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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 Two
July
Morning cloudy, and a considerable portion of the day was cloudy also as well as the evening. There has been no thunder today nor any rain and the weather has been many degrees cooler than of late.
Attended to my reading as usual, through the morning hours, and until the middle of the day. Very soon after dinner Stephen came and fed his horse and had some dinner. Walked up to the store with him and called at Mr. Bruce’s Harvey having brought the Chronicle from the P.O. before. Samuel was here in the forenoon and staid to dinner. Towards night Luman came & after supper went away to get some cattle, Harvey going with him. They returned at bed time and Luman staid over night. Bathed at night.
Saturday, 2
The morning opened cloudy and rain began to fall before nine o’clock. It continued moderately until some time afternoon, then holding up till towards night, it began again, continuing through the evening. The weather continues to be moderately cool.
Luman left in the morning after breakfast with his cattle, intending to go to Barclay, Harvey going with him a piece to help. Luman returned in the evening & went on to Troy. Spent the morning in the Library with my books and newspapers, and after dinner went up to the Centre, called at the post office and got the Courier and, making no other calls, came directly home. After reading the Courier a spell, took my fishing tackle and went down to the creek ad got another mess of small fish. Before retiring took my evening bath.
Sunday, 3
A wet, rainy night and morning, continuing through the forenoon. The rain subsided in the middle of the day but the afternoon remained cloudy, raining a little occasionally until night, when it wholly ceased, the clouds dispersed, and left the evening clear and bright, with the new moon very plainly exhibited. The weather remains rather cool but only enough so to make it agreeable.
Alvah called after breakfast and invited me to go with him to attend the meeting at Leroy, but I declined on account of several unfavorable circumstances that intervened. On the same account did not attend meeting at the Centre, but remained at home through the day & spent much of time reading. Bath at night.
Monday, 4
The morning cloudy and considerably foggy, continued so until towards noon, then cleared off and the remainder of the day was fair and pleasant. The weather has become warmer again.
Remained at home and spent my time in the Library at reading until near the middle of the day; then went up to the Centre, stopping with Lydia and her family until nearly mail time, then went into the P.O. and waited until the mail came in; got the Tribune, returned to Mr. Bruce’s, and then came home, Theodore and Esther coming with me to spend the day. In the course of the afternoon Daniel and his wife came down and staid a little while. Theodore and Esther staid till night. Bathed.
Tuesday, 5
The morning was only partially fair and the forenoon was of about the same character. There was more sunshine in the afternoon and the evening is quite fair and pleasant. The weather continues warm, and agreeable.
Spent the entire day at home but not altogether in the house. Remained in the Library during the morning hours, engaged with my reading as usual. Spent a portion of my time with Albert, and for his gratification took him with me about the fields some. In the course of the afternoon went over to see Elon’s corn. At night went over the creek & brought up the cows. Saw, and spoke with Mr. Chattle in the road as he was passing by.
Wednesday, 6
The morning was quite fair and pleasant, and fair weather continued through the entire day and was pretty warm in the bargain; especially in the afternoon.
Got ready and started off after breakfast on foot, going first to Blake’s in West Burlington, then over to George DeWitt’s where I found him, then back to his house where he gave me an order on Pomeroy’s for the balance due on his note, thence to Troy borough and had my order cashed at the bank, bought a pair of boots of Jewel and Pomeroy, Tristam Shandy at the bookstore and some door locks of O. P. Ballard, called on Delos and stopped a while with Billy at the stable, and finally, after waiting in vain for Luman to return from Springfield, went over to Azor’s and put up for the night, having walked 13 miles in course of the day.
Thursday, 7
The day mostly cloudy there being only a little sunshine in the middle. Towards night there was a heavy rain, with more rain in the evening. Started away from Azor’s after breakfast, went to the village & got horse & buggy at the livery; proceeded to my home and got such papers & things as I needed to carry with me to Smithfield; & then started immedicately for that place; made a short call at Perry’s & found not getting along very well with his cancer; called at Br. Hulburt’s to get a book I had lent him; went on to Mr. Williams’ where I fed the horse & took dinner; made several calls around there to settle with men having claims on Hiram’s estate; went to the Centre & settled with Dr. Cowell;
Friday, 8
The morning and the forenoon fair, some clouds in the afternoon, evening fair, and the weather is some cooler again.
Took breakfast with Henry and started for Troy at six o’clock in the morning. Went by way of Pleasant Valley and Leona, arriving there at nine o’clock. Left the horse and buggy with Billy and hurried to the depot and took passage on the local freight train for West Granville, arriving there in due time. Started homeward on foot, stopping at Luther’s for dinner, making a short call at Valentine’s to borrow a picture to have copied; stopped at the post office and got the Chronicle, and at Theodore;s to leave the picture; and then came home and spent remainder of day with family. Took evening bath again.
Saturday, 9
The day opened and continued fair from the beginning until the close, including the evening also. The weather is of a very agreeable temperature, being neither very hot or very cool.
Remained in the Library most of the time during the morning, reading the Tribune and the Chronicle. Towards noon took Albert and went up into the field where Harvey, with several hands, were at work harvesting the wheat. The crop is very good. After dinner read and dozed a spell, and then after hunting and catching some grasshoppers for bait, went a fishing along the creek near home and succeeded in catching a pretty good mess, some of which were of pretty fair size. Bathed at bed time.
Sunday, 10
Another passed off without any rain or clouds, and the evening is also fair, disclosing the bright moon which is now near the full. The weather is, perhaps, a little warmer than it was yesterday.
Made preparation this morning and at half past nine started for Leroy, having concluded to attend meeting there today. Called at Elon’s for Alvah who walked over there with me. Br. Churchill conducted the meeting and was the principal speaker, but was assisted in the exercises by Br. Reynolds who was also present. Returning we called at Br. Churchill’s and at their solicitation staid there to dinner, after which we immediately came away. I brought home with me two books I had there. Bathed as usual.
Monday, 11
Morning foggy, soon came out fair, and continued so till nearly noon; and then became cloudy. Had a little rain at intervals, in the course of the afternoon. The evening is quite cloudy and rainy. The wind has been from the south through the day.
Spent the most of the time, till towards noon, in the Library reading, and then went out east of the house & caught some grasshoppers for fish bait, where Harvey and Wallace were mowing. Without waiting for dinner, went down to the creek and spent two or three hours fishing with not very good success. Did not go up to the post office today but Mr. Gilman brot me the Tribune this afternoon & I spent some time reading it and looking it over. At bedtime attended to my evening bath.
Tuesday, 12
The morning opened fair and continued so until nearly noon. The afternoon was cloudy at intervals with some light showers or sprinklings of rain. The evening is partially fair, and the weather, through the day, has been considerably warm.
Attended to my reading through the morning hours, and towards the middle of the day went out into the meadow and caught a quantity of grasshoppers preparatory to another spell at angling. Took an early dinner and started out, going down to the Corners and beginning below the bridge, I went on down the creek to Tom Pratt’s and succeeded in taking a very good mess of fish, many of which were of considerable size. Took my evening bath.
Elon made a call in the morning.
Wednesday, 13
The morning was bright and beautiful., and the day continued fair, except a short period of clouds in the early afternoon, and the evening is also fair and pleasant. The warm weather continues.
Spent the morning in the library reading according to my custom when at home. In the course of the forenoon went out into the meadow hunting grasshoppers for fish bait preparatory to another turn at that amusement. Went up to Levi’s meadow and fished down the creek into Elon’s, spending a couple of hours or so in the middle of the day with small results. Spent the remainder of the day about the house reading a part of the time. Bath at bedtime.
Ezra Baxter called in the morning to get some ice for sick wife.
Thursday, 14
The morning was fair, and the day was mostly so. There was a cloudy spell in the middle, with thunder off south, but it passed on without any rain here. The weather has been very warm especially in the afternoon.
Read a little while in the morning and then laid by the book and commenced a tolerably long letter to Geo. C. Buell of Mittineaque Mass. Finished writing and recording it and then carried it, in the afternoon, up to the post office, got the Tribune, made a short call at Mr. Bruce’s & returned home. Spent some time reading the Tribune, and when the sun was nearly down, Harvey being away today, went over on the south hill and drove up the cows. The last thing attended to before retiring for the night is my evening bath.
Friday, 15
The day has been only partially fair, but the sun shone the most of the time. The evening is considerably cloudy. The weather continues quite warm.
Having heard that Samuel and Amanda were sick, went immediately after breakfast down there to see them. Found them considerably under the weather but better than they had been. Their case is dysentery. Came home and went up into the wheat field where Harvey & Wallace were at work hauling in the wheat; came back to the house and before noon started off a fishing again, going down the creek this time as far as Mr. Barns’. Got a tolerably fair mess of fish, and quite tired besides. Took my bath as usual.
Saturday, 16
The morning cloudy with a slight sprinkling of rain, then partially cleared off and the sun shone most of the time till the middle of the day. The afternoon has been considerably cloudy, and so is the evening also. The weather has very warm, the afternoon extremely so.
Remained at home and about the house through the entire day. Spent the most of my time while not engaged with company at reading. Soon after breakfast in the morning, Andrew Swain called and I paid him five dollars for services rendered at Hiram’s burial. Mr. Gilman brought me from the P.O. the Chronicle. In the afternoon Luman with another man called, on their way from Barclay to Troy. Attended to bath.
Sunday, 17
The morning fair, and it continued so until the middle of the day. In the afternoon, there were more clouds to be seen, and the evening was considerably cloudy. The weather continues very hot and appears to be growing hotter from day to day.
Made preparation for meeting in the morning, and went up to the Centre soon after nine o’clock, calling at Mr. Bruce’s and remained there until the ringing of the bell, then went in and attended the meeting. The exercises were conducted and principally carried on by By Br. Levi Taylor. Returned home immediately after the dismission and spent some time reading. Bathed before retiring.
Monday, 18
Forenoon tolerably fair, but at three afternoon we had a smart shower and after it a series of showers continuing through the afternoon and evening, and attended with much heavy lightning and thunder. The weather continues intensely warm.
After reading a spell in the morning took Albert and my fishing rod and went down on the flat where Harvey and other hands were mowing, and to the creek where I caught a few fish, returning in a short time to the house and resuming my reading. Soon after dinner went up to the post office & got the Tribune and the Courier, and returned immediately home, except to spend a few minutes in conversation with Mr. Bunyan whom I met in the road. Heard news of of death of Ezra Baxter’s wife this afternoon. Theodore killed a veal for Harvey this morning. Elon called in afternoon. Bathed as usual.
Tuesday, 19
The morning partially cloudy & remainder of the day fair until nearly night, then somewhat cloudy again. The evening is fair. No thunder clouds appeared today, but the weather continues extremely warm.
Attended to my reading a spell in the morning, then went down on the flat a little while where Harvey and his hands were at work at the hay. Some time after dinner got ready and went with wife up to the Centre to attend the funeral of Ezra Baxter’s wife. Called a spell at Mr. Bruce’s before the exercises began. Elder Lake was the speaker. Came immediately home at the close, wife concluding to wait until the heat abated somewhat. Esther came down with her at night. Amanda here. Attended to bathing as usual.
Wednesday, 20
A bright fair morning. Soon after breakfast clouds began to rise, but they soon passed away and the day was fair until three o’clock afternoon when another cloud came up producing a copious shower of rain, attended by heavy lightning and thunder. The evening fair.
Remained about home thro the day; not going off the farm. The morning hours were spent in the Library according to custom. Attended to some matters about the house, and a pedlar calling, bought of him a wash basin for forty cents. Went down in the meadow before the shower in the afternoon and helped the hands rake and get in a load of hay. Theodore and Esther went home to night. Amanda went in the morning. Bathed.
Thursday, 21
A long thunder shower in the latter part of the night, a bright morning but the principal portion of the forenoon was cloudy. The afternoon has been fair and so is the evening. The heat has moderated somewhat.
Remained about the house till towards noon, then repaired my fishing basket and went out a fishing a little while, going only down the creek across Elon’s meadow into Franklin’s and succeeded in catching a pretty fair mess. Afternoon went up to the Centre, got the Tribune at the post office, called a spell at Theodore’s Gallery and saw him take a picture for a young lady and then he came down home with me to help Harvey. Read a portion of the time after coming home from the Centre, and at the proper time went over the creek & brought up the cows. Attended to bath.
Friday, 22
A very fine morning and fair pleasant day, without any indications of thunder showers or rain. In short it has been a most excellent day for hay making, with the temperature warm but not sultry. Evening also fair.
Spent the morning and the forenoon, a portion of the time in the Library reading, and much of the remainder with Albert, generally in going out with him into the meadow or in the barn where the hands were at work at mowing and getting in hay. After dinner went down to the meadow again and raked up a little patch of hay near the barn. Spent the remainder of the day in a similar manner, alternating between the house and the field. At night went over the creek & brot up the cows. Bathed.
Saturday, 23
Another fair morning except that it was a little hazy at the time of sun rising. The weather continued fair through the day and evening except an hour or two that was cloudy about the middle. The wind southerly and the weather very warm.
Read a spell in the morning and then went with Albert into the meadow were the hands were at work at the hay. Met Levi there. After this got ready and started off a fishing, going down the creek as far as Tom Pratt’s and getting a tolerably fair mess. Mr. Gilman brought me the Chronicle from the post office. Attended to my evening ablution.
George W. Godard called in the morning with an account against Hiram.
