Luke Keith’s 1889 Diary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jun 22 – Took 2 Bushels wheat to mill.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 7 – Very quiet day but a few callers.

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

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

Jul 10 – Took Hannah down to Mr Randalls.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henrys[132] Number
335 Miner Avenue
Stocten California
USA

——-

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

[2] Mercury reading

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

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

[5] His grandson, William Clark

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

[7] Galesburg, Michigan

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

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

[10] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

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

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

[13] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[14] Neighbor, Frances Towne

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

[16] Above zero

[17] Neighbor, and D. Harris’ uncle

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

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] His daughter, Hannah Keith

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

[23] Hank Brown’s cousin

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

[25] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[26] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

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

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

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

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

[31] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

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

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

[34] Willis Brown, Hank’s brother

[35] Neighbor, Charles Ford

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

[37] His cow

[38] Neighbor, Laura Ann (Rawson) Streator

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

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

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

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

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

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

[45] Leroy, New York

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

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

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

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

[50] Neighbor, Albert Towne

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

[52] Claude, Lela and Bess Brown

[53] His son, James Clinton Keith

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

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

[56] Elizabeth (Ogden) Brown

[57] Ray and Perry Brown

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

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

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

[61] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

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

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

[64] Neighbor, Charles Towne

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

[66] One of his farm animals

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

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

[69] Neighbor, John T. Allerton

[70] His cousin

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

[72] His son, Henry Lindsey Keith

[73] Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham

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

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

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

[77] Henry Labbitt, the undertaker

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

[79] Neighbor, Edwin Flanders

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

[81] Bobtail train run

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

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

[84] His granddaughter, Bess Brown

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

[86] Andrew B. & Frances Spinney

[87] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

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

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

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

[91] His grandson, Charles Clark

[92] His grandson, Claude Brown

[93] Jackson, Michigan

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

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

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

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

[98] Jim’s girlfriend, Cora Meredith

[99] Scotts, Michigan

[100] His horse

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[109] Eliza “Betsy” (Olds) Batey

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

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

[112] Mary (Sherwood) Clapp

[113] His maternal first cousin

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

[115] D Harris’s brother, Jay Harris

[116] “The family”

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

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

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

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

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

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

[123] Hiram Crawford’s nickname

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

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

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

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

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

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

[130] Perry, New York

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

[132] His son, Henry L. Keith

Advertisement

Luke Keith’s 1858 Diary

1858 Diary of Charles Luke Keith Jr.

The entries from January 1 through January 16 were first written in the back of his 1857 diary and are basically identical to what he wrote in his 1858 diary. Anything from 1857 that clarifies the 1858 entries are noted in brackets

Jan 1 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Went down to Catharines.[1] Killed the old hen.

Jan 2 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Came home. Cut out some sleigh runners for Frazer. Recd a letter from G. Tomlinson.[2]

Jan 3 – Pleasant 27 Abz. At home. Henry and lois[3] here.

Jan 4 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Went over to Earls & Yorks got 17 lbs tallow.

Jan 5 – Pleasant out 22 Abz. Worked on frame some. Father & mother[4] here.

Jan 6 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home. Got bags.

Jan 7 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Cleaned up wheat.

Jan 8 – Pleasant 9 Abz. Sold the wheat [to Mason] 16 bush 75 cts pr bushel $11.79 cts. [Carried wheat to mill. York load wood.]

Jan 9 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked on frame.

Jan 10 – Rainy 22 Abz. Went over to fathers.

Jan 11 – Rainy 44 Abz. Got some flooring. [Put some down. Tooth ache.]

Jan 12 – Pleasant 33 Abz. Went over to fathers. Built calf shead.

Jan 13 – Pleasant 34 Abz. At home. Recd letter from C. R. C.[5]

Jan 14 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Got steel spring made. Steel cost 27 cts.

Jan 15 – Cloudy 34 Abz. At home. T. Flanders[6] here. Sarah[7] went to Donation party Evening. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland.

Jan 16 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Got some lumber framed rafters got 11 peices one plank. Bot this Diary. Paid G. T. Tax $11.20. D. Lamkins here got his violin.

Jan 17 – Pleasant 29 Abz. At home. Put strings on my old violin. Matilda Baxter here.

Jan 18 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Went over to fathers saw Lyman Earl.

Jan 19 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Got flooring put it down 4 bunches Shingles & one load siding of Earl.

Jan 20 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Worked on shop frame.

Jan 21 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Father came over Sarah & children[8] went over. Commenced my bench. S. A. Muldgent here. Warm. Put in felly[9] for Wightman.

Jan 22 – Cloudy cool wind 30 Abz. At home a lone. Put up my rafters on shop. Cool wind all day.

Jan 23 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Nice fall morning. White out this morning. Talk of _____ side walk. Worked on my bench. Sarah & children came home.

Jan 24 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Sprinkles some. Carried in my _____. Sarah & children gone to church.

Jan 25 – Rainy 52 Abz. Spring weather. Bot 42 lbs nails 30___ lbs 8___ 12.60 lbs. Lath sorted corn. E. M. Clapp here to get set Bobs[10] made. Rainy afternoon & evening.

Jan 26 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Put on some siding. Lois came home. Set saw for Jack clubs.

Jan 27 – Rainy 38 Abz. Went over to Fathers up to the sawmill. T. Flanders came here. D. Smith here in the night.

Jan 28 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Lasher came over moved fence. D. Smith here. Celia Newman here to day. Mr & Mrs Wightman here evening.

Jan 29 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Put the sides on the shop.

Jan 30 – Cloudy and cool 23 Abz. Got load siding roof boards 94 feet boards of Jesse Earl. Thomas Flanders went home.

Jan 31 – Pleasant 18 Abz. At home. Mary Flint Died this morning. Billy Lee here.

Feb 1 – Cloudy & cool 18 Abz. Worked on shop put on siding. Bennet & wife here. Snowed after noon.

Feb 2 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Worked on shop finished siding. Snowed in Evening.

Feb 3 – Pleasant and cool 16 Abz cold. At home. Not much done to day. T. Flanders came back.

Feb 4 – Cloudy 14 Abz. Went over to Fathers & Yorks.

Feb 5 – Cloudy 14 Abz. Got plank for bench. Recd letter from G. Tomlinson.

Feb 6 – Cloudy 14 Abz snowed in the morning. Carried some corn to mill. Mrs Flint here in the Evening. T. Flanders went home paid me 50 cts.

Feb 7 – Cloudy 27 Abz some 3 inches snow on the ground. Lois came home in the Evening.

Feb 8 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Got out cornice. Snowey.

