1884 DIARY OF ETHAN B. KEITH
E. B. Keith
Galesburg Mich
Bought Dec 11 1883
X[1] Jan 1 – Worked at patterns. Lois, Ina,[2] Nancy and Claude[3] came from Shelbyville[4] to day. Jim[5] brought Lois and Ina over here from the Burg.[6] Jim came down this evening. Wrote a postal to Henry.[7]
Jan 2 – 16° Snow. Worked at patterns. Snowed about 10 inches last night. Will Clark[8] came up this morning after Lois and Ina. He took Will Brown[9] to the train, he went to Marshall. Jim took Bessie[10] home this P.M. Herb Earl[11] was down this A.M.
Jan 3 – 0° Blustering. Worked at the patterns some this P.M. It is very blustering to day. Jim came down this P.M. Hannah[12] hemmed my scarf this morning.
Jan 4 – 16° 17° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Very cold and blustering. Lois and Ina came up from Mrs Browns[13] this morning. Jim was down a little while this A.M. Grace Griffith left Hanks[14] for Decatur this P.M. She is not agoing to work there any longer.
Jan 5 – 14° below Blustering. Worked at patterns. Jim was down this A.M. and helped Pa[15] cut some wood.
Jan 6 – 14°. Jim called a few minutes on his way to the Burg. Will Clark was here a few minutes this evening.
X Jan 7 – 10° below. Worked at the patterns a little while this A.M. Lois, Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies[16] this P.M. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nans this evening, they are agoing to go home to morrow. Rec’d a letter from Henry and Florence.[17]
Jan 8 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Pa went over to the Burg twice to day. Lois and Ina went home on mail. Pa brought Bessie over home with him this P.M. Herb Earl was down this P.M. to show me a “Little Lap Board” he had made and to get me to stamp the date on it.
Jan 9 – Worked at patterns. Herbert Earl was down this P.M. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this evening. She stayed to the play “Kathaleen Mavoumum.” Bessie was quite croopy to night. A gentleman and three ladies came here this P.M. Smith & Woodard sent him here to see if I would make patterns for them.
Jan 10 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went over to the Burg this eving took Bessie home. Am not feeling very well my Stomach is what’s the matter.
Jan 11 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Jim have gone to the Burg this evening. Jim to the dance and Pa to hear the music. Ma[18] wrote to Uncle Hiram[19] about “business.”[20]
Jan 12 – 15° Snow. Went to Kal[21] this P.M. to see the Eureka Wind Mill Co. They want me to make patterns for them, but I dont think I will for I have other jobs. Geo Youmans and Lou Bristol[22] came over this morning to see the pattern.
Jan 13 – 40° warm. At Hanks this morning came from Kal last night on Mich City freight and stayed all night. Bessie is sick with a hard cold. I came home with Jim about noon. Pa and Ma have gone over to Nans this evening.
X Jan 14 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this Evening saw Geo Youmans about some the W-M patterns. Wrote to Messrs Smith & Woodard that I could not work for them.
Jan 15 – 11°. Worked at Patterns. Went to the Burg this evening took Hannah and Lela[23] over. H[annah] is agoing to sew for Nan[cy]. Took some of Beatty’s circulars over to Mr Conkey.
Jan 16 – 11°. Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma have gone to the Burg this evening. Will Morten, and Myrtie Barlow, was married this evening.[24] Oscar Keith[25] came here this P.M. he and Mary[26] are up to Mr Batys[27] Mr B- is very sick.
Jan 17 – Worked at patterns. Pa went to the Burg this P.M. Lou and Jay[28] came back with him. Lou came out to day. Theodore Earl[29] was down this A.M. Jim brought Hannah home from the Burg this evening.
Jan 18 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this morning. Ma and Grandma[30] visited at Mr Streators[31] this P.M. Mrs Brown also. Will Clark has got “Bill” this evening to take a load up to Russells. Oscar Keith has gone home this P.M.
Jan 19 – 1°. Worked at patterns finished them this A.M. Worked at the core-bores[?] this P.M. Teachers Institute at the Burg to day. Will Clark went after Nan and the children, brought Lou over here. Mr Bela Wright died to day.[32] Mr Baty died last night.[33]
Jan 20 – 7° below. I am 33 years old to day. Will Clark brought Nan and the children up this A.M. I took them home to night. Lou is sick. Mr Wright was buried this P.M.
Jan 21 – 6°. Worked at patterns. Lou was not well enough to go over to the Dentists to day. Uncle Tom’s Cabin at Schroders Hall this evening.
Jan 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah and I went to the Burg this evening. I went down and saw Geo and Barlow. Pa took Lou and Jay over to the Burg this A.M. Mr Knapp was over to see about some patterns this A.M.
Jan 23 – Worked at patterns a little to day. It has been quite blustering. Pa went over and went to the Depot with Lou. She started for home on Mail. Claude is 9 years old to day. Geo Barber was over this P.M. to see the patterns.
X Jan 24 – 17° below. Worked at patterns. Rec’d a letter from Lois and my wristlets she has been making me. Aunt Pattys[34] birth day “79th.” Wrote to Lois.
Jan 25 – 13° below. Worked at Patterns. Jim has gone to the Club dance it is the last one. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. and got some alcohol for me.
Jan 26 – Finished the Strait No 4 Patterns. Commenced them Nov 6, 1883. Pa went to the Burg twice to see if Uncle Hi[35] came but he did not come. Bessie went home with Pa this evening.
Jan 27 – Jim and Will Clark went to the Burg this A.M. found Uncle Hiram, he came home with them. He brought a couple cans of Oysters we had them for dinner.
Jan 28 – I am not feeling very well. My stomach is so weak. Pa and Uncle Hi went to the Burg this P.M. I took Uncle Hi over to Hanks this even’g, he leaves for home 12.50 A.M. Uncle Hi left his scarf, forgot it.
Jan 29 – Hannah and I went to the Burg this A.M. I went down to the foundry and told Geo that I had finished the patterns. I went and took Hannah down to aunt Katies this P.M. It has thawed yesterday and to day. I mailed uncle Hirams scarf to him.
Jan 30 – 60° 49°. Rained some to day. Have got the tooth ache some. Pa went up to the saw mill and ground his ax. Ma washed.
Jan 31 – Emmett Crawford[36] came out this even’g. He has not been here since the Spring of ’73. Pa chopped a Cherry tree down that stood by the west line fence.
Feb 1 – 11°. Pa drew some wood to day. Jim came down to see Jim Emmett this evening. E- went home with him to stay all night. Wrote to Hannah and sent the invitation to the Leap Year Party at Schroeder Hall Feb 8th.
X Feb 2 – Went to the Burg this evening. Ma received a letter from Uncle Hiram. He wants me to come and try their Magnetic Healer. Aunt Kate[37] wrote wrote also. They made me a very kind offer would be to all their expense. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.[38]
X Feb 3 – Jim was down this A.M. Had the tooth ache this afternoon and evening. Wrote to J. F. T.[39]
X Feb 4 – Wrote to C. I. Clark.[40] Stormy. I am not feeling very well nowdays.
Feb 5 – Went to the Burg this P.M. took tea with Hank & Nan. Went down to the foundry. Walked home with Ike Schram.[41]
Feb 6 – Worked at a pattern of a form to bend the crank shaft for the Wind Mill. Went to the Burg this evening rode with Will Brown. Mrs Brown visited here this P.M. (Tue. 5th – Nancy gave me a Birth day card to day that she intended to have given me on my birthday.
Feb 7 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening spoke to Geo. Youmens about some money. Saw R. E. Strait he came from N. Y. last night. Walked home from the Burg with Herb Earl. Bessie Brown is 3 years old to day.
Feb 8 – Worked at patterns. Jim has had “Bill”[42] three days to draw wood with. A Leap Year party at Schroder Hall to night. Sleighing is about gone.
Feb 9 – Worked at patterns. R. E. Strait came over this P.M. Pa went over to the Burg this evening and got Grandma. Dee Harris[43] came down this P.M. Saw Strait W. M. Co about some money.
Feb 10 – Pa went over to Hanks this A.M. Hank and Nan came back with the horse and cutter and Pa walked. Dee came over with him he stays here to night.
X Feb 11 – Finished the pattern of the crank form this A.M. Went up to Mr Taylors and got the cutter this P.M. Dee went home to day. Rain and hail this P.M. Wrote to Mr Timothy Hodges, Climax Mich.
Feb 12 – Rained all day every thing is covered with ice. Pa and I went to the Burg this A.M. I stayed until 3 oclock. Called at Mr Knapps. The Wind Mill Co paid me $25.00 on pattern work. Bought some pr overshoes, 2 pr drawers, collar, 2 pr socks. Paid for the Enterprise for six months. Sent Mr Hodges $1.50 balance on map.
Feb 13 – Pa took me to Kal this A.M. stopped at aunt Katies. Took dinner with Uncle Jess Turners folks.[44] Left Kal on mail 2.30 for Chicago arrived C- at 7.30. Changed from mail to Express at Niles. Harry[45] met me at the Depot.
Feb 14 – 2 below. Aunt Kate and I went to see the Old Healer he gave me a treatment her one also. He lives on the west side 5 or Six miles from Uncle Hiram. Am having the tooth ache.
X Feb 15 – Wrote to Ma. Had the tooth ache last night. Took breakfast down in the boarding house. After this aunt Kate is agoing to cook for herself, Blanche[46] and I.
Feb 16 – Aunt Kate and I went over and see the old Dr. this P.M.
Feb 17 – Feel about used up to day. Uncle Hiram, Jessie[47] and Harry went to church. Aunt Kate, Jesse and Harry went to Sabbath School this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this evening. Rainy.
X Feb 18 – Wrote to H. L. Keith and a postal to W. H. Knapp. Have been at home all day. Ida Barber Howe[48] had a pair of twins to day.[49]
Feb 19 – Pleasant this morning but clouded up about noon rained a little and afterwards Snowed and blowed real hard. So it is quite wintiry this evening. Went over and see the old Dr takes about three hours and a half.
X Feb 20 – One Year ago to day – Dont want a repetition of it. Have not been out doors to day. Aunt Kate and Mrs Huff went down to Central Music Hall to practice for the May festival. Wrote to Lou.
Feb 21 – Went over to see the old Dr this A.M. Uncle Hi, aunt Kate and I went to a Concert at the German Methodist Church this ev’ig. Aunt Kate had a wash woman to day.
X Feb 22 – Washington birth day. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Jessie went to meeting this P.M. Harry went to the Park skating.
Feb 23 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Went to the Museum on N. Clark St and stayed to the play. Got home about 5 oclock.
Feb 24 – Uncle Hi, Harry, Jessie and I went to church this A.M. Aunt Kate and the children went to Sabbath school this P.M. Aunt Kate went to a Temperance meeting this eve.
X Feb 25 – Rec’d a letter from Nan and Hank this A.M. Said that Jim Conkey would be here to (in Chicago) to day. Uncle Hi and aunt Kate have gone to Central Music Hall to the Appollo Concert this eving.
X Feb 26 – Aunt Kate and I went and took a treatment this A.M. She and I went down to Central Music Hall to the Mozart Concert this evening it was just splendid. Rec’d a letter from Ma.
X Feb 27 – Wrote to Lois. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting this P.M. She and the children have gone to the church this ev’ing.
Feb 28 – 3° below. Very cold with strong wind. Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans on Washington St. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Harry and Jessie went to a party.
X Feb 29 – Wrote to Nan this P.M. Very cold. Aunt Kate went to meeting this P.M.
