Luke Keith’s 1882 Diary

 1882 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1] 

Jan 1 – Aron Vandusen called here. We all went over to Hanks.

Jan 2 – Shelled corn and carried it to mill.

Jan 3 – Choped and drawed wood. About two inches snow. Jim[2] & Will Brown[3] went to Kalamazoo. Bot this Diary 35 cts.

Jan 4 – Pleasant day Mercury 5 Abz[4] in morning. Jim commenced choping for Hank.[5] Went over to burg[6] got potatoes $1.00. Sarah[7] found five Dollars. Cold windy day.

Jan 5 – Husked corn. Cold day. Jim chopping. No sleighing but very little snow on ground.

Jan 6 – Went down to Mrs Browns[8] got three bushels wheat carried it to mill paid $2.50. Not much work to day. Herb Earl[9] brot down a piece of Elm for hoop to his billiard board.

Jan 7 – Went over to burg after grist. Hanks folks[10] came over stayed all night. Rainy night. Solomon Youngs Died to day.[11]

Jan 8 – Rainy day. Hank & Nancy went up to Scots[12] to see Mrs Powers. I carried Hannah[13] down to Katharines.[14] Very windy day.

Jan 9 – Chored round. Husked some cut some wood.

Jan 10 – Worked on Herbs biliard table worked 4¼ Hours. Jim went down and got his Books. Snowed like fun[15] in afternoon. Jim went over to the Lyceum[16] in Evening.

Jan 11 – Cut and drawed three Loads wood. Worked in shop some. The slides came for Earls Table.

Jan 12 – Worked in shop on Billiards Table. Turned some for Theodore.[17] Turned two boxes split one. Jim and Charley Camp chopping down to Browns. Some sleighing. About 3 inches snow on ground.

Jan 13 – Went up to sawmill got huing block. Went over to burg to carry Nancys dress. Worked 6½ hours on Herbs Biliard Board. Rained some.

Jan 14 – Husked some chored round worked some on Earls board 1 Hour. Harry and Nell[18] here in Evening.

Jan 15 – Not very cold mercury 40 Abz in morning. Ethan[19] and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Jan 16 – Painted Herbs Board. Chored round. Not work much. Jim chopping with Rial French up to Win Fords. Clarrissa Turner Died this Evening.[20]

Jan 17 – Cold day. Painted Board over again finished turning the cues. Fanny Town[21] came over this afternoon a while.

Jan 18 – Worked in shop. Took table to pieces. Jesse Earl[22] came down a while. Boardman Chipman called here with one of Cate Isherwoods girls. James Ralph Died to night.[23]

Jan 19 – Went to Kalamazoo to Attend Clarrissa Turners Funeral. Fine day. Saw Jane Robinson, Silva Johnson and her two children. Charles and Rheoba got cutter (shoe $1.14 cts.

Jan 20 – Worked in shop. Made machine for striking an Elipsis. Very nice day not much snow on ground. Theodore brot Blackwalnut rail to repair table with.

Jan 21 – Made Axhelves[24] for Jim. Not very cold. Ethan and Jim got down some wood.

Jan 22 – At home all day. Very cold and blustring considerable like winter.

Jan 23 – Went over to burg in morning. Mrs Betts[25] went over. Painted Herbs board over. Went over to Burg in Evening. Took cutter over to get shoes put on.

Jan 24 – Worked on table 6½ Hours. Went over to burg in Evening got Bottle ink. Sent papers to George Tomlinson.[26] Mercury 2 Abz in morning. Sent papers to George.

Jan 25 – Worked in shop on Table 7½ Hours. Rained most all day. Hannah went up to Mr Earls to sewing.

Jan 26 – Worked in shop on table. Rainy day Mercury 53 Abz no snow. Mr Holmes Buried to day.[27] Austin Odell Buried to day.[28] Very muddy High wind this Evening.

Jan 27 – Went over to burg in morning bot oil and cake soap. Very nice day. Worked two Hours on Table. Herb came down. Mr Knapp came over here. Ethan went over to burg in afternoon. Harry called here.

Jan 28 – Worked on Table. Painted Herbs Board. Went down to Katharines. Cold wind. I got hurt. Wind blowed Barn Door against me hurt me good deal some.

Jan 29 – Came home at night. Broke Buggy spring. Cold west wind. Lucy[29] came up after Hannah.

Jan 30 – No work to day. Very lame. Pleasant day no snow on ground. Jim chopping for Hank. Jim joined the Templers this Evening.

Jan 31 – Pleasant day this morning. Worked on Board 1½. Herb brot some Turnips and carrots. No snow.

Feb 1 – Mercury 40 Abz. No work to day. Nice sunny day no snow nice october weather. Jim helping Harry Hall clover to day. Fine day for February first.

Feb 2 – No work to day lame as ever. Fine pleasant day no signs of snow nice fall weather. Ethan and Jim gone over to burg this Evening to Strait and Barber about patenting his machine.[30]

Feb 3 – Very Pleasant day. Worked on Table 6½ Hours. Jim went to mill got 1½ of wire Brown one bushel and half. Ethan went over to burg carried 2½ bushels wheat to mill.

Feb 4 – Worked some on Table. Very fine day. I am quite lame yet.

Feb 5 – At home all day. Pleasant as June.

Feb 6 – Went to Kalamazoo to get moddle. Roads nice and dusty. Very warm for February.

Feb 7 – Mrs Betts went to Chicago. Nice day. Sarah went over to Nancys stayed all day. Ethan went over after her in Evening show to Winslow Opera House. Hank went to Three Rivers. Worked on Table 5½ Hours.

Feb 8 – Worked in shop on Table. Mr Taylor got our Sausage Grinder.

Feb 9 – Worked on Sub Treasury Box. Finished the cues to the Trivoli Board. Sarah went down to M. O. Streators[31] in the afternoon. Very pleasant nice day.

Feb 10 – Put pictures on board for Herb. Sarah went over to Fanny Towns. Very fine day good October weather. Jim chopping to Taylors. Harry here in Evening.

Feb 11 – Not much work to day. Went over to burg in morning got some violin Timber. Saw Mr Signor, Mate Ford[32] and Mary ___ter here in afternoon. Nice day Mercury 56 Abz.

Feb 12 – Warm Mercury 53 Abz. Went up to Mr Hardy. Very fine day. Had a Thunder shower in night.

Feb 13 – Worked on Table 5 Hours. Nice day. Herb got his Trivoli Board.

Feb 14 – Worked on Herbs Box. Very fine day. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night.

Feb 15 – Worked on Herbs Box. Mercury 57 Abz. Worked in shop with door open very comfortable. Ida Barber Married to day to C Ugene How Editor of Galesburg Express.[33]

Feb 16 – Worked some on Box. Very fine day Mercury 52. Sarah came home this Evening. Smoky some like Indian Summer. El Cary Died to day.[34]

Feb 17 – Turned two table legs. A little cooler no snow. Last Club Dance in the night. Mrs Dr Upjohn Died to day.[35]

Feb 18 – Finished Herbs Box. Some colder cold East wind. Nancy came over. Mr George Sumner Died this Evening.[36]

Feb 19 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines.

Feb 20 – Chored round not much done. Rained some not very cold. Mrs Youngs called here.

Feb 21 – Worked on Table 6½ Hours just on the legs. Very blustrous snowed most all day very wintery. Mr Summer Buried to day. Mrs Youngs came here Stayed all night.

Feb 22 – Rough stormy day. Hank, Nancy, Jim and Lou went up to Scotts [Michigan] to a dance stayed all night.

Feb 23 – Young ones came home this morning. Not very cold snowed some. Nancy went down to Mrs Browns. Went over to Mill in afternoon.

Feb 24 – Went over to burg in morning got cutter fixed. Pleasant day not much sleighing. Carried Sarah, Mrs Brown and Nancy up to Mate Fords.

Feb 25 – Theodore came down in forenoon. Cleaned out shop in afternoon. Will Brown brot ash log for wiffletrees.[37] No sleighing snow most all gone.

Feb 26 – Not very cold no snow plenty wind. Lucy and Hellen[38] came up here.

Feb 27 – Worked on table some. Not very well some lame. Made rack for table leaves. Frank Tomlinsons Boy Born to day no live long.[39]

Feb 28 – Finished Table. Rainy day. Mrs Willard Mills Died at 12 Oclock to day.[40]

Mar 1 – Pleasant day mercury 60 Abz. Herb got Table. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns in afternoon. Mr Flanders[41] got croper tools.

Mar 2 – Jesse Earl paid me $9.00. Went to Kalamazoo to get Spring Mended. Jesse Earl went with me. Mrs Betts came home went over to Burg after Mrs Betts. Rial and Jim Chopping. Mrs Mills Buried.

Mar 3 – Chored round. Rial French choped with Jim.

Mar 4 – Theodore came down. Cut some washers for buggy. Rainy day.

Mar 5 – At home all day. Jim and Nancy went down to Marts.[42] Not very cold.

Mar 6 – Worked in shop made wiffletrees for Will Brown. Cool wind. Jim worked for Will Brown.

Mar 7 – Some cooler this morning no Snow.

Mar 8 – Worked in shop some glued dumb Bell together. Went over to burg bot pants 1.25. Ethan Turned heads for Charley Towns[43] Filter.

Mar 9 – Turned Dum bells. Rainy day rather cool. Dr Spinney Lecturing in Burg.

Mar 10 – Went down to Marts after Hannah. Took her over to burg. Mrs Betts went over with Mrs Brown.

Mar 11 – Went over to burg in afternoon girls all went to Lecture. Carried Jay Harris[44] pattern over. He paid 75 cts. Snowed in night.

Mar 12 – About two inches snow this morning. Went over to burg just at night. Took Hannah over brot Mrs Betts home. Very much muddy some.

Mar 13 – At home chored round worked in shop some. Sarah went over to Spinneys Lecture. Made stain.

Mar 14 – Made some stain to stain violin with. No good.

Mar 15 – About two inches snow. Went over to burg got some cochineal. Tried my luck a gain no get it right some no how. Jim went to work for Ed Flanders.[45]

Mar 16 – About two inches snow this morning Worked on violin some. Turned roller for Theodore $_____.

Mar 17 – Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns to quilting. Nancy, Mrs Betts, Hannah and Lou went. Theodore and Jim Bartlett came down. Turned Brass pipe.

Mar 18 – Carried Sarah down to Mrs Browns to get quilt of. Mrs Siniska Tuttle Warren calld here.

Mar 19 – Ethan carried Hannah down to Katharines.

Mar 20 – Rainy day some. Swap Eggs with Patty[?] Earl. Saw Ciniska there.

Mar 21 – Hen commenced Sittin on the Earl Eggs. Snows and Blows quite hard.

Mar 22 – Around home choring some not much done. Went over to burg some.

Mar 23 – Worked round house and shop some. Not very well.

Mar 24 – Grubed out west garden along the road fence. Went over to burg in Evening to hear the Hurtt children sing.

Mar 25 – Went over to burg after Hannah Comfort.[46] Cold and snowey.

Mar 26 – At home all day. Hank and Nancy here. Rainy day. They stayed all night.

Mar 27 – Carried Nancy and children home in morning went over twice. Went down to Mrs Browns. No work some not much.

Mar 28 – Carried Katharine home in afternoon. Pleasant day. Smith Carleton and John Darling[47] making shugar sap run like fun.

Mar 29 – Carried Hannah over to Burg in morning. Chored round. Not very well hard cold.

Mar 30 – Rial French helped me draw wood. Cold wind.

Mar 31 – Made mallet for Allan Simmons.

Apr 1 – Chored round in forenoon. Grubed out Sassafras along the road West of garden. Ayres Raymond paid me 1.25 cts.

Apr 2 – Very warm day mercury 76 in shade at one o clock P.M.

Apr 3 – Went to Kalamazoo on Biz Niz. Fine Day. Jesse James the Train and Bank Robber Killed to day by Robert and Charles Ford[48] at St Joseph Missouri.

Apr 4 – Went over to burg to see D. Lamkin. Hen commenced setting on the Taylor Eggs. Will Brown commenced plowing for Oats. Rained all the afternoon and night.

Apr 5 – Rainy morning. Hannah Comfort went over to Nancys stayed all night. Dee Harris[49] came to day.

Apr 6 – Hannah Comfort started for home[50] this morning.

Apr 7 – Worked on box some. Ethan went over to burg. Charles P. Galligan Brot up to Galesburg and Buried.[51]

Apr 8 – Worked on Box put some Irons on side boards. Rainy.

Apr 9 – Jim went over brot Emma Allen[52] over. I went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Albert Chase buried to day.[53]

Apr 10 – Worked in west garden raked up weeds and leaves burnt up the weeds and leaves.

Apr 11 – Worked in garden cleaned out sage roots.

Apr 12 – Worked in shop some on Box. Louese Married to day.[54] Fine day. Mr Van Blake came over in Evening. Carried Sarah over to Law Suit.

Apr 13 – Went over to Burg in morning. Worked in shop on Box. Will Brown plowing south lot for Oats.

Apr 14 – Worked on wagon Box some. Very nice day.

Apr 15 – Finished Box. Will Sowed the Oats. Lois and Ina[55] came on the noon train.

Apr 16 – Lois came over this morning. Fine day.

Apr 17 – Went down to Caywoods with Lois. Went up to Mr Flanders got some potatoes. Jim came home in Evening to see Lou and D.D.

Apr 18 – Went over to burg in morning with Trunk. D.D. and Lou started for Phoenix Northern Michigan in the copper mines.[56]

Apr 19 – Worked round some in shop in garden. Rainy and very windy.

Apr 20 – Some cold rainy and very windy some not much. Painted wagon box.

Apr 21 – Finished Wills Box. Fine pleasant day. Will plowed some. Lois went over to Nancys. Found calf in Barn this morning.

Apr 22 – Went over to Burg in morning carried Mrs Betts over. Will plowing. Very windy. Will got his Box. Cold bad day to be out. Lois went home[57] to day.

Apr 23 – At home all day. Went over to burg at night after Mrs Betts. Got 4 four bushels clover Seed of Mr Flanders.

Apr 24 – Dick Lamkins came over. Got out manure. Went over at noon with Hannah. She went to Vicksburg. Mrs Mary Crawford Died to day.[58] Dick had one bag corn.

Apr 25 – Dick and Boy drawing manure. Let Dick have one bag corn and fifty cents cash.

Apr 26 – Went down to M O Streators got some Turnips. Went over to burg in afternoon. Rained some.

Apr 27 – Sowed Clover seed on wheat lot south west. Mary Crawford Buried to day. Pleasant day. H. M. Shafter Died This Evening.[59]

Apr 28 – Finished Sowing clover Seed. Cold wind.

Apr 29 – Not much work to day. H. M. Shafter Buried to day. Cold wind in afternoon.

Apr 30 – At home all day. Nancy came over. Dick got bag corn.

May 1 – Worked round. Cold wind. Made some stove Boat[?]. Got some Rasberry roots of H. A. Taylor.

May 2 – Worked on Oats violin 2 Hours. Carried 1½ Bu corn to Mill.

May 3 – Pleasant day. Worked on violin. Let Dick have one Bag Corn. Went over to burg with Ed Flanders. See _____. Oscars Katey Died this Morning.[60] Rainy night.

May 4 – Rainy day. Went down to Mrs Browns in morning. Went over to burg in afternoon. Rainy got some wet. Planted potatoes in East garden.

May 5 – Nancy and Matilda Brown here. Cold wind. Planted some corn in west garden. Charley Town commenced planting to day.

May 6 – Went up to Scots after Hannah. Rained and hailed some.

May 7 – Went down to Katharines. All well. No rain.

May 8 – Went up to Mr Jo Flanders got 2½ bushels potatoes. Harry and Jo Darling plated and Harrowed corn ground. Charley Atkins Rolled East lot. Had a heavy rain.

May 9 – Went up to Mr Flanders got ½ bushel climax potatoes. Harry Draged and marked corn ground.

May 10 – Chored round. Some rainy day.

May 11 – Not much done. Cold rainy day. Wind North East.

May 12 – No work. Cold rainy day. Wind North East. Went over to burg in afternoon.

May 13 – Went over to Burg in morning to carry Hannahs cloak and Rubbers[?] over. Cold and rainy. North wind. Charley Camp Planting corn.

May 14 – At home all day. Ethan and Hannah went down to Katharines. Cold north East wind.

May 15 – Planted corn in west Lot. Harry, Oscar Darling, Ethan and meselfe soing Be Jabbers.[61] Will Brown sold Caty here in my yard for $90 Dollars. Swap Eggs with Fanny Town. Set hen.

May 16 – Put in back _____ Handle for Theodore. Got 12 bolts of Theodore. Pleasant day. Ethan and Hannah papering. Planted some potatoes. Thysa Youngs stayed here all night.

May 17 – Finished planting potatoes. Warm nice day.

May 18 – Hoed some in garden. Chored round generally.

May 19 – Worked round garden some. Went over to burg. Sarah went over to burg stayed all night.

May 20 – Went over to burg in morning after Sarah. Went over at noon to help Hank. He had got floor laid.

May 21 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg in morning to church to hear the gospel preached.

May 22 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Put in shelves in pantry. Hanks folks moving. Patty[62] came to day on noon train.

May 23 – Went over to burg got Pattys Trunk. Cold wind. No corn up yet not much.

May 24 – Frost this morning and some ice. Went over to burg. Mrs Browns Horses gone. Will had Bill[63] to find them. Carried Patty down to Katharines. Cold west wind. Had Jesse Earls ______ seat.

May 25 – Pleasant morning. Worked on violin some.

May 26 – Went over to burg in forenoon. Put up shelf for Nancy. Finished Oats violin. Rainy night.

May 27 – Rainy day. No work to day out side.

May 28 – Went down to Katharines to see Patty and all the rest. Fine day.

May 29 – Warm day. Put the cow into Theodores Pasture. Planted cranberry Beans in west garden. Hoed some corn in East garden.

May 30 – Hoed potatoes. Fine day. Edwin Flanders brot some lumber for his rack. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Betts went over to Burg.

May 31 – Rained some in forenoon. Went down to Katharines in forenoon to carry letter and paper to Patty. Went over to Hanks fixed Screen doors. Mr Josiah Loveland Buried to day.[64]

Jun 1 – Went over to burg. Finished Hanks doors in forenoon. Harry cultivated corn. I hoed some in garden.

