger.

Jan 17 – Went up to Howlands mill. Sarah[24] went up to Swadles.[25] We took dinner there.

Jan 18 – Went over to burg after Nancy then went down to Catharines.[26] Carried some meal and Buckwheat flour. Hank came over. Nick Gault Buried to day.

Jan 19 – Ethan came up, brot Hannah.[27] Henry came with him. Jim[28] down to A. Browns.

Jan 20 – Snow 4 inches. Went over to burg. Cut two dry trees on South road. A. Browns folks here in Evening.

Jan 21 – Snows 3 inches. Carried girls to school. Carried Sarah and Mrs Brown[29] up to Mr Ralphs. I went up in Evening.

Jan 22 – Sarah and Mrs Plank[30] went up to Mr Taylors. Henry came down and tinkered the old clock. We went over to burg. Hank and Nancy, Byron Allen, Cory, Ida and Libby[31] came over in Evening.

Jan 23 – Snows and blows some. Got State map of Mr Plank[32] this morning 1.25 one Dollar and twentyfive cents. Very Blustring night.

Jan 24 – Went up in woods, got load wood. Not much done to day. Snow fell 4 inches.

Jan 25 – Snows this morning, snow fell about 1 inch. Elder Philip Potts[33] Died to day. Cold ay.

Jan 26 – Fine pleasant morning. Ethan, Catharine and Jo Lee came up here.

Jan 27 – Cut down one tree. Drawed two loads wood. Hung ax for Mart. Henry, Lois and Sate called here. Cold, mercury 4 Abbz. Went over to burg after Nancys cloths to wash.

Jan 28 – Cold 4 Abz in morning, snow about 20 inches in woods. Went down to Charles Lees.[34] Broke sleigh thill[35] on Huds hill. Elder Philip Pots buried to day.

Jan 29 – Cold morning, mercury 20 blow zero at six A.M. Shaved out axhelve[36] for Wesley.

Jan 30 – Went over to burg with Jesse and Alvin Lee.[37] Cold and windy. Sick, no work to day.

Jan 31 – Nice day. Went down to Catharines. Mr Plank went with us. I went over to Comstock got money on order 2649 $5.17 cts Libray money.

Feb 1 – Not very cold, snows some, ten Abz. Went over to burg after Nancy. Paid Amos Rogers 26 Dollars and 49 cents for Book and globe for school. Lois came home with us. Henry and Sate came home from the creek.

Feb 2 – Pleasant and cold, 11 below. At home all day.

Feb 3 – Drawed one load wood. Rained some. Went up to Wesleys. Put side boards on my cutter box in Evening.

Feb 4 – Put end boards on cutter box. Not very cold. Mart brought Ethan home. Jo came up with them. Sarah went down to A Browns. Ethan sick.

Feb 5 – Went over to burg with A Brown, bot some screws. Put plugs in cutter box. Fine day. Mo Streator[38] brot buggy pole. Went down to A. R. Skinners[39] in Evening. Lois sick.

Feb 6 – Fine day. Cut and drawed two loads wood. Mart and Toot[40] came up in Evening. Clara Spire stayed here all night.

Feb 7 – Sawed wood. Went over to burg in Evening. Henry came down here. Mrs Polly Earl visiting Mrs Plank. Thaws some, very sloppy.

Feb 8 – Snows and blows, mercury __2 Abz. Charles Lees folks came up to day. Bent cutter dash in Evening. Edwin Flanders called and got my clamps. Fixed violin, set sound post and cut down the bridge for Monroe Hamiltons boy. Snow fell 1 inch.

Feb 9 – Pleasant morning. At home all day. Went over to burg in Evening after Hannah. Sis[41] went over and stayed.

Feb 10 – Put dash on cutter box. Worked in shop some.

Feb 11 – Worked on box some, smothed dash.

Feb 12 – Cut and drawed three loads wood. Old Mrs Ralph[42] here to day. Very icy.

Feb 13 – At home, not very well. Henry came home, stayed all night. Henry and Hannah went up to Wesleys in afternoon.

Feb 14 – Carried Henry and Hannah down to Catharines. Mart thrashed his clover seed out, had six bushels. I changed bells with Mart.

Feb 15 – Cut and drawed one load wood. Went over to burg in Evening after Louesa. Clarence Wing[43] died this morning.

Feb 16 – Not very cold, smoky, very good sleighing, not much snow, very icy. Oscar and Mary An[44] came here.

Feb 17 – Fine day. Oscar left for Saginaw. Mary went up to Mr Bateys.[45] Ethan finished his cupling. Thawing some.

Feb 18 – Worked on Streators cutter pole. Very warm, snow went of some. Ethan and Hannah, Mary and Carry Plank[46] went up to Mr Flanders[47] in Evening. Del[48] got his new sleigh.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Henry carried Hank and Nancy home. Cate Keith[49] came down from Mr Bateys. She an Louesa went over to burg. Henry carried Streators pole down.

Feb 20 – Jo Lee brot Cate Chafy[50] up here. Cold day. Ethan and girls went down to T. Fords to an Evening party. Henry Started for Havannah York State.

Feb 21 – Cate here. Lois came up. Went over to burg. Got Murties[51] picture. Carried Lois home. Snow 2 inches, mercury 6 Abz.

Feb 22 – Cold 2 Abz in morning. Meredith and Melvill Blod_____ came up after Cate. Hannah went down with them. Oscar came back he went down to Catharines. Very cold. Mr Hall called here in Evening. A little light he got.[?] Very cold.

Feb 23 – 4 below zero in morning, cold, blows some. At home all day. Mrs Walter Coe[52] buried to day.

Feb 24 – Cold 2 Abz in morning. Sun came out in the morning. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Ed York[53] died to day.

Feb 25 – Drawed two loads wood. Ethan went down to Catharines after Hannah.

Feb 26 – Went over to burg, got Jims boots tapt 50¢. Sarah went over to Nancys. Ethan went down to Dels to do his chores. Snowed and blowed some. Del and Lois went over to Deal Birges.

Feb 27 – Snows and blows very rough, 13 Abz. Sarah washing. Snow fell 3 inches. Edwin York buried to day.

Feb 28 – Went up to Howlands to Mill. Carried four bushels Buckwheat, three of corn. Did not get it. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Mart sawing wood.

Mar 1 – Went up to Howlands after my grist in morning, got it all right. Nancy came home with me. Not very cold.

Mar 2 – At home all day. Mrs Gafing and Edith and Chub here. Amos Chipman[54] Buried to day.

Mar 3 – Cut and drawed some wood. Cold. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Mar 4 – Went to Kalamazoo on the Brown and Allerton Suit.[55] Came up to Catharines, stayed all night. Mr Darling and Mitchel folks there. Very cold but pleasant.

Mar 5 – Went back to Kalamazoo. Came home at night. Ethan sick. Cold and pleasant.

Mar 6 – At home. The Brown and Allerton Case decided. Judgment tendered in favor of Brown 22 Dollars and costs.

Mar 7 – Not very cold. Drawed two loads wood, one load cornfodder. Lois called a few minutes.