Mar 1 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. She went to the temperance meeting this evng. Uncle Henry Crawford[50] came out last evening.
Mar 2 – At home all day. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to church. Aunt Kate and children went this evening. Would like to have steped in and visited with our folks to day.
Mar 3 – Cold and blustery. Harry and Jessie were out this evig. Uncle Henry went started for home[51] to day on 7.03.
X Mar 4 – Went and see the old Dr. Recd a letter from Ma also one from Hannah. Harrys Club met here last this evening. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting.
X Mar 5 – Wrote to Hannah. Rec’d a letter from Lois. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.
Mar 6 – Pleasant this A.M. Went to see the Old Dr this P.M. Went to a number of the loan offices to see if I could get a Grantor for Hannah.
X Mar 7 – Wrote to J. P. Keith.[52] Have got a sore throat.
Mar 8 – Went over to the Dr’s. Aunt Kate did not feel well enough to go. This is Uncle Pros[53] 44th birth day.
Mar 9 – Am real lame in the small of my back. Uncle Hi is having the tooth ache to day. Aunt Kate and Jessie have gone to a temperance meeting.
X Mar 10 – Wrote to Lois and the Strait W. M. Co.[54] Uncle Hi was up all night with the tooth ache. Aunt Kate has not felt well this P.M., has been to bed.
X Mar 11 – Wrote to Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the old Dr. Took dinner with Uncle Hi, Mr Beasup and Mr Atkins. Got a hammer for the piano repaired at Reeds Temple of Music. Went out to L. P. C.[55] this P.M., first if I have been there this time in Chicago. _____ at the temperance Hall this evening, 721 Larabbee St.
X Mar 12 – Wrote to Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. did not get back until night. I got dinner for Blanch and I.
Mar 13 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. came back from the west side on a Madison St car. First I have been on that St. Pleasant. Aunt Kate has gone to the temperance meeting this evening.
X Mar 14 – Wrote to Ma this P.M. Aunt Kate is not feeling very well. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge and Aunt Kate to meeting this evening.
X Mar 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the old Dr this A.M. Rec’d a letter from Hank saying that he would be at Race Bro’s at 12 P.M. and 6 P.M., wanted me to meet him. Did not go.
Mar 16 – Hank Brown came up here this A.M. stayed until 1 P.M. was going home on the fast Express this evening. This is the 5 pleasant day this month. Uncle Hi was not very well this morning, did not get up to breakfast.
X Mar 17 – Went up to the Lincoln Avenue barn and office[56] this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sewing this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith[57] and one from Jim.
X Mar 18 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. I am having a hard real time with my tooth. Rainy this P.M. and evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.
X Mar 19 – Got the tooth ache, am about as near sick as I care to be. Uncle Hi brought the plan of his new house up this evening. Aunt Kate went to Central Music Hall this P.M. She and Harry went to meeting this evening. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.[58]
Mar 20 – Went to see the Dr this P.M. I visited the C.M. & St. Paul[59] Pittsburg & Ft Wayne M.S.& L.S.R.R.[60] and C&R.I.RR[61] Depots. Aunt Kate went to the temperance meeting. Kate washed to day.
X Mar 21 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Wrote to Hannah this P.M. Mrs Martin called this P.M. Aunt Kate has gone to missionary meeting this P.M.
Mar 22 – Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans, went to Uncle Pross this P.M.
Mar 23 – At Uncle Pross to day. He and I went to Central Music Hall to hear David Swing. We went to the Grand Pacific Hotel and took a walk on one St in the dark hole.
Mar 24 – At Uncle Pross this morning came home this P.M. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance rooms this P.M. and evening. Uncle H to a meeting at the Church this eving. I went down to the Central Depot.
X Mar 25 – Rained all day. Aunt Kate and I went over to the Dr’s this A.M. She came back to Mrs Wienburgs and spent the P.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went to Kohl & Middelons Drive Museum this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah and one from Ma.
X Mar 26 – Wrote to Ma. Took a bath this A.M. Went over to the Drug store on Halstead St this P.M.
X Mar 27 – Received a letter from Lou. Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Had my hair cut over on the West side.
X Mar 28 – Rec’d letter from Lois. Wrote to Lou and H. L. Keith. Recd letter from Nancy. Aunt Kate went down town this A.M. to trade. I got dinner for Blanche, Jessie and I. Uncle Hi and Aunt Kate went down town this evening.
Mar 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to the Dr’s this A.M. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the M.C.R.R.[62] Depot after dinner. Quite a cold wind to day the Lake is real rough.
Mar 30 – Aunt Kate and I went to the W.C.T.U.[63] meeting this evening. There is an awful riot in Cincinnati now.[64]
X Mar 31 – Rec’d a letter from Jim, have answerd it and written to the Strait W. M. Co. about some money. Went down to the Park this P.M. Harry came down and went around with me. We went out on the Lake shore. I saw some bananas growing in the Conservatory.
X Apr 1 – Rec’d a letter from Ma. Went to see the Dr this A.M. Rained quite hard about noon, hailed hard on the south side. Election here to day. I went to the C.&.N.W.R.R.[65] Depot, it is nice.
Apr 2 – Snow on the ground this morning. Went to the store for Aunt Kate this P.M.
X Apr 3 – Went to see the Dr the P.M. Went down to the Central Depot. Uncle Hi and I went over to the Baptist church to an entertainment this evening. Kate washed to day. Wrote to M. F. Lee.[66]
X Apr 4 – Wrote to Nancy. Pleasant yesterday and to day. Aunt Kate went down town to the rehersal. Loyd S. Higgins 33rd birth day. Would like to know where he is, also see him. Peter Cooper died one year to day. Wrote in Henrys Autograph Album.
Apr 5 – Went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans. Went to McVickers Theatre this P.M. and see “Jalma”, it was just grand. Took supper in the boarding house. Aunt Kate is sick to night.
Apr 6 – Uncle Hi went down to the office this P.M. Aunt Kate and the children to Sunday School. Uncle Hi and I went over to see Kit Birkland[67] this evening, the first that I have been there.
Apr 7 – Went over on Clyburn Ave[68] this P.M. Went to the Deering Harvester Works. Snowed quite hard about noon.
X Apr 8 – Wrote to Ma. About two inches of snow on the ground this morning. Went to see the Dr to day. Went to a Lecture at the Mission with Aunt Kate this evening. Uncle Robt Crawford[69] came to Kits this A.M. Uncle Hi went over and visited him this evening.
X Apr 9 – Received a letter from Nancy. Went down town for Aunt Kate this P.M. to get a piece of music “Sweet Violets.”
X Apr 10 – Went to the Dr’s this P.M. Wrote to Lois this A.M. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate, Harry and Jessie went to a social this evening.
X Apr 11 – Wrote to J.F.T. Rec’d a letter from Lou this A.M. Aunt Kate and Uncle Hi have gone to a funeral at Elgin. Uncle Hi went to the Lodge this eving.
Apr 12 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Two years ago to day Lou and Dee was married.
Apr 13 – Uncle Hi and I went to church this A.M. All went to church this evening but Blanch and I. Two months ago to day I came here.
Apr 14 – Has been the warmest day of the season 69º. Aunt Kate went down town this P.M. to the rehersal. Had an introduction to Mrs Brush.
X Apr 15 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. It has rained most all day. Received a letter from Ma.
X Apr 16 – Wrote to Hannah. Mrs Taylor helped Aunt Kate sew this A.M. Aunt Kate is sick to night. I bought a box of Browns Bronchial Troches.
X Apr 17 – Wrote to Lou. Went to see the Dr this P.M. Went out to Central Park on Madison St. Uncle Hi went over to Kits to see if Uncle Robert had got back from Mich. Aunt Kate went to temperance meeting.
X Apr 18 – Wrote to C. I. Clark. Uncle Rob’t Crawford and Kit came over this morning. They went away about 10 oclock. They went and took Aunt Kate to the Dr’s and then went to the Depot. Uncle Rob’t left for home. Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and I went to see the “Battle of Gettysburg.” It was grand. Took supper at Thompsens. Went up to the May Festival Rehersal a little while.
Apr 19 – Harry, Will Hough and I went down to the water works this P.M. Went up the tower 11 steps up into the tower 235 from there up to top of tower. Had a grand view of the Lake and North part of the city. I went down to a museum of Anatomy.
Apr 20 – Rained and snowed all day. I went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Aunt Kate has been sick all day. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Wienbergs this eving. Mrs Hough was in a little while this evening.
Apr 21 – Strong north east wind. The Lake is real rough. Went down to the Park and Lake shore this A.M. Went over to Kit Birklands this evening, did not stay but a little while for she was going away.
X Apr 22 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr this A.M. We went to the Foundlings Home, took dinner at Woodmans. Received a letter from Ma. Aunt Kate went to the Temperance meeting this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down to Mr Weinbergs this evening.
Apr 23 – Harry and I went out to the Stock Yards, went into a large slaughter House. We went to the L.S.& M.S.R.R.[70] Round House. Mrs Taylor sewed for Aunt Kate to day.
Apr 24 – Went over to the Dr’s this P.M. Bought me a pair of shoes, pr Calipers, pr Cutting Pliers, pr Round Pliers and a 2 ft pocket Rule. I attended a Sugar Social at Rev Taylors. I sugared off[71] for them. Was over a hundred there.
Apr 25 – Warm and pleasant. Kate washed to day for the last time at 803. Harry, Will Hough, Max and I went over to the Bobling Mills this P.M. It was quite a sight to me. Uncle Stephen Comfort[72] came to Uncle Hirams this P.M.
Apr 26 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. Took dinner at Woodmans then went down to Uncle Pross. Pross made three extra trips this P.M. Uncle Stephen went over on the west side with us, left us at Lincoln St, he went to see his daughter.
Apr 27 – A man and his wife from Oskosh came to see Aunt Bell[73] today. It has been very windy to day.
Apr 28 – Came back to Uncle P Hirams this A.M. I pulled tacks out of the carpets this P.M.
Apr 29 – Aunt Kate and I went to see the Dr. I took dinner at Woodmans. Went down to the Central Depot. Called at Uncle Hirams office 444 Clark St. Took supper with Uncle Hi.
Apr 30 – Aunt Kate, Harry, a man from the barn and I packed goods to day. I went over to Kits this evin’g. Uncle Hi went down town this evening to see that Uncle Stephen was all right at the Hotel.
May 1 – Left Chicago at 8.51 by the L.S.&M.S.R.R. for home. Stopped at Elkhart Ind 1.40 one hour and forty minutes. I got a lunch and had my hair cut. Pa met me at Kal- 4.37. Rained all day. We stopped at Aunt Katies a few minutes. Found Uncle Stephen at our house. Mrs Schroder and Nancy has visited here to day.
May 2 – Have not done anything to day but visit. Pa and Will are at work on the hill taking down fence and cutting brush.
May 3 – Have not done much to day. Hannah came home this P.M. from Gates and Ralphs. Nancy and children and Mrs Conkey drove into the yard this P.M. I went to the Burg with Will Clark this evening.
X May 4 – Rained all day. Will Clark went up to Russells. Jay Harris[74] is one year old to day. Mrs Olin had a girl baby to day. Wrote to Lou.
May 5 – I cleaned cellar some this A.M. Will and Pa worked at the fence row cutting down trees and grubbing. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. also Uncle Stephen Comfort. Charley Towne[75] commenced plowing for corn in our south lot.
