Luke Keith’s 1875 Diary

1875 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1] 

The entries from January 1 through June 28 were written in the back of his 1874 diary. There were no entries for June 29 until July 22 when he bought his 1875 diary.

Jan 1 – Jointed box boards. Ethan and Hannah[2] went down to Catharines.[3] Lois[4] came down in afternoon. Del[5] went to burg.[6]

Jan 2 – Worked in shop. Not very cold but blustrous.

Jan 3 – At home. Catharine and Jim Payne came up here.

Jan 4 – Cut some wood. Ethan drawed three loads. Cold, snowed some.

Jan 5 – Cold, mercury 7 below zero. Worked on box.

Jan 6 – Put cleets on box. Cold day.

Jan 7 – Cold. Not very well. Hard cold.

Jan 8 – Worked some in shop on chest.

Jan 9 – Worked on chest some. Mercury 10 Abz below in morning.

Jan 10 – Mercury 13 below zero, very cold. Found Jimme dead in the coop this morning. No sleighing, very little snow.

Jan 11 – Worked on chest. Very cold. Cut some wood.

Jan 12 – Worked in shop. Cut dovetails on chest. Cold day, snowed some. Went up to Flanders. Got plank of Streator,[7] one of Brown.[8]

Jan 13 – Snowy. Put chest together. Went over to burg in Evening, got oil 20¢

Jan 14 – Mercury at zero in morning. Worked on chest. Cold day.

Jan 15 – Made base and upper band for chest.

Jan 16 – Worked on chest some. Henry[9] came down. Filed saw. Went up in woods, sawed wood, drawed two loads.

Jan 17 – Mercury 13 Abz.[10] Very good sleighing.

Jan 18 – Worked in shop. Put base and band on chest. Henry and Ethan sawed wood. I drawed two loads.

Jan 19 – Worked in shop.

Jan 20 – Went over to burg. Got rabbit plane of Robinson. Made panels for chest lid. Staring paid 4 Dollars.

Jan 21 – Put lid together. Put Rave on bob for A. Caywood.

Jan 22 – Mercury 15 Abz. Went over to burg. Paid my Tax $12.46¢. Theodore Earl paid $5.00.

Jan 23 – Filed two Saws for A. Brown and finished his wringer. He paid me 12/-. Young Pomeroy Brown born this morning.[11] Sarah[12] went to Lawton[13] on night Express.

Jan 24 – Mercury 29 Abz. Snowing some in morning. Ethan and Louesa[14] went down to Catharines.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop some on chest. Ethan went to Lawton on Evening Express.

Jan 26 – Carried two bushels corn to mill. Hung chest lid on. Ida Lee[15] came up here. Louesa went driging[?] with her. Went down to Marts.[16] Alfleda[17] went down to A. Browns.

Jan 27 – Snows like fun.[18] Ethan came home in Evening.

Jan 28 – Snows this morning. Went down to A. Browns, carried hams down. Went over to burg, got meal. Went up to J. Flanders,[19] got 5 five bushels wheat. Good sleighing.

Jan 29 – Cold, 3 below zero. Went to Comstock to mill.

Jan 30 – Went over to burg. Got band bent for chest lid. Sarah came home from Lawton.

Jan 31 – Cold, 10 Abz.

Feb 1 – Finished Eds Chest.

Feb 2 – Went down to Katharines,[20] hung door. Rained when we came home.

Feb 3 – Not much done. Very windy day, very blustering night, snow blowed Everywhere.

Feb 4 – Cold, 10 below zero, very blustring. Mr. Seaman Bristol died to day in Marys Ville Kansas.[21]

Feb 5 – Took out butry and put up lathe. Traded my cutter to Henry for his watch and chair.

Feb 6 – Cleaned turning lathe, turned some.

Feb 7 – 13 below zero. At home. Sis[22] and Stella[23] went down to Katharines. Very still and cold. David Simonds Died.[24]

Feb 8 – Shoveled snow to get to woods. Spli____ sleigh neap to Flanders sleigh. Filed saw for Erve Hall.[25]

Feb 9 – 31 below zero in morning. Drawed some wood. Not very well. David Simonds buried to day.

Feb 10 – Henry brot seat down. Snows some, 2 below zero.

Feb 11 – Finished seat. Henry went over to burg with it. Ed got his chest. Very blustring. Mrs Ralph and Em[26] here.

Feb 12 – 14 below zero. Shoveled snow some. Drawed two loads wood.

Feb 13 – Very cold, 10 below zero. Worked in shop some. Ed Childs and wife came down, stayed all night.

Feb 14 – Very cold. At home all day. Went down to Browns in Evening.

Feb 15 – 14 below zero in morning. Drawed some wood.

Feb 16 – Very cold, 13 below. Worked in shop. Finished henrys seat. Took it over to burg.

Feb 17 – 2 Abz. Worked on my wagon wheels.

Feb 18 – 22 below zero in morning. Worked on wheels some. Sarah went down to Fords.

Feb 19 – Worked in shop some. Henry came down.

Feb 20 – M. O. Streator paid me ten Dollars for bobs. Put rave on A. Browns bob sleigh.

Feb 21 – 21 below. At home. Hannah came home from Lawton with Mr Browns folks. Lois and Dell called here in Evening.

Feb 22 – 24 Abz in morning, rained some. Sarah went down to Dells in Eve.

Feb 23 – Rained some. Sawed some wood in Evening afternoon. Dell called here in Evening. Some thunder in Evening.

Feb 24 – Sarah came home. Barbers folks[27] here to day. Finished my old wheels. Lots of water. Mrs A. L. Mason buried to day.[28]

Feb 25 – Not much done in shop. Sawed out thill[29] for wagon.

Feb 26 – Drawed three loads wood. Broke sleigh shoe. Went over to burg, got it mended. Got cutter from paint shop.

Feb 27 – Carried Hannah down to Katharines. Cold day. Will Starr came up here.

Feb 28 – At home all day. Cold day.

Mar 1 – Made crutch for Jo Lee.[30] Will Starr went home.

Mar 2 – Sawed and drawed some wood.

Mar 3 – Very blustring day. Went over to burg after money for Teacher, no get him. Brot violin home to repair.

Mar 4 – Went down to Katharines after Hannah. Carried Jo his crutch. Went over to burg. Received 100 Dollars of Treasurer. Paid Carrie E. Austin[31] 80 Dollars. Paid Dr Finch $15 Dollars.

Mar 5 – Snowes some, lots snow on ground.

Mar 6 – At home all day. Cut some wood in road.

Mar 7 – At home. Katharine and Jim Payne here.

Mar 8 – Cut some wood in road.

Mar 9 – At home. Went down to A. Browns in Evening. Carley and Tamer Ford[32] here in Evening.

Mar 10 – Hannah went to Battlecreek. Made finger board for my violin.

Mar 11 – Not much done. Put strings on violin. Charly stayed all night. Rainy day.

Mar 12 – Pleasant in morning. Browns[33] and Streators folks[34] here in Evening.

Mar 13 – Worked in shop some. Ethan went down to Catharines. Stayed all night.

Mar 14 – Pleasant mornng, snow running of fast. Jim[35] and Sis came up, she went back.

Mar 15 – Chored round some. Water running all round, lots water.

Mar 16 – Very blustring day. Snowd and blowed like fun. Rough time. Mr S Wood Died.[36]

Mar 17 – Very blustring, no teams of any account out to day. Looked over apples.

Mar 18 – Quite comfortable, no wind but lots of ice. Gus Giddings Died to day.[37]

Mar 19 – Drawed some wood. Edwin Flanders,[38] George Ives[?] and Henry came here. Mrs S Wood Died.[39]

Mar 20 – Snows and blows this morning. Gus Giddings buried to day. Edna Crawford[40] came here. Hank[41] came in Evening.

Mar 21 – Pleasant, mercury 4 below zero. Went down to Catharines after Louesa. Mr and Mrs Wood buried to day. Sarah and Edna went with Mrs Ford.[42]

Mar 22 – Worked in shop some. Edna went home.

Mar 23 – Worked in shop some. Carried Sarah over to burg in Evening. Snowed and blowed.

Mar 24 – Went over to burg, got stuf for washing machine.

Mar 25 – At home all day. Worked in shop some. Went up to Flanders. Got 5 bushels wheat, 3 bushels potatoes.

Mar 26 – Worked on machine all day.

Mar 27 – Worked in shop. Went up in wood cut some wood. Stella and Jimmy here.

Mar 28 – Pleasant morning. At home all day.

Mar 29 – Went over to burg, bot dress and odder dings[43] for Hannah. Turned out rollers for Caywoods machine. Skinner traded faring with Franklin.

Mar 30 – Pleasant morning. Worked on machine.

Mar 31 – Cut down two trees one leaning tree in south part of woods. Finished machine. Rainy day.

Apr 1 – Rained some in morning. Washed with Caywoods machine. Windy.

Apr 2 – At home all day.

Apr 3 – Worked round some, not much done. Skinner moving.

Apr 4 – Lois came down. All at home.

Apr 5 – Went to town meeting. Fine day. Charley[44] came.

Apr 6 – Went to Comstock to mill. Pleasant day. Erve Hall plowing.

Apr 7 – Pleasant morning. Not very well.

Apr 8 – Carried machine down to Browns. Went up to Skinners in Evening with Henry.

Apr 9 – Went up to Flanders. Got some warm shugar.

Apr 10 – At home. Worked round some. Got out some whiffletrees[45] for A. Brown.

Apr 11 – At home. Ethan, Hannah and Charley and Sis went down to Katharines.

Apr 12 – Finished Browns whiffletrees. Hannah went to the Creek. Barber[46] came over and took corn ground.

Apr 13 – Cool. At home.

Apr 14 – Worked in shop some. Not very well.

Apr 15 – Cut out some felloes[47] for Mr Taylors wheel.

Apr 16 – Cold and blustrous. Sarah and Nancy[48] went over to Barbers in afternoon. Snowed like fun. Browns folks went over in Evening.

Apr 17 – Snow about 2 inches, mercury 18 Abz in morning.

Apr 18 – At home. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catharines Browns.

Apr 19 – Hank and Nancy went home.

Apr 20 – Worked on wheel some. Ruel Starr died to day.[49]

Apr 21 – Finished Taylors wheel. Ethan and Lois went down to Catharines.

Apr 22 – Cool and pleasant. Put stove out of shop.

Apr 23 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Dan Harris Died this Evening.[50]

Apr 24 – Went up to Skinners in Evening. Mr Smith Died to day.

Apr 25 – Went down to Katharines. Saw Zeak and Kate Davison.

Apr 26 – Went up to Skinners and burg. Set hen. Got Duck Eggs up to Skinners.

Apr 27 – Put hen on Duck Eggs. Pleasant. Moved fence.

Apr 28 – Moved fence on road. Zeak and Kate here and Mrs Brown and Jule.[51]

Apr 29 – Rainy day. No work to day.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. Went up in woods, sawed some logs. Henry came up there. Ethan went home with him.

May 1 – Rainy day. No work. Edwin and Henry have turned some balls for Ed Flanders. Henry stayed all night.

May 2 – Ground covered with snow. Henry and Charley went up to Skinners.

May 3 – Went up in wood, split and drawed wood out of woods. Barber came and got plow to get it repaired.

May 4 – Got tire set on wheels.

May 5 – Went over to burg, got thill iron mended 15¢, setting tire 2.00. Rainy afternoon.

May 6 – Barber brot wheels over. I painted gearing over. Sarah went up to Mr Ralphs.[52] Rained in night.

May 7 – Rainy morning. Made Bracket for Comb. Painted wagon.

May 8 – Painted wagon wheels over in afternoon. Got out manure in forenoon. Heard first whipporwill.

May 9 – At home. Jim went up to Skinners. Rainy day.

May 10 – At home. Work round garden and

May 11 – Barber plowing some. Cold wind. Repaired washer for W^m Ralph.[53]

May 12 – Barber plowing. Mrs Barber[54] came over.

May 13 – Burnt Brush up at the corner. Went down to Kates, stayed all night. Rainy.

May 14 – Came home in morning. Sarah stayed there.

May 15 – At home. Barber plowing.

May 16 – Went down to Katharines. Sarah came home.

May 17 – Mr Barton commenced plowing.

May 18 – Barton and Barber plowing.

May 19 – Finished plowing. Brown Draging, Ethan planted some for him. Sawed some wood. Pleasant.

May 20 – At home. Work in garden some.

May 21 – Work in garden and shop some. Eugene Beckwith Died in night.[55]

May 22 – Barber planted corn. Went over to Barbers. He plowed his garden.

May 23 – Went down to Katharines. Kate some better. Eugene Beckwith buried.

May 24 – Planted hog yard to potatoes.

May 25 – Went down to Browns. Got Ethans wheat, some sweet corn to plant. Barber planting.

May 26 – Finished Taylors Table. Went over to burg twice, bot pail.

May 27 – Pleasant morning, cool. Work round, repaired A. Browns table.

May 28 – Hannah came home. Barber sowed corn. Had a big rain.

May 29 – Put up Door to Barnyard. Barber finished planting.

May 30 – Went down to Katharines. Carried Jo Lees pants and books. Ethan & Hannah went up to Skinners.

May 31 – Worked round garden some. Went over to burg. Mrs Streator[56] here.

Jun 1 – Paid W^m Hodges 3.50. Had a fine shower. Painted wagon. Sarah went over to Hoags.[57]

Jun 2 – Laid up fence on hill. Had a nice shower.

Jun 3 – Worked round garden some. Went up to Flanders, got 5 bushels wheat, 77 feet Bas Board.

Jun 4 – Went to Comstock to mill. Catharine came home with me.

Jun 5 – Sawed out boards for wagon box. Browns folks came up in Evening.

Jun 6 – At home. Jo Lee came up here.

Jun 7 – Went up to Skinners. Got here. Rained some.

Jun 8 – Worked in shop some and garden.

Jun 9 – Carried Catharine home. Jo came up with me.

Jun 10 – Worked on fence East side. Oscar[58] came here.

Jun 11 – Worked on fence and pulled grubs East of house. Jo here. Oscar went home.

Jun 12 – Finished fence and grubs.

Jun 13 – Carried Jo home.

Jun 14 – Worked on road.

Jun 15 – Worked on road.

Jun 16 – Burnt Brush East of house.

Jun 17 – Planted potatoes and drawed some old rails. Joh Chandler buried to day.[59]

Jun 18 – At home. Some work round garden.

Jun 19 – Went up to Skinners.

Jun 20 – At home all day.

Jun 21 – At home. Will Plank and wife[60] here.

Jun 22 – Will Plank left.

Jun 23 – Filed saw for Ernest Whiting.[61] Turned 4 pins for Jesse Earl.[62]

Jun 24 – Went up to Jo Flanders. Got one & ½ bushels potatoes. Had a heavy shower. Got pig of Streator.