Jun 2 – Rainy day some. Cut out some stuf for Eds Rack 3 Hours. Rained all night.

Jun 3 – Rainy day. Not much work to day. Ethan carried Mrs Betts over to Burg to conveniest meeting.

Jun 4 – Rainy and cold wind.

Jun 5 – Cut out stuf for Eds Rack. Hoed some.

Jun 6 – 45 Years to day Started for Michigan.[65] Bot gold ring of __. Clark Batai___ worked on road north of corners. Fine day.

Jun 7 – Worked on road. Warm day west wind all day. Ethan went down to Katharines to carry Pattys mail.

Jun 8 – Worked on road in forenoon. Cut weeds. Hoed some in garden.

Jun 9 – Worked round garden some. Nells Baby Died to day noon[?].[66]

Jun 10 – Hoed garden and chored round.

Jun 11 – At home. Alvin and his Mother[67] came up. Patty and Katharine came up here.

Jun 12 – Went over to burg in morning. Hoed garden and chored round.

Jun 13 – Went over to burg in morning after Nancy. Went back got mail.

Jun 14 – Worked on Rack and Box some. Old cow out. Went to Burg.

Jun 15 – Went up to Mr Ralphs to see rack. Carried Patty over to burg. Went over to burg in Evening. Sold lot Iron to Dick Lamkin. I came to Comstock Forty Five Years to day.

Jun 16 – Went over to burg in morning after Patty. Hatty and Frank[68] came to day. Katharine came up with them.

Jun 17 – Frank and Hat left for home. Not much _____ work to day.

Jun 18 – Patty and I went down to Katharines. Sarah Sick. Mr Hoover Died in night.[69]

Jun 19 – Carried Pattys Trunk over to Burg in morning. Went over at noon with Patty. She left for home on 12.30 train.

Jun 20 – Worked in shop some. Hoed some.

Jun 21 – Hoed East garden. Worked in shop some not much. Mr Hoover buried. Hot day.

Jun 22 – Went up to Mr Flanders in morning put cleats on box. Went over to burg in afternoon got some bolts and screws. Drayton Smith called here in afternoon. Very Hot 96 Abz.

Jun 23 – Cloudy and warm after the rain. Worked in shop on Rack.

Jun 24 – Worked in shop on Eds Stock Rack. Some rain in afternoon had a thunder shower in night.

Jun 25 – At home all day. Jim carried Mrs Betts over to Burg in morning. Jim and Charley Camp went up to York ville to see Gull Lake.

Jun 26 – Went over to Burg in morning after Box irons no get him. Went over at noon got some. Bot violin string of Wilson 25¢. Worked on box some.

Jun 27 – Warm morning. Went over to Burg Sarah went over. Ethan carried Mrs Betts down to Mrs Browns. Ida Barber How moved to Lansing.

Jun 28 – Worked in shop on Rack. Hot day.

Jun 29 – Will Brown commenced cutting clover in East Lot. Ethan and Mrs Betts Crawford Comfort went down to Katharines. Rained in night.

Jun 30 – Guiteaus a____ Rainy morning. Put Rack together. Mr Fisher Brot Hannah home. Big Necktye[?] Social at Washington.

Jul 1 – Worked in shop on Rack. Ethan took Mrs Betts over to Burg.

Jul 2 – At home all day. No one here.

Jul 3 – Worked on Rack. Mr Flanders came down. Had a shower in afternoon. Commenced painting Rack.

Jul 4 – Finished Rack put it on wagon. A. Hoag, Mary Mason and Mrs Hale called here. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Frank Austins Boy died to day.[70]

Jul 5 – Worked round shop and garden. Mr Flanders got the Rack.

Jul 6 – Went over to Burg in morning Brot Nancy over. Marion and Nell Bristol[71] came over here. Fred Austin Buried to day. Will Drawed in hay. Old cow out found her at ______ Barn.

Jul 7 – Will cutting and drawing hay. Had a shower in afternoon. Will Wightman Buried to day.[72]

Jul 8 – Rainy Day. Went up to Marshall to see Lois and the rest of the folks found them all well. Dell and I went to Ceresco in afternoon. Saw Mr Cole.

Jul 9 – At Skinners. Went over to Mrs Halls. Very Hot. Jimmy Goodrich Buried to day.[73]

Jul 10 – Went and saw Mr Coles folks in forenoon. Started for home ¼ past one P.M. go home about seven P.M. all right.

Jul 11 – Ethan took Hannah up to Em Ralphs.[74] He went to the burg. Will finished drawing hay in forenoon.

Jul 12 – Some rainy. Got 110 plants of Herb Earl. Turned 8 pins for Ayres Raymond 15 for Harry Streator.

Jul 13 – Chored round. Hoed some in garden &c.[75] Show in burg in Evening.

Jul 14 – Show went up the Hill[?]. Chored round. Hoed some in garden.

Jul 15 – Turned 35 pins for Jim Milham,[76] Orrin Knapp and John Culver. Cut wheat on hill south of corn.

Jul 16 – Mrs Abraham Lincoln Died to day. Carried Mrs Betts over to burg to hear and see the gospel preached. Went after her at noon. Charly Town commenced cutting wheat cross the road. Turned Fan and Bill in East Lot.

Jul 17 – Made soap in forenoon. Made fence East side of the Barn. Charly finished cutting this afternoon. Nice harvest weather dry not very hot.

Jul 18 – Hoed strawberries in the forenoon. Jim Milham got his pins. Put in cradle hinges[?] for Mr Flanders. Got Boards for door step.

Jul 19 – Hoed in garden some. Chored round. Mrs Abraham Lincoln Buried to day.

Jul 20 – Worked on door step some in afternoon. Will Brown drawed in the wheat.

Jul 21 – Finished Door step. Not very hot. Ethan went over to burg. Lelah[77] came home with him.

Jul 22 – Worked on Door frame some.

Jul 23 – At home all day. Ethan carried Hannah down to Katharines.

Jul 24 – Work on Door frame. Barber came over.

Jul 25 – Finished door frame put wire on. Went over to burg in Evening. Marion Bristol started for Massachusetts on one oclock train. Pet Beckwith married to night.[78]

Jul 26 – Very hot and dry. N. L. Randel[79] thrashing.

Jul 27 – Cut grass in orchard. Put paper on Mrs Betts room over head. Had a nice shower rained most of the night Thunder and Lightning.

Jul 28 – Put up Screen Door this morning. Chored round. Cow got out. Finished papering Mrs Betts room. Old cow went to Bull about 4 oclock P.M. sharp.

Jul 29 – Repaired cow poke. Old cow got out. Had a Divle of a time to get her. Found her up by Davis Staffords in Evening. Grange Meeting at Bert Staffords. Jesse Crawford[80] came.

Jul 30 – At home all day. Kept Fan in Barn all day. Ethan went down to Marts after Hannah.

Jul 31 – Cut hole into west Leanto attic. Rainy some rained some in night. Hannah went Down to Streators in Evening to make Dress for Mrs Streator.[81]

Aug 1 – Put frame into the Partition. Rainy afternoon warm. Ban Jacobs hors in pasture.

Aug 2 – Worked round shop and house. Sawed out violin tops. Rained in night.

Aug 3 – Put violin top together. Rainy day some. Not feeling very well.

Aug 4 – Cloudy some sprinkle not much. Cats came back this morning.

Aug 5 – Worked on violin top some. Nancy and children came over. Nel Bristol came over with them.

Aug 6 – Ed Flanders paid me $5.00. Rainy afternoon. Jim carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Jim went up to Jo Smiths in afternoon.

Aug 7 – Worked in shop some. Chored round. Some rainy.

Aug 8 – Went down to Mrs Browns got Horse and wagon. Went over to Burg got lumber to seel the west bedroom over head. Mr Kent commenced cutting the oats. Charley Town cutting Oats.

Aug 9 – Went over to Burg in morning got paint and paper for Bedroom. Mr Kent cutting oats. Some rain.

Aug 10 – Put on seeling. Kent finished cutting oats. Old Mr Patterson Died.[82] Cool wind cloudy.

Aug 11 – Repaired Bills Poke in morning.

Aug 12 – Finished putting on seeling. Worked in shop some. Florence and Boy called here in Evening.

Aug 13 – At home all day. Hank here to Breakfast. Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg. Ethan and Hannah went down to Mrs Browns.

Aug 14 – Went over to burg in morning after mortar no got some. Whittled some on violin neck. Charley Town thrashed his wheat. Austin Potts was de man.

Aug 15 – Went over to burg after mortar got him. Very hot. Got Barbers trowel.

Aug 16 – Put on mortar. Mary Flanders[83] and Florance came here. Mr Flanders here to tea.

Aug 17 – Painted some in west bedroom &c.

Aug 18 – Went over got oil. Painted seeling in west bedroom &c. Thysa Youngs and Daughter Elsie called here.

Aug 19 – Painted sash &c. Rained in afternoon. Went down to Katharines stayed all night.

Aug 20 – Went over to Mr Elwoods in fore noon with Mart came home at night.

Aug 21 – Painted seeling in west Bedroom. Whittled some on violin. Theodore and Orrin Schram drawed away the stone pile out by the Buggy House.

Aug 22 – Went over to burg got my new trowziz [trousers?]. Nell Bristol came over and helped paper the west Bedroom. Rained in the Evening warm rain.

Aug 23 – Cloudy 73 Abz in morning. Chored round. Worked in shop some. Florence came down just at night.

Aug 24 – Florence here. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to see Dr. Spinney. Florence went over to Nancys just at night. Bessy sick.

Aug 25 – Worked in shop some. Chored around some.

Aug 26 – Went over to burg in morning. No work to day. Hiram and family[84] came to day. Hite[85] sick.

Aug 27 – Hite some sick. Ethan gone after Nancy. Bessy sick she no come. Jim and Florence went up to Gull Lake. Edwin and Mary and children[86] went also.

Aug 28 – Hites folks started for home left here about ten A.M.

Aug 29 – At home. Chored round. Went down to Katharines in afternoon with Hannah. She went down to fit Clarras[87] dress.

Aug 30 – Choring around. Paint some.

Aug 31 – Went up to Mr Flanders carried some cucumber. Got some apples. Ed & Mary and Mabel went to Vicksburg to Pioneer Picknic. Nell Stanford[88] here.

Sep 1 – Carried Mrs Betts over to burg she went up to Augusta. Carried Sarah over in Evening she stayed all night. Paint some. Mrs Jones killed two Cats.

Sep 2 – Cut corn in garden. Painted seat to Mrs Jones.

Sep 3 – At home all day. Rained in afternoon.

Sep 4 – Hannah went to Mr Franklins. Mrs Betts came home from Augusta. I went over to burg after her.

Sep 5 – Chored around. Worked on Blackboard some. Fine weather. Edwin Flanders called here in Evening.

Sep 6 – Worked round shop some. Went over to burg. Worked on Green board some.

Sep 7 – Put cleats on Green board. Turned out box for Town pump at Galesburg.

Sep 8 – Ethan, Mrs Brown, Nancy, Hannah and Nell Bristol went over to Schoolcraft to Spiritualist Meeting.[89]

Sep 9 – Foggy. Worked round house. Painted Kitchen and some oder dings.[90]

Sep 10 – Foggy morning. At home all day. Ethan took Mrs Betts over to burg to hear the Gospel talked about.

Sep 11 – Commenced Topping corn. Fine warm day.

Sep 12 – Topping corn some. Fine day.

Sep 13 – Topping corn and choring round. Florence and her mother came here stayed all night. Edwin and Mary came down.

Sep 14 – Topping corn. Florence and mother went home over to burg in afternoon.

Sep 15 – Toped corn. Warm day very dry.

Sep 16 – Toped corn. Hot and dry. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns. Mrs Betts went over to Burg with Mr Bronson.

Sep 17 – Hank and Ethan went up to Edmon Chase[91] after crab Apples. They went with Bill. Very hot and dry.

Sep 18 – Worked in corn some. Fine day.

Sep 19 – Went over to burg. Got Hook made for stone boat.[92] Mr Taylor sick.

Sep 20 – Topt some corn. Chored round.

Sep 21 – Topt corn put in stack[?]. A. R.[93] and Lois came stayed all night. Will Brown thrashed wheat and oats had 48 Bushels wheat 60 bushels oats.

Sep 22 – A. R. went to _____. Ethan went down and got Nancy and Hannah. Took up the Milham Note $26.32 cent. Got the money of Hank Brown.

Sep 23 – Ethan and Hannah went to Kalamazoo to see Florence. Cut some corn. Nell came over. Nancy went home. Mrs Ira Clark Died this Morning.[94]

Sep 24 – At home all day. Edwin and Mary Flanders called here just at night.

Sep 25 – Topt corn. Warm day. _____ paid Hank $___.00 cash.

Sep 26 – Finished my corn. Cut up sweet corn. Quite warm.

Sep 27 – Made cross Head for Theodore. Dick Lamkins brot his organ over had it cleaned and new knees well made. He and his wife here to dinner. They went after Elder berries.

Sep 28 – Pickd beans. Went down to Katharines in afternoon. Florence left for California. Louese and D. came on Evening freight.

Sep 29 – Went over to Burg in morning to mill. Got slating for Black board. Went over to burg after Louese. Not much rain.

Sep 30 – Some cloudy. Went over to burg in morning got glass and putty. Set glass in windows at School House. Lois and Ina came in Evening.

Oct 1 – At home all day. Lois and Ina here, D. and Lou, Hank and Nancy.

Oct 2 – At home. Put slating on Black Board. Cow got out went after her at night.

Oct 3 – Lou and I went to find cow went up to Nelt Blasses in forenoon up to Oatmans in afternoon no find her.

Oct 4 – I went up East in forenoon found her at Marhops. Dug some potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 5 – Dug some potatoes. Very warm and dry. Erve Stilwell thrashed his Buckwheat on Wrights place had 126 Bushels. Jim came home sick some. No work.

Oct 6 – Dug potatoes. Warm and dry very much. Lou up to Mr Ralphs. Mr Wm Blass Died to day[95] been out of health some time some _____. Not much done.

Oct 7 – Dug some potatoes husked some corn. Ethan and Nell went to Kalamazoo. Mrs Betts went over to burg Stayed all night to Hanks.

Oct 8 – Hank and Nancy, D. and Lou, Hannah and Jim went up to Scotts. Nell and Lelah & Bessy stayed here. Mr Wm Blass Buried to day.

Oct 9 – Made Box for stone Boat. Ethan dug potatoes in afternoon.

Oct 10 – Finished Box. Mr Knapp came over. Drawed down the potatoes. Ethan dug some in forenoon. Barber here to dinner. Had a good rain in afternoon.

Oct 11 – Dug potatoes drawed some down put them in cellar.

Oct 12 – Drawed down some potatoes. Dug in afternoon. Ethan took Sarah over to burg. Lelah came back with him. Cora Harris[96] came stayed all night. Mr John Allen Died.[97]

Oct 13 – Dug potatoes and drawed down some. Had a heavy shower. Dug some in afternoon.

Oct 14 – Finished digging potatoes got them in the cellar. Ethan went over after Sally[98] in Evening. Mr John Allen buried to day.

Oct 15 – Went over to burg in morning after Hoops for Mary Fisher. D.D.[?] came home this morning. I got a nice present This morning from the children a nice Nicle plated clock as a Birth day Present. I am 69 years old this fifteenth day of October 1882.

Oct 16 – Worked round barn and house. Shelled sunflower seeds.

Oct 17 – Ethan went to Chicago. Put some batten[99] on corn house. Went over to burg in morning.

Oct 18 – Went over to burg in morning. Worked on corn house put on battens patched roof some. Smith Carleton came up after Sarah in night for Lucy.

Oct 19 – Went over to burg. Took Hannah over to Erve Blakes. Toots[100] girl Born This morning.[101] Husked some corn.

Oct 20 – Husked corn. Fine day. Went down after Sarah.

Oct 21 – Husked corn part of the day. Went to mill. Took Lou over to burg in Evening and Hannah down to Mrs Browns. Ethan got home from Chicago.

Oct 22 – At home all day. Newton McLarry buried to day.[102]

Oct 23 – Husking corn. Warm and dry.

Oct 24 – Husking corn. Warm.

Oct 25 – Sick no Husk to day. Warm nice day.

Oct 26 – Husking corn. Edna Allen came here to day. Nice pleasant weather.

Oct 27 – Husked corn. Fine day.

Oct 28 – Husking corn. Edna here.

Oct 29 – At home all day. Edna here.

Oct 30 – Husked corn picked some. Rainy night.

Oct 31 – Warm mercury 66. Finished picking corn. Took Lous things over to burg. Lou moved to Shelbyville[103] to day.

Nov 1 – Husked corn some & cut some wood.

Nov 2 – Drawed some wood. Fine day. Ethan carried Mrs Betts down to Mrs Browns to see Lois.

Nov 3 – Finished Husking corn. Very pleasant weather. Plained out step for Nancys plant stand in Evening.

Nov 4 – Chored round. Not much work done. Went over to burg.

Nov 5 – Went down to Katharines. Some cold. Went over to Burg after I got home after Mrs Betts.

Nov 6 – Worked in shop made mallet for Mr Chester[?]. Cold rainy day some.

Nov 7 – No work to day. Went over to Election. Broke Buggy thill.[104] Ethan went over in Evening carried Tools over to do some work for Hank.

Nov 8 – Shelled some corn. Picked out some spokes for my wheels. Mr Jacob Fancher buried to day in Galesburg cemetry. He died in dacota.

Nov 9 – Drawed some lidle wood. Got my hickory stick out East side of East lot. Theodore went out with me. Turned some for Theodore. Mr Flanders brot ____ rack. Sarah went down to Mrs Browns to see Lois.

Nov 10 – Went over to burg in morning. Got thill for buggy. Sick all day and all night. Mr Streator (illegible). Jim husked corn. Warm day.

Nov 11 – Harry got home they all came down. Husked in forenoon. Harry finished in afternoon. Not very well. Went and put stops in windows at schoolhouse. Ethan and Sarah went over to burg in afternoon.

Nov 12 – Jim took Mrs Betts over to church in morning. He went up to Scotts.

Nov 13 – Not very well no work to day only chores.

Nov 14 – Went over to burg to mill carried wheat and corn. Mrs Brown got home.