May 6 – Worked at the cellar this A.M. Hannah went to Kaywoods to sew. Will came after her. Will Clark and I went to the Burg this evening rode over with Will B. I walked home.
May 7 – Worked at the cellar a little while this A.M. Helped Will saw down a couple of trees this A.M. and one this P.M. Uncle Stephen Comfort went to Nancys this evening. I went over also and stayed all night. Hank went to Detroit this evening.
May 8 – At Hanks this morning. Uncle Stephen Comfort left for Canada this morning on 7.03. I stayed over until afternoon. Went down to the foundry. Saw R. E. Strait at the Station. Jim helped Will saw up some of the trees this P.M. Will has gone to the Burg this evening.
X May 9 – Worked at a screw driver for Henry part of the afternoon. Ma and I finished cleaning the cellar this A.M. Wrote to Aunt Kate Crawford.
May 10 – Worked at the screw driver part of the day (finished it). Helped Will a little while this P.M. Pa got a little pig up to Mr Flanders[76] this P.M. Charley Towne planted corn in our south lot to day.
X May 11 – Pleasant. Jim and Will went to church. I went to the Burg this P.M. and got my over coat. Took Hannah down to Mr Kaywoods this evening, I called a little while. First time I was ever there. Wrote to Henry.
May 12 – Cleaned up the ______ the wood pile. Went to the Burg this evening. Will Clark helped Ed Schram plant corn this A.M. and Harry Streator[77] this P.M.
X May 13 – Wrote to Lois this P.M. Will Clark helped Harry Streator to day.
May 14 – Went to the Burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Sawed out some boards for fence pickets for a hen yard.
May 15 – Went up to the Saw mill this A.M. with Pa to get some pickets sawed. Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this P.M.
May 16 – Worked at Mr Knapps patterns this A.M. Set posts for the hen yard this P.M. Hannah is sewing for Mrs Randall.
May 17 – Finished Mr Knapps patterns. Pa and I made the fence around the hen yard. Pa and I went to the Burg this evening to get the barb wire. Found Aunt Patty at Hanks. She came over with Pa.
May 18 – Aunt Patty and I went down to Aunt Katie Lees to day. Will Clark went to see Hettie.
May 19 – Built a fence around the barn yard. Pa and Will drew manure this P.M. Quite cold this P.M. Theodore Earl was down after supper. Went to the Burg this evening.
May 20 – Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. to get Will to come and plow the garden for us. Grandma went with me. Will plowed the garden this P.M. I worked at Jim Conkeys camera (altering it). Nancy and Mrs Brown was here part of the afternoon. Mrs Conkey came after Nan.
May 21 – Dragged the garden this A.M. and made some of it this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Aunt Patty went with me she stayed at Nan’s. Hannah has gone up to Mr Streators to sew.
May 22 – Rainy this A.M. Made some garden this A.M. Made a pig pen and put 4 wires around the hen yard fence this P.M. Pa and Will finished sitting the fence posts along the east side of the east lot. Pa has gone over to the Burg this evening after Aunt Patty. Will has gone up to Mr Streators.
May 23 – Pa and Will drew wood and old rails to day with Bill & “Tom” Brown.[78] I made a pig trough this A.M.
May 24 – Jim came down with Streators team and helped draw rails. Jim Conkey came over this A.M. to get me to make some shutters for his camera. He took me over to the Burg and back so I could get an idea how to make them. Went to the Burg this evening.
May 25 – Finished one of Conkeys Camera shutters this A.M. He and Hank came after it this A.M. They took a view of this our house, barn and yard. Geo Tomlinson,[79] his brother Ogden, wife and daughter[80] came here to day, stayed to dinner and Ogden and family went home. Aunt Katie Lee and George came up to day, also Alvin and Aunt Julia.[81]
May 26 – Went to the Station with Geo Tomlinson for the 7.03 train. He was going to Battle Creek. He came back and went to Aunt Katies this P.M. rode from here with Oren Starr. Pa carried Aunt Katie Patty down there. Worked at Conkeys Camera shutter.
May 27 – Finished Jim Conkeys Camera shutter this A.M. He came and got it this A.M. I worked a pattern for W. H. Knapp part of the P.M. Grandma went over to Hanks with Jim Conkey this morning. I went after her this evin’g.
May 28 – Finished Mr Knapps pattern this P.M. He came and got them. I mended Nancys comb this P.M. and one for Ma also. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this evening. Hank brought Lela over here this morning and Bessie over to Mrs Browns because Nancy was sick. 4-Paws Show at Kal- to day.
May 29 – Took up the carpet in the middle room this P.M. Have not felt very well.
May 30 – Helped Pa and Will string the wire on the hill road fence. Decoration day.[82]
May 31 – Helped Ma to day. I white washed the middle room and put the carpet down. Pa and Will finished the east road fence. Went to the Burg this evening. Party at Straits to night for Dexa.[83]
Jun 1 – Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. with a letter for Aunt Patty. Lucy[84] brought her up to our house. Lee[85] rode up with me so that he could drive back for his mother. I went over to Hanks after I got home after Hannah.
Jun 2 – Pa and I went up to Geo Billingtons to look at a new kind of a fence this A.M. Called at Mrs Earls.[86] Herb let me have some cucumber and Musk Melen seed. Hannah went up to Mr Flanders to sew this ev’ing.
Jun 3 – Put up screens and built a frame over the east door for the woodbine[87] to run on. Rained quite hard this P.M. Our cow had a calf this morning. Will has gone down to Mr Franklins to work for them the rest of the week.
X Jun 4 – Wrote to Inum[?] & Co. Pa Carried Ma, Grandma and Aunt Patty over to Nancys this morning. Went after them this evening. Got home about ten oclock. Grandma was taken with one of her hard breathing spells and died at 11.15. I went over after Nancy and telegraphed to Uncle Hi. Got 105 cabbage and 19 Tomato plants and set them out. Lois came to Hanks this evening. This stamp was Grandma’s.[88]
Jun 5 – Wrote to Uncle Henry and Edna Allen[89] of Grandma’s death. Hannah and I went down to aunt Katies this P.M. Found Uncle Hi, Aunt Kate and Blanche here. Jim and I went over after the coffin this evening. Sent telegrams to Uncle Rob’t, Henry and David,[90] also Dee Harris. Lou and Dee came out this P.M. eving.
X Jun 6 – Grandma was buried this P.M. Had a prayer at the house and funeral at the Baptist church. The text was 49th Psalm 15th verse.[91] Uncle Pross came this morning or rather last evening to Hanks. Wrote to Frank for Aunt Patty.
Jun 7 – I carried Uncle Hi and Blanche to the Burg this morning came back and got aunt Kate. Uncle Henry came this morning. He and Uncle Pross walked over to the burying ground. They all went home on mail 11.15. Went to the Burg this evening saw Mr Barlow about some money. Lou and Jay came home with me.
Jun 8 – Quite warm. Jim and Will went to church this A.M. and evening. Mr & Mrs Streator[92] was down this P.M. Alvan Lee called a few minutes.
Jun 9 – Will and I drew the rails from the road fence east of the gate. Went up to Mr Flanders this evening after their post hole digger. Real cold this evening.
X Jun 10 – We set the posts for the fence from the garden to the corners. I took Hannah over to the Burg this P.M. We called at Mrs Barbers on our way home to see the twins. Received a letter from H. L. Keith. Wrote a postal to Nellie Gillett[93] for Aunt Patty.
Jun 11 – Jim came down this morning and plowed the sod up each side of the posts. Will shoveled up the sod. I burnt some brush. Lois, Nan and Lou visited at Mrs Browns. Hannah went down there to sew. Aunt Katie and Lucy came up and visited here this P.M. I went and got Lou. They commenced weaning Jay to day.
Jun 12 – Helped put on the lower wire to the fence this A.M. Cultivated the garden this P.M. Pa and Aunt Patty went to the Burg this evening.
Jun 13 – We put the wire on the fence to day now we have a four wire fence from the garden to the top of the hill around the road. Hannah came from Mrs Browns this morning Dell Skinner[94] brought her. She went up to Jim Milhams[95] this P.M. a visiting. I went after to night.
X Jun 14 – Wrote to E. L. Crawford.[96] Bought a garden cultivator of W. H. Knapp this A.M. Ma and Aunt Patty went to Nans a visiting. Will Clark went to Gull Lake to a picnic. Rec’d a letter from Uncle Hiram.
Jun 15 – Carried Aunt Patty down to Aunt Katies. It has been quite warm.
Jun 16 – Went to the Burg with Theodore Earl to see Mr Barlow about some money got $21.00 by making a ____ with Theodore.
Jun 17 – 93°. Worked at some window screen frames for the Taylor girls[97] part of the day. Very warm. Pa worked on the road.
X Jun 18 – Went to the Burg this A.M. and got Nan, Lois and the children. Rained quite hard this P.M. Charley Clark and Clara[98] came to day, have moved here, will live in Theodore Earls house. Pa worked on the road. Wrote to J.F.T.[99]
X Jun 19 – Went to Kal this A.M. after Jessie Crawford. She came on Express 1.45. We called on Edna Allen. I got dinner at Johnny Richmonds. Jim Crum rode to Kal with me. Bought a hat and a duster. Wrote a postal to Frank Tomlinson. Went to the Burg this evening. Took Clara over and brought Lou back.
Jun 20 – Have not done much to day. Has been quite hot. Pa helped Charley Towne put a window in their wing room. Jessie went to the Burg this A.M. I picked about 7 qts of strawberries.
Jun 21 – Took Lou to Kal to day. She left Kal at 1.52 P.M. for Shelbyville. I came home by the way of Comstock. Went down to Uncle Jess Turners.[100] Aunts Patty and Katie and Mrs Gofferey was there. Jessie went up to Jim Milhams this P.M. Went to the Burg with the girls in evening. Jim and Will stay here to night.
Jun 22 – 99°. Jim, Will and I went up to the sheep pen and went in swimming. Bina Earl[101] gave me a bouquet. Will has gone to Russells. Jim to church this evening. Mr Peter Carmer was buried to day at Otsego.[102]
Jun 23 – Charley Clark came over this A.M. Pa went up to Mr Streators and got a grist of wheat and took to mill. Jessie and Charlie rode over to the Burg with him. Jessie and Lela came over with Will Brown.
X Jun 24 – Carried Jessie and Lela down to Mrs Browns this A.M. Picked about 15 qts of strawberries. Clara, Geo and Aunt Patty came up this A.M. Charley Clarks goods came to day. Mr Brownell get them for him. Went to the Burg this evening. Got three pictures of this house that J. Conkey made. Wrote to Imus & Co. Rec’d a letter from J.F.T.
Jun 25 – Colder to day and rainy also. Charley Clark is getting settled to day. Jessie and I went up there this P.M. Blacked Stove and pipe in the front room.
Jun 26 – I took Hannah to Mr Streators this P.M. Went to the Burg this eving. Pa and Aunt Patty went out for a ride this P.M. called at Mr Flanders.
Jun 27 – Went up to Charleys this morning and invited Clara down this P.M. Cultivated the garden and hoed the potatoes. Lois, Nancy and the children was over to day.
Jun 28 – Put paris green[103] on the potatoes and cut weeds this A.M. Geo brought Aunt Katie up this A.M. Ma, Aunt Patty and Aunt Katie went over to the Cemetery and to Nancys this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening.
Jun 29 – Strait came over to day. He has let a Co. in Mishwauka Ind have his windmill to make on a royalty. Hannah, Jessie and I went over to Hanks this eving. Charley and Clara was down this P.M. Pa, Ma, and Aunt Patty went down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Geo and Clara came after Aunt Katie this P.M.