Feb 9 – Cloudy 26 Abz. snow some 6 inches deep looks like winter snowy & cold. Cut out gloves. Sent letter to C. R. Cridland $4 dollars in it.

Feb 10 – Cold & Blustrous 7 Abz. Went over to Fathers Jesse Turner[11] there. Very cold & blustering 6 Below zero in Evening.

Feb 11 – Blustrous 6 Below zero. Round home. Cleared snow out of the shop. Cut some gloves.

Feb 12 – Clear day 8 Abz. Went up to J. Yorks.[12] Billy Lee came here. Lois came over. Bot pr shoes 12/-[13]

Feb 13 – Cloudy 15 Abz. windy very cold and blustering snowed and blowed like fun all day. Repaired Whitings violin.

Feb 14 – Cold 20 Abz. At home all day. Good winter day. Hannah[14] sick.

Feb 15 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Worked on cornice. Snowed in the Evening.

Feb 16 – Snowey 18 Abz. At home. Sawed wood. Flanders brot 4 bushels wheat 9 lbs sausage.

Feb 17 – Cloudy 2 Abz. Got one bunch shingles. Whiting paid me 50 cts. Went over to Fathers. Oscar and Mary ann[15] here. Mother came with them. T. Flanders came here.

Feb 18 – Cloudy 2 Abz. Carried 4 bushels wheat to mill. T. Flanders went home. Lasher drawed ice for Beach.

Feb 19 – Snowey 13 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Wes[16] Boy[17] Born this morning. Snows & blows like fun. Azro Brot stove over.

Feb 20 – Cold 2 Below zero. Swep out shop sawed some wood. T. Flanders here in evening.

Feb 21 – Pleasant 23 Abz. Good sleighing. At home all day.

Feb 22 – Cold 17 Below zero. Lasher Brot brick. Sawed out some cornice. Uncle Ozen[18] here.

Feb 23 – Pleasant 3 Abz. Worked on cornice. Father came over here.

Feb 24 – Pleasant 15 Abz. Finished cornice. B. Whitcomb Bot A. T. Jones violin $6.00. The girls left. Letter from N. B. Betts.[19]

Feb 25 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked on shop put on some cornice. Mary Powlison here to day. Pleasant & warm.

Feb 26 – Pleasant 5 Abz. Put on cornice and some roof boards. Thawed considerable.

Feb 27 – Cloudy and warm 36 Abz. Not much sleighing. T. Flanders came here. Shingled some. Snowed in the night 6 inches deep.

Feb 28 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Thawes some. Mr Stebbens buried to day. Averil preached. T. Flanders here all day.

Mar 1 – Pleasant 11 Abz. T. Flanders here. Finished shingling my shop. T. Flanders left.

Mar 2 – Snowed some 9 Abz. Libby Taylor here this morning. Cleaned out stove. Sarah went over to Deyos took tea there. Mike coe here to get a plate for coffin.

Mar 3 – Snows 11 Abz cold some sleighing. Went up to Yorks got four sticks timber for platform.

Mar 4 – Pleasant 6 Abz. Worked on vice. Mrs Wiseman here.

Mar 5 – Pleasant 8 Below zero. Flanders drawed load straw. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Deyoe got load hay 1320 lbs.

Mar 6 – Pleasant snowed 9 Abz. Worked on vice some. Sarah & children gone yet. Recd a letter from E. W. Craw[ford?]. Wesley over here to see shop. Got 150 lbs bran of D. K. Rogers.

Mar 7 – Snows some 18 Abz comfortable sleighing. Sarah came home.

Mar 8 – Cloudy 16 Abz. Worked on my vice. Mended Sarahs shoes in the Evening. Stranger here clock tinker & musician.

Mar 9 – Pleasant 4 Abz. Worked on my Bench. Ground almost bear. Sarah gone to Church this Evening.

Mar 10 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Worked on my bench and floor. Got my Boots tapt. Snow most gone.

Mar 11 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Worked on my Bench. Snow most gone.

Mar 12 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Went up to Yorks. Got Bench hook made. Henry Stevens & wife here.

Mar 13 – Pleasant 28 Abz. York brot over brick. Got plank of hank Bennet 40 feet 40 cts. Bot 10 lbs Shugar ¼ lb cinnamon.

Mar 14 – Rainy 48 Abz. Stayed at home. Snow mostly gone.

Mar 15 – Rainy 56 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent letter to G. T.[20] Rainy night. Robbins out.

Mar 16 – Rainy 57 Abz. Worked in shop. Frogs sing in the Evening. Estella Wightman[21] died this morning.

Mar 17 – Rainy day 57 Abz. Ben dug hole at the old backhouse. Frogs singing. Lois came home.

Mar 18 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked in shop some. Took down the old shit house. Got my Likeness taken 50 cts.

Mar 19 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Ben commenced dig my stumps. Lois at home. Mrs McCracken died in the night.

Mar 20 – Some rain 46 Abz. Ben here diging stumps. Recd a letter from Hite.[22] Hued out some axhelves. Mrs Whiting Brot one load goods.

Mar 21 – Cloudy & windy 40 Abz. Stayed at home. Snowed very little.

Mar 22 – Pleasant 30 Abz. Mrs Whiting came to day. Worked in shop some.

Mar 23 – Pleasant 26 Abz cool. Worked in shop some stoped up windows. Hale Whiting came to see his wife. Men came back to work in track again. Lois went home.

Mar 24 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Went over to Fathers got Nance.[23] Went up to Yorks got some lime. Deyoe got home. Shower in the night.

Mar 25 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Trimed my currants and Apple trees. Hellen[24] came down Mary Earl.

Mar 26 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Sawed out boards for my Backhouse. Moved some traps into the shop.

Mar 27 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Made sills & plates to back house. Father and mother got their likeness taken. Recd a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Mar 28 – Cloudy 36 Abz. At home. Read Robinson Crusoe.

Mar 29 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ethen[25] went over stayed. Got Rooster of Wesley.

Mar 30 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Worked on Backhouse. Bot broom of White. Polly Lyons here to tea. Indian preacher at Methodist church.

Mar 31 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked on backhouse. Abby Simmons married this Evening.

Apr 1 – Rainy 42 Abz warm. Sold my wheelbarrow to P. S. Carmen[?] 2.50. Put the siding on my backhouse.

Apr 2 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Put cornice on the privy and shingled it. Lois and Edith came here. Taylor carried the old bureau to Byingtons.

Apr 3 – Pleas 42 Abz. Got Bureau fronts & wheelbarrow hubs. Got pine board of G. H. Lockhart 20 feet.

