Luke Keith’s 1860 Diary

1860 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – Cold 11 Below zero. At home all day.

Jan 2 – Cold 7 Below zero. Bot this Book 62¢ Bot Soap 15¢. Put in Boulster for __. Kingsley.

Jan 3 – Pleasant 11 Abz. Bot iron for slead 61¢. Book came. Screws 20. Paid E. Beckwith 50.

Jan 4 – Cold 12 Abz. Express _____ 14¢. Went over to Fathers[2] Bot Beef 14 got tea Kettle repaired 15¢ Bot one lb candles 16¢. Deyoes[3] moved.

Jan 5 – Snows a little 13 Abz. Got my sled. Sarah[4] went to donation party. Bot ½ lb tea 31¢ one Dollar for work on sled.

Jan 6 – Cloudy 20 Abz. Worked in shop made axhelve for Byington. Rainy day.

Jan 7 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Henry[5] came home. Put the irons on my slead. Bot 3 lbs pork 22¢ Bot screws 7¢.

Jan 8 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home all day. Henry & Lois[6] at home. Sleighing most gone.

Jan 9 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Killed my pig. Paid Earl 50¢. Bot 50 lbs Flour 11/-.[7]

Jan 10 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Went over to Fathers got pig. Hat Taylor stayed here all night. Bot one lb candles 1__. Snowed in the night.

Jan 11 – Snowey 16 Abz. Made axhelve for Eben Flanders. Bot one old Red Lead 11¢. Bot 15 lbs salt 20.

Jan 12 – Pleasant 7 Abz. Worked in shop some painted sled hued some spokes. Bot stuff for pain Killer 73.

Jan 13 – Pleasant 11 Abz. Worked in shop some. Wesley called here _____ drawed 3 cords wood.

Jan 14 – Cloudy 7 Abz. Worked in shop some Wesley[8] called here.

Jan 15 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ed York paid me two Dollars. Lois went home.

Jan 16 – Snows some 34 Abz. Sorted my corn. Miss Hoxie & Mrs Bevere here Mrs Earl & Mary Ett here.

Jan 17 – Snows some 23 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Mr & Mrs Carleton to Fathers. Bot five comb 10¢. J. Flanders here.

Jan 18 – Snows some 26 Abz. Hued spokes. Paid my tax 23.70¢. Flanders got his ax.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Shelled corn. Race[9] broke away down at the old ashry.

Jan 20 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Father & mother[10] Catharine[11] & Mark[12] here. Denormandy[13] here opened Lois Breast.

Jan 21 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Hued spokes for Jesse Earls buggy. Isaac Smith paid 10¢. Bot Envelope to send to George Tomlinson[14].

Jan 22 – Pleasant 31 Abz. At home all day. Hat Taylor & Mary Childs here & S. Newman.

Jan 23 – Pleasant 24 Abz. Worked in shop. Sent G. T.[15] one hundred & 45 Dollars. Lois went home. Sent letter 3¢.

Jan 24 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Worked on Richardsons Wheels. Miles got my violin.

Jan 25 – Cold ground froze 30 Abz. Worked in shop sawed out felloes[16] for Charleys wheels. Lois came home. Flanders Brot load hay. Sent slead up to Henry.

Jan 26 – Cold 24 Abz snowey day. Worked in shop. Got meal from mill. Water over garden race over flows.

Jan 27 – Snows 19 Abz. Worked in shop got out spokes. Race over flowed my yard.

Jan 28 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Water all over my yard. Shaved spokes & put on sand board. Bot one lb candles 22¢.

Jan 29 – Pleasant 20 Abz. At home all day. Mrs Warner buried to day.

Jan 30 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Drove spokes in Charleys wheels.

Jan 31 – Snows 10 Abz. Finished Charleys wheels. Sarah went down to Mr Mansfields. Water higher than ever almost up to cellar window.

Feb 1 – Cold 2 Abz. Went over to Fathers & down to Clarks yard ful of ice good skating.

Feb 2 – Cold & pleasant 9 Abz. Worked in shop & cut some mittens. Wesley here.

Feb 3 – Snowes some 15 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent letter to Mrs. Betts[17]. Wesley & J. C. Blake here.

Feb 4 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Jo & Hellen[18] there. Came home with Father. Alvan[19] here. Worked in shop some. Bot shoes for hannah[20] 75¢. One pound saleratas 10¢.

Feb 5 – Snows some 30 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Feb 6 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Lois came home. Bot 10 lbs shugar 1.00 one lb Tea __2¢ 2 lbs candles 42. Mark got his Buggy. Hannah went over to Fathers. Lois came home.

Feb 7 – Storms some 24 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sarah went over to Fathers. Lois went home. Bronson & Streator here. Bot cloth for shirt 40¢.

Feb 8 – Pleasant 21 Abz. Tinkered round house carried corn to mill. Bot 50 lbs Flour 1.38¢ one apple 1¢. Bohaim Clark Buried to day.

Feb 9 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Charley Brot Load wood. Bot cloth for drawers 31¢ one violin string 25¢ pop corn 1¢.

Feb 10 – Pleasant 4 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Bot coat & Hat and ribbon & Broom 1502.

Feb 11 – Snowed some 19 Abz. No work in shop to day excep sawed of spokes. Bot Sarah shoes 1.13¢.

Feb 12 – Pleasant 17 Abz. Went up to Wesleys Yorks & Fathers.

Feb 13 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Mark here. Bronson Brot 4__ wheat. Bot Boots 5 shoes 75.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Bot one light glass 7¢. Left home 12 at noon got to Johns[21] 4 PM. Fair from G. to C.[22] 1.30.

Feb 15 – Cold & stormy. Went over to uncle Jasons[23] got there at one P.M. Found them well.

Feb 16 – Very cold. Some head ache. Went over to John Bissels saw Catharine[24].

Feb 17 – Cold. Went over to Lashers[25] from there to Mr Kirkwoods saw Irene[26]. Snowed all night.

Feb 18 – Cold snows. Stayed at Jasons all day. Went down to John Bissels in the Evening.

Feb 19 – Went and saw Lasher.

Feb 20 – Left uncle Jasons half past nine got to uncle Ozens[27] quater past three. Fare from Jonesville[?] to Hudson 65 cts.

Feb 21 – Left uncle Ozens 12. at noon. Got to Adrian[28] half past two. Found aunt Whitmore[29]. Saw Fred Partrige.

Feb 22 – Pleasant. Saw Emmet Crittenden. Bot gloves 25¢. Left Adrian half past 2. Fare from Adrian to Buffalo 9.00.

Feb 23 – Left Buffalo 6 AM arrived in Pavilion[30] quarter past one. Fare from B. to __. 1.00. Breakfast 25. Mending ring 10.

Feb 24 – Cold. Sent letter to Sarah 7¢. Saw uncle Noah[31] and many others donation at the tavern.

Feb 25 – Cold. At home[32] all day. George Sprague & wife[33] here. Saw Mr Gilmore.

Feb 26 – Cold & snows some. Mr Baly Preached. Sylvenas Young called on me.

Feb 27 – Cloudy. Went over the farm & up to the Burying ground[34].

Feb 28 – Rainy. At home. Nelly[35] sick. Saw W^m Sprague. Sarah Crittenden[36] came down.

Feb 29 – Some rainy. Went down to Chaddocks[37]. Carried Sarah. Mrs Kendall visited _____.

Mar 1 – Rainy. Mended stove. Went up to shop with Dr Sprague[38]. Nelly very sick with scarlet fever.

Mar 2 – Pleasant & windy. Horse Excitement at the village. Saw a number of old friends.

Mar 3 – Rainy morning. Nelly no better. Sent letter to Sarah one Dollar in it. Received a letter from Sarah.

Mar 4 – Pleasant. Dr Sprague & Mr Nobles[39] came down.

Mar 5 – Went up to P. Creek[40]. Saw W^m Miller & many other friends. Stayed to O. Scrantons. Went up to the burying ground[41].

Mar 6 – Pleasant. Went Back to Pavilion. Mrs Nobles here.

Mar 7 – Cloudy & cool. At home. Claressa Starr here in the Evening. Nelly not much Better.

Mar 8 – Pleasant. Nelly a bout as usual. Cut down some Locus trees. Received letter from Sarah. Mr Belden[?] & wife here.

Mar 9 – Cold & windy. Mr Belden[?] left. Cut some more trees. Finished Nellys _____.

Mar 10 – Snows cold as greeland. Nelly some better. Patty[42] sick all night.

Mar 11 – Pleasant. At home all day. George & Susan[43] here.

Mar 12 – Snow 3 inches & snows like fun snowed all day.

Mar 13 – Snowey. Sleighs run. Mr Beldon & wife came down went up to the store & got some silk. Susan came down.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Went down to Emilys. Received letter from home.

Mar 15 – Pleasant. Went to uncle Jesses[44] & Wyoming. Saw old Mrs Peterson she will be 97 in Aug next. Heard Elder H Earls[?] lecture in the Evening.

Mar 16 – Pleasant. Went up to uncle Samuel Curtis[45]. All well.

Mar 17 – Pleasant. Bot Bosom for shirt 44¢. Went up to Mr Starrs after noon.

Mar 18 – Pleasant. Dr Sprague & S. Youngs here in the morning. George & susan here.

Mar 19 – Bot silk for dress and trunk 13.75. Went over to Clarissa Stars. Rained some.

Mar 20 – At home went up to the store. George had a sick turn. Priest here. Hugh Brooks here.

Mar 21 – Very stormy cold & snows like fun. George sick.

Mar 22 – Left Pavilion 6 am got to Leroy[46]. Took the cars went up to ______ came back to Leroy. Left Leroy half past seven Evening. Fare to Buffalo one Dollar 1.00. Arrived in Buffalo 11.20 Bus ticket.

Mar 23 – Leave Buffalo at 9 Am. Fare to Detroit[?] 7.00[?] cost 1.50. Breakfast lodging costing[?] 1.50. Book and plates 35. Got home 4 oclock am.

Mar 24 – Pleasant. At home. Went over to Fathers.

Mar 25 – Snows some. Henry came home. Jo Sherman here.

Mar 26 – Pleasant. At home. At home all day. Alvan here.

Mar 27 – Pleasant morning. Worked in shop some. Byington Brot his Exes. Lois came home. Azeo here. Sent letter to George 3¢.

Mar 28 – Pleasant. Worked on gearing for Byington. Lois at home.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah went over the river. Very dry. Sarah had fifty cents.

Mar 30 – Pleasant. Worked in shop on Byingtons gearing. Driest time I ever new in March. Went over to Fathers. Bot ½ lb Tea 30¢. Charley Brot one & 2/4 cords wood. Received _____ J. M. York[47] one gold ring $.10.00.

Mar 31 – Smoky. Worked in shop. Finished hewing Bronsons spokes. Bronson here. Bot on lb candles 22¢.

Apr 1 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Sarah went to church. Painter Smiths wife babtised. Lois at home. 31 cents for Sarah Beedle[?].

Apr 2 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went to town meeting. Went over to Fathers. Bot 10 lbs shugar 1.00. Watts paid his note 45.45. Paid Cory 59 cents.

Apr 3 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Finished Byingtons gearing. Sarah went over to Wisemans.

Apr 4 – Rainy 52 Abz. Paid school Bill 1.08. Bronson Brot plank. Jake Hill here in Evening.

Apr 5 – Smoky 42 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot one set Hubbs 1.95 one set rims 1.50. Mrs Tubbs here Evening.

Apr 6 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Went over to H Browns. Made a Deed for Blass. Gave up Masons Deed & mortgage. Received pay 5.50.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop on Dr Wightmans wagon. Bot Beads for Sarah 10 cm stick candy. Galt paid 1.20.

Apr 8 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Mark there. Rainy night.

Apr 9 – Rainy 44 Abz. Worked in shop. Got out pipe for Mr Warren. Mr Stimpson Brot here & buried. Thunder & hail in the night.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Finished Warrens pipe. Race Brot his Buggy. Mrs Butterfield here. Lois came home. Bot one box matches 6¢. Paid one Dollar for plats[?].

Apr 11 – Some cloudy 38 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo got Deeds Recorded. Bass Deed 7/- Tomlinsons 7/- C. L. Keiths 6/-. Fare on cars 25 Bot Dress for Sarah 11/- 5 yds pink 5/- 4.25.

Apr 12 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Went over to Fathers to make bargain for farms. Paid Catharine 25¢ bot cord 2¢.

Apr 13 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Finished Races Buggy. Bot one lb nails 5 3 sheets sand paper 3.

Apr 14 – Snowed some 34 Abz. Race got his Buggy 2.00. Cleaned out shop some mended fence. Lent C Richardson 5.00.

Apr 15 – Pleasant cool air 30 Abz. At home Edwin Henry & Dwight stayed here. Sarah went to church.

Apr 16 – Cloudy 50 Abz. Worked in shop put in two spokes for D. Lamkins.

Apr 17 – Pleasant 43 Abz. Worked in shop on spokes. Bot one yard _________ 12½ two lbs candles 44¢ candy 3.

Apr 18 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Worked on spokes. Bot vial of silver plating 25.

Apr 19 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Worked on felloes. Got my Boots Tapt 75¢. Bot one Dearing Knife 75¢ Beer 10¢. Rained in the Evening.

Apr 20 – Cloudy 62 Abz. Shaved felloes. Bot file 62¢ whetstone 14¢ Buttons 5¢.