Jun 30 – Aunt Patty and Hannah started for Perry[104] on Express 1.45 P.M. I took them to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies and got supper. Called on L. C. West.[105]
X Jul 1 – Wrote to Henry. Hank Brown is 34 years old to day. Clara and Edna[106] was down this P.M. took tea with us. Pa and I ground a m____y machine knife for Mr Randall. Jessie stays with Clara to night.
Jul 2 – Turned out a pump bucket for Theodore. Ma and Jessie visited at Nancys. Nan is having a real time with her teeth. Went and got Jessie with Theodores horse and buggy from Charley Clarks.
Jul 3 – Lou is 23 years old to day. Studied on a binder some to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Ike Odell[107] he is on the G.T.R.R.
X Jul 4 – Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.[108] At home all day went to the Burg this evening. Jim and Will went to Gull Lake.
Jul 5 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. Nancy and the children went down to Mrs B-s. Lois came and stayed with me.
X Jul 6 – Went up to Charleys with Lois this A.M. Charley and Clara came back with Lois this P.M. Will has gone to Russells from there to Kal to church. Wrote to Hannah.
Jul 7 – Plowed out the garden this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening.
Jul 8 – Drafted some for the binder. Charley Towne is cutting the wheat across from our house.
Jul 9 – Nancy is 32 years old to day. Hoed in the garden some this A.M. Charley Towne began cutting wheat in our east lot. I cut once around with the Royce. Ma visited over to Nan’s this P.M.
Jul 10 – I went down to Mrs Browns and picked cherries to day. Picked 35 qts. Charley Towne finished cutting our wheat to day. Will Brown cut our clover for us to day. I raked some of it up after I got home. R. E. Strait[109] and Dexa started for Oneonta N.Y. this morning.
Jul 11 – Charley Clark helped Pa and I draw the hay had three loads. Picked some peas for Clara Clark.
X Jul 12 – Draughted some to day. Have not felt very well. Went to the burg this evening. Mankins Palace Show at the Burg this evening. Jay Barton took Paris green this evening but took too much so the Dr may save him.[110] Rec’d a letter from Hannah. Will Clark cut his wheat to day.
Jul 13 – Jessie went over to Hanks with Will Clark this A.M. She went to church with Hank and Nancy. I went to the Burg with Jim this P.M. stayed until after church and came home with Will and Jim.
Jul 14 – Draughted for my binder. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Ma stayed and Pa went after her this evening. Whitney Family was at the Burg with their show. I went this evening.
Jul 15 – Made a pattern of a wheel for the twine holder and cast it this P.M. Jessie came from Hanks this P.M. Rained a little. Jim called on his way to the Burg this evening. He was going to see about his getting into the band.
Jul 16 – Draughted to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Gregorys Circus was there. Hank and I went he paid my gave me a “comp”. Lois bought Geo Adams place on Grove St. Consideration $475.
Jul 17 – Jessie went out to Lois to day. I took her to Kal. We went to Edna’s but she was not at home. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is not as well.
Jul 18 – Draughted some. Pa went to the Burg with a letter for Hannah. Ma visited at Claras Clarks. I went after her this evening. I took Clara on riding up by Uncle Ike Clarks.
Jul 19 – Draughted this P.M. Helped Charley Towne draw wheat from the east lot this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Jim has joined the G.C.B.[111] plays Bb Bass.
X Jul 20 – Wrote to M. F. Lee. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Lois, Charley, Clara and Edna came down this P.M. Lois will stay here to night. Hank, Nan, Mrs Brown and the children went up to Mr Armes.[112] Will Clark has gone to see “Hettie”.
Jul 21 – Draughted. Mr Knapp came over this P.M. with a pattern for me to change. Pa took Lois over to Hanks this morning.
Jul 22 – Draughted. Pa took Ma over to Hanks to have a negative made of herself. She stayed all day. Mr Knapp came over this p.m.
Jul 23 – Draughted a little. Rained last night it had got to be real dry. Charley Smith came out and got Lois for Luke Smiths folks.
Jul 24 – Draughted some. Went to the Burg this P.M. evening. Mr Knapp wants me to make him a pattern. Charley Towne began cutting oats in our west lot this P.M.
Jul 25 – Will Clark and I went up to Mr Flanders this A.M. and picked cherries. Mrs Hoag[113] visited here to day. Went to the Burg this P.M. called at Mr Knapps and got a casting to make a pattern from.
X Jul 26 – Made a pattern for Mr Knapp. Will Clark and I went to the burg this evening. I rode home with Herb Earl in their boat. Hank and Nan started for Toledo this A.M. Pa went and got the children. Hank was going from Toledo to Cincinnati Monday to attend the Photographers Convention. Jim went to Shelbyville to day. Rec’d a letter from Miss H. M. Comfort Logan Iowa.[114]
Jul 27 – Went up to Charley Clarks and took dinner with them. Will Clark, Lela and Bessie also. We went and took a boat ride. Charley Clark and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Lucy is not as well.
Jul 28 – Draughted some. Worked in the garden awhile to day. Nancy came from Toledo to day. Came over after the children and took tea with us. Jim came from Lou’s to day. Jessie came as far as Kal with him. Charley Clark was down this P.M. we talked “boat” some.
X Jul 29 – Draughted. C. Towne drew the oats this P.M. Will Johnson threashed for Will Clark and Mr Randall to day. His machine is here to night, will threash here tomorrow. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.
X Jul 30 – Threashed to day had 138 bushels of wheat and 92 of oats. Pa and I got the loose straw and chaff in the barn this P.M. Methodist picnic at Gull Lake to day. Will Clark went with Mate.[115] Wrote to Hannah.
X Jul 31 – Draughted some this P.M. Helped P clean up some wheat this A.M. Wrote to Hannah.
Aug 1 – I Draughted. Worked in the garden some this A.M. Went up to Charleys this evening and carried some beans. Sowed Turnip seeds this A.M.
Aug 2 – D made an instantaneous shutter for James Conkeys camera. Went to the Burg this evening. Rode home with T. Earl. Jim is out of the Band.
Aug 3 – Went down to Mrs Browns and put Bill in with Prince and got their double buggy for Mrs B-, Hank, Nan and Ma to go up to Mr Woods with. They did not find them at home so got back at 2.30. I carried Nan and the children home this evening. Charley & Clara was down this P.M.
Aug 4 – Draughted. Pa went over and got Nan this morning to help Ma ki quilt small quilt for Lou.[116] I carried her home this evening. 22 years ago to day since the Tornado.[117] It is quite cold for this time of the year.
Aug 5 – Draughted. Clara came down this A.M. and helped Ma quilt. Pa and Ma went to Kal this P.M. Ma went to see Edna. Jessie is there will come home tomorrow. Charley and Will Clark bought Lacelle Straits[118] carriage to day. Clara and Edna took dinner with me.
X Aug 6 – Geo Ives took dinner with us. After dinner I went up to Fidelio Browns. Ma went to the Burg this P.M. I went after her this evening. Edna and Jessie was at Nan’s came on Mich City freight. O. M. tried to –[119] Rec’d a letter from Henry L. Keith. Cong’l and Baptist S.S. Picnic at Gull Lake. Will Clark went. Jim took Flora & Mary Milham.[120]
Aug 7 – Draughted. Will and Charley have been breaking Mustang to day. Clara was down this P.M. Charley, Will and I went to the Burg this evening.
Aug 8 – Pa and Ma started for Shelbyville at five oclock this morning. Nan and the children came over to night. Will Clark went up to Gull Lake this P.M. to stay a few days, the Russells are camping there.
Aug 9 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Nan and the children went up to Claras this P.M. a little while.
Aug 10 – Hank came over this A.M. Charley & Clara came down this A.M. After dinner Charley, Hank and I went up around by Flanders and the brick school hous with the Mustang. Then Hank, Nan and I went home with Charley & Clara got Mr Earls boat and we went across the river to look at Hanks cow. Charley talked of buying it. Jim and Flora are out this P.M. & evening. Will C came from his visit up to Gull Lake.
Aug 11 – Draughted some. Clara and Edna were down this P.M. Hank Brown went to Chicago last evening. Will came back on N.Y. Express this evening to Battle Creek and from there home on accommodation.
Aug 12 – Draughted. Aunt Kate and Blanche came out on Mail to day. Pa & Ma came from Shelbyville this P.M. Clara & Edna were down to day brought a mess of fish.
Aug 13 – Draughted a little this P.M. Aunt Kate, Jessie and Blanche went home on Mail. Will Clark helped Mr Allerton[121] threash. Lela Brown is 6 years old to day.
Aug 14 – 90°. Draughted. Went to the Burg with Will Clark this P.M. Went down to the foundry. Clara & Edna were down. Pa is not feeling well.
Aug 15 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening. Mr & Mrs Streator and Mabel[122] was down this P.M. took tea with us.
Aug 16 – Will Clark and I went to Kal-. Called at Aunt Katies. Lucy is worse has not set up much the past week. We are having hot weather. {Nellie Bristol[123] is 21 years old to day. {Lois Skinner is 44 years old to day.
Aug 17 – Hank, Nan, Jim, Claude, Lela, Bess and myself went up to Gull Lake. Stopped at Hanks grounds. Found Mrs Cummings there from Battle Creek (per agreement). I tried roller skating a little while tried twice to break a hole through the floor but found it the hardest.
Aug 18 – Helped Ma clean the two west bedrooms. Will & Charley went to Augusta. C- bought some chairs. He took “Bill” this P.M. and went to the Depot after them. Clara & Edna went over to the Burg with him.
X Aug 19 – I gave the front room a thorough sweeping and dusting this A.M. Draughted a little this P.M. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.
X Aug 20 – Wrote to Lois Hannah and Henry L. Keith about binder business. Henry is 41 years old to day. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Will Clark worked for Charley Towne. Charley was down this P.M. Jim came home this evening to stay to night is going to Battle Creek tomorrow.
Aug 21 – Wrote some to Henry and made a drawing of Strait’s and my Reaper & binder to send to him. Will Clark began working with Billy Johnson cutting bands for him. Mrs Brown is here this evening. I went to the Burg this eving, rode with Harry Streator. Jim went to Battle Creek to the Encampment. Turned out some stand tops for Herb Earl. He says Elva has a little girl.[124]
Aug 22 – Draughted. Two years ago to night. Wonder if anyone among the Berkshire Hill, Mass. remembers anything about it. I am quite certain I do, to my sorrow. This is a fickle world.[125] Dont feel very well have a hard headache.
Aug 23 – Went up to the Mill this A.M. Herb gave me a piece of walnut for a stand top & legs. I went to the noon train and met Laura E. and Rosa C. James[126] of Ravenna Portage Co Ohio second cousins on Grandma Keiths side.[127] Nan and the children were over.
Aug 24 – At home all day. Jim and Hank went to Gull Lake this evening. Will Clark went to see “Hettie”.
Aug 25 – Worked at the stands some to day. This P.M. Laura and Rosa and I took a ride up south. Wrote in Rosa’s Autograph Album this evening.
Aug 26 – Laura, Rosa and I went up on the “big hill” this A.M. this P.M. I took them over to Nancys. Found Lois and Ina there. Charley & Clara were here visiting to day.
Aug 27 – Draughted some. Ma went over to Nan’s a visiting to day. Pa went after her this eving. There is Laura and Rosa came back with them.