Jun 25 – Worked round garden and house.

Jun 26 – Made pig pen. Ethan and Henry went to Kalamazoo, had Bill.[63]

Jun 27 – Went down to Kates. Rained some.

Jun 28 – Cultivated, sowed corn and gardens. Went down to Browns. Got stick for Ex to horse Rake.

[No entries for June 29 through July 21]

Jul 22 – Went over to burg to mill. Got drill for Ethan. Got sand band mended. Bot this Diary, paid 40 cents for it. Sarah went down to A. Browns.

Jul 23 – Not very well. Mrs Barber came over, picked some currants. Nancy came up just at night. Not very hot. Bell Tolled for some one, Old Mrs Wheeler.[64]

Jul 24 – Went to Streators. Got Browns Rake. Raked wheat stubble. Hannah came home. Lois came down stayed all night. Went over after Hannahs trunk in Evening.

Jul 25 – At home. All here. Toot[65] and Charlie came up here. Lois came down. Old Mrs Wheeler buried to day.

Jul 26 – Went over to burg in morning. Went over at noon with Hanks Trunk. Hank and Nancy went home on the twelve oclock run in night.

Jul 27 – Went up to mill. Put in cross head. Put in finger to cradle for A. Caywood. Filed saw for Whiting. Had a good shower. Got in some Rakings.

Jul 28 – Drawed Worked round garden some and in shop some and some no where.

Jul 29 – Made handle for O. D. Schrams[66] grub hoe. Finished drawing in the rakings. Went over to burg in Evening got Almond Oil. Mercury 88 in shade.

Jul 30 – Pleasant morning. Sick all day. No work. Ethan drawed wood. Hannah and I went up to Skinners in Evening. Cool night.

Jul 31 – Cool, East wind in morning. Ethan drawed wood in fore noon. I went up to Schrams got some Onions. Went up to Mill, got some Baswood boards 100 feet. Rained in night.

Aug 1 – Rainy morning. At home. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Charley came home with them.

Aug 2 – Worked round some in shop and made box for Ernest Whiting.

Aug 3 – Worked in shop on wagon box, put in bottom, made dash. Charly here. Henry called here. Had green corn for dinner.

Aug 4 – Worked in shop some and round barn. Repaired barn floor.

Aug 5 – Repaired Ernests meat Box in morning. Thrashed rakings. Hannah went to H a Taylors[67] in afternoon. Rained some in night. Heard the first fall cricket this Evening.

Aug 6 – Cloudy in morning. Cleaned up wheat. Went to mill. Rainy day, some snow in the air. Charly went up to Dels. Carried 2 bushels.

Aug 7 – Cloudy, some mist in morning, cool. Went up to Skinners after Lois. Ethan, Lois and Charly went to Kalamazoo to Charlys cloths. Charley went to Lawton. Lois stayed all night here.

Aug 8 – Carried Lois home. Fine day.

Aug 9 – Cleaned out Barn. Ethan helped Randal[68] thrash in forenoon. Machine went to Towns.[69] Henry Rogers here in afternoon. Worked in shop some.

Aug 10 – Worked in barn and shop some. Mrs Brown and Jule here. Rained some. Made cradle for Lucy.[70] Rained hard in forenoon. Mr Brown came up in morning to plow. Rained and blowed like the mischief. Mr Brown no get went, not a bit of it. He came in as dry as he could be.[71]

Aug 11 – Worked in shop, made corner blocks to wagon box. Mr Schram got bill, went to Wakeshma.

Aug 12 – Put dash on box. Thrashed wheat, had 87 bushels. Charley came back from Lawton. Pioneer Picknic at Vicksburg.

Aug 13 – Pleasant morning. Cleaned up wheat. Carried Sarah over to burg. Went over after her in Evening.

Aug 14 – Painted wagon box and cradles. All went down to Browns in Evening Cheche and John Defoe. Had a shower in afternoon. Ed Flanders called here in shower.

Aug 15 – Fine pleasant morning. Went down to Catharines. Mart came up in Evening after Louise. Carried cradle home.

Aug 16 – Painted wagon box. Went up to Skinners with Hannah. Carried my boots over to burg in Evening, paid $1.15¢ for mending them.

Aug 17 – Repaired cribb for Lois. Went down to A. Browns and up to Skinners after Hannah. Got my Boots.

Aug 18 – Cloudy. Ethan gone to Kalamazoo with Brown. Erve Hall got load Straw. Went down to Browns, got Hannahs trunk. Put rub irons on wagon box. Henry here. Charly went home with him. They are going to brady.

Aug 19 – Worked around some in shop and garden.

Aug 20 – Erve Hall got one Load Straw. Chored round. Cut some cornfodder some in shop. Fine day.

Aug 21 – Worked round house and shop some. Went over to burg. Ed Childs stayed here all night.

Aug 22 – Went over to burg with Ed. Came back, tok hannah over. Carried Sarah down to Browns. She went to Kalamazoo to Spiritual grove meeting on Winslows Island. Went over after hannah. Went down to Browns after Sarah just at night. Lois and Sate[72] came down.

Aug 23 – Painted Sleigh over and lumber wheels. Went over to burg with Ed Flanders. Got $51.91 of Treasurer. Paid Carrie E. Austin fifty one Dollars.

Aug 24 – Put in reach for Edwin flanders. Carried Hannah and Sarah over to burg. Hannah went to Lawton. Went up to Lois in Evening. Ina[73] sick.

Aug 25 – Went to mill, carried 4 four bushels wheat. Sarah went down to Katharines. Susan Ford rode home with me. Jo Lee went over with me.

Aug 26 – Jo came up. I put seat on his buggy and spring bars, fixed thill. Went over to burg with him. Fine day.

Aug 27 – Cut up the _____ corn. Very hot and dry, mercury 96 in shade.

Aug 28 – Hot day, 92 in shade. Bound up corn. Went down to Katies after Louese just at night, stopt to Browns. Rained in night some.

Aug 29 – At home all day. Hot day. Ethan carried Louese down to Katies.

Aug 30 – Made ridge boards for House. Went over to burg, bot 6 lbs nails 30¢.

Aug 31 – Went over to burg, got Hind spring mended, one Dollar. Hot and dry. Want rain very much some.

Sep 1 – At home. Chored some. Not very well. Ethan went up to Lois. Cleaned sewingmachine.

Sep 2 – Went down to Charles Lees.[74] Hot day. He is building a barn.

Sep 3 – Sawed out rizers for stairs to cornhouse. Rained some.

Sep 4 – Chored round some. Took the Clark seat to pieces. Charly and Warren birge came here in afternoon. They went down to Caywood, stayed all night.

Sep 5 – Windy morning. Chimney burnt out this morning. Went down to Katharines.

Sep 6 – Buckwheat cut to day. Hot day. Made seat to waggon. Henry and Ethan went up to Skinners to try Drill. Went schoolmeting. Edwin Flanders Elected moderator, C. L. Keith[75] Assessor. Voted to raise 100.00.

Sep 7 – Worked round. Lois came down to pack Charleys trunk.

Sep 8 – Worked in shop some. Sarah and Lois went down to Browns. I went down in Evening. Lois Lee came and said Jo would move yet to Salt Lake.[76]

Sep 9 – Rainy day. Charley started for Ohio.[77] Lois went home. Rained in night.

Sep 10 – Worked for Edwin Flanders putting down floor on back stoop over cistern. Fine day. Barber cut some corn south of orchard.

Sep 11 – Worked for Flanders. Ethan went down to Marts stayed all night. Mrs Flanders taken sick. Mrs Johnson came down to see her.

Sep 12 – Fine day. Not very hot. Mr Dunnings Nephew called here, took Breakfast. Jim went up to Skinners.

Sep 13 – Worked for Flanders, made rinck and dressed out stuff for trough &c.[78] Jim went to Jacksons to work.

Sep 14 – Went up to Flanders. Went back home then went down to Katharines. Caroline, Marion and Kate were all there. Had a big time.

Sep 15 – Worked for Flanders, finished up. Fine day. Ed paid me $5.00.

Sep 16 – Rainy morning. Cut corn some.

Sep 17 – Cut corn in East lot. Jo Lee came up here. Cold night, had big frost.

Sep 18 – Cut corn in East lot. Browns folks here in Evening.

Sep 19 – At home. Rainy day. No one here.

Sep 20 – Cut corn, finished it. Went down to Katharines just at night.

Sep 21 – Worked in shop some. Hung two axes for Ernest Whiting 20¢. Jo Lee came up here. Went over to burg in Evening. Went up to Flanders, got some flooring.

Sep 22 – At home. Worked in shop, turned hubs for Inas wagon &c. Put floor down by East door.

Sep 23 – Worked round shop some and turned hubs.

Sep 24 – Went over to burg. Bot hoop Iron hoop pork barrel. Jason Durkee got some hoop poles. Bot springs for wagon seat 2.00. Nell Tomlinson[79] came here in afternoon.

Sep 25 – Rained some in morning. Round home all day.

Sep 26 – At home. No one here, nothing going on.

Sep 27 – Worked in shop and house _____ wagon for Ina.

Sep 28 – Working round house and shop.

Sep 29 – Worked on wagon. Went down to Kates just at night with Patty Sprague.[80] Ethan and Mr Miner drawed in Buckwheat. E. P. Flanders and Mary E. Smith married this day I spec so.

Sep 30 – Ethan, Hannah and Nellie Tomlinson went to Comstock. Had H. A. Taylors buggy. Rained some. Miner and Powers thrashed Buckwheat.

Oct 1 – At home. Finished Buckwheat. Had 46½ bushels.

Oct 2 – Miner and Rogers dug potatoes. They had 43 bushels.

Oct 3 – At home. Patty here. Nell went to Kalamazoo to church with Henry. Mart came up after Patty and Katharine. Lois and Dell came down. Ethan went up to Harve Warrens with Dell.

Oct 4 – Went over to burg after Nancy. Got strap iron for wagon box. Bot 7½ lbs beef of Whiting 75¢.

Oct 5 – Put iron on wagon box. Rainy. Ethan, Hannah and Nell gone to Vicksburg. Rained all night.

Oct 6 – Rainy day. Worked in shop. Made board to put seat on. Husked black corn. _____ _____ _____ here from Mr Flanders. Henry gone to Battlecreek. Ethan and girls got home at night.

Oct 7 – Went over to burg. Bot boots for seat, oil and so on.

Oct 8 – Went down to Katharines. Sarah went and Jim went to Kalamazoo. Got Jim suit cloths. Stayed there all night.

Oct 9 – Helped Mart set horsepower and fix cider mill. Came home in Evening. Rained like fun.

Oct 10 – Rainy morning some. Henry came down. Nan[81] came back. Hiram Loveland married to night.[82]

Oct 11 – Went to mill, carried 4 four bushels wheat. Snowed some. Patty came home with me.

Oct 12 – Dug potatoes in East lot under the hill.

Oct 13 – Finished diging in East lot. Carried Patty down to Kates.

Oct 14 – Put potatoes in cellar. Carried the girls and their mam down to A. Browns. Dug some potatoes. Rained. Went down to Browns after um. It rained.

Oct 15 – Some rainy in morning. Dug some potatoes and chored roung.

Oct 16 – Dug potatoes. Finished the south lot. Sarah went over to burg. Nancy went down to Browns.

Oct 17 – Pleasant morning. At home all day.

Oct 18 – Worked round home. Chored round barn.

Oct 19 – Cleaned out cornhouse and chored round some. Went down to Katharines. Brot Patty and Hellen York[83] up.

Oct 20 – All hands went up to Lois, Patty, Katharine, Sarah, Alfleda[84] and Hellen &c. Fine day. Del and Henry drawing corn. Barber and Barton husking.

Oct 21 – Pleasant morning. James Hoxie called here. Went over to burg after mail. Drawed one load corn 12 baskets.

Oct 22 – At home. Worked round house and yard. Drawed some corn.

Oct 23 – Went down to Catharines. All hands had a family visit. Kate and Harry[85] came out on Eleven oclock run. Pleasant day.

Oct 24 – Fine morning. At home all day.

Oct 25 – Drawed some corn and worked round shop.

Oct 26 – Took out closset in shop. Mr Hobbs came here to see about getting some bobs made. Went down to Katharines to see patty. She gave me ten Dollars. Rainy and cold.

Oct 27 – Patty and Nell started for home. Made neap for M. O. Streators wagon. Put stove up in shop.

Oct 28 – Husked some corn. Put corn in cornhouse. Went over to burg. Got letter from Dr. A. S. Finch. Saw Mr Benjamin about my place. M. O. Streat got his wagon pole. Rained in night.

Oct 29 – Warm morning, 60 Abz, rained in morning. Ethan made cider. Sarah and Kate went up to Skinners. Had a heavy thunder shower. Sent Dr. Finch $10 ten Dollars. Filed saw for Erve Hall.

Oct 30 – At home. Working round shop.

Oct 31 – At home all day. All well.

Nov 1 – Worked in shop some ___.

Nov 2 – Worked in shop on wheel. Mr Hobbs came up here. Sarah and Kate went to Lawton.

Nov 3 – Finished wheel. Went up to Flanders after some lumber for bobbs. Got none.

Nov 4 – Put corn up in corn house. Went over to burg at noon after gals. No come. They came on the 6 oclock freight.

Nov 5 – Worked in shop some. Sawed out bob knees.

Nov 6 – Went to Kalamazoo after bob runners and and lumber for Coburns box.

Nov 7 – Went down to Kates after Hannah.

Nov 8 – Worked in shop some. Del brot lumber and runners down. Jo Lee came up got his saw filed.

Nov 9 – Sorted corn in corn house.

Nov 10 – Worked in shop on bobs.

Nov 11 – Worked on bobs all day.

Nov 12 – Went to mill carried 4 bushels wheat 4 bushels Buckwheat 1 corn. Fine day.

Nov 13 – Snows this morning. Worked. Went to Comstock to mill. Cold, stormy.

Nov 14 – At home all day.

Nov 15 – Worked in shop on bobs

Nov 16 – Worked in shop and round house.

Nov 17 – Worked in shop on bobs &c.

Nov 18 – Worked in shop on bobs and [nothing further]

Nov 19 – Worked on bobs. Not very cold.

Nov 20 – Went over to burg. Got piece plank for bobs. Hiram Crawf[ord][86] came in on Evening Express. Fine day, mercury about 60. Gave me an ulster over coat.

Nov 21 – Cooler this morning. Hite[87] here. Lois came down. Mart brot Hannah home.

Nov 22 – Worked in shop on bobs. Hiram here. He went over to burg. Hiram left on night Express. Fine day.

Nov 23 – Worked in shop. Pleasant day but cold.

Nov 24 – Worked in shop. Kate and Harry left for South bend.[88] Ethan carried them over to Scots Station. Nice day. Jo Lee brot Hannah home. Alfleda went home with Jo.