Apr 4 – Cloudy 49 Abz. At home all day. Hat Taylor & Cordelia Earl here.

Apr 5 – Cold snow some 37 Abz. Went to town meeting. Mrs Whiting packed her goods _____ took the Rifle home.

Apr 6 – Pleasant 28 Abz. Carried her goods over to station marked them 396 letters. Went down to Comstock on hand car. Mrs Whiting left today. Got Load hay.

Apr 7 – Pleasant 26 Abz. Made door to State house. Ben dug hole for state house. Filed saw for ben & paid him ten cents. Rained in Evening.

Apr 8 – Rainy 42 Abz. Made the covers to seat in State house. Rainy fore noon. Mrs Mansfield here.

Apr 9 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Moved my State house. Got 71 lbs bran of D. K. Rogers. Six o clock train run on the new main track south side.

Apr 10 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Made place to put up my lumber. Rained in the afternoon & evening.

Apr 11 – Cloudy 40 Abz. At home all day. Cold & windy.

Apr 12 – Cloudy 38 Abz cool. Worked on Yorks Ex. Had a heavy shower in the afternoon misty bad day raw wind. Boys to work on track.

Apr 13 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Made ex for Yorks sulky. Rained some cool. Hannah sick.

Apr 14 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Worked in shop. York got his sulky.

Apr 15 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Worked in shop mended Flanders thills.[26] Ab gave me an anvil T Rail.

Apr 16 – Pleasant 34 Abz. Picked up stove. Mended swifs for T. Bronson. Bot violin string.

Apr 17 – Pleasant 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Deyoe mended Wightmans thills. Made coffin for Smiths Boy. Set hen. Henry came home.

Apr 18 – Cloudy 44 Abz. At home. Sarah gone to church. Shower in the night.

Apr 19 – Rainy 40 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Cut out Bottom to violin. Bot ½ lb Tea. Rained in the night.

Apr 20 – Pleasant 48 Abz heavy shower. Commenced flanders bobs. A. Lamkins had half bushel corn. Eugene Bronson got his violin.

Apr 21 – Pleasant 40 Abz. All went over the river saw uncle Warren.[27] W. W. Earl started for Kansas. Bot Sarah & Ethens shoes.

Apr 22 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Sarah & children over the river. High wind. Cleared away the old shanty. Shower in the afternoon snow in the night. Flanders Brot some timber.

Apr 23 – Cloudy and cool 32 Abz snows. Mark[28] brot Sarah and children home. Bored rolls for bobs. Mr. Beach very sick. Bullard came with his saw to saw wood.

Apr 24 – Cold 29 Abz. Lois and Ethen came home. Snows some. Went over to Fathers got the buggy. Received a letter from G. Tomlinson.

Apr 25 – Pleasant 24 Abz. At home. Filled two teeth for B. Clark 50 cts. Uncle Chichester[29] here Mr Beach very low.

Apr 26 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Lasher drawed manure. Moved my back house. S. Bristol here. Paid Mrs M. Keiths School bill 72 cts. David Beach Died.[30]

Apr 27 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Worked in garden some painted spear handle for Mix. Lois & Nancy went over to Fathers.

Apr 28 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Went over to Fathers with Deyos calf. Went over to county farm with cow. Filed Barlows saw.

Apr 29 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Went over and helped Wesley raise his house. Had a shower in the night 74 Abz. Evening.

Apr 30 – Rains some 64 Abz. Built hogpen. Painted Moses spear handle.

May 1 – Storms some snow 45 Abz or hail. Went over to Fathers got some fresh meat of Wesleys folks. Finished my hog pen.

May 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went over to fathers Catharine there. Deyo went.

May 3 – Cloudy rains 42 Abz. Went over to Fathers trimed appletrees. Showery. Ethen & Nancy commenced going to school. Rainy night. Bot pt. whiskey 10 cts.

May 4 – Rains 51 Abz. Went over the river got two boxes. Saw Hiram Mose James Earl Bot 13 lbs lard 10~.[31] Sent letter to E. W. Crawford.[32]

May 5 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Built chiminy in shop. Got 22 brick of Cory. Mrs Hale & Charley here.

May 6 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Worked round the garden put corn in boxes.

May 7 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Hued my stringers for bridge. Warm sun came out hot.

May 8 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked round house and garden. Rained some afternoon. J. York got hogs _____ to catch rain water in. Wesley got _____.

May 9 – Cloudy cool 46 Abz. Went over the river with Hannah.

May 10 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Dug at the old stump out by the shop split it with powder. Dick Lamkins plowed part of the garden.

May 11 – Rainy 40 Abz. Mended my gloves. Bot thread 5 Bot shugar 5~. Rainy day.

May 12 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Got timber for my Bridge. W^m Matthews got 3 pecks seed corn. Plastered up the citchen. Got mortar of Warren.

May 13 – Rains 52 Abz. Spaded some in the garden. Mrs Kingsley died.[33] Joseph Lee[34] & family here & Rhoda Lee.[35] Rained in the night. 5 lbs Shugar 10~. H. Cook & McAlister got seed corn.

May 14 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Worked in garden spading. Bot ½ lb tea 31 cts. Went up stairs to sleep.

May 15 – Cloudy 49 Abz. Worked round garden made some fence. Lois Hat & Lib here to tea. Bot 50 lbs Bran 25 cts.

May 16 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Bot six lbs Cod fish 35~. Rained at night.

May 17 – Rainy 48 Abz. Went over the river. Sent letter to C. R. C. Put the timbers in for my bridge. Alf Howard here heard him play.

May 18 – Cloudy 40 Abz. Bot peck Barley 10~. Repaired knife 25. Traded violin trunk with Alf Howard.

May 19 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Went over to Fathers Henry came home. Rainy. Bot two lights glass 12. Old Mrs Weed died.[36] Heavy shower in the night.

May 20 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Moved stove. Went over and got Lasher to plow garden. Put stringers over the race. Rained a very little.

May 21 – Pleasant 34 Abz very little frost. Worked in garden spading.

May 22 – Pleasant 36 Abz. Work on garden. Bot Book for Nancy 12½ cts one cake soap 12½ cts. Rained in the night. Not much corn up.

May 23 – Cloudy some melting 54 Abz. At home rainy day heavy shower in the night.

May 24 – Cloudy 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers Catharine here. Flanders fetched down hog and it died. Rained at night. Some corn planted.

May 25 – Rainy 60 Abz cloudy Bad weather rained all day. Had the headache. Bot file 12½ cts. Shelled some corn.

May 26 – Rainy 50 Abz cool wind. No work sick. Thompson & hands left.