Nov 15 – Stephen Withey[?] Died to day. Choring. Hannah came home from Gibsons. Ethan took her down to Caywoods. Not cold. David Powlison Died This morning.[105]

Nov 16 – Went over to burg after meal. Broke thill iron again. Mr Flanders brot wagon down. Rainy night.

Nov 17 – Carried Sarah over to burg got flour. Not much work to day. David Powlison buried to day.

Nov 18 – Mr Flanders brot Lois and Ina down. Chored round.

Nov 19 – Lois, Jim and Will here today. Pleasant day no snow no frost in ground.

Nov 20 – Worked in shop some. Put thill in buggy.

Nov 21 – Worked in shop some. Chored round. Ethan made some castings.

Nov 22 – Carried Lois over to burg in morning. Turned out some pump stops for Theodore.

Nov 23 – Some rainy. Ethan, Sarah, Lois and Hannah gone to Kalamazoo. I filed buck saw.

Nov 24 – Worked in shop some (illegible). Broke _____ on auger. Elva Crossfields here. Herb came down in Evening.

Nov 25 – Drawed some wood in sleigh. Abrose Milham and wife,[106] Zeak and Kate Davison called here awhile.

Nov 26 – At home all day. Lois and Ina here. About 4 inches snow.

Nov 27 – Lois and Ina went home. Hank & Nancy Home. Ethan, ____, ____ and Jim went to Kalamazoo to theater in Evening. Bessie stayed here all night Lelah went to Shelbyville. James Nobles died to day.[107]

Nov 28 – Ethan took Hannah down to Mate Fords.[108] Took ____ over to Burg in forenoon.

Nov 29 – Not very well not much work but chores. James Nobles buried to day.

Nov 30 – Worked round barn cleared out so as to put fodder in.

Dec 1 – Jim and Will got in corn fodder. Warm day. Mr Charles Dibble Buried to day.[109]

Dec 2 – Went over to burg in morning got auger mended. No sleighing. Jim sawing wood for Bill Ralph. Will to work for Harry Streator cleaning wheat.

Dec 3 – At home all day. Clarra, George and Lee came up here to day. Not very cold no snow of any account.

Dec 4 – Shelled some corn carried it to mill. Jim and Will went hunting.

Dec 5 – Went over to mill in fore noon. Took the old wagon wheels to pieces. Mrs Clinton here in afternoon. Bot Diary for 1883 45 cts.

Dec 6 – At Home. Some cold. Carried some potatoes over to Hanks. Snowed in night.

Dec 7 – Mercury 6 Abz. Finished boring standards for rack. Snows about 4 inches deep.

Dec 8 – Mercury 5 below zero in morning.

Dec 9 – Worked in shop some chored round.

Dec 10 – At home all day no one here. Mrs Betts went to Burg to church.

Dec 11 – Worked in shop some ledle unto. Cold some sleighing. Mended Clauds skate.

Dec 12 – Went over to burg in morning with cutter. Sarah went over stayed to Nancys. Went over after her in Evening.

Dec 13 – Cold and blustrous. Carried Hannah down to M. O. Streators in afternoon. Hat Allen left for Niles.

Dec 14 – Went over to Burg after Nancy. Chored round worked in shop some.

Dec 15 – Carried Hannah down to Katharines. Cold snowed some. Jim and Will chopping. Very good sleighing.

Dec 16 – Shelled corn in forenoon carried corn and oats to mill. Repaired violin for Young Fay. Paid my Tax $5.82.

Dec 17 – At home all day. Jim went over to Burg. Took Nancy and Bessey out riding.

Dec 18 – Mercury 9 Below zero. Jim and Will drawed wood. Ethan casting.

Dec 19 – Mercury 20 Above zero. Went over to Burg after grist. Bot Mittens 50 cts. Rained some in Evening.

Dec 20 – Mercury 30 Ab zero. Jim and Will chopping. Rainy day some.

Dec 21 – Not much work but chores. Snow all gone.

Dec 22 – Not very well. Worked some in shop not much.

Dec 23 – Went over to Burg carried over my Receipt for High way work. Lou & Cory came on the noon Train. Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Dec 24 – Carried Mrs Betts over to Burg to Bap Church. Brot Lelah and Bessy over took them Back at night. Jim took Charley Camp up to Scotts.

Dec 25 – Went over to Hanks to dinner. Very much wet snow. Had a Lottery sold two Bibles. Oat Hill got the Large one $.12 Burt Warren the other.

Dec 26 – Good sleighing this morning. Went over to burg in morning got Bessey. Bot Boots paid 4.00.

Dec 27 – Went over to burg took Bessey home. Old Mrs Ralph came here. Dell & Mr Smith here to Dinner. Mr Ralph took dinner. Sarah & I went up to Mr Flanders in Evening.

Dec 28 – Worked in shop some on Jims Violin Trunk. Hannah sewing to Mr Towns.

Dec 29 – Worked on Trunk all day. Not very cold. Hannah came home to night.

Dec 30 – Worked round some in shop some on corn shelter[?]. Not very good sleighing. Took Lou up to Mr Ralphs in Evening.

Dec 31 – At home all day. D. came this morning. He went after Lou in Evening. Stella Milham[110] and Emma Allen called here to see Lou in afternoon.

Memoranda

Cure for Small Pox
Sulphate of Zinc 1 Grain
Fox Glove 1 Grain
Half Teaspoon Sugar mix with two Tablespoonful water
when thoroughly mixed ad four ounces water
Take a Spoonfull every Hour. For a child – smaller dos according to age

To Kill Cabbage Worms Persian Insect Powder

325 Bushels Oats from 3 & ¼ acres of ground the Oats was of the Blu___ or Poland variety

——-

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

[2] His youngest son, James Clinton Keith

[3] Willis Brown, the son of Ambrose & Matilda (Allen) Brown and the brother-in-law of Luke’s daughter, Nancy (Keith) Brown

[4] Above zero

[5] Henry Brown, his daughter Nancy’s husband

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith; the 2019 equivalent of $5.00 is just under $125.00

[8] Neighbor, Matilda (Allen) Brown (see footnote to January 3rd entry)

[9] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative

[10] Henry & Nancy (Keith) Brown and their three children: Claude, Lela and Bess

[11] No records confirming his death or burial were found

[12] Scotts, Michigan

[13] His daughter, Hannah Keith

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

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

[16] Lyceums flourished in the U.S. before and after the Civil War. During this period hundreds of informal associations were established for the purpose of improving the social, intellectual, and moral fabric of society. The lyceum movement featured lectures, dramatic performances, class instructions, and debates, by noted lecturers, entertainers and readers. They would travel the “lyceum circuit,” going from town to town or state to state to entertain, speak, or debate in a variety of locations, never staying in one place for too long. Their appearances were open to the public, which caused them to contribute significantly to the education of the adult American in the 19th century

[17] His neighbor and “shirttail relative,” Theodore Earl, and brother of Herb Earl (see entry of January 6th)

[18] Neighbors, Harry Streator (son of Marius & Laura [Rawson] Streator), and his first cousin, Nellie (Underwood) Stanford

[19] His son, Ethan Keith

[20] No death record was found for Clarissa (Whitcomb) Turner, however FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[21] Neighbor, Frances Towne, the sister of Charles Towne who would become Hannah Keith’s husband

[22] Neighbor and “shirttail” relative; father of Herbert and Theodore Earl mentioned earlier

[23] Michigan death records list James Ralph’s date of death as January 9, 1882 (not January 18) in Pavilion, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan, showing his date of death as “Jun” 9, 1882

[24] Ax handles

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

[26] The husband of Luke’s niece, Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[27] Michigan death records show that Hamlin Holmes died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[28] Michigan death records show that Austin Odell died in Comstock, Michigan on January 24, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[29] His niece, Lucy (Lee) Milham

[30] For more about the binder machine see my blog post at https://lettersfromthe1860s.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/ethan-keith-inventor

[31] His neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[32] Neighbor, Mary Ann (Thompson) Ford

[33] Michigan marriage records show that C. Eugene Howe and Ida Barber were married in Galesburg, Michigan on February 15, 1882

[34] FindAGrave.com shows that Ananias E Caray (A. Ell Caray in the 1880 census) died February 16, 1882 and is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[35] Michigan death records show that Maria (Mills) Upjohn died February 17, 1882 in Richland, Michigan and FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, Michigan

[36] Michigan death records confirm that he died on February 18, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[37] A whiffletree is the pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[38] His niece, Helen (Bradley) York. Lucy and Helen were half-sisters, both daughters of Luke’s sister, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[39] Frank was Luke’s grand-nephew, the son of George & Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson. No records confirming the birth/death or name of the baby were found

[40] Maria (Root) Mills. FindAGrave.com confirms her date of death as February 28, 1882; she is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[41] Most likely his neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[42] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy Lee

[43] Neighbor Charles Towne, who would marry his daughter Hannah

[44] Neighbor Jay Ralph Harris

[45] Edwin Flanders, son of Joseph Flanders (see footnote to March 1st entry)

[46] Nancy Betts’ niece, Hannah Marie Comfort

[47] Neighbors, Smith Carlton and John Darling

[48] Jesse James was shot to death by Robert Ford, a member of his gang who hoped to collect the bounty on Jesse’s head. Charley was Robert’s younger brother and also a member of the James Gang

[49] Neighbor, Daniel D. Harris Jr. He was referred to as D.D. or D.

[50] Ontario, Canada

[51] Michigan death records show that he died in Waverly, Michigan on September 13, 1880; FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[52] Neighbor Emeretta Allen

[53] Possibly Louisa (Stewart) Chase, the widow of Albert Chase; research continues

[54] His daughter, Louese, married Daniel D. Harris Jr. (see footnote to April 5th entry)

[55] His granddaughter (Lois’ daughter), Ina Skinner

[56] D.D.’s family had a general store in Phoenix and he and Louese were moving there to work the store

[57] Ceresco, Michigan which was about 25 miles from Comstock/Galesburg

[58] Mary was the widow of Edwin Crawford who was the brother of Luke’s wife Sarah. FindAGrave.com shows she is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac, Michigan

[59] Michigan death records confirm that Hugh M. Shafter died on April 27, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Shafter Cemetery in Galesburg, Michigan

[60] Catherine (Keith) Randall, the daughter of Luke’s nephew, James “Oscar” & Mary Ann (Batey) Keith. Michigan death records reveal that she died at the age of 20 of consumption on May 3, 1882 in Bloomingdale, Michigan, and FindAGrave.com shows that she is buried in Covert Cemetery, Covert, Michigan

[61] Bejabbers is a euphemistic alteration of bejesus (or by Jesus), and was used as a mild oath expressing astonishment, dismay, disbelief, or the like

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

[63] His horse

[64] Michigan death records show that Josiah Loveland died in Comstock, Michigan on May 29, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in the Comstock Cemetery, Comstock, Michigan

[65] From Covington, Genesee County, New York

[66] Unknown at this time; research continues

[67] His cousins, Alvin Lee and Juliana (Davis) Lee

[68] Frank & Harriet (Root) Tomlinson

[69] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that John J. Hoover died June 18, 1882

[70] Michigan death records reveal that Fred Austin, age 17, the son of Franklin & Gertrude (Quick) Austin, died on July 4, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows that he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[71] Sisters, Marian and Helen “Nellie” Bristol, were cousins of Henry Brown

[72] Michigan death records reveal that William Wightman died July 6, 1883, however FindAGrave.com gives his year of death as 1882, which agrees with Luke’s diary entry, and shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[73] Michigan death records show that James Goodrich, age 33, died in the asylum in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on July 8, 1883; however, FindAGrave.com gives his year of death as 1882, which agrees with Luke’s diary entry, and shows he is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Comstock, Michigan

[74] Neighbor, Emaline (Stone) Ralph

[75] Etc.

[76] Neighbor, and half-brother of Martin Milham (see footnote for March 5th entry)

[77] His granddaughter, Lela Brown

[78] Michigan marriage records show that Alice Bell Beckwith married Richard Wesley Wells in Galesburg, Michigan on July 25, 1882; Alice was the daughter of neighbors Ezra & Amelia (Anderson) Beckwith

[79] Neighbor, Nathan L. Randall

[80] Jessie Crawford, the daughter of Luke’s brother-in-law, Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford

[81] Neighbor, Laura (Rawson) Streator, the wife of Marius O. Streator (see footnote to February 9th entry)

[82] Michigan death records reveal that Orrin Patterson, 70, died of pneumonia in Comstock on August 10, 1882. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[83] Mary (Smith) Flanders, wife of Edwin Flanders

[84] His brother-in-law and family: Hiram & Katherine (Atcheson) Crawford, and their children, Harry, Jessie and Blanche

[85] Nickname for Hiram

[86] Edwin, Mary, Mabel and Wilbur Flanders

[87] Possibly Catherine’s granddaughter, Clara Milham, the daughter of Martin & Lucy (Lee) Milham

[88] Nellie (Underwood) Stanford

[89] Both the Brown and Keith families, as well as several of their neighbors, were believers in Spiritualism and participated in seances

[90] Other things

[91] Edmund Chase, Henry Brown’s uncle

[92] A type of sled for moving heavy objects such as stones or hay bales

[93] Adelbert R. Skinner

[94] Angeline Clark, the mother of Luke’s daughter Lois’s first husband, Byron Clark. Unable to confirm date or place of death

[95] Michigan death records confirm that William Blass died in Comstock on October 6, 1882. His cause of death was listed as softening of the brain. FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Lawler Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan

[96] D.D. Harris’ sister

[97] Michigan death records confirm that John S. Allen died in Comstock on October 12, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[98] Nickname for his wife Sarah

[99] A long, flat strip of squared wood or metal used to hold something in place or as a fastening against a wall

[100] Lucy (Lee) Milham’s nickname

[101] Gertrude Irene Milham

[102] Michigan death records confirm that John N. McClary died in Detroit, Michigan on October 20, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[103] Shelbyville, Michigan

[104] The long shaft between which an animal is fastened when pulling a wagon

[105] Michigan death records confirm that David Powlison died in Comstock, Michigan on November 15, 1882 and FindAGrave.com shows he is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[106] Ambrose & Lydia (Turner) Milham. Ambrose and James Milham (see footnote to July 15th entry) were brothers and they were half-brothers to Martin Milham

[107] FindAGrave.com shows that James Nobles died in Pavilion, Genesee County, New York on November 27, 1882 and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery, also in Pavilion. James was a cousin of Luke’s wife Sarah

[108] Neighbor, Mary Ann “Mate” (Thompson) Ford

[109] FindAGrave.com reveals that Charles Dibble died November 28, 1882 and is buried in Cook Cemetery, Pavilion, Michigan

[110] The daughter of James Milham (see footnote to July 15th entry) & Ellen Adams

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Luke Keith’s 1871 Diary

1871 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

 Jan 1 – 29 Abz.[2] Went down to Catharines[3] with Wesleys[4] folks.

Jan 2 – Cold, snowed and blowed in forenoon. Worked in shop on sleigh.

Jan 3 – Blustring forenoon. Worked on sleigh.

Jan 4 – 10 Abz. Worked on sleigh. Mart and Lucy[5] went to burg.[6] Got Claras[7] picture taken. Drawed some wood.

Jan 5 – Went over to burg. Some warmer, south west wind. Bot this Book 40 cents. Rode over with Jo Boardman. Snow 1 inch. Went over to burg in Evening. Got galen oil. Sent letter to Suky Brown.[8] Received paper of David.[9]

Jan 6 – About one inch snow, 20 Abz. Sis[10] and Will had a fight on snow bank East side house. Went over to burg. Got thills[11] mended 50. Sold boiler. Got Elbow and cornpopper. Snowed ½ inch.

Jan 7 – Worked on Marts whiffletree[12] and put bottom on sleigh. Mr and Mrs Chapin here to get the Bristol House. 12 Abz in morning. Snowed all night.

Jan 8 – Snows like fun[13] this morning. Snowed 5 inches.

Jan 9 – Put sleigh box together. Went over to burg. School in the new schoolhouse at the burg to day for the first. Snow fell about ½ inch.

Jan 10 – Carried Lois[14] up to John Ralphs. Good sleighing. 40 Abz. Mrs Hawkins here.

Jan 11 – Went over to mill and to see Mr Chapins about selling the Bristol place.[15] Snow going of fast. Chapin moved to day. Went down to A. Browns[16] in Evening to see Zeak & Wm Davison, Streator, Ford & Jackson ___.

Jan 12 – Snow about gone, 53 Abz. Sent letter to S Bristol and a $2.00 Greenback and two stamps. Noon mercury 60 Abz, sun shine, warm. Sarah[17] went down to Cates with Mart.

Jan 13 – Pleasant morning 50 Abz. Went down to Catharines. Made 60 galens cider. Rainy day, bad time to get home. Sarah down to Catharines. Snowed and rained all night. Got Cates & Zeaks pictures.

Jan 14 – Some colder 26 Abz, sleet and snow &c[18] in morning. Hank Brown[19] here. Snow and rain all day. Made shead for sheep. Snow fell 3 inches.

Jan 15 – Snow and sleat, 28 Abz in morning. Snowed all day. Snow fell 4 inches.

Jan 16 – Not very cold 18 Abz, quite pleasant, sun shown most of the day.

Jan 17 – 20 Abz. Cut some wood. Went down to Jo Lees[20] after Sarah. Had a big run after bill.[21]

Jan 18 – 16 Abz. Worked round house. Carried some cider over to Planks.[22]

Jan 19 – Mart came up and killed a pig. Good sleighing.

Jan 20 – Cut and drawed wood. 28 Abz morning, thawed some.

Jan 21 – Went over to burg. Saw those men about Bristols accounts. Sent letter to S. S. Bristol. Battlecreek Band came down to day. Ida and Libby Allen[23] here to day.

Jan 22 – Ethan,[24] Lois and Hannah[25] went down to Catharines. Snowed some. Made feed box for Bill. Snowed all day.

Jan 23 – 10 Abz, snow 4 inches. Went Kalamazoo to get mortgage recorded 75 cts. Sarah stayed with Lois Lee[26] all night.

Jan 24 – Went down to Joes after Sarah. Went and got Catharine to stay with Lois while Jo went after Finch. Ethan went down to see the Doctor. He no come. Sarah Skinner[27] stayed all night.

Jan 25 – Ethan went down to Jo Lees to see Finch, he saw him. Lois and Sate[28] went home with him. Cold and good sleighing. Bot broom 25 cts of pedler.