Nov 25 – Went over to burg to see about getting some timber for frame to bobs. Hannah went to Battle Creek on the Eleven twelve run. A very pleasant day. Jim husked corn for A. Brown.

Nov 26 – Went over to burg. Got timber for bob frame.

Nov 27 – Went up to Mr Flanders to get length of bob frame. Sarah went down to A. Browns.

Nov 28 – At home. Dell and Lois came down. Loues went home with them.

Nov 29 – Finished bobs. Worked round shop some. Gefired cold day.

Nov 30 – Worked on Coburns box. Carried Hannah down to Katharines. Alfleda came back with me.

Dec 1 – Very pleasant morning, mercury 28 Abz in morning.

Dec 2 – Worked on box. Riley and Horace Hobbs came and got Bobs. He paid me Seventeen Dollars and 17.50 fifty cents.

Dec 3 – Worked on box not much cut and sawed wood. Very pleasant day.

Dec 4 – Worked on box. Fine warm day, some misty. Went over to burg. Paid George Brown for timber 20 cts. Mercury about 50, rained all night.

Dec 5 – Cloudy and warm, mercury 43 Abz. At home all day.

Dec 6 – Finished and painted over Coburns box. Rained in night, very foggy.

Dec 7 – Foggy morning, not very cold. Worked in shop some. Carried Sarah over to Janes.[89] Went over in Evening to see R. G. S.

Dec 8 – Dressed out boards for Ernests Whiting. Went over to burg after Sarah. Browns folks came up in Evening.

Dec 9 – Pleasant morning, not very cold. Worked in shop.

Dec 10 – Worked on Whitings box some. Went over to burg with Engine. Ethan drawed load wood. Broke whiffletree.

Dec 11 – Snowey day. Went down to Kates, stayed all day. Stoped to Browns when we came home. Wopeo[?] came the first time.

Dec 12 – At home all day. Edwin Flanders and wife and Henry went up to Skinners. Rather cool day. Herb Clark[90] came here in morning.

Dec 13 – Worked in shop some. Went over to burg in afternoon. Paid my Tax $9.50 nine Dollars and fifty cents.

Dec 14 – Worked in shop on box for Ernest. Not very cold.

Dec 15 – Worked in shop some. Not very well. Hannah went down to Browns.

Dec 16 – Snowey day. Worked on Ernests box. Put one partition in and base and pilaster. Stellie Milham here to night.

Dec 17 – Carried machine down to Browns. Snows and blows. Went over to burg got oil. Brown butchered his hogs. Went down to E. Whitings Slaughter house. Got two lbs Tallow 16¢/4 8 pr pound so said Whitland. Del and Coburn got Box.

Dec 18 – Worked in shop some. Cold day.

Dec 19 – At home. Will brot Hannah up in sleigh. Lois came down.

Dec 20 – Went down to Browns. Got pig weighed 70[91] lbs. Mr Flanders got wagon. Went over to burg in afternoon. Ethan got 14 Dollars at Bank for making Box. Not very cold.

Dec 21 – Not very cold, no snow.

Dec 22 – Made cross head for Theodore. Went over to burg. Bot diary 25¢, one violin string 25. Drawed two loads cornfodder. Very pleasant day.

Dec 23 – Went up to mill. Put in crosshead. Warm day, mercury 54 Abz at noon. Drawed in cornfodder in afternoon.

Dec 24 – Rainy. Carried peter down to Browns. Went up to mill got 58 feet 3×3 scantling of Theodore Earl.

Dec 25 – Very pleasant day. Browns folks here. Charles and Julia came up. Julia stayed all night. Browns folks stayed in Evening.

Dec 26 – Rainy day, not very cold, very little snow. At home all day. Ida came up after Julia.

Dec 27 – Went up in woods cut some wood. Went over to burg in afternoon. Received of Town ship Treasurer seventy five Dollars. Very pleasant day.

Dec 28 – Went to mill in afternoon. Carried 4 bushels wheat 4 of Buckwheat. Pleasant day. Cut some wood. Katharine came home with me.

Dec 29 – Fine pleasant morning. Filed one saw for Whitting. Worked in shop some.

Dec 30 – Drawed two loads wood. Worked on box some. Went over to burg just at night. Kate and Sarah went. Browns folks here in Evening. Warm day.

Dec 31 – Fine morning, 61 Abz in morning at sunrise. Went over to burg after Nancy. Jo Lee and Mr Elwood called here. Filed saw for Jo. Warm day.

——-

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

[2] His son, Ethan Keith, and daughter, Hannah Keith

[3] His sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

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

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[8] Ambrose Brown, his neighbor and father-in-law of his daughter Nancy

[9] Henry Keith, his son by his first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith

[10] Above zero

[11] His grandson, Claude Keith Brown, the son of Nancy & Hank Brown. There is a birth announcement for “Pomeroy” Brown, however, that is the only time the name of Pomeroy is used

[12] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[13] Lawton, Michigan, where Nancy & Henry Brown lived

[14] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith

[15] His cousin, Ida Mae Lee, the daughter of Joseph Warren Lee and Nancy E. Taylor

[16] Martin Milham, husband of Lucy (Lee) Milham. Lucy was the daughter of his sister Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

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

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

[19] Neighbor. After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith died, Joseph and Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders cared for his son, Henry, for a period of time. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like Henry lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders,” age 16, (who it is actually believed to be Henry L. Keith), living with Joseph & Amanda

[20] In all his previous diaries, Luke has spelled his sister’s name as Catharine. It now appears that he is sometimes spelling it starting with a K, or it is possible he is referring to somebody else

[21] Seaman S. Bristol Sr. and his wife, Abigail “Nabby” Harris, were the uncle and aunt of Daniel D. Harris who would marry Luke’s daughter, Louese, in 1882

[22] Nickname for his daughter Louese

[23] Believe he is referring to neighbors, Stella Milham who was the daughter of James & Ellen (Adams) Milham

[24] Neighbor. A search at FindAGrave.com confirms that he died February 7, 1875 and is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[25] His neighbor, Irwin Hall

[26] Presumably neighbors, Hetta (Burgess) Ralph and her daughter-in-law, Emeline (Stone) Ralph

[27] Neighbors, Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[28] A search at FindAGrave.com reveals that Jannette Mason died February 21, 1875 and is buried at Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

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

[30] His first cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[31] Neighbor, the daughter of Franklin Benjamin & Gertrude (Quick) Austin. Perhaps she was the teacher that Luke referred to in his March 3^rd entry

[32] Neighbors, Charles and Mary Tamer Ford, the children of Thomas & Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[33] Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown

[34] Neighbors, Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[35] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[36] Simeon Wood Jr.; from the Kalamazoo Daily Telegraph, Monday evening, March 22, 1875 – Mr. Simon Wood, a farmer living some four miles east of Galesburg in Charleston, died on Wednesday evening, the 17th inst. bilious pneumonia, and his wife died the next day. They were worthy people and were somewhat advanced in years at the time of their death

[37] The Michigan Deaths and Burials Index confirms that Agustus Giddings, age 34, died on March 18, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan. FindAGrave.com records show that he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[38] Neighbor, the son of Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders

[39] Reliance E. (Brown) Wood. See footnote for March 16^th entry. Reliance was the sister of Ambrose Brown

[40] It is uncertain as to whether this was Edna Irene Crawford, the daughter of Sarah’s brother Robert & Louesa (McCann) Crawford, of Edna Alice Crawford, the daughter of Sarah’s late brother, Edwin & Mary (Hamilton) Crawford

[41] His son-in-law Henry Brown’s nickname

[42] Neighbor, Adelia (Tompkins) Ford

[43] Other things

[44] Most likely his grandson, Charles Ira Clark, the son of Lois and her first husband, Byron Clark

[45] 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

[46] Richard Barber

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

[48] His daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[49] FindAGrave.com indicates that Ruel Starr died April 19, 1875 and is buried in Old City Cemetery, Valparaiso, Indiana. Ruel was Alfleda (Starr) Keith’s brother

[50] The Michigan Deaths and Burials Record indicates that Daniel D. Harris Sr. died April 23, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan at the age of 49 and FindAGrave records show that he is buried in the Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan. He was the father of Daniel D. Harris Jr. who would marry Luke’s daughter Louese

[51] Matilda (Allen) Brown’s sister, Julia Allen, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda

[52] Most likely his neighbor, George Ralph

[53] His neighbor, the son of George & Hetta (Burgess) Ralph, and husband of Emeline (Stone) Ralph

[54] Mary (Knowles) Barber

[55] Michigan Death Records reveal that Arthur Beckwith, age 21, died May 20, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan. FindAGrave records show he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[56] Marius Streator’s wife, Laura (Rawson) Streator

[57] Neighbors, Abel & Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[58] His nephew, James “Oscar” Keith, son of Harvey & Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[59] The Michigan Deaths and Burials Index shows that John F. Chandler died June 15, 1875 in Comstock, Michigan at the age of 45

[60] Believe he is referring to William H. and Martha (Marvin) Plank. William H. was the son of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Plank family had been neighbors, but on April 3, 1873, Luke noted in his diary that they had left for Grand Rapids, Michigan

[61] Neighbor, the son of George & Jane Whiting

[62] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[63] His horse

[64] The Michigan Deaths and Burials Index reveals that Nancy Wheeler, aged 86, died in Comstock, Michigan on July 22, 1875

[65] Nickname for Lucy (Lee) Milham, daughter of his sister, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[66] Neighbor, Orrin D. Schram

[67] Neighbor, Hanibal A. Taylor

[68] Believe this to be his neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[69] Neighbors, Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne; their son Charles would later marry Luke’s daughter Hannah

[70] His niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[71] Both the Brown and Keith families were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances. The story that has been passed down is that Ambrose’s Indian spirit guide, Chee Chee, held a blanket over him so that he could complete his plowing

[72] His daughter Lois’ sister-in-law, Sarah Skinner

[73] His granddaughter, Ina Mary Skinner

[74] His paternal first cousin. Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee

[75] Himself

[76] Since Joseph Lee’s wife, Lois (French) had died October 17, 1871, it would seem that this is referring to a seance that the Browns and Keiths had where they called on Lois who told them that Jo would follow the rest of the Lee families, who were Mormons, and had moved to Salt Lake City

[77] Charley’s other grandparents were living in Dover, Ohio in the 1870’s so perhaps he was going for a visit

[78] Etc.

[79] The daughter of his niece, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson

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

[81] His daughter, Nancy

[82] Michigan County Marriage Records show that Hiram Loveland married Emeline Crowell on October 10, 1875

[83] This could be his niece, Helen (Bradley) York, or Helen’s daughter, Helen Lavinia York

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

[85] Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, the wife of Luke’s brother-in-law, Hiram Crawford Jr., and their son, Harry Crawford (see November 17, 1875 letter)

[86] His wife Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.

[87] Hiram’s nickname

[88] Sarah’s other brother, Henry Clay Crawford, and his family lived in South Bend, so it is possible Kate and Harry were going to make them a visit

[89] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag

[90] Herbert Clark was the nephew of Lois’ first husband, Byron Clark

[91] Hard to tell if this was 70 or 90 pounds

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Henry Brown’s 1873 Diary

1873 DIARY OF HENRY A. BROWN[1]

Jan 1x[2] – I have taken 2 gems[3] to day, 3 groop, 3 Gems of Clark Wheeler. Got a pair of Suspenders. Nancy[4] is sick to day. Went over to father Browns[5] and stayed all night. Took our bird over there. It was a very pleasant day. Hannah[6] was to our house to day.

Jan 2x – Started for Benton Harbor to day. Took dinner at Grand Junction and had to wait until 8 oclock so went all over the City. We[7] arrived in Benton H about ½ past 9 o’clock. Put up at the American House. It has been a very bad stormy day and I am tired now and sleepy to.

Jan 3 – It is an awful unpleasant day, rains and friezes as fast as it falls. Went up to St Joseph this forenoon, came back to Benton about 11 oclock. Made arangements with H. C. Morton (Nem). Left Benton 1 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Grand Junction 3 oclock (min) /2.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day to day. I had to sleep alone last night. I have taken 4 gems and 2 neg’s. Nancy is over to Father Browns yet and I go over there to night. Subscribed 50 cts for Lecture course to day. I choped mince meat and apples this evening for Mother.[8]

Jan 5x – Paid Aunt Julia[9] 50 cts and have paid her 5.00 besides which makes 5.50. Will[10] brought us down to Father Keiths[11] to day. Ethan[12] came and brought us home in the evening. Nancy was sick and we went to bed about 7 oclock. Pleasant.

Jan 6x – Pleasant. Nancy was sick this morning, did not get up until ten oclock, and then she was up and down all day. Took one negative to day. Byron[13] came up to day and I paid him 35 cts for team use.

Jan 7 – Pleasant. I went to Kalamazoo to day on Accomidation, came back on Mail. Nancy was sick all day to day. Took more baby pictures to day than I ever took in one day before. Met Cousin Oscar Yates[14] at Kalamazoo.

Jan 8x – Tryed to be pleasant to day but made out to be most awful cold and blustering. Nancy was sick again to day, is better now so that she is stringing beads. Printed to day. Making molasses candy to night.

Jan 9 – Very Blustering to day and cold. Have not taken any pictures to day except One Neg. Nancy was sick to day. Ethan and Henry[15] were here to day. Father drew me a load of wood.

Jan 10x – Very Cold and Blustering again to day, worse than yesterday. Did not take any pictures to day. Nancy sick. Mr Van Buren Lectures to night. Subject “Labor.”

Jan 11x – Wether modarate. Took a negative of Ma[16] to day, she was here a visiting to day. Did not take any pictures to day. Father and Will were here.

Jan 12 – Pleasant. Stayed at home all day, no one here to day. I went down to the depo and saw two new palace cars. Nancy took a napp.

Jan 13x – Stormy and warm. Have been busy all day. Opened Arthurs[17] box and took out a frame and mat and Looking glass and hung them up. Put some pictures in the mat.

Jan 14 – Pleasant but cloudy. Printed to day. We went to Mr Barbers[18] this evening, had a circle.[19] Mr Bailey and wife[20] were there, Pa and Ma, Father & Mother, Mr & Mrs Streator[21] were there. Pa went to Howlands burg to mill to day.

Jan 15 – Very unpleasant to day, rainy and icey. Hannah came up here this morning and stayed all day. Ida[22] came this afternoon. Dalenbeck is haveing a Law sute about stolen wheat. J Shafter, G & J Strubal and another man are arested.

Jan 16x – Snowed all day, there was about one foot of snow fell to day, cleared off about four oclock. Ida Allen[23] was here to day. Nancy was sick abed part of the time.