Sunday, 24
The day has been principally fair and has also been extremely warm. The sun was obscured by clouds for a short period in the course of the morning, and towards night a thunder shower came up which continued for some time. The lightning and thunder were very heavy.
In the course of the morning Alvah came over and invited me to ride over to Leroy with him and attend the meeting there. Accepted his invitation but before starting Luman and his partner, Mr. Siegfeld, came and remained until towards night. Arrived at the meeting in due season, heard a very good discourse by Br. Churchill, and returned from the meeting immediately after the close without making any calls. Bathed as usual. Luman & his partner returned late in evening & went to bed.
Monday, 25
The weather continues quite warm but is otherwise unpropitious for haymaking. The forenoon was mostly fair, there being only a short cloudy interval in the early part. In the afternoon there has been a succession of moderate showers alternating with sunshine.
Luman and Siegfeld took an early breakfast and departed to drive some cattle to Barclay.
Remained about the house during the forenoon, engaged with my books, my newspapers, and the little children. After dinner went up to the Centre, calling on Mr. Bruce a little while, and then went into the P.O. and got the Courier, the Tribune having failed. Came home and read the Courier and helped the women some. Luman returned & staid. Bath at bedtime.
Tuesday, 26
The morning opened fair and the forenoon was also fair with slight exceptions. Afternoon clouds came up more and more until they culminated in a heavy shower of rain attended with lightning and thunder. Day has been very hot, and the evening is cloudy partially.
Luman remained to breakfast and then departed for the prosecution of his business.
Remained at home through the day being engaged the most of the time in writing a long letter to Mr. Atkins, & which, having compted, I copied into my memorandum of correspondence, and sent it to the post office at night by Wallace. Mr. Gilman went to the post office in the middle of the day, and brought me the Tribune which I spent some time with both before and after I had finished my letter. Attended to my evening ablution.
Wednesday, 27
The morning and a considerable portion of the forenoon were cloudy and the middle of the day was fair. About 4 o’clock in the afternoon it was cloudy again and the a slight fall of rain. Continued cloudy till night and through the evening. The heat continues unabated.
Devoted this day to writing a letter to Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook of Stoney Creek, Conn. Spent a part of the time reading. Finished the letter and copied it into the correspondence Book in the afternoon and gave it to Theodore who was here at work, to carry to the post office at night when he went home at night. Went down to the barn in the afternoon with Albert and spent some time there with him, for his gratification. At night went down and brought up the cows, so that the hands could continue getting up the hay. Bathed in the evening before retiring.
Thursday, 28
Another cloudy morning which cleared off before noon. There were some slight sprinklings of rain early in the afternoon, but after 4 o’clock there was a continued series of showers, some of them quite copious, with much lightning and thunder and not closing until in the evening. Warm as ever.
Read a spell in the morning and then commenced writing a letter to Benham Andrus. Towards noon went up to the Centre, called a little while at the gallery where Esther was at work, then went in to the post office and got the Tribune, came home read the war news from Europe, ate my dinner and then concluded to go out a fishing an hour or two, but before I reached the creek I discovered Mr. Bruce coming to visit at our house so I returned and spent the afternoon very agreeably with them and laid by my letter until another day. Took a bath on rising in the morning, and another on retiring.
Friday, 29
Rained some in the night and the morning too was rainy. The forenoon was mostly cloudy, and the afternoon was tolerably fair, but considerably cloudy again in the evening. The weather has cooled a little but is still quite warm.
Spent the morning hours in the Library reading. towards noon went up to Levi’s meadow with my fishing tackle, and beginning there I came along down the creek into Elon’s meadow where I left off. I succeeded in nearly filling my fishing basket with good sized fish, but they were mostly bullheads. I intended to finish my letter to Benham after my return but being so tired I concluded to let it lie over again until another day. At night went over the creek to get the cows and found Anna after them. Bath, morning and evening.
Saturday, 30
The morning was quite cloudy & it continued so the greatest part of the forenoon. The afternoon and the evening were quite fair and pleasant. the heat has considerably abated.
Luman came late last evening and staid over night. He departed directly after breakfast. He came again tonight & staid.
Spent a portion of the morning with my reading, and then resumed the writing of my letter to Benham. Finished it and commenced to copy it, when Benjamin came. After dinner they proposed that we should go up to Calvin’s for a visit, so wife went along. At we returned by way of the Centre, I, calling at the post office, got the Chronicle and the Courier, and also the New York Sun for Mr. Gilman. Spent some time in the evening looking over the newspapers to find the foreign news concerning the war. Attended to bathing on rising in the morning, & again at night.
Sunday, 31
Morning fair and considerably cool. The day continued quite fair to the close and the weather became moderately warm in the middle and latter part. The evening continued fair.
Finished copying my letter to Benham before breakfast and then read till meeting time. Went up to meeting, and Benjamin and Lurenda concluding to attend with us, wife rode up with them. Br. Levi Taylor carried on the meeting as usual. Came home immediately after the close, and Benjamin brought wife home and then departed. Spent the afternoon at home reading a part of the time & helping the women some. Sent my letter up to the Post office at night by Dorr. Harvey went away with Luman to Barclay in the forenoon; they returned after dark with Siegfeld and a boy who staid over. Luman stopped below & came in late. Bath morn & eve.
August
Monday, 1
The morning fair and warmer than yesterday. The day continued fair until the close. There were some clouds in the afternoon, but they passed over without rain. The evening is mostly fair.
Luman and his partner arose earley and went over to James Dewitt’s to get some cattle, returning here for their breakfast, and then departing.
Spent a short time in the morning reading and then helped the women some by taking care of the children &c until towards noon, and then started out a fishing an hour or two returning with a pretty good mess of fish. Soon after this went up to the Centre, going to the post office to get the Tribune and making a short call at Mr. Bruce’s. Came home and spent the remainder of the day reading the paper. Attended to morning and evening bath.
Tuesday, 2
Another fine, fair morning, and fair weather continued through the day and evening. The temperature of the weather has risen pretty high again.
Read a little in the morning and then inclosed a Troy newspaper, which contained a notice of Luman’s trip to Iowa after a horse thief, to my friend Pelton of Mass., and also put up two setts of photographs of the Stevens family in an envelope directed to Geo. C. Buell, Mittineaque Mass., and carried them up to the post office, and bought a little sugar at the store for Lizzie, and then returned without making any call, except a moment at Larcom’s gate to receive a book from Mrs. Blanchard, "Life in Utah", which she delivered. Looked it over some, & toward went a fishing again but made out poorly. Took bath morning and evening.
Wednesday, 3
Morning and forenoon fair but the latter part of the day was cloudy. There was a moderate thunder shower in the afternoon and a little more rain towards night. The weather continues quite warm.
Remained about the house through the entire day. Devoted the morning hours to reading, then worked a spell at repairing my fishing basket. Ward Warren, the Census taker called before noon and remained with us till after dinner. Spent my time with him until he departed. In the course of the afternoon Mr. Huston of Athens, the Editor of the Athens Gleaner called to solicit my name as a subscriber for his paper. Agreed to try it for six months. Spent the most of the time, when not otherwise engaged, with my new book, concerning the Mormon fraternity, and with the little children. Attended to my bathing in the morning and evening.
Thursday, 4
Showery night with much thunder and lightning which continued till in the morning. Cloudy forenoon and afternoon and evening fair. The weather appears to be a little cooler than it was yesterday.
Spent the morning in the Library and about the house. Towards noon went up to the Centre, called at Theodore’s gallery, went to the post office and got the Tribune & bought a door lock for the outside Bedroom door. After dinner went up to the Centre again to carry the baby for Lizzie, who with wife went up to Esther’s a visiting. Came home and put the lock on the door and then went a fishing a little while. At night went up to the Centre again and brought the baby home. Took my customary bath at morn. & eve.
Luman came at bed time.
Friday, 5
The night and the morning rather cool but clear and bright, the day fair and warm, and now in the evening, the moon is shining brightly, and there is not a cloud in sight.
Devoted the morning hours to reading the Tribune and then went to work and finished the key hole &c. to the door on which I put a lock yesterday. After this put the fastenings on the two windows of our lodging room, besides digging some potatoes and tending baby some in order to help the women along with their business. At night went up to the Centre and bought a few small screws for putting on window fastenings, made a short call at Mr. Bruce’s and then came home. Bath on rising and retiring.
Luman went away after breakfast with Harvey and was back again at dinner. He then departed.
Saturday, 6
The past night a little cool and very clear and bright. The morning and the entire day, including the evening remarkably fair, and the weather has been quite warm.
Read a spell in the morning according to my custom, then spent some time in taking down a part of my books from the shelves and arranging and returning them in a different order, and then went to work at the Dining room windows, putting in the fastenings. Completed one before dinner and finished the other in the afternoon. In addition to all this I dug some potatoes and tended baby some for the women. Mr. Gilman brought me from the post office the Courier and the Chronicle. Bathed in the morning and also at eve.
Luman & boy came late & went to bed.
Sunday, 7
The weather continues quite warm. Fair weather continues also, with the exception only of a few floating clouds in the afternoon, but most especially at the close of day.
Devoted the morning hours to reading until nearly meeting time, then made preparation & walked up to the meeting house at the Centre, in company with Sara who is at home on a visit. The meeting was conducted and carried on by Br. Levi Taylor. Immediately after the conclusion returned home without making any call. Spent most of the time, during the remainder of the day, reading. Attended to my customary bath on rising in the morning, and again at night before retiring.
Luman and the Sayles boy went away in the middle of the day while I was at meeting.
Monday, 8
Past night warm, south wind and clouds in the morning, continuing till afternoon, and passing of without rain, day very warm, and evening also very warm besides being partially cloudy with lightning & thunder at the south.
After reading several hours in the morning, took my fishing rod and angled from Levi’s meadow down to Frank’s and caught a very good mess of fish, several of them being white dace of good size and one especially being 15 ½ inches in length and weighing 1 lb. & 2 oz. After resting a spell went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune and spent some time reading it. Bathed as usual morning and evening. Luman came in the night and went to bed.
Tuesday, 9
Clouds in the morning with a very light thunder shower, winding up with a rainbow in the west. Remainder of the day mostly fair till in the afternoon, and just at night a very heavy thunder shower came over which raised the small streams considerably. Evening rainy with thunder and lightning. The weather continues very warm.
Devoted most of the morning & forenoon to reading the Tribune, and Life in Utah, tending baby some. After noon went to work a the windows in the front Hall, and put in the fastenings, & helping Lizzie some by taking care of the children. Wife went over to visit Amanda, and, being weather bound, tarries there. Luman went away after breakfast. Attended to my bathing in the morning and at night.
Wednesday, 10
Morning cloudy and wet. A little period of sunshine in the middle of the day, the remainder of the time it was cloudy. Warm weather continues, day and night.
Remained about the house during the morning and forenoon, doing nothing but reading, and tending baby some. Wife returned from Amanda’s in the course of the forenoon. After dinner went down to the creek and fished an hour or two, bringing home a pretty fair mess, including one about 16 inches long and weighing a pound and a quarter – a little larger than the one caught on Monday. At night went over the creek and got the cows. Amanda came & staid over night. Took my morning and my evening bath.
Thursday, 11
Morning cloudy and foggy same as yesterday. Middle of the day fair and the latter part cloudy. Evening clear and bright. The weather continues very warm.
Amanda departed for home soon after breakfast. After spending some time in the morning with my books and newspapers, went to work and put a mortice lock in the Library door that opens into the Hall. After dinner went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune, returning directly. Looked over the war a spell and then gave up the paper to the women and started off with my fishing tackle again. Went down the creek as far as Newland’s but did not have very good success this time. Attended to my bath morning and evening.
Friday, 12
Morning partially cloudy and the forenoon considerably so. The remainder of the day was mostly fair, including the evening. The weather continues quite warm but is a little cooler than it was yesterday.
Spent most of the time during the morning and forenoon reading and tending baby some, and towards noon went up to the Post Office and spent some time reading the war news in the Elmira daily Advertiser. When the mail arrived, got the Chronicle and a Springfield paper from Geo. C. Buell, announcing the death of his brother Robert. In the afternoon put a lock in the door opening from the Dining Room into our sleeping room. At night went over the creek and got the cows. Bathed in the morning and at night.
Saturday, 13
The morning cloudy and it remained partially cloudy till about noon; then after an interval of sun sunshine not exceeding two or three hours it became cloudy again, beginning to rain about three o’clock and continuing with brief intermissions, through the evening.
After breakfast in the morning while I was engaged with my reading, Elon came over and invited me to ride over to Leroy with him and try our luck at angling in the Towanda creek. Agreeing to go, I went out first into the meadows and caught a good stock of grasshoppers for bait, we rode over the hill & began on the Robert place & fished down to James Crofut’s. We got very wet on our way home. Morning and evening bath attended to.
Sunday, 14
The morning cloudy, after a rainy night, and the forenoon partially so. The afternoon and evening quite fair and pleasant again. The atmosphere is considerably cooler since the rain, and is now become quite agreeable.
Employed the morning hours according to my common custom until meeting time, then went up to the Centre and gave my attendence at the meeting there, the exercises of which were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor, who was assisted by Br. C. D. Ross. Came home directly after the conclusion and spent the afternoon with wife, Harvey and Lizzie being away. Elon came over towards night and made a short call. Bathed according to my custom.
Monday, 15
A fair, pleasant day, including also the past night as well as the present evening. The atmosphere appears to be returning to its former high temperature, the day having been pretty warm.
