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1870
Diary of Luman Putnam of Granville
Transcribed by Betsy Shirk - bshirk2002@yahoo.com Formatted and Published by Joyce M. Tice Transcription copyright 2010 Betsy Shirk and Joyce M. Tice 1854 Diary and Introduction. Also access to many more LumanPutnam Diaries |
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| Luman Putnam | Jerusha Bailey, his first wife |
Granville Centre
Penn’a.
Part One
January
Saturday, 1
The past night clear, the morning frosty and cloudy and the day was cloudy also with the sun partly visible in the middle of the day. The weather was mild, thawing enough to make the road a little muddy.
Staid at home and did nothing more than common in the forenoon, afternoon went with wife up to Mr. Bruce’s to hold our New Year anniversary. Luther and Sally and Mrs. Colborn and Miss Colborn were there; Wallace and Helen were there also, and Theodore and Esther are living for the present. Besides all these Joseph Clark and his wife came in a staid a spell, calling on account of Luther’s folks, they having been to Luther’s house for the purpose of a visit. While there at Mr. Bruce’s Horace Heald brought in a letter for me from Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook, Middlefield, Conn.
Sunday, 2
Commenced raining in the night and continued through the entire day and evening, with slight intermissions towards the close, producing a very high freshet in the streams, and a great plenty of mud in the roads.
Did not attend meeting today on account of the storm, being quite doubtful, in fact, whether there was any meeting, at the Centre, to attend to day; and therefore spent the time at home, and in the house, with wife and family, being engaged with books and newspapers according to my common practice.
Monday, 3
Last evening, a little before bedtime, the storm changed from rain to snow attended by a heavy wind from the west. The wind continued till morning, but the snow ceased falling after it had fairly covered the ground. The day was partially fair, and where the sun shone there was a little thawing.
Remained about the house reading in the Library and chopping some wood for the Library, until late in the afternoon, and then went up to the Centre, calling at the P.O. to get the Tribune and the Courier, and stopping a few minutes at Mr. Bruce’s to see how Theodore is getting along. Found him out chopping stove wood.
Azor came in the evening and staid over night.
Tuesday, 4
Freezing night, morning cold and cloudy. Continued cloudy and cold through the day with snowflakes flying in the air most of the time. Weather a little more mild towards night but did not thaw any.
Chopped some wood in the morning, and carried it in to the Library, spent some time reading, and when Azor got ready to return home got into his waggon and rode home with him, arriving at his house about two o’clock in the afternoon. Spent the most of the remaining time in the afternoon reading the Rochester Chronicle.
Wednesday, 5
Another very freezing night and another cloudy day. The weather continues considerably cold, there being no appearance of any thawing.
Spent the forenoon in the house with Eliza engaged, most of the time reading, and writing a letter to Mr. Joseph Anderson of Rochester, N. Y., enclosing one dollar, requesting him to order the Rochester Chronicle to be sent to me. After dinner Eliza walked with me over to the village and assisted me in selecting a set of furs for wife which I bought of Jewell and Pomeroy for eighteen dollars. Carried letter to be mailed but forgot to leave it at the post Office. Returned with Eliza, and staid there again over night.
Thursday, 6
Cold freezing night again, and the morning pretty cold also. Day cloudy with snow flakes falling moderately, most of the time through the day and evening. Weather more moderate, thawing some.
In the morning, after breakfast, walked over to town & left my letter for Mr. Anderson at the post office and very soon returned to Azor’s. After dinner started homewards on foot, going down to Benjamin’s and stopping there for the night.
Friday, 7
Found the snow, about two inches deep this morning, and the weather quite cold. Day cloudy and the weather more moderate towards night.
Benjamin and Lurenda concluding to go over to Luther’s for a visit, I rode with them, starting soon after breakfast and arriving between 10 and 11 o’clock. We staid till after 3 in the afternoon and then we departed – they for their home, and I for mine. Called at the post office, at the Center and got the Reporter, and met Denton Perry there, with whom I spent a short time in conversation and then came home and made a fire in the Library and put it in order.
Saturday, 8
Freezing night, and the day fair except a little spell in the afternoon when it was cloudy & a pretty lively fall of snow. The weather continues considerably cold, not thawing much if any.
Spent a part of the forenoon in the Library reading and then with wife and Harvey and Lizzie rode up to Burton’s for a visit. Harvey drove up there with a sleigh. Burton was away, returning towards night, a little before our departure. In the evening Luman called and fed his horse, having come down from Troy to bring Ransom Bailey’s wife to Ezra Bailey’s. He departed, towards bed time for Troy.
Sunday, 9
Very freezing night and cold morning. The day was fair and quite pleasant; the weather moderating considerably, but did not become warm enough to melt the snow.
Did not attend meeting today, on account of the cold weather in the morning, but remained at home and staid in the house all the time with slight exceptions. Spent a considerable portion of the time reading and dozing in my chair, having had occasion to get up in the morning at an early hour. Amanda and Lelia rode over here in the middle of the day, remaining till nearly night and then Harvey went over with a horse and buggy and took them home.
Monday, 10
The night was more temperate than several of the last preceding, the morning fair, the day partially so and the weather quite mild and agreeable for the winter season.
Remained about the house until the middle of the day, – reading most of the time – then went up to the post office and got the Tribune and the Courier and also a letter from Br. Wells. Called a minute or two to see how Theodore got along and then came home. In the afternoon chopped some wood for the Library and brought it into the closet, and the remainder of the time as well as the evening, I spent reading the and looking over the newspapers.
Tuesday, 11
The day was partially fair but was quite cloudy at night and in the evening it rained a little. The weather was quite mild, taking off the snow and leaving the roads considerably muddy.
Remained at home until evening and spent my time reading, chopping and bringing in wood for the Library, and in making preparations for trip to Canton and to Union, having determined to start tomorrow morning on the cars, with wife, for those places, in order to make a series of visits among our friends who are scattered about in those regions. At our request Harvey went with a horse and buggy, in the evening and took us up to Valentine’s where we staid over night. We found Mat. Manly and Charlotte there.
Lewis Pratt called in the forenoon.
Wednesday, 12
The weather continues cloudy and quite moderate. Rained a little in the course of the day and the thaw is progressing considerably.
Got up in the morning some time before day light and took our breakfast, and then Valentine, having his horse and buggy ready, took us up to the depot in season for the cars. When the train arrived we proceeded to Roaring Branch station, and from thence we went by stage to Ogdensburg, and then we got into a sleigh and rode over to Br. Wells’ and remained with them over night. Sister Champney and Mrs. Bennet and her daughter, (who is Frederick Williams’ wife) came there and spent the afternoon with us, Br. Champney being away to Troy and Columbia on business.
Thursday, 13
Day cloudy and dull, the weather becoming a little colder, having frozen some in the course of the past night and thawing but very little in the course of the day.
We remained with Br. Wells till some time afternoon when, learning that Br. Champney had returned home, we walked up to his house and tarried there over night. We spent the time with them very comfortably and agreeably. We expected brother and sister Wells to meet us there to visit in the evening, but the weather was so unpleasant they did not come.
Friday, 14
Weather continues considerably cold. Most of the day was cloudy, and in the afternoon there was a storm of sleet which continued till night, covering the ground to the depth of two or three inches. Cleared off in the evening and the night was fair.
We remained at Br. Champney’s through the day and also through the night. Brother and sister Wells came up and visited with us, they remaining in the evening also. We improved the opportunity and spent the time very agreeably and happily, expecting to depart tomorrow on our homeward journey. Before separating for the night it was arranged that we should call on Br. Wells tomorrow and make our final visit before leaving the place.
Saturday, 15
The morning cloudy and a rain storm commenced falling & freezing, which continued through the day, thawing some in the afternoon. Besides this the day was quite foggy and the weather quite disagreeable.
We remained at Br. Champney’s through the day, intending to take our departure in the afternoon for Canton, having arranged with Br. Champney to take us over to Ogdensburg where we could take the stage again, at 4 o’clock, for the Roaring Branch station and then by cars to Canton in the evening. On account of the incessant rain we had to postpone our departure, and therefore concluded to stay over until Monday and try again. We spent the time very agreeably, reading some and visiting, and tarried with them over night again.
Sunday, 16
The rain having ceased, the clouds passed off in the course of the past night, followed by a frost in the morning and by a fair, pleasant day.
We remained at Br. Champney’s until about the middle of the day, and then with him and his wife we went over to their son’s, Frederick Williams, with whom his mother-in-law, Mrs. Bennet resides. She is a sister of Br. Wells’ wife. We found Br. and Sr. Wells there waiting for us. We remained there till towards night and then went our several ways, Br. Champney and his wife to their house, and wife and I with Br. and sister Wells to theirs where we tarried over night. In the evening we went into James Whitcomb’s room a little while.
Monday, 17
The day was cloudy and was also very foggy, and the weather continues mild. About 3 o’clock in the afternoon a rain storm commenced again and continued till in the evening.
We remained with Br. & Sr. Wells till afternoon, spending a part of the time in Mr. Whitcomb’s room where we took tea. Br. Champney came there and spent some time with us, and then went home to get his conveyance to take us to Ogdensburg, and very soon it began to rain hard. After waiting some time, went up to his house and found that, on account of the rain, he had turned his horses out again, thinking we could not go under such circumstances. He offered to take us to Canton tomorrow, so I went back after wife, and tarried with him over night again.
Tuesday, 18
Cleared off in the night and froze again. The morning & the day were cloudy, and the weather was considerably colder than it has been of late.
After breakfast, agreeably to our arrangement made last night, Br. Champney had his horses harnessed and started with us for Canton, his wife coming with us as far as the store at Ogdensburg, and Br. Wells coming to the road as we passed, to bid us good bye. We arrived at The village a little before noon and stopped at John Griffin’s for the afternoon. We had a very agreeable visit there, and at night we left them and walked over to Mr. Stockwell’s to commence our visit there. Mrs. Stockwell was out but soon came in and we tarried with them over night.
Wednesday, 19
The principal part of the day was cloudy, but the weather having become a little more mild the frozen roads became slightly thawed and, at night, a little muddy.
Remained with Mr. and Mrs. Stockwell the principal part of the day. Walked out with him and visited several sections of their thriving village, and spent a considerable portion of the time in his office, discussing, among other subjects, the merits of Peter Herdic’s plan for a new county, to be called Minnequa, and also its chances for success, with Mr. Williams and several other men who happened to come in. Towards night we walked over to Stephen Landon’s and staid with them. Leander was at home, and Mr. Fuller came in and spent a part of the evening.
Thursday, 20
The weather today was very nearly the same as that of yesterday. It was mostly cloudy, but being a little warmer we had less freezing & more thawing.
After breakfast Leander brot his wife down to his father’s and gave us an introduction to her. We were well pleased with her. We visited with her there until the middle of the day. Erastus having been there in the morning to invite us, Stephen and his wife went with us to visit there, and Leander & his wife came soon after. They all remained in the evening, and we tarried over night.
Friday, 21
There appears to be no material change in the weather today, from that of yesterday. There seems to be about the same proportion of clouds, and about the same amount of freezing and thawing.
We took a breakfast of oysters with Erastus’ family and then we started immediately for the depot to take the morning train for the Summit. Having sufficient time, we concluded to walk and therefore declined a conveyance which they had proffered. We waited about half an hour for the cars and getting aboard proceeded to West Granville, and finding David Sayles there, got him to take wife in his conveyance down to Luther’s, I proceeding there on foot. Having designed to make a visit there, we spent the remainder of the day with therm, and also tarried there over night.
Saturday, 22
Another cloudy day, – the sun scarcely appearing. The weather is only moderately cold, – freezing a little in the night, and thawing a very little in the course of the day.
We took breakfast at Luther’s, after which he came down with his horse and buggy and brought us home. Sarah Colborn rode down with us but they did not come in to the house, being in a hurry to return. We found the family all well except Harvey who is complaining of a cold. Found a letter from Benham Andrus which was brot from the office on Thursday last, it having been mailed at Wolcott N. Y. on the 14th inst.
Sunday, 23
Continues cloudy and dull, the weather mild, and thawing considerable in the course of the forenoon. Commenced raining in the afternoon and continued, moderately, till in the evening.
Got ready in the morning & went up to the Centre and, after calling on Lydia and her family a short time, attended meeting there, Br. Hurlburt being in attendence and delivering a discourse. After meeting, called on Wallace a moment and he walked with me up to Isaac’s, where we found Perceval & his wife and Betsey Reynolds. After chatting with them a little while I borrowed an umbrella, on account of the rain, and we returned to our respective homes.
Monday, 24
After the rain last evening the weather changed so that it was much colder and the ground was considerably frozen in the morning. Day cloudy and storm of snow and sleet commenced in the afternoon, continuing through the evening, and changing to rain some time in course of the night.
Did not feel very well today, having headache in consequence of a bad cold I have recently taken. Went up to the Centre in the middle of the day, leaving Isaac’s umbrella with Lydia and calling at the P.O. where I received the Tribune and the Courier. Remainder of the time I spent about the house.
Elon called in the morning, & in the evening Percival & his wife & Marion, and Volney & his wife & Betsey Reynolds were here.