Aug 28 – Rainy. Laura and Ma washed. Will Clark came home this P.M. and turned the lathe for me to turn out the girls stad stand top. Herb Earl turned for me to turn one for my self this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Ina came home with me.
Aug 29 – Carried Ma, Laura and Rosa up to Charleys this A.M. Pa, Lois and Ina went down to Aunt Katies. I went up to Charleys and took dinner with the “ladies.” Draughted a little. The girls stay with Clara to night.
X Aug 30 – Worked at the girls stand. Herb Earl we came down this morning with an other board for me to turn him a stand top. Laura has ironed to day. Rosa talked to me on “religion” this P.M. a while. Charley took his mother to Kal- to take the cars for Shelby ville. Rec’d a letter from Hannah.
Aug 31 – Will Clark and I went to the Burg this A.M. This P.M. Laura, Rosa and I went up to the Hartwell Corners Cemetery and from there up to John Flanders and across by Ras Townes[128] around by the Lawler school house and Augusta home, 16 miles.
Sep 1 – Up at 4.40 A.M. took Laura & Rosa’s trunk over to the Station and then took them over. They left on the 7.03 train for Albion and from there to Jonesville to visit the cousins out in Hillsdale Co. Turned a Stand top for Earl. He and Charley Clark were here all day turning.
Sep 2 – Draughted. Went down to Mrs Browns this A.M. after some apples. Met Hank and Mr Threasher when I came home, the first time I ever saw him. Jim went after the Dr this P.M. for Mr Streator he was taken sick this morning.
Sep 3 – Draughted. We are haveing very warm dry weather.
Sep 4 – Draughted. Went to the Burg this evening after Ma. Ma visited at Mrs Barbers this P.M. Jim and Fred Franklin went up to Scotts[129] this evening.
Sep 5 – Draughted. Warm and dry mercury in the ,90, nineties.
X Sep 6 – Draughted this A.M. Turned a stand top for Will Clark this P.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Received a letter from Laura and Rosa James.
Sep 7 – Hot as one needs for comfort. Charley and Clara came down this evening. Jim went to church this A.M. and evening. Charley and Will went over west this A.M.
Sep 8 – 100º. Finished Drafting for my binder. Commenced making patterns this P.M. Will Clark began cutting cutt our corn to day. Two years ago to day I went to a Grove Meeting at Schoolcraft.[130]
X Sep 9 – 101. Worked at patterns. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Uncle Martin Turner[131] was here this A.M. Pa and Ma have gone down to Aunt Katies this P.M. to see how Lucy is.
Sep 10 – 104º. Worked at patterns. Pa took Mar Ma over to Nancys this A.M. Hannah came from her visit at Perry to day. Wesley Keith came here to day came to Hanks last evening. It is ten years since he left.[132] Rained this evening quite hard.
Sep 11 – Worked at patterns some. Took Will Clark up to Sam Osbornes from there to Mr Streators. I took Nan and Hannah down to Mrs Browns. They went down to Aunt Katies. Wesley and I went down there this P.M. Cooler.
Sep 12 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark cut corn for us to day. Clara was down this P.M. Wesley went up to Mr Nyes this P.M.
Sep 13 – Worked at patterns. Charley finished cutting our corn this A.M. Ma went over to the Burg with Pa this evening. Will Clark and Jim have gone up to Augusta to “Skate” this evening. Went over to the 9.15 P.M. train and met Rosa and Laura. They have been out to Hillsdale Co. visiting.
Sep 14 – At home all day. Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies this P.M. found Lucy better. Charley and Clara came down this evening.
Sep 15 – Worked at patterns. Laura, Rosa and I went to the Burg this evening. We went by the way of the upper bridge. Quite warm.
Sep 16 – Dont feel very well have not done much of any thing. Went up to Claras and took postal to Ina. Rained last night has been cooler to day. Hannah is 29 years old to day.
Sep 17 – Laura and Rosa James, Nancy, Hannah, Jim, Claude and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. The James girls did not come back with us are going home from Kal-. We left them at Martin Turners.
Sep 18 – Will Clark and I went to the State Fair at Kal-. Saw Oscar Keith and Myrtie Chaffee and husband.[133] Came home on the cars.[134] We had a double header and 26 cars.
Sep 19 – Worked at patterns some. Mary Plank[135] and Lou Hall a friend of hers came here this evening. We went over to the Skating Rink this evening. Charley Ford[136] had his opining this evening. Wrote to Laura and Rosa James. Party at Russells to night. Will went Ollie Patterson took him. Bought ½ doz silver plated knives and forks this evening.)
Sep 20 – Worked at patterns part of the day. Mary Plank, Miss Hall and Hannah went over to call on Fannie Towne[137] this A.M. Hannah took them down to Mr Allertons this P.M. They are going home this evening. Will Clark and Hannah went over to the Rink to skate this P.M.
Sep 21 – Hannah, Jim, Will and I went up to Charleys to dinner. Hannah and Will went to church this A.M. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies to day. They say that Lucy is better. Hanks folks are over to Mrs Browns to day.
Sep 22 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark began working for Mr Allerton this morning. Ida (Barber) Howe left Mr Howe to day.[138] He feels real bad about it. Lucy B. Lee Milham died this evening at 11.15 P.M.[139] Wesley Keith came after Ma this evening to go down to Aunt Katies.
X Sep 23 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith came up from Aunt Katies this morning after Hannah. Said Lucy was dead. Pa went down this P.M. and got Ina. I went up to Claras and told them of Lucy’s death. Rec’d a postal from the James girls.
Sep 24 – Went to Lucy’s funeral. Went to Mr Streators this A.M. with Harry and after dinner we went to the funeral. I rode home with Hanks folks. Rained real hard this A.M.
Sep 25 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark husked corn for Pa to day. Clara and Edna came down this P.M. stayed to tea.
Sep 26 – Worked at patterns. Charley husked a little while this A.M. He and Pa went over to the Station and got his wagon he has had shipped to him from Jasper. Delphia York[140] brought Wesley Keith up here this A.M. Nina came with them. She stayed until after dinner.
Sep 27 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked some to day. I went to the Burg this evening. Mary Schroeder was at Hanks this evening. Hannah came home this evening from Nan’s with Mrs Randall.
Sep 28 – Jim, Charley and I went up to Theodores this A.M. to the “Rink.” Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. but they were not at home. We saw Ida Bronson[141] at the Taylor girls. I carried Hannah over to Nan’s this evening. Carried Jim as far as Mrs Browns on his way to Streators.
Sep 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark husked corn this A.M. Charley Towne finished husking here to day. There was a Co organized in the Burg to day to develop the water power from Gull Creek north of the Burg.[142] It was discovered by Geo Youmans.
X Sep 30 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening after Hannah. She went to the “Rink” with Jim and Mary Schroder. She came home with Harry Streator. Wesley Keith came back from Scotts this P.M. went to the Burg with me. Will stay at Wm Blakes to night. Rec’d a letter from Laura James.
X Oct 1 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp.[143] It has been a rather disagreeable day. Wrote to Chester Steel Casting Co. Philadelphia Pa. Old Mrs Schram died last night.[144]
Oct 2 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp part of the day. Pa went to the Burg this A.M. After he came home he and Ma went down to aunt Katie.
Oct 3 – Worked at patterns for W. H. Knapp. Mrs Blake and her Mother and Mrs Brown have been here this P.M. Nancy has been here all day. I went and got her.
X Oct 4 – Worked at patterns for Knapp. Went to the Burg this evening. Lois and Dell came out with a load of goods to day. Hannah went to the Burg this P.M. Rec’d a letter from H. L. Keith.
Oct 5 – Charley Clark and I took a ride up by G.R.C. Adams[145] this P.M. Lois, Ina and Clara came down this P.M. Lois and Ina will stay all night. 12 years to night Hank and Nan were married.
X Oct 6 – Wrote to R. E. Strait, H. L. Keith and Munn[?] & Co. Cultivated some ground for strawberries just south of the orchard. Pa took Lois and Ina over to Nan’s this P.M. I worked at patterns this P.M. I took Hannah up to Byjolly Halls to sew this A.M.
Oct 7 – Worked at patterns for myself and Mr Knapp. Mr Knapp came over this A.M. to have me make him a small sprocket wheel. Ma went to the Burg this A.M. to stay with Lois at Hanks. Hank and Nan went to Chicago on the 11.15 A.M. train. Charley Clark dug potatoes for me in the garden this P.M., had 9 bu.
Oct 8 – Worked at Knapps and my patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Rained last night so the air is quite cool to day. Allerton discharged Will Clark to day.
Oct 9 – Worked at patterns. Allerton came up this morning wants Will Clark to work for him again. Will went. Will Brown came up after a flail to threash his buckwheat. Wesley Keith has gone up to Mr Riddlers this eving. Hannah came home from Mrs Ralphs this eving. Will Brown brought Lela and Bess up to night.
Oct 10 – Worked at a pattern of a gate hanging for Wesley Keith. Went to the Burg this evening to hear J. C. Burrows speak on the tariff question, he spoke at the rink.
Oct 11 – Worked at patterns. Wesley Keith went down to Aunt Katies this A.M. rode down with Mr Earl. He is not coming back here. Went over to the rink this evening and saw two little boys from Charlotte skate. Mr David Bronsen died to day.[146]
X Oct 12 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Charley Clark and Clara were down this P.M. Wrote to Laura E. James.
Oct 13 – Worked at patterns. Mr David Bronsen was buried to day. Pa went to the funeral. Nancy came from Chicago she brought me a loaf of bread. Pa and Ma took Lela and Bess over home this P.M.
Oct 14 – Worked at patterns. Carried Hannah over to Nan’s. She is going to the rink to skate. Will stay at Hanks to night. Sarah Ettie Calkins[147] came to Hanks while I was there. Hank came home from Chicago last evening.
Oct 15 – Worked at patterns. Pa is 71 years old to day. Pa took Ma to the Burg this P.M. Brought Nan and Hannah back. I took Nan to Kal- to the 6.50 P.M. train and she went to Shelbyville. Jay is very sick. I got back from Kal- 10.15 P.M. Called at aunt Katie the baby was sick.[148]
Oct 16 – Worked at patterns. Charley and Herb Clark[149] was here this A.M. Pa took Hannah over to Hanks this evening she was going to the rink. I went after her. Pa brought Ma, Lela and Bessie home with him. Harry and Jim called a minute on their way to the Burg this eving.
Oct 17 – Worked at patterns. Went to the burg this evening. Hannah went with me. Hank rec’d a postal from Nan. She said Jay about the same.
Oct 18 – Worked at patterns. Hannah has gone to the rink with Harry Streator this evening. He is agoing to stop here when he comes back with her. Nan wrote to day that Jay is no better. Bessie is not very well.
Oct 19 – Hannah and I went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. Harvey Keith[150] and his Mother[151] was here to day. Hank Brown called here this A.M. on his way to his Mothers.
Oct 20 – Worked at patterns. Hannah went to the rink this P.M. and this evening went up to Ras Townes to sew. I went to the Burg this evening.
X Oct 21 – Worked at patterns. Nancy came from Shelby ville this P.M. Wrote to J. F. Tomlinson. Walked over to Mr Knapps this A.M. helping him on his machine.
Oct 22 – Worked at patterns. Hannah came from Ras Townes this evening. Ma went to the Burg and stayed at Nan’s until night. I went over to a Water Power meeting at the rink, there was $7,000 worth of stock taken.
X Oct 23 – Worked at patterns. Snowed last night and has snowed by spells all day. Clara and Edna visited here this P.M. Charley was here to tea. Wrote to R. E. Strait West Oneonta New York.