Jan 17x – Pleasant to day. I printed to day. Father, Pa & Ma have been here, did not stay any. We went to the Lecture this evening, a Mr. Frazer, Supt of Kalamazoo Schools.

Jan 18 – Quincy Streator[24] came this (home) morning. It has been a pleasant day to day but cold. Have taken one picture to day. Nancy went over home with Pa to day and I went over at night. Nancy is sick with the headache. Will Plank[25] came home to day.

Jan 19x – Stormy and cold. At Pa’s to day. Henry & Ethan were at home to day. Ethan is stopping at Aunt Kates.[26] We all ate at Mr. Planks.[27] Mrs Plank[28] and me had a very lively discussion on religion this evening. Fred Allerton[29] ate at Planks to day. Will went home with him.

Jan 20x – Pleasant but cold. Will Plank and Carrie & Mary[30] came over and got a groop taken. Carrie, Mary & Hannah visited at our house to day. Will went back to day. Nancy did not get home until one oclock.

Jan 21 – Pleaseant. In an hour snowed all day, warm. Took two pictures for Charley Haywood to day. Nancy has had a head ache all day. I brought 1½ bu of Patatoes to day. Paid 1.12 for them.

Jan 22 – Pleasant. Henry Keith and Pa were here to day. Emma Allen[31] was here to supper. The Allens, Ida Barber and us went over to Pa’s. We had Mr Barbers horse and Buggy cutter. Got home about 11 oclock.

Jan 23x – Cold and stormy. We ate Breakfast by lamp light this morning for the first time in my married life. I took my first lesson in inking to day on Mr Evans.

Jan 24 – Pleasant. Henry, Louis[32] & Sate[33] were here to day. I took 4 Gems for Sate and Louis to gather. Father, Mother and Aunt Julia were here to night. Will and Mary Plank and Sis[34] went to the Lecture. J. A. B. Stone Lectured.

Jan 25 – Pleasant. James[35] was here to day. Eberly Underwood[36] came up here and stayed almost two hours. Henry was comeing after us to go home with him but did not come. Nancy & me have both been sick to day.

Jan 26xx – Pleasant. We have been at home all day to day. Moly and her Amos did not go to church. I wrote two letters to day, one to Uncle Sidney[37] & one to E. P. Wightman.[38] Father, Mother and Will were here to night.

Jan 27 – Pleasant. I took another ink lesson to day. Took 1 neg and 2 Tin types. Nancy has been sick all day. I contracted 6 cords of wood to day of Henry Covil at 200 per cord. Loaded up.

Jan 28 – Rail Road Colision this morning at three oclock. I got up and went down. It was on the switch. Pleasant but cold. Nancy went to Mr Potts Funelel[39] with Ida Barber.

Jan 29 – Cold. Nancy has been sick all day. Took one negative to day.

Jan 30 – Cold. Pa was up to see us a little while this morning. Came over with Alvin and Jess Lee.[40] They were Breaking Colts.

Jan 31 – Pleasant. Dull day for Pictures. I inked all day on Mr Evans[?] Picture. Father and Will came down and went to the lecture. We did not go to the lecture because Nancy was sick.

Feb 1x – Pleasant but cold. Nancy went over to Pa’s this morning and Will came over and I came home with him, stoped and got Nancy. Mrs White was at our house, stayed all night. Took 2.40 worth of Gems.

Feb 2x – Pleasant But cold. Will and Nancy & me went down and got Hannah. Pa, Ma & James came up and got her in the evening. Nancy is sick. White went home this after noon.

Feb 3 – Stormy. I went to Kal[41] with Fathers team. Went down on the north side of the river came back on the south side, got home half past twelve. Helped shell corn and draw wood. Nancy is sick.

Feb 4 – Pleasant. We are at Fathers yet. Nancy is sick, she has gone to bed. I have taken one dollar and seventy five cents worth of gems to day. Helped Amos move his book case to day.

Feb 5 – Pleasant. We are at home again and Hannah is with us. I have been very busy to day printing and takeing gems. Nancy is sick to day. I went down town this evening a little while.

Feb 6 – Warm and pleasant. Hannah is at our house yet. Wrote to Dr. Sullings to day. Printed and took 2 gems. I have got my prints all mounted. Nancy and Hannah have gone to bed. Pa was here to day. Ethan is sick.

Feb 7 – Warm and Pleasant. Nancy has had a very hard headache all day. Galesburg was favored with an auction store to day. I bought me a pair of boots and Nancy a pair of slippers.

Feb 8x – Stormy and warm, grew cold on toward night. Nancy is a little better to night but pretty tired. I went down to the band room to night, bought Nancy a pair of shoes.

Feb 9x – Pleasant and warm. Hannah went home to night with Pa and Louesa[42] is going to stay over here a few days. Nancy is beter to day than she has been in two weeks most.

Feb 10 – Pleasant. Business dull. Sis is here yet. I went over to the auction store to night and made them give me a Blacking brush. Went to bed about seven o’clock.

Feb 11 – Pleasant. I have printed to day. Mr Burgess came up to night and said print the rest of those photos. Sad affair happened to night. Miss Carrie Homles sent her picture back.

Feb 12 – Pleasant. Printed to day one picture of Will M^cColum. Nancy is sick to day. I took two negatives of the M. E. church to day. Took 2 gems and a negative of Guss Hiney to day.

Feb 13x – Cloudy and snowed a little, cold. I have not done any thing to day but sit around and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and gap and stretch and stretch and gap and, and, and, and, and, and.

Feb 14 – Pleasant. Dull day, did not have any thing to do to day But Print and only a few prints to make.

Feb 15 – Pleasant to day. Had more gems to take to day than I have had before in many a day. Father was here this evening and so were Pa & Ma, Mary and Carrie Plank. Louesa went home to night.

Feb 16xx – Pleasant but cloudy. We have been alone to day for the first time in most two weeks. Father and Mother were here this evening a little while. Nancy is better to day than she has been in two or three days.

Feb 17 – Most a splendid day. I have took quite a lot of pictures to day But to day has been the worse day that I ever saw with me. Every thing has went ass end foremost, a topsy turvey. Will was over to night to ask us to go up to Mr Fords tomorrow evening.

Feb 18 – Pleasant. Louis was here to day. Nancy went up home with her so to go to Mr Flanderes[43] to night. She was sick and had to go to bed. Miss Earl and Miss Allerton were there. We stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant. Henry brought us home this morning and I have done some business since if I know myself. Miss Mary Warren commenced work in my room to day. Nancy is better. Letters from Loyd & Ely.

Feb 20x – Pleasant in the forenoon but snowed in the afternoon. Printed to day. Henry Keith starts for New York to night. I expect Allice Carey was here this afternoon a little while. Got a letter from Walzl (?) to day.

Feb 21- Pleasant part of the day and stormy the rest of it. I cleaned my show case to day. Took 2 gems of Misty Chafey.[44] Kate & Louis were here to day with Pa, did not stay very long.

Feb 22 – Stormy and cold. Printed a little to day and have got it mounted. Have not done any bussiness to day, only took in 1.50. Nancy has got sore lips. I have had a headache ever since last night, better.

Feb 23x – Stormy, very cold and some blustering. Father came over to night and brought us some apples and butter and some egg, two pies, some cabage cut up cold, amen.

Feb 24 – Cold and blustering but some warmer than it was yesterday. I have not done much work to day. Took one neg of Zell Glligan and two gems. Ethen stoped here to day when he went to Kal to take his lesson. He said Ma was coming over tomorrow.

Feb 25 – Pleasant. No business to day but John Carey and wife and they are business if I know any thing about business. I have taken four or five negatives a piece of them and now I dont expect they will be suited.

Feb 26x – Cloudy. Comenced snowing about four oclock and snows yet (9 o’clock). Not very cold. Pa and Ma were here to day. Last night after we got to bed, Will, Ed and Chub, Louesa, Stella ang Clara came to visit us.

Feb 27x – Snowed all day. Father came over to day to get the horses shod and mother came along and they stayed all of the afternoon. I have taken one baby’s picture to day. Mary was here to day.

Feb 28 – Cloudy and warm to day. No business at all. Received a letter from E. P. Wightman to day. Pa went up to Howlands to mill to day. Nancy got 3 yds of Calico to day and 5# Sugar.

Mar 1 – Cloudy and some dull. Vilage caucus to day, some excitement at the caucus about officers. Nancy went over to Pa’s today and I went over at night and Ethan took us down to Fathers.

Mar 2x – Cloudy and sunshiney by spells. I got one hundred a fifty dollars of Aunt Julia to day and gave my note payable on demand at “10 pr ct”. Father signed it with me. Dated tomorow. Hannah is sick abed to night. (back)

Mar 3 – Pleasant. Lection to day of Vilage officers. I took 4 gems and 2 negatives to day. Father came over to night and got Nancy and me to go to Kalamazoo to morrow to that law suit. Nancy is going to stay to Pa’s tomorow.

Mar 4 – Pleasant to day but cold. Fathers and Allertons[45] suit comenced to day. I went over home last night and stayed all night to Fathers and in the morning I went and took N down to Pa’s and got him and took him to K.

Mar 5 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday. At law to day again. Got done takeing testamony today and the lawyers got through talking law to the judge. We went home before they adjourned.

Mar 6 – Pleasant an warmer again to day but it was the coldest morning we have had an at leaste it froze the hardest in our rooms last night. Verdct renderd to day. Gave Father 22 dollars and all of the costs. Nancy came home to night.

Mar 7 – Pleasant. A dull day to day. Printed to day, did not have very good luck. Will Plank was here to day. He was out here on Allertons law sute, went home to day.

Mar 8 – Pleasant but windy. Eb was here to day and said he would go in with me if he could get the money. I have taken nine negatives to day. Jacks[46] people are here to night.

Mar 9 – Snowed last night and all day to day. Snow is now 6 or 8 in deap. I have worked all day to recouching negatives and fixing up things around a little.

Mar 10 – Pleasant But not much business.

Mar 11 – Pleasant part of the day. Printed to day and took in seven dollars. Father was here to day a little while. He went to Howlands burg to mill today. Mrs Alfred talked some of buying me out to day.

Mar 12 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred is talking some of buying me out to day again but dont think she will hardly do it. I have taken two neg’s to day and three tin types.

Mar 13 – Pleasant. I printed to day and sold out to Mrs Alfred in part to day. Busines has been prety lively to day. Went to the bell ringers to night.

Mar 14 – Pleasant. Hannah and Ida were a visiting this afternoon and they and Mary P., Ethan and Henry were here to supper to night. Will was here this evening a little while.

Mar 15 – Rainey and windy. Eberly was here to day and we comenced takeing an Inventory of property that I am to put into trade. James was here to day. We came prety near haveing a fire in town to night.

Mar 16 – Pleasant to day and I printed. Last night the wind blew so hard that it shook the house. Will came over to day and went to church. He took our dirty cloths home with him.

Mar 17 – Not very pleasant to day nor very bad weather. Finished up pictures all day to day. Comenced haveing a sore throat to day but did not think it would amount to much. I went down to see about some lumber but did not buy any.

Mar 18 – Cloudy. I got up this morning and built two fires and loped around till after breakfast and then took two neg’s for Dalenbeck of his wind mill, then went to bed stayed all day. Ma, Pa, Father, Jim, Becky[47] & Mrs Plank were here to day.

Mar 19 – Cloudy. Ma stayed to Mr Hoags all night, came here and stayed to night. Father and Mother were here to day. I was sick all day. Nancy she did not feel very well. Ethan started to come over after Ma to night and Bill[48] ran away, broke the wagon all up.

Mar 20 – Cloudy and some stormy. Ma went home with Lowis before breakfast as she was over to bring the boys to take the Cars for Plainwell. Nancy is sick to day and I am better. Hannah came over to day with Father. Ethan was here also.

Mar 21 – Cloudy and blustering. Mrs Alfred comenced moveing in to day. Will came over to see how we were this morning and Ethan this afternoon. “We are.” Nancy worse, I am beter. Hannah is here yet. I must go to bed as I am tired. Worked to day.

Mar 22 – Pleasant. Mrs Alfred took her first pictures to day in this room. Father and Will were here to day. Ethan was here to night. Hannah is here yet. Eberly was here to day, spoke to Hannah to day.

Mar 23 – Pleasant. We have been packing up to day so to moove tomorrow. Hannah is here. Our people were here to night, all but Will and Arthur was with them. Father is comeing down tomorrow to moove us.

Mar 24 – Cloudy. We mooved to day. Mooved part of our things over to Pa’s and part over to Fathers. Nancy is not very well.

Mar 25 – Cloudy. I took three negatives of Ethan too day and two of Allie Wightman. Nancy is sick to day. Ethan got some rice and I got a beef bone and we had soop for supper.

Mar 26 – Cloudy. Nancy is sick, had Dr Alfred over to see her this morning. He said she only had the sore throat. Printed to day with Mrs Alfred, had very good luck. Rode home with Wolcott.

Mar 27 – Pleasant. I came over this morning and mounted my prints and retuched them and Eli took 6 home of Allie. Nancy had a trance[49] this evening and she felt better after it.

Mar 28 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rainey in the afternoon. I went to Battle Creek to day. Nancy is better to day and I am worse. I did not have any success at Battle Creek.

Mar 29 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I stayed to home to day all day. Nancy and me were both worse to day. Ethan and me sawed wood to day a little while and then I went to bed.

Mar 30 – Pleasant part of the day and rainey part of the day. We were at Pa’s yet, have been here ever since last Monday night and dont know how long we shall remain here. Mr Planks people were at Pa’s to dinner to day.

Mar 31 – Pleasant but mudy and weather raw. I went to Vixburg to day. Went down to Kalamazoo on Accomidation at 9.53 A.M. and started from K. to V. at 4.15 P.M., started from V. to K. 7.10 P.M., started from K. to G. 9.30 P.M., got home at 11.00 oclock P.M.

Apr 1 – Rainey part of the day. I went to Augusta to day to see about getting a set of rooms to photograph in but did not succeed. We have been at Pas one week and a day and now we are at Fathers to stay a week or two.

Apr 2 – Stormy. I went over to the burg and got some pictures an other traps and mooved them over to our folkses. I cracked some black walnuts and butternuts to day. I was told to get some things at Pas but forgot them.

Apr 3 – Pleasant. I went down to Pas in the morning to get some things and ask Ethan to go with me up to Mr Flanderes and we went in the after noon. Aunt Mary Crawford[50] came to day. We went down to see her in the Evening with Pa.

Apr 4 – Pleasant. Ben Harthy came here last night to go to work to day. We commenced mooveing fence but we only mooved one load and then the sawyers came and we had to saw in the afternoon. I went up and got Skinners[51] hired man at noon.

Apr 5 – Pleasant. I helped saw again to day but was so lame that I could not do much but drive, so I quit at 3 o’clock and went to the burg. Pa and Ma went up to Aunt Kates to day. Miss Yawger was here to night.

