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1871 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
Penna
Part Two
April
Saturday, 1
Fourth day of first quarter.
Froze a little in the course of the past night, the morning was cloudy at the opening and mercury at 31. Snow began to fall soon after, continuing an hour or two but thawed immediately. The entire day has been cloudy and the afternoon quite stormy, raining first and then snowing. The evening is also cloudy and a little stormy.
After breakfast, having gone through with the routine of the morning and after devoting an hour or two to reading, went out and hewed two more trellis posts, and then went to work and repaired the boxes where we deposit our ashes, and worked at grading and improving the back yard along by the garden. Mr. Gilman brought me the Courier and the Chronicle from the Post Office. Spent a portion of the afternoon reading them. Chopped a little more wood.
Sunday, 2
Fifth day of first quarter.
Continued cloudy through the night and a little more snow fell, so that the ground was slightly covered this morning. The clouds continued till the middle of the day, and then breaking away, the afternoon has been very fair and pleasant. The weather continues mild and favorable. The evening is also fair and the moon is shining brightly.
The first business of the morning having received due attention, employed my time with reading until breakfast and after that most of the time until towards the meeting hour, then made preparation and went up to the Meeting House at the Centre and attended there. The exercises of the meeting were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor who delivered the discourse. He was assisted by E. F. Larcum. Came home immediately after the close as usual.
Monday, 3
Sixth day of first quarter.
Clouded over some time in the course of the past night and did not freeze any. The morning was cloudy and continued so until near the middle of the day when the clouds became broken and there were short intervals of sunshine occasionally until towards night, and then it became quite cloudy again. The evening is cloudy with the appearance of a storm at hand.
Arose in the morning at my usual early hour and attended to the routine of my morning duties. After breakfast concluded to go up to that little stream beyond Philander’s, and see if I could find some trouts. Got ready and went up there, and succeeded in taking about a dozen. Arriving home about four o’clock in the afternoon, and being pretty tired, did nothing more than to read the Tribune which Mr. Gilman had brought down from the post office.
Tuesday, 4
Seventh day of first quarter.
Commenced raining in the night and continued until after dawn of day this morning, and then the clouds began to break away and soon were out of sight. The middle of the day was partially cloudy, but the afternoon was fair and considerable windy. The weather continues mild and agreeable. The evening is bright and pleasant.
After attending to the affairs of the morning in regular order, took breakfast and then sat down in the Library and read until nearly noon, then took Albert and went down to the creek and caught a few little fish, returning soon on his account. After dinner went down again and caught a few more. Set out a white rose and carried one over to Marion. Elon called here in the morning.
Wednesday, 5
Full moon at 6 - 4, eve.
The latter part of the night became cloudy, the sun rose fair and soon was obscured but the clouds disappeared some after and left the morning fair. The day has been mostly fair, but through the afternoon there has been a cold wind from the west that has rendered the weather less pleasant. The evening is considerable hazy with a dark circle around the moon.
Arose an dispatched the first business of the morning, and after breakfast sat down in the Library and spent the forenoon reading, and tracing out and marking with a pencil the parallel passages of the four gospels in my Bible Union New Testament. Afternoon went up to the Centre for the purpose of attending the funeral of Martha Lament. Called first at Theodore’s gallery and then went in the Store & waited till the hour. Br. Greenlaw officiated.
Thursday, 6
Second day of full moon.
A pretty hard frost last night. The morning opened fair but soon became considerable cloudy, continuing so until near the middle of the day. The remainder of the day was tolerable fair and warm. the evening is fair except that it is a little hazy in the eastern horizon. Mercury at 48 at 9 o’clock.
Attended to the morning matters according to rule, and after the breakfast spent some time in the Library reading. Towards noon went down to the creek and fished a spell but with not very good success. After dinner went up to the Post Office but failed to get the Tribune. Called a spell on Theodore and then came home and spent most of the afternoon marking the parallel passages of the four Gospels in my revised New Testament.
Friday, 7
Third day of full moon.
Rained a little in the night, and at about 5 o’clock in the morning a most remarkable thunder cloud came up from the west and passed over to the east with out rain, but the lightning and the thunder were very heavy and almost incessant, continuing a half hour or more. The fore part of the day was mostly cloudy & the latter part was fair. The weather has been decidedly warm, mercury in the afternoon at 74 degrees. Evening is fair & warm.
Morning employment as usual. After breakfast read a spell and then went to work at noting the parallel passages of the four gospels again & went through with it. Repaired strawberry bed that had been trodden by cattle. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, calling a little while at Theodore’s gallery and went into the post office and got the Tribune and the Reporter, and then came home and spent some time reading them.
Saturday, 8
Fourth day of full moon.
A warm night, some clouds in the morning, but they soon disappeared, leaving the day quite fair except that the atmosphere was somewhat smoky, notwithstanding there was considerable wind. The weather continues to be quite warm, the mercury being up to 81 degrees in the middle of the day. The evening is clear, with the exception of smoke.
After the first business of the morning was despatched & a short time had been devoted to reading, carried some chip manure into the front yard and placed it around the rose and gooseberry shrubs, and then started off down the creek a fishing, going as far as Barnes’, but not getting many fish. Called in to Amanda’s on the way down. Came home and set out some lilacs & some roses in the west yard. Towards night went up to P.O. & got Courier, & Chronicle.
Sunday, 9
Fifth day of full moon.
Another warm night. The morning was partially cloudy, with mercury up to 63, at sunrise. There was a little sprinkling of rain about 9 o’clock and after that the sun shone a little at intervals. The weather was cloudy through the day, and was also warm, the mercury ranging between 70 and 80 degrees. The evening was also cloudy.
Attended to my morning matters immediately after rising, and then devoted my time time to reading until the call to breakfast, and after this until meeting time, and then went up to the Centre and gave my attendence at the Meeting House at the morning hour. Br. Greenlaw was there according to appointment and delivered a discourse. Came home directly after meeting and found Theodore and Esther here. They staid until after tea, and not long after their departure Br. Champney and his wife came and put up with us for the night.
Monday, 10
Sixth day of full moon.
The morning was partially cloudy but the forenoon was quite fair and pleasant. The afternoon became cloudy again, and continuing so until now. in the evening, there is a rain storm in progress. The weather continues warm but the mercury has not been quite as high as it was yesterday.
Arose in the morning early, but Br. Champney arising at the same time, it was not convenient to attend to bathing, and it was therefore omitted. After breakfast he started for Towanda, calling on his return at night to tea and then went on up to Luther’s. His wife started up the road in the forenoon. Spent two or three hours fishing in the middle of the day. In the afternoon went up tot he Centre and got the Tribune at the post office. Charley Siegfeld and Martha Brewer called at night a few minutes, on their way from Troy to Barclay.
Tuesday, 11
Seventh day of full moon.
Did not rain much in the course of the night but continued cloudy, and in the morning it commenced again to rain and continued moderately till about noon: the clouds then broke away and the afternoon was mostly fair. The weather continues quite warm and vegetation is coming forward rapidly. The evening is fair.
Arose at my usual early hour and attended to bathing and putting my room in order as formerly. Did not feel very keen for business today and therefore did not undertake to do any thing that was very laborious or go abroad, in the house most of the time. Spent a considerable portion of the time with a newspaper or a book, but slept as much as I read. Helped Lizzie some about taking care of the baby. Dorr called in the afternoon to have wife go over there, several of the family being sick. She stays overnight.
Wednesday, 12
Last quarter at 0 - 56, morn.
The morning and the forepart of the day were cloudy and the latter part principally fair, – in that respect being very similar to the weather yesterday, but in regard to the temperature it has been very much cooler, the mercury ranging only between 40 and 50; and there has also been considerable wind from the west. The evening is clear and calm, with the mercury down to 38 degrees at 9 o’clock.