Apr 21 – Rains 65 Abz. Shaved spokes. Bot spool thread 5¢. Moses Scranlin here. C. Richardson paid 5.00.

Apr 22 – Cloudy 40 Abz. At home all day. Wrote letter to J S King[48] one to E. M. Stratton NY.

Apr 23 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Repaired wheelbarrow wheel for B. Clark[49]. Bot one lb Tea 50 one geography 50 one lb _________ 12 two letters 6 one _____ thread 5.

Apr 24 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked in garden. Bot two lbs nails 9¢.

Apr 25 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked round garden picked up brush raked up front yard.

Apr 26 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Shaved spokes. Got Ethens Boot mended 25¢.

Apr 27 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Finished shaving spokes for Jesses Buggy. Bot cloth for Ethens apron 25¢ Bot of a ___ Galt _________ &c $3.75 cts.

Apr 28 – Pleasant 32 Abz. D. Lamkins plowed garden. Mr & Mrs Hall here. Aurilly Lee[50] here. Bot vial of stick tile of Mrs Deyoe 25¢. Recd letter from N.Y. E. M. Stratton.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 44 Abz. At home. Henry came home. Lois at home. By got his wheel. Swaddles Boy died.[51]

Apr 30 – Cloudy 58 Abz. Moved Hogpen. Got one number of the coach makers magazine. Bot 3 lbs nails 15¢.

May 1 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Planted some peas & potatoes. Mark Lee & Ed Wilcut[52] & Eugene Bronson[?] here. Let John Flint have 75. Dollars.

May 2 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked in garden some. Went over to Fathers. Bot 6 lbs & 6 oz Shugar of E. W. Gale 57¢ ½ lb sulphur[?] 6¢ five apples 5¢ Bot Bible of Mills 1.40¢.

May 3 – Pleasant 41 Abz. Worked in well. Bot one spool thread 5¢ ½ lb crackers 5¢ one paper 5¢. Ethen sick.

May 4 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Planted Lettuce onions & potatoes. Paid Mr Deyoe 25¢.

May 5 – Cloudy 58 Abz. Got some mortar of Stevenson 5¢. Planted potatoes. E. W. Gale paid one hundred & six Dollars & fifty cents.

May 6 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Went up to Wesleys & Yorks.

May 7 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Wesley came and worked on well. Mr Flanders Brot 1 & ½ Bush _____. D. Lamkin Brot 1 & ½ Doz Eggs. Rained some. Some Thunder Evening.

May 8 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Finished bricking up my well. Got 195 brick of T. Cory. Extracted tooth for Mrs Johnson 25 cts. Rained in the night. Flanders Brot over half bush potatoes & some onion sets.

May 9 – Cloudy looks like rain 57 Abz. Planted potatoes onions &c[53]. Mrs Wiseman & children here to Tea. Pulled tooth for Mrs Johnson 25¢.

May 10 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Fixed pump pipes. Sowed some peas. Went over to Fathers got some potatoes.

May 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Sowed Raddish & Pepper grass. Planted potatoes. Made platform to well. Bot two lbs nails 10¢. Sarah went to A Hoags.

May 12 – Cloudy 57 Abz. Finished my well. Planted some Beans. Bot fish 40¢. Wesley Brot his rake fingers[?].

May 13 – Cloudy 59 Abz. Sarah went to church. I went down to the river just at night caught 4 fish and got a lecturing for so doing.

May 14 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Made Bedsted for Ethen. Calvin Streator left. Richardson Brot some wood 7/8 of a cord. Sent letter to E. M. Straton 3¢. Lois at home in Evening.

May 15 – Pleasant 55 Abz. Moved beds up stairs. Bot two bushels wheat of Bronson 2.38 two spools thread 10. Alvan called here.

May 16 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop. Bot 4 yds cotton 28¢ One paper cucumber seed 5¢.

May 17 – Pleasant & some like rain 60 Abz. Dressed out spokes for Bronsons wheels. Bot one stick candy. Deyoe & children here to supper.

May 18 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Filed saw for Mead 10¢. Sawed out gearing for Bronsons wagon. Deyoe moved into the Tubbs House his wife gone. Bot file 12.

May 19 – Rains some 49 Abz. Worked in shop fixing _______ 2.00. Whiting Hat 25¢ half lb starch 6¢ one Dollar for sundries. Beckwith Died.[54]

May 20 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Went up north with children. Mr Beckwith Buried. Rained after noon & night. Mrs Deyo came home.

May 21 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Bot 50 cabbage plants 10¢. Let Parker have 10¢. Sent letter to G. T. 3¢. Put in Boulster for H. Chipman 50¢.

May 22 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some. Wrote letter for Parker lent him ten Dollars.

May 23 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked in shop some on Jesses gearing. Went to Fathers. Rained in night.

May 24 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Worked in shop Bot one lb tea 50¢ ½ lb pepper 5¢ 2½ lbs veal steak 15¢.

May 25 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Worked in shop. George Hopkins Died. Sarah & Lois went to Adelines.

May 26 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Bot one lb coffee 18¢ two thimbles 5¢ _____ Parker _____ one bushel corn. Mended N. Galts waggon Box 25¢. Ely Wightman Paid 25¢.

May 27 – Pleasant 51 Abz. At home went down to the river. George Hopkins Buried.

May 28 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Made violin neck for Parker. Bot 10 lbs Butter of A. Chipman. Sent letter to J. S. King 3.

May 29 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on seat for A. Chipman. Mrs S___tin here to tea. Rained just at night.

May 30 – Some cloudy 62 Abz. Worked on seat. Sawed out thill. Bot 5 posts 60¢ 5 lbs nails 20¢. Bot one lb nails 5¢.

May 31 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Uncle Amos got his seat. Made some fence. Paid Father $.3.50. Lois came home.

Jun 1 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Finished my cross fence. Bot 2 lbs nails 10¢ one stick braid 6¢. Bot two bushels wheat of J. Flanders 2.50.

Jun 2 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Harvey came here went over to Fathers saw Alfleda[55]. Rained in the Evening.

Jun 3 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Went in swimming. Harvey got grind stove. Rained in the night.

Jun 4 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Repaired wheel for M. O. Streator[56] 1.00.

Jun 5 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Catharine & Mark here. Pulled two teeth for Sarah. Bot 2 lbs candles 44¢ one lb salratas[57] 10 one paper cucumbers 5¢. Two bushels wheat of M. O. Stre[ator].

Jun 6 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Made form to bend wheel rims for Buggy _______. Rained some. Volina here to tea. Sundries of Gale 50¢.

Jun 7 – Cloudy 58 Abz. __________ for Wightman boys. Bot 10 lbs shugar _____ cloth for Ethen 80¢ file _____. Went down to Catharines. Put thill in Fathers wagon.

Jun 8 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot cotten cloth 5 prs shoes. Bonnets for girls dress lining &c 15.56 one pair spectacles.

Jun 9 – Pleasant & cloudy 48 Abz. Hoed garden. Sarah went over to Mr Halls. Bot strawberries 10¢ one button 2¢. Myron S. Coe[58] buried. Bot cloth of Galt 1.50 Hdkf 25¢ belts 38¢.

Jun 10 – Pleasant 48 Abz. At home. Went up north. Sarah & children went.

Jun 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Drove spokes in hubs for rake got out some of the gearing. Chipman brot one & half bushels potatoes 56¢.

Jun 12 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked on rake. Bot fringe Hooks & Eyes thread &c.

Jun 13 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Got plank of Cross sawed out stuf for boddy to Earls buggy. Lois came home. Celia Newman & Mary Durham here.

Jun 14 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Worked on boddy. Took tea over to Rogers. Bot watch of Parker .3.56 cents. Bot half lb shugar 8¢.

Jun 15 – Cloudy 62 Abz. Worked in shop some. Went to the school celebration. Jo Lees folks[59] here to tea. Bot violin string 13¢.

Jun 16 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in shop. Sent letter to Hank 3¢.

Jun 17 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Went down to Catharines. Lois went with me.

Jun 18 – Rainy 64 Abz. Worked in shop on Jesses buggy Box. Wesley here paid 3 Dollars.

Jun 19 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop on Earls bugy Boddy. Mrs Kenyon & Mrs Chapman here to dinner. Babtist association. Wesley paid 3 Dollars.

Jun 20 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Br Jones church Burned this morning 3 oclock. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Worked on rake some.

Jun 21 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sarah came home. Deyo taken up on charge of Burning church.

Jun 22 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Worked on road. Mrs Deyo & children here to tea.

Jun 23 – Foggy 52 Abz. Worked on the road. Mrs Deyoe went to Kalamazoo to see James. Ethen bot some nuts 1¢.

Jun 24 – Cloudy 66 Abz. At home all day. Sarah & children went to church.

Jun 25 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Worked in shop. Bot half lb Tea one lb crackers one lb & 6 oz chees 55¢. Shed Seeley[60] & Mr Struble arrested for burning church. Mrs Hoges lost two shirts.

Jun 26 – Rains some 73 Abz. Worked in shop on rake. Jo Flanders here to dinner.

Jun 27 – Rains some 68 Abz. Worked in shop. Climax constable after L. Beach run for the woods. Bot spool Thread 5¢. Sarah went over to Wisemans.

Jun 28 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Worked on Boddy. Watered my garden for the first time. Paid postage on magazine 12¢. Rained hard in the night.

Jun 29 – Rainy 72 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo to court adjourned. Saw David Smith. Mark & Jo here. _____ 50¢ beer 5¢. Got bag bran of Affleck.

Jun 30 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Got _____ set on rake wheels. Vandusen here to Austins. Bronson brot his Boxes.

Jul 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Sarah & children went to church. I went over to Fathers.

Jul 2 – Rainy 72 Abz. Picked some cherries. Started to go to Kalamazoo. Jo York came & got cheries. Shed Seeley came home. Rainy night.

Jul 3 – Rains 70 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mended cradle for J. C. Blake. Henry Crawford[61] came. Bot 5 lbs shugar ½ lb ginger 60.

Jul 4 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Mended cradle for J C B. Henry Crawford went to Battle creek. Bot cradle finger 12¢ bunch fire crackers 8 two lemons 10¢ two violin strings 28¢.

Jul 5 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Mended Kingsleys wheels 75¢. Hellen York came down Jo here to tea. Henry went to Battle creek.

Jul 6 – Rains some 65 Abz. Worked in shop fixed Clarks wheel. Henry went home. Bot Beef shank 10¢. Hellen went home.

Jul 7 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop some hoed some. Harriet Perry & Celia Newman here. George Hoges child buried.

Jul 8 – Rainy 69 Abz. All stayed at home. Had diarhea. Had string Beans for supper. Nancy[62] came home from Clarks.

Jul 9 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Diarhea not much work. Backed of Bronsons spokes.

Jul 10 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Not very well. Lockhart got axletree for Earls bugy. Bot seat spindles 75¢ Bot crystal for my watch 25¢ Bot ½ yd cotten 5¢ Bot spool thread 5¢.

Jul 11 – Pleasant cool wind 59 Abz. Set boxes in Earls Hubs. Sent letter to Omro[63] to Mrs Betts 3¢.

Jul 12 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Drove spokes in to Earls hubs. Alvan here. Got Parkers violin.

Jul 13 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked on wheels. Mrs Gaffery here. Sarah went down to Barbers.

Jul 14 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Put felloes on to Earls wheels. Bot 3 bands for whipstalk. Edith came down here.

Jul 15 – Cloudy 64 Abz. At home. Alvan here. Mr Deyo came to have tooth pulled. Edith went home.

Jul 16 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Finished Earls wheels. Bot one lb Tea 63¢ five sheets sand paper 5.

Jul 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Painted Earls wheels & gearing.

Jul 18 – Pleasant 76 Abz. Worked in shop got circle for pole. Lois came over. Had a heavy shower.

Jul 19 – Pleasant 73 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo to court. Bot one pr shoes 1.50 one pr 75¢ fare 30¢ dinner 23. Sarah bot sundries 42.

Jul 20 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo. Bot hat 1.00 dinner 25 got ring mended 11 thread & gum 3 fare to Kalamazoo 25.

Jul 21 – Cloudy 74 Abz. Worked in shop some. Charly Brot load wood. Bot 5 lbs shugar 50¢.

Jul 22 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Sarah & girls went to church. Ethen & I went over to Fathers just at night.

Jul 23 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Made wagon neap[64] for C. Richardson 200¢ Bot silk thread 5¢.

Jul 24 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop on Earls buggy seats & pole. Bot seven quarts __________ berries 35¢.

Jul 25 – Pleasant. Made pole & whiffletrees[65]. Bot broom 25¢. Sarah went down to Ed Childs.

Jul 26 – Some cloudy 65 Abz. Worked in shop some. Worked on wiffletrees. Went over to Fathers let him have 1.25¢. Saw Mr Moffet.

Jul 27 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Worked on seats. Sarah went to Hoags.

Jul 28 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah stayed to Rogers with Sarah Beedle. Had a very violent thunder storm in the night. Set the telegraph office on fire. Bot Bottle of medicine and _____ sleeve buttons.

Jul 29 – Cloudy 73 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Saw Mark & Catharine. Lois there.

Jul 30 – Very foggy 64 Abz. Put Earls box to gether. Flanders brot his Bob shoes down. Parker went to Niles[66].

Jul 31 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on Earls Boddy & seats. Bot shawl 8.75. Bot screws & beads 38¢.