Mar 8 – Snow about gone, very windy. Ethan sick.

Mar 9 – Snows like fun, not very cold. Snow fell 7½ 6½ inches. At home all day. Henry and Sate came down here.

Mar 10 – Hued out one axhelve. Went over to burg in morning. Went down to Skinners in Evening. Mr and Mrs Plank went a burg.

Mar 11 – Cleaned out barn some. Chore round barn.

Mar 12 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine not very well. Called to Loises when I came back. Will[56] some better. Henry came home with me. Carried Hannah over to burg in Evening. Henry went up to Mr Taylors to see about Amandas childrens Pension. Mr Plank started out to find him a place.

Mar 13 – Cool and cloudy, snow about gone.

Mar 14 – Went down to Catharines. Sarah went down and stayed. Charles, Alvin, Jesse and Jule[57] was there. Some muddy. Lucy some better. Will Clark better. Lois not very well yet.

Mar 15 – Rainy and windy. Went over to burg in Evening after Jim. Hued out ax helve.

Mar 16 – Went down to Catharines after Sarah. We stoped to Skinners. Sarah got Rocking Chair of Jo Lee.

Mar 17 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. I cut up trees in cornfield up south. Put up some fence.

Mar 18 – Drawed four loads wood. Went over to burg. Rainy. Sarah went. Mrs Plank and Rebecca[58] went along. Muddy, snow about gone.

Mar 19 – Cut lots grubs in woods. Rained in afternoon, got wet. Mr Plank got home. Ethan Started after his mother. Bill[59] run away with him, broke wagon Ex and came back.

Mar 20 – Went over and got wagon home. Sarah came home with Lois. She carried Dell and henry over to burg. They went to Plainwell. Hank and Nancy sick. Snowed in night. Mrs Philip Goodrich[60] hung her self in night.

Mar 21 – Snows Blustering. Lois, Mrs Skinner[61] and Sate came down to Planks. Snow one inch.

Mar 22 – Ethan and I went to the woods sawed some, cut of ten blocks. Mrs Jackson called here. I went up in woods in afternoon, cut some grubs. Ethan went over to burg in Evening.

Mar 23 – Pleasant morning. Mrs Philip Goodrich buried to day.

Mar 24 – Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Hank and Nancy moved over. H. A. Taylor, Myron Latta and Hat, Lib and Ida Clark[62] here in Evening. Snowed some about ½ inch. Very cold and windy.

Mar 25 – Not very well. Ethan went over to burg twice. Nancy sick. Cold and windy, snowed in night.

Mar 26 – Cold. Nancy no better. Snows, cold. Hank rode Bill over to burg after Doc Alfred. He came over. Snow 8 inches this morning. A Brown came up here. Mr Plank went to Grand Rappids to see about getting a house.

Mar 27 – Mercury at zero in morning. Dell and Lois came here. He brot his drag.

Mar 28 – At home, not very well, no work.

Mar 29 – Went to Kalamazoo with Schram. Got order for money on City Bank one Hundred and Seventy Dollars 170.00. Allertons[63] and Simmons folks here to Planks.

Mar 30 – Fine morning, sun came out.

Mar 31 – Mr Plank packing his goods. I went over to burg after Emmet Crawford.[64] Helped Mr Plank in afternoon.

Apr 1 – Cloudy morning. Jim and Emmet went down to Catharines. Snowed like fun. Mr Allerton and Mr Simmons took two loads goods for Mr Plank to Kalamazoo. Snow fell ¾ inch. Mr Allertons folks had the Plank family to stay all night. Sarah sick. Jim

Apr 2 – Snows this morning, disagreeable day. Planks folks went down to Allertons, stayed all night.

Apr 3 – Drawed three loads cornfodder. Went down to Dels, got his democrat wagon. Went over to burg, got Mary Chaffee. Mr Planks folks left for Grand Rapids. Went down and got Hank and Nancy. J T Allertons old white mare lying in the lot almost dead.[65] Paid Schroder and Lay five Dollars $5.00.

Apr 4 – Put some slats in A. Browns drag. Paid Myron Latta one Hundred and seventy Dollars for teachers wages.

Apr 5 – Wesley came down and helped me kill hog in forenoon. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Catharine and Lucy sick. Cate got her arm burnt. Jo and Hellen[66] there. Ethan went up to Mr Flanders, stayed all night. Mercury 85 Abz.

Apr 6 – At home all day.

Apr 7 – Mr Clark called here from Plainwell to see my place. I went to Comstock to Town meeting. Went with Mr Ridler. Cold, windy.

Apr 8 – Rainy day. Repaired Skinners Drag. Hank and Ethan went to burg.

Apr 9 – Carried my wagon wheel over to burg to get Tire set. Very muddy, cold, raw day.

Apr 10 – Went over to burg in morning. Got wheel and skeins. Hannah went down to Fords. Stayed all night.

Apr 11 – Worked in shop on Ex. Not very well. Rainy morning. Lind Matthews called here just at night. Hannah came home in morning. Put poke[67] on cow the first time.

Apr 12 – Snow one inch 1 inch. Carried two bushels corn to burg. Cut _____ for Jo Lee, put on his cane. Henry and Dell called here.

Apr 13 – Carried Ethan and Hannah down to Catharines. Pleasant day. Mr Henry Rogers called here in afternoon. Saw Jesse and Jule Lee. They are going to Salt Lake.[68]

Apr 14 – Pleasant morning. Worked in shop on Ex. Mart brot Ethan home just at night.

Apr 15 – Worke in shop. Set skeins on Ex. Rained in afternoon. Jim carried some Eggs over got some shugar. Hank took picture of tent.

Apr 16 – Worked in shop on Ex. Went over to burg twice. Got shoulder bands set. Went over and got two bolts. Rained some. Lois called here. Mr Clark from Plainwell came up to se Dell.

Apr 17 – Worked on thills. Went over to burg, bot bolt and whiffletree[69] iron. Rainy day. Will Plank came here to day.

Apr 18 – Finished my wagon Ex. Took Skinners buggy home. Will came home with me. Will Plank went down to Allertons, stayed all night.

Apr 19 – Went down to Catharines. Dell, Lois and Ethan there to dinner. Jule Lee there. Jo Lee let me have a cask with some vinegar and a jug. Fine day.

Apr 20 – Pleasant. Henry and Will came down. Mart brot Hannah home.

Apr 21 – Got out manure, put on garden. Pleasant. Hank went down home to take Photograph of A. Browns house. Some snow in the air during the day. Snowed some in Evening.

Apr 22 – Snows like fun, snow six inches in morning. Drawed three loads wood on sleigh. Cool, damp wind.

Apr 23 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Cates, found them some better. Stoped to Lois, took supper when we came back, had oysters.

Apr 24 – Cool, some snow in the air. Mr Hawley commenced plowing west lot, had Bill. Moved fence. Mr Hawley helped move it. Took about two Hours. Henry came in night. He came from Elkhart.

Apr 25 – Hawley plowed, had Bill. Snowed like fun some of the time. I burnt brush and the old stuf from the fence. Jim went down to Catharines in afternoon.