Oct 24 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark and family went out to Athens to visit Clara’s cousin. Hannah is about sick with a hard cold.
Oct 25 – Gathered apples, pulled the beets and onions and Pa finished digging the potatoes to day. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to Lois’es the first I have been in her house. She stayed there last night for the first time. I put up her clock for her.
Oct 26 – Went down to Alvin Lee’s to day. It has rained all the afternoon. Jim and Will were here to day.
Oct 27 – Worked at patterns. Began the pattern of the flanged wheel for the knotter part of the binder. Four years ago to day, Mr Brown died.[152] Saw some views at Hanks.
Oct 28 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this P.M. I took them home this evening. Will Clark rec’d a letter from S & O S & H of Shelby ville[153] wanting to know if he would clerk for them. Saw some views at Hanks that of Perry N.Y. and vicinity that old Mr Cooley let them take.
Oct 29 – Worked at patterns. Went over to the Water power Meeting this evening. They finished raising the am’t necessary to organize a company, $10,000. Will hold their first meeting to elect officers tomorrow evening. Ma took went to Shelby ville to day Pa took her to Kal-. Hannah came home from Fords this evening where she has been sewing.
Oct 30 – Worked at patterns. Took Hannah to the Burg so she could go to the rink, went after her this evening. Jim has gone after a girl to go to the rink with him had Harrys horse and carriage. Jim took Mary Milham to the rink.
Oct 31 – Worked at patterns. Will Clark quit working for Mr Allerton yesterday. He is agoing to to clerking for Schroder and Harris at Shelby ville.
Nov 1 – Worked at patterns. Pa went over and got Nan and the children this A.M. I took them down to Mrs Browns this P.M. Hank and I went to the Academy of Music to see Silver King played this evening it was first rate. Will Clark and Hettie went to the play.
Nov 2 – Hannah and I went to Charleys this P.M. and made a short visit. Jim stayed at home last night has been to the Burg all day.
Nov 3 – Worked at patterns. Pa went up to Mr Flanders and got a load of apples this P.M. Will Clark went up to Shelbyville to day to clerk for S & H. Jim and Mary Milham went to Kal- this evening to an opening of a new skating rink. Grace Griffith began working for Nan to day.
Nov 4 – Election (Presidential)[154] I voted for the prohabition candidates, St. John of Kan – for president – voted the Green back ticket for State Legislature and County Officers. Worked at patterns and done some turning for Herb Earl this A.M. Took tea at Hanks. Visited Lois this evening. Rained all night. Sent a couple of Enterprises[155] to Hank telling about the Water Power Boom.
Nov 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained all the last fore noon. Mr Wm Hill died last night (Oat Hills father).[156] Hannah went up to Mrs Thompsons near Scotts to sew this A.M. so Pa and I are all alone. Charley Clark helped Pa get the apples out of the wagon down cellar this A.M. He had the wagon to draw his Mother a load of wood in the P.M. Pa got “Peter” in the pen this P.M.
X Nov 6 – Worked at patterns. Finished putting the flanges on the flange wheel that is on the knotter part. Pa went over to the Burg this P.M. Pa bought 8 bushels of potatoes of Nelson Nichols 30 cts pr bushel. Wrote to Henry L. Keith about the binder. Offered him half of it if he would be to the patent expense and also the expense of making a binder. Did not send the letter for I got one from R. E. Strait.
Nov 7 – Worked at patterns and house work. Charley Clark husked corn for us to day (finished).
X Nov 8 – Worked at patterns. Ma came from Lou’s to day. Lou sent me a can of Salmon. Received a letter from R. E. Strait. Pa went over to the Depot and got Ma’s trunk. Lois and Ina came home with him. Dell came here about 10 P.M.
Nov 9 – Very pleasant. Jim came down this A.M. Ed Streator of Cleveland Ohio[157] came with him. He brought his Bb cornet with him it cost $90. He is a good player. I carried Lois and Ina home this P.M. Dell went over to the Burg this A.M. Jim and Hannah went over to Hanks this evening. Jim took his new Vineyard skates back to exchange them.
X Nov 10 – Worked at patterns. Pa took Hannah to the Burg this A.M. Heard that Mrs Barber[158] was very sick came back and took Ma over there. She stayed until night. Rec’d letter from Rosa C. James.
X Nov 11 – Worked at patterns. Wrote to Henry. Went to the Burg this evening. Walked home with T. Earl. Hank, Nan and Hannah went to the skating rink.
Nov 12 – Worked at patterns. Ma has gone over to set up with Mrs Barber to night. Willis Brown and Lizzie Ogden were married this evening[159] at her home. No one there but the brothers and sisters.[160] Hank and Nancy and children went. Mrs Brown had a bad cold and could not go.
Nov 13 – Worked at patterns. Ma went down and visited Mrs Brown this P.M. She was there when Will and Lizzie came from Mr Ogdens.[161] Pa went over to the Burg and got Ma this A.M. She stayed at Hanks. Mrs Barber did not need any to set up with her. Jim and Mary have gone to the rink to night. We are having nice weather for this time of the year.
Nov 14 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma were married 35 years ago to day. Will Brown and wife called this evening to leave a couple of papers. He introduced me to his wife.
X Nov 15 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening Hannah went with me. The Democrats are having a big time. They have just heard that Cleveland carried the state of N.Y. It is just splendid weather nowadays. Rec’d a letter from J. F. Tomlinson.
X Nov 16 – Pa and Ma went down to aunt Katies. Hannah and I went up to Charleys this P.M. Hanks folks were over. Six years ago to day Charley and Clara were married. Rained some just at night. Wrote to Miss H. M. Comfort.
X Nov 17 – Charley Clark, Lois, Nan, Ina and I went to Kal- to day. Lois went to do get her a carpet for her parlor and chairs and couch. Bill got scared at the cars at Comstock and liked to run off the bank the west of the bridge. Hannah sews for Mary Allerton[162] most of this week.
Nov 18 – Worked at patterns. It has been quite a cold day. Pa washed the windows in the shop. Will Brown finished husking corn to day. Charley Clark helped him.
Nov 19 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Julia Lee’s visiting to day. It has been quite pleasant.
X Nov 20 – Finished the patterns for the knotter part of my binder. Went to the Burg this evening. The Democrats have had a “big” time in Kal- to day over the election. Rec’d a letter from H. M. Comfort.
Nov 21 – Worked at a bar for Charley Clarks bookcase and a box for Jim to carry his skates in. Went up to Charleys this P.M. and put the bar on the bookcase. Mrs Youngs[163] came there while I was there, the first time I ever met her. Charley Clark plastered some for us this P.M. in Grand ma’s room. Went to the Burg this evening.
Nov 22 – Charley plastered a little this A.M. His wifes cousin came down with him Mr Long (Oldacre). Helped Lois put down her new carpet this P.M. Took tea with her, the first meal I have taken with her in her new home. Mr Knapp came over to get some pattern work done this A.M. Miss Ella Allen came to Hanks to day. She is from Georgia.[164] I had an introduction.
Nov 23 – Hannah and I went down to Mrs Browns and spent the day. Nan and children were there. Jim is there doing chores. Will and Lizzie are out to Mr Perrys. Has been quite stormy rain and snow.
Nov 24 – Worked at a pattern of a gear wheel (3¼”) for Mr W. H. Knapp. Charley Clark was down to day had a tooth pulled.[165] Took dinner with us. This has been cold stormy day. Hannah went to Gus Gates this morning to sew.
Nov 25 – Worked at a box for Jim to keep his skates in to day. Mr Knapp came over and got his pattern this A.M. Jim called this evening for his skates. He and Miss Ella Allen and Will Brown and wife have gone to the rink to night. Sleighs have started for the first this winter to day.
Nov 26 – Finished Jims skate box and began one for Hannah this P.M. Charley Clark and Theodore Earl was down this A.M. Went to the Burg this evening. Charley Clark was over to his mothers and he came home with me. Sleighs are running to night.
Nov 27 – Worked at Hannahs skate box, and began the pattern for the needle to the binder. Thanksgiving. We had a strawberry shortcake for dinner. Jim went to Kal-. The Burg boys have been sliding down hill to day. Lois and Ina are over to Charleys to day to Thanksgiving.
Nov 28 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came after Ma this A.M. to go up there visiting. Lois and Ina came home with her to night. T. Earl, Nelson Nichols and Richard Barber were here to day. Two years ago tonigh. The thought does not bring pleasant memories. Quite the reverse.[166]
Nov 29 – Worked at patterns. Charley Clark came and got his Mother and Ina and carried them home this A.M. Ma went over to Mrs Ralphs visiting this P.M. I went after her this evening. Hannah came from Wm Ralphs this evening. Two years age to day “Nell” left for West Stockbridge, Mass. 12.53 P.M.[167]
Nov 30 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. It has been a pleasant day. Charley Clark, Jim, Will Kaywood and sister,[168] Mrs Brown, Will Brown and wife and Ella Allen, Mrs Powers of Scotts and brother have all been in the yard to day. Harry Streator also. Ormsby Mitchell came after Hannah this evening to go there and sew this week.
Dec 1 – Jim and I went to Kal- to day. I called on Edna found her sick abed. Took Uncle D. C. Crawfords[169] letter down to her (it was a business letter). We are having quite pleasant weather.
Dec 2 – Worked at patterns. Clara Clark and her Mother Mrs Youngs visited here this P.M. I went to the Burg this evening. Jim went over with me. We called on Lois. Jim stays here to night.
Dec 3 – Worked at patterns. Ma visited the Taylor girls this P.M. Harry Streator was here this A.M. and got his cross cut saw filed. Dont feel very well to night.
Dec 4 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Went to the rink. They gave a prize to the best lady skater. Miss Church of Augusta got it.
Dec 5 – Worked at patterns. Rained some is quite warm. Charley Towne and Charley Clark were both here a little while to day.
Dec 6 – Worked at patterns. Rained all day. Marenus Caywood brought Hannah home this evening.
X Dec 7 – Rained until this P.M. Wind has blown very hard all day. Wrote to Miss Rosa C. James. Jim was down home to day. Carried Hannah down to Mr Caywoods this P.M.
Dec 8 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Jim called on his way to the Burg this P.M.
Dec 9 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this evening. Pa and I moved the kitchen stove nearer the west side of the room this P.M.
Dec 10 – Worked at patterns. Went down to Aunt Katies this P.M. after Hannah.
Dec 11 – Worked at patterns. Albert Fisher came and got Hannah this A.M. to go and sew for his folks. Went to the Burg this evening. Saw Lucelle Strait the first time that I have met him since he came from the east. We talked over the binder business some. Got a pin and earrings for Aunt Katie to make Adelphia[170] and Clara presents of.
Dec 12 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this P.M. Pa extracted a tooth for Charley Clark.
Dec 13 – Worked at patterns. Went to the Burg this P.M. to see Lucelle Strait but did not see him. Went and saw Mr Knapps machine he has it about completed. Cleaned Loises clock this P.M. took tea with her. Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim got through working for Harry Streator to day.
Dec 14 – Jim is 22 years old to day. He has gone up to Mr Ogdens with Lizzie and Ella Allen this evening. Lucelle Strait came over and looked the binder patterns over. We talked binder business also.
X Dec 15 – Went over to see Lucelle Strait this A.M. about binder business. 8½ inches of snow on the ground this morning. Rec’d a letter from Florence and Henry. Wrote to Florence also to Henry and told him on what conditions I would let him have a 1/6 interest in the binder. Charley Clark is 25 years old to day.