Spent the early morning in the usual manner, took my breakfast and after it my chair in the library and devoted a considerable portion of the forenoon to reading and helped some about taking care of Eliza. Luman and Brewer’s son called in the afternoon & went on to Troy. Elon came in soon after and spent an hour. Towards the close of the day went over to Amanda’s to see how they get along. Found Lelia quite sick & Lucella & her child not much better. Wife continues to stay with them.
Thursday, 13
Second day of first quarter.
Pretty cool night but did not freeze. the morning opened fair but afterward became cloudy and rained a little in the course of the forenoon. Soon after noon there was a slight shower of rain. Most of the afternoon was fair. Weather getting warm again. Evening fair.
Arose at an early hour, kindled my fire, and attended to my other morning matters according to my common practice, and then read till breakfast was ready. After breakfast resumed my reading until Samuel and his brother Lusander came in. Chatted with them an hour or so and after their departure assisted Lizzie some by taking care of Eliza. After dinner went up to the post office and got the Tribune and the Chronicle and devoted a part of the afternoon to reading them. Just at night went over to Amanda’s again to see how they come on. Found them all some better. Wife concluded to remain with them a little longer.
Friday, 14
Third day of last quarter.
A pretty smart frost this morning, and weather fair. Mercury down to 25 at the time sunrising, making a considerable change in the course of the night. Middle of the day was somewhat cloudy, but the latter part was mostly fair. The weather has been only moderately warm. The evening is considerably cloudy.
Attended to the morning course and after breakfast, having first devoted an hour or two to reading in the library, went out in the meadow north east of the house and helped Harvey a little about getting out some pine roots where he was plowing a piece for potatoes. At noon went up to the Centre, stopped with Lydia a short time, went into P.O. & got Reporter & letter from James Buel, & one from Mrs. Brigham. Afternoon went a fishing a little while. Wife came home at night, the sick at Amanda’s, all being on the gain. Luman came in the evening and staid.
Saturday, 15
Fourth day of last quarter.
There was no frost to be seen this morning but plenty of clouds were visible. The day has been fair with cloudy intervals. The weather has been moderately warm and tolerably calm, the mercury standing at 35 degrees after sundown. The evening is very clear and bright with star light, affording a very good prospect of a severe frost.
Read a short time only after breakfast and then went out in the garden and commenced the business there. Made a pretty thorough preparation of a strip of ground on the north side and planted six rows of peas, covering them with brush to secure them from the hens. Worked nearly all day and became very lame and tired at night. Luman went up the road after breakfast, returned to dinner, and in the afternoon he started off for Troy. I loaned him for a short time, $110, in currency and a check for $63.58, in all $173.58.
Sunday, 16
Fifth day of last quarter.
A little frost this morning, and some clouds. The sun rose clear but soon became obscured by clouds and the day has been mostly cloudy till near the close. The weather has been siderably cool, the mercury at 8 in the evening resting at 34 degrees. The evening is fair and bright, with indications of another frost.
Spent the early morning in the usual way and after breakfast devoted an hour or so to reading and with the family and made preparation for meeting. At 11 o’clock went up to the Centre, calling a moment at Isaac’s on the way to the meeting house where I attended. The attendence was not large, and Br. Levi Taylor conducted the exercises, delivering a short discourse. Came home as soon as the meeting closed. Theodore and Wallace were here in the afternoon.
Monday, 17
Sixth day of last quarter.
Another pretty heavy frost this morning. Clouds began to gather pretty early and the day was only partially fair. The temperature of the weather continues pretty low, the mercury standing at 24 at dawn this morning, and stands at 38 at the beginning of the evening. The evening is fair again.
After the morning matters were disposed of sat down in the library and read until the breakfast call. Went to work in the garden pretty soon after leaving the table and prepared and marked the ground for six rows of potatoes across the garden, adjoining the peas. Planted a part of them after dinner & then went up to the meeting house at the Centre and attended the funeral of Mary Piper at which Br. Greenlaw officiated. Finished planting the potatoes after my return. Called at the post office after the funeral but got no mail.
Tuesday, 18
Seventh day of last quarter.
Another hard frost this morning. The sun rose fair, but clouds came up soon after and the day became partially cloudy and considerably so towards the close. Cool weather has continued through the day, but appears to be warmer this evening, which is quite cloudy and the mercury at bedtime stands at 49.
Spent an hour or two in the library after breakfast reading and then went into the garden to work. Made a bed for lettuce next the end of the house and sowed it, covering it with brush to protect it from the hens. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, went into the post office and got the Tribune and a letter from Benham Andrus, then stopped with Lydia a few minutes and then came home and planted over some potatoes that the hens had scratched up, thirty one hills in all.
Wednesday, 19
New moon at 2 - 7, even.
Warm night, mercury at 45 at sunrise this morning. The entire day has been cloudy with a little rain in the afternoon. The weather has been only moderately warm. This evening there has been considerable thunder and lightning, commencing before dark, with but little rain until now, 9 o’clock, it is raining harder.
Sat down in the library after breakfast and read the Tribune about a couple of hours, and then, concluding to take a trip up the road, got ready and started off. Stopped a little while at the Centre, calling on Lydia, and Helen, & Esther, a short time only at each place. Went to the creek in Aaron Walborn’s woods and fished up as far as Luther’s, but did not succeed very well. Stopped at Luther’s and staid till after tea and then came home. Harvey brought from P.O. two numbers of the Courier, one of them sent by Clark Wilcox.
Thursday, 20
Second day new moon.
Thunder shower continued long in the night. Morning cloudy and continued so until the middle of the day. There was a thunder shower in the afternoon, & after it the remainder of the day was fair. The weather is getting considerably warmer again, mercury, before sunrise this morning, standing at 50 degrees. There are some floating clouds this evening.
Did not engage in any particular work today. Read a spell after breakfast, then chopped and brought in some wood for my use in the library, looked over and put in order my fish hooks and lines, and after dinner started out a fishing along the creek near home. After supper went up to the Centre, got the Chronicle but not the Tribune at the post office, stopping with Esther a few minutes in her new home.
Friday, 21
Third day new moon.
A warm night, mercury at 47 before sunrise. The morning was fair and beautiful continuing so till noon, then a cloudy interval of an hour or two, then fair by turns through the remainder of the day. The weather continues warm and quite agreeable for the season of the year. The evening is considerably cloudy.
Arose at two o’clock in the morning not having slept any. Made a fire, bathed and dressed, and then lay down on the floor where I made out to sleep an hour. After breakfast hewed two more posts for the trellis & spent some time reading. After dinner went up to the Centre called a short time on Lydia, then went into the post office and got the Tribune, and the Reporter, and then came home & looked them over. Miss Savage called & got Aranza’s testament. After this went to work at the trellis again, dug holes and set two of the posts.
Saturday, 22
Fourth day new moon.
A pretty warm night followed by a cloudy morning. The entire day was also cloudy with several little sprinklings of rain in the course of the afternoon. The weather has been decidedly cooler again. The evening is partially fair with some prospect of another frost.
After breakfast spent some time in the library reading and then went out and dug a hole and set a post for the trellis, spending the remainder of the forenoon in the house with wife and the baby. Set another of the trellis posts after dinner – making four in all. Harvey, having gone to Troy with Lizzie and Albert, returned between two and three o’clock, and in the course of the afternoon Azor and Eliza came and staid with us over night. Before they arrived Elon made a call. Spent the latter part of the afternoon and the evening visiting.
Sunday, 23
Fifth day of new moon.
A pretty cool night with frost in some places this morning. The day has been mostly fair with a pretty cool wind coming briskly from the west. Mercury stood at 30 in the early morning and at 38 when the day closed. The evening is very clear and bright, with the new moon shining.