Tuesday, 25
Morning cloudy and wet & the thaw continued through the day, & until the snow and sleet had disappeared from the ground. Towards night the clouds were broken and it became partially clear.
Felt the effects of my cold today much more than yesterday; my head aching badly much of the time. Did not of out much, but remained indoors nearly all the time. Tried to read some, but could not do much at it on account of the pain in my eyes and my head. Pain abated in the afternoon so that I felt much better in the evening.
Wednesday, 26
The morning fair, the day fair, and the evening fair. The weather mild and warm, thawing considerable. Take it altogether the day was a very fine one and would have graced the month of May. Brisk wind in the evening.
Did not suffer quite so much from my cold today, my head being comparatively free from pain. Did not go out very much, but was able to read, and to use my eyes very much more that I have been for the last two days. Had quite a chat with Mr. Gilman, who came in and spent the evening with me.
Thursday, 27
The morning cloudy, but a considerable portion of the day was fair or partially so. Thawing continues and the ground is becoming free from frost again.
Did not go abroad today but remained about the house, not attending to anything in particular, and not deeming it prudent to go out much on account of my indisposition. Harvey brought the Tribune from the post office, and also a letter from Charles Stockwell, with a Remonstrance enclosed to be circulated in our township against the erection of a new county, projected by Peter Herdice of Williamsport and designed for his own pecuniary interest.
Friday, 28
The night was clear and this morning was a little frozen. The entire day was fair and very pleasant and the weather quite warm for the season of the year or mid winter.
Continue considerably unwell, but deeming it absolutely necessary to have some movement made in opposition to our expatriation from Bradford county, went up to the Centre with a remonstrance to see what could be done. Met Valentine there who took the paper and also readily undertook to circulate it. Met Mr. Bunyan and several others there also with whom I spent some time in talking this matter over. Leaving the store, called a short time on Lydia and went up to the old schoolhouse to see how Theodore came on with his picture gallery.
Saturday, 29
Another fair night succeeded by a fair day with a frosty morning. The same mild weather continues, causing almost every person to make observations concerning it, considering it, not only very remarkable, but as without any known precedent.
Am feeling considerably better today, having but very little pain in the head. Did not go abroad today but continued about the house. Wrote another remonstrance to be circulated in this township against Peter Herdic’s new county of Minnequa & devoted some time Hiram Stevens’ affairs. Mr. Bunyan came in the afternoon and remained some time. He wanted my advice concerning Mrs. Eastman’s affairs, & to do some writing for her.
Sunday, 30
Day cloudy and the weather mild, thawing a little. Late in the afternoon snow began to fall covering the ground before dark and continuing in the evening.
Attended meeting in the forenoon at the Centre which was principally carried on by Br. Levi Taylor. Did not make any calls, but returned as soon as the meeting concluded having met Eliza coming down when I was on my way up to the meeting. Found Eliza at the house on my return, she having come down to spend some time visiting in the neighborhood. She tarries with us tonight. Sara and Bailey boy, who works for Azor, came down with her and went back with the team & wagon.
Towards night Theodore & Wallace & Daniel came in and staid with us a little while.
Monday, 31
Another cloudy day, and the weather continues quite mild, thawing some all day and in the evening also, but some of the snow is yet remaining.
Called over to see Elon in the morning, and towards the middle of the day walked with Eliza up up to the Centre and made a call at Mr. Bruce’s. Waiting there till the mail came in, I called at the P.O. and got the Tribune. We then proceeded towards home, making a call at Orson’s on the way and found Isidore there. After looking over the Tribune a spell, went out and chopped some wood for the Library, which I brought in and put into the closet.
Valentine & Elon came in just at night, & soon after Dave Sayles came in. Elon staid in the evening.
February
Tuesday, 1
Found a little more snow this morning, cloudy most of the time through the day, and the weather considerably colder so that it scarcely thawed at all in the course of the day.
Elon called in the morning and stayed some time. Went out with Eliza before noon to make some calls. First we went over to Amanda’s and spent some time, then we came back and made a call at Robert’s. After which we came on and made a call at Julius’ and spent an hour or so very agreeably with him and Sally, arriving home a little after noon. Chopped and brot into the Library some more wood. A Russian pedlar called & staid over night. Rec’d. a letter from Charles Stockwell.
Wednesday, 2
Principal part of the day fair & the weather warmer again. The sun shone out warm in the middle of the day, taking off the snow and making the road quite muddy.
Elon called in the morning, staying some time. Finished a letter to Mr. Stockwell and copied the same. Mr. Bruce & Lydia came down and made us a visit. Valentine came and brot me a letter from Mrs. Geo. Harris, a line from F. L. Ballard, and showed me a letter he had from Mr. Webb relating to the contemplated new county. Wrote two more remonstrances against it, and in the evening carried them up to Dave Sayles. Eliza went along with me and called on Helen. John Bush called there for us soon after we got there, he having brot Emily down for an evening visit. We promptly returned with him, of course. In the evening I wrote a remonstrance for the township of Leroy at the instance of John and sent it over there by him.
Thursday, 3
The weather a little colder than it was yesterday and a pretty brisk snow storm commenced in the morning and ended towards noon.
Chopped some wood for the use of the Library, in the forenoon and brought in; and about noon went up to the Centre, called at the P.O. and got the Tribune, called at Mr. Bruce’s and at Wallace’s, for Esther and Helen, both of whom came down home with me to attend a quilting at our house. They staid in the evening and Theodore & Wallace came down. Benjamin and Lurenda were here and staid over night. Amanda was here also but went home at night. Wrote another remonstrance in the morning. Called at Elon’s with Benjamin in the afternoon.
Friday, 4
The principal part of the day was cloudy, but no farther indications of os snow or sleighing. The weather remains rather cool so that it thawed but very little.
Benjamin and Lurenda with wife and Eliza went over to Amanda’s after breakfast. Feeling considerably unwell I did not go with them; but towards noon, walked over there and staid till about middle of the afternoon, and then, Benjamin and Lurenda having got ready to start for their home, we rode back with them, Eliza stopping with us and staying over night again. We found Albert quite sick and had Sam here to see him in the evening.
Elon made a call in the morning, remaining some time.
Saturday, 5
We have a fair and pleasant day again, and the weather mild enough to take off the most of the snow.
Continue quite unwell, my cold being considerably more troublesome. Remained about the house all day reading a little but visiting more. Elon called in the morning, and soon after he went away Luman came in. When he departed, Eliza rode home with him. Valentine made a short call before Elon came in. Mr. Bunyan came in soon after noon, and staid with me until towards night. In the course of the afternoon Harvey went to the P.O. and brot me the Chronicle and two Couriers. Sam called again in the evening but Albert is better.
Sunday, 6
The principal part of the day was fair but the weather although it continued to be mild was not sufficiently warm to help the thaw along very much.
Feel a little better today, but not sufficiently well to give my attendence at meeting, and therefore I remained at home and kept myself within doors almost exclusively. Have much less pain in my head than yesterday, so that I have been able to read with much more comfort. Albert continues much better than he was on Friday night. Had a very quiet day, there being no company in except Mr. Gilman a short time occasionally. At night Elon came in and spent the evening, and Samuel also called and pulled a tooth for me that had been for some time quite troublesome. Dan Bruce here also.
Monday, 7
Froze some last night again as usual but the day was fair, pleasant and springlike, the mud in the roads beginning to dry up in some places.
Feel a little better today in some respects, but have considerable pain in the head left yet. Went up to the Centre towards noon & carried up a letter I wrote in the forenoon to James H. Webb, our representative at Harrisburg, inclosing a remonstrance against the new county, containing about thirty names, which I left with the P.M., and also got the Tribune. Called a spell at Mr. Bruce’s and then came home & chopped some wood & brot into Library.
Theodore called in the afternoon, & in the evening Sam. was here again to see Mr. Gilman who is sick.
Tuesday, 8
A great snow storm commenced at about five or six o’clock in the morning, and continued without intermission or abatement through the entire day and evening and was attended with some wind. Weather continues moderate.
Did not go abroad to day of course, but remained indoors, scarcely going out at all. Health about the same as yesterday – perhaps a little better. Did something at regulating and putting things, about room and table, in better order. Tried to read some but spent most of the time dozing in my chair whenever I attempted to do so. Had not much company today, though Elon came over and staid with me a little while in the morning. Mr. Gilman spent a part of his time with me. He continues quite unwell.
Wednesday, 9
Found the snow about twenty inches in depth this morning, on the ground where it was not drifted. The day cloudy and the weather quite mild.
State of health about the same as it has been for the last two days. Did not go away anywhere today, but staid at home and remained in the house most of the time, only going out to shovel off the snow so that I could chop a little wood for my fire in the Library. Spent a portion of my time reading and sleeping in my chair.
Elon called in the morning, making a short stay, and Mr. Gilman spent a part of his time with me. He is better today.
Thursday, 10
The weather continues quite moderate. The day cloudy with flurries of snow occasionally, but, being of small dimensions, they were not of very much account.
Luman came here at two o’clock this morning and went to bed, he having started to Barclay to attend to his business there. After breakfast he departed on his way for that place. He drove a horse & cutter.
Head continues considerably out of order yet, but do not consider myself really sick. Remained about the house all day, doing nothing, as usual, except to read a little, not having pluck enough to go to the P.O. for my mail matter.
Daniel Bruce was here in the morning, and Isaac called in afternoon staying but a short time.
Friday, 11
The day mostly cloudy, and the weather continues about the same in temperature that it has been of late, – quite moderate but not warm enough to thaw much.
Had a little pain in the head today, especially in the afternoon, having to stay by the stove in the Sitting room, on account of the scarcity of wood. In the middle of the day went up to the post office and got the Tribune and the Chronicle, and also received an Agricultural Report from Mr. Mercur at Washington, and a letter from Mr. Webb at Harrisburg. Made a short call with Esther and Theodore.
Elon came in and spent the evening with me, and Mr. Gilman also. Harvey went to Towanda for a load of coal.
Saturday, 12
The forenoon fair, warm, and very pleasant, the snow going of very fast. The afternoon partially cloudy, and the progress of the thaw somewhat abated.
Remained at home & about the house through the day, not going out farther than the wood yard. spent a considerable portion of my time with my books and newspapers, besides which – Harvey having hauled a load of wood, – chopped and brought into the wood closet, enough for my use in the Library, to last over Sunday. Felt better today than for some time back, my head being nearly free from pain, and having but very little cough.
Had no company today except Mr. Gilman who spent the evening with me.
Sunday, 13
Day quite fair and pleasant with slight exceptions. Weather not quite as warm as yesterday and therefore therefore the snow did not disappear so fast.
Feeling considerably better today than any time before since I had my cold, I got ready in the morning and went up to the Center to meeting. The meeting was conducted by Br. Levi Taylor who read a discourse from a book. He was assisted in the after exercises by Br. Rockwell, who was in attendence, and by Br. C. D. Ross. Came immediately home after the conclusion of the meeting, not stopping to make any calls.
Had a quiet time while at home today, not having any company except Mr. Gilman as usual.
Monday, 14
Day cloudy, stormy and windy. The storm was snow and sleet at first which was succeeded by rain in the afternoon, continues in the evening. The wind was from the south and was quite brisk in the latter part of the day.
Spent the morning about the house engaged at nothing in particular except bringing up water from the cellar for the women to do their washing with. Towards the middle of the day went up to the Centre, calling at Mr. Bruce’s and waiting for the arrival of the mail, then went into the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Courier and a letter from my friend Joseph K. Pelton of Great Barrington. After I came home, I chopped a little wood for my fire, and looked over the papers.
Tuesday, 15
Another cloudy day, and mild soft weather continues. The snow melted off considerably today and the sleighing is becoming quite poor on the main roads along in the vallies.
Staid at home in the forenoon, spending a part of the time with my newspapers and books, and a part in chopping some wood, and getting some kindling wood for my use in the Library. In the middle of the day went down to Julius’, wife having gone over to Amanda’s in the morning with intention to meet me there in the afternoon. Amanda and Lucella came with her. Found John W. Griffin and his wife there, & Luman came there also, he being on his way from Barclay to Troy.
Wednesday, 16
Fair weather again. The day very pleasant and agreeable, with the sun, in the middle of the day, shining out as warm, almost, as summer. Snow going off rapidly.
Remained at home through the entire day and spent my time very much as usual when at home. In the forenoon read the newspapers a part of the time, and also spent a portion of the time looking over some of Hiram Stevens’ papers. In the afternoon made preparations to write a lease for Mrs. Eastman, but having mislaid the memorandum, had to defer it. Wrote and copied a letter to Mr. Mercur at Washington, and in the evening wrote a long letter to Daniel Bush at Bellfonte.
Lewis Pratt called in the afternoon with an account against. H. K. Stevens.
Thursday, 17
This day will have to pass for another fair one, there having been no clouds of much account. We had a freezing night, but the day has been warm enough to take off another instalment of our snow leaving some bare ground to be seen in the fields.
Copied my letter to Daniel and then went up to the Centre. Called a spell at Mr. Bruce’s, went up to the old school house to see Theodore a little while, went back to the P.O. and delivered my letters, received one from George Brigham and the Tribune, went into Lydia’s again a short time and then returned home. Spent the remainder of the day at home, and a considerable part of the time reading the Tribune.