Apr 26 – Hawley finished sod ground in forenoon, burnt fodder on hill.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Henry Clinton and wife called here. Dick Barber and wife and Ida came over.

Apr 28 – Put up leach. Wheeled out some ashes on garden. Hannah went over to Barbers. Hank Brown went out photog. Henry and Edwin flanders called here. Cloudy day.

Apr 29 – Wheeled some dirt. Put around maple trees west side house. Cleaned out cornhouse. Hawley plowed to day. Hannah came home. Ida Barber came with her.

Apr 30 – Cleaned out cellar. Smoked hams. Hank Brown plowed East garden. Ethan went to Kalamazoo, his car starter.[70] Ida went home in Evening. Hawley plowed all day.

May 1 – Finished cleaning out cornhouse. Filed saw for Ned Thomas 15¢. Hawley finished plowing corn ground, commenced draging. Rained before noon, rainy afternoon. Hawley went home. He worked half day.

May 2 – Cleared out the hog yard in forenoon. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Ethan came home. Mrs Brown and Jule[71] came up here. Cloudy and cool.

May 3 – Some rainy in morning. Went over to burg bot Jims pants. Cold. Cleared of in afternoon. Took fence away round hog yard. Henry and Will Clark and Harvey came down. Stayed all night.

May 4 – Pleasant morning. Ethan, hannah and Henry went down to Catharines. Eliza Galfus[72] buried. Fine day. Heard the first whipporwill this Evening.

May 5 – Warm day. Hawley draged cornground. I carried two bushels corn to mill. Ethan and I measured corn ground.

May 6 – Put cover on Lois chest. Hawley Draged corn ground. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Geo Turner about car starter. He paid him $12½ Dollars.

May 7 – Hawley finished draging half past nine AM. He took drag home. He worked ¼ of a day. I made a corn marker. Finished Lois chest. Lois came home. Rainy afternoon and night.

May 8 – Rainy day. Made mallet for Mart. Ethan and Hank made saw mill.

May 9 – Rainy day. Went up to Wesleys got four bushels Bagas for myself and Catharine. Wes plowing. Got brass ferrel[73] of Geout[?].

May 10 – Bot four bushels wheat of M. O. Streator. Went to Comstock to mill. Catherine and Toot better. Got the Foundry building fraim up to Comstock, working on dam putting on dirt. Hannah went down to Gus Giddings to work a few days. She rode down with T. Ford.

May 11 – Pleasant Morning at home. Put head on Jo Lees cane.

May 12 – Cut some lims on apple trees, drawed brush in afternoon and burnt them. Sold Heifer to Mr Brockway, Received ten Dollars. Hawley marked corn ground. Rube Coe[74] Died to day.

May 13 – Commenced planting corn. Ethan and I planted one day for Hawley.

May 14 – Finished planting about ten AM. Took up and set out onions. Mrs Brown and Jule, Mrs Barber and Ida here. All hands here to tea.

May 15 – Worked round house, chored round. Turned legs for stool.

May 16 – Got oak bark to color with. Worked on stool. Ethan planted corn for Cull Town.[75] Mrs Nathanial Potts[76] buried. Mercury 44 Abz in morning.

May 17 – Drove Heifer over to burg. Received four Dollars of John Levens for Brockway on Heifer. Worked in shop on stool some. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Paid Lucy ten Dollars.

May 18 – Went up to Jesse Earls[77] lot to find some soft stone.

May 19 – Ethan, Hank and Nancy gone to Kalamazoo I Expect. Commenced raining about ten A.M.

May 20 – Put stool together. Fine day, cool. Went over to burg. Bot two Bushels Potatoes 1.80. Bill got down broke thill.

May 21 – Had Bill Brown Ethan plowed garden. Hot day, rained in night. Will Clark stayed here all night.

May 22 – Nice warm morning. Every thing looks fresh and nice.

May 23 – Went down to Skinners and Fords. Went after Mrs Fords Brass Kettle. No get him.

May 24 – Draged my gardens. Brown drawed Straw. Ethan went down to Catharines after Net Whitmore. Made bars. Del got bolts for stool. Mr Hawley and fife[78] came down to see the corn. Town[79] finished planting. Second time.

May 25 – Pleasant morning. Ethan went and took Net back to Catharines.

May 26 – Planted potatoes in South garden. Marked both gardens. Rained in night. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to take lesson.

May 27 – Planted potatoes in west garden. Ethan planted beans. Commenced raining about two oclock. Sowed corn in morning. Went down to M. O. Streators got bushel Potatoes and Mrs Fords Brass Kettle.

May 28 – Pleasant morning. Finished Skinners Stool. Sarah and Nancy, Hannah went down to Browns. Finished planting potatoes. Agent for the Home Sewing Machine Company left machine here. Warm day.

May 29 – Warm morning. Went up to Hawleys, stopt to Hargers, went up to Benj Hartwells in afternoon. Went to Burg, bot overall cloth.

May 30 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot grind stone 1.62 hung stone. Sterreoscope pedler here to dinner 50¢. Went over to burg in Evening after Sis Shoes 50¢. Sarah went down to A. Browns. Nancy sick, had twins, both dead.

May 31 – Pleasant morning, but cool, no frost here. Ethan and I helped Hawley plant over the corn. I worked all day. Ethan commenced about ten oclock. Sowing machine pedler came and took the Home Shuttle Machine and left the Home. Sarah down to Browns.

Jun 1 – At home all day. Put the cow in A. Browns lot.

Jun 2 – Henry went to Albion. Hugh Shafter came over to see about gate. Not very well. Hawley cultivated corn. Hot day.

Jun 3 – Went over to burg, bot boards. Made gate. Will Plank came here. Hawley cultivated corn. Very warm day. Henry and Sate called here.

Jun 4 – Warm morning. Carried gate over to Hugh Shafters. Ebberley Underwood called here. He was sick. Ethan carried him home.

Jun 5 – Worked on road. Warm day. Bot Sewing Machine $60. Paid twenty, gave note for forty payable in Eight Months.

Jun 6 – Worked on road in forenoon, finished my tax.[80] Warm and dry. Mr Ralph washed his sheep.

Jun 7 – Worked round. Made drawer to sewing machine. Conklin Smith called here. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Jun 8 – At home all day. Mart and Lucy came up with Ethan.

Jun 9 – Moved some stuff out of shop. Exchanged Horses with Dell for a few days. Henry came down and stayed all night. Rained a little in night.

Jun 10 – Henry left in forenoon. No work to day. Not very well. Mr Havens called here, the Baptist Minister.

Jun 11 – Took sulky over to burg to get it repaired. Warm and dry. Went up to Mr Swaddles to see if we could get Mrs Semer to come down and show Sarah how to weave carpet.

Jun 12 – Went down to A. Browns in morning to see Nancy. Hank got the ague.[81] Hot and dry.

Jun 13 – Went up to Mr Flanders to see about getting the loom. Stopt to Dells got Bill. Went over to burg in Evening. Auction there in Evening.