Attended to bathing and putting my room in order after rising in the morning according to my common practice, and then spent my time with the family till breakfast. After this spent some time reading until meeting time, then got ready and went up to the Centre and attended there. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a very good discourse on the subject of the scriptures. Came home immediately after the conclusion without making any calls. Azor and Eliza went over to Amanda’s in the forenoon and wife went with them. They returned in the afternoon and Amanda came with them, Azor and Eliza going on home.
Monday, 24
Sixth day of new moon.
The morning was fair and without any frost, and the entire day was also fair with very slight exceptions. The weather has been moderately mild with a pretty brisk wind in the afternoon. The evening is clear and calm.
Luman called in the morning soon after breakfast, and wishing me to go to Barclay with him to drive his buggy he having some cattle to drive I concluded to go. Got ready immediately and rode with him down to John Vroman’s, where he had just bought eighteen head of beef cattle, he took two of them and we started with them for Barclay. I rode the most of the way and he only a little. We arrived at the place not long after dinner time and stopped at Brewer’s. After dinner I went about the village, going up to the southern border beyond the catholic meeting house.
Tuesday, 25
Seventh day of new moon.
Some clouds in the morning but the day was partially fair. The weather continues moderately warm and also somewhat windy. The evening is of about the same character that that the day has been in regard to the weather.
Went with Luman down to Monroe with horse and buggy over the new road down the Schrader creek. Miss Hillis rode with me down to the foot of the plane where she took the train for Towanda, Luman going down to the foot on the cars, and arriving there before us. We proceeded on to Greenwood and there I called on Annette and took my dinner there, Luman going on to Cranmer’s for some fat cattle he had bought. After he came back with the cattle we started for Barclay again, going up the Towanda creek through Franklin, he driving the cattle and I the buggy. I staid over night again at Brewer’s.
Wednesday, 26
Eighth day of new moon.
A very slight frost in the morning but the day was fair and fine. The weather was quite mild and agreeable. The evening is somewhat hazy but the moon affords a sufficient quantity of light to make it pleasant, and a
Remained at Mr. Brewer’s until after breakfast then went down to the R.R. and proceeded on the train to the head of the plain, and on a car to the foot; then after calling at Percival’s and at the mill a spell, went with his boy to the creek below the dam and fished a little while for trouts. Boy got one, I not any. After dinner we went up the creek a piece where I caught 7 and the boy not any. In the evening Perceval went with us towards head of the pond, he got 2 & I one. He then set 8 hooks and we went to the house, I staying there over night.
Thursday, 27
First quarter at 6 - 51, even.
The morning was quite rainy and the rain continued to fall, with slight intermissions through the forenoon. The afternoon too was rainy. The weather was warm in the early morning but grew colder through the day. The evening is cloudy and wet.
Percival found on his hooks this morning two large trouts and an eel. After breakfast he went with me to the head of the pond and fished an hour or two and we caught only two trouts apiece. At his instance I took all that we had caught to carry home and divide them with his father. Went up the plane and to Barclay on the cars, arriving at Mr. Brewer’s before dinner time. Expected to start for home after dinner but on account of the rain we concluded to stay. Spent the principal part of the time during the afternoon in the house reading, it being too wet to be out of doors very much.
Friday, 28
Second day of first quarter.
Rained some in the night, and rain continued to fall, moderately, thro the morning until the middle of the day. The clouds were quite broken in the afternoon and the evening is quite fair, with the weather considerably moderated since morning, the mercury being up to 46 at bed time.
Could not consistently, start for home in the morning on account of the rain, and therefore we had to wait. Went about the village some to see their works. Went across the ravine to see the Fall Creek schute, where their coal is delivered, and loaded on the large cars. Afer dinner Luman hitched up his buggy and we then started for home. After our arrival Elon came over and I divided with him the fish according to arrangement. Spent some time in the library, after supper, looking over the newspapers that had been received while I was away.
Saturday, 29
Third day of first quarter.
A fine, mild morning, clear at first but clouds coming up soon after, the forenoon was only partially fair & the afternoon was very cloudy, and was also some cooler than the morning. There were also some slight sprinklings of rain in the afternoon. The evening is cloudy but not very dark.
Arose early and attended to my morning ablutions as usual when at home, but which necessarily had to be neglected while I was abroad. After breakfast sat in the library and read a spell, then devoted some time to the little children, and then went up to the Centre, calling first at the post office & getting the Chronicle, and then stopped a short time with Lydia where I found Helen and Esther, and then came home. Afternoon dug a hole and set another trellis post, devoting the remainder of the day to reading. Luman went to Canton.
Sunday, 30
Fourth day of first quarter.
The early morning was partially cloudy with wind from the south and the mercury at 40. There was a little sunshine then but the remainder of the day was very cloudy. The weather has continued mild and favorable. The evening is fair with the moon shining brightly.
After attending to the first business of the morning sat down in the library and read some time before breakfast, and some time after breakfast until near the hour for meeting, then got ready and went up to the Centre, calling a short time at Isaac’s and he going with me to the meeting. The proceedings were conducted by Br. Levi Taylor but E. F. Larcom was the principal speaker. Came home immediately after the conclusion and soon after took a walk up into the Hickory field. Theodore & Esther and Orville were here towards night.
May
Monday, 1
Fifth day of first quarter.
The morning at the opening was fair but became quite cloudy immediately of the rising of the sun. The day has been mostly cloudy, there having been but a few short intervals of sunshine. The weather has continued moderately warm. The evening is bright and beautiful, without a cloud to be seen and with the mercury at bed time ten degrees above freezing point.
Spent the forepart of the day in the library reading and did not engage in any labor on account of not feeling very well. Looked over some old writings, selecting such as I wished to preserve and casting off the others. In the middle of the day walked up to the Centre and stopped a short time with Lydia, then went into the P.O. & got the Tribune and the Courier & came home. Went up into the Hickory field to see how Harvey & his hands are getting along with the stone & rail fence. Luman came to supper, & Lurenda & Amanda came after. They all staid over night.
Tuesday, 2
Sixth day of first quarter.
A little frost this morning with the mercury down to 32 at dawn. The morning and the day have been very fair until towards night, and the weather was quite warm. The evening is cloudy but not dark and the mercury at sunset was up to 56 degrees.
After breakfast Amanda went home and about 9 o’clock Luman started away with Lurenda. Wife went along with them, intending to go to Azor’s for a visit and to remain some days. Soon after they went away I started off and went up to that little stream back of Streetor’s and tried to find some trouts. I fished down to Philander’s and only caught three. Called a little while at Philander’s and found his mother and aunt Sara Ann there. Came home and spent some time in the library reading, and dozing in my chair, being quite tired.
Wednesday, 3
Seventh day of first quarter.
Rain commenced falling some time in the course of the night and continued, moderately, through the morning and through the entire day without intermission. The temperature of the weather has been mild and favorable the mercury ranging between 50 and 60 degrees. The evening too is cloudy and the rain continues to fall moderately.
Went through with my usual morning course, including the making of my bed – wife being absent – and then took my place at the breakfast table, and then spent some time in the library reading. It being too rainy to do anything out of doors or to go abroad, was under the necessity of spending my time in the house, devoting a considerable portion of it to the reperusal of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and other reading, and the remainder of it with the family, assisting some in taking care of the little children, besides sleeping some occasionally.
Thursday, 4
Full moon at 6 - 4, even.
The rain continued through the night and also through the morning and through the day without intermission except a short interval in the afternoon when there was a moment of sunshine. The mercury has ranged a little lower than it did yesterday. The rain has fallen very moderately but it has swollen the streams considerably. The evening is rainy.