Friday, 18
Rained some in the night and commenced again in the morning, continuing until afternoon, then it changed to sleet which soon after changed to snow, this continued through the evening, covering the ground again which the thaw had left nearly bare. Very high water in the streams.
Another day spent in the house, not going out at all beyond the wood yard. Spent some time in the care of Albert, but considerably more with my books and newspapers. Mr. Gilman spent a portion of his time with me in the Library, otherwise had no company, no persons having made any calls here today.
Saturday, 19
Weather quite cold this morning, with snow several inches in depth – the storm having ceased in the night, some time. The day fair and pleasant, and warm enough in the afternoon to take off some of our new stock of snow.
Remained at home again through the day, spending the principal part of the time with my books and newspapers as usual. Mr. Gilman brought me the Chronicle from the post office today, & spent a portion of his time in the Library with me.
Elon came over and remained a little while with me in the afternoon. He brought me the news of Br. Rockwell’s death.
Sunday, 20
The day cloudy and weather quite mild so that water ran from the eaves in the morning. Began to snow in the middle of the day and continued through the evening.
Got ready in the morning to attend Br. Rockwell’s funeral and went up to the Centre, calling at Mr. Bruce’s. From thence, Rode with Br. Levi Taylor up to the residence of Samuel on the hill and came back in the funeral procession to the meeting house. Br Churchill offered a prayer at the dwelling, and Br. L. P. Streeter delivered the funeral discourse. The number of poeple in attendence at the funeral was very large – more than could be accommodated with seats in the meeting House. Azor and Eliza were there and, after the conclusion of the services, they came home, and staid with us over night. Wife attended the funeral also.
Monday, 21
Freezing night. Day partially fair and considerably cold, thawing scarcely any. The weather decidedly more winterlike than any before since the winter season commenced.
Azor and Eliza departed this morning to do some visiting in Leroy. About ten o’clock A. M. Mr. and Mrs. Bunyan came for a visit and on business, according to previous arrangement. He wanted me to write a lease for the widow Eastman and her son, Alexander Eastman. Wrote the lease for him, and, towards night when they left for home, rode in their sleigh as far as the Center, calling at the P.O. and getting the Tribune, and also making a short stop with Lydia.
Theodore came today and got of me some siding, which he borrowed.
Tuesday, 22
Another cold, freezing night. The day was fair and pleasant, but was a little too cold to be perfectly agreeable to those who were travelling on the road. Thawed a little in the afternoon where the sun shone.
Remained at home through the day and devoted the principal part of the time, in the absence of company, to reading. split and bought in some wood to keep my fire a going in the Library. In the fore part of the day brought up water from the cellar, for the women to do their washing.
Elon came in and chatted with some time in the middle of the day. Lucia came up here first, and afterward Robert, for an afternoon visit. Burton and Mary were here also for a visit in the afternoon. Wallace here to dinner.
Wednesday, 23
Cold weather continues. Another clear, freezing night followed by a fair, pleasant day. The weather continues to grow a little milder, thawing considerable in the middle of the day.
Remained at home until towards night spending the principal part of the time in the Library reading.
Elon called again towards noon and spent an hour or two with me.
About four o’clock in the afternoon Azor and Eliza came back from Leroy, and, according to an understanding previously had, wife and I rode home with them and remained with them over night.
Thursday, 24
Cloudy again, through the day, with ocasional flurries of snow. The weather continues rather cold, but not extremely so. Did not discover any thawing.
Remained at Azor’s till after dinner and spent the principal part of the time looking over his latest newspapers. In the afternoon walked over the hill to the village; called at Luman’s stable and found that he was away to Barclay; called to see Delos at his office, and made arrangement with him to make out the deed for conveyance of the Stevens farm to Martin; called at Grant’s and got my watch key; called at bookstore and bought a wallet; and called at P.O., got Azor’s mail matter and returned.
Friday, 25
Cold, freezing night as usual, and the morning also quite cold. The day mostly fair, and the weather grew more moderate, thawing some in the afternoon.
Pretty soon after breakfast we – that is, Azor and Eliza and wife and I, – started with his team and sleigh and went over to Br. Brigham’s for a visit. Towards night we took our departure, I leaving them at the depot and walking down to Luther’s where I stopped and tarried with them over night, and wife riding home with Azor and Eliza, they proposing to send their team down tomorrow night or Sunday morning to help her home.
Saturday, 26
Another freezing night, succeeded by a partially cloudy day, with some slight flurries of snow. The weather continues to grow a little milder, and the thawing more considerable.
Remained a little while with Luther after breakfast and then rode with him, in his cutter, down home, he having business down at the Corners. Found a letter, a very long one, from Daniel Bush, waiting for me, on my arrival home. Harvey and Wallace came down from the Centre, bringing from the P.O. my papers, the Courier and the Chronicle. Luther calling, on his return from the Corners, went back with him as far as the Centre, and stopped at Bruce’s, Theodore & Esther only being at home. We took dinner there. Luman & Mr. Brewer called at night & left 4 fat cattle to be kept over Sunday. Isaac here.
Sunday, 27
The day cloudy and the weather has become quite moderate. There was snow falling in the morning but it soon changed to sleet, and entirely subsided early in the afternoon. It has served to repair the failing sleighing.
Attended the forenoon meeting at the Centre, Br. Streator being present, delivered a discourse and conducted the exercises. After the meeting, went home with Sam. and had another tooth pulled, that had become troublesome, and then came immediately home.
Azor’s boy came down with his team and brought wife along, she stopping at the Centre, and attending meeting.
Wallace and Theodore came down and made a call in the afternoon.
Monday, 28
A little more snow this morning and another cloudy day. The weather has become quite mild again, with a south wind that has nearly taken off the late additions to the sleighing and left some portions of the road quite bare again.
Wrote a letter to Benham Andrus and copied it, inclosing $8.50 for Isaac, which is sent to procure a medical apparatus. After finishing the letter, carried it up to the post office, exhibeted to the Post Master and the inclosure, giving him leave to substitute a check for the money, believing it to be more safe. Got the Tribune and came home, walking down from the Centre with Harry.
Luman and his man, Brewer called again today & drove the cattle to Barclay.
March
Tuesday, 1
One more cloudy day. The weather appears to be a little colder but was warm enough to thaw a little. In the evening there was more snow falling.
Went up to the Centre with wife and attended the funeral of Oliver Baxter which was held at the meeting house. The Methodist preacher from Troy by the name of Dean, was the officiating minister and delivered the discourse. He was assisted in the preliminary exercises by Br. Streator, who was also in attendence. Returned home without making any calls except to run into the store a minute. split some wood for the Library & brot in.
Harry called & arranged to go with me to Smithfield tomorrow. Cyrus Graves of Waverly also called to offer marble for the Stevens family.
Wednesday, 2
And still another cloudy day. The weather continues cold, with a blustering north west wind and some snow falling, making it quite tedious especially on the hills.
Imediately after breakfast Milford came to get Harvey’s horses and sleigh ready for the trip to Smithfield. Got in with wife and drove over to Harry’s, there she got out and stopped with Amanda, and he got in and rode with me to Mr. Williams’ in Smithfield, calling on the way to leave some papers relating to the Steven’s farm with Orlando Rockwell. Arrived at Williams’ about noon, fed the horses and took dinner there, did some business with Theda, and started for home at about two o’clock. Arrived at Harry’s about dark, left him and took wife and drove home where I found Harvey ready to take charge of and put out the horses.
Thursday, 3
The day quite fair and pleasant but the weather continues pretty cold but was moderate enough to thaw the snow some where the sun shined.
Staid about the house until towards noon and then went up to the Centre, called on Mr. Bruce a little while and then went into the P.O. and got the Tribune, brought it home and spent some time with it. Split a stock of wood for the Library and stored it in the wood closet for future use.
Luman called and took dinner on his way from Barclay to Troy. He left a couple cans of oysters.
Elon called in afternoon and informed us that Theodore’s shop – the old schoolhouse had burned, destroying all his work, including my chest of tools and the siding I had lent him.
Friday, 4
Another cloudy, dull day, with light flurries of snow falling occasionally. The weather is not very cold or uncomfortable, but was not warm enough to produce very much thawing.
Remained at home through the day not going abroad at all, or any further from the house than the wood yard. Spent a part of my time at regulating and putting in order my papers and other things about the Library, and looking over and arranging matters relating to the Stevens business; and a considerable portion with my books and newspapers.
Wallace and Theodore called here in the forenoon, they having business with Harvey. Theodore gave me some account of that fire that happened yesterday.
Saturday, 5
The weather continues cloudy, and the temperature appears to be growing, gradually, more moderate, thawing so that the sleighing is getting to be pretty hard on the main roads in the vallies.
Spent the entire day at home again, not going out any farther than the barn. Tried to read some, but having a pain in my head in consequence of another cold I have taken, I did not do much at it. Mr. Gilman brought me the Chronicle from the P.O. and spent some time with me in the Library.
Theodore was here with Harvey, and they went together down to Greenwood and back this afternoon. Daniel came back with them.
Sunday, 6
The weather quite mild in the forenoon, thawing a considerable amount, and the fore part of the day was cloudy and was a little colder, having an easterly wind, with general indications of a storm being near at hand.
Got ready in the morning and went up to the Centre a little befor the hour of meeting and called in at Mr. Bruce’s. At the second ringing of the bell went in to meeting and heard another discourse by Br. Streator. The congregation was large and attentive. Three individuals, two young men and a boy, were admitted to church membership. Came immediately home after the meeting was dismissed. Did not suffer as much from my cold today as I did yesterday.
Wallace and Theodore were here in the afternoon and took tea with us.
Monday, 7
Found a little more snow in the morning, and snow continued to fall through the day, moderately; accumulating a few inches only, in consequence of the mild, soft weather which continued the thaw.
Spent the fore part of the day at home as usual, and after dinner went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Courier, and then at two o’clock, went in to the meeting and heard a discourse by Br. Streator, after which, went down to the water and saw him immerse eight persons, among whom were Mrs. Mary Barnes, widow of the late Roderick Barns, and Lewis Saxton. Attended meeting again in the evening. The audience was very large, more than could be conveniently seated in the house.
Elon called in the forenoon and spent an hour or two.
Tuesday, 8
Cloudy through the day without any storm. The weather continues mild and agreeable, thawing moderately as usual, so that the sleighing is almost entirely spoiled again on the valley roads.
Remained at home through the entire day, employed, in the fore part of it with my books and my newspapers as usual, intending to be present at the meeting again in the evening. But in the afternoon, at about three o’clock, Mr. Williams and Theodocia Goddard from Smithfield, having business in the neighborhood, came here for a visit, and to stay over night. I was by this means diverted from my design, and there fore remained at home and spent my time with them, and with Harry Bailey, who, having business with them, came in and spent the evening with us.
Wednesday, 9
Morning quite cold, day fair & pleasant, weather growing warmer as the sun advanced until towards night, when it became a little cooler, freezing some. Thawed considerable in the middle of the day.
After breakfast Mr. Williams & Theda took their departure, and soon after this Elon came over and invited me to ride up to Br. Brigham’s with him. Concluding to go I made the necessary preparation, and about the middle of the day we set off. We remained there till towards night and then we started away. I stopped at the depot, waited for the evening train on which I proceeded to Troy. Made some calls but not finding any person that I wanted to see, walked over to Azor’s and there, with them, I spent the night.
Thursday, 10
Fore part of the day fair but became cloudy towards night, storming some in the evening. The weather continues quite mild, thawing considerable in the course of the day but freezing nights.
Directly after breakfast I walked back to town, found Delos Rockwell and had a talk with him concerning some way to secure the payment of Blake’s rent, due to the Stevens estate on the first of April next, met and spoke with Luman, and then hurried back to Azor’s, rode with him and Eliza down to West Burlington stopping at Bingham’s, took dinner there, saw and talked with Martin, went over the hill to Godard’s north woods to see Ward, returned & took tea at Bingham’s, rode back to Long’s mill & then walked over to town, called on Delos at his house, found Luman at his office, went with him to the hotel and talked with dept. sheriff Young, & then returned to Azor’s.
Friday, 11
Another fair, pleasant day. Weather continues mild; the snow yet covers the fields, but the roads in the vallies are getting to be quite bare and muddy.
Luman had agreed to meet me at Azor’s this morning at 7 o’clock, take breakfast with me there and then take me down to West Burlington. He did not come at 7, & not having appeared when we had finished breakfast, I did not wait any longer for him but started off on foot, went to Martin Rockwell’s, from thence rode down to the Corners with James Dewitt, called at Ward’s, and then walked home. In the evening went up to the Centre & attended the quarterly meeting and heard Br. Greenlaw and witnessed the immersion of Aaron Walborn and Jerusha Shepard.
Saturday, 12
The day mostly cloudy and in the evening a storm of sleet commenced falling and continued, moderately through the same. Thawed considerable in the course of the day.