Jun 14 – Went up to Jo Flanders to see about the loom. Sarah stayed to A. Browns all night. Carried two bushels corn to mill. Hot and dry.

Jun 15 – Very hot morning. No Signs of rain. Granny Hen Died about five P.M. A. A.Eged[?] about Eighteen years. James S. King[82] Died about six P.M. Ae 64 years 3 months and 19 days.

Jun 16 – Worked on wheelbarrow some. Went over to burg in Evening after meal. Jo Lee came up here to day. Sarah went home with Jo.

Jun 17 – Went down to Catharines in morning. Came home. Went up to Mr Flanders after loom. Mr Flanders brot loom down and helped set it up. Hawley cultivated corn.

Jun 18 – Not much work to day. Very hot, 96 in shade. Hoed some potatoes. Barbers folks here in afternoon. Mr Flanders washed sheep. Ethan helping Dell draw hay.

Jun 19 – Turned five pins for A. Brown. Went up to Mr Swaddles after Mrs Semer. Went up to Flanders after _____. Bot Eight yards of muslet netting 75¢. Hawley paid me one Dollar. Hawley cultivating.

Jun 20 – Put up warping bars. Ethan and Hank gone to Vicks burg. Hoed some potatoes. Very hot and dry. Mrs Semer put in the peace and wove some. I went in Swimming the first time this season. Water very warm.

Jun 21 – Turned tredles around on loom. Carried Hannah down to Skinners. Carried Mrs Semer over to burg in Evening. Got Sulky. Made pitman[?] box for Jesse Earl. He paid 50¢. Henry came down. Turned Six pins for Dell and six for Mr Earl. Hank Brown went to Lyons to get a place.

Jun 22 – Very warm and dry. Rained a very little.

Jun 23 – Went to Kalamazoo with Edwin Flanders. Got Hubs, spokes and Felloes[83] for set wheels for their buggy _____. Henry went home. Hawley paid one Dollar. Had a fine shower. Hawley cultivated corn. Put some screws in Streators buggy.

Jun 24 – Hot morning, mercury 91 in shade. Went over to burg in Evening. Carried Flanders hubbs over to Bristols to be banded. Had a heavy shower. Nancy came home. Lois brot her up. Mary and Edna[84] came in about Eleven in Evening. Sarah bot Hannahs dress.

Jun 25 – Worked on wheelbarrow some. Mary and Edna went on the Eight oclock _____ Evening.

Jun 26 – Cut out felloes for my wheelbarrow. Mrs Semer came back. Mr and Mrs Flanders[85] called here. Ethan went down to Marts after cabbage plants. Hank packed his things. Painted Sulky some. Bill Matthews child drownded in cistern to day.

Jun 27 – Ethan gone to help Dell get in hay. Worked on wheel some. Hawley cultivated. Matthews child buried to day.

Jun 28 – Finished my wheelbarrow wheel. Went over to burg in Evening. Dressed out sills for cutter boddy. Hawley cultivating. Mrs Hawley came down. They went down to see Murpheys place.

Jun 29 – At home. Not very well. Had a shower. Mrs Semer here.

Jun 30 – Sick, no work to day much. Put name on Jo Lees cane. Went down to Skinners, got 4½ bushels of wheat of Dell. Hawley cultivated corn.

Jul 1 – Started to go to mill, went down as far as Browns. He took my grist. Hawley cultivated corn in forenoon, finished. Rainy afternoon.

Jul 2 – Worked in shop some. Mart and toot called here. Dol[86] had collick. Had a shower. Bot this ink 5 cts, Bot comb 10¢.

Jul 3 – Hawley commenced plowing Buckwheat ground. A. Brown commenced cutting wheat. Had a heavy shower in afternoon. Mrs Semer got carpet out. Not very well.

Jul 4 – Had a shower in the morning. Put hoops on pounding Barrel. Hank, Jenny and John Crawford[87] came to day. Hawley finished plowing. Mrs Semer went over to burg.

Jul 5 – Hank went home on the Mail one thirty five. Hawley went to Kalamazoo. Sowed Buckwheat. Hawley dragged it in. Ethan and Jim worked for Brown in afternoon.

Jul 6 – Went down to Catharines and Charleses. They wer cutting wheat. Hall and Parker cradled. Mrs Semer came back.

Jul 7 – Ethan and Hank work for A. Brown in wheat. Jim worked for Randall.

Jul 8 – Made Reel for Town. Bot medicine of Warren Brown 50¢. Sate came here, stayed all night. Cool.

Jul 9 – Cooll morning. Jo Lee and Catharine came up here.

Jul 10 – Put spokes in to Jo Flanders hubbs. Fine day. Had good luck with this. Carried Mrs Semer over to burg.

Jul 11 – Went up to Battlecreek with Jo Flanders after Horse. Frank Hogges Saw Enos smith and Howell. Fine day. Folks all Harvesting, lots wheat cut. Mrs Semer came back.

Jul 12 – Plowed out all the potatoes and beans. Hoed the beans. Fine day, not very hot. A. Brown finished cutting wheat. Henry Semer came here.

Jul 13 – Carried Hannah down to Catharines. All well.

Jul 14 – Worked on wheels, put rims on two and half. Hot day. Ethan went down to Skinners to work. Hot night.

Jul 15 – Worked on wheels some. Hank Started for Muir.[88] I carried his chest over. Went and saw Mrs Hoges buggy. Very hot day.

Jul 16 – Very hot. Work on wheels. Worked on wheels. Fitted rims.

Jul 17 – Put rims on wheels. Rounded up some felloes on fore wheels.

Jul 18 – Finished Flanders wheels. Cool and windy. Skinner finished his harvest. Ethan came home.

Jul 19 – Went over to burg. Bot shoes for Sarah 2.00. Jim bot Hat. Sarah over to Mr Towns sowing.

Jul 20 – At home all day. Ethan went down to Catharines after Hannah and Sis. Fine day.

Jul 21 – Worked on cutter sills some. 4 Paw Show in the burg to day.

Jul 22 – Worked on cutter sills some. Jo Lee here. Lois came home. Henry Semer came over here. Hawley cultivated corn. We setled up for horse work and my work. He paid me 3 Dollars. Warm day.

Jul 23 – Worked in shop on cutter boddy sills. Hot and dry.

Jul 24 – Worked in shop some. Very dry, no rain.

Jul 25 – Worked in shop. Went up in woods, got load wood in Cart. Sarah and Mrs Semer went down to A. Browns. Old cow sick.

Jul 26 – Not much work in shop. Mr Flanders brot paint to paint wheels. Mrs Semer finished weaving. I carried her home. Henry and Dell called here, left team and went over to burg.

Jul 27 – At home. Hot and dry. A. Brown cradled round his oats.

Jul 28 – Worked in shop, painted Flanders wheels.

Jul 29 – Worked on wheelbarrow. Painted wheels over. Hawley cultivating corn. Jo Lee up here all day. Went down to bridge saw them drive spiles.

Jul 30 – Finished wheelbarrow frame. Smothed of cutter box. Went down to Charles Lees with Hawley to see about taking his farm.