Jan 26 – 10 Abz in morning. Went over to burg. Carried corn 3 bushels. Snow fell 1½, 20 Abz at 2 oclock.

Jan 27 – Work round house and shop. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening. Some cold. Lois some better.

Jan 28 – Cold. Good sleighing. Put shelves in butry.

Jan 29 – Went down to Catharines. Osgood and wife there. Good sleighing.

Jan 30 – Finished up butry. Moved into the middle room. Thawed some, rainy night.

Jan 31 – Rainy morning. Worked in shop some. Carried Sarah over to burg. Some blustering.

Feb 1 – Worked in shop on cutter. Snow ½ inch. Went over to burg after Sarah in morning. Tamer Ford here.

Feb 2 – Worked in shop some on cutter bottom. Snow fell ½ inch.

Feb 3 – Drawed some wood. Worked in shop some.

Feb 4 – Made stool for Jule Lees girl. Went over to burg. Mrs Skinner and Sate here. _____ _____ up here to tea. Mr Burrels Boy hurt on cars. Went down to Catharines in Evening. Burrels Boy Died in the night. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening.

Feb 5 – At home all day. Cold and windy, mercury at 12 Abz. Depo at Galesburg Burnt this Evening.

Feb 6 – Pleasant day. Filed cross cut saw for A. Brown and Repaired violin for Wm Wheeler of Climax.

Feb 7 – Wheeler sent for his violin paid 50¢. Carried Sarah over to Oyster supper. Galesburg Band Boys gave _____ supper.

Feb 8 – Not very cold. Worked in shop some. Cleaned out stable. Mrs Hawkins here. Sarah _____ _____ dress. Nancy[29] went down to A. Browns. Neck tye party at Mr Hu___ this Evening.

Feb 9 – New snow this morning, three inches 3 in. Went over to Mr Planks in Evening. Browns and Skinners there.

Feb 10 – Went over to Burg after Sarah and George,[30] they no come. Got rods for old stove. New schoolhouse dedication at Galesburg. Cold and blustring.

Feb 11 – 13 Abz, good sleighing. Moved old stove to the middle room. Ethan went to Kalamazoo to get some medicin of Dr Finch. Snowed some in night.

Feb 12 – Snowing. Snow fell 3 inches 19 Abz. Mrs Plank came over here this morning full of trouble.

Feb 13 – Went down to Catharines. Catharine and Lucy sick. Sarah stayed there. Good sleighing.

Feb 14 – Went up to Kirbys and Chapins. Cut some wood.

Feb 15 – Went down to Kalamazoo after Sarah an Georgie.[31] Thawed some. Brown and Skinners folks here in Evening. George came over. Catharine and Lucy sick.

Feb 16 – Not very cold 28 Abz. Went over to burg in morning. Cut some wood. X Mr and Mrs Schram X here in Evening. George came over and stayed all night. Edith came down and stayed all night.

Feb 17 – Stormy, snow and rain, not very cold, 36 Abz. Worked in shop some. Mr Plank and wife here in Evening.

Feb 18 – Worked in shop some on cutter bottom. Snow fell 2½ inches. Turner came over stayed all night.

Feb 19 – Pleasant morning, sun came out. Went down to Catharines, some better. Had oysters for supper. George Turner brot them over.

Feb 20 – Went up in woods, cut down _____.

Feb 21 – 18 Abz. Went to Kalamazoo with Sarah and George. Pleasant day. Snow fell 1¼.

Feb 22 – 12 Abz, pleasant morning. Went over to burg. Got table to P. Schrams. Willie Hoges[32] Died to night. Went up to Schrams in Evening.

Feb 23 – Cut some wood. Went down to school house to put on lock. Went up to McCains Corners with Mart. Hoges Boy buried to day. Lyda Barber came over here.

Feb 24 – Worked on cutter some. Bent the raves[33] back. Party at Skinners in Evening. Snow about gone.

Feb 25 – Pleasant morning. _____ put lock on school house. Prepared table for P. Johnson. Snow all gone in road.

Feb 26 – Snows like fun. Snow fell 6½ inches. Blackburns child buried.

Feb 27 – Cut maple tree out drawed down. Jesse Lee[34] called here after Hannah. Snowed very little. Lois came home.

Feb 28 – Went down to Catharines and Jo Lees. Lois and Will[35] went. Snow all went of. June Hoag here. Barber finished drawing Planks corn. Heavy wind all night.

Mar 1 – Windy and pleasant, 33 Abz. Went up in woods. Got pole to hang Cate[36] on. James Crom called here.

Mar 2 – Thunder shower this morning. Calculated to Kill Cate. Killed Cate. Had a big rain and heavy thunder.

Mar 3 – Cut and salted Cate. She weighed 475 lbs. Pleasant day. Party to A. Browns in Evening.

Mar 4 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Catherines. Drawed sap buckets into bush set kettle on. Pleasant. Saw bright sun day.

Mar 5 – Pleasant morning. No snow on ground.

Mar 6 – Moved bench out into old shop.

Mar 7 – Went down to Catharines. Worked on spouts burned out 240.

Mar 8 – Trimed spouts cut of End of stone trough. Mart went to town. I came home. Rained.

Mar 9 – Rainy morning. Went over to mill. Cold.

Mar 10 – Went down and tapt bush. Sap run some. Rained and snowed in the night. Party at Keiths.

Mar 11 – Ella Taylor[37] Died to day. Gathered sap. Commenced boiling. Came home. Mrs Chapin Died. Snow fell one inch.

Mar 12 – Pleasant morning. Went down to Catharines. Gathered sap, had 7 barrels. Sarah went down to Jo Lees. Snowed when we came home.

Mar 13 – Snow 2½ inches. Went down to Marts. Worked in bush. Ella Adams[38] buried. Mrs Chapin Buried.

Mar 14 – Shugered of for the first time. Rainy night. Boiled sap in Evening. Syruped down.

Mar 15 – Shugared of to day. Went over to Comstock. Saw Mr Burlingham. Got $100 Dollars and check on first National Bank for $50.00.

Mar 16 – Rainy morning. Went down to shuger bush. Gathered Eleven barrels sap. Boiled in Evening. Some rain. Paid N. L. Randal $30.00. Ike and Libby busted to night.

Mar 17 – Cool, some fine snow this morning. Syrupt down. I came home. Axach Howard at Catharines.

Mar 18 – Not very well. At home all day. Sarah went up to Mr Taylors in afternoon. Pleasant day. Repaired violin for Mr Grover. Let Mary Plank[39] lot popcorn.

Mar 19 – At home all day. Cold. Not very well.

Mar 20 – Went down to Catharines. Gathered sap and boiled in Evening. Syruped down.

Mar 21 – Shugered of this morning. Ed Yorks boys[40] there. Had two pans full. Came home. Dell, Sate, Nell and Eberle here in Evening. Hank Brown also.

Mar 22 – Cold wind. Choped some. Went over to Mr Chapins in afternoon. Winter term of school closed. Paid A. R. Lovel $55.00.

Mar 23 – Went down to Marts. Gathered and boiled sap. Boiled in Evening.

Mar 24 – Boiled sap all day. Gathered the bush twice. X Band boys came down in Evening. Shugered off for them.

Mar 25 – Boiled sap, shugered off this morning.

Mar 26 – Repaired arch. Boiled sap, syruped down and shugered off. I came home. No snow on ground.

Mar 27 – Went down to woods. Boiled sap, syruped down, shugered off just at night. Pleasant day, cold.

Mar 28 – Fine day. No sap on hand. Cut down elm stub in morning. Gound axes. Mart went to town. I came home. Mr Hawkins moved. Galesburg Band[41] had a shugar party in Evening.

Mar 29 – Went down to bush. Sarah went down to Catharines. Boiled sap.

Mar 30 – Father Labell[42] died this morning. Shugered off. Jo and Lois Lee was there. I came home. Gathered some sap.

Mar 31 – Pleasant morning. Went down to bush. Had some moleses. Came home. Brot 2 cakes shugar and some lases.

Apr 1 – Pleasant day. Sowed clover seed. Mr Hawkins got four bushels corn. Extracted two teeth for Old Mr Hawkins.

Apr 2 – Not very well. At home most of the day. Went down to Catharines. Got 6 lbs cloverseed. Saw Ambrose and Lydia Milham.[43] Young Spires[44] died this morning.

Apr 3 – Rainy. Finished sowing clover seed this morning. Went to town meeting. Mr Stevenson Died this morning. Paid James Jackson one dollar of my money.

Apr 4 – Went to Kalamazoo. Went to Martin Turners.[45] Took Dinner. Went back to bush, gathered sap, boiled in sap. Mr Phelps[46] Died to day.

Apr 5 – Gathered buckets and made molasses. Mart went to Mr Kings Auction. Scalded out buckets. Had a shower in Evening. Old Mrs McLary[47] died to day.

Apr 6 – Came home. Mart came after Hannah. Brot home shugar. Warm day. Raked of garden. Made 550 lbs shugar.

Apr 7 – Warm morning. Worked round house and garden. Trimed some appletrees.

Apr 8 – Trimed some trees. Cows got on Allens wheat. Dry weather. Amos Rogers wife[48] died to night.

Apr 9 – Pleasant and dry. Went down to Catharines after sis.

Apr 10 – Rainy morning, cool, rained all day. No work. School commenced.

Apr 11 – Cold and windy. Put poke on fan. Snowed some, cold night.

Apr 12 – Pleasant morning. Snow ¼ inch. Trimed some trees. Eberly and Nellie left for Iowa.

Apr 13 – Cloudy and cool. Drawed brush out of orchard. Trimed currant bushes. Mrs A. Brown[49] here. Mart here to dinner and supper.

Apr 14 – Sick, not much done. Tool old wagon to pieces. Extracted tooth for Harvey. Sarah, Ethan and Nancy went over to Wisemans.[50] Stranger bot bushel corn of Will Plank.[51] Pleasant and cool. Drawed chip manure.

Apr 15 – Drawed chip manure. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Carried Nancy and Ida up to Allens. Lois and Hannah came home. Young sleeper[?] called here to see Mr Plank.

Apr 16 – Turned out set mallets and balls for Ethan and Will Plank. At home all day. Wm and Alvin Lee[52] here.

Apr 17 – Turned Balls and mallets. Gerome Chadwick[53] Died in night.

Apr 18 – Chored round. Hat Taylor and Maud Adams here. Mart and Lucy called here.

Apr 19 – Went to Kalamazoo with Lois. She went to Ohio.[54] Had a heavy shower. Wind blowed John Mills Barn roof of. Mr Chadwick Buried to day.

Apr 20 – Not much work to day round home. Cows bothered some.

Apr 21 – Finished turning balls. The boys painted them. Rainy.

Apr 22 – Went over to burg after tacks and screws for shades. Put up 3 shades in schoolhouse. Cold wind. Sate Skinner stayed here all night. R. Blackburn packed up to day.

Apr 23 – Pleasant morning, some frost. Went down to Charles Lees[55] to pay Wm paid $31.84. Sate went home with us. Went to Jo Lees.

Apr 24 – Fine day. Sowed plaster on clover south and west of house. Drawed out some manure. Went over to Blackburns in Evening.

Apr 25 – Got out manure. Ethan drawed some wood and chips. Cloudy and warm. Heard the first Whipporwill this Evening.

Apr 26 – Cloudy morning, looks like rain. Gotout some manure.

Apr 27 – Rainy. Took manger and sleepers out of stable. Ethan painted Balls and Mallets.

Apr 28 – Ethan went over to mill. _____ called here. Mary Plank went down to Jo Lees to see Hannah.

Apr 29 – Worked in stable. Made manger for Bill. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Hannah came home with him. Mary Plank came with them. Mrs Henry Clinton came home.

Apr 30 – Pleasant morning. Ethan went down to Charles Lees. R. Blackburn came over.

May 1 – Went up to Ed Corys and Mr Rights. Saw S Bristol. He paid 2.00. Went over to burg. Got shoes for Hannah. Went down to Jo Lees in Evening.

May 2 – Got out manure. Cory Allen[56] and Ida Barber[57] here. Perkins had a Horse stolen.

May 3 – Rainy day. Sick, no work. Traded cows with A. Brown.

May 4 – Some rain. Wm Plank plowed garden and commenced plowing corn ground. I got out some manure. Burnt brush in East lot and old Hubs. Stella Millham[58] here this week.

May 5 – Cloudy and some rain in morning. Not very well. Will Plank plowing.

May 6 – Not well, lame, cant work. Pleasant day. Mr Taylor planting his corner lot.

May 7 – Fine day. At home all day. Ethan, Nancy and Ida Barber went down to Jo Lees to see Hannah.

May 8 – Went over to Burg after Oil Hemlock for Hannah. Went to Doc Wightmans.[59] Got my Early potatoes. Pleasant day, cold East wind. Frost this morning.

May 9 – Cold East wind, some frost. Went down to Cataharines. Carried Bedstead and corn to Mart. Mart carried Bedstead down to Kalamazoo. Hard frost.

May 10 – Planted corn for Plank. Warm day. Jim droped for me. Tin pedler from Wakeshma called here Layton by name. Pedler from Leonidas[60] stayed all night.

May 11 – Planted corn for Plank. Warm day. Finished west lot. No frost.

May 12 – No frost this morning. Repaired sulky spring. Mrs Wiseman, Carry and Ella[61] here. Hot day.

May 13 – Planted corn for Plank. Will[62] plowed in afternoon. Warm and dry. Mrs P. T. Lane died to day.

May 14 – Cloudy and cool this morning. At home all day. Ethan went down to Jo Lees.

May 15 – Sick, no work. Miss Lovel came here to board. Mrs P. T. Lane buried.

May 16 – Planted corn and sorgum for Plank. Dry and warm.

May 17 – Cool morning, North East wind. Sowed corn in East garden. Went down to A. Browns. Got some eggs to set hen. 1 day Will finished plowing to day and draged some.

May 18 – Set the Ginny Eggs. ½ Will draged corn ground in forenoon. I marked it one way in afternoon.

May 19 – Paid Miss Lovel twenty 25.00 five Dollars. Warm day, very dry. Planted some potatoes.

May 20 – Planted sorgum and some corn in East Lot. Hot day, 102 in sun. Hank Childs and Will Plank went up to Yorkville. Hannah and Cory Allen went. Jo & Lois Lee came up here.

May 21 – Pleasant morning. Carried Hannah down to Jo Lees. Rained some.

May 22 – Pleasant morning. Planted corn. Fine day. Jo Lee came up and helped me in afternoon. Finished before night.

May 23 – Some frost this morning. Planted potatoes &c, some squash seeds.

May 24 – Warm day. Went up in woods. Cut log for garden roller.

May 25 – Warm forenoon. Sarah went down to A. Browns. Jo Lee brot Hannah home. I dressed out pillows for Cutter Boddy. Had a thunder shower in afternoon, rained hard. Went down to Catharines. Rained hard in night.

May 26 – Pleasant day. Came home at night. Called to Jo Lees. Mart went to town to mill.

May 27 – Went down to A browns. Got bedstead. Put up curtains in schoolhouse in forenoon. Altered over bedstead in afternoon. Youngones had a picnic up in Fords woods in afternoon. Planted some cucumbers.

May 28 – At home all day. Wes folks went down to Catharines. Very hot.

May 29 – Went up to Wesleys. Got some bittersweet. Got my bed springs of Schram. Had a nice shower just at night. Rained in night.

May 30 – Not much work done. Not very well. Hot day.

May 31 – Sarah went over to burg. Made form, bent pillows for Cutter Box. Hot day. Wm Ralphs little girl[63] died to day.

Jun 1 – Hot day, 108 in sun. Put knees in runners. Mart and Lucy came up to day. Carry Ralph Buried to day.

Jun 2 – Went over to burg. Bot 200 lbs plaster 70¢. Plastered some corn. Warm day.

Jun 3 – Hot day. Finished plastering corn. Horse fair at burg. Stella and Mary Milham[64] here. Rained some. Frank Goodrich called here in rain.

Jun 4 – Warm morning. Carried Sarah and hannah down to Jo Lees. Went down to Catharines, got Nancy. Mr and Mrs Gates was Drownded in Gull Lake to day.[65]

Jun 5 – Chored round some. Went down to Joes after Sarah. John Darling came along here. Sent some seed corn down to Mart. Planted Beans.

Jun 6 – Ethan cultivated corn. I hoed some in garden. Planted some corn over.

Jun 7 – Went up and saw John Sherman to get him to wash my sheep. Went down to river and repaired sheep yard.

Jun 8 – Fine day. Washed my sheep. Lois came home. Mr Plank bargained his place to Mr Town. Went down to Catharines. Got some beans. Old Mrs Haws buried died to day.

Jun 9 – Cold morning, no frost. Cultivated some corn and chored round. Planted specled beans.

Jun 10 – Put raves on Cutter, made sky brace for Cutter. Had a shower. Stranger called here from Yorkville. Mrs Haws buried to day. Wesley paid for buckwheat 3.50.

Jun 11 – Cold morning. At home all day.

Jun 12 – Worked on Cutter. Made sky brace. Mrs Lamkin called and got violin bow. Turned stick for Jim Milham.[66] He paid 75 cents.

Jun 13 – Worked on road up by Earls bridge. Very windy. Freight House and Methodist Church burned down in Galesburg to day.

Jun 14 – Worked on road. Took Tea with Jesse Earl.[67] Windy and dry. Mr Schram got runaway with while gone to Kalamazoo.

Jun 15 – Worked on road in forenoon. Finished road and hoed sorgum. Sarah went down to Skinners.

Jun 16 – Worked on cutter some. Willard mills cut some grass. Ethan went up to Fields for Mr Plank.

Jun 17 – Finished cutting grass. Rainy. Put up some hay for A Brown. Catharine and Lucy came up here. Turned some pins for Hank Brown.

Jun 18 – Went down to Jo Lees and Catharines. All well.

Jun 19 – Put up hay in west part of lot. Warm day.

Jun 20 – Had a shower in morning. Ethan went to mill. Worked on cutter some. Rebecca Plank stayed here all night, had a fit.

Jun 21 – Pleasant morning. Got in hay of west part of lot. Got very tired.

Jun 22 – Finished drawing hay. Warm day. Had a nice lot of hay.