Read a spell in the morning and spent some time with Appy, then took my tackle and went to the creek for the purpose of angling. Went from Levi’s meadow down to Franklin’s and succeeded in getting a pretty good mess, including one that was 14 ½ inches long, and weighed one pound. After my return went up to the Centre, got my Tribune at the Post Office, called a little while on Lydia and her family, then returned home and did some reading, and brought the cows. Bathed as usual, morn. & eve.
Tuesday, 16
The morning and the forenoon were fair, and the afternoon was mostly so, but there were a few clouds that indicated rain at no distant period. The evening was fair and is comfortably cool.
Spent the morning reading and going out with Albert to see the shop and grain house that Harvey is building, with the help of Theodore and Wallace. Towards noon Luther and Sally came for a visit, and spent the remainder of the day with us. In the afternoon Philander and Ben. came with their threshing machine to do Harvey’s threshing. Hot got some hands and went to hauling oats from Dorr’s field and threshing. Philander and Ben. staid over night. Brought up the cows at night from pasture over the creek. Bath as usual.
Wednesday, 17
There were a few clouds in the morning, but the day has been quite fair and considerably warm. On the whole the weather is very pleasant and agreeable.
Read a spell in the morning and then at Albert’s earnest solicitation, took him down to the barn to see the threshing, and staid there with him some time. Did not go abroad anywhere today but spent a part of the time at the house reading and with the children, and a part of it at the barn with the men who were engaged in the the threshing business, assisting them a little occasionally. They finished the oats and Philander and Ben. staid over, intending to thresh the wheat tomorrow. Attended to bathing on rising in the morning and on retiring at night.
Thursday, 18
The weather continues fair & pleasant through another day and the evening is also clear. The heat has not abated any, but appears to be increasing.
Spent the morning in the Library reading and with Albert at the barn where the hand were engaged with the machine threshing the wheat. Towards noon went up to the Centre and called at the post office and got a letter from James Buell, then went over to Mr. Bruce’s and waited till the mail came in, then went back to the post office & got the Tribune and came home. Read the Tribune a spell and then started out a fishing but did not succeed very well, getting but a few small fish and not any large ones. Bathed morning and evening.
Friday, 19
Another fair day with the exception of a few clouds and some smoke. There were more clouds in the evening. The weather has become very warm.
Remained at home through the day, going out no farther than the barn. Spent my time in the usual manner until towards noon & then Henry Brigham came with his wife and daughter. Visited with them until some time after noon and then Laythan Andrews came, bringing George and Phineas Brigham and Phineas’ daughter. Soon after this Henry departed with Phineas and their women, George and Laythan remaining an hour or two longer. Bought a book of George, the life of St. Paul and his epistles.
Saturday, 20
The past night was very warm, the morning and forenoon were cloudy and quite cool, the afternoon was fair and considerably warmer, & the evening is partially cloudy & moderately cool. Northern lights are also quite conspicuous tonight.
Remained at and about the house until nearly noon, devoting a considerable share of the time to reading, then went up to the P.O. and waiting for the mail, got the Gleaner and the Courier, made a short call at Mr. Bruce’s and then returned home and read my papers. Luman called in the afternoon with Mr. Hobart, & they called again at night for supper. Theodore & Esther came down at night and staid over. Washed in the morning and at night according to my custom.
Sunday, 21
Some clouds in the morning, and the day has been remarkably smoky but otherwise it has been fair, and the weather is moderately warm.
Spent the morning reading & at the proper hour went up to the Centre and attended meeting there. Br. Levi Taylor was the principal speaker and had the charge of the meeting. Returned home directly after the close and found Azor and Eliza here. Theodore and Esther continued their stay with us through the day and over night again. Samuel Rockwell and his wife called in the afternoon a little while, and so did Burton and Mary. Azor & Eliza departed before night and wife rode home with them. Samuel and Burton with their women staid a little later. Keep up the practice of bathing in the morning and evening.
Monday, 22
The weather continues very nearly the same that it was yesterday, with the exception only that the smoke passed off at night and left the evening clear and bright, so that the stars were visible.
Spent the morning with my books and newspapers as usual. Theodore and Esther departed for home after breakfast. After dinner went up to the Centre, got the Tribune at the post office, and then proceeded on towards East Troy, making a call at Burton’s, but not finding any body at home, walked along until until I went past Fuller’s and then being overtaken by Lincoln and Clark Kenyon got into their waggon & rode with them over to Benjamin’s where according to my previous intention, I put up for the night. Found Amanda with the family, she having lately come to reside with them for a season.
Tuesday, 23
The morning and forenoon were partially fair and the afternoon was cloudy. The day has been very smoky again and the evening continuing cloudy, was also a very little rain.
Spent the morning visiting and reading until about nine or ten o’clock, & then with Charley started out a fishing. Went down the Sugar Creek to the farm below the Loomis place and caught a pretty good string of fish. Returned to Benjamin’s where I intended to remain over night again, but Tom. Bush and his wife, having been to visit Perry Case at Smithfield, on their return called at Benjamin’s and took tea, & finding a good opportunity to ride over to Luther’s where I desired to make a visit, I concluded to accept their offer, & arrived at Luther’s some time after dark and staid with them over night.
Wednesday, 24
There was a little rain in the course of the past night, and the day has been mostly fair or free from clouds, but the atmosphere continues to be very smoky and the weather has become quite warm again.
Remained at Luther’s till some time after breakfast and then came on down to Valentine’s where I called and chatted with him till after dinner, and then starting out I found a chance to ride down to the Centre with Mr. Lester who lives in Canton. Called at the Post Office & got a letter from Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook of Stoney Creek, Conn., Made a call at Mr. Bruce’s and then came home. Went up to the store just at night & read the war news. Luman came at night with 12 head of cattle and staid over. Bathed at night.
Thursday, 25
The morning and forenoon were fair, but much of the afternoon was cloudy with considerable thunder and some rain. There has not been very much smoke in the atmosphere today but the weather is very warm.
Luman departed with his cattle this morning after breakfast, intending to put them into pasture at Leroy. Went down as far as the Corners to help him get them started and took Albert with me. Spent some time reading in the course of the morning, & about the middle of the day went up to the Centre and stopped with Esther till the mail arrived, then went in to P.O. & got my Tribune and started homeward, calling on Mrs. Blanchard & paying her for book I bought and buying of her the Cottage Cyclopedia. Read some in the afternoon. Bathed morn & eve.
Friday, 26
The day has been partially cloudy and continues so this evening. The weather has become very much cooler than it was yesterday, there having been a pretty brisk wind from the north west.
Remained about the house devoting my time to reading and to the care of the little children till nearly noon, and then went down to the creek and fished a little while but caught nothing worth saving. Towards night, Harvey being sick, went down to Samuel’s to get him to come and see him but did not find him. On my return called at Ben. Griffin’s at his request to give his wife directions to go to Dalton Mass. Rode from there to the Centre with Valentine, called at the store a short time and then walked home. Bath M. & E.
Saturday, 27
A pretty cool night, and a light frost this morning. Day fair with the exception of a smoky atmosphere, and the weather remains considerably cooler than the general rule has been.
Spent the morning and fore part of the day in and about the house reading some by spells, and helping to take care of the little children. Went up to the Centre in the middle of the day, calling at the Post Office and getting the Chronicle and the Gleaner, and after making a short call on Theodore returned home in season for dinner. Spent the afternoon as I did the forenoon, with books & my newspapers, and with the children.
Harvey is better, so that he has been out this afternoon. Wife has not returned yet, hav’nt seen her since last Sunday. Bathed as usual.
Sunday, 28
No frost this morning but it was partially cloudy. The day was mostly fair, especially the afternoon and evening. The weather is not very warm, but is of a temperature that is quite agreeable.
Spent the morning in the Library with my books as usual. Alvah came over and gave me an invitation to ride with him to meeting at Leroy. Accepted the invitation and attended the meeting there accordingly. Br. Churchill delivered the discourse and conducted the exercises. Immediately after the close we started for home and made no calls on the way. Found wife at home on my arrival, she having rode down with Azor’s young folks. Luman & his partner called at night. Attended to bath M. & e.
Monday, 29
The morning was cloudy but soon became partially clear and continued so until the middle of the day. The afternoon has been fair and very warm. At night there thunder and lightning in the west. with a cloud, threatning a shower.
Remained about the house, at my usual employments, until towards noon, and then went down to the creek and spent two or three hours afishing but with very poor success. Went up to the Centre in the afternoon, called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Courier, then made a short call at Theodore’s gallery and came home, meeting Martin Rockwell who had just come over to make a payment for the Stevens farm. He gave me a check on Pomeroy Brothers for $1600. & took my receipt. Luman & Siegfeld came & put up. Bathed morning and evening.
Tuesday, 30
A general thunder shower last night and very warm, Considerably cooler after sundown.
Luman and his partner departed after breakfast with some sheep they were driving to Barclay. Read a short time in the morning and then commenced to write a letter to James Buell of Woburn, Mass. & had not finished it when Mr. Bunyan called here after dinner. Left off writing then, and spent my time with my visitor until towards night, when Luman called, and having arranged to ride to Troy with him, I departed, taking with me the unfinished letter, which I finished at Azor’s, after my arrival there, together with the copying. Mr. Bunyan rode with us up to the Centre Eliza and Azor were absent, not returning till after dark. Bathed in the morning.
Wednesday, 31
A pretty cool night, the morning pleasant, the day and evening fair, and the weather through the day quite warm and agreeable but cooler again at night.
In the morning, a little after breakfast, walked over to town, called at the Post Office and delivered my letter, then called on Delos at his office, and after the Bank was opened, called there and delivered Rockwells check for $1600, and had it placed to my credit, and then, after making several other calls returned to Azor’s. At Eliza’s suggestion I drove Azor’s horses and carriage with her over to Luther Clark’s where she wanted to come for a visit, arriving a little before night, and then, leaving her there, drove home, and put out the horses, intending to go with her to Br. Brighams’ tomorrow. Attended to my evening bath.
September
Thursday, 1
Another cool night but the morning opened fair, and without any frost. The day was fair and pleasant, but with a pretty warm sun. The evening is a little hazy.
After breakfast went out and watered Azor’s horses, harnessed them to the carriage and drove up to Luther’s waited there a little while and then, with Eliza, drove up to Br. Brigham’s but he being gone we made a visit there nevertheless, and towards night we took Julia with us and drove back to Troy, stopping at the village a short time to do a little shopping, and returning to Azor’s I put up for the night. Julia also went home with Eliza, intending to stay with her a spell for a visit. In the evening Luman called there to see me. Gave him a check on Bank for for $400. to be paid when wanted. B. in Morn.
Friday, 2
The morning was partially fair but a considerable part of the day was cloudy. The weather continues moderately warm and is very agreeable.
After breakfast walked over to the village, called at Delos’ office and did some business with him in relation to the Stevens Estate, called at the Bank and gave a check for $25, went to several places about town, and finally, having accomplished my there got a chance to ride and to have my things carried down to East Troy, and then I took them on my shoulder and in my hand and started with them on foot, towards home. Got along as far as Burton’s a little after noon and stopped there to rest. Mary got me some dinner and after having rested sufficiently, came on home, stopping a few minutes at Mr. Bruce’s on the way, arriving some time before night. At bed time attended to my bath.
Saturday, 3
The morning opened cloudy and with a moderate rain. The rain continued through the day without any intermission, but it has not amounted to much yet.
Remained at home during the entire day. After reading a spell in the morning undertook to wash the smoke off the plastering of the ceiling in the Library which has been accumulating for years. Worked at it some time, making some progress, and being tired, left it for another day. After reading and resting a while went to work and put up the fixtures and a curtain to one of the windows of the Library, having bought the materials at Redington’s in Troy at the time of my last visit there. Spent the remainder of the day with my books & my newspapers and with the children. Bath attended to morning and evening.
Sunday, 4
The morning partially fair. The forenoon cloudy with a sprinkling of rain. The afternoon was also cloudy and there has been considerable rain with a moderate amount of thunder and lightning. The weather continues warm, and having cleared off towards night, we have a pleasant evening.
The yearly meeting being now in progress at Smithfield, meetings in the local churches in the vicinity are not attended today; and circumstances not being favorable for my attendence there as I had expected to, I therefore remain at home with the family & without any company except that Theodore and Wallace came in a little while in the middle of the day. Spent my time, when not asleep, in the Library, reading, singing, and with the children.
Monday, 5
The morning opened bright and fair, and continued so until the middle of the day. The afternon was partially cloudy but the evening is very clear and the moon is shining brightly. The weather continues moderately warm.
Read a spell in the morning, but immediately after breakfast went to work at putting up the fixtures and the curtains to the two front windows of the Library. In the middle of the day went up to the Post Office and store; and got the Tribune and the Gleaner, returning immediately home. Went to work in the afternoon and put up the curtains &c. in the BedRoom in the rear of the Library. Spent some time arranging the thing in the Library and looking over the war news in the Tribune. Bath morn & eve.
Tuesday, 6
Fair morning, and very fine fair weather has continued through the entire day. The temperature has been moderately warm and is very agreeable. We are having another very pleasant, beautiful morning.
Started out after breakfast and walked over to West Burlington, stopping with Alanson a few minutes on the way. Called to see Ed. Loomis at his store, went into Mr. Ward’s but he being away did not see him, wanted to see George Godard but he had gone to Towanda. Went on up the Creek and called on Warren Kellogg and paid his demand against Hiram’s estate and then walked on up to Benjamin’s where I met wife and Lizzie and the children, Harvey having left them there and gone on to Troy. He returned towards night with Sara, & there being a load, I walked home. Bath as usual, m. & e.