Spent the forenoon in the library reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin and with the family taking care of the children. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre and got the Tribune from the post office but returned immediately, and after dinner devoted the principal portion of the afternoon to the perusal of the paper. Wife does not return.
Friday, 5
Second day of full moon.
Another rainy night. The rain abated this morning but the clouds continued until afternoon. They then broke away and a part of the afternoon was considerably fair, but towards night it became quite cloudy again. The evening is cloudy and the mercury, at bed time is up to 52, the weather having grown some warmer since yesterday.
Found Luman here this morning he having come after bed time last night. He started away again directly after breakfast. Have been quite unwell today, having a pain in my breast in addition to my old rheumatic troubles; but notwithstanding all this managed to go up to the post office and get the Reporter in the middle of the day; & in the afternoon went out with the crowbar and dug up a quantity of burrdocks to prevent them from growing to seed. In the evening wife came home.
Saturday, 6
Third day of full moon.
The past night was quite warm. The morning was cloudy and wet, the rain storm having recommenced. The day remained cloudy to the close, with rain falling moderately most of the time, especially in the latter part. Mercury at 55 in the morning at the time of sun rising, & at 44 a little after the time of its setting. The evening is cloudy and rainy, with wind from north.
Feel much better than yesterday. Spent the greatest portion of the time in the forenoon by myself in the library with my books. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre and waited more than an hour at the post office for the mail expecting to get the Courier and the Chronicle, but it brot only the Courier. Returned without making any other calls & spent the remainder of the day with the family.
Sunday, 7
Fourth day of full moon.
Wet night and cloudy morning but the clouds broke soon after sunrise and the morning and middle of the day were principally fair. In the afternoon clouds came up from the north west bringing some sprinklings of rain and a lash of big hail. Mercury has ranged above 40. The evening is mostly fair with the mercury down to 38. A pretty good chance for frost.
Spent all my leisure time today in the library reading and comparing the four Gospels and noting with pencil on the margins of my New Testament the parallel passages. Attended meeting at the Centre in the forenoon, calling at Isaac’s on my way until the meeting hour. Br. Greenlaw was present and according to appointment, delivered a discourse. Returned immediately after the meeting closed.
Monday, 8
Fifth day of full moon.
There was some frost this morning and a clear sky, but clouds soon came up and the day has been only partially fair. There has been a pretty brisk, cool wind prevailing through the day which has rendered the weather not very warm. The evening is clear and still, with northern lights, and the mercury down to 35 degrees at 9 o’clock.
Spent the most of the forenoon in the library reading, after which went out and hoed and set another of the trellis posts. At noon went up to the Centre and got from the post office The Tribune and the Chronicle and came directly home. Spent some time in the afternoon reading the papers, and chopped and brot in some wood.
Tuesday, 9
Sixth day of full moon.
A heavy frost this morning, which, it is feared, has injured our prospect for fruit this season, peaches being full in blossom and apples nearly so. Day fair till towards night and then it was considerably cloudy. The weather has not been very warm, and has been considerably windy. The evening is cloudy, mercury at 42, and there is another display of aurora borealis.
Went to work after breakfast and hoed the strawberry bed, then dug a hole and set another trellis post, and then made preparation and went down to the creek a fishing. Succeeded in catching a few, but a little after one o’clock Luther and Sally having come down for a visit, he came to me at the creek and I quit and came to the house with him and spent the remainder of the afternoon with them, and with Lydia who came soon after, a visiting. They staid until nearly six o’clock and then departed for their several homes.
Wednesday, 10
Seventh day of full moon.
Another considerable frost this morning. The day has been fair with a few slight exceptions but has not been very warm, there having been a cool wind prevailing most of the time. The evening is clear and calm, with another exhibition of the Aurora Borealis, and the mercury down to 36 degrees at 9 o’clock, indicating another heavy frost.
Devoted an hour or two in the morning to reading and then worked a little while at the grape trellis, digging another hole and setting the last post, making eight in all. After this made preparation and went off down the creek a fishing, going down almost to Tom. Pratt’s, and not returning till late in the afternoon. Succeeded in catching a pretty good mess at the expense of considerable fatigue. Did nothing more except to chop a little wood for my fire in the library.
Thursday, 11
Last quarter at 9 - 27, morn.
A severe frost this morning again. The day has been fair and pleasant, and the weather has been considerably warmer than it has been for several days past. The evening is clear and still, but the northern lights are not on exhibition tonight, and the mercury at 9 o’clock is up to 46 degrees.
Spent the morning hours in the library reading as usual. My fishing ardor not having been fully satisfied I got ready and started of with my tackle up the creek for that purpose. Went up to Harrison Ross’ upper clearing and fished down to the head of Taylor’s mill pond, with tolerably good success, then went up to the Centre and called at the post office for the Tribune but found that Harvey had taken it home. Arrived home between three and four o’clock and was very tired. Luman came from Barclay towards night and staid.
Friday, 12
Second day of last quarter.
Morning very fair and pleasant and no frost to be found. The day has also been very fine and has passed over without clouds or wind. The weather has been quite warm and agreeable. The evening is also fair, with mercury at 58 degrees.
Devoted a part of the morning to reading and to an interview with Mr. L. S. Arnold an Insurance agent of Smithfield, who called and took the insurance of my house &c for five years in the Etna Insurance Co. of Hartford Conn., and then worked the remainder of the forenoon in the garden, beginning to hoe and brush the peas. after dinner, Harvey having prepared a strip of ground for me on the east side of the door yard and letting me have John to help, we planted a bushel of Early Rose potatoes that I bought of Luther last fall. Luman departed after breakfast.
Saturday, 13
Third day of last quarter.
There was no frost to trouble us this morning, the day has been fair and pleasant and also moderately warm, the mercury was not observed. The evening also is very nice being clear and bright.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning in the library reading as I am in the habit of doing. After this went into the garden to work again. Finished digging up and grading the northern border, and completed the hoeing and brushing of the first rows of peas adjoining the said border. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, calling first at the Post Office for my mail matter, receiving the Reporter and the Chronicle, and then looked into Theodore’s shop but not finding him, came home and spent a considerable portion of the afternoon in the library reading the newspapers.
Sunday, 14
Fourth day of last quarter.
There was no frost this morning, mercury standing at 48 before sunrise, at 54 in the middle of the day, and at sun set it was down to 43. The day has been quite fair, but there has been a cool wind from the northwest through the afternoon. The evening is also fair.
According to my common practice devoted the principal portion of the morning to reading. At the proper time made preparation and went up to the Centre to attend the forenoon meeting. Br. Levi Taylor, who has been for some days past confined to his house with sickness was in attendence today and conducted the meeting. There was a very good attendence. Returned home immediately after the close, and after tea took a walk in the fields up on the north hill, and at my return I learned that Benjamin and Lurenda had called.
Monday, 15
Fifth day of last quarter.
A pretty heavy frost in the morning, mercury down to 30 before sunrise, 54 at noon and 42 in the evening. The entire day has been fair but it has been attended with some wind. The evening is clear and bright, giving pretty strong indications of another frost tomorrow morning.
After breakfast went into the lower garden and after preparing some ground on the west side commenced planting some potatoes there. Planted three rows before dinner and after dinner attended the funeral of the wife of Mahlon Barnes at the meeting house at the Centre, which was attended at one o’clock, Elder Lake officiating. The attendence was considerably large. Worked a little more in the garden after my return, and towards night went down to the creek and caught some little fishes for bait, and set some hooks for eels.
Tuesday, 16
Fourth day of last quarter.
Another frost this morning but it was not very severe. The weather through the day has been considerably warm, the mercury rising up to 67 before noon. The forenoon was fair and the atmosphere smoky. There were thunder clouds in the afternoon and towards night there was a very nice shower. The evening is partially cloudy and at bed time mercury stands at 57.