Jun 23 – Rainy morning. Got sheep down to shear. Brown heifer had a white calf. Miner sheared my sheep. Had 62 lbs. Fine day.

Jun 24 – Sold my wool to Wm Blass for 52½ cents pr pound. Had 62½ lbs $32.81 cts. Mrs Flanders here. Lois came home. Del Skinner here to tea.

Jun 25 – Cloudy morning. At home all day.

Jun 26 – Put cutter together and chored round. Took up floor in old shop and put my staple down to hold wheels. George Clinton Lee Milham[68] Born this morning 3½ minitz to seven zacly.[69]

Jun 27 – Mr Plank finished plowing Buckwheat ground. A. Brown and Mr Plank helped me kill two hogs. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jun 28 – Cut up my Hogs this morning. Went over to burg. Bot one bbl salt 2.50 one Hat 25¢. Went down to Catharines.

Jun 29 – Cool morning. Worked round shop and garden.

Jun 30 – Worked on sulky wheels for Jim Milham. Went down to A. Browns. Got 3 pecks buckwheat. Mr Plank sowed Buckwheat. Cool and windy.

Jul 1 – Finished Milhams Wheels. Went up to Jo Flanders[70] in afternoon. Got some berries. They finished haying.

Jul 2 – Went down to Catharines and Jo Lees after hannah. Went in swimming. Warm day.

Jul 3 – Warm day. Went over to burg. Bot Calf Boots 4.50, one piece cotton and six cans &c 6.61. Worked on cutter dash. Went over to see Miner in Evening. Had a shower, rained hard in night.

Jul 4 – Worked on cutter dash frame some. Not much done. Hannah went over and got pictures taken.

Jul 5 – Went over to burg to see show come in, nice show. Ethan helped Skinner get in wheat in afternoon.

Jul 6 – Had a nice shower in morning. Worked on cutter some.

Jul 7 – Commenced cutting wheat. Hot day. Nancy & Hannah went down to Fords & Skinners. Thysa Pond here to tea.

Jul 8 – Cut wheat on hill. Hot day.

Jul 9 – Sick. Hot day. Ethan and Sarah went down to Catharines.

Jul 10 – Cut wheat on hill. Warm day.

Jul 11 – Finished cutting wheat and drawed it in in afternoon. Will and Ida Barber[71] here.

Jul 12 – Very hot day. Glued front dash to cutter. Mart Milham called here. One Hundred and twenty five in sun mercury 125 in sun.

Jul 13 – Hot day. Went down to A Browns. Got his rake. Made whiffletree. Mercury 100 in shade about noon. Mr Eastman Died. He was found dead in his bed.

Jul 14 – Ethan raked wheat stubble. Drawed in rakins. Mrs Dick Barber here. Mr Eastman buried.

Jul 15 – Repaired cradle for Jesse Earl. Turned some pins for Mr Allen.

Jul 16 – Carried Hannah down to Jo Lees. Went down to Catharines.

Jul 17 – Ethan plowed corn. I hoed in garden some. Went up to John Shermans to have my account allowed.

Jul 18 – Warm morning. Mr Plank and I went up to the Bristol place in afternoon. Saw Chapin.

Jul 19 – Put in boulster for John Sherman in forenoon. Had a fine rain. Thrashed some rakings in afternoon. Ethan cultivated corn.

Jul 20 – Thrashed some in morning. Went to mill. Hoed some.

Jul 21 – Worked round, hoed some. Fine day. Mr and Mrs Plank here to tea.

Jul 22 – Hoed some beans in forenoon. Jo and Hellen came here. Warm day. Went down to Jo Lees. Stayed all night.

Jul 23 – Went down to Catharines. Jim Milhams folks came down. Charley Bronson called there. Came home in Evening.

Jul 24 – Hoed Beans in forenoon. Quite warm. Cows got into Mr Schrams corn. Hoed some potatoes.

Jul 25 – Hoed Potatoes all day. Eugene and Edna[72] came here to day. Warm day.

Jul 26 – Fine morning, some thunder in the distance. Finished hoing potatoes. Had a shower. Went over to burg in Evening.

Jul 27 – Fine morning. Hoed round cornfield. Catharine, Lucy and Mart came up. Nice day. Had green corn for dinner.

Jul 28 – Fine day. Ethan, Eugene, Nancy, Hannah and Edna went to Kalamazoo. I wheeled wood down to road in woods. Sarah washed.

Jul 29 – Dr John King of Chicago here to dinner. Mrs Wiseman, Carry and Ella here.

Jul 30 – At home all day. Warm day.

Jul 31 – Went down to Charles Lees. A Brown drawed some oats.

Aug 1 – Rainy forenoon. Brown drawed one load oats. Ethan, Eugene and the girls went down to A Browns in afternoon.

Aug 2 – Warm morning. Not much work to day. Brown got in all his oats. Had Ethan, Eugene and girls. Went down to Mr Randals. Very hot, mercury 112 in sun.

Aug 3 – Worked round ____ very hot. Ethan, Eugene, Hannah and Nancy, Edna went over to Mr Planks. S. A. Brown[73] came here in Evening. Had a nice shower.

Aug 4 – No work to day. All well as usual. Mary and Carry Plank,[74] Ella Randal here. Had a heavy shower.

Aug 5 – Warm day. Edna went home. Ethan and Eugene went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 6 – At home all day. Ed Childs called here. S. A. Brown here.

Aug 7 – Eugene and I went up to Chapins.

Aug 8 – At home all day. Mist[?] Went down to Mr Streators, took dinner. Went Skinners. Carried a letter to Lois.

Aug 9 – Warm morning. Went up to Hartwells. Ethan [and Eugene?] went to Kalamazoo. Sarah, Mrs Plank and Suky went down to Mr Randals. Put neck on Mr Wheelers violin.

Aug 10 – Eugene started for Grand Rapids. Worked on cutter some puting on dash. Sarah, Mrs Plank and Suky went down to Mr Randals. Wheeler got his violin.

Aug 11 – Put top of dash on cutter. Henry[75] came home. Mr Flanders Brot his cultivator to be repaired.

Aug 12 – Mrs Betts[76] came on the noon train. I went down to Catharines just at night. Suky Brown here. Mr Yates[77] found to day, had been dround some ten weeks.

Aug 13 – Fine morning, warm. Mrs Yates[78] found to day, had been drund some ten weeks.

Aug 14 – Worked on cutter some. Very warm day. Repaired Mr Flanders cultivator.

Aug 15 – Worked on cutter front some. Oscar[79] came here. We went up to Chapins in afternoon. Henry came here, stayed all night.

Aug 16 – Went up to Mr Taylors. Got some timber to make balls and mallet. Oscar and I went up to Chapins. Oscar went down to Streators.

Aug 17 – Turned some balls and mallets for Mrs Randal. Oscar and I went up to see Mr Kirby. Oscar went up to Mr Balys.

Aug 18 – Mr Streator brot some elm boards. I turned some mallets. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catharines. Hannah and Lois came home with them. Oscar started for home.[80]

Aug 19 – Turned some mallets. Lois, Henry and all at home. Bent some fenders. Mrs Betts went over to Mr L. Burdicks.

Aug 20 – Went up to Mr Flanders and down to Catharines and Jo Lees. Jo very lame.

Aug 21 – Went to Kalamazoo. Saw ____ge. Henry started for home.[81]

Aug 22 – Went over to Jo Yorks and over to Finleys. Saw Oscar York. Champlin Harris[82] Died in night.

Aug 23 – Went over to Ed Yorks. Heard Oscar and Ed play the violin. Left Joes about Eleven. Got home about four. Ed Childs came down after Suky Brown.

Aug 24 – Finished up dash on cutter. Tamer ford came here. Turned two balls for Mrs Randals Croka set. Warm day. Mr Harris Buried to day.

Aug 25 – Thrashed some wheat.

Aug 26 – Put fender on Cutter. Bent one. Mrs plank here. Brown came back from Ed Childs. Warm and dry.

Aug 27 – Warm morning. I went up to Schrams. Old Mr Sherwood[83] Died to day. Mrs Betts went to church with Mr Planks folks.

Aug 28 – Eugene and Charley Hall came here. Old Mr Sherwood buried to day. Went over to Mr R_____. Had a nice shower.

Aug 29 – Went over to burg. Got my grist. Rainy day. Charley Hall went over to Hoags, stayed all night. Heifer went to Bull.

Aug 30 – Round home most of the day. Tinkered in shop some. Nancy sick. Cut a little wood.

Aug 31 – Choped some wood. Not very well.

Sep 1 – Went down to Catharines. Carried ciderbarrel. Got some peaches and tomatoes to Jo Lees. Eugene went to Dowagiac.[84] Mrs A. Brown, Miss S. A. Brown and Mrs Plank here.

Sep 2 – Got some peaches of Del Skinner. Went over to burg. Bot 2 galen jug. Got some water at Warrens well. Taken sick to night.

(No entries for September 3 through October 11)

Oct 11 – Mr Schram got old cow. Mr Wiseman and wife left.

Oct 12 – (no entry)

Oct 13 – Sold stove to Fidelya Brown. He paid four Dollars, he pays 10 for stove.

Oct 14 – Rainy morning. Frank[85] came up to get money of carmen[?]. A very windy night, some rain.

Oct 15 – Ethan and Frank went down to Catharines.

Oct 16 – I went down to Catharines. Mrs Betts went with us.

Oct 17 – Rained some in forenoon. Came home at night. Called to Jo Lees.

Oct 18 – Ethan and Frank Husking Corn.

Oct 19 – Frank Tomlinson left. Went down to Catharines. Lois Lee[86] died about ten AM. Patty[87] sent $5.00 ___ five Dollars.

Oct 20 – Went over to burg. Bot pants six Dollars. Sarah and Mrs Betts went up to Mr Ralphs. Jim Perry[88] Died this morning.

Oct 21 – Went to Lois Lees funeral. Went down to Catharines. Mrs Betts left for home. Buildings on the corner set on fire in night. _____ had two chickens 4½ lbs.

Oct 22 – Pleasant day, some wind. Jim Perry buried. Eat Breakfast alone this morning. Patty and Catharine started for home. Aunt Electa[89] died about seven P.M.

Oct 23 – No one here. Not as well to day. Thieves around in the night, stole cider.

Oct 24 – Cool morning. Oscar and Alfleda[90] came to day.

Oct 25 – Oscar and Sarah went up to Chapins.

Oct 26 – Oscar and Sarah went up to Gull to see Mr Right.

Oct 27 – Sarah and Alfleda went down to Jo Lees. Cold wind.

Oct 28 – Ethan husking corn

Oct 29 – Ethan went down to Marts. Sarah went, came home. Mrs Sherman died.

Oct 30 – Ethan cut some wood.

Oct 31 – Rainy day. Mrs Sherman buried to day.

Nov 1 – Pleasant day. Rebecca Plank came over here. Darias Austin stayed here all night. He was moving some things, had a cow.

Nov 2 – Austin left. Pleasant morning. Nancy & Hannah went down to Jo Lees. Ethan got Sorgum, had 14 Galens.

Nov 3 – Ethan husking corn. Fine day.

Nov 4 – Pleasant day, warm. I went over to burg to Mr Planks. Merideth came up here.

Nov 5 – Pleasant day. Old Mr & Mrs Ralph called here. Alvin Lee brot Alfleda here.

Nov 6 – Cool wind. Went down to Catharines with Meridith. Called to Jo Lees took dinner. Snowed in night ¼ inch.

Nov 7 – Fine day, plasant, had a little snow. Ethan and Meridith husking corn. Ida Lewis[91] buried to day.

Nov 8 – Finished husking corn about ten AM. Cloudy, not very cold.

Nov 9 – Went down to Jo Lees. Rainy afternoon. Mr Howlet Died about Eight AM. Jo Lee went to Kalamazoo after Coffin.

Nov 10 – Came home. Got some walnuts.

Nov 11 – Mr Howlet buried to day. Very pleasant day.

Nov 12 – Fine day. George Turner[92] came up here got his boring machine. Ethan went down to Jo Lees.

Nov 13 – Cloudy morning, rainy afternoon and night. Ethan working on moddle cupler. Mrs Keith here. Mr Boin[93] Died. Lived near Mr Swaddles.

Nov 14 – Rainy.

Nov 15 – Pleasant, cool. Ethan making cupler.

Nov 16 – Pleasant day. Went over to burg. Got some wine. Hard frost.

Nov 17 – Pleasant, hard frost this morning. Nancy and Hannah came home.

Nov 18 – Ethan cut some wood and went over to burg. Eb, Harry and Nell here in Evening. Rained in night. Skinner & Clark[94] maried to day.

Nov 19 – Nancy went down to Jo Lees. Louesa[95] came home. Alfleda here.

Nov 20 – Ethan working on cupler. Cold day.

Nov 21 – Ethan boiling cider. Snows some. Ethan finished cupler.

Nov 22 – Snowy day, snow fell 2 inches, cold and windy.

Nov 23 – Ethan, Sarah and Alfleda went down to Catharines. Pleasant day. Mr Plank thrashing Buckwheat. Dick Lamkins here in Evening. Snowed like fun, snow fell 3 inches. Sarah Borrowed six Dollars of Alvin Lee.

Nov 24 – Mr Plank finished the Buckwheat, had 22 bushels.

Nov 25 – Ethan cut some wood. Mr Schram called, paid for cider $3.20¢.

Nov 26 – Some misty and foggy. Ethan went down after Hannah.

Nov 27 – Cold and windy. Ethan made reach[96] for Theodore Earl.[97] Hannah commenced going to school. Ethan put Buckwheat straw in barn.

Nov 28 – Snowed some about ½ in. Ethan and girls went down to Streators in Evening. Cold.

Nov 29 – Cold morning 3 Abz. Mince called here to sell some grave stones. Sarah and Nancy went over to Mr Planks. Hawkins got stove. Doctor Burner lectured at burg.

Nov 30 – Mince got Birges bobs. Snows some. Quin brot his cutter. Eb, Harry and Nell here in Evening.

Dec 1 – Paid Mr Sherwood $10.00 ten Dollars. Went down to Jesse Lees. Went down to Catharines, stayed all night.

Dec 2 – Went to Jo Lees, stayed all night.

Dec 3 – Came home. Snowed like fun. Saw Mrs Skinner.

Dec 4 – Snows and blows like fury, snowed 3½ inches. Harry Streator[98] came here.

Dec 5 – Cold and blustering, good sleighing.

Dec 6 – Cold and blutering, 3 Abz. Quin got his cutter. Not so well, rather lame. Orrin Scranton[99] Died this Evening.

Dec 7 – Thawing some this morning. Lame, cant hardly get around.

Dec 8 – Cold and blustring. Mrs Plank here. Alfleda came up from Jacksons. A. A. Dodge called here.

Dec 9 – Went over to burg. Drawed one Hundred Dollars $100. of Town Treasurer. Eb and Nell and Harry came here. Eb and Nell stayed all night. Mart, Cate and Meridith came up here. Lois, Sate & Mrs Skinner. Extracted tooth for Mrs Skinner. Orrin Scranton buried to day.

Dec 10 – Mart, Cate and Meridith came up here. Lois, Sate & Mrs Skinner called. Extracted tooth for Mrs Skinner.

Dec 11 – Criss chopping some wood. Ethan commenced going to school. Sis sick.

Dec 12 – Paid Isaac Schram six Dollars and twenty five cents. Sis sick. Cate and Meridith here. Catharine got home.

Dec 13 – Meridith went down to Catharines. Snow fell ½ inch.

Dec 14 – Catharine, Lucy and Mart came up to day. Mrs Jackson called here. Alfleda went down to Jacksons with Marts folks when they went home. Hank Brown working in shop this Evening.

Dec 15 – Pleasant day. Mr Brown and Hank drawed one load straw. Mr Brown got hurt. Hank and Nancy went over to burg. Nancy went down to Browns stayed all night.

Dec 16 – Ethan, Hank, Nancy and Hannah went over to Vicksburg to Yorks. I done the chores for the first time since last summer.

Dec 17 – Cloudy, not much snow on ground. Ethan and girls came home from Yorks. All well.

Dec 18 – Snows some. Brown drawed one load straw.

Dec 19 – Swept out corn house. Cold, snow 1½ one inch and half. Ethan Eye sore.

Dec 20 – Cold and windy, 2 below zero, in Evening Eigh oclock 15 below zero. Paid school teacher fifty Dollars 50.00

Dec 21 – Cold morning, 6 below zero this morning.

Dec 22 – Carried sleigh over to burg. Cold and snowey, snow fell one inch 1 inch, rained all night.

Dec 23 – Rainy. Let A. Brown have $30 thirty dollars. Heavy wind. Wesley got home this morning.

Dec 24 – Pleasant day. A. Brown called here. Carried Wills pants home.

Dec 25 – No one here to day. Ethan went down to M O Streators.[100] George Sutherland[101] Died to night.

Dec 26 – Went over to burg. Carried 50 lbs Buckwheat flour to Dr Merril. Nice wheeling, no snow on ground or not much. Bot bottle of medicine of Mr VanBuren $1.00. Ethan & girls went down to Skinners.

Dec 27 – Cold and snowey, blustring. Worked on sleigh shoe pattern. About one inch of snow. Will Plank stayed all night.

Dec 28 – Went over to burg. Carried over pattern for sleigh shoes. Mart and Meridith came up. Ethan repaired Ely Wightmans melodion.

Dec 29 – Went over to burg with Jo Lee. Bot Diary 45 cts. Pleasant day. Went down to Jo Lees, stayed all night.

Dec 30 – Went down to Catharines, stayed all night. Mart thrashed his clover. Had Elevn bushels.

Dec 31 – Came home. Alfleda came up from M. O. Streators. Hank Brown and Alice Byington came up here in Evening.