Wednesday, 7
The morning opened partially fair but soon became quite cloudy and the day was also cloudy. There were several slight sprinklings of rain along in the middle of the day and the fine temperate weather continues. The evening is cloudy.
Spent the principal part of the morning in the Library reading. concluded to try the fishing rod again and therefore started out with it about 9 o’clock in the forenoon, beginning below the bridge fished down the creek as far as Tom Pratt’s, but succeeded in catching only a small mess. Did not return until after 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Spent the remainder of the day in the Library reading and dozing. Wallace and Theodore were here in my room with me in the evening. Bathed on rising and retiring.
Thursday, 8
Somewhat cloudy in the early morning but the clouds were soon dissipated and the day proved to be fair and pleasant. The same agreeable temperature continues, The evening is bright and beautiful with moon about the full.
Devoted the morning hours to reading as usual, then went out to the orchard and gathered a basket of Douse apples and brought them, and then went into the field and dug some potatoes for the women, after which went up to the Centre, carrying a small basket of mellow apples to Mr. Bruce and Lydia. When the mail arrived went into the P.O. & got the Tribune & Courier & Chronicle & brot them home. Mr. Graves called in afternoon, & Elon in evening. Bath morning & night.
Friday, 9
The morning was partially cloudy, the day has been quite cloudy with the exception of a very little sunshine early in the afternoon, and the evening is cloudy also. There has not been any rain but the weather is decidedly cooler.
Remained at home through the day. After reading a spell in the morning took a basket and went into the orchard and gathered the remainder of my Douse apples, and also gathered and chopped a little wood for my use in the Library. Have been a little unwell this afternoon, but have assisted some in the care of the babies, and besides this have tried to read some but have dozed more than I have read. Luman called this evening with a stranger, a short time. B. M. & E.
Saturday, 10
The morning was cloudy and about breakfast time or a little after there was a slight shower of rain. Clouds broke away in the middle of the day, and towards night, dispersed, so that the evening is quite clear. Rather cool & some danger of frost tonight we fear.
Spent the morning about the house, reading most of the time, tending baby some. Towards noon went out a fishing along the creek near home, and spent two or three hours to very little account. Mr. Gilman went up to the Post Office and brought me the Chronicle and a letter from my old friend Joseph K. Pelton of VanDeusenville, Mass. Spent the remainder of the afternoon in the Library with my reading, and outdoors getting and preparing my fuel. Attended to my bathing as usual.
Sunday, 11
A cool night and a little frost this morning on boards and timber, but not enough to do any damage. The day has been quite fair and the weather has been decided cool, and the evening being clear, there is a first rate prospect of a ripping frost tomorrow morning.
Found out yesterday that that the yearly meeting was then in progress instead of last week as I then understood it, and not being prepared to attend it, remained at home again today, and spent much of the time reading. In the afternoon Elon made a call, and soon after Theodore & Esther came and staid until nearly night. Lucella made a short call also. Attended to my bathing as usual.
Monday, 12
A partial frost in the morning, sufficient to nip some tender leaves, but not as was anticipated. The day has been fair and pleasant, & the weather has been moderately warm and quite agreeable. The evening is clear and bright with a fair chance for a little more frost.
Spent the morning with my books and newspapers as usual. Went out into the orchard and got some apples tree limbs and chopped for my fire in the Library. Towards noon went up to the Centre and got the Tribune & the Courier at the P.O., and the N. Y. Sun for Mr. Gilman. Gave some attention to Theodore who is putting on a surbase in the Diningroom. Mr. Bruce called in the afternoon. Br. Brigham called at night and staid over. Bathed morn. & eve.
Tuesday, 13
Another very slight frost in the morning, found only on boards or something of the kind. The day has fair and fine, and the weather just warm enough to make it quite agreeable. The evening too, is quite fair and pleasant.
Br. Brigham remained a little while after breakfast and then departed for Burlington. Devoted most of the remainder of the forenoon to reading. In the afternoon gathered some more of the apple tree limbs from the orchard, chopped them up and brought into the closet the wood for my use in the Library. Theodore finised the surbase and commenced getting out the cornice for the south part of the house. Harvey went to Barclay. Attended to my morning & evening bath.
Wednesday, 14
Morning fair and pleasant, & without any frost. The day has also been fair with considerable smoke in the atmosphere. The weather seems to be growing warmer than it has been of late. Evening is fair.
Remained at home again, & about the house, through the day. Spent a considerable of the time, especially of the forenoon, in the Library with my books and newspapers. Went out into the orchard and got a considerable quantity of apple tree branches, brought them to the house and chopped them up for fuel for the Library. In addition to all this spent some time tending the baby. Theodore was here today at work at the crown mouldings for the cornice and Harvey assisted him a part of the time. Bathed morning and evening.
Thursday, 15
The morning fair with a smoky atmosphere. Fair weather continued through the day and the evening is also fair and bright. Continues warm.
Spent the morning and the forenoon about the house, reading a considerable part of the time. Luman came soon after noon and invited me to ride to Barclay with him. Went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Courier and directly my return started off with Luman. We went by way of Leroy and he drove from pasture there three young cattle for slaughter. The cattle gave some trouble & we did not arrive at Graydon till after dark. Here Luman took the horse & buggy & went back to find his coat he had lost coming up the mountain, & I drove the cattle to Barclay & delivered them to Seigfeld. Luman came up an hour after. We staid at Brewer’s. Bathed in the morning only.
Friday, 16
Morning opened fair but soon became partially cloudy & continued so through the entire day. The evening is quite cloudy and is also rainy a little.
Staid about the house until after breakfast, then went with Luman out to the slaughter house to see their hogs, and also waited to see two cattle slaughtered, which was very quickly done. After this started out to go to the foot of the plan. Rode on the engine to the head & walked down the track to the foot. Went down to see the new bridge & after looking around a spell went over to Percival’s and while there Elon came. Took dinner there, after which I rode with Elon up to Barclay and from thence home, arriving a little before night & before the rain had commenced. Took my bath in the evening.
Saturday, 17
Rainy night, morning fair at sunrise, but directly clouded over, and the day has been cloudy with several little sprinklings of rain. The weather continues warm.
Devoted the morning hours to reading, but soon after breakfast went up to the store to get some trifles for Lizzie and meeting Ransom Ward there stopped to talk with him a spell. Got a number of the Gleaner and also a letter from Mr. Atkins. Chopped and brought into the Library closet a little more wood, and spent some time with Lewis Pratt who came to get some money from Hiram’s Est. Attended to bathing morn. & night.
Sunday, 18
Rainy night and the morning also rainy. Cleared off in the course of the forenoon, and the afternoon was fair. The weather has become considerably cooler since the rain.
Read some in the morning and made preparation for meeting. At the proper hour went up to the Centre and attended there. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a very good discourse on the subject of Purity of Heart. After the meeting was concluded, came immediately home. Soon after my return a couple of young ladies from West Burlington, Miss Pratt and Miss Foulke, who are teachers, came here to board during their attendence at the Teacher’s Institute, which is appointed to commence its session here at Granville Centre tomorrow.
Monday, 19
Cool night but no frost in the morning, day fair and the weather continues a little cooler than it was before the rain.
Spent the morning in & about the house, reading some, and taking care of the babies a part of the time. Immediately after dinner went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune and the Chronicle and returned home without making any stay. At two o’clock returned to the Centre again to attend the Teacher’s Institute. Stopped a while with Esther who was taking pictures in their Gallery, and then atten the Institute until the adjournment, & then invited A. J. Lilley home with me. Luman called in the evening on his way to Troy. Bath as usual.
Tuesday, 20
There was considerable frost this morning but it was not general. The day has been fair and the weather quite temperate and agreeable. The evening is also quite bright.
Read some in the morning & about nine o’clock went up to the Centre, stopping some time on the way at the new cyder mill, to see the operations there, and then attended the morning session of the Institute at the meeting house until it was dismissed for dinner. Called at Mr. Bruce’s, and at the Post Office & got the Chronicle and came home. In the course of the afternoon went up there again and attended the latter part of the afternoon session, came home to tea and at night went back and attended a part of the evening session, coming away before the close. Bathed morn. & eve.
Wednesday, 21
The morning opened fair and without any frost. The day has also been fair and quite pleasant. The weather continues agreeably warm. The evening is fair and bright.
Spent a part of the morning hours with my books as usual and at eleven o’clock went up to the Centre and attended the Institute a little while, after which stopped with Esther a short time and then went in the Post Office. While waiting for the mail Mr. O. D. Bartlett passed along down with the intention of calling on me as I was informed. Hurried home and found him, & spent a few hours very agreeably with him, until Judson Holcomb called for him. Luman here tonight. B. M. & N.
Thursday, 22
Another pleasant morning without any frost. The day has been fair & the weather mild and very fine indeed. The evening too is clear, with a beautiful exhibition of stars.
This day is the sixty ninth anniversary of my birth. Remained in and about the house during the morning and forenoon, spending my time mostly with my reading and with the children. After dinner went up to the Centre, called first at the Post Office and got the Tribune & a letter from Mr. Greeley of the Tribune Office; and then went into Theodore’s gallery where he had full employ in his line, taking pictures of school teachers attending the Institute. In the morning Valentine called for Luman very early, and they went away together to Barclay. Bath morn & evening.
Friday, 23
Another pleasant morning and another fair day. Towards night it became partially cloudy and continued so through the evening. The weather continues warm.
Employed the morning hours with my books and newspapers & picking up the old shingles thrown off the old part of the house ad saving the nails. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, stopping at the cyder mill on the way, and going to the post office but getting no mail. Came home, and after dinner wrote a letter to the Tribune inclosing $1.25, and also one to the Athens Gleaner inclosing seventy five cents, copied them both, and then carried them up to the post office, stopping a spell with Theodore at his Gallery. Bathed morn & eve.
Saturday, 24
The morning cloudy but cleared off before noon. The afternoon was considerably cloudy and there was a few drops of rain. The evening is partially cloudy and is quite warm.
Spent the morning and forenoon about the house, tried to read some but being very sleepy did not succeed bery well but dozed more than I read. Did not go up to the Post Office today but Mr. Gilman brought me from the office the Gleaner. After dinner went over to Amanda’s with wife and Lizzie and carried the baby for them, Albert walking. Staid there about sundown and then I brought the baby home again. Amanda came over in the evening and staid over. Luman called in our absence. Theodore not at work here today. Bath as usual.
Sunday, 25
The morning cloudy but the clouds broke away before noon. There were several short intervals of sunshine in the course of the day, and little dash of rain in the afternoon. The evening is partially fair, the weather continues warm, and the ground is very dry.
Read some in the morning and got ready for meeting. At the proper hour went up to the Center and gave my attendence at the Meeting House. The audience today was not large but Br. Taylor gave a very good discourse on the subject of searching the scriptures. Returned immediately after the close and spent most of the afternoon reading and dozing. Amanda left Lelia here and went home in the forenoon, returning this evening. Attended to bath as usual.
Monday, 26
The morning quite cloudy and continued so until about the middle of the day, then cleared off and remainder of the day was fair. The weather continues quite warm yet. The evening is very clear and bright with starlight.
Remained at home during the forenoon, spending most of the time reading in the Library. At noon went up to the Centre, called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Courier, made a short stop at Theodore’s, and then returned home. Read some in the afternoon and chopped a little wood for the Library, and towards night went down to the creek and caught a few small fish. Amanda staid till afternoon and then went home with her little girl. Washed morn. & night.
Tuesday, 27
Another cloudy morning, & another fair afternoon, very much the same as yesterday. Warm weather continues to prevail, and we are having another pleasant evening.
Spent the most of my time at home and about the house today. Have been engaged in various employments, such as reading and dozing, and getting and preparing wood for my use in the Library, and digging potatoes, bringing up water and tending baby for the women, it being washing day with them. In the afternoon went up to the Centre and into the Post Office where I got a letter from Mr. James Buel of Woburn, Mass., enclosing to me a power of Attorney from his mother to him. Returned directly home. Attended to my ablutions.
Wednesday, 28
The morning opened fair but soon became partially cloudy. The middle of the day was fair, but the afternoon was somewhat cloudy and considerably smoky. The evening is a little hazy, but otherwise is fair. Weather continues quite warm.
Remained at home through the day. Read and slept a part of the time as usual. Besides all this I picked up and prepared some wood for my use in the Library, tended baby, and waited on the women some. In the afternoon I prepared some paint and painted the Bed Room that is occupied by Harvey and Lizzie once over. Theodore and Wallace were here today, helping Harvey on the house. They nearly finished the shingling. Attended to morning & evening bath.
Thursday, 29
The past night was very warm for the time of year and the morning opened cloudy. The day continued cloudy, with a sprinkling of rain in the afternoon. The weather is warm, & the evening is cloudy with signs of more rain.
Remained at home till late in the afternoon, read a little tended baby some, and gathered and chopped some more wood for the Library; but the principal today has been painting. Put on another coat of paint in Harvey’s Bed Room, and then prepared some paint and put on the first coat in the Bed Room that wife and I occupy, having taken up the carpet & cleaned out the room. Went up to P.O. & got the Tribune, Chronicle, & Tribune Almanac. Bath as usual.