May 27 – Cloudy & cool 48 Abz. Got corn ground. Mrs Rogers got Sarahs _____ mended 12½. Cal Streator left for Ohio.

May 28 – Cloudy 56 Abz Rained some. Planted corn potatoes and peas. Old cow out to night.

May 29 – Rains like from 55 Abz. Went over to Fathers. River very high. Bot bottoms for Hannahs shoes 12. Recd a letter from Mrs M. Keith of Kansas.

May 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz. At home. Rained some had a heavy shower in the night.

May 31 – Cloudy 70 Abz very fair day rained very little. Planted corn onions beets cucumbers lettuce & pumpkins melons &c.[37]

June 1 – Pleasant 54 Abz warm. Planted potatoes. Lucy[38] came to go to school. Brot two bushels wheat 80 cts pr bushel. Sowed my corn.

June 2 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Sarah went down to Barbers. Finished planting garden.

June 3 – Cloudy 57 Abz. 2 new Engines went west Shelby & _____ H. & St. Jo RR. Rainy day cow out. Repaired wheel for York. Sarah went to Mansfields.

June 4 – Pleasant 70 Abz. Lots dutch this morning worked on road. Rainy fore noon. Dance in the evening.

June 5 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked on road. Lois came home. Coes Horse fell through race[39] Bridge.

June 6 – Cloudy 60 Abz. At home. Catharine & Mark here. Lois went up to Flanders.

June 7 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Saw Fire Eugene _____ for LaCross. Wes worked on road. Received six Dollars of W^m Whitcomb.

June 8 – Pleasant 52 Abz. Worked in shop some on seat. Shower in the night.

June 9 – Cloudy 64 Abz. Rained after noon. Put in reach[40] for A. Chipman 50 cts. Shower in the night.

June 10 – Rains 68 Abz. Killed 3 Kittens. Made seat for D. Lamkins. Rainy day. Bot cloth for pants Bed cord. Recd a letter from C. R. C.

June 11 – Rainy 50 Abz. Lucy went home. Carried corn to mill. Repaired wheel for Mark. Extracted 3 teeth for Powlison boy.

June 12 – Cloudy & cool 49 Abz. Hoed corn worked in shop some Rained afternoon. Show in the Evening Mad Dunbar.

June 13 – Pleasant 49 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Ethen & Toot came home.

June 14 – Pleasant 44 Abz. Worked on Chipmans wagon. Hen & Mary here. Rained in the night.

June 15 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop on Chips wagon. Rained in the night.

June 16 – Cloudy 62 Abz. 12 cars of Dutch. Worked on Chips wagon. Warm day.

June 17 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Worked in shop on Chips wagon. Mary Earl here.

June 18 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Finished Chips wagon. Sarah & children went over to Fathers. Very hot. Deyoe repairing P. S. Carmers buggy.

June 19 – Cloudy 70 Abz Rains south of us very little heavy shower in forenoon. T. Flanders came here. Sarah & children came home. Heavy shower in the night.

June 20 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Lois came home. Carried T Flanders to County house.

June 21 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Carried Chips wagon to Mix shop at 4.95. Put spoke in Hopkins wheel 56. Mrs Beckwith brot Parasol 40. Mrs Flanders parasol.

June 22 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Bennets folks here. 100 in the shade 126 in sun at 15 minutes past 3. Lots of musketoes. Made Carmers stock.

June 23 – Hot 69 Abz. Worked in shop some finished _____ _____ cts. Had a _____ shower at four. Bronson Brot cradle.

June 24 – Hot 77 Abz. Worked in shop some. Very hot day 98 in the shade at 3 oclock. A Chipman down got an ex put in at cross.

June 25 – Hot 76 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Filed saw for B Clark. Put Chipmans wagon up. Bot five lbs shugar 10~ 50 cts. One string 10~. Shower in the night.

June 26 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Put in cradle finger for D Bronson mended parasol for Mrs L. Burdick. Shower in the night.

June 27 – Hot 74 Abz. At home. Went in swimming. Rogers called in. Catharine and Lucy came at night. Libby West buried today.

June 28 – Hot 72 Abz. Catharine here. Hoed potatoes made whiffletree[41] for Watts 25 cts. 94 at 3 oclock.

June 29 – Hot 75 Abz. Catharine here. Made wagon neap[42] for Andrew McLarey. Catharine went home. Hellen here.

June 30 – Hot 75 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Very hot 99 in shade at 3 PM. Filed saw for Wesley. Wes went to Kalamazoo. Had a heavy thunder shower just at night.

July 1 – Some cloudy 70 Abz. Hoed some in garden. 97 at 3 PM. Stranger here from Utah. Bot ½ lb tea 31~. Jo Flanders here in the morning.

July 2 – Hot 78 Abz. Worked in the shop put hair in violin bow for Yankee. Bot cloth for pants 61 cts spice & nutmegs 20~ violin strings 30~.

July 3 – Cloudy 80 Abz. Great day in Galesburg large crowd. Catharine Mark Jo & Hellen Father & Wesley here too. Two Balloons went up in the Evening.

July 4 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Went over the river saw my calf. Went over to Lashers.

July 5 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Hoed corn. Cordelia Earl here. Flanders Brot cradle here. Cool nights.

July 6 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Made cradle fingers for J. Flanders.

July 7 – Pleasant 63. Finished Flanders cradle & Bob neap. Hoed some.

July 8 – Pleasant 68. Rimed a wheel for Wightman 10/-. D. Lampkins plowed my potatoes. Small dash rain in the night.

July 9 – Cloudy 76 Abz. Worked in shop some hoed some. Catharine came up. Lucy & Lois went home with her. Sarah over to Turners[?].

July 10 – Pleasant 74 Abz. Hoed potatoes. Put in cradle finger for Mr Baty 10^~. Some rain in the night. Henry stayed all night. 17 coaches on the train.

July 11 – Rainy 68 Abz Rainy day. Flanders got his cradle. Mark got Caper Deyo.

July 12 – Cloudy 60 Abz. Put in ex for Hawver got ex stick of cross.

July 13 – Cloudy 63 Abz. Hawver 2.00. Streator brot his buggy. Sarah went over the river. Bot 3 bottles bitters 2.00. S. Bristol at the shop. Millards agent called on me.

July 14 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators buggy. Put in cradle finger for Ed Flanders 10^~.

July 15 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators buggy. Made barometer. Bot 5 lbs shugar. Had a shower afternoon. Mrs Barber & Mrs Child here.

July 16 – Pleasant 68 Abz. In the shop cut out stuff for Streators Box & seat. J. Deyoes Boy Born.[43] Some showers. Lucy went up to Yorks.