Dec 16 – 10°. Worked at patterns. Charley Clark was down this P.M. and turned the lathe for Pa to turn some pump tops for Theodore. Jim has gone to the Rink to night. Will stay with Lois all night.
Dec 17 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Coldest day yet this winter. Charley Clark was down this A.M. took dinner with us. He and Jim went to the Burg. Jim has gone up to Put Milhams to see Jessie about going to the dance Friday night.
Dec 18 – 14° below. Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this eving. I paid Hank three dollars for the Sci Amanian another year. Jim got the paper and lath off from overhead in Grandma’s bed room to day.
Dec 19 – 16º below. Worked at patterns. Jim and Jessie Milham have gone to the first club dance at the Rink this evening. Will Clark came out to day. Charley went to Kal after him.
Dec 20 – Worked at patterns. Jim and I went to the Burg this evening. Snowed quite hard this evening. Will Clark went back to Shelbyville this A.M.
Dec 21 – Jim went over and got Lois and Ina this morning. Pa took them home this evening. Hannah and I went up to Charleys and spent the evening. Mr Dewey brought Hannah home this A.M. from Scotts.
X Dec 22 – 3°. Worked at patterns. Commenced the large cog wheel on the binder this A.M. Wrote to J.F.T.
Dec 23 – Worked at patterns. Pa and Ma went to the Burg this A.M. Lela and Bessie came home with them. Hannah and I drove down to Mr Allertons this evening. She wanted to see Mrs A about sewing for her, then we took the children home. Lois and Ina went out to Ceresco to day.
Dec 24 – Worked at patterns turned the large cog wheel. Hannah and Jim have gone to the Cantata at the Methodist church this evening. Snowed I presume 10 inches last night and to day. Must be 20 inches of snow on the land.
Dec 25 – 1º. Christmas. Pa, Ma, Hannah, Jim and myself took dinner with Charley and Clara. I went over to the Burg this evening attended the Masquerade at the Peerless skating Rink. Was good. Jim and I put the carpet down in Grandma’s room this morning. Saw Lucelle Strait this evening said he had heard from his father and that he was satisfied with our bargain in regard to the binder.
Dec 26 – 22º below zero. Changed a sleigh shoe pattern for I. D. L. Schram[171] this P.M. Ma is 63 years old to day. I put the carpet down in the “little room” bedroom this evening.
Dec 27 – Made a little table for Edna Clark to day. Jim and Charley Clark went to the Burg this P.M. Rainy this P.M.
Dec 28 – Pa and Ma went down to Aunt Katies. Jim went to the Burg this evening. Hanks folks went to Mrs B-s to day called on their way home. Will and Lizzie took Stella Ogden[172] home. Ella Allen went over to Hanks to stay a few days. Rainy to day. Rained last night.
Dec 29 – Worked on patterns making coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder. Painted the little table that I made for Edna. Rainy. Snow is going fast.
Dec 30 – Worked a patterns, finished the coggs for the large gear wheel to the binder, 80 of them. Pa took “Peter” the pig over to the slaughter house and had him killed. Would weigh about 225 dressed I guess. Jim has gone over to the Rink to night. Rained all day, our 20 inches of snow is gone and it went with a rain and all settled into the ground.
Dec 31 – Worked at patterns a little while. Clara Clark has been down helping Ma to day. Jim went to Kal- to meet Lou and Dee but they did not come. Went to the Burg this evening. Another year is drawing to a close and no great change with me. I think my health is some better and my business prospects better than one year ago.
——-
Memoranda
“He who does the best his circumstances allow,
Does well, acts nobly. Angels could no more.”
“A beautiful life ends not in death.”
“The crown and glory of life is character.”
“The truest self respect is not to think of self.”
“It is not rank, nor birth, nor state,
But get up and get that makes men great.”
“The good is always beautiful,
The beautiful is good.”
Never change in anything but name.
Politeness is to do and say the kindest things in the kindest way.
“The richest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation.”
“Take time to deliberate but when the time for action arrives stop thinking “Nell.”
I have seen so many changes years felt
On earth I am a stranger grown
I wander in the ways of men
Alike unknowing and unknown.
(Uncle Jessie Turner)
Maltine with Phosphates
How to make Cheese Digestable Sci A.M.
No 10, March 8th 1884
C.P.R.P. Ferry Sci A.M.
Supplement No. 399
Jan 9, 12, 14, 21, 23, 31
Feb 24
March 17
April 16
June 10
July 7, 28
Aug 18
Sep 2, 3, 10
Nov 4, 18
Dec 2, 18
Edward Lyman
Constructive Engineer
New Haven Conn
Lyman’s Gear Chart.
Price 50 cts.
S. M. Skedling
Treatment for Constipation
Sci A.M. Supt 284
For worms on Currant Bush
Petroleum 30 parts, water 10 parts, soap 20 parts
——-
[1] Ethan placed X’s at the top of several entries, however, there was no explanation as to why
[2] His half-sister, Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner, and her daughter, Ina Skinner
[3] His sister, Nancy (Keith) Brown, and her son, Claude Brown
[4] Shelbyville, Michigan, where his sister and her husband, Louese & D.D. Harris, lived
[5] His younger brother, James Clinton Keith
[6] Galesburg, Michigan
[7] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith
[8] William Clark, his nephew, son of his sister Lois by her first husband, Byron Clark
[9] Willis Brown, neighbor and brother of Henry Brown
[10] Bess Brown, the daughter of his sister Nancy
[11] Neighbor, Herbert Earl
[12] His sister, Hannah Keith
[13] Matilda (Allen) Brown, neighbor and mother of Henry Brown
[14] His brother-in-law (Nancy’s husband), Henry Brown
[15] Charles Luke Keith Jr., known as Luke
[16] Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee
[17] His half-brother and sister-in-law, Henry & Florence (Stahl) Keith
[18] Sarah (Crawford) Keith
[19] Sarah’s brother, Hiram Crawford Jr.
[20] Possibly the business was relating to their mother, Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts, who was living with Ethan’s parents, and needing more attention and assistance in her old age
[21] Kalamazoo, Michigan
[22] Neighbor, and cousin of Henry Brown
[23] His niece, Lela Brown (Nancy’s daughter)
[24] Michigan marriage records show that William Morton and Myrtie Barlow were married in Galesburg, Michigan on January 16, 1884
[25] His paternal first cousin, James “Oscar” Keith
[26] Oscar’s wife, Mary Ann (Batey) Keith
[27] John Batey
[28] His sister, Louese (Keith) Harris, and her son, Jay Harris
[29] Neighbor, and brother of Herbert Earl
[30] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts
[31] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator
[32] Michigan death records confirm that Bela Wright died on January 19, 1884 in Galesburg, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[33] Michigan death records confirm that John Batey died on January 18, 1884 in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[34] His father’s sister, Martha “Patty” (Keith) Sprague
[35] Nickname for Hiram Crawford Jr.
[36] His paternal first cousin
[37] Hiram’s wife, Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford
[38] His brother, Henry Lindsey Keith
[39] Believe he is referring to his cousin, Frank John Tomlinson
[40] His nephew, Charles Ira Clark
[41] His neighbor, Isaac Schram
[42] The family’s horse
[43] His brother-in-law, Daniel D. Harris Jr., also known as D. or D.D., who was married to Ethan’s sister Louese
[44] Cousins, Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner
[45] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s son
[46] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter
[47] Hiram & Kate Crawford’s daughter
[48] Neighbor in Comstock, Ida (Barber) Howe
[49] Carrie and Charles Howe
[50] Ethan’s mother Sarah and Hiram’s brother, Henry Clay Crawford
[51] Henry lived in South Bend, Indiana
[52] Don’t know who he is referring to; research continues
[53] Lucius Prosper Crawford, another brother of Sarah and Hiram Crawford
[54] Strait Windmill Company
[55] Uncle Pros
[56] Hiram was the treasurer for the North Chicago City Railway Company and horses were used to pull the trolley cars along rail lines. Although electric cable cars were introduced in 1882 and replaced horsecars on feeder routes when they became available, it wasn’t until 1906 that all their lines were converted to electricity
[57] His older half-brother, Henry Lindsey Keith
[58] His cousin, John “Frank” Tomlinson
[59] Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul RR, early predecessor to the Milwaukee Road
[60] Perhaps he switched the letters around and is referring to the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad
[61] Chicago & Rock Island Railroad
[62] Michigan Central Railroad
[63] Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. From Wikipedia: At its founding in 1874, the stated purpose of the WCTU was to create a “sober and pure world” by abstinence, purity, and evangelical Christianity. The constitution of the WCTU called for “the entire prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors as a beverage.”
[64] From Wikipedia: On December 24, 1883, a young white German named William Berner and his accomplice, Joe Palmer, a man of mixed African and European descent, robbed and murdered their employer, William Kirk, a livery stable owner in the West End of the city. The murderers dumped Kirk’s body near the Mill Creek in the Northside district. After the men had been arrested, 500 potential jurymen were called before Berner’s lawyer accepted the jury of twelve. After a prolonged trial, on March 26, 1884, the jury returned a manslaughter verdict despite the testimony of seven different people to whom Berner had admitted his cold-blooded planning and execution of the murder. The judge, who gave a sentence of 20 years in prison, called the verdict “a damned outrage.” The next day, the newspapers called for a public meeting to condemn the verdict. Tried separately, Palmer was convicted and hanged. A New York Times article dated March 27, 1884, reported that James Bourne, one of the jurors, had spent the previous night at Bremen Street police station after being threatened by a mob. Returning home on the morning of March 27, a crowd threatened to hang him but was dispersed by the police. Later he was severely beaten and was again taken to the police station for his own safety. Another member of the jury, Charles Dollahan, was pelted with rotten eggs and dared not return home. Louis Havemeyer was told he was fired when he went to work. A crowd tore the blinds from the house of L. Phillips on Liberty Street, and threw dead cats and rotten eggs through the windows before discovering they had the wrong Phillips, not a member of the jury. The foreman of the jury, A. F. Shaw, had gone into hiding. On March 28, several thousand people attended a meeting to protest the lenient sentence. A large group of protesters then headed to the jail, apparently planning to lynch Berner. Unknown to the rioters, Berner was not there. He had been sent to Columbus, Ohio, for his own safety, and had escaped en route. The rioters managed to break into the jail through the Sheriff’s apartment, but left when they were shown that Berner was not present. Then more rioters arrived. The Sheriff had the alarms rung which had the effect of drawing yet more people to the scene. The mob, now 10,000 strong, pelted the jail with bricks and stones. They were driven out by reinforcements from the militia armory who entered the building via a tunnel from the courthouse. After one of the attackers was shot dead the violence escalated. Rioters attempted to set the jail on fire using stolen kerosene. By the time the situation became temporarily under control late on Friday night, five people had died, including one police officer, and many more were wounded.