Omitted the bath this morning. Started out at 4 o’clock to visit my hooks but found no eels. Luman came late last evening and went away again soon after breakfast. Read a spell in the morning and then resumed my work in the lower garden, planting five rows more of potatoes there in the course of the day. Cut some wood for the library at night and brought it into the closet.
Wednesday, 17
Fifth day of last quarter.
The morning opened fair and without frost but became cloudy soon after the sun had risen. Mercury stood at 54 at sunrise, but in the evening at bed time it was down to 41. The clouds broke away in the forenoon and the day was partially fair and passed off without any rain. The evening is quite bright and fair.
The ground in the garden being too wet to work in the morning, concluded to go a fishing today. Therefore after reading a spell made preparation and started off. Commenced here at home and proceeded down the creek to a point near Tom Pratt’s and then turned about for home, arriving between 3 and 4 o’clock in the afternoon, considerably tired. Brought home a pretty fair mess of fish and among them a very large river dace. Luman came towards night and staid over. He came from Barclay in the morning.
Thursday, 18
Sixth day of last quarter.
A little frost in the morning again with the mercury standing at the freezing point. The day has been quite fair but only moderately warm, about on a par with the preceding portion of the month. The evening is fair as usual with the mercury standing at 47 after sundown.
Spent a portion of the morning reading as usual and then went to work in the lower garden. Prepared the ground and planted three rows more of potatoes, making twelve in all. Afternoon I went up to the post office and got the Tribune, calling a minute on Theodore at the wagon shop. Came home and looked over the paper, & then with Albert went down to the creek & set some hooks for eels. Luman departed for Barclay.
Friday, 19
New moon at 5 - 45, morn.
A very little more frost this morning a clear sky. The day has been fair and quite warm, mercury ranging between 70 and 80 degrees in the afternoon. The evening is clear and considerably warm, mercury being only down to 56 at bed time.
Arose early and went down to the creek to examine the hooks which I had set for eels but found that I had caught nothing. Returned and attended to my bath as usual before breakfast. After spending some time in the library reading went into the lower garden and planted two rows more of potatoes and commenced preparing the ground for some sweet corn. Spent most of the afternoon in the house reading and resting. Just at night Luman and Charley came and Luman went on to Troy but Charley staid over.
Saturday, 20
Second day of new moon.
Morning fair, without frost & mercury 42 before sunrise. The day has been fair and very warm, mercury coming up to 79 at 11, a.m. and to 84 at 4, p.m. The evening too is cloudless and still and quite warm, the mercury at nine o’clock having fallen only to 62 degrees.
According to my custom spent some time in my room in the course of the morning, reading. After this went to work in the lower garden again. Finished the preparation of the ground and planted four rows to sweet corn and to beans, which occupied the remainder of the space and completed that job. At night went up to the P.O. but got no mail, Harvey brot Reporter & Chronicle, & insurance Policy late last evening. Fremont called towards night.
Sunday, 21
Third day of new moon.
Another fair, warm morning. The day has been fair except that it was a little hazy towards night. The atmosphere has been quite smoky and the weather very warm, the mercury being up to 86 at 3 o’clock p.m. and only down to 80 at 6. The evening is quite hazy and there is also considerable wind.
Spent the morning according to my custom and when the meeting hour arrived went up to the Centre & gave my attendence there as usual. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a very good discourse of one hour in length. After the meeting was concluded I came immediately home not waiting to make any calls. Found wife alone, Harvey and Lizzie having away with the children to Allen Woodin’s. Burton and Mary made a call in the afternoon, and Amanda was here just at night.
Monday, 22
Fourth day of new moon.
Warm night, mercury being up to 54 at sunrise this morning. The day has been cloudy and the afternoon a little rain. Just at night the clouds broke away in the western horizon and afforded a bright and beautiful display at the setting of the sun. Mercury then at 58. The evening is mostly fair.
Read a spell in the morning and then went into the garden to work. Prepared some brush for the peas, and after hoeing out a couple of rows, set the brush. Had to quit work early in the afternoon on account of being quite lame. Walked up to the Centre, however and calling at the post office got the Tribune and the Courier. Made no other calls but came home & spent the remainder of the day with the papers. Luman called & took dinner. Harvey went with him to Barclay.
Tuesday, 23
Fifth day of new moon.
Morning fair and the weather not quite so warm as yesterday morning, the mercury at sunrise being down to 47. The day has been mostly fair, considerably smoky, and with cool breezes. The evening is clear and bright with mercury at nine o’clock down to 46 degrees.
Worked in the forenoon at preparing more brush for the remaining double row of peas in the garden. Being quite lame in the breast, had Harvey help me set them, who also hoed them and part of the potatoes that were planted along side of them. In the afternon prepared a bed and sowed some cabbage seed, & spent some time in the library with my books and newspapers. Towards night went down to the creek and caught a few fish and set a few hooks for eels. Luman started from here this morning for Buffalo to buy a car load of cattle.
Wednesday, 24
Sixth day of new moon.
There were a few clouds this morning and no frost, but the mercury was down almost, to the freezing point at the time of sunrise. The day has been fair but remarkably smoky. The weather has been warmer than it was yesterday and is very dry. The evening is very smoky but otherwise clear, with mercury up to 58 at sundown.
Arose in the morning before 4 o’clock and went down to the creek to examine my hooks. Found no eels but caught a large river dace and a large horned dace, and attended to my morning matters after my return. Being quite lame with rheumatism did not undertake any business except to prepare some hooks and lines to set for eels. In the afternoon went down to the creek and fished a spell but did not succeed very well. Intended to set hooks to night but was too lame and tired. Harvey had a number of hands & planted the Hickory field to corn.
Thursday, 25
Seventh day of new moon.
The morning fair and warm, the mercury standing at 43 soon after sunrise. The entire day was of the same character, mercury being up to 84 at one o’clock. The atmosphere continues smoky. A thunder cloud came up from the west a little before sundown, and now this evening a thunder shower is in progress, with mercury at 68 degrees.
Did not undertake to work any today on account of a severe lameness in my right breast. Remained about the house until near the middle of the day and then walked up to the Centre, calling on Esther where I found Helen too, and after chatting with them a spell went into the P.O. & got the Tribune and a letter from Mrs. Cook announcing the death of her father. Towards night went down to the creek & caught a few fish & set a few hooks.
Friday, 26
Eighth day of new moon.
The morning was partially fair at the opening but soon became cloudy and cloudy warm weather continued through the day, raining enough to make it damp. The evening is clear with mercury at nine o’clock up to 60 degrees, it having stood at 62 at break of day in the morning.
Arose before 4 o’clock in the morning and went down to the creek to examine my hooks but caught nothing. Not being able to work remained about the house during the forenoon reading some and sleeping some and spending some time with the children. In the afternoon commenced to write a letter to Rhoda A Cook and in the evening finished it and the copy. Amanda was here this evening and informed me that she had woven my carpet for library.
Saturday, 27
First quarter at 8 - 6, morn.
The morning was fair and the warm weather continues. The day has been mostly fair, there being some clouds along towards night only. The weather continues some smoky and is very dry. The evening is somewhat cloudy and is warm mercury standing up to 58 at bed time.
Continue lame so that I do not undertake to labor with my hands. Immediately after breakfast went up to the post office with my letter, in order to have it mailed and sent out today. Got the Reporter and came home, not stopping to make any other calls. After devoting an hour or so to the perusal of the Reporter commenced to write a letter to A. M. Bailey of Conn. and finished the letter and copy before night, and then went down to the creek, caught some bait and set some hooks. Luman returned from Buffalo & staid over.
Sunday, 28
Second day of first quarter.