Went up to the general meeting at the Centre in the forenoon and heard a discourse by Br. Spencer. Br. Greenlaw assisted in the exercises of the meeting. Went to the P.O. and got the Chronicle and also received from Mr. Mercur the Congressional Globe for the third session of the 40th Congress, bound in three volumes or parts, and also a copy of the Agricultural Report for 1868. Attended meeting again in the evening and heard Br. Greenlaw speak again. After meeting paid Br. Greenlaw $5. for the 2nd Vol. of Br. Campbell’s memoirs in advance. Harvey Holcomb & his wife came home with me and staid over night.
Sunday, 13
In the morning the storm of sleet, which had continued through the night, changed to snow which fell, moderately, through the day and evening, but on account of the mild weather, accumulated only about three or four inches in depth.
Spent the morning with Br. & Sr. Holcomb, and at the proper hour Harvey went with his horses and sleigh and took us all up to the meeting, he returning with his team. Br. Spencer preached, Br. Greenlaw having been called back to Alba on account of the sickness of his brother who had been left in charge of a protracted meeting that is in progress there. At the conclusion of the meeting wife rode down with Samuel & I rode with Mahlon Holcomb who drove down to Robert’s.
Monday, 14
The atmosphere has been rather hazy but mostly fair through the day. The temperature has been mild but not very warm, thawing and reducing the snow to some extent, but freezing again at night as has been the case for some time past.
Spent the forenoon at home engaged with Albert and with reading as usual; in addition to which I brought up water from the cellar for Lizzie to do her washing with. In the middle of the day Azor came down with his sleigh to bring some lambs he had sold to Luman. They were driven from here to Barclay. After dinner Azor started for home. Rode with him as far as the Centre, called at P.O. & got Tribune & Courier, and made a call on Helen.
Tuesday, 15
Another freezing night, followed by a thawing day. The morning was partially cloudy, the middle of the day was quite fair and pleasant, but the close of the day was quite cloudy with with indications of a storm near at hand.
Remained at home through the entire day, not going any farther from the house than the wood yard. Spent the principal part of the time in the Library reading. In the afternoon split up a stock of wood and brought it into the Library for my use. Had no company today except Mr. Gilman a little while in the morning. At night, L. D. Taylor called to borrow my case of mathematical instruments.
Wednesday, 16
The indicated storm commenced some time in the night past and continued with considerable violence, until about the middle of the day, producing a fall of snow of about eighteen or twenty inches in depth. clouds were broken in the afternoon, affording some short intervals of sunshine. The weather continues quite moderate, thawing some in favorable places.
Another day spent in the house, did not go abroad at all or do anything in the line of work. Devoted my time, almost exclusively to reading "The Spirit Land" by S. B. Emmons?, and spending also a portion of it with Albert as usual, he being all the company I have had in the Library during the day.
Milton was here with Harvey at breakfast and dinner.
Thursday, 17
A pretty cold, freezing night and the day somewhat colder than has been common of late. In the forenoon there there were brief intervals of sunshine, the afternoon was entirely cloudy, with considerable snow falling a portion of the time, and a pretty brisk wind at the close of the day and in the evening.
Remained in the house during the forenoon, engaged, a portion of the time, in the perusal of Don Quixote. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, called at the P.O. and got a letter, that came yesterday, from James Buell, called a spell at Bruce’s, then at P.O. again, waited for the mail which came empty, the trains being hindered by the snow.
Friday, 18
The weather more mild, freezing but little in the course of the past night. There were some clouds in the morning which passing away left the day fair and pleasant. The influence of the sun has settled the snow considerably where it had a chance to act.
Staid at home again until the middle of the day, being engaged the principal part of the time as yesterday, in reading Don Quixote. At noon went up to the Centre and to the post office where I got the Tribune, and the went in and spent some time with Theodore and Esther, he being unwell today. After looking over the Tribune there returned home with it and spent more time in its perusal.
Elon came in at night and spent part of the evening with me and Mr. Gilman also.
Saturday, 19
Another fair and pleasant day, with very few clouds to be seen at any time from the opening to the close. We had a freezing night but in the middle of the day the shining of the sun made the snow quite soft and settled it considerably.
Morning spent in nearly the same manner as that of yesterday. Went up to the Centre at about 10 o’clock to attend the funeral of old Mr. Wilcox and stopped at Mr. Bruce’s till the remains were brought to the meeting house, then went in and heard the discourse and witnessed the ceremonies. Br. Calvin Churchill was the officiating minister, and spoke on the subject of the resurrection to a large audience. After the funeral called at the P.O. and again at Mr. Bruce’s, and then came home.
Sunday, 20
The day opened fair and continued so until about noon. The afternoon and evening were cloudy, with southerly wind. The weather growing more mild, the thaw progressed and continued through the day notwithstanding the absence of sunshine.
Alvah came over early in the morning and invited me to ride with him to the meeting at Leroy today, and I accepted the invitation. After taking my breakfast and my weekly bath I got ready and accordingly attended the meeting there. Br. Churchill was the preacher as usual. After the meeting concluded we returned immediately home.
Towards night Elon came over and made a call. We expected Azor & Elizabeth but they did not come.
Monday, 21
The thaw continued through the past night and also through the day and evening. There were a few short intervals of sunshine in the course of the morning, the remainder of the day was cloudy, with indications of another storm of some kind.
Remained at home, and about the house through the day. Spent a considerable portion of the time in the Library with my books and other reading matter. Mr. Gilman brought me the Tribune, and afterward Harvey brought the Courier. Brought up water from the cellar for Lizzie to do the washing with as usual.
Azor was here in the forenoon. He came after Sara. Mr. Gilman spent the evening with me.
Tuesday, 22
Water continued to run from the eaves through the night, and the thaw continued through the day so that the valley roads begin to be muddy again. Cloudy weather continues.
Having understood that Theodore intended to commence taking pictures today, went up there this forenoon at about 10 o’clock to see him work. Waited till he put up a stove, and put his room and apparatus in order, and then at about 1 o’clock sat for his first trial. He succeeded so well in this first attempt that I had the picture completed, and brought it home with me. The remainder of the time I spent at home, employing a considerable portion of it with my reading and with the little boy as usual.
Wednesday, 23
The weather has been decidedly colder today, than it has been for several days past. Froze a little last night, and thawed but a little in the course of the day. Clouds and sunshine have alternated, leaving off clear at night.
Spent the morning at home reading, and then went up to the Centre to see how Theodore came on in his business of taking pictures. Found him succeeding very well. Took dinner with them and remained till after three oclock in the afternoon. Had another ambrotype likeness taken and also a negative for photographs. Came home and spent most of the remainder of the day reading the Chronicle which Mr. Gilman brought from the P.O. in the morning.
Thursday, 24
Froze a little last night again. The weather today has been fair, and a little warmer than it was yesterday, the thaw continuing but not very rapidly.
Attended to the picture taking business today pretty thoroughly, with not very favorable results so far as the taking of mine is concerned. Went up to Theodore’s in the morning and Harvey went up with his buggy and took along his ma and Albert. Wife had a very good negative taken and Albert an ambrotype; but in trying to get a good negative I failed every time. Called at P.O. & got Tribune, & Chronicle of yesterday date. Did not come home till night.
Amanda & Lincoln’s wife here in in afternoon & evening. Julius called in the morning before I went away.
Friday, 25
Another freezing night succeeded by a fair day. The weather continues mild and the thaw progresses moderately. Our main road is bare and muddy, but the fields in general remain covered with snow.
Read the Chronicle a spell after breakfast and then went up to the picture gallery again to sit for a negative. Theodore first took a couple of ambrotypes? and then succeeded in getting a very good negative. Carried up Albert’s Ambrotype to have copied. Obtained a negative and another ambrotype from it. Took dinner with Theodore again, and towards night brought home three of wife’s photographs that were ready.
Luman called in my absence, a short time, being on his way to Barclay.
Saturday, 26
Froze a little in the course of the night, the day partially fair, & the weather a few degrees warmer than it has been of late attended with south wind, which has very much accelerated the thaw.
Staid at home and read the newspapers until towards noon, then went up to Theodore’s gallery again to see what progress he was making. Remained with him till two o’clock in the afternoon, paid him five dollars on account, & then came home, bringing along three of my photographs which were finished. Spent the remainder of the afternoon reading and dozing and at night split and brought in some wood for my use. Wife went up to Mary’s to see their sick boy.
Sunday, 27
Brisk east wind prevailed thro the day with a lively snow storm in the morning, which continued till the middle of the day and then changed to sleet and finally to a moderate rain.
The first thing in the morning attended to my weekly bath, and then attended to my reading and preparations for meeting. At the proper hour went up to the Centre and gave my attendence at the meetinghouse as usual. On account of the storm and the bad travelling, probably, the congregation was not very large and the exercises were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor who was assisted by Br. Mott. Returned home immediately after meeting, making no calls. Had no calls today.
Monday, 28
Rained through the night and the morning also, then changed to snow, continued till middle of the day then changed again to snow, which continued, moderately till night, melting as it fell.
Soon after breakfast started with wife to go to Troy to attend the tin wedding of Lurenda and Eliza which is to be celebrated tomorrow at Azor’s. We had Harvey’s horses and buggy and arrived at Azor’s before noon. After dinner drove with Azor over to town & put the horses into Luman’s stable. Went into court, which commenced its first session in Troy today. It is held in the Methodist Meeting House. Did some business with Delos. Went to Paine’s hard ware store and bought about five dollars worth of tin ware to bestow at the tin celebration tomorrow.
Tuesday, 29
The weather continues cloudy yet but is not very cold, the storm appearing to have abated. The thaw progresses, the snow growing less & the mud increasing.
Immediately after breakfast walked over to town, waiting around there until Delos opened his office & gave me an executor’s deed he had drafted, then went over to see Luman & with him went into the bank where I bought stamps to amount of $4.50 & attached them to the deed, went before Justice Carnochan? & signed & acknowledged the same, went into court & finding Martin there I delivered it to him, & about noon went back to Azor’s & with a pretty large company there, celebrated their tin wedding. We drove down with Benjamin & Lurenda, & staid over.
Wednesday, 30
Morning cloudy, cleared off towards noon, the afternoon being fair and considerably warm, and the snow melting and running away quite rapidly so that the fields in some places begin to look bare.
Pretty soon after breakfast we had the team hitched up and started for home. Lurenda came with us as far as Burton’s where we called a spell to see their sick child. We left Lurenda there and came on home, halting a few minutes at Theodore’s and at the P.O. on the way. Spent most of the time after our arrival home in my room looking over the newspapers, but towards night went out in the back yard and cleared out a water course to prevent the water from spreading, & also split some wood for the Library and brought it in.
Thursday, 31
Another cloudy morning followed by a fair day. The weather continues warm and the snow is rapidly disappearing from the fields. The roads are in a singular condition. Some parts of the main road are quite dry while others are very muddy, and roads on the hills in some places are very badly obstructed with snow.
Spent my time in the Library as usual until nearly noon, then went up to the Centre, calling first at Theodore’s picture gallery where I spent an hour, then went over to the P.O. and waited till the mail came in, got the Tribune and went in to Mr. Bruce’s and read it a spell, came home and dozed over it some time longer, and then I gave it up to Mr. Gilman to read.
April
Friday, 1
A fair morning succeeded a a cloudy night, but the afternoon was again obscured by clouds & the evening also. The thaw is going on rapidly, the creeks are very high, and the fields are putting off their white mantles and assuming their sober brown.
Orville called in the morning before breakfast and informed us that Mary’s sick child is worse and that they wanted wife to go up there. She got ready immediately and rode up there with Samuel.
Staid at home till near the middle of the day and then went up to the picture gallery at the Centre. Staid with Theodore an hour or two and took dinner with him. Brought home the Chronicle and looked it over.
Saturday, 2
Commenced raining in the night and continued till noon, then abated a short time; commenced again and continued through the afternoon, changing to sleet and snow at night, producing a great flood in the creek.
Remained at home all day not going away from the house at all. Spent my time, or the principal part of it, with my books and my newspapers and with little Albert. Wife came home from Burton’s very early in the morning, bringing the news that their little boy was dead, that he died at about 3 o’clock this mor- and that the funeral was appointed to be attended at 11 o’clock tomorrow in the forenoon. Harvey brought from the P.O. for me, a letter from Benham.
Elon made a call in the afternoon.
Sunday, 3
Found the ground whitened over with snow and sleet this morning with a cool north west wind prevailing. The day being fair the snow very quickly disapeared after the rising of the sun. Water in the streams continues quite high yet, but is very much lower than yesterday.
Took my Sunday morning bath and got ready to attend the funeral. Drove Harvey’s horses with Volney’s waggon, and wife and Anna Gilman and Laura rode with me. We went on up to Burton’s & came back with the procession. Benjamin and Lurenda were there, and also Luman and Azor. Br. Churchill was the officiating minister. After the interment Luman and Azor came down here and did not depart for home until after supper. Lurenda and Benjamin went back, intending to call with Burton and Mary.
Monday, 4
Ground whitened with an inch or two of snow this morning, with a snow storm in in progress, which, however, did not amount to much. Day continued cloudy with occasional flurries of snow which did not long remain on the ground. The weather pretty cold.
Started off on foot after breakfast, to go to West Burlington to attend to the Stevens matters; took dinner at Mr. Ward’s & went up to see Blake who having gone to Troy, I went back to the store and towards night went there again. Found him and had a settlement. He paid me $120.00, gave me his note for $52.50 more, and his account made up the balance of his rent. Went back to Ward’s and staid overnight.