Apr 6 – Stormy. Nancy, Hannah and myself went up to Aunt Kates to day. Aunt Kate is layd up with a burnt arm. She fell into a pot of boiling sugar. Lucy[52] is sick with epizoot. Hellen York[53] and her children[54] were there.

Apr 7 – Stormy. Town meeting to day. Father and me both staid away from town meeting. I went to the burg and got two loads of goods this forenoon and sawed wood in the afternoon. Got through.

Apr 8 – Stormy. Will an me went up to Fords to take up a load of traps for Boardman. I went to gales burg and got 32 yds calico for a tent and dress for Nancy and some other things, amt 4.72.

Apr 9 – Stormy. I sewed on the tent in the forenoon and Nancy helped me. She worked on it alone in the afternoon and I went up in the woods and choped a load of wood and then came down and got the team and drew it down to Pas.

Apr 10 – Pleasant. Went downd to Pa’s to day and went to ceeping house. I went over to the burg this morning and got some glass and pictures and some other things. Hannah went up to Fords to day “quilting.”

Apr 11 – It comenced raining last evening and rained some all night and a little this morning. Hannah got home this morning. I tinkerd all day on things to Photo ___ with. Pleasant this afternoon.

Apr 12 – Snowed last night about one inch. I went down to Fathers this morning and got some things and then went to the burg and got some groceries and chemicals. Went to the burg again this afternoon and got some meat.

Apr 13 – A very pleasant day to day. I wrote a letter to Loyd to day. Jimmie[55] and me went a guming to day up in Schrams woods. Pa went and took Ethan and Han up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Woods[56] to day.

Apr 14 – Pleasant. I worked all day most trying to take pictures and working Cheimicals. Found that my dark tent was too light so went over to the Burg and got twelve yds more calico.

Apr 15 – Cloudy and some rainey to day. I worked on tent all of the forenoon and tried it and it worked first rate. I made envelopes this afternoon. Jimmie went to the Burg this forenoon and stayed all of the forenoon.

Apr 16 – Cloudy but not so bad as yesterday. I made 44 sticks for Nancy to curl her hair on. Went to the Burg in the afternoon and when I got back Ethan and me mooved the Privy. Father and Will Plowed to day.

Apr 17 – Stormy most of the time to day. Will Plank came here to day. Ethan, Will and me played crochet to day. Father went up to Mr Samples Auction to day. Will went to the Burg this afternoon. Nancy and me have got the toothache.

Apr 18 – Cloudy and raw. I played crochet with Will P., Ethan an Lou. I went to the Burg to day and got some cod fish oil, cloth and some thill[57] straps. Made the straps my self. Nancy and me bothe got the tooth ache to night.

Apr 19 – Pleasant. Very. I albumenized some glass to day and took some pictures. Took one picture of Laton and his peddle wagon. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to day and got some lines and a mane strap. Paid 95 cts for them.

Apr 20 – Pleasant but Some cloudy and a raw wind. Looked some like a storm. It snowed a little and rained a little. Henry and Will were here to day. Ethan and me were down to Fathers a little while.

Apr 21 – Cloudy and raw. We went down to Fathers to day. I took a negative of the house to day. I helped Will tar the boat to day and the tar got a fire. I played 5 games of crochet with Hannah this morning.

Apr 22 – Snow storm last night and this morning. It fell about six inches deep but it is almost gone now. Ethan has been working all day on patent right street car starter.[58] He and me went to the Burg this afternoon.

Apr 23 – Pleasant to day. I printed to day in the forenoon and plowed in the afternoon for Father. Mounted my prints about half past four in the afternoon. Ethan went over to the Burg this afternoon. He rode with H. D. Streeter Esq.[59]

Apr 24 – Pleasant. I finished up pictures this forenoon and helped wash. Went over to Galesburg in the afternoon. I go so Creisote[60] to put on my tooth. Ethan has been at work on modle all day.

Apr 25x – Pleasant. Henry came home from Elkhart last night and stoped at Pa’s and stayed all night and untill about noon to day. Ethan has been at work at modle. I have been loafing all day. Nancy is sick some to day.

Apr 26 – Not Very Pleasant to day but still it was not so bad that Ethan and me went to Kalamazoo. I had my tooth pulled to day. Got 2# Nitric and 2#Muriatic acid, One box Concentrated Lye. We stoped at Aunt Kates and got supper.

Apr 27 – Pleasant. Ethan and me went a guming to day. Will went to church to day on town. We had a mess of greens to day and three Roosters. Hannah and Ethan went up to the woods to day.

Apr 28 – Cloudy and sprinkled some. I went out a little while to day and tryed to get a job but could not so I came home again. Was gone from home six hours. I agreed to go and help Father to morrow.

Apr 29 – Pleasant. I comenced working for Father to day, worked all day. Ethan has got his modle done. John T. Allerton licked and drove his gray mare all the forenoon in a shamefull manner.[61] Ida Barber stayes with Hannah to night.

Apr 30 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. He and mother and Will went to Kalamazoo to day. Ethan and Hellen Randall went with them. Will stayed all night with Charley Flecher.

May 1 – Cold this forenoon and Rained this afternoon. I worked untill ten o’clock and then turned out on account of the rain. Put the team in Pas barn until after dinner and then went down to Fathers with the team.

May 2 – Rainey in the morning but pleasant in the afternoon. I went down to Fathers, helped him run through a load of wheat for market and then I went up in the woods and split fence stakes until noon. Afternoon helped run through another load of wheat and then went to the Burg.

May 3 – Rainey in the morning but cleared off about nine o’clock. I worked in garden in the forenoon. Worked for Father in the afternoon at plowing. Mr Warren came over to see me about getting my life Insured.

May 4 – Pleasant all day. We were at home all day. Ethan and Hannah and Henry went down to Aunt Kates to day and Henry and Ethan went to Kalamazoo after medicine. I wrote to Dr Johnson to day and sent him 1.00.

May 5 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father all day. Will went over to the burg to day. Father went over this mor afternoon after noon and got some plaster. Lew Bristol[62] was at Fathers to day.

May 6 – Pleasant. I plowed for Father to day. Ethan went to town to day and got twelve dollars and a half on “pattent right.” He bought him a pair of pants and a necktie. Nancy wrote to Johnson today.

May 7 – Rainey all day to day but I plowed until about half past three P.M. Lowis was here to day. Halley comenced marking for corn. Father comenced draging this afternoon. Eliza Jane Ridler staid here to night.

May 8 – Rainey all day but cleared off about night. I went over to the Burg in the morning and got my boots repaired. Ethan and me worked all day on a bracket saw. Got it so that it worked first rate. Jack Bristol was married to day.[63]

May 9 – Pleasant in the forenoon and rained in the afternoon. I plowed for Father in the forenoon and in the afternoon Ethan and me worked on sawing machine. Nancy and me went up to Fathers and stayed all night.

May 10 – Cloudy all day, rained some. I worked at burning brush for Father in the forenoon and plowed and draged in the afternoon. Will went over to the Burg to night. Nancy came home when I went to plowing at noon.

May 11 – Rained in the morning and cloudy and cold the rest of the day. Hannah went up to Mr Giddings last night to help Susan. She has a little girl 2 or three days old.[64] Ethan and me went up to the saw mill.

May 12 – Pleasant but windy. Draged, plowed and Planted to day. Put in a full day. We comenced planting corn to day. Finished plowing for corn to day.

May 13 – Pleasant but windy. I planted corn ¾ of the day for Father and set out 49 cabbage plants. Ethan and I went over to Galesburg to night. Mr Halley[65] comenced planting to day. Pa and Ethan helped him.

May 14 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I planted corn and potatoes up to the west place in the forenoon and planted corn at the east place this afternoon. Mr Halley finished to day. Mrs and Miss Barber, Mother and Aunt Julia were here visiting to day.

May 15 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Planted corn for father to day, finished about five o’clock. Father and Will went over to the burg and Ethan went with them. He helped me plant part of the afternoon.

May 16 – Very Pleasant. I went down to Fathers this morning and worked at the compost until 9 oclock and then came down and went to putting it on the corn. Worked a little while and then came home and had the ague.[66] Took a dose of Pills to night.

May 17 – Pleasant. Pa delivered his heifer to day. I helped him drive her over to the burg. I stayed to the burg until half past two P.M. Talked trade with E. P. W.[67] some to day but did not come very neer tradeing. I sent Dr Johnson for medicine for Nancy.

May 18 – Pleasant to day to some but I have not spent a very day. I had a very hard fit of ague. Father and Mother came down to night and we went home with them to stay all night.

May 19 – Some rainey but we went to town. Ethan came down and rode with us. Nancy stayed to Aunt Katies while Ethan and I went to Kalamazoo. The great Eastern show was in Kalamazoo. They had three band wagons and one steam piano, 26 dens[?], 1 small Elephant, 2 camels, 10 couple Ladies and Gentlemen on horse back.

May 20 – Rainey this morning but cleared off in the afternoon. I had the ague all night last night and all day to day but sat up a little while along toward night. Father plowed a little piece down by the bottom land for potatoes. Nancy got her medicine.

May 21 – Pleasant. I have not got the ague to day so I go a greening down on the bottom land and get some horse radish and grate it and some artichokes and pickle them. Ethan Finished plowing today.

May 22 – Rained last night but pleasant to day. I escaped the ague last night but felt pretty bad in the forenoon, felt better in the afternoon. Ethan and I went a fishing, caught a quite mess. I feel better tonight.

May 23 – Pleasant but windy. I worked some to day. “Put in about ¼ of a day for father”. Mart Millham and wife and Child[68] were here to day. Ethan planted for Towns[69] people. They had to plant over.

May 24 – Pleasant. I put in ½ day helping Father plant potatoes. I went over to town in the Evening. Ethan, Sis and Hannah went up to Aunt Katies. Sis stayed all night and Net Whetmore came home with H and E.

May 25 – Pleasant. I have been at home all day. Nancy has been sick. Hannah and Ethan went to take Nettie Whitmore up to Aunt Katies. E Henry Keith was here a little while this afternoon and Henry Rodgers and little girl.

May 26 – Pleasant but threatning rain. Worked all day to day. Drew straw in the forenoon and piled lumber and choped in the afternoon. Nancy is better to night. Will was complaining of being sick to night. Ethan went to Kal. rode back with M. O. Streator.

May 27 – Warm and Showery. ¾ of a day worked at building and repairing fence. Ida and Libbie Allen were here this afternoon. Pa and Ma went down to Fathers to night. Pa went up to Fords after a brass kettle.

May 28 – Pleasant. Worked all day for Father. Nancy and Ma and Hannah came up to Fathers this afternoon. Nancy and me are going to stay all night. Father and me built fence all day. Will plowed.

May 29 – Pleasant. I worked all day Fixing fence and triming orchard. It looks like rain and sprinkled a little, the wind blows quite hard. Will was sick all day with the ague.

May 30 – Pleasant. I worked ¾ of a day for Father and he worked ¼ of a day for me. Nancy was taken sick this after noon and between 9 and 10 she gave birth to twins, both boys, one was dead and the other lived about two hours.

May 31 – Pleasant. I remained in the house all day with Nancy. She feels pretty well considering if she would give up the baby’s. She feels awful bad about loseing them and dont want to give them up. When she sleeps she talks about them all the time. Frost this morning.

Jun 1 – Pleasant. Frost this morning. Nancy is not as well this morning. She feels weak and aches all over. She is better this afternoon. Lowis, Mrs Skinner,[70] Arthur, Uncle Ed and Aunt Hannah[71] were here to see Nancy, and Henry Keith and Will Clark.[72]

Jun 2 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked about a third of the time to day for Father and the rest of the time I was with Nancy. Lowis, Henry, Louesia, Ethan, Hannah, Ma, Mrs Ford and Tamer were here to day.

Jun 3 – Pleasant. Nancy is better. I worked ¼ of a day. Tip, Rass, Sate, Schram, Jim were here to day. Hannah came up, stay all night. I finished moovening the lane fences day. Allertons cattle were on Fathers to day.

Jun 4 – Pleasant. Nancy is getting better. I worked ¾ of a day. Eberley came along and stoped to Pa’s and asked if he could lay down as he was very sick so Ethan let him have the Lounge and then went and carried him home.

Jun 5 – Pleasant, very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. I worked my poll tax[73] to day. Mrs Skinner and Lowis were here this afternoon. Hannah went home a foot to night.

Jun 6 – Pleasant and very warm, Nancy is on the gain. I worked all day cultivating corn. Ma came home with me at night & Ethan came up and got her at dark. Nellie Stanford called this evening and Harry was at Pa’s.

Jun 7 – Pleasant and very warm. Nancy better. I worked all day, cultivated in the forenoon and washed sheep in the afternoon. Hannah came up with us at noon. Will went to town after we got through washing sheep.

Jun 8 – Pleasant, warm and looks as if it wood rain. Lowis was here this morning and Willie and Ethan and Milhams were here. Willis went to the consert with the horses and buggy. Nancy sat up and had her dress on.

Jun 9 – Pleasant but very warm. Nancy is not quite so well to day. Ma came up with me at noon. I put in 2/3 of a day cultivating corn. I went to the burg and got my hair cut and carried Mrs Alfred some chemicals ½# Ether, 1 pt Alcohol, ½# Colodion.

Jun 10 – Pleasant but dry and warm. I worked all day, drew stone in the forenoon and hoed corn in the afternoon. I went to bed with the ague before dark. Louesa staid here all night. Father and Will went to Kalamazoo this afternoon.

Jun 11 – Very Hot, dry, dusty unhealthy weather. I got up this morning and went from the parlo bed room to mothers and got into her bed and did not get out until three o’clock. Nancy is about as usual.

Jun 12 – Hot & Dry Weather. I got up this morning and tryed not to have the ague but it comenced shakeing me a bout 8 oclock and I did not feel like getting up. Was sick all night. I slept or layed and rolled in Mothers bed. Hannah slept with Nancy. Nancy had the ague.

Jun 13 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels better I believe but still feels aguey. I got up this morning and tryed to get to the table but could not so I went back to bed and could not get up until three oclock. The hardest ague fit I ever had I think.

Jun 14 – Hot and dry. Nancy feels some like the ague and she lays down on the lounge and Father puts her to sleep and she sweats it off. I go to bed and shake an hour and a half and then fever and sweats. Get up at ½ past three.

Jun 15 – Hot and dry. Nancy is not quite so well. I am better, did not have the ague. Ma came up here yesterday and stayed all night. Ethan and Hannah came up after them to night. Pa’s old hen (Grannie) died about 5 oclock.

Jun 16 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up and went back to bed again with the ague before seven o’clock. Mr Cross and Guss Gidings sheared sheep for Father to day. I had the belly ache pretty hard all the afternoon. Father had about 200# of wool, was offered 40 cts for it.