——-

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

[2] Above zero

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

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

[5] His niece and her husband, Martin & Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[6] Galesburg, Michigan

[7] Mart & Lucy’s daughter, Clara Almyra Milham, who was two years old

[8] Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown and/or Decatur Susie Brown

[9] Believe he is referring to his brother-in-law, David “D.C.” Crawford, who lived in Golden, Colorado

[10] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith

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

[12] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

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

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

[15] See January 8, 1871 letter from Seaman Bristol Jr. to Luke

[16] His neighbor, Ambrose Brown

[17] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[18] Et cetera

[19] Ambrose Brown’s son, Henry Brown; Hank would marry Luke’s daughter, Nancy, in 1872

[20] Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin

[21] His horse

[22] Believed to be his neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[23] Neighbor children, the daughters of John Allen

[24] His son

[25] His daughters

[26] Lois (French) Lee, the wife of his cousin, Joseph Lee

[27] A neighbor, Sarah (Knight) Skinner

[28] Sarah Skinner, the daughter of Sylvester & Sarah (Knight) Skinner

[29] His daughter, Nancy Catherine Keith

[30] His cousin, George & Sarah (Roberts) Turner

[31] Believe this is George & Sarah Turner’s baby son

[32] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Willie Hodges, the son of Edward & Adeline Hodges, died February 22, 1871, at the age of 4, and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[33] The vertical side pieces to a wagon body

[34] His cousin, Jesse Earl Lee

[35] His grandson, and Lois’ son, William Byron Clark

[36] One of his pigs

[37] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Ella (Taylor) Adams, age 22, wife of Milo Adams, died March 11, 1871 and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[38] See March 11th entry

[39] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[40] Edwin & Ruth Ann (Fletcher) York had four boys: Frank (b: about 1856), Arthur (b: 1858), Fred (b: 1862), and George (b: about 1871; Edwin was Joseph York’s brother

[41] According to the History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan (1880), the Galesburg Cornet Band was organized August 4, 1870. Charles Harris was the leader and he played the E-flat cornet. Ethan Keith played the 2d E-flat cornet

[42] The Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com show that Anthony Labell, a priest, died in Kalamazoo at the age of 55

[43] Ambrose & Lydia (Taylor) Milham; it is believed that Ambrose was a half-brother of Martin Milham

[44] Oak Grove Cemetery records show that Frank C. Spier was born February 21, 1848 and died April 2, 1871

[45] His maternal first cousin

[46] Avery Martin Phelps, age 49, died in Charleston, Michigan, and is buried in Oak Grove Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[47] A search of the Michigan Death Records at Ancestry.com shows that Gertrude McLary, age 82, died April 4, 1871 in Charleston, Michigan

[48] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Julia Ann (McFarland) Rogers, age 27, died April 18, 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[49] Ambrose Brown’s wife, Matilda (Allen) Brown

[50] Neighbors, Joseph & Caroline (Williams) Wiseman

[51] Believe he is referring to William H. Plank, the son of his neighbors, William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[52] His paternal first cousins, William and Alvan Lee, the sons of Charles Lee (see April 23rd entry)

[53] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Jerome C. Chadwick died April 17, 1871 and is buried in Indian Fields Cemetery, Portage, Michigan

[54] Lois had lived in Spring Hill (now Tedrow), Ohio, with her first husband, Byron Clark; however, after he died, she returned to Michigan. Apparently her in-laws convinced her to leave her son Charley with them (see the May 13, 1866 letter), so she was probably going back to visit

[55] His paternal first cousin. Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee, the brother of Joseph W. Lee and the father of Charles Jedediah Lee

[56] Daughter of John Allen and sister of Ida and Libby Allen (see January 21st entry)

[57] Neighbor, daughter of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[58] Daughter of James Milham, Martin Milham’s half brother

[59] George Ransom Wightman

[60] Leonidas, St. Joseph County, Michigan

[61] Carrie and Sarah Ella Wiseman, daughters of Joseph & Caroline (Williams) Wiseman (see April 14th entry)

[62] Believe he is referring to his grandson, Will Clark

[63] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Caroline B. Ralph, age 3, the daughter of William and & Emaline (Stone) Ralph, died May 31, 1871, and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[64] Daughter of James Milham, Martin Milham’s half brother

[65] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Robert D. & Jane Eliza (Caldwell) Gates died in Gull Lake, Michigan, and are buried in Cressey Cemetery, Barry County, Michigan

[66] Martin Milham’s half brother

[67] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[68] Son of Martin & Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[69] Exactly

[70] Neighbor, Joseph Flanders

[71] Neighbors, children of Richard & Mary (Knowles) Barber

[72] Eugene and Edna Crawford, the children of his wife Sarah’s late brother, Edwin Crawford

[73] Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown, Decatur Susie Brown and S. A. Brown

[74] The daughters of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[75] His son by his first wife, Minerva Payson.

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

[77] Robert D. Gates drowned in Gull Lake, Michigan; see June 4th entry

[78] Jane Eliza (Caldwell) Gates drowned in Gull Lake, Michigan; see June 4th entry

[79] Believe he is referring to his nephew, James “Oscar” Keith

[80] Oscar lived in Deerfield, Michigan

[81] After Luke’s first wife, Minerva (Payson) Keith, died, Joseph & Amanda (Hobbs) Flanders took in their children, Henry and Lois Keith. From letters from that time, it would appear that Lois was then sent to Minerva’s parents while Henry lived with the Flanders family. The Flanders raised Henry even after Luke married his third wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith. They wanted to adopt Henry but Luke said no; however, it looks like he lived with them throughout his youth. This seems to be corroborated by the 1860 census showing “Henry L Flanders” (believed to actually be Henry L. Keith), age 16, living with Joseph & Amanda

[82] A search at FindAGrave.com shows that Champlin Harris died August 23, 1871 and is buried in the Riverside Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[83] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Stephen B. Sherwood died August 28, 1871 in Comstock, Michigan, and Oak Grove Cemetery records show he is buried there

[84] Dowagiac, Michigan

[85] His grandnephew, Frank John Tomlinson, the son of George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson

[86] Jo Lee’s wife, Lois (French) Lee; she is buried in Indian Fields Cemetery, Portage, Michigan

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

[88] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that James Perry died October 20, 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[89] His aunt, Electa (Damon) Wolcott, the widow of his Uncle Warren Wolcott

[90] His sister-in-law, Alfleda (Starr) Keith, the widow of his brother, Harvey Keith, and the mother of James “Oscar” Keith

[91] Ida May Lewis, the daughter of Maxon & Mary Lewis, died of croup at the age of 4, on November 4, 1871

[92] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[93] A search of the 1870 census shows L. & Lucinda Bowen listed immediately after S[amuel] Swaddle; FindAGrave.com shows Lucius Bowen, the husband of Lucinda Congdon, died in 1871 and is buried in the Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[94] His daughter, Lois (Keith) Clark, married Adelbert Skinner

[95] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith, usually referred to as Sis

[96] A pole that connected the front axle and the rear axle of a wagon

[97] The son of Jesse & Mary (Clapp) Earl; see June 14th entry

[98] A neighbor

[99] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Orrin Scranton, died December 6, 1871 in Perry, New York, and is buried in Pearl Creek Cemetery, Pearl Creek, New York. The 1850 census shows Orrin living in Covington, New York, which is where Luke lived before coming to Michigan

[100] Neighbor, Marius O. Streator; the father of Harry Streator (see December 4th entry)

[101] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that George Sutherland died December 25 and is buried in Newbre Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan

Luke Keith’s 1870 Diary

1870 DIARY OF CHARLES LUKE KEITH JR.[1]

Jan 1 – At home all day. Cut up my hogs some. Carried Catharine[2] up to Wesleys.[3] Went down to M. O Streators[4] in evening.

Jan 2 – Went down to Jo Lees.[5] Took Nancy[6] down to see the Doctor.

Jan 3 – Went over to burg [Galesburg]. Brot shears home for Dick Blackburn. Mr Ralph paid for bed Bottom[7] $5.00. Bill[8] ran a way with me smashed up the sleigh some. Catharine came back with C. J. Lee.[9]

Jan 4 – Went over to burg. Carried over shears brot home by shears. Lois[10] came home to day. Bot this Diary 40 cts. Cold some snow.

Jan 5 – Went over to burg with Mark.[11] Carried Dicks shears over. Mr. Hawkins choped some wood. Cora Allen stayed here all night.

Jan 6 – Took A Browns[12] spoke irons of some of my sleigh. Not much work to day. Washing day. Cold not much snow.

Jan 7 – Went over to burg got my Boots tapt and Louesas[13] shoes. Some snow. Rode over with H. A. Taylor.

Jan 8 – Went down to M F Lees. Very blustrous. Lois stayed there. Had Jim.[14] Helped Mr Plank load one load hay in morning.

Jan 9 – Cold day. At home all day except I went down to A Browns with Jim horse.

Jan 10 – Cut up my hogs. Ida Clark[15] came here. Hank Brown[16] came home.

Jan 11 – Worked round choring some. Get Jims[17] Boots mended. Lois went to A. Kaywoods.

Jan 12 – Went over to burg with Jo Lee. He left his Bugy here to be repaired.

Jan 13 – Made axhelve for Isaac Schram. Mr Wisemans folks here in evening. Youngones went down to Catharines. No sleighing all ice.

Jan 14 – Put in Browns bugy pole. Hung ax for Schram.

Jan 15 – Very [i]cy. Hawkins choping some. Drawed 3 loads wood in fore noon. Deed coming from Washington.

Jan 16 – Went down to Catharines with Nancy. Had Jim. Rained in Evening.

Jan 17 – Went over to mill. Carried ___ bushels wheat. No work in shop.

Jan 18 – Cold ___ Abz.[18] Mark came up. Sarah[19] went to burg with him. Made _______________________.

Jan 19 – Worked on Browns Exes.

Jan 20 – Worked on Browns Exes.

Jan 21 – Finished Exes. Jo Lee came up here worked on his box put in ____. Ethan[20] went down to Catharines.

Jan 22 – Choped and drawed some wood. Went down to Mr Randalls in Evening. Rainy. Pixley & Grannis at the burg this Evening.

Jan 23 – At home all day. Not very well.

Jan 24 – Finished Jo Lees buggy. Put Browns Exes in. Worked some on moddle. T. Flanders[21] Died in the night.[22]

Jan 25 – Cold no snow. Saw Edwin Flanders[23] this morning. He cam from the County house. Worked on moddle.

Jan 26 – Worked on moddle some. Went over to the County house to T. Flanders Funeral. Snowey day. Sarah and Nancy went down to Catharines with Jo Lee. He got his buggy.

Jan 27 – Finished moddle. Hank Brown went to Marshall with it. Spliced stand leg. Put bottom on Bird cage. Isaac Schram bored hole in his mawl.

Jan 28 – Made wagon pole for M. O. Streator. Put Jims sheep on the trucks. Put hair in violin bow for King. Dick Lamkins here to tea. Moved sound post in his violin.

Jan 29 – Cut & drawed some wood. Went over to burg. Lois came home in Evening.

Jan 30 – At home all day. Mark & Henry Lee[24] here. Sarah came home.

Jan 31 – Worked on cupler most of the day. S. A. Brown[25] here to Tea had no Tea but cider. Ida Barber[26] came over.

Feb 1 – Cold 4 Abz in morning. Mrs Rogers & Sarah[27] here. Worked on wheel.

Feb 2 – Finished rounding felloes[28] on my wagon and painted them.

Feb 3 – Wm G. Springstead called here. Derias and Mary B_____ came here. Drawed in some corn. M. O. Streator got his wagon tong.

Feb 4 – Mary and Derias left for Burlington. Cold morning 19 Abz. Went down to Catharines stayed all night.

Feb 5 – Went to Kalamazoo with Mark and Lucy.[29] Took dinner with Ed Wilcutt.[30]

Feb 6 – At home. Charley Lee here.

Feb 7 – Cut grubs on the line btween my land and Catharines. Mr Hichhock buried to day. Prayer meeting at brother Randals for the benefit of this neighbor hood.

Feb 8 – Carried 3 bushels wheat to mill. Worked around house and barn.

Feb 9 – Went over to burg. Went up to station. Went to Charly Tousleys shop. Put up leach.[31] Willy Bestor[32] Died.

Feb 10 – [illegible]

Feb 11 – Will Bestor buried. Made soap. Nancy went down to Cates in Evening. Hank took her down. Paid S. A. Brown $45.00 Dollars to apply on order. Trimed some trees.

Feb 12 – Cold snowes some. Hank Brown went up to Armes[33] only he did not. Broke spoke out of wheel. I put in one. Fixed sheep shed.

Feb 13 – No snow. At home all day. No one here. Rained some in the night.

Feb 14 – Cloudy looks like rain. Went over to burg. Carried Dick Bottle Cider. Put up Hites[34] potatoes and apple cider &c.[35]

Feb 15 – Made axhelve for I. O. D. Schram. Carried Hites potatoes over to burg. No snow on ground. Mart Milham[36] came up with two horses on buggy.

Feb 16 – Drawed two loads straw from M O Streator. Rufus Taylor got my wagon to go over to Indian Lake fishing. Fine day.

Feb 17 – Choped some wood up in woods. Ethan sick. Snowey and blustering. Dug some sassafras for Ethan.

Feb 18 – Cut some wood and grubs in north west corner of woods.

Feb 19 – Hank Brown brot up 3 saws to file. Got letter from Higgins. Got the old clock cleaned 1.50. Snowey. John Earl and boy here brot violin to be repaired. Lois came home.

Feb 20 – At home all day. Cold at zero. All well as usual.

Feb 21 – Cold 9 below zero. Drawed two loads wood on corn. Went up to H. A. Taylor after thill straps. Young ones all went down to Mrs Skinners in Evening.

Feb 22 – Cold 10 Abz. Some snow on ground. George and Marion[37] came. Catharine and Lucy came with them. Went up to Jo Flanders[38] in Evening.

Feb 23 – Not very cold. George gone up to Wesleys. Sarah, Marion and Lois Went up to Wesleys. I went up in Evening.

Feb 24 – George and Marion went to Brady. I went up to Wesleys. Lost my glasses. Went over to Burg got form for Deeds 50¢ stamp 25¢.

Feb 25 – Went to Kalamazoo to get Deeds $3.00.

Feb 26 – Cut and drawed some wood. Went over to burg. Extracted Tooth for Carry Plank.[39] Extracted two teeth for Hurby Earl 25¢. Mrs Streator, Nell and Harry here in Evening. Rainy Evening.

Feb 27 – Rains some, lots water on ground. Went over to R. G. Smiths to see about Deeds.

Feb 28 – Went over to burg. Sent letter to J. E. Higgins. Mark came after Lois.

Mar 1 – Some snow on ground. Put Eaph Earls[40] violin together. Some wind to day.

Mar 2 – Worked round house. Went over to burg. Got Deeds sent 3 to J Higgins. Got money for _____ purposes 110.21.

Mar 3 – Bent cane for Henry Lee. Eaph Earl got his violin paid 2.00. Party to M. O. Streators, youngones all went.

Mar 4 – Some snow on ground. School closes to day.

Mar 5 – Paid S. A. Brown 63 dollars 54 for last order 9 on the first. Went down to Catharines. Snowed in the night. S. A. Brown stayed here all night.

Mar 6 – Cold 2__ Abz _____. Harry Streator[41] joins the Brick Church to day.

Mar 7 – Went over to Mill. Carried 2 bushels wheat. Cut some wood.

Mar 8 – Went over after my grist. Extracted one tooth for Herb Earl. Filed saw for Spence Thomas. Brot my pole from burg. Henry Lee here to day. Louesa went home with them.

Mar 9 – Worked round house. S. A. Brown left for Chicago. Cut some wood.

Mar 10 – Lewis Planks[42] folks started for Iowa.[43] At home most of the day.

Mar 11 – Went over to Burg got step made for E. Lees[44] cane $.1.00. Bot shoes for Jim 1.75¢.

Mar 12 – Cold and blustrous 20 Abz all day. Snowed in night. Expect Suky left for Chicago.

Mar 13 – Cold 20 Abz lots snow on ground. Went down to Catharines hard going no tracks. Went over to Mrs Cross with Mark to see cow.

Mar 14 – Came home hard walking. Nancy came up with Wesley. Mr & Mrs Plank[45] here in Evening and Mr & Mrs Hawkins.

Mar 15 – Lots snow, snows and blows like fun.[46] Hank Brown and George Sutherland called here. Made plate and cut Dr E. Lees name on it for his cane.

Mar 16 – Cold lots snow 2 Abz. Worked on cupler. Cold. Ethan and Planks al hands went sleighride.

Mar 17 – Worked on cupler. Mark, Mart and Henry came up. Ethan went down to Catharines with them. Traded violin for rifle with Mark. Hank and Dell Skinner[47] went sleigh ride, had Flanders bobs.

Mar 18 – Pleasant morning. Went Down to Marks stayed all night. Mark and Henry started for Salt Lake in night. Charley[48] went to Chicago.

Mar 19 – Called on Charles Lees[49] folks. Very sloppy.

Mar 20 – At home picked up corn in road. Lots water. Nancy went down to Catharines.

Mar 21 – Went down to Catharines with Ethan. Cold. Mart went to Kalamazoo.

Mar 22 – Went over to burg got my boots mended. M O Streator brot wheel here to be mended. David Tomkins stayed all night.

Mar 23 – Pleasant morning. David left. Worked on Hank Browns Boat. Extracted tooth for O. D. Schram.[50] Select[?] party to Planks. Paid John Sherman 22. Dollars and fifty cents for shool wood 22.50.

Mar 24 – Heard first Robbin for the season. Worked on boat and wheel.

Mar 25 – Drove spokes in Streators wheel. Went down to Catharines in afternoon. Hannah[51] went down to Mr T. Fords with Mary Plank.[52]

Mar 26 – Cut out felloes for wheel. Rainy day. Cleaned sewing machine.

Mar 27 – Went down to Catharines. Got some warm shugar. Rainy day.

Mar 28 – Worked on boat some. Put tip on Skinners bugy pole.

Mar 29 – Worked on boat and Skinners whiffletrees.[53] George Sutherland and Hank brown here in Evening. Nancy came home. Jo Lee sick. Mrs Plank here in afternoon.

Mar 30 – Carried Sarah down to Jo Lees. Jo some better. Rained some.

Mar 31 – Worked on boat some. Rainy day. Put boat together.

Apr 1 – Worked on boat. Hank came up. Put boat up.

Apr 2 – Finished boat. Sarah went to burg in Evening.

Apr 3 – Went down to Catharines. Sap run some. Ethan and Mart boiling.

Apr 4 – Hank got his boat. Went over to town meeting. Traded rifle for Marts watch. Pleasant day.

Apr 5 – Carried 300 cucumbers over to burg. Sold to Mr Williams. Cut some wood.

Apr 6 – Made steps to doors and stoop. Cleaned up some round yard. Dance to A. Browns in Evening. Mended up old wheelbarrow.