The morning opened fair and warm the mercury being up to 50 degrees before the sun had risen. The day has been fair and warm also, with a comfortable breeze in the afternoon. The air continues smoky & the weather quite dry. The evening too is fair and still, the moon shining brightly making it quite pleasant.
Arose at 4 o’clock in the morning and went down to take up my hooks but did not find anything caught on them. At the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre to meeting, carrying with me and depositing in the letter box my letter to A. M. Bailey. Br. Taylor was the principal speaker at the meeting. Came home directly and commenced to write a letter to Mr. Atkins. Luman went away to Barclay and Harvey went with him.
Monday, 29
Third day of first quarter.
Another fair, warm morning, and another fair, warm day. The ground is getting to be very dry, and the atmosphere continues to be considerably smoky. The evening is also bright and pleasant with a gentle western breeze to temper the heat which is still considerable, mercury being up to 74 degrees at 10 o’clock p.m.
Received from Harvey $25, on acct. of interest due to me. Luman went from here this morning to Burlington to get the cattle he left there. After attending to some other matters, sat down to my table and wrote until I had concluded a long letter to Mr. Atkins which I began yesterday, and having copied it carried it up to the Centre towards the close of the day and delivered it at the post office. Got the Tribune, bought two of Herrick’s strenghning plasters, brought them home, and spent the remainder of the day reading the Tribune.
Tuesday, 30
Fourth day of first quarter.
Another fair morning and also a fair day to succeed it. Towards night, however, there were clouds gathering in the west which finally culminated in a thunder shower. Day very warm, mercury up to 88 at 8 in the evening. There is very heavy lightning and thunder going on this evening, but not very much rain.
Devoted a portion of the morning to reading and some time in the course of the forenoon commenced to write a long letter to Benham Andrus. While engaged at that, the women wishing to put down the carpet in the library, had to clear the room for that purpose, and spent some time in assisting them in putting it down. After this I fitted and laid down the oil cloth in front of the fireplace and around the hearth. I then went to writing again and finished the letter and the copying in the evening to be sent to post office in the morning.
Wednesday, 31
Fifth day of first quarter.
Some clouds this morning but they were soon out of the way so that the sun shone brightly. Mercury at 5 o’clock was about 70. Afternoon was partially cloudy there being a thunder shower in the middle of the day and a light shower again just at night. The day has been very warm and mercury at 66 at 8 in the evening.
Did some writing this morning & got ready to go on to the road to oversee repairs in place of Harvey who is path master. Went down to Mr. Barns’ and commenced work there with four teams and a considerable number of hands. At noon I accepted Mr. Barns’ invitation, and stopped with him and took dinner. Having been pretty late in the morning to begin our work, and also being late in the afternoon, we continued our work until seven at night, or nearly sundown. Luman with, Mr. McDowel called here in the middle of the day from Barclay.
June
Thursday, 1
Sixth day of first quarter.
The morning was foggy and considerably cloudy, the weather remaining warm, the mercury reaching 58 at 6 o’clock. The weather was very warm through the day and was also fair. The evening is fair, with a fresh breeze from the south. It is also quite warm with mercury ranging at 72 between seven and eight o’clock.
Arose in good season, and after getting my breakfast, hurried off to work on the road again. Went down to the place where we left off, near Mr. Barnes and waiting there till some hands came on, commenced operations again and repaired the road up as far as Tom Pratt’s in the forenoon. Went home with Norman to dinner, and formed my first acquaintance with his wife. Afternoon we repaired the worst places in the road up as far as Bill Vroman’s.
Friday, 2
Seventh day of first quarter.
The morning was somewhat foggy, but otherwise was quite fair and pleasant. The mercury stood at 65, between 5 and 6 o’clock. The day has been fair and pleasant too, and very warm. The evening is of the same character, the moon shining brightly and the mercury up to 73 at 7 o’clock.
After reading a spell in the morning went to work in the garden, and in the first place hoed out the sweet corn. After this went into the upper garden and prepared a plat of ground for cucumber and various other garden vegetables. After dinner, being considerably tired, spent some time in the library reading and took a snooze on the floor. After this, Elon coming in and staying some time I visited and chatted with him while he staid and after he departed I went out and planted twenty hills of cucumbers for the first this season.
Saturday, 3
Full moon at 1-31, morn.
The morning at the opening was considerably cloudy, the weather remaining warm with mercury up to 68 degrees. The day was partially cloudy and quite warm. There was a light thunder shower in the middle of the day and another just at night. The evening is rainy with mercury at 70.
Worked in the garden until meeting time beginning before breakfast. Planted the summer squashes and then prepared some ground and planted some winter squashes. After this I got ready and attended the General meeting at the Centre which commenced last evening and is now in progress. Br. Rowe from the west is the Principal speaker. Br. Wilson & wife, & Br. McIntosh came home with me to dinner. We returned at 3 o’clock to attend the funeral of Sydney Clark’s child. Br. Dean was the speaker. Came home without company. Elon called towards night, & Luman came & staid over.
Sunday, 4
Second day of full moon.
Shower in the early morning and quite cloudy. Clouds soon broke away and the day was mostly fair and quite warm. Some clouds & sprinklings of rain towards night. The evening is considerably cloudy and is quite warm, the mercury being up to 72 at 8 o’clock. Cleared off at 9.
After reading some time in the morning, got ready and went up to the meeting. Wife attended also, having a chance to ride up with Luman who was on his way to Troy. Br. Rowe delivered an excellent discourse to a large audience. Azor and Eliza were in attendence and came down after meeting, wife riding down with them. Amanda was also there and called on her way home. Theodore and Esther came down also, and besides these Elon and spent some time with us in conversation. Toward night our company began to depart.
Monday, 5
Third day of full moon.
Morning fair and the weather is a little cooler, mercury being only up to 58. at five o’clock. The day has been moderately warm and has been fair and bright. The evening is also fair and the temperature, between 8 and 9 o’clock is 60 degrees, the temperate mark.
Went into the garden before breakfast and finished planting the beets, and after breakfast went to work in the road again down by Samuel Shepard’s. Came home to dinner and then went immediately back to work in the afternoon. Had a number of hands and did a very nice job in front of Sam’s house from the foot of the hill to the first bridge. Quit a little after 6, and rode home with Luman who came along. After supper I set out fifteen tomato plants that Mr. Gilman brought to us from West Burlington.
Tuesday, 6
Fourth day of full moon.
Another fair morning with the weather remaining a little cooler, the mercury at 5 o’clock being down to 58. The day remained fair and was considerably warm. The evening is also fair and warm, the thermometer indicating 71 degrees.
Started off in the morning again, as soon as I had taken my breakfast to work at repairing the road again, having a number of hands employed. We commenced at the place we left off yesterday, on that low ground this side of the Bill Vroman hill. We worked by hauling on stones, plowing and scraping some, and finished by hauling on gravel. I stopped at noon at Sam’s and took dinner with Amanda. We that part of the road and quit work about seven o’clock or a little after. Did nothing more after coming home, being pretty tired.
Wednesday, 7
Fifth day of full moon
The morning was quite cloudy and warm, the mercury, at five o’clock, indicating 66 degrees with the wind from the south. The forenoon continued to be cloudy, and there was a little rain. The afternoon was partially fair with the sun shining most of the time. The evening remains partially fair and is tolerably warm, the thermometer indicating 71 degrees between eight and nine o’clock.
Remained at home today for the purpose of hoeing my potatoes which Harvey plowed out for me yesterday. Commenced before breakfast and in the course of the day hoed one half of them, or four rows, working only a part of the time being considerably lame with rheumatism. Spent the remainder of the time reading. Elon called on me twice in the course of the day.
Thursday, 8
Sixth day of full moon.