Jun 17 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I got up feeling pretty well and have felt pretty well all day. Pa went up to Aunt Katies after Ma. She went up last night with Uncle Joe[74] this morning before four o’clock and got back about four oclock PM.

Jun 18 – Hot and dry. Nancy is better. I have not had the ague but felt pretty bad all day. Lowis was here in the forenoon. Father went to Kalamazoo and when he got back he and I went to the burg to get some tinkering done.

Jun 19 – Hot and dry. Nancy is still better. I feel pretty well. Father commenced haying. I went down home a horse back twice and up to Dell’s[75] a foot. It looks some like rain to night. Hannah was here a little while. Mrs Seymor came over to help Ma weave.

Jun 20 – Hot and dry. Ethan and me went to Brady. Started from home ½ past five. Got home about ½ past ten. I went to see about getting a room to take pictures in. Heard about Lyons and concluded to start for there in the morn.

Jun 21 – Hot and dry. Ethan took me to Kalamazoo to the cars. Started from home at 5 oclock, left Kal at 8 am, arived at Rapids at 10.30 am, left Rapids at 11.20 am, arived at Muir 1.20 pm. Done up the business I could to day and started for Dickersons, arived there 7.10 pm, walked all the way.

Jun 22 – At Dickersons. It comenced raining about 9.00 Am and stoped about noon. We all went over to Marys after it stoped raining. She came back with us. Lewis went to see his chickey-bidey and did not get back until one oclock.

Jun 23 – At Dickersons. Threatning rain. Mr Dickerson took me down to Muir, got there about seven o’clock. Made arangements with Jay Olmstead about rent, got the refusal of his room until next Monday. Got home at 9 pm.

Jun 24 – At home. Some rainey. I have felt prety near used up to day. Nancy is well enough to come home and Lowis came and brought her home. Father and me went over to the burg to night after supper.

Jun 25 – Pleasant but hot. I went down to Fathers to help him but Lewis Bristol came and took my place so I came home and packed up some goods. Went to the Burg and sent Jay Olmsted rent, ten dollars. Got box and some nails.

Jun 26 – Pleasant. I have worked all day packing. Have got things pretty near packed. Father took his wool down to the burg to night. Ethan went down to Aunt Katies and got some Cabbage plants.

Jun 27 – Pleasant, two little showers. I worked all day cultivating corn. Was pretty near tired to death at night. Ethan worked for Dell haying. Jim went down and stayed with Will to night. Frank Tousley got his leg broke last night jumping off the cars.

Jun 28 – Pleasant but hot. I worked for Father ¾ of to day. Took the mowing machine apart and fixed it in the forenoon and worked in garden in the afternoon. Went to the burg after supper. Bill Mathews youngest child was drowned thursday 4 pm, buried yesterday.

Jun 29 – Warm and rainey. I have been at home all day. Nancy is not very well to day. Lowis, Mrs Skinner and Sate were here this afternoon. Father was here this morning. Jim went down to Fathers to stay all night.

Jun 30 – Cool, rained some in the forenoon. I worked for Father all day dragging the follow and Father sowed the buckwheat and dragged it in. Nancy is better, she finished my shirts to day and comenced her an apron. I feel pretty good to day.

Jul 1 – Hot sun, cool wind and showery. I have worked all day for Father. He went to mill over to Comstalk, took 4 bushels over for Pa. I wrote a letter to Dr Johnson for aunt Julia. Father went to the burg to night.

Jul 2 – Showery. I went down to the burg with my goods this forenoon. Arthur was to the burg and I came over with him. He staid to Fathers until five oclock. We ground the cradle and knives and killed a sheep.

Jul 3 – Showery. Ethan and me went to the burg and I shiped my goods to Lyons. Father comenced harvesting. I did not get to work until about eleven oclock, quit at half past three pm. I borrowed 500 of Osgood and went over to night and paid him, or I paid it to his clerk.

Jul 4 – Showery. I went up to Fathers this morning to harvest but we could not do anything for rain, so I staid at home until noon and then went down again. We came down and finished cutting this piece on the corner. Ma’s brother and wife[76] came this afternoon.

Jul 5 – Pleasant for the first time in a week. Worked for Father harvesting. Got about half of the piece at home done. Ma’s brother people went home to day. Allerton shut Fords cattle up at noon and went and notified him at sundown.

Jul 6 – Pleasant and cool. I set out some of Fathers wheat this morning and at night set it up again. Pa and ma went up to Aunt Katies. Father and Mother went up to Uncle Edds. Ethan went up to Skinners.

Jul 7 – Pleasant in the forenoon and until about six o’clock and then it comenced raining and rained until bed time. We drew four loads and one jag of wheat. Randall has most of his wheat cut and it lays on the ground in bunches.

Jul 8 – Pleasant and cool. We worked at harvesting. We had only Streator to help us. Ethan was sick to day so he had to lay off. Sate came down and staid all night. Aunt Julia got a letter from P. T. “Barnum” “Johnson” to day and he told what ails her.[77]

Jul 9 – Cool wind, some showery, but we drew wheat all day. Got all of our wheat that grew on our own land. Father went to the burg to night. I rode home and Nancy was ready to go to Fathers so when Dell came along we went to stay two or three days.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some cloudy and cool. Harvested all day. Nancy has been picking berries. Will has been complaining some to day. I am some lame and I feel some as though I might have the ague.

Jul 11 – Very Pleasant. Harvested all day. Nancy picked cherries some to day. Streator, Father and John Culver went to the burg to night. Eberly drove on the machine all day. Nancy is feeling pretty bad to night.

Jul 12 – Warm, looks some like rain to night. Hank worked for Father. They finished cutting wheat this forenoon, drew in nine loads in Mr Streators barn and four in Fathers. Will raked the wheat stubble up to the other place and part of this down here. Arthur Arms[78] came down to night. He is going to stay all night. (I[79] wrote for Hank, he was tired).

Jul 13 – Pleasant but warm. We drew wheat all day. Father paid me twenty dollars to night. Finished harvesting to day. Our folks came and brought us home to night. Hannah went up to Aunt Katies to stay all sumer.

Jul 14 – Very warm. I comencdced packing my Chest this morning. Went over to the burg in the forenoon, rested some in the afternoon and Nancy and me went up to Fathers just night. Very warm to night.

Jul 15 – Very warm. I started for Muir 11.35 am, had to wait in Jackson almost three hours, arived at Muir about half past ten pm. I was very warm. The chest was some racked but not seriously. Stayed at the Olmstead house.

Jul 16 – Warm and showery. I commenced on packing my goods in Muir. I have woorked pretty hard to day and am pretty tired to night. My goods came from detroit to day and were all right. I am going to lodge myself to night.

Jul 17 – Warm and showery. I have worked all day streightning things around. Have not got quite done yet. Am pretty tired. Sent a letter to Nancy to day. Run in debt to day for some curtains.

Jul 18 – Pleasant and cool. I tried to take pictures to day for the first in Muir. Did not have very good success at first but did better. Took two for a little boy, very good ones. I have had the blues like thunder, and home-sick as a dog.

Jul 19 – Pleasant and cool. I took my first negative this morning in Muir. Chemicals dont work worth a snap yet. I was so home-sick to day that all I ate I had to crowd down with a fork. Pewamo Band up here to night to give a Concert for benefit of Muir Band.

Jul 20 – Pleasant and cool. I went to church this forenoon to the Pres^b church and after dinner which was at 2 pm I took a stroll over to Lyons to a lecture at the Pres^b church in the evening, sub Prear[?] Test.

Jul 21 – Pleasant and cool. I got up this morning and worked all day. Took two dollars worth of gems to day. Loafed around all the evening. Went up to see the editor of the Grand River Hereld about advertiseing for me.

Jul 22 – Pleasant and warm. I have had a pretty good day for business to day, took two negatives and a good many positives. Took in 3.90 and some more that I have not got yet. I expected a letter from Nancy to day.

Jul 23 – Warm but otherwise pleasant. I received a nice long letter from Nina[80] today and answered it. I have worked hard but have not accomplished much. Bought 13 yds cambric for curtains.

Jul 24 – Warm but Pleasant. Mary Holbrook was here. I went over and played with the Brass band a little while to night. I think I will write a letter to Ethan to night. I have taken pictures just a week and have taken in 13.90.

Jul 25 – Warm but pleasant, looks some like rain. I printed a little to day. I went to band meeting to night and played with the boys. Today has been the dullest day since I comenced business here. I put my name up to day on my sign.

Jul 26 – Warm but pleasant. I have not been very busy to day but still have had enough to do for cumfort. I went up north about 2 mi with the band to practice and we came back and played in town.

Jul 27 – Very warm. I have been very lonesome to day. Went to church to the Deciple to night. I wrote a letter to Nina and one to Geo. R. Angell ordering a back ground and some other fixings and chemicals. I have had the blues to day.

Jul 28 – Warm, had a very nice shower to day. I took two Lagruners[?] pictures with just their pants on. They were pretty drunk. I went over to Lyons and painted three places on the fence (Photos at Muir). Sent a letter and a paper and some Photos to Nina.

Jul 29 – Very Pleasant. I recived a letter from Nina to day. Was most tickeld to death to hear from her again. I took a picture to coppy to night and make a 4-4. Mr Abby is going to let me know in the morn about rent.

Jul 30 – Very warm. I have written some to Nina to day, shall send it tomorrow if nothing happens. I drank a glass of beer and smoked a cigar to day, told Nina all about it in my letter. Went out a looking a place to rent to night but did not rent.

Jul 31 – Rainey and cool toward night. I scrubed out this morning. Took 2 gems and one negative for Ed Von Aultne[?]. I went up to Ionia to day on mail 4.30 D & M, came back 6.30 D-L-M, so cost me in all 50 cts. I bought a Warbler to charm babys with, make any kind of I noise.

Aug 1 – Pleasant part of the day and cloudy and hot. I went to bed last night feeling pretty near like haveing the ague but did not have it. I woke up and was awful sick, vomited the rest of the night and was sick most all day to day. Sweet comenced work for me to day.

Aug 2 – Pleasant. Aunt Lib and Uncle Geo[81] were down to Muir and I went to up home with them to stay all night. I left about ¼ to four in the afternoon. I did not feel very well and I thought I ought to take a little rest. We got up there about 6 oclock.

Aug 3 – Pleasant and cool. At Uncle Georges. Lewis and I went over to Marys and got her in the morning. We had green corn for dinner. After dinner Lewis took Mary and me and came within 3 miles of Muir and then I got out and he went to take Mary home.

Aug 4 – Very pleasant. It has been a rather busy day but not much pay. I ripped up my dark tent and made back ground and curtains of it. I went up and played with the band a little while then came down and got to talking with the tinner and talked until bed time.

Aug 5 – Pleasant. It has been very dull today. I got a letter from Nina and one from Mother. Comenced answering Nina’s to day. Took a negative of my room this afternoon, took a negative of Prof Bengamin, teacher of the brass band. Added 1 oz of Silver to my neg bath.

Aug 6 – Pleasant but warm. I printed to day. Was not very busy. Took in 3.00 after 4 oclock. I went to band meeting and learned one piece. I sent a letter to Nina with a picture of the Gallery and a dollar in money. I have had the blues some to day if I know myself.

Aug 7 – Pleasant and warm. I done more business to day than any day before. Went a seranading with the brass band. Had lots of wine, apples and cake. Got home after midnight a little. I am going to print tomorrow.

Aug 8 – Pleasant, but very warm. I printed to day. Have not taken in but three dollars and a quarter to day. Mr Sweet has been here part of the day. I packed a bunch of shingles to day for the first time in my life. I am lonesome to night or home sick or something.

Aug 9 – Pleasant and warm. I have been lonesome to day as bussiness has been dull. Harvey Holbrook has been here to day. Wanted me to go home with him but I could not go. I feel some like the ague but am not going to have it.

Aug 10 – Pleasant and very hot. I went to church this forenoon and then went over to see Mrs Long. She aggreed to do our washing for .40 a week and is to do mine washing and ironing until Nina gets here for the same and She furnishes soap and starch.

Aug 11 – Pleasant but very warm. Harvey Holbrook was here stoped on his way to Partland. He gave me two apples. Today has been the best day I have had since I came to Muir. I have taken 7.05. The Lyons Artist was here to day and I went over there this evening.

Aug 12 – Warm and Showery. I rec’d a letter from Nina and one from Father and mother. I have read them several times through and it does me more good to read them than it does to eat. My stomach is in a very bad condition. I never had it feel so before.

Aug 13 – Pleasant but warm. I had a pretty good day of it today. Mailed a letter to Nina and one to Faher. Sent Nina 16 dollars this afternoon. I dont fell very well yet but think I shall get along all right.

Aug 14 – Cool this forenoon and very warm in the afternoon. I printed to day. Went over to Lyons to night. It has been very dull all day out. I have taken some pictures, did not take any until after three oclock.

Aug 15 – Rainey and dull. I took 4 gems but did not get pay for them. The first day since I have been in Muir but what I took in something. I went out a seranading with the band last night. Did not get home until after midnight. Went out in the country.

Aug 16 – Pleasant and cool. I feel pretty well considering that I was out on a drunk last night. It has not been a very busy day but I have taken 6.40. I could not go to dinner so I went over about three oclock and had a boal of bred and milk.

Aug 17 – Pleasant but threatning rain. I went to church and when I came back I went to the P.O. and got a letter from Nina. She will be here in a week from next tuesday if nothing happens. I comencd answering it right off so as to get it out to morrow.

Aug 18 – Pleasant. I finished writing to my Nina to day and mailed it to her. I have been pretty busy to day takeing tintypes. Took one negative of a man on my own hook. If nothing happens I will have less flies to morrow than I have had to day as I netted my windows.

Aug 19 – Pleasant but very warm. It has been very warm to day and very dull. I rented the room over Probascos Brocks store to day and paid 4.00 in advance for them at 1.00 per week. I wrote a letter to my Mothers to day and got one from Mother.

Aug 20 – Very warm and threatning rain. I have printed to day but have not taken in a cent. I orderd a bill of goods to day. A young lady came here to day and said she would learn the trade to comence next Monday morning for 10.00.

Aug 21 – Very hot this fornoon. I did not take any pictures until afternoon. I rained very nice this afternoon. The lighning stuck one House in Muir. I got a letter from Nina to day and mailed one to her this afternoon. She sent me a bill of our goods.

Aug 22 – Very warm. I took babys pictures all the afternoon. Did not have very good success only took in 2.45. I receved a bill of goods to day, 3 yds carpet and a back ground and some other little things amt 20.75. I had to borrow 2.00 of Pussey Burt.

Aug 23 – Cooler to day, cloudy and very dull. I have not taken in a cent to day. I am strapped and worse and feel as though I could go right down through the floor. My throat is most awful sore to day, cant hardly swallow. Plainly speaking I have got the blues.