Friday, 30
The past night was rainy and also quite warm. The day has been cloudy and rain has been falling almost incessantly, and the evening continues to be of the same character. The storm appears to be coming from the east. The weather continues to be decidedly warm.
Read but little today and tended baby less, but have been pretty busily engaged with work most of the time. Went to work in the morning in our Bed Room – the north east room – and put on another coat of paint, and then prepared some paint for the Dining Room and went once over with that, getting through with it a little before night and was considerably tired when I quit. Attended to my ablutions morning & evening.
October
Saturday, 1
The rain ceased falling sometime in the course of the night but the morning remained cloudy, and clouds have continued through the entire day, including the evening. The weather continues warm notwithstanding the rain. There was a little more rain in the afternoon.
Remained about the house thro the day. Was pretty busy in the forenoon with my painting. Finished the Dining Room, did some painting in the chamber over the Kitchen besides some other painting in the rooms below. In the afternoon chopped some wood for my use in the Library, read some tended baby some, and did whatever came in my way to help the women. Bathed morning & evening.
Sunday, 2
The morning was cloudy but the was a little sunshine in the course of the forenoon. The afternoon has been quite cloudy and so is the evening also, but the day has passed off without any more rain. The weather appears to be a very little cooler since the rain.
Spent the morning at reading and making preparation for meeting at the Centre. Went up there at the proper hour and gave my attendence at the Meeting House as usual. Br. Greenlaw was not to fill his appointment, he having to attend and speak at the funeral of Br. Alvan W. Thomas at Alba today. Br. Levi Taylor delivered a discourse and conducted the meeting as usual. Returned directly after the close, made no calls. Attended to bath as usual.
Monday, 3
Rain commenced falling late last evening and continued, moderately, through the night and until the middle of the day. The afternoon has been cloudy with but little rain. Clouds broke away at night, and now, this evening, the moon is shining brightly. The weather is considerably warm.
After reading a spell in the morning went to work at putting our room in order again so that we can occupy it, having slept in the chamber since last Thursday. Brought up some straw to put under the carpet and repaired the bedstead, and then went up to the store to get some tacks for putting down the carpet, and waiting with Lydia a short time till the mail arrived, got the Tribune & the Courier & came home. The women put the carpet down. Bathed.
Tuesday, 4
The early morning was fair, the day has been partially cloudy and considerably smoky; and the evening is mostly fair, there being only some floating clouds which do not obstruct the light of the moon. The weather warm.
Remained at home through the day, not going off the farm. Spent a part of the morning at reading, and then went to work at moving the things out of the Library, after which worked a spell at washing some of the smoke off the ceiling, preparatory to whitewashing. Prepared some white wash and then went to work at putting it on. Sam. called. After him Amanda came in & brot me a book from Mrs. Blanchard. Bath m & e.
Wednesday, 5
The morning opened cloudy and the entire day has been more or less cloudy. There was a little interval of sunshine in the middle of the day. The evening is considerably cloudy, so that the moon does not appear. The weather continues warm but is a little cooler this afternoon.
Remained at home thro the day, and, what is a little remarkable, have been busily engaged at work all the time without stopping to read or for any other purpose. Began before breakfast to prepare some paint for the Library, and in the course of the day put on the first coat except about one third of the sash of the doors of the bookcase. Bathed in the morning & at night.
Thursday, 6
Another dull cloudy morning and the day has also been completely cloudy with a very small sprinkling of rain falling much of the time. The weather continues warm. The evening is cloudy but the clouds are considerably broken and there is no rain.
Worked at painting in the Library again today. Put on the second coat on all except a part of the sash of the Book Case. Quit towards night and went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune, returning immediately, without making any calls, and spent the evening looking it over. Mr. Edsall, marble agent from Waverly, called this afternoon about selling some grave stones for the Stevens family. Made no bargain. Bath as usual.
Friday, 7
The morning was partially cloudy, but gradually clearing off in the course of the forenoon. The afternoon was fair and pleasant. The evening is quite clear and bright with the moon shining beautifully. Weather warm.
Pretty busily engaged again today with painting and other matters. Finished painting the Book Case which completes the Library except the window sash. Gathered some peaches for canning and, going up to the Centre after dinner, carried a small basketfull of them to Mr. Bruce. Called at the P.O. but got no mail. Called at Larcum’s and paid Mrs. Blanchard $3.00 for a book. Amanda came & staid over night. Attended to bath.
Saturday, 8
There was a change of the weather last night which brought a pretty smart frost this morning. The day has been fair and so is the evening. The weather is warm enough to be agreeable.
Attended to various kinds of business again today, giving but a very small portion of the time to reading or to leisure. After preparing some paint for the purpose, commenced painting the windows. Painted the frames and the sash of the two front windows of the Library, spent some time in settling Hiram’s taxes with Mr. Compton who called in the afternoon for that purpose and to whom I paid $17.10, and then went up to the P.O. and got the Chronicle & the Gleaner. Bathed as usual.
Sunday, 9
Another frost this morning which was the most severe and the most general of any of the season. The day has been fair and pleasant, but has been a little cooler than the prevailing weather of late. The evening is also bright and beautiful.
Attended meeting at the Center this forenoon and had the pleasure of hearing a discourse by Br. Greenlaw who, by appointment, attended for that purpose. The meeting was well attended. Immediately after its conclusion I returned home and spent the remainder of the day with wife who had been left alone, Harvey and Lizzie having gone away with the children. Bathed morn. & eve. as usual.
Monday, 10
A pretty heavy frost this morning which was attended by a fog. The day was fair and the weather was pretty warm. The evening is fair and bright, and is considerably warmer than the last, and helps make out another splendid day.
The first business of the day was to paint the east window of the Library, and then laid away my painting works for the present, in order to attend to some other matters. Went up to the Centre in the afternoon, calling at the Post Office and getting the Tribune, and then returned home. Looked the paper over a little of course, and just at night went into the orchard and picked about 3 bushels of winter apples. Attended to bath as usual.
Tuesday, 11
The morning was partially cloudy, and as the day advanced it became much more so. It began to rain in the middle of the day and continued till two or three o’clock. Remainder of the day cloudy, and weather warm.
Got ready in the morning & went to the election and voted, then got in with Dave & started for the Summit, stopped at Valentine’s & got in with Br. Randolph Manly & rode to Troy, did some business there & rode with Benjamin down took some dinner there & at four o’clock, starting for home, walked over the hill to Canfield run, & getting in with Mr. Learned there, rode over to the Centre, then got in with Mr. Barns rode home. Bathed morn & eve.
Wednesday, 12
Another partially cloudy morning, but before noon it became fair. The afternoon has been very fair and pleasant, and so is the evening. The weather continues remarkably warm for the time of year.
Remained at home today, not going off the farm. Went to work in the morning early at stripping and washing off the old paper from the walls of the Library, and having accomplished that job, commenced putting on some new paper, of a better quality, that I purchased at Troy yesterday. Left off towards night and went with Albert up on to the chesnut hill, but we found no chestnuts, being too late in the season. Gathered a small quantity of mushrooms; brot them to the house and had them cooked for supper. Elon called. Bath as usual.
Thursday, 13
The morning and the forenoon were fair, but the afternoon was partially cloudy, especially towards night and in the evening. The weather continues warm.
Spent the forenoon and part of the afternoon putting the paper on the Library walls, and had Lizzie to help me most of the time. Benjamin and Lurenda called towards night on their way home from Canton and Leroy, but staid a short time only. Cleared out the rubbish from the Library, chopped and brought in some wood, and then, in the evening, went up to the Post Office and got the Courier and a letter from Geo. C. Buell of Springfield Mass. failing to get the Tribune. Came home and wrote a telegram to George, and a letter to his brother James, copied them & went to bed. Bath in the morning.
Friday, 14
A little sprinkling of rain in the night, but the morning opened fair and the day has been clear and pleasant. The evening is also fair. The weather is a very little cooler.
Immediately after breakfast started off for Troy, walking up to the Summit, and thence proceeded on the express train to destination. Obtained at the Bank another draft for $500, inclosed it with the other in letter to James Buel which I left at the P.O. for mailing, having first sent telegram to George. Bought 12 ½ yards carpeting at Redington’s, & some wall paper border besides, then went over to Azor’s where I found Luther and Sally, got them to call at the store and take my carpet home with them, I concluding to remain at Azor’s overnight. Bathed in morning only.
Saturday, 15
The day opened fair and continued so to the close, the evening included. The weather continues to be moderately warm and is very pleasant and agreeable.
Started from Azor’s between nine and ten o’clock in the morning and took a moderate gait on foot in a homeward direction, arriving at the Centre between eleven and twelve. Called on Helen a little while, finding Lydia there; and then went to the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Chronicle and the Gleaner and a letter for Harvey. Got my carpet also which Luther sent down by the mail carrier. After dinner with Lizzie’s help, cut and put on the border at the top of the wall of the Library and our Bedroom. Bathed in the evening only.
Sunday, 16
Another fair, pleasant day from the beginning to the end, & the weather continues to be agreeably warm, and is quite remarkable for the time of year.
Got ready in the morning & at the proper time started off alone and walked over to Leroy and attended meeting there. Br. Churchill delivered a discourse and conducted the exercises. Started for home immediately after the close, declining several invitations to stop for dinner. Received from Br. Green two photographic likenesses of the late Br. Hibard. In the afternoon Wallace and Theodore & their folks were here, and Burton and Mary and Cal. came in, and in the evening Elon made a call. Bathed in the morning & at night.
Monday, 17
Fine, agreeable weather again today, continuing fair and temperate, and very favorable for business of almost every kind.
Took an early breakfast and started for the Summit for the purpose of going on the express train to Elmira. Walked up to Luther’s and waiting there till Dave came along with the mail rode with him to the depot, & when the train came along got on and went to Elmira. After dinner went to Ayres’ marble shop and did some business with him, then went into the augur factory and the rolling mills a spell, and at half past 5 went on a train down to Waverly, and stopping at Maj. Field’s hotel staid there over night, having taken supper at Elmira before starting.
Tuesday, 18
Very high wind through the morning which was attended by a dash of rain. The day was partially cloudy but the evening is fair, and the weather appears to be growing a little cooler.
Immediately after an early breakfast went out to find the marble shops. Stopped first at W. P. Stone & co. and afterward called at C. Dickson’s. Having finished my business at these shops I found I could not go on to Towanda until 3 P.M., I found out where E. M. Clark lived and called on him a little while, and after looking about town till noon, at their request I went back there to dinner, at car time went back to the depot and took passage for Towanda, stopping for the night with Col. McKean. Did my business at the marble shop, & in the evening called on Chamberlain, & on Parsons.
Wednesday, 19
The morning is fair and quite frosty, the day fair and pleasant, the evening of the same character, and the temperature mild and agreeable.
Took my breakfast at the tavern and then went over to the depot, procured a ticket, and took my passage on the morning train for Barclay, arriving at the foot of the plane some time before noon. Rode up the plane on a coal car with Miss Burroughs, a young lady of Franklin, who came up from Towanda on the train. Proceeded to Mr. Brewer’s where I expected to find Luman, but found he had gone out with Dr. Hillis. He returned in the afternoon. Towards night went out to the Slaughter House a little while.
Thursday, 20
The latter part of the past night was rainy, rain continued falling through the morning, held up a little while in the middle of the day, then recommenced and continued till night. The evening is partially fair, and the weather besides being very wet is considerably cool.
Staid last night at Mr. Brewer’s, the place where Luman and his partner board, but Luman staid and breakfasted with Dr. Hillis. Remained indoors most of the time on account of the rain. Went out to the slaughter house in the afternoon where they were dressing a large ox. Intended to have gone home this afternoon, but on account of the continued rain we were obliged to remain. Luman staid with Dr. Hillis again.
Friday, 21
The morning opened fair and the day was mostly so, and now in the evening there are no clouds in sight. The day has been rather cold, and there has been considerable wind. There was frost in the morning.
After breakfast departed with Luman from Barclay, I for Granville and he for Troy. Arrived home before the middle of the day, found the family all well and remained with them through the remainder of the day. Did not go out to do anything except to chop a little wood, but built up a fire in the Library and spent a part of the time reading, and most of the remainder devoted to Albert and Eliza until they went to bed. Bath in evening.
Saturday, 22
The day has been only partially fair – some of the time quite cloudy – and not very pleasant, the air being rather cool and somewhat windy. The evening is clear and still.
Have staid about the house most of the time during the day. Tried at several different times to read the Tribune and other reading matter, but being very sleepy and drowsy whenever I made the trial I did not succeed very well. Chopped some wood for my use in the Library & brought it in, and went up into the orchard and picked a few of my winter apples. Spent some time at my writing table studying, and trying to arrange and to understand the proposals I had obtained for furnishing grave stones for the Stevens family. Bath as usual.
Sunday, 23
Heavy frost this morning, but clear and pleasant. The day has been fair and a little smoky. The evening is fair. The temperature is warm enough to be agreeable.
Attended meeting this forenoon at the Centre. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a discourse. Azor and Eliza were also in attendence and after meeting came down and took dinner with us. Went into the Post Office and got a letter from Mr. James Buel of Woburn, Mass. that had lain there some days. After Azor and Eliza departed, Benjamin and Lurenda and Amanda called with their little children. They staid but a short time a lady from Luzerne Co., who was formerly Maria Griffin. Harvey & Lizzie were away. Bath m. & e.