The morning was considerably cloudy again at the opening, and was a little cooler, the mercury indicating only 57 degrees at five o’clock. The day has been mostly fair and moderately warm. The is fair, with mercury at eight o’clock standing at 65 degrees.
Business same as yesterday, hoeing potatoes. Commenced again before breakfast, and with a little of Harvey’s help, finished them before noon. After dinner went up to the Post Office for the Tribune, and besides it, found a letter from Mr. Atkins. Stopped a little while at Mr. Bruce’s, then came home and spent some time reading and resting on the floor. Towards night went to work again & hoed part of the strawberry bed & part of the potatoes in the upper garden, & planted the carrots. Mr. Arnold the insurance man called & I paid him $27.
Friday, 9
Last quarter at 7-41, even.
The morning opened fair and bright but was a little cooler than common, the mercury, at five o’clock marking only 51 degrees. The day has fair and calm but not very warm, mercury only 61 at one o’clock. The evening is fair and considerably cool, mercury standing at 50, between eight and nine o’clock.
Went to work in the morning, pretty soon after breakfast in the garden. Finished the second hoing of the potatoes in the upper garden in the forenoon, and worked some at making allies and arranging the plats of ground in order. Spent some time after dinner reading the Reporter which somebody had brought from the Post office and then went into the garden and worked at preparing a plat for cabbage.
Saturday, 10
Second day of last quarter.
The morning fair and the weather quite cool, finding the mercury, at five o’clock, down to 39 degrees. The day has been mostly fair and considerably warmer than yesterday. The evening is partially cloudy and quite warm, the mercury being up to 70, at 8 o’clock.
Read a spell in the morning and after breakfast went to work in the garden again. Elon came over soon after and said something had happened on Luman Taylor’s hill. I started with him to go up there, and met some men bringing off Mr. Hagar in a waggon, he having been stricken with paralisis. Returned home and finished the preparation of the cabbage ground. After dinner went up to the Centre, called at Helen’s and then went into the post office & got the Courier & the Chronicle. Towards night worked in the garden a spell.
Sunday, 11
Third day of last quarter.
There was a shower in the night, and the morning was partially cloudy, and the weather pretty warm, the thermometer, between five and six o’clock, indicating 64 degrees. The forenoon was mostly fair but in the afternoon there were more clouds, and towards night there was a copious shower with thunder and lightning. The evening is cloudy with mercury 60, at 8 o’clock.
Spent the morning reading, & at the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre to attend the meeting, calling first on Lydia to learn how Perry Case was, she having been there yesterday to see him. Br. Taylor not being able to attend the meeting was conducted by Br. Charles Ross who was assisted by others. Came home immediately after the close as usual, & spent the remainder of the day in my room reading, and about the house with the family.
Monday, 12
Fourth day of last quarter.
Rain commenced falling in the night and continued in the morning. The temperature was a little lower again at five o’clock this morning, the thermometer indicating only 54 degrees. Forenoon partially fair with occasional sprinklings of rain. Afternoon and weather grew colder. Evening fair with mercury, at 8 o’clock, down to 55 degrees.
Went over to Elon’s in the morning and got my old trowel and came home and transplanted some squash plants into places where they had failed to come up. After this got ready and went down on the flat a fishing but did not succeed very well. After dinner went into my room and devoted the most of the afternoon to reading and rest. Found the Tribune on my table, which some one had brought from the Post Office, and my attention was first given to that. Towards night I spent some time pulling out the weeds from among the strawberry plants and looking over the orchard.
Tuesday, 13
Fifth day of last quarter.
The morning fair and the temperature was 52 degrees at five o’clock. Before 6 o’clock the sky became covered with clouds which broke away before noon, and the remainder of the day was mostly fair. Considerable wind through the day and weather rather cool. The evening is clear and still, the mercury at nine o’clock standing at 55.
Spent some time in the morning reading and then went to work in the garden. Hoed the cucumbers, worked at the alleys some and at preparing some ground for swedish turnips. Fremont came from Elmira and took dinner with us, and after dinner wife and Lizzie and children and I went over to Amanda’s & spent the afternoon. Luman came towards night and staid over.
Wednesday, 14
Sixth day of last quarter.
The morning opened bright and fair, and the mercury was down to 44 degrees at five o’clock. The forenoon was partially cloudy and the afternoon was considerably so. A few drops of rain fell just at night. The evening is cloudy and the weather continues moderately cool. At eight o’clock the mercury is standing at 56 degrees.
Went to work in the garden again in the morning and in the course of the forenoon hoed the summer squashes and finished the preparation of a large plat for Swedish turnips. In the afternoon, with Harvey’s help, nailed some slats on the north line of trellis posts and tied to them some of the branches of the grape vine. Spent more time in the garden at work at the alleys, and then, being quite tired, came into the house and spent the remainder of the afternoon. Luman went to the Summit.
Thursday, 15
Seventh day of last quarter.
Rained some in the latter part of the night and early morning, but at five o’clock the clouds had broken and were partially cleared off, and the mercury stood at 50. The forenoon was quite fair. The afternoon was mostly so, but there were several little dashes of rain. The evening is rainy with mercury at eight o’clock standing at 55.
Spent some time in the morning in the library reading, and after this went to work in the garden and planted the Swedish turnips. Elon came over a little before noon and invited me to ride with him down to West Franklin. Consenting to go, we started after dinner, and taking along our fishing tackle we spent a couple of hours or more fishing between Mr. Latimer’s and Ledy and Chaapel’s, & came home before sun down. Luman came with some cattle & sheep & staid over.
Friday, 16
Eighth day of last quarter.
Rained some in the night. The morning was fair, with the mercury down to 45 at five o’clock. The day continued mostly fair and the weather pretty cool. The evening remains fair and the temperature low, the mercury at eight o’clock being down to 50 degrees.
Spent the morning, as usual, in the library reading, and soon after breakfast went into the garden and transplanted some tomato plants. After this continued at work in the garden till noon. After dinner went up to the Centre and waited at Mr. Bruce’s till the post office was opened, then went in and got the Reporter and the Chronicle. Towards night picked a basin of strawberries. Luman left in the morning with some cattle and sheep for Barclay. Elon called.
Saturday, 17
New moon at 9-33, eve.
The morning opened bright and fair, was pleasant but not warm, the mercury at five o’clock reaching 40 degrees. The day has continued fair and in the afternoon there was south wind and it was cloudy towards night. The evening is considerably cloudy with the mercury up to 61 degrees at eight o’clock.
After reading some time in the morning went to work and hoed the sweet corn in the lower garden the second time and did some other work there. Elon was here a spell, and Luther called & took dinner with us. Attended Br. Hagar’s funeral at two o’clock at the meeting house, Br. Greenlaw preached on the occasion. After my return concluded to go down the creek a little ways a fishing. Caught only a few.
Sunday, 18
Second day of new moon.
Considerable rain fell in the course of the night and early morning, the weather being a little warmer than of late. Mercury at six o’clock was up to 60 degrees. The day has been mostly cloudy, there having been a little sunshine in the forenoon and middle of the day. There was a copious shower in the afternoon and another just at night. The evening at eight o’clock, is cloudy & rainy, with mercury at 63.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning reading, and at the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre to meeting. Br. Greenlaw was in attendence and delivered an able discourse on the subject of salvation by Christ. After the meeting was concluded came immediately home without making any calls, according to my common practice. Spent the remainder of the afternoon with the family, and in my room reading, not having any company today.
Monday, 19
Third day of new moon.
The morning was cloudy at the opening, and was moderately warm, the thermometer at five o’clock indicating 58 degrees. The day has been mostly fair and quite warm, especially in the afternoon. The evening is fair except some floating clouds, and the mercury at eight o’clock is up to 69.