Aug 1 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some. went over to Fathers. Got some corn & Apples. Bot pair pants of Blackburn 4.50.

Aug 2 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Worked at _____. Bot alcohol 5¢ licorice 1¢. Heavy shower in the night.

Aug 3 – Cloudy 71 Abz. Filed saws & worked on spokes. Bot lat[h]e of Parker let him have violin & 4 Dollars. Bot silk & buttons 6¢.

Aug 4 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Bot Ethen pants 1.62. Barber brot my lathe 12. Sarah went down to Lois with Mrs Earl. Lois came home. Charly sick in the night.

Aug 5 – Pleasant 64 Abz. At home all day. Lois went home.

Aug 6 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Put Bottom on Earls box. Bot spool Thread 5¢. Very hot 95 in shade at noon.

Aug 7 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Worked in shop made boulster for Eugene Bronson.

Aug 8 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Made neap for D. B. wagon. Mr. Parkers folks moved to Battle Creek. Circus teams passed this morning.

Aug 9 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Worked in shop on Bronson gearing. Sarah went over to Fathers to help thrash.

Aug 10 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers. They thrashed his wheat 307 bushels. Sarah came home. Bot one lb candles 22¢.

Aug 11 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Schuyler Harris & wife here to dinner. Went over to Fathers. Bot Beef 20¢ Bot salt 20¢ Bot shugar 55¢ Bot Butter 25¢ Bot violin string 15¢ cloth for under sleves 25¢.

Aug 12 – Rainy 60 Abz. At home all day. Wrote letter to G. Tomlinson.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked on gearing. Sent letter to G. Tomlinson.

Aug 14 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Worked in shop some. Deyoe came home from Kalamazoo. Bot sundries for the girls 1.13.

Aug 15 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Shaved spokes. Bot coat for Ethen 2.50¢ Bot trimming for the girls raglins 25¢. Wes Boy Born[67] in the night.

Aug 16 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Shaved spokes. Went over to Ben Hartwells to raise cider press.

Aug 17 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Shaved spokes. Went over to Fathers. Stayed all night.

Aug 18 – Went down to Catharines. Sarah went to Kalamazoo. Bot sundries 7.24¢. Henry came home at night. Ethen stayed with Catharine.

Aug 19 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Henry here. Henry went home. Went over the river with James. Alvan went up to Flanders to painting.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked in the shop some. Bronson got boulster. Hand organ at station 5.

Aug 21 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked in shop. T. Flanders called in. D. K. Rogers & family left for G. T. City. Bot ½ lb tea 31¢. Bronson Brot 68 lbs Flour.

Aug 22 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop on seat risers. Bot 2 lbs mutton beef 13¢ beer 5. Sarah stayed with Mrs Hoag.

Aug 23 – Cloudy rainbow 67 Abz. Put seat together and put straps on bottom of boddy. Bot hoop iron and screws 25. Alvan[?] called here. Mary Childs here. Bot one lb Butter of Mrs Austen 12¢.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Worked on seats. Bot paper tacks 5¢. Sarah sick. Lois came home in the Evening.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Finished seat & painted boddy. Mark here to dinner. went over to Fathers. Sarah sick. J____ Sherman got a bit to put in his Dulcimer _____. Bot one lb nails 7¢.

Aug 26 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Sarah sick at home. Sarah sick. Painted Earls Box over.

Aug 27 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Finished Jesse Earls seats. Wesley here. Sarah had the ague.

Aug 28 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Pulled my onions. Bot half gallon whiskey 20¢. Mark & Catharine here. Bot cherries 6¢.

Aug 29 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Painted engine frame & fly wheel. Sent letter to Niles 3¢. Sarah sick as fury. Got tight on onions & whiskey.

Aug 30 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Tinkered round home. Uncle Ozens folks came. Bot half lb crackers 5¢.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 54 Abz. At home. Sarah took quinine. Sick all night. Bot cloth for pants 1.00 Bot quinine 25¢ Butter 11¢ Pears 3.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Father & mother here got their pictures taken 1.00. Lois came home. 3 candles 6¢ cloth for Ethen Apron 25¢.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Went over to Fathers got a chicken. Wrote letter to G. Tomlinson.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Bot sal soda 2¢. Worked round house helped wash. Paid Mrs Earl for making pants 35. Sent letter to G. T. one to E. W. C.[68] 6¢.

Sep 4 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Took my hog over to Fathers 25¢. Bot 4 lbs shugar 44 salratas & Blacking 15¢.

Sep 5 – Cloudy 66 Abz. Left for Dowagiac[69] 2 oclock P.M. Fare to Dowagiac 3.12. Bot _____ & suspenders 2.00. Paid _____ 125 Mrs Austin for B_____. Got Eds[70] about 4 P.M. Bob suspenders 50¢ Bot _____ 3¢. Engine Westwind.

Sep 6 – Cloudy. Helped _____ draw wheat. Bot comb 15. Read wheat 103 pr bushel.

Sep 7 – Had a fine shower. Ed sick with ague. Went over to town with Ed at night. Carried Sarahs pin & left it to be mended.

Sep 8 – Rainy morning. Left Eds 2 oclock P.M. Fare 1.00. Got pin mended 10¢. Got to Henrys[71] about 5 PM. Engine Racer.

Sep 9 – Pleasant. At Niles. Went over the town saw some nice locations. Went up to the school House.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. Sarah not very well. Bot stick gum 1¢ 5 Apples 5¢. Sent letter to Robert[72] 4¢ Whipple 1¢. At Niles.

Sep 11 – Pleasant. At Niles. Moved up by the church[?]. Bot cheese crackers cookies and pop corn 48¢.

Sep 12 – Pleasant. At Niles. Went over the city of Niles. Went up to Burg. Bot soap 10¢.

Sep 13 – Left Henry 3 oclock. Went to station. Fare to Chicago 6.75 one Book 25¢ apples 3¢ _____. Fare to Oshkosh 15.50 crackers ___ _____ 20¢. Got to Oshkosh 7 P.M. Hannah sick.

Sep 14 – Cloudy. _____ at Hotell 2.50 _____ 75¢ crackers _____ 20. Fare to Omro _____ _____. Got to Roberts about seven in Evening. Hannah sick.

Sep 15 – Rainy. At Roberts. Hannah some better. Went over to Omro in Evening. Bot tooth brush 25¢ candy 5.

Sep 16 – Cloudy rains some. Prosper[73] came to Roberts. Elder Betts & lady[74] came. All well.

Sep 17 – Pleasant. All well. Sent letter home. Bot stamps 13¢. Elder Betts & Lady went home. Ethen went with them.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. Went over North west saw them thrash. Rained like fun. Went in to a house waited until it held up. Got wet.

Sep 19 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Betts. He sold his farm. I went home with Roberts folks. Had a shower. Called at Bunkers. Sarah & children stayed.

Sep 20 – Pleasant. Went to Oshkosh to the County fair. Saw old Mr. Bath. Bot dinner and gum & ticket 38¢. Went to Mr Betts. Had a shower.

Sep 21 – Pleasant day. At Mr Betts. No rain to day. Sarah made satchel for Mrs Betts.

Sep 22 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Blackmers with Mr Betts. Saw some nice land. Prosper came home. Sarah had the ague.

Sep 23 – Pleasant morning had a thunder shower very hard shower sharp lightning heavy thunder. Pros went home.

Sep 24 – Cloudy cool. Ethen sick. Sarah sick. Stayed at Mr Betts.

Sep 25 – Pleasant. Sarah some Better. Ethen & I went over to Roberts. Got there at noon. Bob of thrashing.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Ethen has the ague. Steam Boat Enterprise just passed. Went over to Mr McCans[75] took tea. Robert came home at night.

Sep 27 – Pleasant morning. Stayed to Bobs til noon. Mr Betts came over went home with him. Bot 20 grains quinine 20¢.

Sep 28 – Pleasant morning. Well as could be expected. Sarah sick all night. Mrs Wait here. Shot near the vilage of Omro between 9 & 10 oclock P.M. John Sullivan some Eighty rods west of the Bridge in said village.

Sep 29 – Cloudy morn. Went over to Roberts. Bot apples & shoe strings 6. Pros came to Roberts. Went and Examined mills. Saw some good Engines. Got Lois letter.

Sep 30 – Cloudy & cool. Let Robert Crawford have 26 Dollars. Went over to Mr Betts found Sarah some better. Ethen stayed to Roberts.

Oct 1 – Cloudy. At Mr Betts. Nothing new going on. Sent letter to King.

Oct 2 – Cloudy. All well as usual. Went over to Roberts. All well. Bob came home in the Evening.

Oct 3 – Rains some. Went over to Mr Betts after Sarah. Nancy sick. Had a shower _____. Stayed all night.

Oct 4 – Went Back to Roberts. Some rainy. Nancy sick. Bot medicine for Nancy vermifuge[76] & camphor 35¢.

Oct 5 – Cloudy. Nancy better. Mr Betts came over & got Mrs. Betts. Left half past two P.M. Due from Babcock $83.92.

Oct 6 – Pleasant morning. Bot cloth for Ethens pants 1.15 paper & Envelopes 24¢. Pros came over to Roberts.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Went over to Coffees & Stuarts. Aunt Mary[77] came up.

Oct 8 – Cloudy morning. Went over to Blackburns. Mr Stuarts folks over to Roberts.

Oct 9 – Left Bobs half past 4 AM. Left Oshkosh 7 AM fare from O. to Depere[78] 4.40¢ Apples 10¢ Apples & cider 10¢ Apples 10¢. Got to Kings half past Eight Evening.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Went over to Credens. Rainy day. Went to Leroys[79] took tea.

Oct 11 – Pleasant. Went to Leroys took dinner & tea. All well as usual.

Oct 12 – Cool & cloudy. At Kings. At Kings. Went & saw the small falls.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Went down to Depere. Bot boots 1.75 Comb & needles 15¢ Candy 10¢.

Oct 14 – Pleasant. Nancy sick. Went out to the big falls with Mr Leroy. Saw some good country. Saw where a Bear scratched a tree.

Oct 15 – Nancy some better. Worked on the house some. Sarah washed.

Oct 16 – Pleasant. Put in door frame. Took dinner & supper with Leroy.

Oct 17 – Pleasant. At Leroys most of the day. Husked corn.

Oct 18 – Pleasant. Went over to Mr Newtons.

Oct 19 – Pleasant. Went to the Bay. Bot rubbers 1.00 Candy 10¢ Apples 5¢. Took tea at Mr Newtons[?] farm. Stayed all night. Map making at the Bay in Evening. Govonor Randal[80] there.

Oct 20 – Cloudy. At Kings all day. Had headache. Sarah had a touch of the ague. Governor Randal at Depere.

Oct 21 – Cloudy. Nancy went to Depere to church. Stayed with Leroy. Sarah & Ethen down sick.

Oct 22 – Cloudy rained some. Sarah & Ethen had the ague. Stormy. Stayed at Kings all day.

Oct 23 – Rainy. Left Kings half past four got to Depere in AM take the Boat. Fare from Depere to Oshkosh 3.50 cts. Got to Oshkosh at six left ½ past 7. Fare to Chicago 15.00.

Oct 24 – Lft Chicago 7 AM. Fare to Niles 6.75. Omnibus 70¢. Got to Niles 10 A.M.

Oct 25 – Pleasant. At Niles. Milk 5. Left Niles ½ past 11 AM. Got to Eds one oclock. Fare from Niles to Dowagiac 1.00. Sarah sick. Engine 5¢.

Oct 26 – Pleasant. Sarah sick.[81] Left Dowagiac ½ past 11. Fare to Galesburg 3.15. Shugar 5 lbs 47 tea 31. Lois came home. Wesley there. Patty came over.

Oct 27 – Cloudy. At home. Went over to Fathers. Ethen sick. School Bill 1.96¢ milk 5¢.

Oct 28 – Rainy. Called Wightman. Ethen very sick. Patty came over stayed all night.

Oct 29 – Pleasant. Father came over. Bot Butter 25¢ Bot candy 32¢ crackers 5¢. Went up to Yorks & Wesleys.

Oct 30 – Pleasant. Ethen sick. Henry came down. Mr[s?] Flanders here to dinner. Left some cider. Dug potatoes. Richardson brot ½ cord wood.

Oct 31 – Rainy Morning. Thrashed my Beans. Henry went home. Mrs Brainard Brot some cider. Bot Envelopes 8¢ postage 3¢.

Nov 1 – Rainy Morning. Cleaned Beans. Patty came over. Bot Beef 25¢ Violin strings 11. Hiram Beach[82] Died.

Nov 2 – Rainy. Lois came home. Bot rice 21¢ Postage 3. Cut out mittens for B Clark.

Nov 3 – Rainy. Patty went over to Fathers. Picked apples.

Nov 4 – Pleasant. Milk 2¢. Lois went home. I went over to Fathers. Uncle Thomas Flanders there.

Nov 5 – Cloudy & Cool. Postage 3¢. Snowed. Bot gloves for Sarah. Dug some potatoes.

Nov 6 – Snow on the ground. Went over to Fathers stayed all night.

Nov 7 – Pleasant. Over to Fathers. Sarah came home. Richardson Brot ½ cord wood. Bot spool thread 5¢.

Nov 8 – Cloudy morning. York helped me dig potatoes.