[65] Chicago & North Western Railway
[66] His second cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel & Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee until March 18, 1870 when he joined his family in Salt Lake
[67] Katherine Sarah “Kit” (Crawford) Birkland, daughter of Robert Crawford (see footnote to April 8th entry)
[68] Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, Illinois
[69] His mother Sarah’s brother
[70] Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway
[71] To complete the process of boiling down the syrup in making maple sugar until it is thick enough to crystallize
[72] Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts’ brother
[73] Pros Crawford’s wife, Isabella (Steele) Crawford
[74] Jay Keith Harris was the son of his sister and brother-in-law, Louese & D.D. Harris
[75] Neighbor, Charles Towne, Hannah Keith’s future husband
[76] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders
[77] Son of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to January 18th entry)
[78] Believe he is referring to his family’s horse, Bill, and the Brown family’s horse, Tom
[79] George Tomlinson’s wife, Marion (Sprague) was the daughter of Patty (Keith) Sprague (see footnote to January 24th entry)
[80] Ogden, Mary (Wareham) and Cleo Tomlinson
[81] Alvin Lee and his mother, Juliana (Davis) Lee. Alvin and Ethan were second cousins
[82] Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. To honor the deceased, soldiers would decorate graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths. Although Memorial Day became its official title in the 1880s, the holiday didn’t legally become Memorial Day until 1967
[83] Neighbor, Dexa Strait; the future wife of Jay Ralph Harris, D.D. Harris’ brother
[84] Lucy (Lee) Milham, his cousin, the daughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee
[85] Ansel Lee Milham, Lucy’s son
[86] Mary (Clapp) Earl, Herbert Earl’s mother
[87] A climbing plant with pleasant-smelling, yellow flowers such as Virginia creeper, or honeysuckle
[88] He had affixed a 2¢ postage stamp at the bottom of the page
[89] His maternal first cousin, Edna (Crawford) Allen
[90] His maternal uncles, Robert, Henry and David (D.C.) Crawford
[91] But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me
[92] Marius O. & Laura (Rawson) Streator
[93] Patty’s granddaughter, Nellie (Tomlinson) Gillett, the daughter of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson
[94] His brother-in-law (Lois’ husband), Adelbert Skinner
[95] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham, who was the husband of Ethan’s cousin, Lucy (Lee) Milham
[96] His maternal first cousin, Eugene L. Crawford
[97] Sisters, Harriet and Flora Elizabeth “Libbie” Taylor. Libby had been married to Isaac Schram, however by 1880 they were divorced and Hattie and Libby were living together
[98] His nephew and his wife, Charles I. & Clara (Youngs) Clark
[99] His cousin, John Frank Tomlinson; also went by the name of Frank or J. Frank
[100] Jesse Turner was actually his first cousin once removed
[101] Albina Earl, the daughter of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl
[102] FindAGrave.com confirms that Peter S. Carmer died in Otsego on June 19, 1884 and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego, Michigan. According to Luke Keith’s April 7th diary entry he had just moved to Otsego
[103] A poisonous emerald-green powder used as a pigment, insecticide and wood preservative
[104] Patty lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Marion (Sprague) & George Tomlinson, in Perry, New York. Hannah stayed in Perry until September 10th
[105] His patent attorney, Lucius C. West
[106] Clara’s daughter, Edna Clark, who was almost 3 years old
[107] Neighbor, Isaac Odell Jr.
[108] Believe this to be Ethan’s cousin, Hannah Marie Comfort. Hannah was the niece of Nancy (Comfort) Crawford Betts
[109] Neighbor, Ransom E. Strait; Dexa was his daughter
[110] Luke Keith noted in his diary on August 22nd that Jay Barton died
[111] Galesburg Cornet Band. It was organized August 4, 1870 and Ethan was an original member, playing the 2nd E-flat cornet
[112] Assume this to be Arthur Arms, who was the widower of Cynthia (Brown) Arms, the sister of Ambrose Brown (Matilda [Allen] Brown’s late husband)
[113] Neighbor, Sarah Jane (Mason) Hoag
[114] Hannah (see footnote of July 4th entry) lived in Ontario, Canada and was most likely visiting her brother, Dr. Francis Comfort, who lived in Logan, Iowa
[115] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford
[116] Louese was pregnant with her daughter, LaVergne, who was born September 10, 1884
[117] Newspaper articles: Kalamazoo Gazette 08 August 1862 p 3: “The Gale of Monday” A gale and thunderstorm swept over this place and surrounding county on Monday resulting in much damage to buildings, trees and fences; and we are pained to say also by claiming some loss of life. All through our streets and enclosures may be seen broken trees, but we hear of no other particular damage in the city. But we learn that at the residence of J. MILHAM, Esq., some two or three miles southeast of here was unroofed, and that the falling timbers killed several cows and sheep. Other damage was done to his premises, but we have not the particulars. At Galesburgh the storm was very destructive. We refer to a communication in another place for the details. At Battle Creek too, there was considerable damage done; among other things we are grieved to hear that the elegant Methodist Church was severely marred by the falling of its steeple, cracking the walls and shattering the roof. We have rumor of several lives lost here and there which we do not think reliable.”
“The Tornado at Galesburgh”
Ed. GAZETTE:-A tornado passed through our village yesterday about 4 o’clock which filled the minds of our citizens with great gloom and solemnity. It began to do its great work in the western part of the village by destroying three homes and injuring others. It then passed in an easterly direction blowing the roof off the grist-mill and entirely destroying our new part that was recently attached to the mill. It then made its rage through the eastern part of the village destroying barns, cabinet shops and three dwelling houses, tearing up every tree in its course.
Three families were entirely buried in the ruins of their own dwellings. No one injured except A. SHERMAN who was badly bruised and a little girl about eight years old a daughter of MR. BATCHELDER was instantly killed by a falling stick of timber. A Committee of five was appointed by the citizens to examine the property injured and ascertain who is made destitute in consequence of the storm. They report that damage at thirteen thousand, six hundred and twenty four dollars. M.G.
Burial: From Tombstone Inscriptions in Kalamazoo County, Michigan by Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, 1980. Galesburg Old Cemetery, Section 13, corner of Hastings & Division, Comstock Twp., Kalamazoo County.
Batchelder, Anna L. Daug of J. D. & L, Aug 4, 1862 5 yrs 10 mos 11dys Killed by the tornado
Lurectia, wife of J.D. Sept 17 1862, 45 yrs 8 mos”
[118] Neighbor; son of Ransom Strait and brother of Dexa Strait (see footnote to May 31st entry)
[119] Following this are three lines of underlining. Ethan made several cryptic entries (see August 22, September 8, November 28 & 29) which seem to relate to the fact that he had been engaged to Helen “Nellie” Bristol, who went to West Stockbridge, Massachusetts and married Clarence Spencer on October 25, 1885
[120] Believe he is referring to Flora Milham, the daughter of Richard & Hannah (Goodrich) Milham, and Mary A. Milham, the daughter of James & Ella (Adams) Milham. Richard and James were Martin Milham’s half-brothers
[121] Neighbor, John T. Allerton. Later in 1896, Will would marry John’s daughter, Elizabeth Allerton
[122] The 5-year-old daughter of Harry & Helen (Randall) Streator
[123] Helen “Nellie” Bristol
[124] Elva was the sister of Theodore and Herbert Earl. She married Frank Crossfield and they had a daughter, Ethel Crossfield
[125] See footnote to August 6th entry. There is also an entry in Ethan’s 1899 diary: Took Hannah to Cora Beras this A.M. went after this evening. Went over part of the same road seventeen years this even’g.
[126] Laura (James) Vair and Roselia James, daughters of John & Elsie (Prentiss) James
[127] Hannah (Willcutt) Keith
[128] Erasmus Towne, who was the brother of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5th entry)
[129] Scotts, Michigan
[130] See footnote to August 6th entry
[131] Martin Turner was actually his first cousin once removed but was probably referred to as Uncle because of an age difference of 47 years
[132] John Wesley Keith. According to the Keith Family Bible, Wesley was the adopted brother of Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr. A May 4th entry in Luke’s 1874 diary shows that “Wesley and family left for Kansas on the Eleven fifty Eight run”
[133] Mrytie LaVern Chaffee, the daughter of Ethan’s first cousin, Frances Catherine “Kate” Keith & Thomas Jefferson Chaffee Jr. Mrytie’s husband was Jesse Eugene Stevens
[134] The train
[135] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank. The Planks had been the Keith family’s neighbors in Comstock until 1873 when they moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan
[136] Neighbor, Charles Ford, husband of “Mate” Ford (see footnote to July 30th entry)
[137] Neighbor Frances Towne. She was the sister of Charles Towne (see footnote to May 5th entry)
[138] Ida Barber married C. Eugene Howe on February 15, 1882 and on February 18, 1884 had twins (see footnote to February 18th entry)
[139] This text had a border around it. While no death record has been found, FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan. She left behind seven children, the oldest being 18 years old and the youngest 9 months old
[140] Ethan’s cousin, Marion Adelphia York, the granddaughter of Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee (see footnote to January 7th entry)
[141] Ida (Clark) Bronson was the niece of Lois (Keith) Clark Skinner’s first husband, Byron Clark
[142] Gull Creek is at the south end of Gull Lake. A control structure was built there in the mid-1800s to provide power for a grist mill and to control lake level
[143] Neighbor, William H. Knapp
[144] Michigan death records reveal that Mary (Lester) Schram died September 30, 1884 in Comstock and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[145] Neighbor, George R. C. Adams
[146] Michigan death records show that David S. Bronson died in Comstock, Michigan on October 11, 1884 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan
[147] Sarahetta (Calkins) Tipton was Matilda (Allen) Brown’s niece
[148] Lavinia Lucy Milham, the baby daughter of Lucy (Lee) Milham. According to Lucy’s obituary, her mother, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee, had the responsibility of raising the children: “the aged mother of the deceased, who having filled a full rounded life of labor and usefulness, at three score and ten finds new reasons for perennial youth to complete the task prematurely layed down by her daughter.”
[149] Charley Clark’s first cousin, Herbert Loren Clark
[150] His cousin, Harvey R. Keith
[151] Mary Ann (Batey) Keith
[152] Ambrose Brown, Matilda Brown’s husband, and Hank and Will Brown’s father
[153] Schroder & Harris, a general store of which D. D. Harris (Louese Keith’s husband) was part owner
[154] Grover Cleveland defeated James Blaine, becoming the 22nd president of the United States. He also was the 24th president, the only president in American history to serve two non-consecutive terms in office (1885–1889 and 1893–1897)
[155] Kalamazoo County Enterprise newspapers
[156] Michigan death records reveal that Andrew (not William) Hill died November 4, 1884 in Comstock, Michigan. Andrew was the father of Otis Hill
[157] Edward Kent Streator, the son of Worthy & Sarah (Sterling) Streator. It is believed that Edward and Marius (see footnote to January 18th entry) were brothers; research continues
[158] Neighbor, Mary (Knowles) Barber
[159] Willis Allen Brown and Elizabeth Rebecca Ogden were married in Charleston, Michigan
[160] Lizzie had five brothers, Stuart, Charles, George, Murray and Arthur, and four sisters, Mary, Fanny, Estella and Ida
[161] Henry Ogden
[162] Daughter of John Allerton (see footnote to August 13th entry)
[163] Charley Clark’s mother-in-law, Rhoda (Wood) Youngs
[164] Ella was Henry Brown’s maternal first cousin, the daughter of his Uncle Wilson Allen
[165] Among other thing, Ethan’s father, Charles Luke Keith Jr., pulled teeth for his neighbors
[166] See footnote to August 6th entry. Also, an entry from his November 27, 1899 diary indicates that: 17 years to night went to the Lights O Londen at Kal-.
[167] See footnote to August 6th entry
[168] Neighbors, William and Marena Caywood
[169] His mother’s brother, David Caleb “D. C.” Crawford
[170] See footnote to September 26th entry
[171] Neighbor, Isaac D. L. Schram
[172] Estella Ogden, Lizzie (Ogden) Brown’s sister
The Diaries of Charles Luke Keith Jr 