Went to work after breakfast in the garden at transplanting cabbage plants. Put out 116 plants, which filled the plat, and then spent the remainder of the forenoon in the garden with the hoe. After dinner concluded to go up the creek a fishing. Went up to the Centre, called a moment on Theodore, went into the Post Office and got The Tribune and the Courier for last week, and then went up to the Race Dam & began to fish. Made out tolerably well. Luman came & staid overnight.
Tuesday, 20
Fourth day of new moon.
A warm night, and mercury up to 67 at five o’clock this morning. The morning was partially cloudy but the forenoon was mostly fair. A thunder shower came up, early in the afternoon which continued till night, raining most of the time. The evening is cloudy and wet and the weather has become considerably cooler, again, the thermometer, at eight o’clock indicating only 58 degrees.
Immediately after breakfast went into the garden to work again, devoting my first attention to the discovery and destruction of cucumber bugs, that made their appearance in the garden, yesterday for the first this season, in large numbers. Afternoon transplanted a few beets, but on account of the rain spent the most of the time in the house. Luman went away in the morning with some cattle and sheep for Barclay. Elon called.
Wednesday, 21
Fifth day of new moon.
Cleared off in the night, the morning fair, and the mercury at five o’clock stood at 48 degrees. The day has been fair, with the exception of a good many detached floating clouds. The evening is quite fair? and the weather is only moderately warm, the mercury being down to 55 degrees at eight o’clock.
Employed my time in the morning, reading until breakfast then went to work in the garden. Finished weeding out the beets, & hoed out the cucumbers, working till nearly noon. After dinner read a spell and then started off down the creek a fishing. Commenced at the old sawmill and went down as far as Tom Pratt’s. Made out very well, getting three large ones. Got home a little before night.
Thursday, 22
Sixth day of new moon.
The sun shone out at the time of its rising in the morning but was soon hidden by the clouds that came over about that time. The mercury at five o’clock was down to 46 degrees. The day has been mostly fair but only moderately warm. There are some clouds this evening at eight o’clock & the mercury stands at 61 degrees.
After reading a spell in the morning went to work in the garden and continued there till towards noon. After leaving the garden went over the creek where Harvey and Theodore were peeling hemlock bark, and from thence went up to the Post Office across the fields. After waiting some time for it to be opened went in and got the Tribune and came home. Spent the afternoon mostly in the house reading, and visiting with Amanda Shepard and Jennie. Sam was here to tea. Luman came at night & staid.
Friday, 23
Seventh day of new moon.
At five o’clock in the morning the thermometer indicated the temperature at 54 degrees. The weather was mostly fair there being only a few retreating clouds. The day has been clear and cloudy at intervals all the way through. The evening at eight o’clock is considerably cloudy, with mercury standing at 64.
Read a spell in the morning and then went out and worked a spell in the garden. After this went up to the Hickory field to see Harvey’s corn and found it looking very badly. Before noon went down to the creek with Albert and caught a few fish. After dinner read a spell and then went up to the post Office and got the Chronicle and came home without making any other calls. Hoed in the garden again a spell at night.
Saturday, 24
Eighth day of new moon.
The morning at five o’clock, was cloudy with rain beginning to fall, and the mercury resting at 60 degrees. The day was cloudy, raining some time in the morning and occasionally a little at other times in the course of the day. The evening is also cloudy and eight o’clock the mercury showed 59 degrees.
After the rain abated in the morning went into the garden and was employed destroying bugs, pulling weeds &c., when Elon came over and invited me to ride with him and Robert over to Sugar creek a fishing. Got ready and went along. Alva also went to take care of the horses. We began near Rockwell’s mill and went down the creek onto the Blackwell flat but making out very poorly we quit and came home. After supper went into the garden and hoed out the cabbage. Luman called at night on his way from Barclay to Troy.
Sunday, 25
First quarter at 5-48, even.
The morning opened cloudy and the temperature by the thermometer at five o’clock was 55 degrees. The day has been fair and pleasant. The evening too is bright and beautiful, with a temperature at eight o’clock of 62 degrees, according to the thermometer.
Sat down in the library in the morning and read a spell after breakfast, and Alva came over and invited me to ride over to Leroy with him and attend the meeting there. Concluding to do so I made preparation and went with him. Br. Churchill delivered a discourse and conducted the meeting as usual. After the meeting closed came home without making any calls and found Allen Wooden and his wife here. Wallace and Helen called.
Monday, 26
Second day of first quarter.
The morning was very fair and pleasant, and the temperature at five o’clock was 55 degrees according to the thermometer. The day has been remarkably clear and fine. The evening is also clear and bright, and at eight o’clock the temperature was shown to be 61 degrees by the mercury.
Went to work in the garden this morning before breakfast and in the course of the forenoon, hoed out the Swedish turnips and the tomatoes and a part of the peas. After dinner finished hoing out the peas and then went up to the Centre, called at the post office and got the Tribune stopped to chat with Theodore a few minutes at his shop and then came home spent some time in the library reading the paper. At night went down & caught a few little fish.
Tuesday, 27
Third day of first quarter.
At five o’clock the morning was considerably cloudy and the mercury was standing at the point of 53 degrees. The morning clouds were soon dispersed and the day was fair & quite warm. The evening at five o’clock has become somewhat cloudy and the mercury stands at 72.
Spent the time before breakfast in the morning in the library reading, and after breakfast went to work at the strawberry bed and wed it out and gave it a thorough dressing with the hoe before dinner. In the afternoon removed the turf of quackgrass from the western border or slope and replaced it with turf of better quality. Spent the remainder of the time in the house reading & resting. Luman went down by in the morning with 11 head of cattle.
Wednesday, 28
Fourth day of first quarter.
A shower some time in the course of the night, the morning fair at five o’clock, with the mercury standing at 58 degrees. The day was fair and pleasant until towards night, then it became cloudy, threatning a shower. The weather in the evening is quite fair and a good deal cooler.
Worked in the garden a spell after breakfast and then got ready and with wife rode with Harvey and Lizzie over to Benjamin’s for a visit. After dinner wife and I rode with Harvey up to Azor’s, and I rode with him to the village. Bought a pair of Rubber boots and a fishing basket. Called to see Delos at his office but he had gone away to Canton. Returned with Harvey to Azor’s, and then he went back to Benjamin’s without us, we concluding to stop till Friday, & then go back & finish our visit with Lurenda.
Thursday, 29
Fifth day of first quarter.
The morning was mostly fair at the opening and the temperature of the weather was pretty low. The weather continued fair through the day and was also considerably cool. The weather through the evening was of nearly the same character, there being considerable danger of a frost.
Soon after breakfast rode with Azor over to the village. He, not wishing to make any stay returned pretty soon and I remained until the middle of the day. Wishing to see Delos, & while waiting for him to come, I went over to see Sam Pomeroy’s new house and on the way, meeting with Br. Shepard, I called and had a chat with him. Finally returning to Delos’ office I waited there till he came in, and after my business with him he went with his buggy & took me down to Long’s Spring. Went back to Azor’s & tarried.
Friday, 30
Sixth day of first quarter.
The morning was fair at the opening and the temperature was pretty low, there being almost, or quite a frost. The day was mostly fair until towards night and then it became quite cloudy. The weather has been really cool, especially in the forenoon. The evening is cloudy, with some prospect of rain.
Not long after breakfast Azor made preparation, and with Eliza, went with us down to Benjamin’s. He went immediately back with his team, leaving Eliza to make a visit. Went out out before dinner and cut a fishing rod, and after dinner started off with Charlie to the creek. We we fished down the creek as far as the old Loomis farm, but did not succeed very well, and returned quite tired. We tarried with Benjamin and Lurenda, & Lucien took Eliza home when he went up after Fanny.
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