July 17 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Worked on buggy. Wheat mostly cut. Father came over just at night. Father here just at night.

July 18 – Pleasant 64 Abz. At home all day. Pleasant fine day.

July 19 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Went over to Fathers and repaired his pump one tooth for Sta____ 25^~.

July 20 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Repaired violin for Clark. One tooth for E. Watts 25^~ for McLary 25~ Clarrissa Starr here.

July 21 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Bot Beef 4½ lbs 36 cts. Circus here. Made tail peas for _____. Clarrissa Starr went home with A. Chipman. Father brot some potatoes.

July 22 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~. Worked in shop on seat. Harriet & Mary Nickols here.

July 23 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Worked on seat. Mrs Bennet here. Put in one _____ for ___. White 25^~.

July 24 – Pleasant 54 Abz. Worked in shop on Streators box & seat. Bot violin string 15^~.

July 25 – Pleasant 59 Abz. At home all day. Deyoe gone up to gull. Curly Buck died.

July 26 – Cloudy 71 Abz. Worked in shop fore noon. Went up to Bristols after noon.

July 27 – Pleasant 67 Abz. Worked on Buggy. Bot one lb candles 15^~ One violin string 10^~. Had cucumbers for the first time.

July 28 – Cloudy & Rainy 68 Abz. Had a shower about 4 AM. Sarah went and got some Berries. Worked on Buggy Box put on dash.

July 29 – Cloudy 75 Abz. Worked on buggy Box. Sprinkled some. McAlister got his violin 40^~.

July 30 – Cloudy 72 Abz. New engines from Kassons Express N. J. No. 28. M & C. Received a letter from C. R. C. Repaired B. Clarks wheels. Rained a very little in the night.

July 31 – Pleasant 68 Abz. Finished Streators Buggy. Henry came home. Chase Brot his Buggy. B. Spalding Brot his wagon.

Aug 1 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Emigrant Car 108 went west. Rainy day. Henry at home.

Aug 2 – Cloudy 70 Abz. Painted Streators Box put felly for Mark Lee. Rained some had a shower in the evening. Bot cotton 11 yds 2 lbs bran __00. Boardman here in the Evening got a _____ out Boys _____.

Aug 3 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Made an Ex for B. Spalding. Streator got his Box and traps. Killed my Rooster.

Aug 4 – Pleasant 69 Abz. Made thills for A. Lamkins. Clarrissa Starr & __. Neuman here. Killed my Rooster.

Aug 5 – Cloudy 68 Abz. Worked on Chases Ex. Bot Buttons 28^~. Recd A letter from G. T. one from D.C.[44] Rather dry.

Aug 6 – Pleasant 73 Abz. Finished Chases Buggy. Stilwell Brot his wheel. Toots school closed. Dug a few new potatoes.

Aug 7 – Pleasant 72 Abz. Went to the Caravan. Mark & Catharine went. Toot went home. Mended End Board for Caravan wagon 25^~. Cow gone to night.

Aug 8 – Pleasant 75 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Rained some afternoon. Had the first ripe apples & green corn. Eliphants Hannibal passed here going East.

Aug 9 – Foggy 66 Abz. Worked on Stillwells wheel. Truman Cory & family left for York State.

Aug 10 – Pleasant 71 Abz. Finished Stillwells wheel. Carried my wheelbarrow hub down to the shop. Stilwell Brot two Bushels wheat. Rained some.

Aug 11 – Pleasant 76 Abz. Went up to Mr Claps to level his ditch. Extracted tooth for W^m Whitcomb 25^~.

Aug 12 – Pleasant 68 Abz. The old cow went to Bull this morning. Sarah gone over to Halls.

Aug 13 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Worked in shop some on bobs.

Aug 14 – Pleasant 63 Abz. Made neap for Fay Aldrich. Went over to Fathers. Rained in the night.

Aug 15 – Pleasant 70 Abz. All went over to Fathers. I went up to the swamp & up to Wesleys place. Uncle Sam McLellen died to day.

Aug 16 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Made spring to my chest lock mended chair for Swartout. Filed saw for Clap. Cow gone to night. D. K. Rogers & A. Chipman started for G. T. Bay. Lashers Boy Born.

Aug 17 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Cleaned out cellar pulled my onions. Went over to B. Hartwells. Had a fine shower in the night. Sarah went over to Fathers.

Aug 18 – Cloudy 69 Abz. Worked in shop made violin top for Bilington. Chase got his buggy paid $1.75. Hogs in the garden. Deyoes folks here to Tea. Ethen swallowed a pin.

Aug 19 – Cool and Pleasant 58 Abz. Bot veal 47^~. John Wilcut here. Mended Lamkins wagon 50^~. Stevenson Raised his house.

Aug 20 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Made cross bar for W. McLelleon 40^~. Bilington got his violin paid one Dollar. Rained some. Cordelia Earl & Miss Brown called here.

Aug 21 – Cloudy and fogy 58 Abz some misty. Went down to Catharines. Mark & I went a hunting. Cow gone to night.

Aug 22 – Pleasant 60 Abz. Came home all right. Mark carried Sarah & children over home. Cow gone to night.

Aug 23 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Edward Romans got his violin. Went up to Swaddles after my cow. Cut up my corn. Worked in shop some.

Aug 24 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Made plow Beam for T. Ford. Tightened Box for Wightman. Sarah went to Watts. Bot Thread & needles carried Miller home got hurt on Band car.

Aug 25 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Went up to Flanders and made pump pipe. Ford got his plow. Flanders brot two Bushels wheat.

Aug 26 – Rainy 60 Abz Rained all day and all night. Made spout for Brown & Vosburgs machine. Worked on sleigh _____.

Aug 27 – Cloudy & some Rain 64 Abz. Worked in shop. Martin Turner[45] here. Rainy. Filed saw for Joy. Bot shugar & saleratas.[46]

Aug 28 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Got my Boots Tapt 75. Bot one lb beef. Mortised Bob runners & Beams. Rained some. Extracted tooth for Aldrich girl 25^~.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and cool 56 Abz. Stayed at home. Mark and Catharine here. Rained some. Sarah Beedle came home.

Aug 30 – Cloudy 54 Abz. Sent letter to Mrs. M. Keith Kansas. Worked in shop got out spokes for wheel Barrow. Lois came home.

Aug 31 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went over to Fathers Sarah & Hannah stayed. Put the spokes into my wheelbarrow hub.

Sep 1 – Pleasant 53 Abz. Worked over to Lashers laid grainery floor. Sent letter to G. T. Sarah came home.

Sep 2 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Rimed my wheelbarrow wheel. Bot half lb tea. Oscar Hall died in the night.