Apr 7 – Worked round yard all day. Carry Wiseman[54] came home with Sis.[55]

Apr 8 – Worked around yard and shop. Raked up some.

Apr 9 – Work round house and yard. Went over to burg. Hannah went down to Skinners. Jo and Hellen[56] called here.

Apr 10 – Went down to Catharines. Rainy day. Heard from Mark.

Apr 11 – Went to burg in morning. Bot Sis shoes 1.60¢. Came back. Went down to schoolhouse. School commenced. Went over to burg with Mart. Got school money. Bot barrel salt $3.00. David Tomkins stayed here all night.

Apr 12 – Pleasant morning. Drawed corn and worked round yard.

Apr 13 – Finished drawing corn. Trimmed appletrees. Mrs Hawkins here to dinner.

Apr 14 – Burnt apple brush. Cleaned up round yard. Mr Schram called here with a man to look at my place.

Apr 15 – Went down after Ethan. Rainy. Brot home shugar.

Apr 16 – Husked some corn. Went down to school house, moved seats. Stormy day. Got Mr Schrams saw. Snowed like fun.

Apr 17 – Quite pleasant. Snow all gone. At home all day.

Apr 18 – Moved stove in to the kitchen. Sawed some wood in afternoon. Received letter from M. F. Lee.[57] Miss _____ came to night, new teacher came to board.

Apr 19 – Rainy morning. Finished husking corn. Sawed some wood. Coly Durgy and stranger here looking for a farm.

Apr 20 – Made churn dash for Mrs Hawkins. Sawed some wood. Rainy afternoon. Party over to Mr Planks this Evening.

Apr 21 – Sawed wood some, split some.

Apr 22 – Finished sawing up trees. Hat and Elizabeth Taylor here to day. Mrs Plank came over. Lucy came up. Fran calved to day I think.

Apr 23 – Went to Kalamazoo to see Ed. He was gone to Battlecreek. Mr Butler stayed all night. Lois came home. Went up in woods. Got Fran and her calf down in morning. Mr Butler and boy came here.

Apr 24 – Mr Butler here at home all day.

Apr 25 – Mr Butler here, boy sick. Tightened box in one of his wheels.

Apr 26 – Mr Butler left. I went to Kalamazoo. Sarah went to Catharines.

Apr 27 – Spaded up onion bed. Made pitman for A. Caywood in afternoon. Had a shower in Evening. Byron Allen & Hank Childs called here while it rained.

Apr 28 – Cool morning. Filed saw for Mr Sherman. Repaired door at barn yard.

Apr 29 – Ethan went to mill. Henry Lee came here, left bottle painkiller. Cleared out old shop. Pleasant day. Mart called here.

Apr 30 – Chored round. Mr Plank drawed over some hay.

May 1 – Went down to Catharines. Harrison Sprague came here.

May 2 – Went over to Climax and to Dry Prairie with Harrison to find place to start a hardware store. Stayed all night. Ethan commenced plowing.

May 3 – Left Dry Prairie this morning all right. Called on Jesse Turner.[58] Took Dinner. Got home about six.

May 4 – Put out some onions. Plowed some. Commenced plowing on hill.

May 5 – Got Schrams buggy. Went to Kalamazoo to see Ed Wolcot. Del Smith[59] Killed. Warner boy shot him.

May 6 – Took Schrams buggy home. Some rain. Planted corn in west garden. Got potatoes out of cellar.

May 7 – Planted potatoes in west garden. Mrs Wiseman and Carry Ella[60] and Cornells girl over here. Ida barber came over. Uncle Jason[61] Died to day.

May 8 – Pleasant day. Ida Barber here. Not very well.

May 9 – Work round house and garden. Ethan plowing.

May 10 – Ethan plowing. I work hoing garden some.

May 11 – Ethan dragging corn ground. I am sick, no work. Worked some on potatoes markers. Sarah went down to Catharines.

May 12 – Ethan marked out corn ground. Worked some in shop on marker.

May 13 – Got half bushel seed corn of A. Brown. Commenced planting corn. Fine day. Finished planting corn on hill.

May 14 – Planted potatoes in East garden. Sowed beet seed. Ethan & Hannah went up to Jesse Earls[62] woods on river to A picknick in afternoon. Lois came home.

May 15 – At home all day. Fine day. Hannah went down to see Nancy with Harry Streator.

May 16 – Planted potatoes and sowed some corn.

May 17 – Finished sowing corn and sowed buckwheat. Catharine came up. Ethan helped Hank Brown plant corn.

May 18 – Went over to Wakeshma to Jesse Turners. Got there about noon.

May 19 – Started for home after noon. Went to Ed Childs, stayed all night. Had a shower.

May 20 – Started about two PM for home. Ed came down. Got my potato marker to plant his potatoes. Got home about four. Rained in night.

May 21 – Pleasant morning. Set out 88 cabbage plants. Planted beans & coffee peas.

May 22 – At home all day. Not very well.

May 23 – Rainy. Jesse & Sally[63] called here. Set a few cabbage plants.

May 24 – Pleasant. Bill got into planks lot. Got small load hay of M. O. Streator. Not much work done to day. Mrs Butterfield Buried to day.

May 25 – Circus and caravan to Kalamazoo 4. Paws. Went over to Burg.

May 26 – Hoed corn and potatoes in west garden. Mrs Barber[64] and Ida came over here.

May 27 – Cool 52 Abz in morning. Cut up some wood brot down some chips. Jesse Turner and Miss Roberts came here. Catharine, Mart and Lucy went to Wakeshma. Ethan went down to Catharines.

May 28 – Made clout bars in forenoon. Got load chips. Went over to burg sold Jan Hoag 10¾ butter $2.00. Bot Hannah sum shoes $2.00.

May 29 – Fine morning birds singing. Young ones farting and a general time any way.

May 30 – Worked in shop on Mr Shermans wheel. Hot and dry. Ethan plastered corn.

May 31 – Working on road on hill.

Jun 1 – Worked on road finished at noon. Went over to mill in afternoon. Carried 3 bushels wheat. One of the young sheep had a lamb.

Jun 2 – Took tire of my wheels and trimed spokes. A. Brown washed his sheep. Old sheep came down with lamb.

Jun 3 – Jo, Lois and Julia Lee[65] came up. Took my wheels over van set tire. Ethan went to Kalamazoo. Bot charts for school $22.50¢.

Jun 4 – Hoeing some in garden. Carry Wiseman here. Mr and Mrs Wiseman cleaned schoolhouse. Ethan cultivated corn East of barn. Will Clark[66] came home. Had a shower.

Jun 5 – At home all day. Had a shower in morning. Warm day. Harry Streator here to tea.

Jun 6 – Went up to Dick Lamkins and burg.

Jun 7 – Hoed in garden some. Sawed out felloes for Shermans wheel.

Jun 8 – Put rim on Shermans wheel. Finished wheel. Had a fine shower.

Jun 9 – Rained some this morning. _____ _____ buggy spoke put it in all right. Boy stopted here with race horse from three rivers, the Sea Gull. Ethan went down to A Browns after some cabbage plants.

Jun 10 – Put worked on cupler some.

Jun 11 – Worked on cupler. Hoed some in garden.

Jun 12 – Went down to Cates. Fine day. Cate had 10 pigs.

Jun 13 – Rainy day. Finished cupling. Stepen Wilcut and wife[67] came here. Rained all night.

Jun 14 – Rainy morning, rainy day. Stephen and I went up to Uncle Warrens old place.[68]

Jun 15 – Went to Kalamazoo with Stephen. Stayed to Catharines all night.

Jun 16 – [illegible] Ethan cultivated corn. I went over to burg with my cupling.

Jun 17 – Stephen and Cory came here to dinner. They started for home. I went to burg in after noon. Very hot. Went up to Hartwells with Corys shawl.

Jun 18 – Ethan cultivated corn on hill. I hoed in garden. Mr Miner sheared one sheep. Went to burg in Evening. Carried my cupling over. Very hot day.

Jun 19 – Went down to Catharines. Nancy came home. Hannah went down to Catey. Went in swimming.

Jun 20 – Mr Miner sheared my sheep. Hot day.

Jun 21 – Hoed in garden out by the barn and corn west of House. The old hen commenced sitting on 15 Eggs.

Jun 22 – Made calf pen. Made soap and hoed in garden some. Drawed load wood for Hawkins. Dick Lamkins called here. Mr Plank commenced cutting hay.

Jun 23 – Set some tomatoe plants out by hogpen. Dick Lamkins cut grass. Very hot.

Jun 24 – [illegible]

Jun 25 – Finished drawing in hay. Went over to burg. Paid Wiseman 4.00 for cleaning school house.

Jun 26 – At home. Very hot. Jesse Turner and wife[69] here, going to Kalamazoo. Very hot 112 Abz in sun.

Jun 27 – Ethan cultivated potatoes. I hoed some in garden. Very hot. Some showers round in sight, no rain here.

Jun 28 – Ethan cultivated corn some. Had some rain. 118 in sun.

Jun 29 – Chored round. Went over to burg in afternoon.

Jun 30 – Rained some. Ed Childs here to dinner. Ethan went down to Catharines after Hannah. Mrs Covil struck with lightning in Charleston.

Jul 1 – Rainy. Sowed _____ cut and hoed some in garden.

Jul 2 – Went over to burg to mill. Got last of my corn ground. Sold calf to George Whiting. Saw John Winchy[?]. Went down to Catharines. $6.00 for calf.

Jul 3 – Went over to East lake with Mart. Got no fish. Came home in Evening.

Jul 4 – Extracted tooth for Carry plank. Went over to burg. Went over in Evening with Marts team.

Jul 5 – Went over to burg in morning to see the show come in, 4 Paws show in burg. Got pay for calf.

Jul 6 – Cut some wheat.

Jul 7 – Brown here in forenoon with machine. Cut south part. Cradled some.

Jul 8 – Cradled some wheat. Ethan worked for Brown in forenoon. At home in afternoon. Jennie Upjohn[70] Died this morning.

Jul 9 – Finished cutting my wheat. Went to mill in afternoon. Mrs Wiseman rode over with me.

Jul 10 – Pleasant, some wind. Jennie Upjohn buried to day. Went up to Covils with Mart Milham.

Jul 11 – George turner[71] came up here. Went up to Augusta with Mart. Stayed judgment for Milham in favor of P. S. Carmen.

Jul 12 – Sarah went over to Wisemans. Sold my wool to Wm Blass 65 lbs 40 cts pr pound 26.00. twenty six Dollars. Bot poke for Bill.

Jul 13 – Sick all day, no work. Sent cupler to Utica. Some rain.

Jul 14 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg. Took old cow down to Catharines. Got some _____ of Mrs Wiseman. Took old cow down to Catharaines. Not well.

Jul 15 – Rainy morning. Lots wheat out. Mr Plank got two pigs 2.00 Each $4.00.

Jul 16 – Mr Miner got one pig 2.00. Set out wheat, drawed in some wheat.

Jul 17 – Very hot day. Got in all my wheat. Had a heavy shower just at night.

Jul 18 – Not much done to day. Went over to burg. Paid for poke 2.00.

Jul 19 – Went down to Cates. A very hot day. Mart stacked wheat for Mr Carleton.

Jul 20 – Worked some on Charles Lees crutches.[72]

Jul 21 – Worked on crutches. Ethan helped Hank move fence. James Jelley called here. Bot Box pills 25.

Jul 22 – Worked on crutches for C. Lee.

Jul 23 – Went over to burg to mill. Went down to Catharines. Sent after Dr Finch for Hannah.

Jul 24 – Had a fine shower this morning, some hail. Jo and Lois Lee came up here.

Jul 25 – Warm morning. Dr Finch came here to see Hannah. I paid him $5.00.

Jul 26 – Sick, no work. Catharine came up here. Ethan carried Lois down to Catharines. Wesley here to tea.

Jul 27 – Very hot. Andrew Turner[73] and Mary Babcock called here. B. Hartwell called here.

Jul 28 – Mr Riley Bennet called here in morning. Went over to burg in afternoon. Heard from cupling. Jo Lee came up, left his buggy. Del Skinner paid 50. Ethan went Holleberying.

Jul 29 – Jo came up, got his buggy. Ethan went home with him. Doc Finche came up.

Jul 30 – Went to Kalamazoo for B. Hartwell. Expected _____ to have a suit with A. McLary. Adjourned to Aug 29th Monday.

Jul 31 – Fine day. Went up to Schrams. Mr and Mrs Schram went up to [illegible].

Aug 1 – Repaired wheel for Mr Randall. Went down to Jo Lees stayed all night.

Aug 2 – Went down to Charles Lees there to dinner. Had a shower. Came home. Mr Allen thrashed. Ethan helped him.

Aug 3 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg. Not much done.

Aug 4 – Sick all day. Mrs Ralph here. Charles Harris came over here to see Ethan about the Band.[74] Took their first lesson.

Aug 5 – Made wagon Ex for Mr Randall. Ethan helped Mr Randall thrash.

Aug 6 – Thrashed my wheat. Had 40 bushels. Paid $5.25.

Aug 7 – Brother Randal had my wagon to go to church.

Aug 8 – Mr Randal got his wagon. Ethan helped Mr Taylor thrash.

Aug 9 – Went to Kalamazoo. Carried George to see his mother. Mr Schram got felloes and thills[75] for his buggy. Mr Ash Paid one Dollar ____ back yet.

Aug 10 – Charles Lee brot his crutches up. I put ferrels[76] on bottom. Bot box ointment 10¢.

Aug 11 – Worked round shop some. Not much done.

Aug 12 – Put Schrams thills together. Went to mill. Had a hard chill after I got home.

Aug 13 – Sick all day, did not sit up much. George turner came up. He paid 15.00.

Aug 14 – At home all day. Jesse Lee and wife[77] here. George went home with them. I am sick.

Aug 15 – Sick, no work to day. Ethan cut some corn fodder.

Aug 16 – No work to day. Ethan, Hank went over to burg to make out papers for patent.[78]

Aug 17 – Sick, no work.

Aug 18 – Sick, no work.

Aug 19 – Went up to B Hartwells to take a level of river Between bridge and dam.

Aug 20 – No work to day. Ethan and Hank work on jack.

Aug 21 – At home all day. Went up to Jesse Earls in Evening.

Aug 22 – Went to Kalamazoo for Hartwell. No witnesses sworn in the case. Bot cotton cloth 32 yds — pr yard, one whip 35¢, one mule bit 35¢.

Aug 23 – Went over to burg got some medicine of Lou Beckwith, some sage of Mrs Wiseman. David Tomkins came over here bot some thill straps 35¢.

Aug 24 – Sick, no work.

Aug 25 – Sick, no work. Ethan and Hank went to Kalamazoo.

Aug 26 – Went over to burg. Carried Schroders saw over. Went over to Ben Hartwells to see if he could make some cider.

Aug 27 – No work to day. George Turner came up stayed all night. Uncle Pat Hamilton[79] died to day.

Aug 28 – Went down to Catharines with George.

Aug 29 – Went up to Mr Schrams got a few peaches. They were digging a well.

Aug 30 – Went up to Schrams. Not much work.

Aug 31 – Took rims of Schrams wheels. Went over to burg in Evening. George Turner came up.

Sep 1 – Went over to burg in morning. Went down to Catharines. Mart commenced his cider mill. Had a shower.

Sep 2 – Not much don at home all day. Went over to burg.

Sep 3 – Made 31 galens cider. Went over to burg to caucus.

Sep 4 – Went up to Mr Taylors spring. Eberly and Nate called here. Jim sick. Warm day.

Sep 5 – Worked in shop some on wheels. Oscar Keith[80] came here.

Sep 6 – Went over to burg to mill. Went down to Catharines. Oscar started for home. Becky Plank[81] sick in night.

Sep 7 – Worked some in shop. Went up to Mr Kirbys in after noon. Carried some cider up to Schrams. Very hot 94 in shade.

Sep 8 – Work on spokes for Schrams wheel. Ethan cuting up corn. 94 in shade half past ten. Jim sick.

Sep 9 – Worked on wheels some. Cows in Browns lot all day.

Sep 10 – Went down to see Wm Lee.[82] Warm day.

Sep 11 – Went down to Charles Lees, Joes and Catharines. Got 30. Dollars of Wm Lee for six months.

Sep 12 – Worked on wheels some. Mr Plank commenced to thrash. Had Ague[83] some.

Sep 13 – Worked on Schrams wheels some.

Sep 14 – Had ague in afternoon.

Sep 15 – Not much done. Ethan sick to day. Mr Ralphs horses run away with load pumpkins. Mr Schram stoped them just East of My House. Had a nice shower.

Sep 16 – Went over to burg. Had Ague, no work to day. Ethan had a chill.

Sep 17 – Went down and got the old cow. Mr Flanders came home with ten head young cattle.

Sep 18 – Went down to Catharines with George Turner.

Sep 19 – No work to day. Ethan got ague.

Sep 20 – Went over to burg. Old Mrs Signor died 2 oclock this morning. Mrs Signor buried. Cow in Browns lot all day.

Sep 21 – Went over to burg in morning. Band went to Picknick. S. Strubles girl[84] died this morning.

Sep 22 – Sick, no work round house.

Sep 23 – Worked some. Cut some Buckwheat. Worked on wheels some.

Sep 24 – Finished Schrams wheels. Ethan went down to Catharines. Rained some.

Sep 25 – At home. George and I striped some husks for Young Turners bed.

Sep 26 – Set up buckwheat. Went over to burg in Evening.

Sep 27 – Finished cutting and puting up Buckwheat. Fine day. George got ague.

Sep 28 – Ethan cultivated some on hill. I drawed in two loads corn. Mr Schram got his wheels. Mr Elias Sherman[85] Died half past nine this morning.

Sep 29 – Mr Sherman Buried to day. Mr Day preach. Warm and pleasant as June.

Sep 30 – Worked round, husked some corn. Not very well. Ethan gone to the fair.

Oct 1 – Drawed in some corn. Ethan cultivated some. Went over to burg after Louesa in morning. The boys patent papers came to day.

Oct 2 – At home all day. George Turner here all day.

Oct 3 – Round home, not very well. Husked some corn.

Oct 4 – Went to mill. Had a shower. Husked some corn. Drawed in two loads corn.

Oct 5 – Husked corn some. Plowed on hill. dra

Oct 6 – Plowing on hill. Husked some, drawed one load corn. Commenced sowing wheat. Fine day.