Monday, 24
Another fair, pleasant day with the weather quite warm, especially in the sunshine. The evening is also fair, without a cloud, with northern lights, causing a very singular appearance in the heavens south of the zenith.
Luman went back to Barclay after breakfast. Spent the morning and the forenoon writing and recording some business letters containing blank proposals furnishing TombStones for the Stevens family. Wrote to A. W. Ayers, Elmira; to W. P. Stone and Co., Waverly; and to Charles Dickerson, also of Waverly. After dinner carried my letters up to the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Gleaner, & bought a package of envelopes, made a short call at Mr. Bruce’s and returned. Attended to bath morning & evening.
Tuesday, 25
The morning opened fair & pleasant, and the day continued so until afternoon, it then became cloudy and rain commenced falling early in the evening. The weather continues remarkably warm for the time of year.
Spent the entire day at home, not going off the farm. Did not engage in any particular business but after reading and dozing a spell in the morning, spent some time with the children and helped Lizzie move the things out of the Dining Room, brought up some straw from the barn, and helped her about putting down the carpet. Towards night went up in the orchard and picked some winter apples and then chopped and brought in some wood. Bathed as usual.
Wednesday, 26
Morning opened partially fair, cleared off in the middle of the day, continued fair through the afternoon and evening. The weather is quite cool with fair prospect of a heavy frost in the morning.
Picked a few of my winter apples in the morning and then spent some time in the Library reading. Towards the middle of the day started with Harvey for Troy. Did a little business at several places there and then walked over to Azor’s. Took my dinner there and intended to stay over night over night with them, but Jim. Gee and Hitty there who offered me a passage home, concluded to accept their offer arriving home a little before night. Attended to my bath.
Thursday, 27
The morning was cloudy but there was a very heavy frost notwithsanding. Clouds increased as the morning advanced, and soon a rain storm commenced falling which continued, with very little intermission, through the day. The evening is cloudy and dark but the rain has considerably abated. The weather is a little warmer.
Spent the day at home altogether and most of the time in the Library. Spent considerable of the time reading, slept some, took some care of the children, but did not engage in anything in the shape of work except to chop and bring in some wood for my use in the Library. Harvey was at the Centre & brought me from the P.O. the Chronicle & letter from Mr. Ayers, Elmira. Bath as usual.
Friday, 28
The rain ceased in the course of the night and the morning was fair. The weather is considerably warm and continued fair and pleasant through the day. The evening is a little hazy.
After reading and dozing a spell in the morning went to work at painting the Dining Room windows which occupied my time until after dinner. After I had finished them went up to the P.O. and got the Tribune and a letter of proposals from W. P. Stone and Co., Waverly. Worked a spell at painting the outdoor cellarway and chopped a little more wood for the Library. Elon made a call in the middle of the day, & towards night Loren Leonard came to assess. Bath attended to.
Saturday, 29
The morning opened fair, soon became cloudy, raining a little, then cleared off again & the day was mostly fair. The evening is quite fair and the weather is considerably cooler again.
Spent the day at home and with the assistance of wife attached the tassles to the window shades, or curains, in our sleeping room and the Library, after I had spent some time in the morning reading. In the afternoon chopped some wood for the Library and brought it in, and had Lizzie wash the glass of the windows and bookcase in the Library. At night went up to the P.O. & got the Gleaner & Courier & Chronicle. Bath a usual.
Sunday, 30
Heavy frost in the morning, sun rose fair but soon became enclouded & was no more visible during the day. Towards night there was a little rain & the evening is cloudy with a brisk south wind. The weather has been rather cool through the day.
Attended meeting at the Centre in the forenoon. The exercises were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor, but E. F. Larcom was the principal speaker. Returned home immediately after the conclusion of the meeting. Spent a portion of the morning and of the afternoon and of the evening with my reading. Elon came in late in the afternoon and made a considerable stay, and while he was here Wallace called, remaining but a little while. Bathed in the morning and at night as usual.
Monday, 31
Rained in the night, cleared off towards morning and a pretty smart frost was the consequence. The forenoon was fair, the afternoon considerably cloudy, & the evening is cloudy also. There has been a pretty brisk, westerly wind today and the weather has not been very warm.
After reading a spell in the morning attended to several matters about the house, chopped some wood for myself and brought up some water for the women. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, called a spell on Lydia, went in the P.O. & got the Tribune and a letter from Cha’s Dickson, Waverly, came home and wrote & copied a letter to W. P. Stone & co., and in the evening carried it up to the P.O. Bath morn. and night.
November
Tuesday, 1
Cleared off in the night, a few clouds in the morning which soon passed away and the day has been very fair and pleasant. The evening is also very beautiful, and the moon is shining brightly. The weather continues not very warm but is very agreeable.
Remained at home all day. Employed a short portion of the morning a reading, and then Mr. Bruce and Lydia came down for a visit after I had made preparation, and had commenced to finish the painting or priming the west end of the old part of the house that Theodore has newly covered. Gave up the brush to Harvey and spent the day with our visitors. Luman and a man with him were here to dinner & went to Troy. Chopped some wood. Bath m. & e.
Wednesday, 2
Another very beautiful day, fair from early morning until in the evening. The weather also is considerably warmer than it has been of late, although there was a pretty smart frost this morning.
Spent most of the time during the morning in the Library, reading, and with the little children. Towards the middle of the day walked up to the Centre with Albert – wife riding up there with Harvey afterward – for the purpose of having our pictures taken at Theodore’s. After dinner walked up into the grave yard with wife and Lydia and spent some time there, returning home towards night. Elon called in the morning, and Mr. Gilman is with me this evening. Luman called. Bath as usual.
Thursday, 3
The morning and the day have been mostly fair, but through the afternoon there has been a brisk westerly wind which caused it to be rather chilly, but the evening is fair and still.
After devoting a considerable portion of the morning to reading, according to my common custom, concluded to write a letter to Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook of Stoney Creek, Conn. Commenced one accordingly and wrote at intervals till mail time, then went up to the Centre, called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and also a letter from L. C. Andrus, Benham’s son, announcing his father’s sickness and extreme danger - stopped at Lydia’s a few minutes, and then returned home. In the evening after reading the Tribune a spell went at it and finished my letter and also the copying. Attended to ablutions as usual.
Friday, 4
The morning opened fair and with a considerable frost, the day has been fair and quite warm, but the evening appears to be partially cloudy but the weather remains warm.
Spent the morning hours with my newspapers and books as usual and then commenced writing a letter to Benham’s son, in answer to the one I received yesterday but left it to help Lizzie move the things our of the Parlour bedroom & put down the new carpet there. After this resumed my writing, finished my my letter and copied it. At night gave the letter, with the one I wrote yesterday, to Theodore to carry to the Post Office to be mailed tomorrow. Theodore came back with Esther, & staid over night. He helped Harvey husk corn in the evening. Bath as usual.
Saturday, 5
Commenced raining in the latter part of the night but ceased in the course of the morning. The day was partially cloudy and the weather considerably cooler, but the evening is quite fair and bright.
After spending my usual morning period with my reading, went to work at writing a long letter to my cousin, Mrs. Lydia Caywood. Luman, having come and went to bed at an early hour this morning, arose towards the middle of the day, and invited me to ride up to Troy with him. Concluded to do so, & took along my letter to finish tomorrow. Wife rode with us as far as Burton’s, and before we got to Azor’s met him and Eliza going down to take Fanny Smiley home, who had just arrived from the west. Got in and rode down to Benjamin’s with them, staying there an hour or two and then rode back and staid with them over night. Bathed in the morning only.
Sunday, 6
Another fair frost morning which has been followed by a very bright beautiful day. The weather has been a little chilly but quite agreeable notwithstanding. The evening too is fair.
Spent most of the time during the morning hours, reading. Was invited by Azor and Eliza to go with them to meeting in the village, but declining, they departed and left me to finish my letter to cousin Lydia at my request. Employed myself at the letter and the copying during their absence, and having completed it at the time of their return, the greatest portion of the remaining afternoon was spent in conversation and visiting, with a smaller portion devoted to reading. Towards night went out to the barn with Azor to see his stable flooring which is made of cement. According to my intention I remained with them over night again.
Monday, 7
The morning opened fair and with considerable frost but it soon became partially cloudy and continued so through the day. There are not many clouds this evening but it is considerably hazy. The weather continues cool.
After breakfast walked over to town and beheld the ruins of Ballard’s Exchange block which burned down on Friday night last. Went into Redington’s and bought 9 yds. oil cloth and then got into a buggy with Luman and, leaving the oil cloth at Long’s mill to be sent for; drove up to Hiram Rockwell’s to get some sheep that Luman had bought of him. We staid there to dinner and then started off towards Granville with the sheep, arriving here at my house towards night. Luman concluding to stay over, turned his sheep on to the flat. Left my letter with uncle Vester? to be mailed. Bathed at night only.
Tuesday, 8
Another bright, frosty morning which was succeeded by a day that has been mostly fair, but considerable windy. The moon is shining brightly this evening but it is surrounded by floating clouds. The weather continues to be somewhat cooler than it was of late, and is more fall like.
Remained about the house through the morning and the forenoon spending my time mostly reading, and doing nothing else except to help some about taking care of the little children. Immediately after dinner went up to the Centre, called at the Post office and got the Tribune and the Courier, and also the N. Y. Sun for Mr. Gilman, and after a very short call at Lydia’s, returned home. Br. Brigham called in the afternoon. Chopped some wood at night. Bathed in the morning and at night as usual.
Wednesday, 9
The morning opened cloudy, and rain began to fall a little before noon. The clouds broke away in the afternoon and the remainder of the day was partially fair. The evening is pleasant and the weather is not disagreeably cold.
Remained at home through the entire day and have been pretty busily engaged at work. Read a little while in the morning and then went to work in the front Hall & painted the windows and front door, including the frames and outside casings. Towards night helped Lizzie a little about whitewashing the Hall, and then chopped a little more wood for the Library. Mr. Gilman spent some time with me this evening in the Library. Luman here again tonight. Bathed morn and eve.
Thursday, 10
The morning was fair & there was also considerable frost. The day was partially cloudy with a pretty stiff wind from the northwest which was also pretty cool. The evening is fair and is beautifully illuminated by the moon.
Spent but little time reading today. Fitted the oil cloth to the Hall floor in the morning, then put it away and finished the whitewashing, then helped Lizzie some about the cleaning. After dinner went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune, brot it home and after looking it over a few minutes went to work with Lizzie papering the Hall. Worked at it till about sundown, then quit and chopped a little wood for the Library. Bathed as usual.
Friday, 11
The past night was clear and still, the morning bright with a very heavy frost, the day calm, & pleasant, and in the evening there are some clouds. The weather mild.
Remained about home all day and was very busy from morning till night. Commencing in the morning with the papering where we left off last night, helped Lizzie finish the Hall and stair case, then put down the oilcloth after cleaning away the rubbish. Took a late dinner and then went to work at cleaning out the barrels and putting up some apples to send to Daniel Bush. Filled three barrels & nearly filled the fourth and brought a part of them to the house. Chopped a little more wood for the Library & brot it in. Attended to bathing.
Saturday, 12
Another frost this morning and some clouds, but they quickly disappeared and the day has been quite fair and pleasant. The evening is very clear, the stars, in the absence of the moon, shining brightly. The weather is quite mild, and is very agreeable.
Had another very busy day. DeVerr, who is at work for Harvey, picked apples enough in the morning to complete my four barrels for Daniel, after which I put in the heads and got them ready for shipping except putting on the directions. Chopped and brought in a pretty good stock of wood for my use. In the afternoon went up to the Centre and attended old Mr. Griffin’s funeral. Lane was the preacher. Bath as usual.
Sunday, 13
The morning was fair and frosty and the day has been remarkably fair and pleasant, and of a very agreeable temperature. The evening too is very bright and clear.
Spent a portion of the morning reading and then went up to the Centre and attended meeting there. Br. Levi Taylor was the principal speaker, but was assisted by Br. Charles Ross in carry on the exercises of the meeting. Returned home immediately after the close and found Amanda and her little girl at the house, who remained until towards night. About the time they went away, Theodore and Esther came & staid in evening. Elon also called. Attended to bath.
Monday, 14
The morning opened frosty and with some clouds, soon became quite cloudy and continued so through the day and evening, the weather growing some cooler towards night. There was a little sprinkling of rain early in the afternoon.
Reversed my custom & went to work in the morning. Put the directions on my barrels of apples to be sent to Daniel, and then chopped and brought in some wood for the Library. After this sat down to read and spent the remainder of the forenoon in that way. After dinner went up to the Centre, got the Tribune at the Post Office, made a short call at Mr. Bruce’s, & then came home to read. At night Luman with another man came & staid. Bath attended to as usual.
Tuesday, 15
The morning was quite cloudy at early dawn, but the clouds disappeared directly after the rising of the sun. Some floating clouds appeared afterward, but the afternoon is quite clear and so is the evening too. The weather continues mild.
Remained about home through the day. Read some in the course of the forenoon but did nothing else of any consequence. In the afternoon chopped a little wood, and then prepared some paint and went to work in in Luman’s Bed Room, painting it over once. In the evening wrote a letter to Daniel Bush and copied it, giving him information of the shipment of those apples. Harvey took them to the Summit this afternoon. Luman & Mr. Foley departed after breakfast. Bath as usual.
Wednesday, 16
A pretty hard freeze last night, a bright, beautiful morning a fair, pleasant day, and all succeeded by a clear starlit evening. The temperature is rather cool but is not disagreeably cold.