Sep 3 – Pleasant 54 Abz. No work to day. Alvan Turner[47] came here. Bot mutton cranberries 26^~. D. K. Rogers and A. Chipman got home from G. T. Bay.

Sep 4 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Put Bobs together. Oscar Hall buried today.

Sep 5 – Pleasant 59 Abz. Went over to Fathers and up to Yorks Wesleys place and to Lashers. Mary Earl died in the night.

Sep 6 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went up to Yorks got load wood Bot 2¾ lbs butter. Jesse W. Turner[48] and Alvan here. Recd a letter from C. R. Cridland.

Sep 7 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Jesse Turner went home. Sent letter to C.R.C. Mary Earl buried to day. Paid S. Bristol 50^~ costs on Whitings matter.

Sep 8 – Pleasant and warm 72 Abz. Some ague.[49] Went over to Byingtons got oak plank. Rainy afternoon. Nel Canfield here. Luther Eldred paid his note 5.8%. Bot 15 lbs salt 15^~. Rained all night.

Sep 9 – Rainy 72 Abz. Nel Canfield here. Went over to Lashers got Deyoes cow. Sawed some fellows.[50] Henry Scramlin here Mr Wilkinson here from Pavilion. Heavy shower in the night. Recd a letter from G.T.

Sep 10 – Rainy 72 Abz. Went over to Lashers here with Wilkinson to see the farm. Recd a Letter from G.T.

Sep 11 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Worked in shop sawed some fellys. Extracted tooth for Mrs B Spalding.

Sep 12 – Pleasant 45 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church. Deyoes folks went to gull.[51]

Sep 13 – Pleasant 47 Abz. Cleaned up wheat 19.7 bushels. Sold 10 to Tenant 7½ to Father. Harriet & Edith here. Father raised his hog pen. Bot two Bushels wheat 2.00.

Sep 14 – Pleasant 51 Abz. Tightened box for Beach. Sharpened rasor for Clap.

Sep 15 – Pleasant 61 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent Hoags note to Illinois. Rained some. May Childs here. Henry Childs left in the night for Ill. Bot box pills 25. Paid school bill 48. Rained in the night.

Sep 16 – Pleasant 50 Abz. Sabath celebrating. Henry came home. Sick no work to day. Cool rained.

Sep 17 – Pleasant 47 Abz. At home sick no work to day. Daniel sweet here in the Evening with his guitar. Cool wind. Sent letter to J. S. King.[52]

Sep 18 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Packed up Cridlands things and took them to the Frieght house.

Sep 19 – Pleasant 56 Abz. At home. Cut Wisemans hair in the morning. Cut James Flanders hair just at night.

Sep 20 – Pleasant 65 Abz. Went over and cut corn. Lasher worked afternoon. Very hot. Wesleys folks moved.

Sep 21 – Pleasant 62 Abz. Cut corn. Henry Sheldon came to Fathers. Bot ¼ lb Tea of D. K. Rogers.

Sep 22 – Pleasant – 42 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Henry Sheldon came over. Boxed up Beach timber. Truman Cory and family came home. Bot one lb candles 1.15. Old man Whitfer buried. Pulled tooth for lady 125.

Sep 23 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Cut corn. Went up to Yorks. Commenced raining 2 oclock in morning. County Fair at Kalamazoo. Sent letter to Mrs Betts.

Sep 24 – Rainy 62 Abz. Worked in shop some on floor. Bot ½ lb Tea of D. K. Rogers 31^~.

Sep 25 – Pleasant 38 Abz. At home. Cory raised his Barn. Flanders Brot my window. Recd 3 letters one from G.T. one Peters one from Mrs Whiting. Bot 52 lbs bran.

Sep 26 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Went over to Fathers & up to Yorks.

Sep 27 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked round home. Cut out gloves for Hopkins. _____ up lumber. Sent letter to Mr Peters of Momence Ill.

Sep 28 – Pleasant 56 Abz. Worked in shop put in Ex for Dick Lamkins 2 Doler. Got stick of Cross. Sent letter to G. Tomlinson.

Sep 29 – Pleasant 66 Abz. Cut corn. Jesse W. Turner here to night.

Sep 30 – Pleasant 56 Abz Rained some. A. McLary Brot half cord wood. Bot shoes hdkf[53] stockings dishes.

Oct 1 – Cloudy 52 Abz cleared of pleasant. Started for Waverly Vanburen County. Got to Oscars about 5 oclock P.M. Stayed with Alfleda.[54] Got pair suspenders for Ethen 12½ cts.

Oct 2 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went all over the woods. Saw all their farms. Warm day. Went to Katies[55] stayed all night.

Oct 3 – Pleasant warm 72 Abz considerable wind. Went over to Bennets had a good visit. Mary & Ed gone out to Chapins.

Oct 4 – Cloudy 56 Abz. Left Oscars this morning went to Uncle Warrens took dinner. Got home about seven Evening. Had a shower. Got my watch repaired 2.75 cts.

Oct 5 – Pleasant 38 Abz. Father came and got Toot. Made bed and set some strawberries.

Oct 6 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Worked in shop some. Rained afternoon some had a shower in the night.

Oct 7 – Cloudy 48 Abz wind blows high snowed some. The hickory pole fell at galesburg killed a horse. Got my wheelbarrow tyre made.

Oct 8 – Pleasant 31 Abz. Went over to Fathers got some pumpkins. Lois went over saw Alvan Turner. Got Tea Kettle mended 6^~.

Oct 9 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Charles Lees folks[56] here. Patty[57] came on the 2.28 train. Lasher Brot some corn. Bot Sarah shoes 88^~. Bot 5 lbs Shugar 55^~.

Oct 10 – Pleasant 29 Abz. Went over the river. Patty Catharine Hellen and Lucy there. Rained in the night some.

Oct 11 – Cloudy 46 Abz. Dug potatoes filed saw for mix. Sent letter to Marion.[58] Post Office moved to Flints Store.

Oct 12 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Rainy. Put up the joists in wood shead.

Oct 13 – Cloudy 47 Abz. Cut out stuf for my window frames to shop. Wind blew hard all day.

Oct 14 – Cloudy 44 Abz. Worked in shop. Father mother & Patty came over. B shoes for Nancy & Hannah $1.17.

Oct 15 – Pleasant 39 Abz. Worked on window frames. Patty here. Had soup and milk for dinner. She went over to Fathers at night. Bot candles 15^~. Shower night.

Oct 16 – Cloudy 52 Abz. Worked on window frames. Put in one window. Bot 10 lbs nails 50^~.

Oct 17 – Pleasant 57 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Jos Flanders here.