Aug 24 – Warm and pleasant. I went to church in the forenoon, staid to Sabath. I took charge of Mrs Ransoms class. I received a letter from Nina to day. She is comeing Tuesday on mail. It has been a very long day to day.

Aug 25 – Pleasant but hot. I am sick, brok out with the heat. It has been a pretty good day for busines to day. I went down to the Plaining mill to get my Frame but they had made a mistake and made it 4 ft square instead of eight.

Aug 26 – Cloudy in the morning, cleared of about noon but cloudy afternoon. Nina came to day on mail and the goods arrived here yes this morning and Hank brought them over after dinner. We ate supper at home alone to night in Muir for the first time.

Aug 27 – Pleasant but warm. I did not do much to day, awful dull only took in .50 and we got three chairs and some curtains. Went to bed pretty tired to night. Have not got settled yet but still it seems like home. We sent a letter to Ma to day.

Aug 28 – Pleasant. I took in .35 cts to day. Put up my back ground to day. Took one picture of Nina and she put it up. I helped Nina wash the woodwork to night. We sat and talked and looked out of the window a good while. Nancy is feeling pretty well.

Aug 29 – Cloudy and foggy in the morning. This morning about 6 o’clock a freight train ran into the morning express doing fearful damage, several killed and a large number wounded. At night more died through the day. I scrubbed out the Galery this afternoon. Nina went over and helped wash dishes at the hotel.

Aug 30 – Pleasant and a very dull day. Did not take in a cent. Uncle George came down and we went home with him. The past week has been the dullest week since I got up here. I am strapped and am not doing any work at all. No one comes, have not done any thing to amt to any thing since Monday.

Aug 31 – Rainey and hot. Uncle Georges folks and us went over to Marys and after supper they came and brought us home. I am pretty near sick and so is Nina. Johney Long came and brought our cloths home after I had got to bed.

Sep 1 – Pleasant But dull. Only took in .65 to day. I have got the blues pretty bad. Nancy is in a fix,[82] got so the first week which was last week. It beets the duce how I do get along. I cant help but wish that I was dead.[83] I bought some beats to day.

Sep 2 – Pleasant and very dull. I could not get any butter this morning so we had to get along with out. Nancy got up this morning sick at her stomach which estableshes the fact that she is in a fix again.

Sep 3 – Rainey and dull. I did not take in a cent all day. I expect that I will see some pretty hard times now. I dont know whether it is because my pictures dont suit or because I am such a mean unlucky cuss.

Sep 4 – Pleasant this morning. Nancy is not feeling very well. I took in four dollars and 50 cents to day, all for photographs. Retuched three negatives. I have got the blues most awful bad to day and expect to have them the rest of my days.

Sep 5 – Peasant but windy. Very dull. I have printed to day, got done about two oclock. Nancy was sick to her stomach again this morning and I have got the blues worse than ever. Oh! how I do wish I could get along without haveing the blues so.

Sep 6 – Cloudy and cold this morning. We had a fearful accident here last night. Little Jimmie Sylvester[84] was killed while playing with the cars.[85] I did not take in a cent to day but I tended to my bussines just the same.

Sep 7 – Some rainey and windy. I boiled my baths to day. Nancy is not very well so we did not go to church. She wrote a letter to Dr our folks and I wrote one to Dr Foote. We went down to the dam in the maple river just sundown.

Sep 8 – Pleasant but cool. It is very dull, not a thing to do and of corse I have got the blues like the duce. I have taken 2 gems of Mr Long to day and that is all I have done. I have made up my mind to quit business october first.

Sep 9 – Pleasant and cool. I took in 2.25 to day but it is most awful dull now days. I albuminized glass this morning. We got a letter from home this morning and one from Loyd Higgins.

Sep 10 – Pleasant. I took in 5.00 to day, the most I have taken in in a quite a while. I took a 4-4 negative of Probascos little girl which I did not get paid for and dont expect to get any thing on that as they want something two nice altogather.

Sep 11 – Pleasant and warm. I had a good day again to day, took in 5.00. The artist over at Lyons came over here and left three negatives for me to print some pictures from, two fancy pictures and a lady.

Sep 12 – Pleasant in the morning but cloudy in the afternoon and rainey. I printed to day the biggest job of printing I have had since I have been in Muir. I had very good luck printing to day. Bought 2 pr Shears.

Sep 13 – Saturday. I put up pictures all day and every one was suited that saw their pictures. I felt like the ague all day, had some fever most all day. Only took in 1.70. I got the Saturday night and got a letter from Mary Plank to Nina. I took in a little over 16. this week.

Sep 14 – Very cool but Pleasant. We went to church and like to froze to death. I dont think I will go right away unless they will try and make it comfortable. I guess I had a chill to day at any rate I felt like the ague in the afternoon and went to bed with a high fever.

Sep 15 – Cloudy and some rainey. I helped moove the stove into the other room this morning. I had to buy 4.35 worth stove pipe and a piece of zinc .75. Mary Holbrook was her to day to dinner, the first person that has eat with us in Muir.

Sep 16 – Pleasant and a little warmer than yesterday and day before. I took in over six dollars to day and went a fishing. Did not catch any but bought one and paid 30 cts for it. I was pretty near sick to night had a mustard plaster on my back and front.

Sep 17 – Cool and rainey all day. I have retuched two negs to day. Have not taken in a cent but have been in my rooms all day. I feel a little better than I did yesterday. We received a letter from Ma last night.

Sep 18 – Pleasant. I took in 8.50 to day and have retuched some negs or some on one negative. I am at work on one of the worse negatives now that I ever saw in my life I believe. I got a bill of goods to day amt 5.30.

Sep 19 – Pleasant and cold. I have printed to day and shall mount them this evening if nothing happens. I bought a load of wood to day paid 2.00 for it. We looked for Ethan some to day but he did not come. I shall look tomorrow.

Sep 20 – Pleasant and cool. I spotted out pictures all day to day. Only took in 1.45 to day. I took two pictures of Mrs Burt but did not get my pay. I went to the train to see if Ethan came but he did not and I was awful disipointed to think he did not come.[86]

Sep 21 – Cloudy but pleasant. I was disturbed from my peaceful slumbers last night or this morning rather about half past two by somebody knocking and went to the door and found Ethan there. We got up and prepaired a place for him to sleep.

Sep 22 – Rainey and cool this morning. Ethan is here yet. He started frome here about half past 11 eleven oclock. It has been a very dull day to day and I have broke a 4-4 negative of Mrs. Fers.

Sep 23 – Cloudy and dull. I took in $3.37 cts to day. We went to the circus in the evening. It was the best circus I ever went to. Nancy is about sick. She has a sore throat and we have booth got bad colds. I got a letter from Horise Utica Ny.

Sep 24 – Cloudy and dull. I paid Probasco to day for rent on building 4.00. He took the picture of his little girl at 3.00. I received 2 more offers to day, answerd them.

Sep 25 – Cloudy and dull. I received more offers to day and answerd them. I have taken in almost 5.00 to day. We received a crock of Butter from Mother to day. Nancy is not very well at present.

Sep 26 – Pleasant. Took 3 negatives but did not take in any money until evening and then I took in 1.20. Sold two frames to Mrs Wagar. It was cold this morning but grew warm toward night and was quite warm.

Sep 27 – Pleasant and very warm. I have took in 8.50 to day. Got a letter from Uncle H Crawford.[87] Says I can have a job if I come. I expect a job of photo soon so I shant go.

Sep 28 – Rainey and dark. I printed all day to day. Dont think I shall try to print any more in Muir. Nancy is not very well but is better than she was. I went up to Mrs Longs to take the dirty clothes up and.

Sep 29 – Rainey again to day. I Finished up my pictures to day that I made yesterday. I comenced packing a little to day. I have been pretty busy to day and expect to be busy all the rest of the week.

Sep 30 – It cleared off to day and I packed some and took one negative of the telegraph operator and sold it to him for 12/-.[88] I took my last pictures in Muir to day.

Oct 1 – Pleasant. I packed all day to day and was pretty tired at night. I expect to start for home next saturday if nothing happens. Louis was here to supper to night.

Oct 2 – Pleasant. I finished packing up my things in Muir to day at the gallery.

Oct 3 – Rainey. Packed all day at the house. Get most every thing packed at the house to day and start for home to morrow night if nothing happens.

Oct 4 – Rainey. We finished packing and got the goods at the depot after noon. We started from Muir ½ past five went over to Lyons to take the cars and they were late so we did not get away until after mid night. Took a freight from Lansing to Jackson.

Oct 5 – Rainey in the morning and cleared off at noon, but rained again at night. We had to stay all day at Jackson. Got home about ½ past 8 oclock in the evening.

Oct 6 – Awful cold to day at Pa’s. Ethan took us down to Fathers and staid to dinner then he and me went to Mr Riddlers to a raising. We staid to Fathers all night. Alfred Luley was there too.

Oct 7 – Pleasant. Alfred Luley and me went down to the burg and got my trunk. Hannah came home to day. Stoped at fathers and staid till Nancy and me went down that night. We staid all night at Pa’s.

Oct 8 – Pleasant and very warm. We went up to Aunt Katies with Pa’s Horse and wagon. Aunt Fledia[89] went up with us, she stayed. Ethan went as far as Busters to work. When we came back Nancy stoped to Fathers and I took bill home then I come back.

Oct 9 – Pleasant. I have written in Wednesday what I ought to write to day so I will write here what I ought to write for Wednesday. We washed to day and I husked two shocks of corn and helped pick up.

Oct 10 – Pleasant. Father and me went to Hartwells to make cider and in the afternoon we picked up some Butnuts and I carried them up stairs. Father went down to Galesburg with a load of wheat. He got 1.35 for it. Croock-neck Squash and carry me home. Weve spliced to day.

Oct 11 – Rained a little this morning. I sowed plaster to day. This eve Father, Will, Fred and I went to the Burg. Nancy went up to Pa’s. Ethan went to the Burg with us. Pa lanced Hannahs Felon[90] to night. Mrs Earl, Hattie and Libbie Taylor visited at Pa’s this afternoon.

Oct 12 – Pleasant. We were at Fathers all day. We looked for Gustus Chase[91] and his wife but Tip and Rasstus and Charley[92] went up there so they did not get down. Mother and Nancy worked all day getting my cloths ready to go to Chicago.

Oct 13 – Pleasant. Nancy and me went down to Galesburg this morning to take my trunk down. We called on Mrs Alfred and Mrs Barber. Then we stoped at Pa’s and staid and Father took the team home. Father, Mother and Will came down to Pa’s in the evening. I started for Chicago 11.58 P.M.

Oct 14 – Pleasant all day. I arived in Chicago this morning about 7.00 oclock AM. I walked up Michigan St to Clark and up Clark to the North Chicago City Railway office. Found Uncle and he introduced me to Mr Squiers and he gave me a job.

Oct 15 – Pleasant. I comenced work for N.C.C.R. yesterday afternoon as student and worked all day to day as student. I wrote a letter to Nancy this after noon.

Oct 16 – Pleasant but cool. I ran as student this forenoon and ran for My Tutor this afternoon. Got to bed about 10 oclock P.M. I was pretty tired when I got to bed.

Oct 17 – Cool but not very bad. I did not get a run to day so I strolled about the streets. I went down to the river and on board of some of the steamers and saw the sights. Got lost but soon found myself.

Oct 18 – Some rainey and cool. It rained and blew quite hard last night in the night, blew up some side walk. I got a run this afternoon and did not get in until almost mid night and was pretty tired.

Oct 19 – Cool raw wind. I did not get up until 7.00 am, ate breakfast and went down to the office but did not get a run so went down to the lake and to the water works. Came home and got dinner and went to work on extra, recived 1.50.

Oct 20 – Pleasant but cool. I did not get any run to day so I went up to the park this forenoon and saw the sights. Afternoon I went down to state street and Madison. Sold my silver for 5.00 and left my watch to be repired at Severns.

Oct 21 – Cloudy and coold. I have not worked any to day. I went down to the lake and all over north side. Got a letter from my Nancy to day, answerd it to night. She is not very well.

Oct 22 – Cool in the morning but warm in the after noon. I went on this morning and worked until about six oclock Making about 11 hours. I run to day on lincoln avenue for George Haskin on set car.

Oct 23 – Cool in the morning but warm through the day and cool in the evening. I have been running for the same man to day that I did yesterday. Comenced 10.56 am and quit 12.00 mid night.

Oct 24 – Cool but pleasant. Dust flew awfuly. I worked on Lincoln ave to day. Got in at midnight. I am not feeling very well.

Oct 25 – Cool but pleasant, warmer in the middle of the day. I did not do any thing to day only loaf. Got a letter from Mother and Nancy to day.

Oct 26 – Coold and rainey. Loafed all day again. I comenced a letter to Nancy but did not finish it.

(No more daily entries.)

——-

Notes in back of diary:

H. C. Morton & Son
Benton Harbor, Michigan

Jan 3d 1873
Mr Morton agreed to watch a chance for a place to put in a side and sky light and apprise me of as soon as possible.

Left Junction at 4 oclock and 10 minutes, arived at Kalamazoo 6 oclock and 50 minutes. Started from Kalamazoo 7 oclock and 51 minutes, arived at home 8 oclock and 20 mi.

Jay Olmsted, Muir, Mich
Photo

Gruse[?] Eradicator
1 oz Sal Soda ½ oz Borax
1/8 Salt petre 1 pt Soft water compound and all is ready. Apply with a woolen cloth

Hiram Crawford
430 North Clark St
Chicago, Ill

Oct 21, 73
Received of H. A. Brown 5.00 five dollars for board
Mrs Long

Enamle for photos
1 oz white wax some turpintine some brams[?] some perfume

Jan 19th Henry, Ethan, Hannah, Pa and Ma, Louesa, Nancy & myself were at Mr Planks to dinner to day besides Fred Allerton, Mr & Mrs P, Will, Carrie, Mary & Becky.

Good negative colodion
Makes good Ferotypes[?] by adding about 1 gr of Bromide of Cadmion to each ounce and Dulute about 2/3 with AxE

March 2nd 1873 we were to Fathers all day to day. Father brung us home to night.

