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. Wm 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 Wm 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 Wm 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
The Diaries of Charles Luke Keith Jr 