Oct 18 – Pleasant 58 Abz. Put in windows in shop. Put hoop on wash-tub. Rained in the night. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~.

Oct 19 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Finished my shop windows. Rainy afternoon. James Burnet married. Bot saleratas.

Oct 20 – Cloudy 45 Abz cool bad day. Got likeness for Patty. Lasher brot load pumpkins. Went over to Fathers with Mark Lee.

Oct 21 – Pleasant 42 Abz. Put Bobs together. The Readings all here went over and got Elbow. Bot rasp of Pond.

Oct 22 – Pleasant 45 Abz. Worked in shop put up stove. ___ Chandler lectured here. Jos Flanders left one Dollar.

Oct 23 – Pleasant 40 Abz. Worked on bobs. Patty & Catharine came up stayed all night.

Oct 24 – Cloudy 47 Abz. Patty & Catharine went to Fathers.

Oct 25 – Cloudy & windy 50 Abz. Worked on bobs some put in cross bar to Wightmans thills. Rained som in the night. Deyo & Johnson went to Kalamazoo.

Oct 26 – Cloudy cool 44 Abz. Went over to Fathers and Taylors. Saw his house. Rainy. Pulled tooth for woman at Ponds. McLelan brot his violin.

Oct 27 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked on bobs. Sarah went over the river. Bot receipt Book. Rained in the night.

Oct 28 – Rains 48 Abz. Worked in shop made Box for Crid.[59] Bot Books for children. Mark came just at night after a x girl.

Oct 29 – Cloudy warm 56 Abz. Went up to S. Bristols and put up trees & plants for Cridland. Rainy day. Brot them down to the burg.

Oct 30 – Cloudy 48 Abz. Worked in shop got out runners & knees & beams for Fathers sleigh. Bot violin string 10^~.

Oct 31 – Rainy 46 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Carried letter to Patty. Mr Gays girl buried.[60]

Nov 1 – Cloudy warm 45 Abz. Worked in shop some. Sent 3 letters G.T. C.R.C. M.K. Bronson. Sherman & J. Flanders here in Evening. P. Johnson & wife here. Rainy night. Lasher Brot Eleven bushels corn.

Nov 2 – Rainy 50 Abz. Worked in shop some. Went to Election. Very Rainy day mid day. Edwin Flanders got home.

Nov 3 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked in shop on Fathers sleigh. Patty came over & Henry came home. Rained some.

Nov 4 – Cloudy 45 Abz. Worked in shop. Killed chicken. Patty went down to Catharines. Henry here. Rained some. Mark came after Patty.

Nov 5 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Went over the river. Lasher Brot 14 bushels corn and ½ cord wood from Yorks. Rainy. A. Blakeslee Brot my stove home one lb & half candles 25^~.

Nov 6 – Cloudy 42 Abz. Worked in shop. Rained some. Hunter Walker Buried to day.

Nov 7 – Cloudy 41 Abz. At home all day. Rainy. Sarah went to church.

Nov 8 – Cloudy 37 Abz. Tinkered round Barn. Hawver Brot his Buckskin. Made glove for Frank Cle_____. Rained some & snowed. Father got his lime.

Nov 9 – Cloudy 31 Abz. Went over to Fathers and set up corn fodder. Got teapot mended. Snowed some in the Evening. Porpoise of the track.

Nov 10 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Dug some potatoes. Toot & Lois came over. Mr Wiseman here. Bot canton flannel 1/- Bot steak 1/-.

Nov 11 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Lasher came and dug potatoes. Father got stove.

Nov 12 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Lasher drawed two loads corn fodder. Rained towards night snowed in the Evening.

Nov 13 – Cloudy 31 Abz snow on the ground. Bot ½ lb Tea 31^~. Bot ½ Bushel salt 28^~. Bot Ethen Boots 1.50^~. Father Brot ½ Ransom pig 65 lbs.

Nov 14 – Snows 27 Abz. Stayed at home. Sarah went to church.

Nov 15 – Pleasant sun came out 21 Abz 2 inches snow. Worked in Barn moved corn. Put up the cow the first time.

Nov 16 – Cloudy 23 Abz. Cut gloves & mittens for Hawver McLary & Baxter. Bot pr taps for my Boots 25^~.

Nov 17 – Pleasant 22 Abz. Went over and got my last load stalks. Mr Lasher drawed them. Patty came over. Snowed in the Evening.

Nov 18 – Snowey & misty 24 Abz. Worked in shop cut out battens[61] for Barn. Patty here.

Nov 19 – Cloudy 23 Abz. Went over to Lashers got him to draw ½ cord wood from Yorks. Patty & Lois went home with him. Flanders called here.

Nov 20 – Cloudy 12 Abz. Set shoes on one bob. Bot Flanders paint. Snowed some. Got corn ground.

Nov 21 – Cloudy 28 Abz snow 2 inches deep. Mark & Lois here. Sarah went to church.

Nov 22 – Cloudy 29 Abz. Mark & Toot & Catharine here. Sarah went home with them. Going to Kalamazoo. Flanders Brot me two bushels flour. Patty left to night 12.40.

Nov 23 – Cloudy 33 Abz. Sarah gone. Tapt my Boots. Had Loucks up for sealing. Sarah Bot Shawl & Dress &c.

Nov 24 – Pleasant 27 Abz. Painted Bobs. Sarah got home. Uncle Chichester here.

Nov 25 – Snows Some 32 Abz. Worked in shop on Ex for Beach. Stanley here in the Evening from Lacrosse.

Nov 26 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Finished Beaches Ex. Old cow out to night. Bot one lb candles 15^~.

Nov 27 – Snows some 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put fenders on Fathers Sleigh. Snowed all day and all night. Enos Smith came here stayed all night.

Nov 28 – Snows 31 Abz snow some six inches deep. Enos left for home. Went over to Fathers. Very snowey.

Nov 29 – Cold 10 Abz snow some eight inches deep. Cleared out the shop. Deyo moved his tools. Bot 10 lbs shugar one lb saleratas two books.

Nov 30 – Pleasant 19 Abz. Worked in shop. Flanders Brot his timber for rack to his bobs.

Dec 1 – Cloudy 25 Abz. Worked on Flanders bob rack. Father got his Sash. Deyoes here to supper.

Dec 2 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Finished Flanders bobs. Flanders got his mittens. Sarah went down to Barbers. Snowed in the night.

Dec 3 – Snows 24 Abz. Put battens on East side of shop. Snowed and blowed _____ Mrs Corys here & Mrs Rogers. Lasher Brot load wood.