Nov 9 – Rainy day. Went to Kalamazoo fare 50 one violin string 10. Alvan called here. Bronson Brot Load wood.

Nov 10 – Cloudy. Went over to Fathers & Yorks. Chored round. Bot candy 3¢.

Nov 11 – Pleasant. At home all day. Henry came down cut his hair. Cut Wisemans hair. Sarah went to church.

Nov 12 – Cloudy looks like rain. Oil up stove in shop. Went over to Hartwells. Made cider 39¢.

Nov 13 – Pleasant morning. Went over to Fathers got milk B ½ lb. spice 8¢ one lb candles 22¢.

Nov 14 – Pleasant. Worked in shop on Flanders Bobs. Amos Chipman at the shop.

Nov 15 – Pleasant morning. Worked on Bobs. Sarah went over to Fathers. I went over at night.

Nov 16 – Pleasant morning. Worked on bobs. Bot stuf for Hoods & cap[?] border &c 1.60¢.

Nov 17 – Pleasant morning. Put in spoke for A Chipman. Bot 6½ lbs Butter of Chipman. Patty & Catharine Hellen Mother & Mrs York[83] here. Bot Beef 32¢ Tea 30¢ Matches 6¢ gum 1¢.

Nov 18 – Pleasant. Sarah went to church. I went over to Fathers. Rained hard.

Nov 19 – Went to Kalamazoo. Bot Book 1.25. Fare to K. & Back 50 Cloth 62¢. Paid on judgement 216/16.__.

Nov 20 – Snows like fun. Worked on Bobs. Bot album & postage 5¢.

Nov 21 – Snows fast. Went up to Flanders. Bot 2½ lbs pork 25¢.

Nov 22 – Pleasant. Went over to Fathers. Worked in shop some.

Nov 23 – Went to Kalamazoo Fare 50. Bot cloth 31 Bot Shugar 1.00 apples 4 2 lbs candles 92. Interest on judgement ___34¢.

Nov 24 – Snows 8 Abz. Nothing dun of any account. Bot 50 lbs flour 1.38¢. Babcock paid 88.85¢.

Nov 25 – Cloudy 8 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Cold stormy day.

Nov 26 – Cold snows 19 Abz. Worked on bobs. Flanders Brot timber for racks. Richardson Brot load wood.

Nov 27 – Cloudy 25 Abz. Worked on bobs. Went over to Brainards took tea. Bot Bank note Reporter 1.00.

Nov 28 – Pleasant. Worked on bobs. Bronson Brot ½ cord wood. Bot bottle _______ Bronson 1.00[?] Boots 3.75.

Nov 29 – Pleasant. Alvan here. Lois home. Mrs Birge & Mrs Clark here. Mark called. Alvan stayed all night.

Nov 30 – Cloudy. Worked on bobs. Bot thread 5¢.

Dec 1 – Pleasant. Worked on bobs. Filed two saws Smiths & Schroeder[?] 20. Attended a meeting for the purpose of getting Galesburg incorporated. Bot violin of A. R. Turner.

Dec 2 – Snows some. Went over to Fathers.

Dec 3 – Some stormy. Bot one pr gloves of John D_____ 1.25 crackers 20. Father & Mother & Patty here.

Dec 4 – Cloudy worked on bobs. Flanders here. Sarah went over to Wisemans took tea. Paid Mrs Sprague 10[?].

Dec 5 – Cold. Worked on bobs finished bobs. Alvan left for York state. Bot tea candles 22¢ _______ 10.

Dec 6 – Cloudy cold. Went up to Yorks moved over one load of goods. Sent letter to GT 3.

Dec 7 – Left Galesburg. Moved all things out of the house. Richardson Brot wood. Bot golden seal 3¢.

Dec 8 – Round home. Went over to the burg. Brot the old cat over & forks hoes & rakes.

Dec 9 – Pleasant. At home all day.

Dec 10 – Went over & painted bobs all right. Beckwith moved one load in to the house. Snowey day. Got plank of Eugene Bronson.

Dec 11 – Changed stoves. Put ours in the Kitchen. Went over & got one load brot my Boyler over.

Dec 12 – Cold & snowey. Split up my wood. Stayed at home. One Dollar for butter of mother.

Dec 13 – Cold good sleighing. Choped wood some. Went over and took my bench down.

Dec 14 – Chopped wood. Father & mother went down to Catharines. Patty & Catharine came up with them.

Dec 15 – Pleasant. Patty & Catharine went up to Hellens. Brot my tool chest over & some other traps. Bot Book for Ethen 12¢.

Dec 16 – At home. Carried Sarah over to church. Went up to Yorks & got Patty. M. O. Streator & wife[84] here in Evening.

Dec 17 – Pleasant. Helped wash. Harvey came up with Mark. Went over to the burg. Flanders got his bobs.

Dec 18 – Rains some. Sarah went to the Burg to Benajah Aldrich funeral. Rainy day & night. Whiting moved.

Dec 19 – Rainy. Cleared the Cridland House. Went up to Yorks in the Evening. Lois came home. Sent letter to G. T.

Dec 20 – Cloudy Rained some. Went over to the Burg got my Bench over. Richardson drawed it over.

Dec 21 – Snows like fun. Worked up to the shop. Stormy day snowed & blowed all day.

Dec 22 – Moved my stuff out of the shop. York helped me. Carried Patty & Mother up to Hellens.

Dec 23 – Pleasant. At home all day. Wesley came down & cut my hair.

Dec 24 – Very cold. York came down went & drawed my lumber over.

Dec 25 – Snows. Went over and got my potatoes. B two prs shoes 1.50 and skein thread 5.

Dec 26 – Pleasant. Worked in shop. Put up bench. Bot book 25 paper 10. Sent letter to Omro 3 licorice 1.

Dec 27 – Worked in shop commenced Charleys sleigh.

Dec 28 – Cold. Killed nine hens. Bot chisel 50 clasp for door 12 Bill for attending _______ 25 one chamber 35 half lb tea 25. 1.50. Carried Miss Hoxie down to Raywoods.

Dec 29 – Stormy. Richardson Brot load wood. Worked in shop some. Sarah & Patty went over to Celia Newmans.

Dec 30 – Cold day. At home all day.

Dec 31 – Pleasant and cold. Killed my pig. Wesley helped me.

——-

Notes in back of diary:

Henry Cruttenden[85] Died Sept 15 1854 Ae 52 years

Composition tooth filling
2 parts silver
5 parts tin

Francis Mulvy
Bridget Cooney
Wm Matthews
Rachelle or Gag___ wagon

Magazin
E. M. Stratton
No. 106 Elizabeth Street
New York
Smith & Bosworth
Linden Geenesee Co. N.Y.

Dr Harris called at Chatham Columba county N.Y. stayed with Mr Betts & preached on the sabbath

David Crawfords[86] post office address
Mountain City or
Dunivan City
Denver City R.T.

Bank of Southern Illinois Bolton

The diary also contains ledger entries for the year and diary entries for January 1-13, 1861 (see the 1861 diary transcription).

——-

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

[2] Charles Luke Keith Sr., who was also better known and referred to as Luke

[3] James & Paulina Deyoe

[4] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[5] His son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[6] Lois (Keith) Clark, his daughter by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

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

[8] His brother, John Wesley Keith who, according to the family Bible, was adopted

[9] An artificial channel or bed of a stream leading water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, such as a mill or a mining claim

[10] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

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

[12] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s diaries and it is believed that he 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 with the Keith family to run his father’s farm.

[13] Luke refers to a Dr. DeNormandy several times in his 1859 diary

[14] George Tomlinson, husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[15] George Tomlinson

[16] A felloe, or felly, is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

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

[18] His niece and her husband, Helen (Bradley) and Joseph York

[19] His maternal first cousin, Alvin Turner

[20] His daughter

[21] Believe this to be John Crittenden, the brother of his second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith.

[22] Concord, Michigan, which is where John Crittenden lived

[23] Jason Wolcott

[24] The granddaughter of Luke’s Uncle Jason Wolcott; Catherine was the daughter of John and Waity Catherine (Wolcott) Bissell

[25] While “Lasher” is referenced repeatedly in Luke’s diaries and also in letters to Luke from Charles Cridland, the only evidence found regarding his first name, Joseph, was a receipt in the back of Luke’s 1858 diary dated December 6, 1858 for the payment of Comstock real estate taxes

[26] John and Irena (Wolcott) Kirkwood. Irena was Luke’s maternal first cousin

[27] Ozen Keith

[28] Adrian, Michigan

[29] Martha (Keith) Whitmore

[30] Pavilion, New York

[31] Noah Starr, the father-in-law of Luke’s brother, Harvey Keith

[32] From future entries it appears that he was staying with George Tomlinson

[33] George and Susan (Tomlinson) Sprague. George was the maternal first cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[34] Most likely Pavilion Cemetery where several members of the Crittenden and Sprague families were buried

[35] Nelly Tomlinson, the daughter of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. Nelly was about five years old at the time

[36] Sarah (Curtis) Crittenden. Sarah was the widow of Luke’s second wife Jerusha’s brother, Henry Crittenden

[37] Joseph and Sarah (Crittenden) Chaddock

[38] William M. Sprague, who was a cousin of Luke’s second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[39] John Nobles, who was married to Mary “Polly” Sprague, another cousin of Jerusha’s

[40] Pearl Creek, New York

[41] Most likely Pearl Creek Cemetery where many Sprague family members were buried

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

[43] George and Susan (Tomlinson) Sprague; George was another of Jerusha’s cousins

[44] Jesse Sprague, George Sprague’s father and Jerusha’s uncle

[45] Father-in-law of Jerusha’s brother, Henry Crittenden

[46] LeRoy, New York

[47] Joseph M. York, who was married to Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[48] James S. King, his maternal first cousin

[49] His daughter Lois’ husband, Byron Clark

[50] Aurilla Lee, the granddaughter of his aunt and uncle, Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee

[51] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Freddie Swaddle died April 30, 1860. He is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan, and the inscription reads: Little Freddie Fell Asleep, 8y

[52] Edward G. Wolcott, his maternal first cousin, the son of Warren and Electa (Damon) Willcutt

[53] Et cetera

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com shows a William Beckwith died in 1860 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

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

[56] Marius O. Streator

[57] Saleratus; sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[58] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Myron Coe died June 7, 1860 and is buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, Climax, Michigan

[59] Joseph and Lois (French) Lee and their son, Ansel Lee

[60] Shedrick Seeley

[61] His wife Sarah’s brother

[62] His daughter, Nancy Keith

[63] Omro, Wisconsin

[64] The pole, or tongue, of a cart

[65] 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

[66] Niles, Michigan

[67] James Harvey Keith

[68] His wife Sarah’s brother, Edwin W. Crawford

[69] Dowagiac, Michigan

[70] The family apparently was staying with Edwin

[71] Sarah’s brother, Henry Clay Crawford

[72] Sarah’s brother, Robert Crawford

[73] Sarah’s brother, Lucius Prosper “Pros” Crawford

[74] Sarah’s mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, and her second husband, Platt Betts

[75] Robert Crawford’s father-in-law, John McCann

[76] Medicine used to destroy or expel intestinal worms

[77] Possibly Nancy Betts’ sister, Mary (Comfort) Wickersham

[78] De Pere, Wisconsin

[79] Jonas & Edith Ann (King) LeRoy

[80] Alexander Randall was the sixth governor of Wisconsin, serving from 1858 – 1861

[81] The family was visiting relatives from September 5^th through October 26^th and Luke mentions quite often that Sarah was sick. Since their daughter, Louese, was born July 3, 1861, it is quite possible that at least some of Sarah’s sick times were due to morning sickness

[82] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Hiram Beach is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. He was born in 1841 to David and Sarah (Bassett) Beach.

[83] Presume he is referring to Joseph York’s mother, Dorothy (Boardman) York

[84] Neighbors, Marius & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[85] The brother of his second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[86] His brother-in-law, also known as D. C. Crawford

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1857 Diary

1857 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1[2] – Went over to Alfledas.[3] Drawed one load wood.

Jan 2 – Finished W. W. Earls car.

Jan 3 – Snows like fun. Carried Earls car over.

Jan 4 – Thomas Flanders here. Carried him over to H. Clintons.

Jan 5 – Cut one pr gloves for Caray. Went down to Alfledas and appraised her farm.

Jan 6 – Went over [the river] and got one board [of W. W. Earl]. Stimpsons House burned down in the Evening.

Jan 7 – Worked in the shop. Made a door. Cold as greenland.

Jan 8 – Went over [the river] and cut some straw. Got my plank. Isaac Cory and wife here this Evening.

Jan 9 – Mother here.[4] Got a rib of A. K. [Alfleda]. Father[5] came after mother.

Jan 10 – Worked in the shop.

Jan 11 – At home. Lois[6] came home in the Evening. Tyson and Toots came with her.

Jan 12 – Got 17 Hundred hay of Bennet 40 cts per hundred $6.80 cts. Got some sleigh crooks of D. B. [Bronson].

Jan 13 – Went over and got one load of hubs and other traps. Let J. York[7] have fifty Dollars. Alfleda here.

Jan 14 – Worked in the shop on my sleigh. Lasher traded horses with Bennet. Gave fifty Dollars to Bob.

Jan 15 – Pleasant and cold, 15 Degrees Below zero. Worked in the shop. Jo and Hellen[8] here to supper.

Jan 16 – Worked in the shop [on my sleigh]. Rogers, Warren and Stimpson there.