Jul 31 – Had a fine shower this morning. Worked in shop.

Aug 1 – Put mouldings on cutter box. Went over to burg. Bot paper, brads, one paper, carpet tacks. Henry Clinton[89] Died in night. Pulled a tooth for Ollive Schram.[90]

Aug 2 – Henry here. Ethan helped him on his moddle. I painted cutter box. Worked on hub some. Mr Flanders came along, told of Mr Clintons Death.

Aug 3 – Henry Clinton buried to day. Went down to Catharines. Nice cool day.

Aug 4 – Worked on Hubbs. Fine day. Ethan worked for Brown. Mrs Brown here. Ezra came and got saw to to saw spiles.

Aug 5 – Worked on hubbs. Mart and Catharine here. I went over to burg with Mart. Eugene Crawford[91] Came along. I rode home with him. They finished driving spiles for Bridge. Extracted tooth for Mart.

Aug 6 – Finished my Hubbs. Worked on wagon pole for M. O. Streators wagon.

Aug 7 – Finished Streators pole 1.50. Sarah went down to A. Browns. Nancy went. Had a nice shower.

Aug 8 – Worked on gearing. Ethan went to Kalamazoo with A. Brown. Ed Flanders came along, left his team here.

Aug 9 – Not very well. Made Spile driver for Jim. Will Clark here. Mrs Brown and Jule here in afternoon. Henry called here just at night. Went over to burg.

Aug 10 – At home all day. Not very well.

Aug 11 – Worked on Jims Driver some. Worked on gearing some. Went over to burg in forenoon.

Aug 12 – Went down to Marts. Got some Baswood boards. Ethan henry went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 13 – Went over to burg with Edwin Flanders. Picknick up in Jesse Earls woods.

Aug 14 – Cut my cornfodder. Henry here to work on Hotell starter.

Aug 15 – Henry and Ethan at work at Hotel Starter. I finished Jims Driver.

Aug 16 – Henry here at work to day. Doctor Alfred[92] Died this morning. Alfleda[93] came here to day.

Aug 17 – Hannah and Adelpha[94] came up. Mr Alfred buried to day.

Aug 18 – Went to Comstock to mill. Got 4 bushels and 14 pounds of wheat of Mart Milham. Will and Cary Plank came here.

Aug 19 – Packed up Nancys things and carried them over to burg. I went up to Hawleys to tell him about Murphys farm.

Aug 20 – Made Door frame for butry door. Lois came up, stayed all night. First team[tram?] crossed new Bridge to night about dark. Very hot, 98 in shade.

Aug 21 – Put netting on Door frame. Ethan, Lois, Hannah and Nancy went up to Wesleys in afternoon. Rained some, hot forenoon, 93 in shade.

Aug 22 – Hot, 98 in shade. Worked in shop some. Edwin Flanders got Buggy wheels. Got the paint.

Aug 23 – Ethan and I dressed out spokes for lumber wagon. Mrs Streator and Nell here. Ida barber came over stayed all night. Cool, 78 in shade. Ground Mr Flanders plane Irons.

Aug 24 – At home all day. Ida Barber here. Dell and Lois came up at night. Henry called here. Carry Plank came in Evening, stayed all night. Wes here. Mr and Mrs Brown came up. Charles Lee and Alvin came up after colts. Hot, 96 in shade.

Aug 25 – Hot and dry. Nancy left for Muir ten minutes past Eight. Alfleda came Back this morning. Hannah went Kalamazoo with Nancy, lost her Parasol. Carry Plank went down to Mr Allertons. Rained North and south of us, no rain here.

Aug 26 – Cloudy and cool morning. Worked on spokes. Went over to burg in morning. Got order on Treasurer for 82 and 60.100 Dollars. Wesly went to Kalamazoo got the money. Got two pigs of A. Brown. Edwin Flanders got their new Roller. Paid Wesley one Dollar and sixty cents out of school money.

Aug 27 – Mended Parasol for Mr David Bronson and one for Louesa. M. O. Streator called here to see Alfleda.

Aug 28 – Ethan gone Down to Catharines with Henry. I am repairing old table. Not very well, sick all night. Picknic over to Pickerel Lake. The Galesburg Band went.

Aug 29 – Warm morning. Ethan worked sum on bobs.

Aug 30 – Ethan got out beams for bobs. Jim pulled beans. I repaired barnyard fence. Jo Lee brot Hellen and Vinny[95] up in afternoon. Rainy night. Jo Lee went over to burg carried over lot Eggs. Got shugar 7 doz.

Aug 31 – Rainy morning at home. Hellen and Vinny here.

Sep 1 – Went over to burg in morning. Bot Sis shoes 2.00. carried Sis down to Mr Carletons to pick hops. Went to schoolmeting in Evening. I. D. L. Schram Elected Director. Hellen here. Bot Brass Kettle of Jo Lee.

Sep 2 – Alfleda went to Battlecreek. Went up to Wesleys in afternoon. Hellen stayed. Only four of us here to night. Toots Gal[96] Born to night about Eleven P.M.

Sep 3 – Rain day some. Ethan morticed bob runners. Wes called here. I tenonded bob knees. Only four to day.

Sep 4 – Hellen and Vinny came back from Wesleys. Put up Notices for School meting. Went over to burg in morning. Mr Town paid one Dollar for Repairing reaper.

Sep 5 – Hellen came back. Hawley commenced cutting corn. Put the carpet down. Went down to Skinners in afternoon. Left Hellen.

Sep 6 – Ethan and I cut of corn. Eugene Came up here. Henry called here a while.

Sep 7 – Rained some. Eugene and Ethan gone up to Mr Flanders. Went down to Catharines.

Sep 8 – Cut corn. Warm day. Sold Hawley the sleigh. Henry came down.

Sep 9 – Finished cutting corn. Hawley worked in forenoon. Sold my Sleigh to Hawley for 12 Dollars. Paid Nettie Quay 80 Dollars.

Sep 10 – Round home. Worked in shop some. Henry here. Went to Comstock. Went to Schoolmeeting. Elected Coly Durgy Director.

Sep 11 – Worked on case some. Went down to Catharines after Hannah.

Sep 12 – Worked on case. Henry and Ethan worked on machine. Henry went to Comstock.

Sep 13 – Working on case for their machine. Henry and Ethan gone to Kalamazoo. Paid I. D. L. Schram one Dollar on Order.

Sep 14 – Mode hook for case to telegraph. First ice of the Season.

Sep 15 – Finished case. Mr and Mrs Hawley came down here to take farm. Henry and Ethan went down to Mr Fords in Evening to be Swared[?] on their machine.

Sep 16 – Carried Ethan and Hannah Sarah over to burg. Sarah went to Janes. Ethan and Hannah went to Grand Rappids State Fair. Henry Leroy came here stayed until Evening. Went over to burg with Mr Hawley came down cultivated in forenoon, went home. Gave up sowing my wheat.

Sep 17 – Rainy Morning. Not much done to day. Dilinbecks Bull in my garden this morning.