Tuesday, 5
Found a snow storm going on this morning which had already made a deposit of some five or six inches in depth, but it did not long continue. The weather continues rather wintry but has not entirely stopped the thaw. The day has been cloudy except a little sunshine early in the afternoon. Travelling very bad.
Started for home pretty soon after breakfast and had a pretty hard time of it, getting quite tired and having to walk very slow, arriving home only a little before noon. Found the Tribune on my table and spent some time in looking it over, then devoted the remainder of the day in examining and arranging my papers and and accounts relating to Hiram Stevens’ estate.
Wednesday, 6
Thawing continued through the past night, and although the day has been cloudy, or mostly so, the weather has become considerably warmer, and the snow has nearly all disappeared from the fields and left them almost bare again.
Remained in and about the house through the day and employed the principal portion of my time in my usual manner, that is, with my books and newspapers, and with the little boy. Towards night went out & chopped and prepared some wood for my use in the Library and brought it to the wood closet.
Elon came over early in the afternoon and spent an hour or two. Mr. Gilman came in also.
Thursday, 7
The forenoon was cloudy and the afternoon was partially clear, the sun shining out at intervals. The weather continues to be quite mild, the snow is nearly gone from the fields except where it lies in drifts, and the road in the valley begins to grow dry again in some places.
Did not go abroad at all in the forenoon but spent my time in the Library, chiefly reading "Six months in the White House". After dinner went up to the Centre, calling at the P.O. for the Tribune and then stopping a spell with Theodore and Esther, Lydia being away but finding Helen there. When I came away I brot home one photography picture of Hiram Stevens that was finished.
Azor was here in the middle of the day, going home after dinner.
Friday, 8
Fair frosty morning, and fair pleasant day. The weather has been most beautiful through the day; warm and springlike, drying up the mud and enabling farmers to commence their operations for the ensuing season.
Spent my time in the Library reading until the middle of the day and then after dinner went up to the Centre, calling first at the P.O. but not finding any thing there for me, went over to the picture gallery and spent an hour, more or less, with Theodore and Esther. Went into the family room and chatted a little while with Lydia and with Helen and Harriet who were there, and then came home.
Lizzie had a daughter born today, & all appear to be doing well.
Saturday, 9
Another morning frosty and fair, followed by a delightful day, fair and considerably warm. Spring appears to be opening finely now, the ground is drying rapidly, and a very favorable opportunity for the operations of the farmer is now presented.
Remained about the house during the forenoon, spending my time with Albert and with my books and newspapers. After dinner went out with my fishing tackle along the little creek across my flat and Elon’s, to see if I could find a few little fishes. I took a considerable number but the most of them were quite small. I spent the remainder of the afternoon in the same manner I did the forenoon and at night chopped a little wood for the Library. Mr. Gilman brought me the Chronicle from the P.O.
Sunday, 10
The morning fair without much frost, the day fair also being quite pleasant and agreeable. The weather is growing warmer from day to day, and the fields are beginning to put on their vernal clothing.
Attended to my bathing and after reading a spell in the morning went up to the Centre and attended meeting there. Br. Levi Taylor and Charles Ross conducted the exercises, Br. Taylor being the principal speaker. Came home immediately after the meeting closed and found Amanda and Lucella. Pretty soon Samuel and Amanda Shepard came in & also Burton & Mary, Sam & Amanda going away soon. Towards night Theodore & Esther came. Suppose they all came to see the baby.
Monday, 11
The morning cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain; towards noon the clouds broke away and the middle of the day was fair; and the latter part of the day, and the evening the sky was overcast with clouds again. The weather continues warm.
Staid at home and attended to my reading &c., in the Library, through the morning, then went up to the picture gallery at the Centre, carrying up my old daguerotype to have copied; staid with Theodore to dinner and spent a part of the afternoon there; had an ambrotype copied from my old picture and sat for another; went into the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Courier, and finally came home and looked them over.
Harvey plowed a part of the garden this morning and Mr. Gilman commenced working it & planting his onions &c.
Tuesday, 12
The day fair and pleasant and the weather quite agreeable with the exception of a cool wind from the north west. The roads are getting to be dry except in places where there are snow drifts yet remaining.
Spent my time about home employed in my usual manner until some time in the afternoon and then got ready and started on foot to go up to Azor’s, intending to go from there tomorrow up to Sylvania to hear the discussion between Br. Sweeney of Chicago, Ill. and Mr. Austin the Universalist of Auburn N. Y. Called a short time at Theodore’s gallery on the way, and proceeding quite leisurely on the way, I did not arrive at Azor’s until about the time of sundown or after.
Wednesday, 13
The morning cloudy with a sprinkling of rain. Clouds soon passed off and the day was fair and very nice, and the weather was temperate and, in the afternoon, quite smoky.
Started from Azor’s immediately after breakfast, stopped a while in town and bought a pair of boots of Jewel and Pomeroy which I carried over to Luman’s office and left in Billy’s care, went on and called a spell on Lovina who told me that Horace and Eugene had gone up to hear the debate, proceeded on from thence to Sylvania and found the discussion already in progress, attended it until the adjournment for dinner and spent the intermission with several friends I had not seen for a long time before, attended the afternoon session which closed at 6 o’clock and then rode home with Horace and Eugene and staid there over night.
Thursday, 14
Another cloudy morning with a sprinkling of rain, which was followed by a fair and pleasant day. The weather is very favorable for farming operations.
Horace and Eugene went to work this morning on the farm. I waited a spell after breakfast and then walked up to Sylvania again to hear the conclusion of the discussion. Attended both sessions, and heard the whole, finding it very interesting, & also finding Br. Sweeney a very able man. Paid him $1.50 for a published debate on this same subject, lately held by him somewhere in the west, which he is to send to me by mail, and also paid $1.00 into a fund which was raised for his compensation. After the final adjournment which was past 6 o’clock at night, I walked back to Azor’s and staid there over night.
Friday, 15
Cloudy morning again with indications of rain which were very soon dispelled, and a fair warm day succeeded.
Left Azor’s soon after breakfast to find my way home again. Went over the hill into town, called at Luman’s establishment and got the boots I had left with Billy, then proceeded to the depot & bought a ticket for the Summit and after waiting there some time took the local freight train and in due time arrived at destination; then walked down to Luther’s where I made a call of two or three hours, taking dinner with them, and then came on down to the Centre where I called again a short time at the P.O. and there rec’d the Courier and an envelope inclosing a bill for Register’s fees. After arriving home, Lewis Pratt called to see me.
Saturday, 16
Cloudy through the day, except a very little sunshine about the middle of it. Weather considerably colder than it has been for some time back making fires in sitting rooms necessary for comfort.
Remained at home and about the house through the entire day, employing much of my time in reading and attending to the little boy who is very exacting in his demands upon my attention.
Towards night Luman called a short time, on his way from Barclay to Troy, and, before he left, Sam. came in and spent the most of the evening.
Harvey brought from the P.O. the Chronicle and an envelope inclosing the Reporter acct. for advertising.
Sunday, 17
Weather continues cool and cloudy. Rain commenced falling at about 11 o’clock in the forenoon, continuing , quite moderately and at intervals, until some time in the afternoon, and then became more copious and more constant. It proves to be a north east storm, which continues through the afternoon and through the evening without any abatement or prospect of closing soon.
Took my Sunday morning bath, spent some time reading and then made preparation for meeting, which, at the proper morning hour, I attended at the Centre. The meeting was conducted by Br. Levi Taylor, who was assisted in carrying on the exercises by several other brethren, the principal speaker being E. F. Larcom. Returned immediately home from meeting and spent most of the time during the remainder of the day in my room.
Monday, 18
Rained through the night, causing very high water in the streams this morning. Rain continued to fall copiously, with very little abatement, through the day, which very much increased the volume of water in the main creek and produced an unprecedented flood. At night the water covered a large portion of the flats and has swept away considerable fence.
Could not go abroad today, very well, on account of the rain, therefore remained at home. Spent my time in various ways – much of it with Albert who insisted on my attention. Tried to read some but being very drowsy, I slept or dozed a considerable portion of the time that I devoted to that pursuit. The increasing flood on the flat demanded a portion of my attention too – to watch its progress & speculate upon the consequences.
Tuesday, 19
The rain ceased some time in the night and the flood is reduced considerably. The morning cloudy & the evening fair, with some sunshine in the middle of the day. The weather is sufficiently warm to give the grass a pretty good start, so that the meadows and pastures begin to put on their vernal livery.
Spent the morning hours in the Library engaged with my reading according to my common custom. Towards the middle of the day went up to the Centre, calling at the P.O. for the Tribune which came in yesterday’s mail, then went over to the gallery where Theodore and Esther were engaged taking pictures. Spent several hours there & took dinner with them. Eliza came down & staid over, & Elon was here in the evening.
Wednesday, 20
Cloudy through the entire day but without an indications of a storm being nigh at hand. The weather is moderately warm.
Remained at home today, not going off the farm. Spent most of the time in the forenoon in the house. Afternoon went down on the flat a little while to see how Harvey came on making a stump fence for Elon. Towards night went down again and caught a few fish in little creek.
Luman who brought Eliza down yesterday & then went on to Greenwood, came back here in the night, and, after breakfast, started off to Barclay, Eliza staying here.
Hollis Holcomb called to get orders for copying & enlarging pictures to be done by an artist in Williamsport. Gave him an ambrotype of mother Bailey for that purpose, to be returned in 3 or 4 weeks.
Lewis Pratt called. Pd. him $5.00.
Thursday, 21
Cloudy morning, and the entire day cloudy also, with the exception of a few short intervals of sunshine in the course of the forenoon. Some very slight sprinklings of rain in the course of the afternoon.
Went up to the Centre at about 10 o’clock in the forenoon, called on Lydia about an hour and then went over to the P.O. and waited until the mail came in, but failed to get the Tribune which is due today. Came home & after eating my dinner went down to the creek and caught a few more little fish. Towards night I chopped and brought into the Library another small stock of wood.
Eliza started away soon after breakfast to make some calls on her way up to Mary’s where she intended to stop.
Mr. Bruce called in the afternoon.
Friday, 22
Morning fair and frosty, followed by a fine pleasant day. The weather has been considerably warm and is quite favorable for the business of the spring.
Employed the morning hours in the Library as usual. Commenced reading "The testimony of the rocks", by Hugh Miller. Towards the middle of the day went out with my fishing tackle two or three hours and caught another mess of small fish. In the afternoon went up to the post office & got the Tribune and then went into Theodore’s picture gallery where I spent two or three hours.
Harvey had Wallace to help him take down and lay over a part of the cellar wall that was failing.
Luman called towards night.
Saturday, 23
The morning fair without frost, and the day also fair with the exception of some floating clouds which would occasionally pass before the sun and briefly hide its face. The weather continues warm, and is everything that we can reasonably desire.
Remained about the house until after dinner and the principal part of the time was spent with my reading, and with my attentions to my little grandson for his gratification. In the afternoon I spent two or three hours again on the flat at angling, but with indiferent success, and, returning, the remainder of the day passed off with me in about the same manner as the forenoon.
Wallace worked at the cellar wall again today and Orson with him. Salatheil plowed for oats on Dorr’s lot.
Sunday, 24
Another beautiful morning, without frost, without wind and without clouds. Another splendid day being fair and warm and every way agreeable. The grass is growing finely and vegetation is coming forward.
After my Sunday morning ablution, go ready and went up to meeting at the Centre. Found Br. Greenlaw in attendence who delivered a discourse and conducted the exercises. It is the one who lately came from the east. He gave an appointment for another meeting at three o’clock this afternoon which I also attended returning directly home at the conclusion of each meeting.
Amanda came over towards night, and Elon also came in and sat a while.
Monday, 25
The past night cloudy and the morning rainy. The afternoon became fair but the weather was considerable cool, with a brisk wind from the north west. The weather grew warmer towards the close of the day, but, the evening being clear, there is a very good prospect of a frost tomorrow morning.
Remained about the house till towards the middle of the day, with time employed in my usual way, then went down on the flat with my fishing tackle and spent about a couple of hours a fishing. Made out but poorly, according to my expectation. Afternoon went up to the post office and got the Tribune, calling a while on Lydia.
Wallace and Orson worked on the cellar wall again to day.
Tuesday, 26
The morning fair with considerable frost, the day continued fair and was quite pleasant, the weather tempering down so that at night it was considerably warmer again.
Remained at home today until after dinner, spending a portion of the time in the Library, reading, but more of it in going about the house and the door yard and the garden with Albert, at his prompting and for his gratification. In the afternoon went to the creek and spent a couple of hours or so a fishing again.
Luman on his way to Barclay called a short time in my absence.
Wallace and Orson worked at the cellar wall again today.
Wednesday, 27
A light frost this morning, day tolerably fair but not so bright as yesterday, being a little hazy and at night the atmosphere quite smoky. The weather continued to grow warmer through the day, and and in the evening is quite warm.
Spent a portion of the morning reading and then concluded to write a letter to Mr. Atkins. Went at it and wrote one of considerable length which I also copied, and towards night carried it up to the Centre & delivered it at the post office. After this made a short call on Theodore and Esther, and then returned home.