Toning Solution
30 oz Water
30 gs Acetate of Soda
30 gr Salt

——-

[1] Inscription on the front cover: H. A. Brown, Photographer, Muir, Galesburg, Mich. Henry is known better, and referred to, as Hank

[2] The X’s, which were placed under the date, are not explained

[3] A gem was a small tintype photograph. Tintypes were printed on iron, but called tintype because the metal resembled tin

[4] His wife, Nancy (Keith) Brown. They were married October 5, 1872

[5] Ambrose Brown

[6] Nancy’s sister, Hannah Keith

[7] According to both Luke Keith’s and Nancy Brown’s diaries, he went with his brother-in-law, Henry Keith

[8] Matilda (Allen) Brown

[9] His mother’s sister, Julia Allen, who lived with Ambrose & Matilda Brown

[10] His brother, Willis Brown

[11] Nancy’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. Both Nancy & Hank refer to her parents, Sarah (Crawford) & Charles Luke Keith Jr., as Ma and Pa, and to Hank’s parents, Matilda (Allen) & Ambrose Brown, as Mother and Father

[12] Nancy’s brother, Ethan Keith

[13] Believe he is referring to Byron Allen, the son of neighbor, John S. & Amanda Louisa (Worden) Allen. Any possible relationship between them and Matilda (Allen) Brown is unknown at this time

[14] The stepson of his uncle, John Wood Allen; he was the son of John Wood Allen’s second wife, Mary Stephenson, and her first husband, John Yates

[15] Nancy’s half-brother, Henry Keith, the son of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith

[16] Nancy’s mother, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[17] Believe he is referring to his paternal first cousin, Arthur Arms

[18] Neighbor, Richard Barber

[19] A seance

[20] Neighbors, John & Eliza Ann (Young) Bailey

[21] Neighbors, Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[22] Neighbor, Ida Barber, the daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[23] Neighbors, Byron, Cora, Ida, Libbie and Emma Allen are mentioned throughout the diary. They are the children of John S. & Amanda Louise (Worden) Allen

[24] John Quincy Streator, the son of Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator

[25] The son of neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[26] Nancy’s aunt, Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[27] Neighbor, William Plank

[28] Neighbor, Harriet (Groat) Plank

[29] Neighbor, the son of John & Caroline (Rapelje) Allerton

[30] Carrie and Mary Plank, the daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[31] See footnote to January 16^th entry

[32] Nancy’s half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, the daughter of Charles Luke Keith Jr. by his first wife Minerva (Payson) Keith. Hank sometimes spells her name Louis or Lowis

[33] Lois’ sister-in-law, Sarah “Sate” Skinner

[34] Nancy’s youngest sister, Louese Keith, who is sometimes referred to as Sis or Louesa

[35] Nancy’s youngest brother, James Clinton Keith

[36] Hannah’s boyfriend. From an entry in Luke’s diary on 12-13-1872 he mentioned that Hannah got a ring from Eberly Underwood

[37] His mother’s brother, Sidney Allen

[38] Eli P. Wightman

[39] A search of FindAGrave.com reveals that Rev. Phillip Potts died January 25, 1873 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[40] Alvan and Jesse Lee, Nancy’s second cousins

[41] Kalamazoo, Michigan

[42] See footnote for January 24^th entry

[43] A neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[44] Nancy’s paternal first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” (Keith) Chaffee, the daughter of Harvey and Alfleda (Starr) Keith

[45] Luke, Nancy and Hank all wrote in their diaries of the Brown and Allerton lawsuit. Luke wrote the following in his diary on November 18, 1872: Mr Allerton drawed some wood for Mr Plank. He asked me about the hogs, did Mr Brown say any thing about the hogs before the trial commenced. I think not. He says we stood by the gate talking, heard the hogs and I started to go to home and Mr Brown followed an we saw the hogs in my lot. This is what he says to day

[46] Believe he is referring to Jackson P.  & Julia S. (Wood) Bristol; Julia & Hank were paternal first cousins

[47] Rebecca Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[48] Luke Keith’s horse

[49] Nancy would sometimes fall into a trance. During these trances she had an Indian spirit guide named Maumee and would produce very delicate intricate drawings. When she came out of her trances, she remembered nothing of what had happened nor was she able to produce the same style drawings. She would be so drained after these trances that Hank finally told her that she should tell him if she felt a trance coming on. He then, somehow, kept her from going into the trance

[50] Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, the widow of Nancy’s Uncle Edwin Crawford

[51] Adelbert “Del” Skinner, the husband of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner

[52] Lucy (Lee) Milham, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her second husband, George Lee

[53] Helen (Bradley) York, the daughter of Catharine (Keith) Bradley Lee by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[54] Marion and Helen York

[55] Nancy’s younger brother, James Clinton Keith

[56] Simeon Wood, the husband of Ambrose Brown’s sister, Reliance Brown

[57] The poles between which a horse is hitched to a wagon

[58] One of Ethan Keith’s inventions (see May 14, 1873 letter)

[59] Neighbor, Henry “Harry” D. Streator, the son of Marius O. Streator

[60] Creosote, an oily liquid distilled from wood tar or coal tar which was used as an antiseptic

[61] Luke Keith wrote in his diary that “J T Allertons old white mare lying in the lot almost dead”

[62] Most likely Louis Bristol, the son of Jackson Bristol (see footnote for March 8^th entry)

[63] Michigan Marriage Records at Ancestry.com show that Jackson Bristol married Alta Burge on May 8, 1873 in Galesburg, Michigan

[64] Michigan Birth & Christening Records at Ancestry.com show that Adelia Giddings was born May 10, 1873 to Augustus & Susan Giddings

[65] Neighbor, Byron Hawley; Luke Keith’s diary mentions him frequently

[66] A form of malaria characterized by stages of chills, fever, and sweating

[67] Eli P. Wightman

[68] Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham and their daughter, Clara Milham

[69] Neighbors, Albert & Pamelia (Hosley) Towne

[70] Sarah (Knight) Skinner, Del’s and Sate’s mother

[71] Ambrose Brown’s sister and brother-in-law, Hannah (Brown) and Edmund Chase

[72] Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s son

[73] Tax on a person, as distinguished from that on property, especially as a prerequisite for voting

[74] Nancy’s cousin, Joseph Lee (son of Rhoda (Keith) and Charles Lee)

[75] Adelbert Skinner, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s second husband

[76] Henry and Virginia (Worley) Crawford. Henry was Sarah (Crawford) Keith’s brother. See Nancy Brown’s July 4, 1873 entry

[77] Julia had cancer in her later years and possibly this is some reference to it. A cradle was built for her as she found the rocking motion soothing. At times the pain would be so intense that she left fingernail marks in the cradle. The reference to “P. T. Barnum” Johnson seems to show Hank’s lack of confidence in the doctor

[78] Son of Cynthia E. (Brown) & William E. Arms. Cynthia was Ambrose Brown’s sister

[79] Nancy

[80] Years later, his daughters, Lela and Bess, were reading through his diaries and noticing the many references to Nina, they thought he was having an affair with another woman. Nancy noticed their hostility towards him and asked what was bothering them. When they told her their suspicions she explained that “Nina” was his pet name for her

[81] Investigation continues as to their identity

[82] It appears Hank believes Nancy is pregnant; however, their son Claude wasn’t born until January 23, 1875

[83] Hank suffered from depression as can be seen by the many entries regarding his feeling blue. Years later, his brother-in-law, Jim Keith, was laid off from his job. In a letter dated May 25, 1890, Jim wrote to his brother, Ethan, regarding his layoff and said, “I dont know what to do. I never had Hank Brown’s blues befour and never want then again.”

[84] Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that James B. Sylvester, age 9, was killed in a railroad accident. He was the son of Henry S. and Mary Sylvester

[85] Train cars

[86] This last sentence was in Nancy’s handwriting

[87] Hiram Crawford Jr., Sarah Crawford Keith’s brother

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

[89] Alfleda (Starr) Keith, widow of Luke Keith’s brother, Harvey

[90] Deep inflammation on finger or toe

[91] His maternal first cousin, Julius Augustus Chase

[92] Erastus and Charles Towne; Tip might be their brother Cullen Towne

——-

Cash Account, January
		Received	Paid
2	Fare to Benton Harbor		1.90
“	Dinner at Junction		.50
3	Board at Benton Harbor		1.50
“	Brazilian Nuts		.10
“	Fair to Coloma		.30
“	“ from “ to Junction		.40
“	Junction to K		.90
“	K to Galesburg		.30
“	Peanuts		.05
			5.75

 

Cash Account, April
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Apr 30	To Cash on hand	8.30
“       “	By V for B		1.00
“       “	“ Sugar 8#		1.00
May 6	“ Doctor bill		1.00
“       “	“ One Hat		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.20
“       “	“ Oysters		.25
“       8	“ Repairing bods		.35
“     17	“ Dr Johnson		4.00
“       “	“ Cristar to watch		.25
“       “	“ Sundries		.10
“     19	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Medicine		.75
“       “	“ Tomatoes		.06
“     24	To Cash	1.00
“       “	By Mescetoes		.40
“       “	“ Tea ½#		.50
“       “	“ 1 paper tacks		.10

 

Cash Account, June
1873	Cash Acct	Dr	Cr
Jun  2	To Wing B. A	5.00
“       “	By A???ica		.10
“       9	Haircut		.25
“     20	By Beer		.15
“       “	“ Rubber		.06
“     21	To Cash per J A H	5.00
“       “	By Cars		2.90
“       “	Omnibus and Hack		1.15
“       “	“ Dinner		.25
“     23	“ Cars		2.35
“       “	“ Crackers		.05
“     23	“ Beer		.05
“     24	“ Shirts		1.80
“       “	“ Factory		.25
“       “	“ Medicine		.45
“     25	“ Rent to Muir		10.00
“       “	“ Box		.50
“       “	“ Postage		.18
“       “	“ Nails		.06
“       “	To Cash of Father	10.00

 

Cash Account, July
1873		Received	Paid
3	To Cash	5.00
“	By Nails		.06
“	“ Screws		.08
“	“ Leather		.10
“	“ Freight		4.95
13	To Cash	20.00
14	By Rope		.09
“	“ Pens and holder		.05
“	“ Postage		.03
15	“ Cars to Jackson		1.75
“	“    “     “   Lyons		2.10
“	“ Omnibus		.25
16	“ Freight		2.88
“	“ Drayman		.75
“	“ Ball of Goods		8.55
“	“ 2 gel crock		.25
“	“ Comb and brush		.80
“	“ Broom		.35
“	“ Paper & Env		.02
17	“ Wire		.30
“	“ Postage		.03
18	To Cash rc	.75
“	By Egg, Cork, Buttons		.07
“	Silk Thread		.15
19	To Cash Ric	1.90
22	By Cash to bal	27.65	27.65

 

Cash Account, August
		Received	Paid
Jul 22	To Cash on hand	4.54
“       “	By Glass & putty		.85
“       “	“ Paper and nuts		.15
“       “	“ Board		3.00
“     23	“ Curtains		2.62
“       “	“ ½ gal oil		.18
“       “	“ Starch		.06
“       “	“ Wire		.30
“     24	“ Paint		.35
“     24	“ Cotton flannel		.10
“     25	“ Postage		.03
“       “	“ Glass and putty		.25
“     26	“ Netting		.15
“       “	“ 3 Cigars		.25
“       “	To Week rec	14.05
“     27	By Washing		.35
“       “	“ Colars & paper		.50
“     28	“ Postage .08 Med .40		.48
“     29	“ Board		4.00
“       “	“ Bill Goods		5.90
“       “	“ Card board		.05
“       “	“ Nina		1.00
“     31	“ [?]		.50
“       “	“ Sundries		.08
“       “	“ Brandy Soda		.15
Aug 2	To Weeks receipes	15.60
“       “	By Cash to Ball		12.89
		34.19	34.19

 

Cash Account, September
		Received	Paid
Aug  2	To Cash on hand by [?]	2.11
“       “	“      “      “     “	12.89
“       “	By One Lamp Chimney		.10
“       4	By Silver		1.30
“       “	“ Postage and egg		.04
“       “	“ Sewing 2.25 thread .8		.33
“       6	“ Board		3.50
“       “	“ Nina		1.03
“       “	“ Sponge		.10
“       7	“ Rent		8.50
“       8	“ Postage		.06
“       “	“ Leese		.50
“       9	To Weeks rects	19.55
“     11	By Paper & stamps		.10
“     12	“ Nina		5.03
“     12	“ Board		3.50
“     13	“ Nina		16.14
“     15	“ Paper 28 Stamps 06		.35
“       “	“ Band		.25
“     16	“ Board		2.00
“       “	“ Paper		.07
“       “	7.05/1.80.4.40.1.40.6.40	21.05
“       “	By Cash to Bal		12.70
		55.60	55.60

 

Cash Account, October
1873		Received	Paid
Aug 17	To Cash brought over	12.70
“       “	By Soda Gum Netting		.11
“      18	“ Tacks on Neting		.55
“      19	“ Rent to Probasco		4.00
“       “	“ Chalk line		.10
“       “	“ Board		1.50
“      20	“ Hair cut, Aples		.45
“      21	“ Postage		.10
“      22	“ Cocked hat		.10
“       “	“ Bill of goods		20.75
“       “	“ Errors		.09
“      23	To Weeks rect	13.05
“      25	By Medicine		.10
“      26	“       “		.30
“       “	“ Soap 10 Tacks 10		.20
“       “	“ Tea 30 Patatoes 13		.43
“       “	“ Stove pipe		.35
“      27	“ Windo Curtains		1.85
“       “	“ Chairs		4.50
“       “	“ Salt		.10
“       “	“ Tacks 20 Screws 05		.25
“      28	“ Apples		.10
“       “	“ E Notices		.50
“      29	“ ¾# Butter		.15
“       “	“ 2# Sugar		.25
“      30	To Weks receipts	7.49
“       “	By Meat		.10
“       “	To Cash to bal	3.69
		36.93	36.93

 

Cash Account, November
1873		Received	Paid
Sep 1	By Cash to bal		3.69

 

Bills Payable, February
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
28	One Note to E. P. W	200	00

 

Bills Payable, July
1873		Dolls.	Cts.
17	Warmer Merchant Paid Cambrick 17½ yds 15 Oil ½ gal 35		2.63 .18
17	Ice Merchant 1 pail ice
18	1     “     “
21	1     “     “

 

Bills Payable, August
	Jay Olmstead	D	C
Jul 1	Comenced renting Phot rooms of
“   “	To Cash on rent	10.00
“   21	“ Repairing roof
“    “	“ Glass and putty	1.50
“   23	“ Lead pipe and putting it in	1.00
“   25	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
“   29	“ 1 10×18 glass and putting it in	.50
Aug 7	“ Cash	8.50
“    “	“ Redicetion[?]	3.00
“    “	By One quarter vent		25.00

 

Bills Payable, September
	Mrs S. M. Long	D	C
Aug 3	By washing		.70
“     “	To Picture	.20
“     “	“ 2 Gems	.50
“     “	“  “    “	.50
“   11	By Washing		.30
“   17	“         “		.40
“   24	“         “		.40
“   24	To 6 Gems	1.50
“   31	By Washing		.40
Sep 5	“         “		.40
“    8	To 2 Gems	.50
“   12	“    “     “	.50
“     “	By Extra Washing		.20
“    20	“ Washing		.40
“    21	“      “		.40