Sep 18 – Went down to Catharines to see about working her land. Pleasant day. Mart making cider. Spence Thomas cow in my garden this morning, in all night.

Sep 19 – Cut tree up in south lot for wood. Cut one Hickory tree. Spencer Thomas cow in my lot. Cut popcorn what was left after Thomas cow had been in and got her part.

Sep 20 – Chored round house and barn. Put cornfodder in barn. Jim husked corn for A. Brown. Hawley came down to see about moveing. Fine day.

Sep 21 – Pleasant morning. At home all day.

Sep 22 – Worked in shop some. Worked at Theodores stuff for car. Hawley brot down some things.

Sep 23 – Hawley moved to day. Came down, hogs, cow and all. Fine day. Eugene came here. He was posting bills.

Sep 24 – Fine morning this. Ethan and Hannah got home. Lois and Mrs Skinner here.

Sep 25 – Built fence down to corner of orchard. Sarah went over to burg. Stayed with Jane Hoag all night. Cow got out. Smith Shapsteen buried to day.[97]

Sep 26 – Ethan went over to burg after Sarah. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Hawley and Ethan picked up load apples. Filed saw for A. Brown 25.

Sep 27 – Hawley and Ethan went up to cider mill. Made 70 galons. Made handles for Maple Grange. Sarah went over to Jane Hoag. Eugene came in Evening. Put hogs in pen.

Sep 28 – Hawley put bell on his cow. Put cows in woods. Rainy day.

Sep 29 – Worked on Skinners wheel. Hawley drawed manure. Ethan boiled cider. Eugene went to Kalamazoo. Ethan went over after Sarah. Spencer Thomas cow got in here in Evening.

Sep 30 – Finished Dels wheel and Marts Grange tools. Hawley moing for Mr Taylor. Spence Thomas cow got in here, eat up pumpkins. Caried Hannah and Ethan down to Catharines. Mart paid one Dollar. Jo Flanders paid Eight Dollars for making wheels.

Oct 1 – Sawed out stuf for Theodores car. Made some blocks for saw. Old Maid Clark buried to day. Hawley helped Taylor draw hay. Jo Lee and Catharine came up here. I went over to burg with Catharine.

Oct 2 – Worked on car some and odder dings.[98]

Oct 3 – Went to Kalamazoo to County Fair. Rainy day. Stayed to Catharines all night. Alfleda came back.

Oct 4 – Got home about noon. No work to day.

Oct 5 – At home all day. Hank and Nancy came in night.

Oct 6 – Went up to Mr Ridlers to rasing in afternoon. Sarah went over to Janes stayed all night. Carrie Knap Died.[99]

Oct 7 – Went over to burg to see about getting rollers to move Hog pen. Ethan to work for the band boys. Carried two Ex sticks over to Mr Burrel. Went down to Dels and Streators. Got 4 four bushels wheat of M. O. Streator $1.35.

Oct 8 – Husked some corn. Henry and Lois here in Evening.

Oct 9 – Husked some corn. Ethan went down to Charles Lees. Hank and Nancy went down to Catharines. Schyler Harris and wife came here. Stayed all night.

Oct 10 – Went to Comstock to Mill. Harris and Sarah went down to Catharines. Pleasant day, warm.

Oct 11 – Drawed in buckwheat, thrashed some, drawed one load corn. Ethan came home in forenoon. Mrs Polly Earl, Hat and Libby Taylor here in afternoon. Pleasant day. Opened Hannahs fellon[100] in Evening.

Oct 12 – Pleasant, cold East wind.

Oct 13 – Thrashed buckwheat. Hawley put corn in barn. Hank left for Chicago.

Oct 14 – Finished thrashing buckwheat. Went over to burg got rollers and pries to move hogpen. Cleaned up buckwheat, had 12½ bushels. Fine day.

Oct 15 – Harriet and Edith[101] here. Made whiffletree for Wes buggy. Sawed out stuf for Catharines rack. Drawed cornfodder. Went over to burg.

Oct 16 – Drawed cornfodder. Went over to burg. Got plank of Burrall. Rained some. Town thrashed wheat. Nancy went down to Browns.

Oct 17 – Some misty. Barber came over helped move Hog pen.

Oct 18 – Leveled up hogpen. Hawley helped. Ed Wilcut[102] came here in afternoon stayed to tea.

Oct 19 – Not well. Ethan, Hannah and Louesa went down to Catharines. Pleasant day. I gathered some Hickory nuts.

Oct 20 – Worked round hogpen, made henroost larger. Jim went up to Wes after Beech nuts. Went back stayed all night. Libby stayed all night. Wes called here in Evening.

Oct 21 – First Snow this morning. Worked on car some. Rainy day. No work.

Oct 22 – Ethan dug potatoes. Put car together. Pleasant day and cool.

Oct 23 – Put wheels on car. Sarah went over to burg to see Jane, stayed all night.

Oct 24 – Went to burg. Took Roolers home. Worked on apple rack. Ethan dug potatoes.

Oct 25 – Carried Mr Knapps pries home. Finished apple Rack. Pleasant day. Hawley finished husking. Went down to Catharines stayed all night. Alfleda went to Kalamazoo with Mr Carlton to see Orson Stars folks. Wm Wheeler got his violin. He paid 75 cts.

Oct 26 – Rainy day. Got some beechnut. Came home in Evening.

Oct 27 – Made bin for corn in cornhouse. Cool wind. Snowed in night.

Oct 28 – Snow 3 inches deep. Hawley started for Hastings. Worked on whiffletrees. Made two for Theodore Earl.[103]

Oct 29 – Went down to Marts. Got hog. Hawley got home.

Oct 30 – Went up in woods cut two trees for sleepers for stable. Snowed like fun, melted fast as it came. Had it sayed on then would have ben 2 inches.

Oct 31 – Drawed two sleepers, some wood. Snowed all day.

Nov 1 – Got one load plank from mill, one load wood. Hewed sleepers. Rained in night. A. Brown get Knife handles made three.

Nov 2 – Ran and snow, bad day to be out. Hawley carried Lou over to Rowlands. Mart came up after Sarah in Evening. Rainy.

Nov 3 – Picked up Apples in orchard. Fine day. Hawley dug potatoes for John Blake.

Nov 4 – Drawed in corn and husked in afternoon. Pleasant day. Hawley helped A. Brown butcher Hogs and sheep. Hawleys Brother had Jack to carry their Boat up to the lake.

Nov 5 – Lucys Baby died about ten AM.[104] Sarah came home. Alfleda came. Pleasant day. Husked corn all day. Hawley dug potatoes for J. C. Blake.

Nov 6 – Pleasant morning. Drawed corn some.

Nov 7 – Drawed one load corn. Went down to Catharines to funeral. Lucys Baby buried to day. Came home in Evening. Rained.

Nov 8 – Drawed sleepers out to barn and some straw.

Nov 9 – At home. Nancy and Jim went over to Barbers. I gathered some Hickory nuts. Snowed and rained some.

Nov 10 – Nancy came home this morning. Received of Town Treasurer twenty five Dollars. Paid James McLarry Eleven and fifteen 100 Dollars. Alfledas Box came 75 cts Express Charge.