Jan 17 – Went over the river. Crid[9] came home with me. Got two Brooms. Made a Bale starter. Sold my gun to Solmon Stevens.

Jan 18 – Cold morning 27 Below zero. Got a watch of D[ick] Lamkins.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 4 Below zero. Drawed one load wood. Killed a pig.

Jan 20 – 12 Above zero. Worked in the shop. L____ Clark drawed load wood.

Jan 21 – Worked in the shop on sleigh.

Jan 22 – 6 Below zero. In the shop to day.

Jan 23 – Drawed one load wood. [Broke my thill.][10] Lasher drawed wood out of the bottom land. Bot this Book. 4 Below zero 9 Evening.

Jan 24 – Worked in the shop finished my sleigh bottom. Cold and blustrous.

Jan 25 – At home. Rather pleasant. Sarah[11] went to church to the method E. P.

Jan 26 – Carried my sleigh to the shop. Sent a letter to J. S. King.[12] Received a letter from G. T.[13] Ten Dollars in it. Quite warm. Stimpsons Ben[efit].

Jan 27 – Went over to Fathers. Sarah and children[14] went. They they Killed Hogs. Thawed some in the road. Stimpsons Benefit.

Jan 28 – Very pleasant. Worked in the shop. Alvan Turner[15] cam over in the Evening and operated on me with his battry.

Jan 29 – Pleasant morning 4 Above zero at Eight. Worked in the shop made a beam for R Tuttles slead and _____. Evening 24 Above zero.

Jan 30 – Pleasant 19 Above zero. Went over to Lashers. Sarah & children. Drawed load wood. Went over after them took tea with them.

Jan 31 – Worked in Blacksmith shop. Fitted the Braces on my sleigh. Bot one pound candles 18 cts. Groing cold fast.

Feb 1 – Cold wind 2 Above zero cloudy snows some. Stayed at home.

Feb 2 – Worked in the shop made an adze handle for E. Childs 25 cts. Made a sleigh neap[16] for Simmons. He paid me one Dollar. R. Tuttle paid me seventy five cents. Pleasant not very cold.

Feb 3 – Received a letter from E. ____. Not very cold 22 Above zero. Sarah went over to Oscars.[17] I worked in the shop. Got my Boards for my box. Bot half lb Tea 25 cts. H. N. Tulls[?] 2 whiffletrees[18] 50 cts.

Feb 4 – Quite warm. Worked in the shop. Goot my sleigh from the shop. Crid was in the shop. 34 Above zero Evening.

Feb 5 – Quite warm 36 Above zero heavy rain some thunder. Worked on my sleigh box. Got my screws and corner irons 30 cents.

Feb 6 – Worked in the shop made my sleigh box. Got 6 lbs shugar ½ lb Tea 8/- ____ 2 lbs nails 10 ___. 57 Above zero Evening. Sarahs gone over to J.O.K.[19] Oscars gal[20] Born.

Feb 7 – Rainy quite warm 57 Above zero snow all gone. Bridge gone some part of the plank. Sarah came home. Lois at home.

Feb 8 – Very cold 14 Above zero. At home. Some snow. Mr. Roulands child buried to day. Very cold Evening.

Feb 9 – Went over the river and got some potatoes. Left dol[21] at the Bridge. Very cold.

Feb 10 – Cold 2 Below zero. Made my sleigh seat. Bot 2 lbs candles. Alvan came here in the night. Received a letter from Omro[22] Mrs. N. B. C.[23]

Feb 11 – Cold 1 Below zero morning. Went over to fathers with my [s]leigh. Scoured[?] the shoes first rate.

Feb 12 – Not very cold 20 Above zero cloudy. Went over the river got two bushels Buck wheat. Sent it to mill. Let Stimpson have my siding.

Feb 13 – Cloudy 28 Above zero. Worked in the shop some. Lashers folks here. Drawed ice for D Beach. Deyos violin here.

Feb 14 – 41 Above zero cloudy some rain. Went up to Hellens. Got 2 lbs butter 20 pr lb 40 cents. Made a finger board for J Deyos _______ bridge.

Feb 15 – Warm 54 Above zero rainy day. My hogs got out of the pen got them back again.

Feb 16 – Rainy 57 Above z not very cold. Worked in the shop on Tuttles wheelbarrow. Bot one comb hairpins 15 cts.

Feb 17 – Warm 59 Above zero. Worked in the shop made H. Keith one ax helve, worked on R Tuttles wheelbarrow. Some rain in the morning.

Feb 18 – Cloudy 48 Above zero some misty. Worked in the shop. Commenced my violin top. Oscar & Drayton here.

Feb 19 – 27 Above zero snows some. In the shop. Deyo & wife here in the Evening. Ed Childs here.

Feb 20 – Stormy 30 Above zero some snow. Made axhelves. B. Brown[24] here.

Feb 21 – 30 Above zero cloudy. Worked in the shop painted my sleigh box & seat. Killed a pig.

Feb 22 – 31 Aove zero cloudy. Cloudy no rain to day. Athome all day no one here.

Feb 23 – Pleasant 36 Above z clear and Shiny. Painted my sleigh. Attended a lecture on physiology. A letter from J. S. King.

Feb 24 – Rainy 58 Above zero. Worked in the shop some. Went overt Fathers. Got some potatoes. Attend a lecture 50.00.

Feb 25 – Pleasant 50 Above ze. Painted my Sleigh. Bot 3¼ lbs Butter 20 cts. Harvey got the planer[?]. Attende a lecture.

Feb 26 – Colder cloudy 26 Ab zero. Worked in the shop. Attended lecture in the Evening.

Feb 27 – 28 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Harvey[25] & Oscar there. Attended lecture in the Evening. Snowed smartly.

Feb 28 – At home. Worked in the shop some. Harvey got the hatchet or hand ax. 26 Above zero. Mended the mop iron.

Mar 1 – Morning 26 Above zero cold and snowey. At home. Cold night.

Mar 2 – Pleasant 2 below zero some snow. Finished ax helves. Jef drawed one load wood. Received a letter from J. Sprague.[26]

Mar 3 – Cold some snow 22 Ab zero. Went over the river. Byington turned my hub for wheel barrow. Meeting here to in the evening.

Mar 4 – Not very cold. Worked in the shop afternoon. Drove the spokes in wheel barrow wheel. Mrs wisemans child Born.

Mar 5 – 29 Above zero cool wind. Worked in shop. Bot curry comb 25 cts. Lois came home. Evening party up to D. Bronsons. Flanders in the shop.

Mar 6 – 16 Above zero cool. Went over and got 2 bushels wheat of Fathers. Lois at home.

Mar 7 – Cold 16 Above zero. Worked in the shop. D. Smith here. Finished tuttles wheel.

Mar 8 – Rather cool 20 Above z. D. Smith here. Took the glass away with him.

Mar 9 – Some snow not very cold 22 Above z. Lois here she went home. Ethen[27] went with her. Mr Ludington Buried to day. Cars run together Below Lumston.

Mar 10 – 4 Above zero some sleighing. Killed my sow. Bot 19 lbs salt 23 cts of W. March.

Mar 11 – Pleasant 20 Above zero. Elias Sherman one ax helve one ax helve to W. S. March. Sold my Pigs to March 99 lbs 4.00. Mrs Cridlands cousin came.

Mar 12 – Pleasant 3 Above zero. Went up to Farmers ville to see Wm Browns[28] timber.

Mar 13 – Pleasant 14 Above z. Went up to J. Yorks. Sarah & children stays to Fathers. Cars of the track evening.

Mar 14 – Received a line from G. T. Cloudy 27 Above zero. Sarah came home. James Howard had my Buggy. Carried my watch to Sternes for Repairs.

Mar 15 – Pleasant 24 Above zero. At home. Buggy came home.

Mar 16 – Pleasant 20 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Cut my thumb in the Evening. Rogers commenced his frame.

Mar 17 – 36 Above zero cloudy. Sowed my Lettauce seed. Stimpson Brot back my siding. Sold G. B. 500.04 feet $12 pe thousand.

Mar 18 – 24 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Finished R. Tuttles wheelbarrow. Received 6 Dollars of G. Brown.

Mar 19 – 26 Aove zero snow on the ground cloudy morning cool at noon. Dresed Spokes. Warmer at night. Tuttle got his wheelbarrow.

Mar 20 – Pleasant 32 Above zero Sun Shine no Storm pleasant middle comfortable at night. Filled 2 teeth for Clara Johnson 38 cts 2 for Dan Earl 50 cts.

Mar 21 – Pleasant 34 Above zero snowy. Went Down to Catharines.[29] Quite warm.

Mar 22 – Rainy morning snow and hail afternoon. Hellen and jo ______ shugared of twice Boiled sap some.

Mar 23 – Warm. Came home. Flanders fetched down some runners and Axhelve _____ Rogers folks here. Father traded wagons.

Mar 24 – Rainy morning 44 Above zero Cloudy. Went over to Fathers. Bot 11¼ lbs Lard of March 1.38 cts Bot one pr Shoes $1.25. Filled teeth for Reading girl 75 cts.

Mar 25 – Cool 28 Above zero. D. Smith here. Worked in the shop.

Mar 26 – 22 Above zero. D. Smith left. Bot 4 lbs shugar 50 cts. Sent letter to __ H. Crawford.[30] Pleasant. Extracted 2 teeth for Mr Watts 25 cts. Cleared of Hog pen.

Mar 27 – 26 Above zero Pleasant. Dug stumps some. Made trunk cover for Cridland. Received a letter from Pavilion. York brot his violin Down.

Mar 28 – Pleasant 26 Above zero. Went and got my pump and some potatoes one lb Tea 44 cts. Lightning train run of the track above Augusta.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 35 Above zero some frost on the ground. Went over to Fathers twice. Went over to Lashers.

Mar 30 – Pleasant 51 Above zero at noon. Worked in the Shop. Post Office moved over to Hydes again. Prust Bennet here.

Mar 31 – Cloudy 32 Above zero. Bot 24 Doz Buttons 10 cts. Worked in the shop some. Went up to Shermans. James Sprague Died to Day[31] About sun down.

Apr 1 – 39 Above zero windy some snow. George Simmons[32] Died this morning About seven oclock. Bot a lot of traps for the children cost most 3 Dollars.

Apr 2 – Pleasant 16 Above zero quite cold. Simmons Buried to day. Frederick Partrige came here to day. Luddingtons son Died to day. Lois came home.

Apr 3 – 30 Above zero cloudy. F. Partrige left to day. Received a letter from G. T. told of J. Spragues Death. Mr Ludingtons son Buried to day.

Apr 4 – Cool 6 Above zero. Transplanted my rose bushes and other things. Stranger eat supper here. Shower in the Evening. E. M. Clap Buggy to day.

Apr 5 – 34 Above zero cloudy. Went over to Fathers. Snowed some. ______ Caray there.

Apr 6 – 19 Above zero snows in the morning. Went down to Comstock with S. Bristol. Cold and snowed like fun. Came back on Hand car 3 Oclock P.M. 21 Above zero. Fred came this Evening.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 19 Above zero. Fred here. Snowey. Went over to Fathers. Got some potatoes. Tom Camel married this Evening.

Apr 8 – 36 Above zero. Fred gon to work for chair company. Worked in shop.

Apr 9 – 30 Above zero Pleasant. Went and got my Potatoes over. Toot was here.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 26 Above zero. Worked in the shop. Bot pr shoes for Lois 93 cts thread 10 cts. Let C. Baker have 10 cents.

Apr 11 – Snows 36 Above zero snowed all day. Put Yorks violin together.

Apr 12 – 29 Above zero thaws some. Fred here. Went up to the Bridge with Fred. By____ here in the evening to see our darter.

Apr 13 – 34 Above zero snows some. Fred Left to day. Lois went over to Lashers. Fred paid me 2 Dollars. Mended my gloves. Snowey very muddy.

Apr 14 – 35 Above zero snows. Mended my mittens. Very bad weather. Lasher traded horses with Eldred gave 15 Dollars.

Apr 15 – 22 Above zero snows about three inches on the ground ice in the watter pail. Bot wood 2.94 cts 5 lbs butter of Flanders one sack Flour of Babcock $1.75 cts.

Apr 16 – 30 Above zero snows cold. Got some nitric acid. Flanders pulled stumps. Brot me some hay. Two chains mended at Bennets. G. Matthews left.

Apr 17 – 26 Above zero. Lamkins drawed my wood. Mended wagon for bush 75 cts paid 25 cts. Got link in large chain hook on small chain.

Apr 18 – 29 Above zero snows like fun about 2 inches deep morning stormy day.

Apr 19 – 37 Above zero snow on the ground cleared of pleasant after noon good sap weather.

Apr 20 – Got shingles of Rogers. Pleasant 31 Above zero froze quite hard. Worked in shop made reach for A. Brown[33] 50 cts. Sent a letter to G. Tomlinson. 5 candles 25.

Apr 21 – Pleasant 30 Above zero. Made Axletree for A. Lamkins wagon $2.00. Snowed some in the Evening.

Apr 22 – Pleasant 33 Above. Went up to Yorks and down to Oscars loaded load of goods Oscar moved Mary[34] come over to our house.

Apr 23 – Pleasant 30 A. Mary An here. Made H. Potts dash. Mary An left for Paw Paw.

Apr 24 – 31 Above Pleasant. Pots paid me 18 cts. Worked in the shop. Flanders Paid me 20 Dollars.