Wallace and Orson came and worked a spell in the morning to finish up the cellar wall, and having finished, they went away to another job.
Harvey had two plows at work today, on Dorr’s lot.
Thursday, 28
Warm night, cloudy morning, middle of the day partially fair, the latter part of the day cloudy again with a drizzling rain which continued till night and then ceasing, the evening partially fair, with prospect of fair weather again tomorrow.
Read a spell in the morning and then undertook to write a letter to Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook of Middlefield Conn. Wrote a long one, and after copying it carried it to the P.O., delivered it there, got the Tribune and came immediately home and then went down to the creek and caught a few fish.
Harvey had three plows going over on Dorr’s lot and nearly finished plowing a piece of twelve acres to be sown to oats on shares.
Friday, 29
The morning partially cloudy and the remainder of the day was fair and pleasant. The weather since the rain yesterday, has been considerably cooler, and there is a fair prospect, tonight of having a heavy frost tomorrow morning.
Spent the morning reading the The Tribune and then took my seat at the writing table again; this time to write a letter to Mrs. Emelina Harris of Great Barrington Mass. Finished a long letter and having copied it, carried it to the post office and received the Chronicle. I also paid my arrears of postage up to the first of this month and then went over to the picture gallery and found Luther and Sally there. Made a short stop and then returned home.
Salathiel sowed oats today and dragged with the horses. Ezra Bailey’s boy and team assisted, and Harvey with his oxen worked for Ezra hauling stumps.
Saturday, 30
The anticipated frost appeared this morning and immediately after a bright sun also appeared which soon dispelled it. The day continued fair to the cose, the evening bright, and the weather grew warmer as the day progressed.
Commenced to write a long letter to my old friend Joseph K. Pelton in answer to one received from him on the 14th of February last. Spent my time at writing and copying through the morning and then spent two or three hours in the middle of the day a fishing, but had not very good success. Spent the remainder of the day, reading some, & writing some and attending to little Albert a part of the time.
Salathiel worked at putting oats alone today, Harvey remaining at Ezra’s.
Luman called at night with Mr. Brewer, on their way from Barclay to Troy.
May
Sunday, 1
Fair morning with heavy dew but without frost, with a fair day succeeding it, and a bright evening also. The weather continues moderately warm, and is also getting to be considerably dry.
Took my Sunday morning ablutions as usual, and at the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre and attended meeting, Br. Levi Taylor being the principal speaker, but was assisted by others in carrying on the exercises of the meeting. Made no calls but returned home immediately after the meeting closed. Spent the remainder of the day at home in my usual manner, reading most of the time, but having to devote a part of my attention to Albert.
Wallace and Theodore were here with Harvey this afternoon, and Elon called and chatted with me a spell.
Monday, 2
Found a little more frost this morning. The day bright and fair with hardly a cloud to be sure. The weather a little warmer than it was yesterday.
Finished a very long letter to J. K. Pelton of VanDeusenville Mass. and carried it up to the post office in the morning before the mail went out. Made a short call on Theodore, then returned and went a fishing, making out very poorly. After dinner went up to the Centre again, called at P.O. for Tribune but did not get it, made another call at Mr. Bruce’s staying some time & meeting Hollis Holcomb there who brot me a large copy of Mother Bailey’s picture I had ordered. Came home & spent some time with some Russian pedlar’s who called and soon after they had gone, the shocking news came that Rodman had just been killed by Lincoln’s horses running away with a roller. Went over there, immediately, wife came soon after. Staid there till bed time, wife staid all night. Salatheil went to Troy to send by telegraph to Fremont and give notice to friends. Harvey started in the morning for Towanda to attend court as a juror.
Tuesday, 3
The morning opened fine, without any frost, and gave promise of a very nice day. The day continued fair until late in the afternoon, then became cloudy and continued so through the evening. The weather has become quite warm, especially in the latter part of the day.
Immediately after breakfast went over to Amanda’s, meeting wife on her way home. Dorr came home with me to get some ice to preserve the remains of poor Roddy with. Spent the time till dinner reading and writing, after that went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune, and also the 2nd Vol. of Br. A. Campbell’s Memoirs, returning home directly. Spent the remainder of the day with company and with reading.
Luman came from Troy a little before dinner time and in the course of the afternoon departed for Greenwood. He complained some of feeling unwell.
Elon came in and spent some time with me in the afternoon.
Wednesday, 4
The morning cloudy and warm. The sun soon dispelled the clouds and the day became fair, or nearly so, and was warm and smoky with a brisk wind in the afternoon.
Went over to Amanda’s again this morning, and took another look at Roddy’s remains. Returning spent my time about the house till after dinner, at reading and with company, and with Albert.
Benjamin and Lurenda came and also Luther and Sally and Abigail, and last of all Luman returned, & all took dinner with us. Before the hour of two we went over to attend the funeral. Fremont returned to day and was present, and more people were present than could be accommodated with seats in the house. Br. Churchill was the officiating minister.
After the funeral Valentine & Polly Ann, and Volney & Laura called. Eliza ran in a minute and Luman came to stay over.
Thursday, 5
The morning cloudy and the day was mostly fair. The weather continues warm and smoky, and the ground is getting to be quite dry indeed.
Started with Luman immediately after breakfast, for Towanda, arriving there some time before noon. He went before the Grand Jury and obtained an indictment against Knight for horse stealing; I went to the Register’s office and to the Reporter office to pay some fees and charges relating to the Stevens’ estate. Called at several other places, spent some time in Court, finding Harvey there engaged on a jury, and after the Court adjourned, went to McKean’s & got my dinner. From Towanda we went to Barclay, stopping at McCraney’s. In the evening we went down to foot of plane to fish for trout, making out but poorly. Sam and Dr. Hillis, & Brewer boy went with us.
Friday, 6
The morning cloudy again and cloudy weather prevailed through the day, raining a little before noon, and considerably more late in the afternoon and in the evening.
After breakfast Mr. Brewer started out with the market waggon to sell some fish that Luman had bought at Towanda and sent up on the cars, yesterday. After he had returned from his tour through Barclay village, I went with him to Fall Creek where he sold out all his remaining stock. My object in going was to see the place, having never been there. After dinner Luman hitched up and we departed for home. Coming off the mountain we kept up the road on the south side of the creek to Leroy corners, Luman having business that way. Luman staid with us over night.
Saturday, 7
The night was rainy, the rain abated in the morning, and the clouds broke away. There were several showers in the course of the day, some of them attended with thunder and one of them with hail. Weather continues warm.
Luman started away directly after breakfast for Troy. Spent a part of the forenoon a reading the Tribune and then went down on the flat to try my luck a fishing, but making out very poorly, did not stay but a short time. Tried to read some in the afternoon, but being so very sleepy, spent most of the time dozing in my chair. Had to devote a part of my attention to Albert, who made his requisition in very peremptory terms.
Harvey returned from Court.
Sunday, 8
The morning cloudy and foggy, and continued cloudy through the day. Rain commenced falling in the forenoon, and continued, at intervals, till night, the day closing with a rainy evening. Grass is growing rapidly, and peach trees, cherry trees, and plum trees are full in blossom.
Attended to my weekly bath in the morning, then dressed and after reading a spell, went up to the Centre, called a short time on Lydia, and at the ringing of the bell went in and attended the meeting. Br. Levi Taylor conducted the exercises almost entirely the audience being small today.
Burton called a short time after meeting and Elon came in soon after him. Lincoln & Fremont came, then Amanda & the girls and the babies, and after them Door came. They took tea with us.
Monday, 9
Dull, wet, lowry weather is the order of the day. The night was rainy and dashes of rain were frequent through the day, the sky being overspread with clouds continually.
Spent the morning hours until near the middle of the day about the house engaged with reading most of the time, then went up to the Centre, calling again on Lydia and the family until the arrival of the mail, then went over to the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Courier and the Chronicle, and also the Sun for Mr. Gilman, brought them home and spent some time in looking them over and towards night took my fishing apparratus and caught a mess of small fish.
Harvey went to Troy with a tub of butter. At night he and Salathiel went out to try their luck. The caught a large dace but got no eels.
Tuesday, 10
Another cloudy morning, clouds soon broke away so that there were intervals of sunshine till towards night, there came on a thunder shower attended with hail which lasted some time.
Remained about the house until late in the afternoon, spending a part of the time trying to read the newspapers but being very sleepy, did not succeed very well until I lay down on the bed and took a nap, after this I made out some better. Towards night went out with fishing tackle again commencing this time down at the old sawmill on Robert’s lot and proceeding on from there down the creek onto Sam’s lot, was driven off by the shower having to take refuge in the old sawmill until the rain abated.
Wednesday, 11
Rainy night and a rainy, wet, morning. The clouds became broken and afforded – as yesterday – short intervals of sunshine in the middle of the day. In the afternoon there were thunder showers again, but more moderate than they were yesterday.
Spent the time today in very nearly the same manner I did yesterday with the exception that instead of lying down on the bed for a nap I did my sleeping in my chair, alternating with my spells of reading. Started out a fishing in the afternoon and went up through the woods into Levi’s meadow, making out some better than I did yesterday, but was driven off again by the rain same as then. Spent the remainder of the day with my reading and with Albert.
Luman came soon after dinner, and at night put up here.
Thursday, 12
Bright pleasant morning, without frost, but with a heavy dew; quite cloudy before noon, remainder of the day partially cloudy, with sprinklings of rain towards night, and the evening mostly fair.
My old watch being worn out and believing it not worth repairing, traded it with Luman this morning for a heavy Waltham watch, giving him $32.00 to boot. He went on to Barclay & wife rode with him down to Sam’s. Amanda & Omeara being sick with measles. Went up to the Centre after dinner, got the Tribune & letter from Dr. Cowell of Smithfield, called a few minutes on Esther, came home, got ready and started out a fishing, went down the creek as far as Sam’s lot, called at his house a minute, returned to the creek & fished part of the way back again.
Friday, 13
Another fair, pleasant morning similar to the preceding, the day also being mostly fair, there being some floating clouds in the middle and latter part of the day. The evening is very clear, with bright moonshine to grace it.
Spent the morning at home in my usual manner, calling on Elon a spell in his field, after which I walked up to the Centre with him. Called at shoe shop & left my India Rubber boots to have the heels fastened on with nails went on & stopped a short time with Esther, went over and made Helen a brief visit, called at the P.O., then went to the shop and got my boots and came home in season for dinner. In the afternoon, after reading a spell, went down to the creek and fished a spell with about my usual success.
Luman called just at night; being on his way to Troy. He went on to Burton’s.
Saturday, 14
A few clouds in the morning which were quickly dispersed the day being fair and pleasant, the evening also being fair with a bright full moon. The weather considerably warm.
After breakfast sat down in the Library about a couple of hours and read in the second Vol. of Br. Campbell’s memoirs and then went down to the Corners and calling at Julius’, spent an hour or two with him and Sally; then came home, and soon after received a call from Amy and her youngest daughter, Julia, they staying but a short time only. After dinner went up to the P.O. & got the Courier calling a spell at Bruce’s, then came home & read an hour, and then went down to the creek and caught a mess of little fish.
Sunday, 15
Another fine morning which has been followed by a bright, pleasant day and an evening to match. the weather continues quite warm, fruit trees and orchards are in full bloom, giving promise of a very abundant crop.
Spent all my leisure today reading Br. Campbell’s Memoirs and find the book very interesting. Attended to my Sunday morning bath and at the proper time, got ready and went up to the Centre to meeting. The exercises were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor, he being assisted by Br. Brigham who was present today. Did not make any calls, but came immediately home after the meeting was concluded.
In the evening Wallace and Theodore made a call.
Monday, 16
We are now having another spell of most delightful weather, The day has been warm and fair, with hardly a cloud to be seen, and has been almost an exact counterpart of yesterday.
Remained at home during the forenoon and spent the time almost exclusively, reading the Memoirs of Br. Campbell. After dinner took my fishing tackle and went up to the Centre, called at the P.O. and got the Tribune and Mr. Gilman’s paper, and finding Samuel there with his horse and buggy, rode with him up to Harrison Ross’, and then went to the creek and fished down to Taylor’s mill pond, getting a pretty good mess of small dace. Spent the evening reading the Tribune.
Tuesday, 17
Another change in the weather. The morning was cloudy with occasional sprinklings of rain. Towards noon the clouds broke away and through the middle of the day there were intervals of sunshine. Latter part of the day and the evening were cloudy.
Immediately after breakfast Julia Brigham, having started for home, called here with May Bailey. Went with them up to the Centre and secured for Julia a passage with the mail, and paid the fare. Called a short time on Esther and then went on up to Burton’s. Leaving my cane there started off to see if I could find a few trouts in the brook running past Philander’s. Went to the head waters and fished down to Philander’s, stopped there to dinner, went across to Burt’s, & thence home with some nice trouts. Got the Chronicle at P.O.
Wednesday, 18
The morning cloudy again, with south wind. The forenoon remained cloudy without rain, and the afternoon and evening were quite fair.