Nov 11 – Went up to sawmill got 256 feet baswood boards ½ inch. Snowed like fun. Snow fell 2 inches. Husked 15 bushels corn. Hawley helped one hour and a half.

Nov 12 – Snowey. Husked out what corn there was in the barn.

Nov 13 – Put in floor in stable. Put horses in.

Nov 14 – Put manger in stable. Hawley went to mill. Sent three bushels Buckwheat, one of corn.

Nov 15 – Killed hog, the one I got of Mart. Worked in stable some. Fine day. Wes got plank.

Nov 16 – Lucy and Hannah came up.

Nov 17 – Sawed out Worked in stable on stalls. Ethan and A. Brown went to Kalamazoo after Hanks things.

Nov 18 – Sawed out out thills for wagon, one for sleigh. Stormy day.

Nov 19 – Hawley Killed his black pig. Brown brot up some of hanks things. Paid Mrs Chipman $5.00 five Dollars for cleaning school house. Worked on thills some.

Nov 20 – Worked in barn some on stall. Got stick up to corner. Bradley and Theodore after some ___ails.

Nov 21 – Dick barber brot cross cut saw to be filed. Pedler Layton called here. Sawed out raves for bobs. Drawed in lot corn. Filled barn floor. Fine day.

Nov 22 – Finished hawleys sleigh thill, painted thill. Mr Flanders got his handles. Brot paint down. Hank came home from Chicago.

Nov 23 – Sick all day. Snowey.

Nov 24 – Snow 2½ inches this morning. Hawley gone over to help his father[105] kill beef. Theron went to Battlecreek. Old cow kicked me. Uncle Sam Curtis Died to day Ae 87 yr.[106]

Nov 25 – Worked on bobs some. Snow 3 inches. Husked corn some. Hawley helped J. C. Blake thrash.

Nov 26 – Snows some. Hawley gone up to Blakes. Aunt Mima Curtis Died to day Ae 84 yrs.[107]

Nov 27 – Cleared out shop. Hank and Nancy here. Snow 1¾ inches. Hawley up to Blakes.

Nov 28 – Snow ¾ inches. Jim went down to Catharines.

Nov 29 – Cut out some battings for shop. Will Plank came. Ethan down to Catharines.

Nov 30 – At home all day. Hawleys folks went over with boys just at night with sleigh.

Dec 1 – Sawed some battens, put them on. Ethan drawed load wood. Rained just at night. Hawley at Blakes.

Dec 2 – Rainy day. Worked on bobs all day. Very warm, rain.

Dec 3 – Snow all gone. Worked in shop some.

Dec 4 – Worked on ax helves some. Set glass for shop window. Ethan and Will Plank went over to burg. Very high wind. Hawley Paid three Dollars on sleigh.

Dec 5 – Drawed two loads wood in morning. Ethan went down to Catharines. I drawed lot corn, filled barn floor, put window in shop. Hung ax for O. D. Schram.

Dec 6 – Worked in shop. Put in some battens.

Dec 7 – Rained in forenoon. At home. Ethan down to Catharines.

Dec 8 – Rainy. Husked some corn. Not much done to day. Turned handle for Mr Flanders. He called here, got his handle. Mrs Hawley sick. I went over to burg after Wightman[108] in night. Very muddy.

Dec 9 – Went down to M. O. Streators after some straw. Filled Alfledas bed. Hawleys girl born[109] about one AM this morning.

Dec 10 – Not very well, lame back. Lois here.

Dec 11 – No work, lame back. Cant get around much.

Dec 12 – Rainy day. Ethan went to Comstock to mill. Sarah went down to Catharines. Edith stayed here all night.

Dec 13 – Snows like fun, snow fell ¾ inch. Old Mr Watts fell down cellar and killed himself.

Dec 14 – Lame, no work. At home.

Dec 15 – At home, no work. Repairing violin.

Dec 16 – No work Except on violin. Mart and Toot called here.

Dec 17 – Repairing violin for Climax boy. Back lame as Ever. Mr Watts buried to day. Sarah went. Fine day. Alfleda over to burg.

Dec 18 – Cloudy morning.

Dec 19 – At home. No work, lame back. Paid L. Mead one Dollar pr order.

Dec 20 – Rowe boy got his violin. He paid $1.50. Went down to A. R. Ses[?]. Ethan went over got Gaffing. A. Bartholomew and Haynes boys here in Evening. Brot their instruments. Eugene came. Henry and Frank Tomlinson[110] came here about nine in Evening.

Dec 21 – Snowed some. Went down to Catharines. Mrs Gaffing went. Hannah went home with me.

Dec 22 – Fine day, pleasant and cold. Frank came back. Henry, Dell, Lois and Sate here in Evening.

Dec 23 – Ethan and Hank went up to Wesleys in forenoon. Sarah went to Kalamazoo with browns folks. Got cloak cloth for Hannah. Fine day. Ethan and Hank went up to Flanders in Evening.

Dec 24 – Cloudy 32 Abz in morning. Put hams smoking. Went up to Mrs Semers after money, git none. Received fifty dollars of Town Treasurer. Fine day.

Dec 25 – 39 Abz in forenoon. Paid E. S. Davis $10 ten Dollars. Snowed some in night.

Dec 26 – Snows. Ethan came home. Patty[111] sent me three Dollars.

Dec 27 – Snow 3½. At home, no work.

Dec 28 – At home all day.

Dec 29 – At home. Fixed for butching. D. C. Crawford[112] came here in afternoon.

Dec 30 – Butchered my hogs. Wes helped me. Hawley killed his hog. His Father helped him. Cool. D. C. Left for South Bend Indiana.[113]

Dec 31 – Cool Morning 22 Abz. Not very well.

——-

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

[2] Galesburg, Michigan

[3] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

[4] Daughter, Louese Keith. Also referred to as Sis or Lou

[5] Neighbor girl. See footnote for January 22^nd entry

[6] Above zero

[7] Henry Keith, his son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[8] Henry “Hank” Brown, his daughter Nancy’s husband

[9] Ambrose Brown, Hank Brown’s father

[10] Sarah Skinner, the daughter of Sylvester & Sarah (Knight) Skinner, and the sister of Adelbert Skinner, the husband of Luke’s daughter Lois

[11] Daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown. She and Hank were married October 5, 1872

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

[13] Martin Milham, husband of Lucy (Lee) Milham. Lucy was daughter of his sister Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[14] His son, Ethan Keith

[15] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Flora Swaddle, age 16, the daughter of W. G. Swaddle, died January 8, 1873, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[16] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ira Joy died January 9, 1873, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[17] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, his daughter by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[18] His first cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[19] Isaac Schram, a neighbor

[20] Neighbors, Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

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

[22] John Wesley Keith, his adopted brother

[23] Charles D. Towne, married daughter Hannah on September 21, 1891

[24] Third wife, Sarah Crawford

[25] Neighbors, William & Celestin Swaddle

[26] Sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[27] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[28] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