Apr 25 – 40 Above zero cloudy. Went over the river and got some eggs. Catharine Harriet and Uncle Warren[35] came over. 60 Above at noon.

Apr 26 – Rainy 41 Above. Toot and Lois here.

Apr 27 – 33 A. snows very little Pleasant after noon. Uncle Warren here to dinner. Worked in the shop on Claps bugy boddy.

Apr 28 – 30 A Pleasant. Worked on Claps boddy. Harvey & Oscar here. Got a letter from Pros Crawford.[36] Calope in town.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 38 A. Harvey here this morning. Went over the river with Sarah and children. Circus at Kalamazoo.

Apr 30 – 56 Above Pleasant. Went over to cooks and __unyons to look at some cows. Got Fathers wagon ___ moved his things.

May 1 – 56 Rainy. Mary Brown here. Went over to Cridlands got some sedar an Lilack trees. Bot a lot of sedars.

May 2 – Pleasant 34 Above. Got my sedars and pines and set them out. Lois came home from Lashers. Got half lb Tea 25 cts.

May 3 – Pleasant 32 Ab morning. Sarah gone to church. Marked Stetsins Box of Shugar. White tailed hen commenced setting on 13 Eggs. Went up to Gull with Cridland.

May 4 – 50 Above cloudy. Went over to Cridlands got some Lilack and Siberian crab. Carried Lois and young ones over. Made a reach for Mr. Watts 50 cts. Rainy day.

May 5 – 36 Abz[37] some rain some snow. Put in one felly[38] for Dea White 38 cts. Commenced corn plants. Watts paid 50 cts.

May 6 – 37 Abz Pleasant. Went over to Byingtons got 22 feet white wood boards. Got two Hubs turned. Mended wagon for D. Beach 38 cts.

May 7 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Worked in shop on Claps buggy boddy. Got cotage Beadstead of Pond on Byingtons Ate $5.00.

May 8 – Pleasant 37 Abz at 4 afternoon 86. Fired my stumps. Commenced putting on my hubs[?] on my violin. Warm night.

May 9 – Pleasant 70 Abz morning About 2 oclock we had a terrible Hail storm brok lots of glass round town blowed over some fence for me. Got my watch.

May 10 – Cloudy rather cool 40 Abz. Dol 23 years old to Day. Went over to Fathers. Got two Pine trees on Harveys old place. Went over and got Mrs Cridland.

May 11 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Mrs Crid left this morning. Went over and got Early potatoes & two bushels wheat of Father 10/- Flanders Brot two bushels wheat 10/- six lbs Butter. Got Journal of Alphadelphia.[39] Sold Cory som potatoes 1/-.

May 12 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Made a reach for poopy Watts tightened a box for H. Potts. Cridland left in the evening. Gave me a basket. Let Wiseman have some Early potatoes.

May 13 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked in shop on Claps seats. Pots paid 50 cts. Bot Hannah[40] 1 pr shoes 4/- 9 cts. Rainy afternoon. Extracted tooth for Wightmans boy.

May 14 – Rainy 44 Abz rather dark. Worked in shop some. Went over to Fathers. Got wheel barrow wheel of Cridland. Moses Mix came in town. Brainard & V. M. Tuttle came.

May 15 – Rainy 46 Abz. Finished Clapps seats. 50 Abz at night. Sold D. Johnson some potatoes 25 cts. Got flour of A Lamkins $2.00 56 lbs.

May 16 – Pleasant 32 Abz morning. Made my Wheelbarrow. Got 4 bushels Flour Bot 6 & ¼ lbs Fish 44 cts Bot 1 lb nails 5 cts. Lois & Henry[41] at home.

May 17 – Pleasant 34 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church. Nancy[42] went over to Fathers with Lois. East wind.

May 18 – Pleasant 40 Abz East wind. Wheeled ashes on my garden. Took Clapps Buggy down to the shop.

May 19 – Pleasant 45 Abz East wind. Wheeled ashes & chip manure on the garden. Fathers heifer came in.

May 20 – Pleasant 34 Abz some wind. Went over the river. Left dol in pasture. Commenced taking down my stable.

May 21 – Pleasant 35 Abz. Moved my stable and corn. Let Father have _____ bushels. 72 Abz after noon. Mrs. Wiseman here. Harriet and Edith here.

May 22 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Wesley[43] & Lasher plowed my garden. Some folks are planting corn.

May 23 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop on cornplanter. Bot hoe 62½ cts. E. M. clap Paid me eight Dollars cash three Dollars yet due to be paid in Shugar 1/- per lb.

May 24 – Pleasant 68 Abz some wind. Went over to Fathers and saw my cow & calf.

May 25 – Pleasant 60 Abz morning. Finished cornplanter. John Crittenden[44] came. Had a fine shower evening.

May 26 – Cloudy some rain 58 Abz morning. Went over and got Dol. She started for concord this morning half past nine. Got one thill of ____. Got my cow home. Bot pail 75 cts.

May 27 – Couldy some rain 54 Abz. Sheled some corn. Bot half lb. Tea 50 cts. Rany after noon heavy shower in evening.

May 28 – Cloudy 53 Abz. Mrs Flanders sister came this morning. Some rain. Mad a cross bar for Freers bugy pole 50 cts. T. Flanders came. Planted some early potatoes.

May 29 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Planted Mexican potatoes. Bot garden line 15 cts Brass hooks 38 cts. Flanders here one paper Beet seed 5 cts.

May 30 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Flanders here sowed my Beets parsnips Radish onions pop corn & mellon seeds. T. Flanders here. Had a fine shower.

May 31 – Some cloudy 63 Abz. Stayed at home. Put the lining into my violin. Lois came home. John Tyson came after her.

Jun 1 – Cloudy 60 Abz some lite rain. Went over to Lashers raised the Barn. Bot Ethens hat (15 cts). Paid Father 22 Dollars. Rcd ten Dollars for Cridland. Freer paid me 50 cts. Bot _____ 25 cts.

Jun 2 – Pleasant & cool 50 Abz. Sold Bennet ½ bushel potatoes (50 cts). Bennets Friends came from Stafford[?]. Had a fine shower in the afternoon. Killed my Rooster. Flanders took Tea here. Sent G. T. a letter 24 lb _________

Jun 3 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Finished planting potatoes. Worked in garden. Mark[45] came here. T. Flanders here stayed all night. Sent 2 papers to J. O. Keith 2 cts.

Jun 4 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Bot cloth for Ethens pants 86. Father cam over and Sarah and young ones went over with him. Flanders here. Brot my pump pipe over.

Jun 5 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked round the house. Put in my pump. T. Flanders here. Mortised my small hubs. Got a letter from David.[46]

Jun 6 – Pleasant 38 Abz Pleasant. Pon and J. Built fence. Flanders here. Pulled 2 teeth one for Mrs Bennet one for Mrs. fisk. Received a letter from Cridland. Flanders left.

Jun 7 – Pleasant 60 Abz. At home all day. Went down to the river and went in swiming. Put my violin together. Young Clark[47] was buried to day. Had a fine shower in the night. Fisk left.

Jun 8 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Commenced building my Bridge. Flanders folks here to dinner. 30 lbs shugar of Flanders.

Jun 9 – Pleasant 69 Abz very hot day. Worked on the road. Let A. Lamkins have one bushel corn $1.00. Chicken commenced sitting.

Jun 10 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Worked on road. Mason Book came to day. Had a find shower in the evening.

Jun 11 – Some cloudy 58 Abz. Let A. Lamkins have bushel corn. Worked on road in the foornoon. Hoed corn in the afternoon. Bot one lb candles 18 cts. Had a shower in the night.

Jun 12 – Rainy 58 Abz. Circus teams along this morning. Worked round the house. Lois & Ethen went over to Fathers. Henry Clinton at the shop.

Jun 13 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Built my Bridge. Got some corn ground. Bot Nancys shoes 81 cts. Got my Hubbs land___ 62 cts.

Jun 14 – Cloudy 55 Abz. At home. Ethen over to Fathers. Sharpsteens child dead. Rainy day rained all night.

Jun 15 – Rainy morning 60 Abz. Worked in shop. Filed up bands on small hubbs. Rainy afternoon some thunder Rainy Night. Sent a letter to Jenkins Cridland. Jenkins old buggy came.

Jun 16 – Cloudy 70 Abz looks like rain. Mended fathers wheel. Went over to Byingtons. Hung a door for Rogers. Had a heavy shower.

Jun 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went over to Fathers after Ethen. Rogers paid me 50 cts. Had a shower afternoon. Got strings for my violin 50 cts.

Jun 18 – Rains some 54 Abz. Hoed in garden. Rainy. Bennets folks got home ____ ____ my hand screws march paid me fifty cts. Boston Boys here. Sent letters to Ed & Pros.[48]

Jun 19 – Cloudy 55 Abz some mist in morning. Hoed in garden. Had a shower at night. Wind blowed quite hard 60 Abz. Fisk here. Warm July.

Jun 20 – Rainy 55 Abz. Went over to Fathers put up one _____. Some rain. Bot hat 2.50 cts. W. A. Blake paid me $1.25 cts. Shower in evening. Frank Fisk left. Wet August some hot weather about middle of ______

Jun 21 – Cloudy 58 Abz cool air for September. At home all day. Boston Mason Preached at the Methodist church. Had a shower in the evening.

Jun 22 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Work in shop. Boston Mason left. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. Commenced Jenkins seats.

Jun 23 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Got plank of Sutherland. Worked in shop. Negro here. Lois at home. Lasher was here.

Jun 24 – Cloudy 64 Abz morning. Worked on Jenkins Buggy Boddy. Pleasant day. Bot one lb nails 5 cts.

Jun 25 – Cloudy 71 Abz morning. Worked in shop. 90 Abz at noon. Went over and got my banisters of Byington got fifty 18 cts pr Doz.

Jun 26 – Pleasant 61 Abz at six morning. Worked in shop on seats. 90 at noon. Bennets folks gone to Lansing.

Jun 27 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Jenkins Brot some fence boards. Had a fine shower in the evening some Thunder 103. Abz 3 P.M.

Jun 28 – Cloudy 72 Abz. White Bear and Grampas in White Eagle in. Broke down. Had a heavy shower. Went over after Sarah. Flanders came and Brot us home.

Jun 29 – Pleasant 59 Abz at six. Worked in shop. Comfortable day. J. Sherman there. Received a letter from Mrs. Cridland. F Sherman & the Lion had a Brush.

Jun 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop. Went over Jesse Earls and pulled tooth for Polly Received 25 cts.

Jul 1 – Cloudy 53 Abz. In shop mended cultivator for Lefever 50 cts. Jenkins Brot load fence Boards. Rainy afternoon. Henry came home stayed all night.

Jul 2 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Finished Jenkins Buggy. Filed saw and _____ _____ for __ Jackson 25 cts. __________________ to day. Sent letter to Mrs Cridland. Railroad company commenced the foundation of Freight House.

Jul 3 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Filed a saw for Mr Joy 50 cts. Had a shower. Got some strawberries of S. Bristol.

Jul 4 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Hoed corn & potatoes. Mr Bennet Moved to day. Great Day in Kalamazoo.

Jul 5 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Went over to Fathers with J Deyo to see cow.

Jul 6 – Rainy 63 Abz cleared of. Went over to byingtons. Got wheelbarrow hub turned. H. Clinton Brot som spokes (for Deyo) 25 cts and stuf for cultivator. H. Stevens had a Brush. Heavy shower in the night.

Jul 7 – Cloudy 66 Abz. Worked in shop some. Got feet oak plank of T. Clark. Deyo paid 40 cts.

Jul 8 – Pleasant 64 Abz. In shop some. Deyo paid 30 cts. A Lamkins paid 1.00. I paid Mason Balance on Hat one Dollar. Bot 3 lbs Sal. Soda 30 cts.

Jul 9 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Hoed some. Worked in shop on spokes for my small wheels.

Jul 10 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Worked round some. Cleaned out sellar. 93 Abz 2 oclock. Verry hot. Mrs Bennet here in morning.

Jul 11 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Shaved spokes for my cart wheels. Bot one lb candles of Poopy Reading 17 cts.

Jul 12 – Pleasant 73 Abz. At home. Went down to the river to swim. Deyo went with me. Hurt my foot.

Jul 13 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Took the calf of to day. Deyo got cow to day. Received a letter of G. T. Had a shower after noon. Maude mot[her?] here in evening. Left for Wisconsin.

Jul 14 – Rainy 7__ Abz. Worked on cultivator some. Shower afternoon.

Jul 15 – Cloudy & misty 70 Abz. Worked on cultivator.

Jul 16 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Went up to J. Yorks. Bot violin string 10 cts.

Jul 17 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Worked in shop some. Had a shower afternoon.

Jul 18 – Pleasant 72 Abz. New Engine Pequon Milwaukee & Superior R.R. West wind. Brother Father was here. Had a heavy thunder storm in the evening.

Jul 19 – Pleasant 70 Abz. At Home. Had headache all day.

Jul 20 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Circus at Kalamazoo. Mended Clarks cradle. Horse tamer in town. Bot ½ lb Tea 31 cts. Shower in the night. Clinton got cultivator 2.50 cts.

Jul 21 – Cloudy cool 69 Abz. Sick. Mose brot his skeins. Clark got his cradle 38 cts. Got my shoe mended 5 cts. Lamkins and Flint had a brush.