Oct 7 – Husked some corn. Finished sowing wheat. Ethan cultivated. Nice day.

Oct 8 – Finished cultivating wheat in fore noon. Husked some corn. Very pleasant day. Jo an Hellen came here.

Oct 9 – Fine day. Joes folks went home. Had oysters for supper. George Turner here.

Oct 10 – Drawed in some corn. Fine day. Drove hogs up to the woods 5 times. Rained in night.

Oct 11 – Rained some this morning. Thrashers went to Browns. Sarah Turner[86] and sister came up. I went over to burg after them.

Oct 12 – Went over to burg. Saw Mr Gillet. Let him have my cupler. The Boys let him have their jack.

Oct 13 – Rainy morning. Went over to burg with Ethan and Hank. They went to play for the _____ fair.

Oct 14 – Rained in morning. Ethan gone to the fair. I drawed lot wood. Pleasant after noon. Sarah here yet.

Oct 15 – Fine day. Sarah Turner went home on the two oclock train. My Birth day 57. Nancy went down to Mr Simmons to stay with Lois.

Oct 16 – Warm and pleasant as summer. Jim Holden and Dan Jacobs called here to see cow. Dr Lamburn came here, stayed all night.

Oct 17 – Lamburn left. Rainy day. Made bottom for A. Browns wagon box. Cut Mary Planks hair. Nancy cut _____ hair.

Oct 18 – Pleasant day. Sarah and Mrs Plank went down to Skinners.

Oct 19 – Finished Browns bottom to his wagon. Commenced raining about noon. Had a wet afternoon. No work.

Oct 20 – Not much done. Carried in my buckwheat.

Oct 21 – Thrashed buckwheat. Ethan picked up apples.

Oct 22 – Finished drawing buckwheat. Thrashed some.

Oct 23 – George came over. Made gocart for George. He went down to Catharines in afternoon. Jo and Hellen there. Pleasant day.

Oct 24 – Pleasant day. Finished thrashing buckwheat. Had about 15 bushels.

Oct 25 – Drawed in corn fodder and popcorn. Husked out popcorn.

Oct 26 – Made bin in cornhouse. Ethan traded horns with Geo Chase. George Turner and and Mr Shafer came over here.

Oct 27 – Moved my bench into old shop. Ethan dug potatoes in East garden.

Oct 28 – Went over to burg. Got mortar at new schoolhouse. Got some sand on hill. George and one of the Masons came over in Evening and put it on Mr Shafer.

Oct 29 – Buried some morter and moved some things. Made Evener for Mr Allens buggy. Went down to Catharines, stayed all night. Had a heavy shower in the night.

Oct 30 – At Catharines. Rainy day. Just saw Mr Withey. Got home after dark.

Oct 31 – Set out six peachtrees and two pear trees. St. Jo[87] man brot them. Paid $3.30 cts.

Nov 1 – Husked corn. Fine day. Drawed in one load. Ethan went over to Mr Chases in Evening.

Nov 2 – Pleasant day. Husked corn. Hank Brown saw Eight wild turkeys.

Nov 3 – Husked corn. Fine day. Drawed in corn and fodder.

Nov 4 – Husked corn on hill. Pleasant day.

Nov 5 – Went to mill and drawed some wood.

Nov 6 – At home all day. Ethan went down to Catharines with Delphia.[88] Mended my gloves.

Nov 7 – Cleared out shop. Ethan carried Lois and Will down to Catharines. Fine day.

Nov 8 – Went to burg to Election. Rainy in fore noon.

Nov 9 – Went over to mill. Carried Mr Hawkins stove over. Got Jims cap. Sharpened two pair shears for R. Blackburn.

Nov 10 – Husked corn some. Fine day. S. Bristol called here.

Nov 11 – Husking corn. Fine day, good weather. Seaman Bristol called here. Went down to A. Browns in Evening.

Nov 12 – Husked corn all day. Sarah went over to burg.

Nov 13 – Sarah and I went over to S Bristols. Pleasant but cool.

Nov 14 – Went over to S Bristols. Pleasant and cool. Drawed in some corn. Snowed in night very little.

Nov 15 – Husked corn part of the day. George Turner came here to supper. Commenced boarding.

Nov 16 – Drawed in corn and cornfodder. Cleared the bot. Snowed like fun.[89] Not very cold.

Nov 17 – Went over to schoolhouse. Got 3 barrels of shavings for Geo Turner.

Nov 18 – Put down floor on back stoop. Seaman S. Bristol called here. Went down to Catharines. Skinners folks here in Evening.

Nov 19 – Went over to Bristols in morning. Georges stoves and lumber came about 2 oclock P.M. Ethan and Nancy went down to Catarines.

Nov 20 – Catharine came up with Ethan. At home all day.

Nov 21 – Catharine went home. I work on partition.

Nov 22 – Working on partition. Pleasant day. Galesburg Band went to Augusta.

Nov 23 – Work on partition. Sarah papered some. Galesburg Band went up to Augusta in Evening. Nice day no snow. Isaac Schram moved his house. Hank and Ethan went to Kalamazoo.

Nov 24 – Pleasant. Ethan and Hank Brown went to Kalamazoo after Turners things. Sarah Turner came here. Had oysters for supper.

Nov 25 – Hung door to closset. Harry Streator here to dinner.

Nov 26 – Put on door casing to pantry door &c.

Nov 27 – At home all day. Pleasant as June mercury 64 Abz. Jo and Lois Lee here. Hat Mead came over. Turner and Hat went up to Earls mill.

Nov 28 – Went up to Bristol place. Fine day. Went over to burg.

Nov 29 – Worked round. Dug out well. Fine day. Band Boys here in Evening. Schram paid $5..10.

Nov 30 – Warm day, pleasant morning. Made platform to Barn well. Went over to Burg with Mr Wright to see Uncle Peat Johnson.[90] Schram and Libby Taylor married,[91] I spec so sum.

Dec 1 – Finished platform. Went over to Burg. Bot Boots 4.75. Fine day, pleasant as June, fine weather.

Dec 2 – Fine day. One oclock mercury 50 Abz. Sarah sold old cow to Johnny Tyson for 40.00 Dollars.

Dec 3 – Made spout for to carry water to barn yard. Pleasant as summer.

Dec 4 – Very pleasant morning, mercury 52 Abz at 9 AM. Had but very little frost yet. 57 at 2 P.M. Ethan and Hannah went down to Catharines. Killed Robert Rooster.

Dec 5 – Husked corn some. Rainy day, warm as April.

Dec 6 – Went over to Burg. Bot Boots for Jim 2.75, one pair for Ethan 5.75, pair shoes for sis.

Dec 7 – Snows some this morning.

Dec 8 – Went down to Catharines after Catharine. She did not come.

Dec 9 – Got in my cabbage. Pleasant 42 Abz at 2 PM. Got some straw over to Planks.

Dec 10 – Pleasant, no snow. Mr Plank went to Kalamazoo with load potatoes for Lyman Gates. Mercury 60 in sun, 45 in shade at 2 PM.

Dec 11 – Went over to burg after Doc Wightman. Snowed some, high wind. Jim sick. Catharine came up here. Snowed like fun.

Dec 12 – Mercury 32 Abz, snow about 2½ inches deep. Jim some better.

Dec 13 – Work round house. Snows some. Ethan went to Augusta in Evening.

Dec 14 – Sarah Turner went back to Kalamazoo. Georgy went with her. Nancy went down to stay a few days. Catharine went up to Wesleys. Jesse Turner 71 years old to day.[92]

Dec 15 – Not very cold, some snow on ground. J. Jackson called here.

Dec 16 – At home all day. Not very cold. Wesleys folks here in Evening.

Dec 17 – Carried Catharine home. Nancy came home. Lois came home with me. Mrs Jacobs Died to day.[93] Very little snow on ground.

Dec 18 – Not very cold. Sarah went over to Mr Jacobs.

Dec 19 – Mrs Jacobs buried to day, funeral 2 oclock. Lois went over to Joes. Snowed some.

Dec 20 – Snows some, snowed all day, snow fell 6 inches.

Dec 21 – Cold 4 Abz. George Turner sent his things back to Kalamazoo. Rufus Taylor carried them. I traded my Rifle to George for his stove.

Dec 22 – Put my bench in house this morning. Snowed ½ inch. Mr Streator got his saw. Joel James[94] came here, stayed all night. Mercury 4 Below zero.

Dec 23 – Mercury 10 Below zero. Joel left. I went over to Burg with him. Cold and some wind.

Dec 24 – Cold 3 below zero. Drawed three loads of wood. Paid N. L. Randal 30 thirty Dollars out of school fund. Paid my Tax 12.18. Snow fell 2 inches in night.

Dec 25 – Cold, one Degree Below zero, snowed some, blusterous day, snow fell, snowed in night.

Dec 26 – Snowd about two inches. Tincured in shop. Moved stove and my chest. Cold and blustring, 2 inches snow. Potter Eldred buried to day.[95]

Dec 27 – 10 Abz. Alfred Signor came over and got my iron carriage for Engine lathe.

Dec 28 – 20 Abz. Worked in pantry. Put up some shelves and base shelf.

Dec 29 – Cold 13 Below zero. Worke in shop some.

Dec 30 – 24 Abz. _____ went to Kalamazoo with A. Brown. Bot stuff for cutter 2.25. Went and saw George Turner.

Dec 31 – Went over to Burg. Got money of town treasurer, paid Miss Lovel 45.00 Dollars out of mill tax. Wesley called here in Evening. Mrs Potter Eldred died this morning.[96]

——-

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

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

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

[4] A neighbor, Marius O. Streator

[5] Joseph W. Lee, his paternal first cousin, the son of Charles and Rhoda (Keith) Lee, and the brother of Charles Lee

[6] His daughter, Nancy Catherine Keith

[7] Luke sold “bed bottoms,” a form of rubberized bedsprings, and was quite often gone for months at a time

[8] His horse

[9] Charles Jedediah Lee, the son of Luke’s cousin, Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

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

[11] His cousin, Marquis de Lafayette Lee, the oldest son of Dr. Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Strong) Lee. The Lees were Mormons and moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, and eventually to the Salt Lake Valley in 1850. Mark stayed behind to run his father’s farm and was living with his aunt, Catherine (Keith) Bradley Lee

[12] A neighbor, Ambrose Brown, whose son Henry would become the husband of Luke’s daughter Nancy

[13] His daughter, Louese Keith

[14] Another one of his horses

[15] The niece of Lois’ late husband, Byron Clark. She was the daughter of Loren & Amanda (Taylor) Clark

[16] Henry Brown, the son of Ambrose Brown

[17] His son, James Keith

[18] Above zero

[19] His wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[20] His son, Ethan Bradley Keith

[21] A neighbor, Thomas Flanders

[22] A search of FindAGrave.com shows Thomas W. Flanders died December 26, 1869 and is buried in Kalamazoo County Poor Farm Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan. While the date does not agree with Luke’s entries, his mention of the “County house” would seem to confirm that this is the same Thomas W. Flanders

[23] Thomas Flanders’ nephew

[24] Believe he is referring to his cousin, William Henry Lee

[25] Believed to be Susie A. Brown, sometimes referred to as Suky Brown and/or Decatur Susie Brown. The September 6, 1869 entry shows that she was the school teacher

[26] A neighbor

[27] Neighbors, Eliza (Beadle) Rogers, and her sister, Sarah Beadle

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

[29] His niece, Lucy Irene Lee, the daughter of his sister Catharine

[30] Edward G. Wolcott, his first cousin

[31] Wood ashes through which water is passed to carry away soluble portions

[32] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Willie B. Bester, age 14, the son of Horatio & Sarah Bester, died of scarlet fever on February 9, 1870

[33] Hank’s aunt and uncle, Cynthia (Brown) & William Arms

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

[35] Et cetera

[36] Martin Milham, the husband of his niece, Lucy Irene (Lee) Milham

[37] George and Marion (Sprague) Tomlinson lived; Marion was Luke’s niece

[38] Joseph Flanders, a neighbor; brother of Thomas Flanders (see January 24 entry)

[39] Caroline G. Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[40] Believe he is referring to a neighbor, Ephraim Earl

[41] Son of Marius O. Streator (see January 1 entry)

[42] The brother of William Plank (see March 14 entry)

[43] The 1870 Census shows Lewis and family living in Waterloo, Iowa

[44] Ezekiel Lee, Mark’s father, and Luke’s first cousin

[45] Believed to be William & Harriet (Groat) Plank, and parents of Mary (see March 25 entry) and Carrie (see February 26 entry)

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

[47] Adelbert Skinner, Luke’s future son-in-law; he married Lois November 18, 1871

[48] Charles Jedediah Lee, the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[49] Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee; Charles Lee (1797-1878) was the son of Charles & Rhoda (Keith) Lee, the brother of Joseph W. Lee and the father of Charles Jedediah Lee

[50] A neighbor, Oran D. Schram

[51] His daughter, Hannah Keith

[52] The daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[53] The pivoted horizontal crossbar to which the harness traces of a draft animal are attached and which is in turn attached to a vehicle or an implement

[54] The daughter of his neighbors, Joseph & Caroline Wiseman, who was 16 years old

[55] His youngest daughter, Louese Keith, who was 9 years old

[56] Joseph & Helen (Bradley) York; Helen was Luke’s niece, the daughter of his sister Catherine by her first husband, Ethan Bradley

[57] Believe he is referring to Mark Lee, who was visiting his family in Salt Lake City, Utah

[58] His maternal first cousin

[59] A search of Ancestry.com shows Adelbert Smith was killed by gunshot on May 25, 1870; however, on May 5, 1870, Nilson Smith, age 22, the son of William & Harriet Smith, was also killed by gunshot. The 1870 Census Mortality Schedule shows Nelson Smith was murdered on May 5, 1870. Nothing further was found. It would appear that Luke mistakenly wrote Del Smith instead of Nilson/Nelson Smith

[60] Neighbors, Caroline Wiseman, and her daughter, Ella, age 14

[61] Jason Beal Wolcott

[62] Neighbor and “shirttail relative”

[63] Jesse & Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[64] Mary (Knowles) Barber

[65] Luke’s paternal first cousin, Joseph & Lois (French) Lee, and Mark Lee’s wife, Julia Ann Lee

[66] His grandson, William Byron Clark

[67] His maternal first cousin, Stephen Hoxie & Coralin (Underhill) Wolcott

[68] Warren Wolcott, who had lived in Comstock, Michigan, from about 1834 until sometime in the 1850s when he moved to Almena, Michigan

[69] Sarah “Sally” (Davis) Turner

[70] A search at Ancestry.com shows that Virginia Upjohn, the daughter of Uriah & Maria (Mills) Upjohn, died July 9, 1870 from “congestion of the brain.” She was 25 and worked as a teacher and is buried in Mountain Home Cemetery, Kalamazoo, Michigan

[71] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[72] The March 3rd entry mentions working on Henry Lee’s cane, and the March 11th & 15th entries refer to Dr. Ezekiel’s cane. In a letter from William Henry Lee to his son, Ezekiel Lee, who lived in Idaho, was the following: “…very glad to hear from you once more and to learn of your welfare, but very sorry of hear of Orrin’s [his youngest brother] mis-fortune. It seems that mother’s boys are all to be cripples in their old age. Father [Dr. Ezekiel Lee] was a cripple when he died and a good many years before. Mark [his brother] and now Orrin will very likely be a cripple the rest of his days….” (Courtesy of Margaret Williams, 3rd great-grandfather of William Henry Lee)

[73] His cousin; the son of Jesse & Sally (Davis) Turner

[74] According to the History of Kalamazoo County, Michigan (1880), the Galesburg Cornet Band was organized August 4, 1870. Charles Harris was the leader and he played the E-flat cornet. Ethan played the 2d E-flat cornet

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

[76] A ferrule is a ring or cap usually of metal put around a slender shaft (such as a cane or a tool handle) to strengthen it or prevent splitting

[77] Jesse & Julia (Toupence) Lee; Jesse was Luke’s cousin and the son of Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

[78] Ethan and Hank were granted a patent for their Improvement in Coupling-Jacks on September 27, 1870. According to the patent, they “have invented certain Improvements in the Mode of Transmitting Motion to Shafts, adjustable to any desired angle with the leading shaft, which invention we call ‘A Universal Coupling-Jack.’”

[79] The term “uncle” was often used for older relatives, especially in-laws of various relatives. Patrick Hamilton was the father of Mary (Hamilton) Crawford, who was the widow of Edwin Crawford, who was the brother of Luke’s wife, Sarah (Crawford) Keith

[80] His nephew James “Oscar” Keith

[81] Rebecca W. Plank, the daughter of William & Harriet (Groat) Plank

[82] The son of Luke’s cousin, Charles & Juliana (Davis) Lee

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

[84] A search of Ancestry.com revealed that Alice Struble, age 14, died September 20, 1870; she was the daughter of Selim & Cynthia Struble

[85] A search of Ancestry.com revealed that Elias Sherman, age 75, died September 28, 1870

[86] Sarah Frances (Roberts) Turner, the wife of Luke’s cousin, George Turner

[87] St. Joseph, Michigan

[88] Marion Adelpha York, the daughter of Joseph & Helen (Bradley) York

[89] Quickly, or vigorously

[90] A neighbor, Peter Johnson; does not appear to be any relation to Luke

[91] A search of Ancestry.com reveals that Isaac D. L. Scram married F. Elizabeth Taylor in Galesburg, Michigan, on November 30, 1870

[92] FindAGrave.com shows his birthdate as November 13, 1799; also Luke’s 1894 entry for November 13 states “Jesse Turner 95 years old to day”

[93] A search of FindAGrave.com shows that Julia A. Jacobs, age 38, wife of B. Jacobs, died December 17, 1870, and is buried in Galesburg City Cemetery, Galesburg, Michigan

[94] His maternal first cousin

[95] A search of Ancestry.com shows that Potter Eldred of Charleston, Michigan, died December 24, 1870, of Typhoid Pneumonia, at the age of 78; FindAGrave.com reveals that he is buried in Roof Cemetery, Climax, Michigan

[96] Ancestry.com reveals that Hannah (Cook) Eldred died just four days after her husband, on December 29, 1870, also of Typhoid Pneumonia, at the age of 70; she is also buried in Roof Cemetery, which shows her date of death as December 30, 1870

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