Started immediately after breakfast and carried my letter to Daniel up to the Post Office and got the Chronicle that came yesterday. Made a short call on Theodore, and then came home and spent some time in looking over the newspaper. After this went to painting in the chamber again. Went partially over with Luman’s Bed Room again and then painted the Sitting Room stair case, and the stairs. Harvey went over to Barclay with load for Luman. Bathed as usual.
Thursday, 17
Fair at early dawn, clouds appeared at the rising of the sun, & the forenoon was quite cloudy. The clouds disappeared in the middle of the day and the afternoon was quite pleasant. Some clouds appear in the evening.
Spent a portion of the morning reading and then went to work in the chamber again. Did a little more painting in Luman’s room and prepared some more paint and to work in the chamber hall, going over with it once. In the afternoon went up to the Centre, called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and bought some postage stamps, looked in at Theodore’s and came home. Chopped a little wood & looked over the paper. Bath morn and eve.
Friday, 18
The day has been cloudy & windy and decidedly cool, but not very cold. There have been flurries of of snow flying in the air, occasionally, through the day. The weather has begun to be a little winterish at last.
Spent the day at home entirely, not going out beyond the dooryard. Devoted a considerable portion of the forenoon to reading, and in the afternoon went to work in the chamber again. Took out the window in Luman’s Bedroom and painted the sash and the frame, after which I whitewashed the ceiling and the arch. Wallace called in the afternoon and Theodore was here a little before night. Harvey returned from Barclay. Bath attended to.
Saturday, 19
Cleared off late last evening and froze pretty hard. Northern lights pretty bright at bed time. Morning cloudy again with snow falling pretty lively for a time, but it soon abated without leaving the ground covered. The day was cloudy to the close, and was also tolerably cold.
Went up to the Centre before breakfast to see Theodore. He came home with me to see Harvey. Spent a portion of the morning reading and then went to work in the chamber again. Put on another coat of paint in the upper Hall, and then went to work in the north east Bed Room painting the floor and the base of the recess, and also the arch. Attended to bathing as usual.
Sunday, 20
The past night became clear and the morning was quite frosty. The forenoon was mostly fair, but the afternoon was considerably cloudy with a pretty brisk wind from the south. The evening too is cloudy. The weather is some milder but is rather chilly.
Attended meeting at the Centre in the forenoon, Br. Greenlaw being in attendence, delivered a discourse. Wife was also there. Came home immediately after meeting, and spent some time reading and dozing. Eliza and Amanda called in a few minutes towards night, on their way to Troy. Azor did not come in. Early in the evening Luman came in, he being on his way from Barclay to Troy. He staid but a short time. Bath as usual.
Monday, 21
Another cloudy morning and cloudy day. There was a little sprinkling of rain in the afternoon and after it the clouds broke away for a short time and gave us a chance to see the sun. There is a small portion of the stars visible this evening. The weather is growing milder.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning reading, and after this took out the sitting room windows and painted the sash, and also painted the frames and outside casings, which occupied my time until nearly night, and after this went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Courier and the Chronicle. Mr. Gilman, in the evening, came in to hear me read the foreign news. Attended to bath morn. & eve.
Tuesday, 22
The past night was very cloudy but it cleared off a the opening of the day and the forenoon was principally fair. The afternoon was cloudy and there was a moderate storm of rain and sleet. The evening is quite cloudy with a brisk southeasterly wind.
Remained at home and about the house through the day. Devoted the morning hours to reading, intending then to go to painting some of the chamber windows but Mr. Bunyan came in about that time so I sat down and chatted with him till some time after dinner, then he went away and I went to chopping some wood for the Library. Bath in morning only.
Wednesday, 23
Cloudy, disagreeable weather continues. In the middle of the day the clouds broke so that the sun was visible a short time only. There were squalls in the afternoon but they were not sufficient to whiten the ground. Windy, but not very cold.
Did not go off the farm today but remained in the house the most of the time. Occupied the principal part of the morning reading according to my common custom. Went to work, about 9 o’clock in the forenoon, at my painting business again. Took out the window in the upper, northeastern Bed Room and painted the sash and also painted the frame. After this chopped and brought in some more wood. Spent the remainder of the day with the children.
Thursday, 24
The morning was cloudy and remained so until near the middle of the day, the clouds then dispersed and most of the afternoon was quite pleasant. The evening is very cloudy and dark. The weather continues quite mild, but freezing nights.
This is the day appointed by the by the President for the national Thanksgiving. Did not go abroad but remained at home and painted the window in the chamber Hall. Lydia and Esther and Vesta were here, and Theodore who was at work in the shop, getting ready to build his portable picture gallery. Towards night went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune and a letter from Daniel Bush and also one from Stone & C. Waverly. Sam called to see my side. Bathed at night.
Friday, 25
The morning was cloudy again and it continued so through the forenoon and was followed by a fair afternoon and a cloudy evening, sam as yesterday. The temperature grows milder and the weather is very agreeable.
Spent the day at home entirely not going out beyond the door yard. According to my common custom the morning was devoted to reading principally. Towards noon prepared some paint and went to work in the room at the head of the stairs from the Sitting room. Went over it once, except the window. Hiram Rockwell called in the middle of the day, and Samuel called in the afternoon, to leave me some medicine.
Saturday, 26
There was a storm of some kind in the night and in the morning the ground was covered with snow but it was rapidly melting away. Cleared off before noon and the afternoon was very fair and fine, and a little smoky. The evening too is fair.
Went to work pretty soon after breakfast at the anteroom in the chamber and took out the window and painted the sash and the frame. After this went up to the Post Office & got the Chronicle only. Came home without making any calls, and towards night chopped a stock of wood for the Library and brot it into the closet. Harvey & Lizzie went up to Azor’s & staid over night. Bathed in the morning only.
Sunday, 27
The morning opened partially cloudy and continued so until towards the middle of the day. The afternoon has been quite fair and pleasant, the wind that prevailed in the forenoon having entirely subsided. The weather is remarkably mild for the time of year, and is a little smoky. The evening is most beautiful.
Remained at home today with wife alone. We have had no company at all, and have hardly seen any other person except Theodore who came in the morning to do the milking and other chores for Harvey who did not return from Azor’s till night. Spent the day in the house reading some at intervals, and in conversation with wife. Bath in the morning.
Monday, 28
The morning was fair and frosty and the day has continued fair and very pleasant, the latter part especially which has been quite warm. The evening is very still and bright and beautiful it being illuminated by the moon.
After reading a spell in the morning I undertook to write a letter to Mr. Atkins and worked at it very busily until dinner time. After this went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune, brought it home and after looking it over a spell laid it by and resumed my letter, and spent the remainder of the afternoon and also the evening in completing and copying it. Attended to my bathing in the morning only.
Tuesday, 29
The morning opened fair and frosty again, continuing fair until near the middle of the day, then becoming cloudy, the afternoon was a little rainy. Cleared off again at night and the evening is fair. The weather continues warm.
Luman came after midnight and went to bed. He paid me $200. After breakfast he went to Barclay and I went to the Post Office carrying up my letter & one for Luman. Made a short call on Esther and came home and commenced another letter to be sent to George C. Buell of Mittincaque, Mass. Finished the letter and copied it, and towards night carried it up to the Post Office, stopping on the way at Br. Levi Taylor’s to see the improvements he is making about his house. Bought a quire of letter paper at the store, and rented a box in the P.O. Bathed in the morning.
Wednesday, 30
The morning and the forenoon cloudy and rather cool. The afternoon mostly fair and the evening is quite clear and considerably cold.
Having had notice from W. F. Stone & co. that they would deliver the gravestones for the Stevens family today, started immediately after breakfast and walked over to Andrew Swain’s, and after dinner got him to help me, and going into the graveyard, we went to work at digging and preparing for the foundations for the erection of the stones. The contractors came with them towards night. They helped us get the small stones to fill the excavations we had made, and then proceeded to set up the marble, finishing their job at night. Paid them $140, the contract price and took their receipt. Concluded to stay over with Andrew, he agreeing to help me fix up the graves tomorrow.
December
Thursday, 1
The morning opened fair and with a very heavy frost. The day has been mostly fair and the evening is partially so, with the moon shining brightly most of the time. Weather continues cool.
As soon as we had our breakfast, went out with Andrew into his meadow, with his team and waggon, and cut and dug a load of turf, hauling over to the cemetery, and having first graded and prepared the plat, we placed the turf over each separate grave of the Stevens family, leaving them in very nice order. Paid Andrew $5.00. for his trouble and then went up to Mr. R. H. Ward’s and settled with him, taking several receipts. After this walked home.
Friday, 2
The morning was fair at the opening, and fair, pleasant weather continued until sometime afternoon, then became cloudy and continues in the evening with a pretty fair prospect of a storm.
Remained at home a short time in the morning to compute the interest and ascertain the amount due from M. L. Rockwell for the Stevens farm; then went down to Samuel’s, calling on Julius on the way; and returning went up to the Post Office and got the Chronicle. Soon after my return, Orlando Rockwell came and paid me the sum of $3121.40, the same being the balance due from Martin, with whom he is a partner in the purchase of the farm. Wanted to go to the Quarterly Meeting at Leroy, but deeming it important that this money should be deposited, started for Troy & staid at Azor’s. Bathed in the morning.
Saturday, 3
The morning was cloudy but there was no storm. Cleared off before noon and the afternoon has been quite fair and pleasant. The evening is also fair and the weather is mild.
Left Azor’s directly after breakfast and walked over to the village. Went first into the hardware store and bought a few small articles, then went into the Bank and made my deposites, after which I called a short time on Delos at his office. I then went over to the depot with the intention of proceeding to the Summit on the Local Freight train, but ascertaining there that it would not be along until 11 o’clock, I concluded to walk home, and proceeded along accordingly. Called at the Post Office on my way and got the Courier, arriving home in good time.
Sunday, 4
The morning opened fair, and fair pleasant weather continued through the day. The weather is remarkably mild and open for the time of year, the ground being in fine order for plowing. The moon is shining brightly this evening.
Got ready after breakfast and started on foot for Leroy to attend the Disciples’ Quarterly Meeting which is in session there. Was overtaken on the way by Elon and Sylvester, and rode with them. Brothers Greenlaw and Dean were in attendence, and the discourse was by the latter. Returning rode part way with them again. Theodore and Wallace were here in the evening. Sam was here also. Bathed in the morn.
Monday, 5
The morning was fair at the opening but became cloudy soon after, and the principal part of the day has been considerably cloudy. The evening is partially fair. The weather continues warm and open, more like early autumn than winter.
Remained at home most of the time today. Bestowed my attention during the forenoon, principally, to reading, and in the afternoon looked over my papers and accounts in relation to Hiram Stevens’ Estate and did something towards arranging, and putting them in order. Towards night went up to the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Courier and made a short call on Lydia and Theodore’s folks. Came home and cut some wood. Bath in morn.
Tuesday, 6
Some thunder and rain in the course of the night; a little sunshine in the morning, then cloudy through the day. There was a brisk, chilly wind, & some sprinklings of rain. The moon is shining brightly this evening, but there are clouds in the horizon.
Spent a brief portion of the morning reading and then went with wife up to the late residence of the widow of Benjamin Saxton to attend her funeral. Had Harvey’s horses and buggy and drove around by Luther’s, calling there a few minutes on the way. After the burial, came down to the Centre in the procession, drove home & left wife & the team; went back to the meeting house & heard discourse by Br. Greenlaw, called at P.O. & got 3 letters, one from Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook, Stoney Creek Conn, one from Pomeroy Bro’s. Troy, & one from E. E. Loomis W. Burlington. Elon here in the evening. Bath in morning.
Wednesday, 7
Frosty morning and partially fair. The sun, after shining a brief period, became obscured by clouds and was no more seen during the day. The evening is cloudy and rainy.
Remained at home through the day, not going any further from the house than the wood yard. Spent a large portion of the time in the Library reading; and looking over matters concerning Hiram’s Estate. chopped some wood for my fire and stored it in the closet, and did something in the line of taking care of the little children as usual. Some time in the course of the afternoon, Luman made his appeance, and announced to us that he made sale of his Livery establishment at Troy to Dr. Ingham? of that village for $4500. He remains with us over the night, intending to go to Barclay tomorrow. Bathed in the morning.
Thursday, 8
The morning cloudy & there was a sprinkling of rain. The day was also cloudy but not very cold. The afternoon was a little squally, especially on the Towanda mountain. The evening is quite dark and dreary.
After breakfast got ready and started off with Luman for Barclay. We drove from John Vroman’s five head of cattle from a stock which he had in pasture there. I drove the horse and he drove the cattle most of the time. We arrived there safely with them in the middle of the day, stopping at Mr. Brewer’s. Found him sick & Charley absent, he having gone to Towanda. Remained at Mr. Brewer’s over night. Bath in morn.
Friday, 9
Another cloudy, unpleasant morning, which is succeeded by a cloudy unpleasant day. The evening too is of the same character, besides being considerably colder than it has been of late.
Luman hitched up his buggy after breakfast and took me down to the foot of the plane where I took a seat in a car and went down to Towanda, and he went back to Barclay. He sent by me two notes against Dr. Ingham of $1000. each, to have them entered. Called at Prothonotary’s office and had that business done, and then went into the Registers office to attend to my own. Had Mr. Elsbree appointed appraiser to assess collateral inheritance tax on Stevens’ estate, who fixed it at $190.08. Paid it & returned by cars to head of the plane & then walked to Brewer’s & staid.