Jul 22 – Cloudy cool 62 Abz. Sick. Father & mother here. Bot Bottle Bitters 75. Silk & _____ 14 cts. Had a heavy shower.

Jul 23 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Catharine & folks here. Henry Lee[49] left here. Lois at home. Had a shower at night. Folks haying & harvesting.

Jul 24 – Pleasant 64 ABZ. Mended cradle for ___ White. Lois went home. Wesley here in evening.

Jul 25 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Set skeins for Mix. Father came over. Carried corn to mill. Got one Bag 30 cts. _____ paid 3.45 cts. Finished the wall to the ware house in Galesburg.

Jul 26 – Pleasant 72 Abz. At home 96 at 4 oclock P.M. Thrashing machine here for B. B. Fox.

Jul 27 – Looks like rain 74 Abz. Drove spokes in my cart wheels. Had a shower in the afternoon. Oscar called here. Commenced on _____ sills ____________.

Jul 28 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Got flour of Flanders one Dollar cash. Got leather & awl for making Hannahs shoes. Bot one small auger one shilling.

Jul 29 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Finished my wheels. Henry Lee here. Left on the 9.45 train. I raised the under ____ to the ware house.

Jul 30 – P. 67 Abz. Worked in shop seting skeins for Mix. Bot Bottle bitters 75 cts.  Received a letter from C. R. Cridland. Raising the ware house.

Jul 31 – P. 71 Abz. A dash of rain. Set the tire on my cart wheels. Caty Chaffee[50] here. Bot beef and cucumbers 35. Bot cocoa 10 cts. Nancy has the whoping cough.

Aug 1 – P. 65 Abz. Painted my cart wheels. Bot brush 10 cts. Repaired Caywoods cradle 25 cts.

Aug 2 – P. 63 Abz. At home. Sarah went to church. Went swiming. Cut ring of Mrs. L. Burdicks finger. Walter hunting down here.

Aug 3 – P. 64 Abz. Repaired Beehive for S. Newman 95 cts. Hat & shoes 14/-. Father & mother here. They went to the show. Sarah went with them. I went in the evening. Saw Barnes the cripple.

Aug 4 – Rainy 74 Abz. Sick. Bot one lb Tea 62 cts. Hive syrup 5 cts turpentine. Rained afternoon. Oscar over here. George Wheeler died 11 oclock to day.

Aug 5 – P. 64 Abz. Father Brot some flour. George Wheeler Buried to day. Received a letter from C. R. Cridland. Received 20 Dollars of J. York.

Aug 6 – P. 59 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Horace Clark[51] Died this morning.

Aug 7 – P. 67 Abz. At home doing nothing. Sent Cridland map. Horace Clark Buried to day. Henry at home.

Aug 8 – Cloudy 74 Abz. Doing nothing. Bot one lb coffee 18 cts one hat 11 cts. Finished raising the Freight House.

Aug 9 – P. 64 Abz. At home all day. Wrote two letters one to G. T. and J. S. K.

Aug 10 – Cloudy 69 Abz. Mended Parasol for E Childs 10. Extracted tooth for Wights girl 25 cts. Oscar paid postage on papers. Sent letter to G. T. on[e] to J. S. King on[e] to Heath NY city. Bot one lb candles 18 cts.

Aug 11 – Foggy 64 Abz. Lasher came over. Carried my calf over to Fathers. Let Lasher have Earls note.

Aug 12 – Cloudy 78 Abz. Went over to byingtons and turned my Box patterns one bottle Hive syrup 5 cts.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 78 Abz. Half yard silk 56 cts. Repaired wheel for Brown 75 cts. Went over to Byington.

Aug 14 – Cloudy 78 Abz. Went Down to Catharines. All well. Rained in the night.

Aug 15 – Rainy 60 Abz. Mark went to town. We started for home 2 oclock. Went up to flanders. Bot Bottle Bitters 75 cts. Henry came home from pawpaw. James McNinch buried.

Aug 16 – Rainy 59 Abz. At home all day. Wrote a letter to Bob. Thunder shower in the evening.

Aug 17 – Misty 64 Abz. Went over to Fathers and carried Lois. Some stormy. A Lamkins paid me one Dollar. Sent a letter to R. Crawford.[52] Recd one from Dr Heath NY city.

Aug 18 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Mended Car___s R_____ 25 cts. Bot 24 penny stamps.

Aug 19 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Filed saw for H Cook 12½ cts. Mended parasol for C Beckwith 12 cts. Put hoop on Johnsons pail. Varnished my violin. Bot some medicine for Hannah 15 cts.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Sent letter to Heath NY city 2 Dollars. Received a letter & likeness from Pavilion. Bot 3 lbs mutton 15 cts. Went over to Fathers with them.

Aug 21 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Having new potatoes. Sawed out some Bob runners. Got some pine plank for boddy. Had a heavy shower in the night. Bennet moved.

Aug 22 – Cloudy 65 Abz. Made a box for D. K. Rogers 12 cts. Extracted one tooth for Mrs Frost 25 cts. Bot 11½ lbs beef 25 cts. Showrey through the day.

Aug 23 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Indian there. Went over to Lashers.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Sent a letter to C. R. C. Bot file (10). Rains a very little noon. Cal Streator here. Made spring for my cart. Bot 2 botts 4 cts.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 54 Abz. At home. Worked in shop some on my spring. Sarah went down to Bennets. Young Stevens Born.

Aug 26 – Cloudy 61 Abz. Came of plesant. Went to Kalamazoo on the cars. Cost 55 cts. Took my patterns down to get my Boxes cast.

Aug 27 – Rainy 71 Abz. Went over the river and got some green corn. Received a letter from Omro. Traded Lamkins watch for a violin with Flint. Had a shower.

Aug 28 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Mended Fathers seat. Got my cart Boxes from Kalamaz eight 20 cts. T. Flanders here. D. K. Rogers open shop to day. Medicine from N York.

Aug 29 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Set Boxes in my wheels. Done small bob for Lamkins. Setled with R. Bennet. Bal over Due $37.23. T. Flanders left celia. Paid 75 cts.

Aug 30 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Went and got some _____ _____ for hannah. Pulled two teeth for T. Whitings child 2 years old.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Mose made the skeins for my cart. Put them in. Got the shoulder bands.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop. Set my skeins. Hot and dry.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Hot now. Deacon Corys[53] wife[54] died this morning. Sarah & children went up to Yorks. Jo took my violin. I went up in the Evening.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 63 Abz. All up to Yorks. Charley Richardson Brot us home. Mrs Cory Buried to day. Hot and dry.

Sep 4 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Worked on cart Boddy. Bot screws & Bolts 10 cts. Henry came home. Father got wagon seat. Very hot 90 afternoon. S. W. Beason here from Niles.

Sep 5 – Pleasant 71 Abz morning. Made whiffletree for B. Clark 38 cts. Bot Cake shaving soap 6 cts. Bot Braces for my cart 5 cts. Rainy afternoon.

Sep 6 – Pleasant and cool 52 Abz. At home. Deyo & I Ethen went round the squair after the cows.

Sep 7 – Pleasant 46 Abz. Worked in shop some. D. Smith here all night.

Sep 8 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Worked in shop some. Worked on Roulands Drill. B. Clark paid me 38 cts. Bot 2 lbs Beef $15. Jo Rivenburg sold out.

Sep 9 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop. Finished Roulands Drill. Worked on cart Box. Received a letter from C. R. Cridland.

Sep 10 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Sarah went over to Fathers. Worked on my Box. Extracted two teeth for Clark 50 cts. Rouland 1.50.  Received a letter from J. S. King.

Sep 11 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Finished my cart Boddy. Sarah came home. Sold milk to Dutch 20 cts.

Sep 12 – Pleasant 64 Abz. Pulled my Beans. Painted my cart. Bot flour 93 cts. Bot mellon 15 cts. Bot Peaches 20 cts. Charles ____ paid 50 cts. The Engine Grampus Blowed up in the night just went of Marshall.

Sep 13 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Used my cart. At home. Very hot 87 at noon shade 99 in the sun. Mr Flanders and Henry here. Paid me ___5 cts for mormon book.

Sep 14 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Henry here. Worked round the house. Bot 61 lbs Bran 45 cts. Went over to Fathers House. Went in the cart. Sarah went down to Bennets.

Sep 15 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop some on Yorks wheel. Bot 2 quarts oil 62 cts.

Sep 16 – Cloudy 57 Abz. Worked on spokes. Painted my cart Box. Martin Turner[55] at the shop. Clap got my level. Had a shower night.

Sep 17 – Cloudy & misty 73 Abz. Worked in shop. Clara Johnson here. Bot one lb candles 18 cts. Had a shower in the Evening. York at the shop.

Sep 18 – Cloudy and some rainy 59 Abz. One tooth for Stranger 25 cts. Going to _____. One tooth for Ed Baty 25 cts. Rainy. Got 2 bushels wheat of J. York.

Sep 19 – Rainy 50 Abz. Rainy day. Mr Ferris[56] died last Evening. Flints cow killed to day. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. Made boulster for H. M. Shafter 75 cts. Ha_____ here to day. Bot mutton 25 cts.

Sep 20 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Mr Ferris buried to day. Mark & Lucy here. Went over to Fathers. Got some Lard. Saw __terner church.

Sep 21 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Levi J. Norths circus in town. Saw the Lady walk the wire. Rained some in the evening. Bot Hogs head 38 cts. Mended Fathers wagon thills.

Sep 22 – Pleasant 52 Abz some rainy. Went over to Lashers. Laid Barn floor. E. Crawford and wife[57] came to day. Lent George York $3 Three Dollars. Michigan Insurance B.K.

Sep 23 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Went over and got Crids broom press. Sarah Ed & Mary went over to Mr. Halls. 72 at _____.

Sep 24 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Ed & Mary Went home. John Hasey here. Received letters from David & Robert. D. K. Rogers Paid me $5.00. Bot cider 10 cts.

Sep 25 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Bot wallet 62 cts cups 25. Mrs Gleason started for Morganville. Hasey left. Ed Wilcut[58] here.

Sep 26 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Did not work much had headache. Recd a letter from H. Crawford. Lasher Brot 20 Bushel wheat 90 cts.

Sep 27 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Lois at home. B. Clark[59] here.

Sep 28 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Made John Chroders Box. Set Box for _____ 25 cts. Bot six yds cotton 80 cts, one lb candles 19 cts.

Sep 29 – Cloudy 44 Abz some rain. Made wagon neap for D. Lamkins $1.25. Lamkins paid 1.25.

Sep 30 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked in shop on Beaches wagon. Bennets folks here all night. Rainy.

Oct 1 – Rainy 58 Abz. Bennets folks left. Rainy day. Worked on D. Beach wagon. Oatman Discharged from M.C.R.R.

Oct 2 – Rainy 51 Abz. D. Beach Paid me 4 Dollars. Setting Boxes for Mix. Got gouge mended. Got note of Luther Eldred. T. Flanders here.

Oct 3 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Lots of Dutch this morning. Got Bottoms for Nancys shoes 12½ cts. Schroder paid me one Dollar & 25 cts. Alfleda came here.

Oct 4 – Cloudy 53 Abz. Alfleda left. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Bot 3 lbs ___ steak 25 cts. Got my hair cut.

Oct 5 – Cloudy 55 Abz. Worked in shop on Mix skeins. Calvin Streator Brot some spokes. Got smooth plain of Deyo. Sarah went to Allertons.

Oct 6 – Pleasant 43 Abz. Set Boxes for mix. Bot smooth plane of J. Deyo. Bot Butts Lock & Handle for Schroders trunk. Warm Day.

Oct 7 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Made Schroders Box. Set Boxes. Cross now some spokes. Sarah went down to S. Newman.

Oct 8 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Set skeins. Moved some things. Bot peck peaches 1__ cts. Mrs Sumner here.

Oct 9 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Finished Mix Skeins and Boxes sand board. Bot one lb candles of Wilkeson. Bot mutton of E. Parsons 14 cts.

Oct 10 – Cloudy 43 Abz. Streators wheel came to day. Bot 4¼ lbs tallow of E. Parsons. Bot 50 lbs Bran 30 cts. No cow to night.

Oct 11 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Cow this morning. Went over to Fathers. Deyo & Hannah went. Mrs Carpenter left in the night.

Oct 12 – Some Rain 62 Abz. Worked on Streators wheel. Ethen went home with Father. Sent Letter to G. T. one to C. R. Crid.

Oct 13 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Finished Streators wheel 3.50. Made whiffletree for Chapin 25 cts. 7 lbs tallow of E. Parsons. Cross moved his _____.

Oct 14 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Moved my traps out of the shop. Sold Box to D. K. Rogers. Bot ½ Bushel Peaches 25 one Bushel apples 50 & Half Bushel 62 cts.

Oct 15 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Streator Brot me 2 Bushels wheat, 2 bushels apples. Sarah gone up to Swaddles. Went over to Hartwels. Father made cider. Lois went to Clarks to a _____.

Oct 16 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Commenced digging potatoes. Sarah came home. Went over to Hartwells. Got Crids Barrel for Broom machine.

Oct 17 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Dug potatoes. Bot bag salt 25 cts one lb saleratus[60] 10 cts.

Oct 18 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Went over to Fathers & J. Yorks. Some rainy in the Evening.

Oct 19 – Misty morning 42 Abz. Dug some potatoes. Some snow after noon quite a snow storm in the Evening. Sold my fiddle to J. York 25.00. 30 lbs nails 1.50.