Spent the morning reading Br. Campbell’s memoirs & after breakfast went down to the Corners and from thence went up to Br. Churchill’s. Staid there and chatted with him a spell and then got a couple volumes of the Harbinger I had lent him and started for home by the way of the Centre, stopping with Esther until the mail had come in, then made a short call at the P.O. & came home. Towards night went over and chatted with Elon a little while.
In the afternoon Luman came along, driving some cattle to pasture at Leroy.
Thursday, 19
Fair morning, and the day fair till near the close. Then, at 6 o’clock, a shower came up, attended with almost incessant thunder and lightning which continued almost through the night. There was considerable rain and some hail.
Not long after breakfast started off up the road. Made a short call on Esther whom I found alone, and then went on up to Valentine’s finding Polly Ann alone too, passed along up to Luther’s and there made a stop. After dinner, having rigged up some fishing tackle, went with Luther to a small stream at the north end of his farm where he supposed some trouts might be found. We fished from the head of the stream down the main creek and down that to his meadow, finding no trouts but plenty of small dace. Staid with him over night.
Friday, 20
The rain having ceased the morning was partially fair, and the clouds being soon dispelled the day was quite fair and pleasant and the evening also. The long shower of last night has raised the streams considerably.
Arose in the morning and started away, leaving Luther and Sally in bed. Went over the hill, and to Philander’s, arriving there soon after they were out of bed. Remained with them to breakfast and Philander having assisted me to find some fish bate, started out again to see if I could find some trouts. Went up the stream to near the head and back again to Philander’s, getting only five trouts, finding the water too high this time. Came directly home and spent the remainder of the day, reading the Tribune and sleeping.
Saturday, 21
The morning opened cloudy, clearing off so that a part of the forenoon was fair and cloudy again at noon. In the afternoon a very heavy thunder shower came up which continued some time and which raised the streams considerably. The remainder of the day was cloudy with showers passing around.
Remained at home through the day with no other employment than reading. Intended to go up to the Centre in the afternoon but gave it up on account of the shower. After the rain was over Luman and Valentine, on their way from Barclay, made a call and staid to supper. They had been out through the whole of this terrible shower and were consequently very wet. It was Luman’s intention, when he left, to go to Troy.
Sunday, 22
The morning was fair or mostly so but the middle of the day was considerably cloudy. The clouds passed away and the latter part of the day and the evening were fair. The weather continues warm.
Spent the morning reading. Alva called to invite me to go over to Leroy with him and attend meeting there today. Concluding to go I took my Sunday morning bath and making other necessary preparations, started at 10 o’clock and walked over to Leroy with him, arriving there in good season for meeting. Br. Churchill addressed the congregation and conducted the exercises of the meeting. We declined several invitations to call for dinner, but started for home immediately after the close.
Monday, 23
The day opened partially fair but soon became cloudy and the forenoon was quite rainy. The afternoon was fair.
Arose early and finished a letter and copying the same to James Buel and, after breakfast carried it to the P.O., receiving the Chronicle which came in on Saturday. After making a call to see Esther who is very sick, went on towards Troy making a call at Wallace’s, walked up the hill with Isaac, called at Burton’s and then went on to the old sawmill on Canfield run having found a fishing rod, proceeded down the stream as far as Loomis’ fields, then laid my course over the hills and through the woods and the fields in the direction of Benjamin’s, arriving there considerably fatigued but carrying to them a pretty good mess of small fish, including 3 trouts.
Tuesday, 24
The morning opened fair but soon clouded over producing a moderate rain which did not entirely cease until some time afternoon. Fair towards night.
Left Benjamin’s soon after leaving the breakfast table and went up to Troy village, called at Grant’s & had a glass and a new ratchet wheel put into my watch, went into Jewel and Pomeroy’s store and bought a Panama Hat, then into Long’s store and bought some stuff for a pair of shirts, and then went over the hill to Azor’s, arriving there while they were at dinner. Found Azor with a pretty large family having there at work four masons, two carpenters, besides other helps indoors and out. He is building a large barn. Staid with him the rest of the day, and over night.
Wednesday, 25
The morning was fair, with a heavy dew. The day was mostly fair and the weather has become a very little cooler.
Waited at Azor’s until after breakfast and then went down to Benjamin’s where I spent the remainder of the forenoon visiting with them. A short time after dinner, having business that called me to West Burlington, Benjamin took his horse and buggy and carried me down there. Wanting to see Mr. Blake, called at his house and found that he was over the creek at work in Mr. Rockwell’s sawmill. Called at Loomis’ store and received from him $13.08, the amount of a note I had taken of him last March on settlement of Hiram Stevens’ affairs. Called at Ward’s but he being away did not see him. Went over to the sawmill to see Blake, and then returned with Benjamin and staid over.
Thursday, 26
The principal part of the day was cloudy, the sun being seen but very little, and the evening is also quite cloudy. The weather continues to be only moderately warm.
Left Benjamin’s directly after breakfast being homewards bound. Taking the Dunbar road, Charley went with me as far as their school house. From Aaron Case’s went southeastwardly, across the fields to the Ross creek near its head, made preparation and fished down it apiece, catching four trouts then took the road and came on towards home, stopped at Mr. Bruce’s a spell and found Esther getting better, went into the P.O. and got the Tribune stopping a little while there to chat and then came home and spent the remainder of the day reading.
Friday, 27
The morning opened fair, but clouds soon succeeded and alternating with sunshine, they continued, at intervals, through the day. The weather continues to be, not very cool, but only moderately warm.
Spent the day at home, remaining indoors a considerable portion of the time, reading some, writing some, and dozing some in my chair, In the afternoon went back in the field with the little boy, where Harvey with five other hands were planting corn, staying there an hour or so. Walked out in the dooryard in the morning barefoot and stepping on a bee of some kind or wasp, was stung in the ball of my great toe, making me considerably lame, and preventing me from going abroad. Hollis Holcomb called and delivered two more of those large pictures of mother Bailey which I had ordered.
Saturday, 28
The morning partially fair and the forenoon more or less cloudy. Afternoon quite fair and the weather remains, as for several days past, rather cool than otherwise.
Spent the morning and the forenoon at home employed as usual. After dinner, went up to the Centre, called at the P.O. and got the Courier, & at Mr. Bruce’s to see Esther whom I found better again today. Returning directly went with wife and Lizzie over to Elon’s carrying the baby, and then with him a fishing going down the creek as far as Tom Pratt’s, and getting a considerable number of small fish. Returned and took tea with Elon.
Samuel called & took dinner with us, & then went with me to the Centre.
In the evening Azor and Eliza came and staid over night.
Sunday, 29
The day has been only partially fair, the sky being more or less cloudy and the atmosphere somewhat smoky. About the middle of the afternoon there was a pretty smart sprinkling of rain. The weather is a little warmer.
Attended to my weekly ablutions in the morning, spent some time reading and with the family, made preparations and went up to the Centre to meeting in the forenoon alone, Azor being quite unwell today. The meeting was conducted by Br. Levi Taylor as usual, he being assisted by some other brethren, but mainly by Br. Darias Ross who was present today. His remarks were quite interesting. Returned home immediately after dismissal of the meeting and, in addition to our company, found Amanda here. Towards night they all departed for their several places of abode.
Monday, 30
The weather continues partly fair and partly cloudy, the same as it has been for several days past. There was a slight sprinkling of rain in the forenoon and another in the afternoon. Showers went around.
Read some in the morning. Elon came over and invited me to go with him to Leroy to fish in the Towanda creek. Went with him to get some bait and soon after we started in his wagon which Alva drove. We began near the Corners and fished down to James Crofut’s, getting each of us a pretty good mess some of which river dace of pretty good size. Came home & after supper went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune and went in to see how Esther gets along and found her gaining. Came home and looked the Tribune over, reading some.
Elon called again at night.
Tuesday, 31
Another clear and cloudy day. Sun shone but little in the forenoon, in the afternoon there was considerably more sunshine. Appearance of showers roundabout. Weather decidedly warmer.
Spent a part of the morning hours reading, and towards the middle of the day went over the creek with an axe & spent some time trying to find some grubs for fish bait, and having succeeded in finding some, took my rod and went down the creek as far as into Frank Taylor’s meadow and back and brought home a little mess of fish. Spent most of the afternoon about the house and within the time fixed up a temporary trellis for the grape vine. Went up to the Centre a little before night, called at the P.O. but found no mail matter, and also called to see Esther and found her improving.
June
Wednesday, 1
The weather quite warm and continues clear and cloudy, same as it has been for a considerable period of the latter part of the preceeding month. In the middle of the day there was another sprinkling of rain.
Got ready in the morning and rode to Troy with Harvey. Went with the expectation that Azor would raise his new barn today but on arriving at the village learned by Luman that the raising was postponed until tomorrow. Bought a shovel and pair of tongs for my use in the Library, some fish hooks and lines &c. and then went over to Azor’s to dinner, remaining there to supper, and then, concluding not to stay over, rode home with Harvey arriving in the evening.
Theodore came down with us and staid a little while.
Thursday, 2
Morning quite cloudy, afternoon fair. The weather quite warm and the ground is becoming very dry. Thunder cloud off south this afternoon but no appearance of rain here today.
After reading a spell in the morning arranged my fishing tackle and towards the middle of the day started off down the creek with it. Went as far as the head of Barnes’ mill pond and succeeded in taking one large river dace and a number of smaller fish. Lizzie went up to the Center afternoon and brought me the Tribune. Spent some time looking it over, and towards night went down to the Corners to see how Robert got along with moving his house, he having a bee this afternoon for that purpose. Staid till they quit, not having accomplished the job, they agreed to come again tomorrow morning.
Friday, 3
This will pass very well for a cloudy day. There was a fine sprinkling of rain in the forenoon, a little sunshine in the middle of the day and some brisk little showers just at night. In the evening it is partially fair. Continues warm.
Devoted an hour or two of the morning to reading and then went over the creek and spent some time in trying to find some grubs for fish bait. Returned to the house and then went down to the Corners to see how the house moving came on, staying there a short time only but within that time the job was completed and the old house that Harry built was placed over a cellar a little east of the old one. Came home, ate my dinner, read a chapter in Alexander Campbell’s Memoirs, and then went over to Br. Taylor’s meadow and caught a mess of fish.
Saturday, 4
The forenoon was cloudy, and the afternoon was partially fair. There was a pretty smart little shower at about three o’clock in the afternoon but not sufficient to wet the ground very much. Warm weather continues.
Remained about home until towards noon, reading some and spending a part of the time trying o find some fish bait in an old pine log that had been hauled to the house for wood, then went up to the Centre, called on Theodore and found Esther at work about the house, called also on Helen Walace being away from home at work, then went to the P.O. and got the Chronicle and a book from Chicago containing the debate between Manford & Sweeney on Universalism, then went to the creek & fished a little while, & then finished up the day with reading.
Sunday, 5
Clear pleasant night, but the morning was partially cloudy. The day was mostly fair, being somewhat cloudy towards night and in the evening. Warm weather continues to be the order of the day.
Spent some hours in the morning according to my common custom, – reading, attending to my usual Sunday morning ablutions, and making preparation to attend meeting. Went up to the Centre before time and called a little while at Mr. Bruce’s and chatted with Theodore and Esther until the proper hour for meeting and then attended there. The exercises were conducted by Br. Taylor and Br. C. D. Ross. Came directly home and resumed my reading of the debate. Benjamin and Lurenda called in the afternoon, on their way from Franklin.
Monday, 6
A considerable fall of rain in the course of the night, the morning cloudy and wet, the remainder of the day partially fair, and the weather continues quite warm and favorable for growth of crops.
Devoted the morning hours to the reading the debate on universalism. Towards noon went up to the Centre, called at the post office and got the Tribune, and then called on Theodore, spending some time in conversation with him and Lydia, other members of the family not being present. Came home and took my dinner, then spent some time reading and looking over the Tribune and putting my room in order. After this took a stroll in the fields north of the house to see the wheat and the corn, doing something at fixing up some weak places in the fence along the lane.
Tuesday, 7
Not much change in the weather yet. Morning fair and bright, clouds intervening soon, a sprinkling of rain in the middle of the day, and the afternoon mostly fair and the weather very warm.
Remained at home through the entire day without going off the farm. Spent a considerable portion of the time reading – newspapers some, but the universalist discussion principally. Towards the middle of the day Put. Brigham came here to see us. He remained some time and then went away to look about the neighborhood some, agreeing to return again.
Luman with a young man with him called and took dinner with also, departing soon.
Put. returned and staid over night.
Wednesday, 8
There has been but very few clouds to be seen today – scarcely any to obstruct the rays of the sun, so the day will pass very well for a fair one, and a very hot one besides.
Spent the morning reading as usual and most of the time during the forenoon with my namesake. After dinner – Harvey having cut the grass in the door yard – helped him some about spreading it, and then, at the request of Put., started off to go with him a fishing a little while he having preceeded me some time before as far as the Corners. We returned soon and he stopped at Elon’s and tarried there. After supper Harvey having raked the hay, put up five cocks, and Luman coming with ten head of young cattle, Harvey went with him to drive them to Leroy and I put up the rest of the ha, eight cocks more.
Thursday, 9
The morning and forenoon quite fair and very warm but more temperate than yesterday. Afternoon a thunder cloud came over bringing a shower that lasted till nearly night.