Saturday, 10
Cold freezing morning, the weather appearing to be quite wintry and rough in Barclay. The weather continues cloudy too, the sun scarcely appearing in the course of the day.
Some time after our breakfast Luman got up the horse and buggy and we started for home where we arrived in due time. After dinner Luman started for Leroy and I went up to the Post Office and found in my box, No. 12, the Courier, the Gleaner, a letter from George C. Buell and a paper for Mr. Gilman. Spent the remainder of the day about the house, reading most of the time. Luman did not return from Leroy till bedtime and then he concluded to stay over.
Sunday, 11
White frost and considerably cold this morning. The entire day has been cloudy, and quite still. In the evening there is a storm of hail or sleet going on, but it is probably only temporary.
Spent the morning or the most of it reading. At the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre to meeting, and at the same time Luman was about starting for Troy and wife going with him over to Benjamin’s – The meeting was carried on by Br. Taylor, mostly. Returned home immediately after the close and found Azor and Eliza there. They remained until nearly night, and wanting to go to Troy tomorrow, I got in and rode home with them. Bath in the morning.
Monday, 12
The morning was cloudy and the ground was covered with snow and sleet. The day was also cloudy & the middle of it quite rainy, continuing, moderately till night. The evening is partially fair.
Left Azor’s some after breakfast and walked over to the village. Bought a diary and a R.R. Guide at the Bookstore, and a box of paper collars and six linen collars at Jewell & Pomeroy’s. Made some other calls and then went over to the depot and took the local freight train for the Summit. Arriving there bought a pair of India Rubber Overshoes & a package of Stamped envelopes, & meeting Harvey there, rode home in his waggon, stopping at the Post Office and getting the Tribune on the way.
Tuesday, 13
Cloudy again this morning, and it continued so through the day. The weather remains quite moderate and open yet, and the roads are somewhat muddy in consequence of the late rains. There were a few more sprinklings of rain this afternoon. The evening is cloudy and dark.
Remained about the house through the day, not going any farther from the house than the wood yard and shop. Spent my time in various ways, – some of it with my books and newspapers, some of it at my writing table, some of it sleeping in my chair, and some of helping Lizzie by taking care of the baby. Luman & Siegfeld here tonight. Bath in the morn.
Wednesday, 14
The night was stormy, and in the morning there was a very slight covering of snow on the ground. The weather continues cloudy, is rather rough but is moderate in temperature. In the middle of the day and the afternoon there were several flurries of snow. The weather, this evening, continues about the same, cloudy, dark & dreary.
Remained about the house through the day. After reading a spell in the morning, commenced to write a letter to my old friend J. K. Pelton. In the afternoon Samuel came here to examine the sore on my side, and staid till towards night. He concluded to let it be for the present. In the evening went to work at my letter again, finishing it, and nearly completing the copy, sitting up until nearly eleven o’clock. Wife went over to Benjamin’s last Sunday and has not yet returned. She expected to stay no longer than Tuesday. Bathed in the morning.
Thursday, 15
A little more snow has whitened the the ground this morning, and the same cloudy, unpleasant weather continued until towards the middle of the day, when the clouds breaking away the sun made its appearance again. The afternoon was partially fair, and a cold, north west wind prevailed through the day and was very strong. The evening is quite cloudy again.
Went to work in the morning and finished copying my letter to Mr. Pelton, and then wrote and copied a letter to the Auditor General, inclosing a receipt from the Register for $190.08. collateral inheritance tax on the Stevens estate. After dinner carried my letters up to the Post Office, got the Tribune and returned immediately home. Spent some time preparing wood for the Library fire and then devoted the remainder of the day, principally to my reading, spending some time with the little children. Wife rode home in Benjamin’s waggon towards night and in the evening Luman came home, having walked from Barclay. Bath in morning.
Friday, 16
A freezing night, a cloudy, cold morning; a windy, squally forenoon, a partially fair, but cold and windy afternoon; and a calm and cloudy evening; has been the character of the weather for the last twenty fours hours.
Got ready in the morning & rode to Troy with Harvey, Lizzie going along as far as Burton’s. Called on Delos and spent several hours with him in arranging my papers and accounts relating to the Stevens estate. After this walked over to Azor’s and got some dinner and then started off on foot towards home. Arriving at Burton’s about sundown, called there and waited till Harvey came along with his horses and waggon, and then rode home with him in the evening. Bathed in the morning.
Saturday, 17
Another cold freezing night, and the morning of like character. The day has been very cloudy so that the sun has not made its appearance at all. The weather has been pretty cold, but there has not been much wind. This evening the clouds are a little broken.
Remained in the house during the forenoon reading some but spending most of the time looking over the papers and arranging my accounts, preparatory to a final settlement of the H. K. Stevens estate. Theodore being here, had him cut my hair. In the middle of the day went up to the Post Office and got the Chronicle and the Courier and the Gleaner, returning without making any calls. In the afternoon chopped and prepared some wood for the Library, devoting the time to reading. Bath in the morning.
Sunday, 18
Cold weather continues. The night was cold, the morning was cold and the entire day was also cold. The weather has also been cloudy, the sun scarcely appearing in the course of the day. The evening is cold, cloudy and dark.
Got ready and walked over to Leroy and attended meeting in the forenoon with the brethren there. Br. Churchill delivered the discourse and conducted the meeting as usual. An appointment was made for a meeting in the evening and I went home with Br. Harvey and took supper with him, remaining there till evening, and then went down with him to meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting rode home with Br. Orator and staid with him over night.
Monday, 19
The morning was partially fair and the weather considerably cold. Afternoon more cloudy, snowing some towards night. Weather quite moderate in the evening thawing some and a storm of hail, rain and snow going on.
Remained with Orator and Sylvia until after breakfast, and then went over to Hollis Holcomb’s and agreed with him for two more pairs of our large photographs and one pair of black walnut, oval frames, to be delivered at L. D. Taylor’s store before the 28th instant, for which I paid him $5.00. Went on to Seneca Kendall’s and paid his wife her Legacy, then went back to East Canton and up to Wm. Bates’, calling on Maggie on my way, and after supper went on down to Luther’s, where I stopped for the night.
Tuesday, 20
Morning considerably windy, quite cloudy, and the ground covered with snow and sleet an inch or two in depth. Day continued cloudy with the weather quite mild, thawing some all the time. The stars appear in the evening.
Remained with Luther and Sally a spell after breakfast, and then started on towards home. Called and chatted a while with Valentine on the way, and calling at the Post Office, got the Tribune and an inclosure from the Auditor General at Harrisburg, returning to me a receipt I had sent, with certificate seal of office, &c. Spent the afternoon in the house principally, reading some, writing some, taking care of the children some, and chatting some with the family. In the evening Luman came home from Barclay. having been over to drive some cattle.
Wednesday, 21
The morning fair and quite cold again. The day was fair with slight exceptions, but there was a cold north west wind that continued through it, making the weather quite uncomfortable. The evening also is clear and quite cold.
Spent the morning at home, reading and writing most of the time. Got ready and started off for Smithfield, about ten o’clock, on foot. Called on Alanson and paid him the legacy given by Hiram, called a short time at Ed Loomis’ store and then proceeded on to Mr. Williams’ on the eastern border of Smithfield, arriving there shortly after sundown and put up for the night of course, having walked full fifteen miles since ten o’clock in the morning. In the evening I paid Mr. Williams his legacy, and also paid Theda her legacy & took up two notes.
Thursday, 22
The morning was fair at the opening but soon became cloudy. The afternoon was partially fair, the sun shining most of the time? and the evening is quite fair. The weather has been cold, decidedly cold, and freezing through the day. Cold wind from north west.
Took breakfast at Mr. Williams’ and then he came with his carriage and brought me three or four miles towards home. After walking about a mile a man came along with a buggy and I rode with him to Burlington Borough, and then walking up to West Burlington corners, called at Mr. Ward’s a short time, then, proceeding along over the hill by way of Mr. Compton’s called to get some money I had overpaid him for taxes against Hiram Stevens, then came along down to Harry Bailey’s calling there a short time, after which I came on home, arriving a little while before night. Harvey brot the Tribune.
Friday, 23
No change in the weather to note. The morning was fair or nearly so, the day was partially cloudy with that cold north west wind to render it uncomfortable, to be outdoors, and the evening succeeds it without producing any material change, except the wind is not so strong.
Spent the day at home and was engaged a portion of the time with my books and newspapers, a portion of it with the family and in care of the little children, and a portion of it at my writing table preparing my account for settlement of Hiram’s estate. Took Albert up to Theodore’s in the middle of the day and had a negative taken for his photograph and called at the P.O. & got the Chronicle. Luman called in the afternoon and went down to West Franklin. He returned in the evening & I rode with him to Troy & went to Azor’s.
Saturday, 24
The past night has been the coldest of the season. The day has been quite fair, but there has been a cold, blustering wind prevailing all the way through. The evening is fair, and the cold wind continues.
Some time after breakfast, rode over to town with Azor and Eliza, & made a number of calls where I had business. Found Luman there and received from him two hundred dollars at the bank. Paid at the Bank Delos Rockwell’s checks for $836, and drew out $2000, in drafts, and $200. in money. Bot a pair of fine boots at Redington’s and put them into Azor’s wagon. Finished my business there and walked up to Azor’s, and from thence went on down to Benjamin’s, and finally concluded to stop with them over night.
Sunday, 25
The morning and the forenoon have been quite cloudy, but the afternoon has been considerably fair. The weather continues severely cold, but that biting, north west wind we have had for several days, has abated. The evening is partially fair and the weather appears to be a little milder.
Remained with Benjamin’s family until a little after nine o’clock in the morning, and then started towards home. Came on to Isaac’s, and stopping there, staid with them till meeting time, and then rode with them down to the Centre where we attended meeting. Br. Levi Taylor conducted the exercises and was the principal speaker. He was assisted by E. F. Larcom. Came home directly after the conclusion and found wife in charge of the children, Harvey and Lizie having gone up to Wallace’s. Elon called and spent the principal part of the evening with me.
Monday, 26
The morning was partially fair, the day has been considerably cloudy, especially in the afternoon when there was a very little snow falling. The weather continues uncomfortably cold on account of that north west wind which still continues. The evening is cloudy.
Spent the morning reading mostly, and writing some. In the middle of the day went up to the store and post office, bought some small articles, and got the Tribune and the Courier, brought them home and while looking them over Isaac came and some time after Abby called, they going away towards night. Chopped and brought in a supply of wood for the Library. Luman called on his way to Barclay. Bath in morning.
Tuesday, 27
Cloudy in the morning and cloudy most of the day. There was a little sunshine in the middle of the day, and the sun shone again towards night. Our cold spell of weather continues without much abatement. The evening is quite clear and the new moon is shining brightly.
Spent the principal part of the day in the Library, part of the time with my books and newspapers, but most of it at my writing table engaged with my papers and accounts relating to Hiram Stevens’ Estate, trying to arrange them for a final settlement. Chopped a little wood, took some care of the baby, and at night went up to the store & got things left there by Hollis. Letter from Tribune. Bath in m.
Wednesday, 28
The morning was cloudy and weather quite mild. The day continued cloudy the sun not appearing except very slightly in the middle of the day. The evening is also cloudy and dull. The temperature all the way through has been very mild and agreeable, thawing considerably.
This day being the fifth anniversary of Harvey’s wedding day, the several members of our family & also Mr. Gilman’s with a few others, being invited attended here to celebrate it, according to the modern custom, by making presents various present of wooden wares and articles, according to their several fancies. The affair passed off very pleasantly and a valuable stock of goods was received. Gave presents of our large photographs to the children. Bath in morning.
Thursday, 29
The morning cloudy and quite cold again, the weather having changed in the night. Cleared off in the course of the forenoon and the remainder of the day was quite fair, but continued cold, not thawing any. The evening is clear and calm, the moon and stars shining brightly.
Was at home most of the time today. Spent the morning with Luman who remained here last night and was waiting for his man Charley to return from Troy, and when he came, they returned to Barclay together. Worked a spell at my final account as Executor of H. K. Stevens. In the afternoon went up to the Centre, called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and a letter from Benham, and stopped a few minutes with Theodore. Came home and chopped some wood for the Library. Bathed in the morning.
Friday, 30
The morning was cloudy and the entire day has been cloudy with scarcely a gleam of sunshine. A cold, blustering, south west wind has prevailed through the day, and continues this evening, bringing with a little snow toward the close of the day.
Remained at home and about the house through the day. After spending some time in the morning reading, went to work at my accounts with the Stevens estate, trying to adjust them, & while thus engaged Harry and Amanda came to make us a visit so I gave up my time to visiting with them. After they had started for home, went to work and chopped and brought in some more wood for the Library. Bath in the morn.
Saturday, 31
The wind subsided in the night and the weather became much warmer. Morning cloudy and the ground was whitened with snow. The sun shone in the middle of the day and till towards night, then cloudy again. Thawed considerable in the course of the day, making the road a little muddy.
Spent most of the morning with my executor business and making preparation for a journey to the east, intending to start for New England on Monday next, or soon after. In the middle of the day went up to the P.O. and got the Courier and the Chronicle and a large hand bill sent by Daniel Bush. Called at Theodore’s and got 4 pictures of Albert, and at the shoe shop and had some extra insoals put in my new boots. After coming home went back to store & got some candles. Luman called in the evening & so did Samuel. Bath in m.
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