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
The Diaries of Charles Luke Keith Jr 