After reading a spell in the morning went up to the Centre, called at the P.O. to ascertain the names of Post Office at West Springfield, Mass., called and made Esther a visit, then went over and visited a spell with Helen, then called on Theodore who was at work in Beach’s shop, from there went back to the P.O. and waited till the mail came in, got the Tribune and a letter from George C. Buell of Springfield, Mass., inclosing a photograph of his mother, came home and looked over the Tribune. Wife and Lizzie went over to Amanda’s before the shower, after the shower I went over and took supper and brought us home, Amanda coming with us. Luman & boy left in the morning for Barclay.
Friday, 10
A cloudy night and the day partially so. Towards night the clouds brought showers of rain which continued in the evening. The weather has become considerably cooler.
Spent the time reading in the morning until Put Brigham came in with Orsemus Reynolds. Chatted with them while they staid, and after they went away Harvey offered me a chance to ride with him to Troy. Got ready in a hurry and rode with up to Long’s mill, then got out and walked up to Azor’s, intending to go up from there to Sylvania tomorrow to attend our quarterly meeting, which was appointed to be held there at this time. After dinner, Azor, having business at the village, invited me to ride up there with him. I went but did not get out of the wagon until we returned to his house.
Saturday, 11
Thunder shower commenced before day and the morning continued showery. Day mostly cloudy with heavy thunder showers towards night. Weather a little cool yet.
Left Azor’s directly after breakfast to attend quarterly meeting now in progress in Sylvania; walked over to town with Sara, and from thence Luman took me in a buggy up to the meeting, he returning. Heard a discourse by Br. Mitchell and after meeting rode with Br. Isaac Strait to his house to dinner, Brs. Mitchell & Spencer being along. We returned to afternoon meeting, went back again to tea, Br. Greenlaw & wife & Margaret going up instead of Mitchell & Spencer, returned to evening meeting and went back again to Br. Strait’s for lodging. Br. Mitchell, who did all the preaching, was with us this time & the company being to large for the wagon, Br. Greenlaw and I walked.
Sunday, 12
The day was fair or nearly so until towards night, then there were clouds that brought some light showers of rain. The evening was cloudy and the weather warm again.
After breakfast Br. Strait sent his hired man and wagon to take his company down to meeting, the man returning with the wagon to bring the family. After a social meeting Br. Mitchell took the stand and delivered a discourse of an hour and a quarter on the subject of the new birth which was very able. After the communion, Azor and Eliza being in attendence, rode home with them, expecting to tarry there over night, but after supper Benjamin and Lurenda and others with them calling there, I concluded to ride down home with them so as to have a shorter distance to walk tomorrow on my journey home.
Monday, 13
The night was cloudy and the morning a little rainy. The day was cloudy most of the time with little dashes of rain again towards night.
Remained at Benjamin’s until some time after breakfast, & then rode with him to Aaron Case’s and then walked on as far as Luther’s, stopping there and staying till after dinner, then came on as far as Valentine’s, waiting there till Luther and Sally came along & then rode with them down to the Centre. Called at the P.O. and got the Tribune, stopped a moment with Lydia and Esther, and then came home. Soon after this Elon called and at his request went over with him to advise concerning repairs of his house. Harvey sold his oxen to Morley of Burlington for $175.
Tuesday, 14
There was some lightning and thunder in the night which was attended with a shower of rain. The day opened tolerably fair and continued so till night, having passed off without any rain, and although the wind was southerly, the weather has been a little cooler.
Spent the morning hours with my newspapers and books according to my common practice when at home. Spent some time in the middle of the day splitting some wood off an old pine log at the back door in order to find some grubs for fish bait, and finally, about three o’clock started off down the creek a fishing going down almost to Tom Pratt’s, and making out quite poorly, the water being entirely too high for good fishing. Lost my hook with a big fish and then gave it up & came home.
Wednesday, 15
The morning and the forenoon pretty fair. At one o’clock in the afternoon a cloud came over bringing a shower of rain. The afternoon was partially cloudy, with sprinklings of rain towards night.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning and the forenoon in the house reading. Directly after dinner went up to the Centre, calling first at the post office but found no mail matter there for me. Bought some buttons to put on to an old vest; then called on Esther a few minutes, after which returned home, meeting Mr. Perry? on the way. Towards night went out a fishing a couple of hours, getting a tolerable fair mess of small fish. Devoted the remaining time to reading.
Thursday, 16
The weather today has been very similar to that of yesterday. The morning and the forenoon were fair, in the middle of the day – between one and two o’clock – there was a heavy shower, with thunder clouds and sprinklings of rain towards night.
Devoted a large share of the forenoon to reading, towards noon went up to the P.O., waiting there till the arrival of the mail and then received the Tribune and a letter from my correspondent Rhoda who now lives at Storey Creek, Conn.; made a call at Wallace’s and chatted an hour with Helen and Esther; then then came home and spent some time reading the Tribune; and finally, about four o’clock started out a fishing again, spending a couple of hours on the flat and succeed in catching a pretty good mess of mostly bullheads.
Friday, 17
Shower commenced about 9 o’clock last evening and continued, moderately until past 6 this morning, attended with lightning & thunder through the whole couse. Day mostly fair and the weather considerably warm. Evening fair, without a cloud in sight, and the afternoon passed off without any rain.
Remained about the house until nearly noon spending the time according to my common custon, and then walked up to the Centre, called at the post office but found the mail had brought me nothing today, then I called at Mr. Bruce’s and talked a spell with him and Lydia, and also looked over their Northern tier Gazette, then returned home & spent the remainder of the day around the house and garden doing nothing of very much consequence.
Saturday, 18
A very fair, pleasant day, and it passed off without any appearance of rain, the evening too remaining clear and bright. The weather has been quite warm, probably the warmest of the season.
Spent the morning in the Library reading the debate on universalism. Towards noon went down to the Corners, borrowed an old axe of Julius and went over the bridge to hunt for some grubs in some old pine logs there; found a few and returned to Julius’ stopping there to dinner, after which I returned home. Started off again directly after, for the Centre, called at the P.O. and got the Chronicle, then called a short time at Mr. Bruce’s, and came home. In the course of the afternoon Luman & Dr. Hillis of Barclay made a call, they being on their way to Troy. Devoted a few hours more to reading.
Sunday, 19
Another fair day without any rain. Weather continues very warm. A very small thunder cloud in the afternoon passed along south of us, in an eastwardly direction, which appeared to deliver a pretty smart shower of rain or hail in its passage.
Attended to my Sunday morning washing according to my custom and having dressed for meeting, intending to go to Leroy with Alvah. After breakfast he came in and infor me that he would go with a wagon & that we we would ride. At the proper time we started and attended the meeting there. Br. Churchill delivering the discourse. Came home directly afer the conclusion. Picked a mess of strawberries off my little plat. Towards the conclusion of the day Wallace & Helen with their children came down & staid till sundown.
Monday, 20
Considerable thunder and a little rain in the course of the past night. Day mostly fair. Considerable thunder with very little rain in the afternoon. Weather continues very warm. Very fair prospect of more rain tonight.
In addition to my usual employment, spent a part of the time this morning cleaning off the dooryard by raking up and carrying off the scattering hay that had been left on the ground. Towards noon went up to the Centre & waiting at the P.O. till the mail came in, got the Tribune and the Courier, made a short call on Esther and another on Levi to offer him some blacksmith tools belonging to the estate of Hiram, then came home & after reading a spell went out a fishing a while, but with poor success.
Tuesday, 21
Considerable thunder in the course of last night but no rain of any consequence. The day has been very fair but there has been a radical change in the temperature of the weather, it having been quite cool through the day giving some indications of frost.
Remained at home through the entire day, not having gone abroad at all, or away from the house farther than the door yard and garden. In the morning went out and picked some strawberries for breakfast, and after breakfast went again and gathered all that were ripe, remaining upon the bed. Besides doing some reading and sleeping, brought up water for Lizzie to do her washing. In the afternoon, Amanda Shepard, Amanda Ad.. and Jerusha being here, spent my time visiting with them. Elon called in the morning.
Wednesday, 22
The morning fair and no frost, the day also fair and pleasant, but the weather continues a little cool but some warmer than it was yesterday. No frost anticipated now.
Spent the greatest portion of the time during the forepart of the day with my reading, being engaged with the second Vol. of the Memoirs of A. Campbell. Spent most of the middle of the day and the afternoon with company, Eliza & Sara coming before noon, and soon afterward Helen and Esther came. Early in the afternoon rode up to the P.O. with Sam. and got a letter from Mr. Atkins which was dated the fifth of June but not mailed until the twentieth. Rode back with him directly and he called and staid some time. Eliza returned home without Sara, taking Lucella with her, having brought her down.
Thursday, 23
The morning somewhat cloudy, but the clouds soon disappeared and the day became fair and the evening also. The weather has become warm again, it having been considerably so today.
Devoted the morning hours to reading as usual, and finished the first reading of Br. Campbell’s Memoirs. Picked a mess of strawberries for dinner, and immediately after dinner went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune, and finding Br. Manley and Valentine there staid an hour or so to have some conversation with them, after which I came home without making any other calls. In the afternoon, after reading a spell in the Tribune, went down to the creek and caught a considerable mess of small fish.
Friday, 24
Another fair and pleasant day without any signs of rain, and the weather continues very warm and the ground is getting to be quite dry again.
During the forenoon, spent part of the time reading the Tribune and part of the time dozing in my chair and on the bed. After dinner went up to the Centre, called at the post office and got the Chronicle, then stopped a moment with Mr. Bruce, then started towards home, calling a spell at Orlando’s barn where Wallace and Orson were engaged laying over the foundation walls. Came home and read a spell in the Chronicle, and then, towards night, went out a fishing again with about the same result as yesterday.
Saturday, 25
Following another clear night we have had another fair day, and the weather has become remarkably warm and sultry.
Spent the morning hours according to my common custom. Towards noon went up to see the corn, taking Albert with me. Harvey has two cultivators and both horses at work in it this forenoon. Soon after dinner went up to the Centre, received my Courier from Mr. Gilman who had just brought brot it out of the post office, went in to Mr. Bruce’s where I met Daniel & his wife and others of the family, on my way home stopped a spell with Wallace and Orson at Orlando’s barn, and towards night went down to the creek again and caught a mess of little fish.
Sunday, 26
Another clear night and fair day with very sultry, hot weather. There were some indications of thunder showers in the afternoon, and between seven and eight o’clock in the evening a shower came on that was attended with very heavy thunder and lightning and some wind.
Arose at about sun rise this morning and took my bath at the creek. Got ready for meeting and went up to the Centre, stopping an hour at Mr. Bruce’s before the time. Attended the meeting which was conducted by Br. Levi Taylor assisted by Br. Darias Ross who was present today. Came home directly after dismission and picked a mess of strawberries off the bed for supper. Theodore and Wallace and Orson came down before the shower and staid till it was over.
Monday, 27
The morning opened fair but there was thunder heard from the distant southern horizon. The forenoon was fair and extremely hot. Thunder clouds began to rise in the middle of the day and continued through the afternoon. There was much thunder and but little rain.
Went out and picked a mess of strawberries for breakfast, after that read a little and dozed some, towards noon picked some more strawberries for dinner, and after dinner went up to the Centre and, the post office being locked, went into Bruce’s and chatted a while with Esther and Libbie, Daniels wife, then went into the post office and got the Tribune and on my way home called a few minutes on Wallace and Orson at Orlando’s barn. Spent time in the afternoon reading the Tribune.
Tuesday, 28
A bright fair morning, and a fair pleasant day. The weather continues extremely warm. Towards the close of the day there were thunder clouds appeared in the west, but they passed around us.
Remained about the house through the forenoon, spending my time with my books and newspapers according to my common practice. Ate my dinner early and then started off up the road. Walked up to the Centre and then rode with James Merritt up as far as Harrison Ross’, then walked up to Philander’s, and after stopping there a spell; got some fish bait and went up that brook to find some trouts. Got only one, gave it up, came back to Philander’s, sat there a little while, then came home, stopping to see Theodore a few minutes on the way. Took a bath at bedtime.
Wednesday, 29
Considerable thunder in the night but no rain. Morning fair, some clouds in the middle of the day. In the afternoon the sun was hidden much of the time by thunder clouds which came over, and all around us. There was much thunder and seemed to be plenty of rain in other sections, but there was very little here. Weather continues very hot.
Remained at home through the entire day, and had no visitors or callers at all. Spent a part of the forenoon reading the New York Sun, and a part of the time on the bed having had no sleep of any consequence through the night, the weather being so very warm. Spent much of the afternoon also reading and towards night went out and picked some strawberries for supper. At bed time took another bath.
Thursday, 30
Morning cloudy. Clouds soon passed off and the remainder of the day was mostly fair. Early in the afternoon there was a cloud passed over attended with thunder and lightning and a sprinkling of rain. Other clouds went around. There is no abatement of heat.
Spent the morning hours reading according to my common custom when at home. Did not go abroad today nor off the farm. Towards the middle of the day went with Albert up in the fields and finding a hoe in the cornfield hoed a couple rows of corn. In the afternoon picked another mess of strawberries for supper. Harvey brot me the Tribune from the post office. Spent some time reading and looking it over. Took my evening bath.
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