Oct 20 – Cloudy 26 Abz snow went of. Moved my weels[?]. Dug some potatoes after noon Sarah went to a bee up to Elder shepherd. Bot 30 lbs nails 12/-.

Oct 21 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Dug potatoes. Mrs Deyo here to dinner James also.

Oct 22 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Bot 25 lbs Bran of D. K. Rogers 12 cts. Dug potatoes 14 bushels. Boy lost. Rained some Evening. Show in town.

Oct 23 – Cloudy 43 Abz. Mrs Chapins came here. Finished diging potatoes. J. York brot some lumber. Sent letter to N. B. C. Made candles. Saw John Hasey on cars.

Oct 24 – Sprinkles prospects of _____ _____. Went over to Byingtons. Got Broom Roll turner. Carried over Bench screw. Rained in the Evening.

Oct 25 – Cloudy 43 Abz rainy about noon. Went over after Nancy. Saw __terner church sick at Lashers.

Oct 26 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Made Crids Bearings for Broom machine. Recd a letter from G. T.  T. Flanders came here.

Oct 27 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Lasher drawed sills for barn. Got my screw of Byington. Got 41 lbs Bran of Lyon. D. K. Rogers paid me $10.00.

Oct 28 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Finished Crids traps & put them on the cars. Wes Brot load pumpkins. Bot one pound Tea __5/-.

Oct 29 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Worked Deyo dressed fence pickets for Barber fence. Bot one lb crackers [?] of D. K. Rogers 10. Mrs Bennet here. Ethen sick.

Oct 30 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Bennet went. Finished the fence pickets at noon went down to Barbers afternoon. Bot half hogs head 12 cts. Lasher got wheat for __terner church.

Oct 31 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Worked down to Barbers. James Flanders Brot some shingles.

Nov 1 – Cloudy 38 Abz. At home. Cal got his violin. Father came over with Lois.

Nov 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked down to Barbers. Got a letter from C. R. C. Got Barrel cider of B. Hartwell. Sarah had 11/- got dress. Ext one tooth for Mrs Rogers.

Nov 3 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Finished Barbers fence. Sarah went to Robers to a sewing bee.

Nov 4 – Some cloudy 44 Abz. Commenced framing my Barn. Got shingles of Byington. Clarks folks here to dinner. E. B. Seeley here. Lasher went after lumber.

Nov 5 – Rainy 55 Abz. Finished framing my sills. Showrey. Dance at Potts.

Nov 6 – Pleasant 48 Abz. Got one load studing of Powers. Went over to Lashers an cut sleepers. Paid D. Johnson 30 cts. Rainy night. Took tea at ___ Wiseman.

Nov 7 – Rainy 42 Abz. Set glass. Bot oil 7⁽. Bot Spanish white 4⁽. Taylor Brot load stone.

Nov 8 – Cloudy and warm 62 Abz. Stayed at home. Put lock on Johnsons Box.

Nov 9 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Lasher Brot over the sleepers. Got load lumber of A. Powers. Sent Ed a letter & one to David. Bot 10 yds _______________.

Nov 10 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Raised the boddy of my barn. Chapin paid me 25 cts. Johnson paid me 10 cts. Put locks on box.

Nov 11 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Worked on my barn. Father came over. Sarah went to D Harris. Got Bran of Lyon 23 lbs. Raining in the Night.

Nov 12 – Cloudy 38 Abz. Put Roof boards and rafters on my barn. Rainy some snow. Moved locker in front room.

Nov 13 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Put in the sleepers to the barn & laid some floor.

Nov 14 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Banked house. Tailors girls moved. B 2 lbs box 13 cts. Killed cat.

Nov 15 – Pleasant 18 Abz. At home all day. My Barn ready to side.

Nov 16 – Snows 32 Abz. Set glass. Lasher Brot my siding 962 feet. Bot one lb whiting 6 cts.

Nov 17 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Henry Stevens took Dinner here. Bot bushel turnips of E. flanders.[61] Bot 6 lbs pork of Earl 47 cts.

Nov 18 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Put some siding on the Barn. Commenced snowing at night. Father came over. Joseph York making pint cups[?].

Nov 19 – Cold and snowey 22 Abz some two or three inches deep. Snowed and blowed all day. Bot Boots 4.00. Recd letter from Ed one from Cridland.

Nov 20 – Snows 18 Abz. Race[62] Brok. Water all over. Duce of a time. Snowed & blowed all day. Stayed at home. Moved down stairs to night.

Nov 21 – Snows 19 Abz Blows cold snow flies. Lasher drawed one load stalks. Flanders one load. Got my plank. Bot saleratas 10 cts.

Nov 22 – Cold 17 Abz dont snow this morning. Stayed at home.

Nov 23 – Pleasant 13 Abz. Went over to the mill. Went up to Yorks. Got windows at Crids place. Bot shoes for Sarah 11/-.

Nov 24 – Cold 6 Abz. Snows some. Put on some siding. Worked over to Cross shop some on steel runners.

Nov 25 – Cold & pleasant 18 Bel zero. Tinkered round home. Got the snow of my Barn. Bot 7 lbs Beef 28 cts. Lois came home.

Nov 26 – Cold 7 Below zero pleasant. Mark & Henry here. Sarah went up to Hellens. Commenced shingling my Barn. Got a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Nov 27 – Pleasant zero. Shingling. Quite warm and comfortable. Went over to Lashers in the Evening. Started the mill.

Nov 28 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Finished shingling my Barn. Laid floor. Lasher worked half day. Carried 2 bushels wheat to mill. Shafter brot me some wheat. 3 lbs nails. Warm.

Nov 29 – Pleasant 46 Abz. At home. Rainy afternoon and Evening.

Nov 30 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Worked on Barn finished siding. Made one door. Jesse Earl Brot some ax helve timber. Bot 2 lbs nails 25. Mark Lee here at noon.

Dec 1 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Lasher Brot 50 Bushels corn. Made bin. Rained in Evening warm. Bot 2 lbs rot[?] nails 25 cts one pr hinges 66 cts 13 cts screws[?].

Dec 2 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Made my doors for Barn. Got hasp for door 25 cts. Bot thread 10 cts.

Dec 3 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to Father. Catharine came up. Put up stones to Clintons & James graves. Mark & Henry helped.

Dec 4 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Drawed corn fodder 2 loads for York 2 for my self. Took dinner with Jo.

Dec 5 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over and drawed corn fodder. Brot one load home. Rained in the Evening.

Dec 6 – Rainy 42 Abz. Ella Taylor here. D. Lamkins here in the Evening. Old Mrs Earl died.

Dec 7 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Worked round the Barn put in window. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Stuck steaks for my shop.

Dec 8 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Mrs Munsel here. Smoky in the morning. Made manger made small door. George York pd me $3.25 ct. Sarah & children gone. Mrs Earl buried to day. Rainy night.

Dec 9 – Misty morning 43 Abz. All alone. Sarah went to Fathers. Sarah came home. Mark Brot them home. Cordelia Earl here. Got the old freight House moved. Pluto came on the new side track.

Dec 10 – Some snow & Blowes 28 Abz. Matilda Munsel here. Went home on the cars. Bot ½ lb Tea 25 cts. D. K. Rogers Bot file 13 cts. Recd letter from R. Crawford.

Dec 11 – Snows very little 28 Abz. Worked round got ready to work on my shop sills. Killed rooster.

Dec 12 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Commenced my sills. Got them partly fraimed. Deyo & wife here to supper. York here in morning.

Dec 13 – Pleasant 26 Abz no snow yet. Went over to Fathers. Ground bear. Mr Taylor and wife here in Evening. Sarah went to church.

Dec 14 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Went over and moved Ethen Bradleys[63] Bonens. Took them to Galesburg. Mark & Henry Lees & Jo York. Warm & Pleasant as Summer.

Dec 15 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Finished framing my shop sills. Gave Powers his order on Mrs H. Clark.

Dec 16 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Went up to Yorks. He was gone.

Dec 17 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Got out my sleepers and blocks. Ed Crawford came out. Rained in the night.

Dec 18 – Rainy 36 Abz. Ed went over to Lashers. Looked at the Farm. Ed left at six 15 Evening. Set foundation to shop.

Dec 19 – Cool 26 Abz. Framed sleepers for shop. Put on the sills. Received a letter from Sherwoods folks.

Dec 20 – Pleasant 16 Abz no snow nice fall weather. Stayed at at home. Extracted one tooth for Emma Clark 25 cts.

Dec 21 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Commenced snowing. Lasher gone to Kalamazoo. Girls moved their Bed up stairs. Sent letter to G. T.

Dec 22 – Cloudy 30 Abz snow 2 or 3 inches deep round here to day. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland one to J. S. King.

Dec 23 – Pleasant 24 Abz some snow. Went over to Byingtons. Jesse & Polly Earl here to tea party. Over to W^m Aldrich in the Evening.

Dec 24 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went over to Lashers. Not much sleighing.

Dec 25 – Pleasant 3 Abz. Went over to Jos Wisemans to supper.

Dec 26 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Bot hair dye 20 cts. Made pattern for J. C. Blake. Gals took tea had goose.

Dec 27 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Sarah gone to church. Cordelia Earl here. At home all day. D. Lamkins here in Evening.

Dec 28 – Pleasant 33 Abz. Set & filed saw for H. Cook. Some snow thaws 42 Abz at noon. Went over to Fathers. Got Barlows violin.

Dec 29 – Pleasant 18 Abz nice morning. Flanders Brot load straw. Got some lumber from the mill. Lasher Brot _________ 162½ lbs. Stimpson folks here.

Dec 30 – Cloudy 36 Abz. Framed my studs. Raised my shop. Went over to Deyos. Took tea.

Dec 31 – Snows 29 Abz. Worked on shop frame. Put in the girts[?]. Henry came home.

 

Entries for January 1 – 16, 1858 which were entered in the back of this diary are listed with the 1858 diary entries.

 

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

[2] The entries from January 1 through January 24 were first written in the back of his 1856 diary and are basically identical to what he wrote in his 1857 diary. Anything from 1856 that clarifies the 1857 entries are noted in brackets

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

[4] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith

[5] Charles Luke Keith Sr., who was also known as Luke

[6] His daughter, Lois Keith, by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[7] Joseph York, husband of his niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[8] Helen (Bradley) & Joseph York

[9] Charles R. Cridland

[10] One of the long shafts between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[11] His third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[12] James S. King, his first cousin

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

[14] Ethan, Nancy and Hannah Keith

[15] His first cousin

[16] The pole, or tongue, of a cart

[17] James Oscar Keith, son of his brother Harvey and Alfleda (Starr) Keith, who went by the name of Oscar

[18] 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

[19] James Oscar Keith

[20] Jessie J. Keith

[21] His horse

[22] Omro, Wisconsin

[23] His mother-in-law, Nancy B. (Comfort) Crawford

[24] Believe he is referring to Ballou Brown, whose grandson (Henry Brown) would eventually be married to Luke’s daughter Nancy

[25] Presume this to be Oscar’s brother, Harvey Keith

[26] Believe he is referring to James Sprague Jr., who was married to his sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague

[27] His son, Ethan Keith, who was six years old

[28] Believe he is referring to Ballou Brown’s son

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

[30] His brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford

[31] James Sprague Jr. actually died March 30, 1857

[32] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that George Simmons died at the age of 42 years 10 months and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and George

[33] Ambrose Brown, Ballou Brown’s son

[34] Oscar’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[35] Warren Wolcott

[36] His brother-in-law, Lucius Prosper Crawford

[37] Above zero

[38] Felly or felloe is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[39] The Alphadelphia Association; more More information on the Alphadelphia Association can be seen here.

[40] His daughter, who was not quite two years old

[41] His son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[42] His daughter, not quite five years old

[43] Believe he is referring to his adopted brother, Wesley Keith

[44] The brother of his second wife, Jerusha (Crittenden) Keith

[45] “Mark” is referred to quite often in Luke’s diaries and it is believed that he 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 with the Keith family to run his father’s farm. (Thanks to Margaret Williams, Ezekiel Lee’s three times great-granddaughter, for this information)

[46] Believe he is referring to his brother-in-law, David “D.C.” Crawford

[47] A search of FindAGrave.com shows S. G. Clark died at the age of 23 years 2 months 1 day, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and S. G. Clark

[48] His brothers-in-law, Edwin and Pros Crawford

[49] Luke’s cousin, William Henry Lee; see also footnote #45. Henry and Mark were brothers

[50] His niece, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee

[51] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Horace Clark died at the age of 39 years 1 month 19 days, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Horace

[52] His brother-in-law, Robert Crawford

[53] Joseph Cory

[54] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Gratia (Whitney) Cory died at the age of 54 years 2 months 5 days, and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Gratia

[55] His first cousin

[56] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Allen Ferris was born in 1803, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. It is unknown if there is any relationship between Luke and Allen

[57] His brother-in-law and wife, Edwin and Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[58] Edward G. Wolcott, his first cousin

[59] Believe he is referring to Byron Clark, his daughter Lois’ future husband

[60] Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda

[61] Edwin and Mary Flanders took in Luke’s son, Henry, and possibly his daughter, Lois, after the death of his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith, for a period of time

[62] An artificial channel or bed of a stream leading water to or from a point where its energy is utilized, such as a mill or a  mining claim

[63] His sister Catherine’s first husband