Dec 4 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Painted Flanders bobs. D. Smith here. Sawed out bob runners for Mose. Bot 50 lbs bran 25^~. Rainy night. Father Brot Boards for bottom.

Dec 5 – Cloudy & windy 32 Abz. At home all day. Sarah went to church.

Dec 6 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Stoped the cracks in shop floor. Put up stove.

Dec 7 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked in shop some. Put on some battens. Very little snow.

Dec 8 – Blustering 12 Abz. Went over to Fathers got the old deed[?]. Put _____ under the doors. Howell here to night concert. Very cold.

Dec 9 – Cloudy 12 Abz. Lasher drawed ½ cord green wood. Put on battens East west side shop. Got letter from J. S. King.

Dec 10 – Pleasant 20 Abz. Flanders got his Bobs. McLary brot load wood. Bot Eye water two bushels Buckwheat of Lasher at Flanders Brot Rooster.

Dec 11 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Put battens on Ends of Shop. Bot gloves for Sarah. Wes brot Rooster. J. York got home.

Dec 12 – Cloudy 29 Abz some Rainy. Lois at home in Evening. By paid me. Rainy night.

Dec 13 – Cloudy & misty 48 Abz. Commenced smoothing my slead put on some battens. Got out all of them.

Dec 14 – Cloudy 28]?] Abz. Worked on _____ slead. Wesley brot Henrys coat. Snowed in the Evening. Bot one lb _____ of Mead 12^~.

Dec 15 – Cloudy 30 Abz. Worked in shop on slead violin accordion. Flanders here Mrs Wiseman & family here to tea. James H. Crawford[62] Died to day.

Dec 16 – Pleasant 25 Abz. Put thills together then painted slead & thills. No snow _____ ground froze hard.

Dec 17 – Cloudy 22 Abz. Mended accordion & violin. Martin Turner here. Oscar Keith here.

Dec 18 – Cloudy 26 Abz. Ethen & I went down to Catharines. Caty & Jef came over.

Dec 19 – Cloudy 30 Abz. All came up to Fathers. Brot the rifle home.

Dec 20 – Smoky 32 Abz. Sawed out bob runners. Snowed in the night. Mr Deyo here. Barlow first violin school.

Dec 21 – Snows some 33 Abz. Went over to Fathers. Saw J. York. Sold Milham 12½ bushels corn 4/- pr bushel. Bot violin string 18^~.

Dec 22 – Pleasant 25 Abz. Worked in shop mended violin bow. Barbers folks here to tea. Very _____. Sawed out knees for bobs.

Dec 23 – Cloudy 32 Abz. Worked in shop some. Lasher drawed load wood. York brot stove. Bot one lb candles 17^~.

Dec 24 – Cloudy 24 Abz. Worked on shop floor. Got Fathers sleigh from shop. Bot broom.

Dec 25 – Pleasant 18 Abz. Tinkered round shop. Mr Huchison here to look at farm. Bot 50 lbs bran 25^~.

Dec 26 – Rainy 33 Abz. At home. Sarah went to teacher meeting.

Dec 27 – Cloudy & muddy 35 Abz. Went up to Yorks & Wesleys.

Dec 28 – Cloudy 39 Abz. Wes came & helped me fix the well. Rained in the night.

Dec 29 – Cloudy 34 Abz. Finished the well. Moved my currant bushes. Snowed some. Ed Wilcut[63] here.

Dec 30 – Rains some 33 Abz. Sawed out two sets Bob runners for Milford Matthews.

Dec 31 – Cold 28 Abz froze some. Worked on Barbers violin.

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

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

[3] His children by his first wife, Minerva Payson

[4] Charles Luke Keith Sr. and Hannah (Willcutt)

[5] Charles R. Cridland

[6] Thomas Flanders

[7] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[8] Ethan, Nancy and Hannah

[9] Felly, or felloe, is the rim of a wheel supported by spokes

[10] The wooden runners of a sleigh

[11] His first cousin

[12] Joseph York, husband of Luke’s niece, Helen (Bradley) York

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

[14] His daughter who was about 2½ years old

[15] His nephew and wife, James Oscar and Mary Ann (Batey) Keith

[16] John Wesley Keith who, according to the family Bible, was adopted

[17] Ellis A. Keith

[18] Ozen Keith, his father’s brother

[19] His mother-in-law, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, who had recently remarried (see February 16, 1858 letter)

[20] George Tomlinson

[21] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Sarah Estelle Wightman is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[22] His wife’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[23] His daughter, Nancy, who was about 5½ years old

[24] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York

[25] His son, Ethan, who was 7 years old

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

[27] His mother’s brother, Warren Wolcott

[28] “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)

[29] Luke sometimes referred to the parents of family members, or older neighbors, as “Aunt” or “Uncle.” The relationship here is unknown

[30] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that David Beach is buried in Roof Cemetery in Climax, Michigan

[31] Not sure what this symbol meant. It was actually written as a quarter of a round circle slanting upwards to the right (see scan of diary entry)

[32] Edwin W. Crawford, his wife’s brother

[33] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Nancy (Anderson) Kingsley, the wife of Salmon Kingsley, is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery

[34] His nephew

[35] His father’s sister, Rhoda (Keith) Lee (Joseph Lee’s mother)

[36] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Mary “Polly” (St. John) Weed, the wife of Elijah Weed, is buried in Lawler Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan

[37] Etcetera

[38] Most likely Luke’s niece, Lucy Irene Lee, the daughter of Luke’s sister Catherine by her second husband

[39] 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

[40] A pole, called a reach, was usually a 2-by-4-inch piece of white oak with a hole at the front for connecting the wagon to a hitch

[41] 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

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

[43] A search of census records shows that Horace Deyoe was born to James and Polina Deyoe in July 1858

[44] Believe he is referring to his wife’s brother, David C. “D.C.” Crawford

[45] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

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

[47] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

[48] His maternal first cousin, son of Asa & Lydia (Willcutt) Turner

[49] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

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

[51] Gull Lake, Michigan

[52] His maternal first cousin; son of James Hunt & Lilly (Willcutt) King

[53] Handkerchief

[54] His brother Harvey’s wife, Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[55] Believe he is referring to his niece, Frances “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee, the daughter of Harvey & Alfleda Keith

[56] Believe he is referring to his paternal first cousin’s family, Charles and Juliana (Davis) Lee; Charles was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee

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

[58] His niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[59] Charles R. Cridland

[60] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Adelia Gay died October 30, 1858 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery. She was 18 years old, the daughter of William and Sarah Gay

[61] Roofing lathes, used to provide the fixing point for roofing materials such as shingles or tiles

[62] His wife’s brother; see February 22, 1859 letter

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