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

[30] Neighbor, Harriet (Groat) Plank

[31] Byron, Cora, Ida and Libbie Allen, the children of neighbor, John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen, who are mentioned quite frequently

[32] William Plank

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

[34] His paternal first cousin. Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee, the brother of Joseph W. Lee and the father of Charles Jedediah Lee

[35] Two poles between which a horse is hitched to a wagon

[36] Ax handle

[37] His paternal first cousins, Jesse and Alvan Lee, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[38] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

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

[40] Nickname for Lucy (Lee) Milham, daughter of his sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[41] Nickname for his daughter Louese, also called Louesa

[42] Believe he is referring to his neighbor, Hetta (Burgess) Ralph

[43] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Clarence G. Wing, age 6, the son of B. A. & Louise Wing, died February 14, 1873; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[44] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith, son of Harvey & Alfleda (Starr) Keith, and Oscar’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[45] Mary Ann’s father, John Batey

[46] Daughters of neighbors William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[47] Believe he is referring to his neighbor, Joseph Flanders, the father of Edwin Flanders (mentioned previously)

[48] Adelbert Skinner

[49] Catherine E. Keith, the daughter of James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[50] See previous footnote

[51] Mertie LaVern Chaffee, the daughter of Thomas & Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[52] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Charlotte Ann (Goodrich) Coe died February 21, 1873 and is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[53] Edwin R. York was the brother of Joseph York who was married to Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Amos Chipman died February 27, 1873 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[55] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[56] His grandson, William Byron Clark, son of Lois (Keith) and her first husband, Byron Clark

[57] Charles Lee, his two sons, Alvan and Jesse, and Jesse’s wife, Julia (Toupence) Lee

[58] Rebecca Plank, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank’s oldest daughter

[59] His horse

[60] The Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Nancy (Meade) Goodrich committed suicide on March 21, 1873 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

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

[62] Libbie and Ida Clark were the daughters of Loren and Amanda (Taylor) Clark

[63] Neighbors, John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[64] The son of Sarah’s brother, Edwin, and his second wife, Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[65] Hank Brown made the following entry in his diary: John T. Allerton licked and drove his gray mare all the forenoon in a shamefull manner

[66] Joseph and Helen (Bradley) York. Helen was the daughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[67] A wooden collar put around a cow’s neck to prevent the cow from getting under or through a fence

[68] Many members of the Lee family were Mormons. Several of them had previously moved to Salt Lake City

[69] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

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

[71] Julia Allen, Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister, who lived with Matilda and Ambrose

[72] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Eliza (Gilfus) Delano, age 19, died May 3, 1873

[73] A ferrule is a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (such as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting

[74] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Reuben L. Coe died in 1873 and is buried in the Prairie Home Cemetery, in Climax, Michigan

[75] Cullen Albert Towne, brother of Charles Towne (see footnote for January 16^th entry)

[76] A search of Michigan Death Records at Ancestry and at FindAGrave.com reveals that Sarah (Odell) Potts, age 24, died of consumption May 15, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. Her brother, Azor (Ezra) Potts, age 19, died earlier in the year on January 10, also of consumption. They were the children of Isaac and Polly “Mary” (Shoemaker) Odell. Searching further, three of their other children also died of consumption: Angeline/Adeline (Odell) Youngs, age 29, on June 3, 1874; Jane Ann (Odell) Olin, age 30, on February 13, 1877; and Ellen Odell, age 25, also on February 13, 1877

[77] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[78] Byron & Harriet (Abbott) Hawley

[79] Albert H. Towne (Charles’ and Cullen’s father)

[80] According to a document from the Commissioners of Highways of the Township of Comstock, Luke, as Overseer of Highways in Road District No. 26, was “… hereby commanded and required to take charge of men named in the annexed assessment, and cause them faithfully to work the number of days therein specified …” The men were required to work a certain number of days based on how many acres they owned. While this particular document is for the year 1877, it can be assumed that this is what Luke is referring to for 1873. In 1877, the men Luke was to take charge of, and the days they were required to work, was: Ambrose Brown, 45 acres, ¾ day; __. C. Durkee, 120 acres, 5¾ days; Jesse Earl, 120 acres, 5¼ days; Theodore Earl, 20 acres plus saw mill, 1¼ days; James Ridler, 40 acres, 1½ days; O. D. Schram, 80 acres, 2¾ days; Luke Keith, 35 acres, 1¼ days; Albert Towne, 116 acres, 5 days; H. A. Taylor, 55 acres, 2½ days; Bela[?] Wright, 51 acres, 1¼ days; and John Schroder, 42 acres, ¾ day

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

[82] His maternal first cousin

[83] Felloe or felly – rim, or segment of the rim, of a spoked wheel

[84] The widow and daughter of his brother-in-law, Edwin Crawford

[85] Joseph and his wife Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders

[86] His horse

[87] Sarah’s brother and his family, Henry, Virginia (Worley) and John. Nancy’s 1873 diary also includes George

[88] See Henry Brown’s 1873 diary. He and Nancy were moving to Muir, Michigan to set up his photography business

[89] The Michigan Deaths & Burials Index at Ancestry.com shows that Henry Clinton, age 73, died August 1, 1873 in Charleston, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

[90] Neighbor, Olive Ellen (Atkinson) Schram, the wife of Isaac D. L. Schram

[91] Sarah’s nephew; Eugene was the son of her late brother, Edwin Crawford, and his first wife, Louisa Hall

[92] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Dr. Melancthon W. Alfred, age 63, died August 16, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[93] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, the widow of his brother Harvey Keith

[94] Marion Adelpha York, the daughter of Helen (Bradley) & Joseph York, and granddaughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[95] Neighbor, Lovina Allen, another daughter of John & Amanda Allen

[96] Catherine Samantha “Kitty” Milham, born to Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[97] According to FindAGrave.com, Smith Sharpsteen died September 23, 1873 and is buried in Oak Grove Cementery, Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Other things

[99] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Cora L. Knapp, age 15, the daughter of William & Eliza Knapp, died October 6, 1873 in Comstock, Michigan

[100] Felon – deep inflammation on a finger or toe

[101] Harriet (Blakeslee) and Edith Keith, Wesley Keith’s wife and daughter

[102] Believe he is referring to his first cousin, Edward G. Wolcott

[103] Neighbor, the son of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl

[104] Catherine Samantha “Kitty” Milham, born September 2, 1873

[105] Chester Hawley

[106] Samuel Curtis was the father of Sarah, who married Henry Crittenden, who was the brother of Luke’s first wife, Jerusha Crittenden

[107] Mima (Knapp) Anable Curtis was Samuel’s second wife and thus the stepmother of Sarah (Curtis) Crittenden)

[108] Dr. George Ransom Wightman

[109] The 1880 Census lists Laura Hawley, age 7, as the daughter of Byron & Harriet; no further information regarding her has been found

[110] His grand-nephew, Frank John Tomlinson, the son of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

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

[112] His wife Sarah’s brother, David Caleb “D. C.” Crawford

[113] Sarah’s other brother, Henry Clay Crawford, lived in South Bend, Indiana