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1872 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 |
L. Putnam
Granville Centre, Penn.
Bot of Newman and Parsons
Troy Pa. November 13th 1871
Part One
January
Monday, 1
Seventh day of Full Moon.
The morning was rainy after a rainy night, and the
was some cooler after the heavy lightning and thunder of last evening.
The rain ceased, but the weather through the day was cloudy and quite cool,
thawing but little. The weather in the evening continues cloudy, and is
quite cold and dark, and the ground is rapidly freezing.
After breakfast walked over to town and went first to see Delos concerning the matter of holding an inquisition of lunacy in the case of Ziba Morse, and appointed the 22nd inst as the day. Went into Gustin & McKean’s and bought a stereoscope and seven pictures, and into Newman & Parsons’ and bought a scrapbook and a bottle of Gum Arabic mucilage to use in it, and then returned and spent the remainder of the day at Azor’s, reading much of the time. At night walked back to town, having some expectation of meeting Luman Andrus at the depot. Attended at the depot at the arrival of both the evening trains from the north but did not find him. Returned to Azor’s about midnight.
Tuesday, 2
Eighth day of Full Moon.
A freezing &c cloudy night, succeeded by a fair pleasant morning, but it was pretty cold. The weather continued remarkably fair through the day and thawed considerably in the afternoon. The evening, also, was quite fair but it became cold again. There was not a cloud exhibited through the course of the day, but late in the evening the horizon appears somewhat hazy.
Remained in the house until after breakfast, and then rode into town with Azor. Called into Gustin & McKean’s gallery again and bought six more pictures, making in all, thirteen, and then went out and found Azor ready to return. Got in and rode back with him. Benjamin and Lurenda came with Charlie and Susie came to Azor’s before dinner and departed before night. Sara had a quilting in the afternoon, and they had an oyster supper, in the evening, the ladies being joined by the gentlemen. I went over to the depot again after supper, & failing to meet my friend, returned to Azor’s.
Wednesday, 3
Last Quarter 5-3, even.
The morning was quite cloudy with a pretty brisk wind from the south, and the weather considerably cold. The clouds, and wind, and cold, continued through the day, but was more calm and mild at night. At five o’clock in the evening the mercury rested at 32 degrees or the freezing point, with the wind appearing to be from a westerly quarter, and a storm of snow beginning.
Concluding to wait no longer for the arrival of Luman Andrus, made my arrangements & soon after breakfast set off on foot for home, declining to have Azor come with his carriage to bring me. I kept along until I came to Burton’s and calling there remained a short time only and then resuming my tramp came on down to the Centre and called at the Post Office for my mail matter but finding my box empty, came on home, arriving a little after noon. Spent an hour or so with the family, chatting and exhibiting my stereoscope, and then kindled a fire in the library and spent my time there the remainder of the afternoon, reading mostly, but writing some.
Thursday, 4
Second day of Last Quarter.
The night was cloudy and mild and the morning was of the same character. At seven o’clock the mercury was still remaining at 32 degrees, the same as last evening. The weather through the day continued cloudy and was quite mild, thawing considerably. The evening at five o’clock is still cloudy and the mercury keeps up to 33 degrees.
After the first business of the morning took my breakfast and then sat down and read a spell, and afterward wrote a venire to be sent to the sheriff requiting him to summon a jury to hold an inqusition concerning the lunacy of Ziba Morse, to be attended on the 22nd of this month, at the house of B. F. Taylor. In the middle of the day started off up the road, calling at the Post Office, but not finding any mail matter in my box, got on to Alburn Morse’s wagon and rode with him up to his father’s house and then went on to Luther’s where I found Roxy Morse. Staid there till after tea, and then walked home.
Friday, 5
Third day of Last Quarter.
The morning was quite cloudy, the weather continuing moderate. At seven o’clock the temperature, according to the thermometer, was 29 degrees. The day remained cloudy and the temperature continued moderate, thawing some, until towards night when the clouds broke away and the weather began to grow a little colder. The evening is fair and the mercury shows a temperature of 26 degrees at five o’clock.
Spent a considerable portion of the time, at different periods of the day with my books and newspapers, and some other portions splitting some wood for the cooking stove and cutting and preparing some for my own use in the library. Besides all this, commenced to fill my new scrap book and spent considerable time inserting pieces that I have been for some time saving, and also, early in the afternoon went up to the Post Office and got the Reporter and a Meriden paper sent by A. M. Bailey. Towards night Luman came and put up, but went up to the Centre in the evening.
Saturday, 6
Fourth day of Last Quarter.
The morning was quite cloudy a the opening, the weather continuing moderate. At seven o’clock the mercury was resting at the mark for 28 degrees. Continued cloudy thro the day, breaking away some towards night. A cold north west wind prevailed through the afternoon. The evening is clear, and at five o’clock the temperature was 24 degrees.
Spent the early morning as usual, and after breakfast went to work at my scrap book again, filling several pages more with scraps and pieces selected from newspapers of former date. Split up some more wood for the kitchen and for the library. Fremont called in the forenoon and requested me to Troy with him and Lincoln to see Delos Rockwell in order to commence proceedings for the partition of their real estate. Rode up there with them in the afternoon, but Delos being away on business, we had to return without seeing him. Got home a little before night. Wwrote a few lines & inclosed Venire to the Sheriff in the eve.
Sunday, 7
Fifth day of Last Quarter.
The past night was clear and cold. The morning at seven o’clock was mostly clear and the temperature was pretty low, the mercury resting at only 3 degrees above the cypher. The entire day has continued clear and cold. The evening too is clear, and is also quite calm, and the cold weather continues unabated, the temperature, according to the mercury being only 4 degrees above the dividing line.
Attended to my morning washing & the affairs of my room according to my rule and after breakfast sat down in the library and read till it was time to get ready for meeting. At the proper time went up to the meeting, carrying along my letter to the Sheriff which I deposited in the letter box at the post office and then gave my attendence at the Meeting House. There being no other preacher present, E. F. Larcom delivered a short discourse, and otherwise the meeting was conducted by Br. Charles Ross. Came home & spent the rest of the day about the house.
Monday, 8
Sixth day of last Quarter.
Another clear, cold night, and the morning too was quite cold and a little cloudy. The temperature at seven o’clock was only 5 degrees above zero. The clouds dispersed and the forenoon was fair and pleasant. The middle of the day and the afternoon were cloudy and cold. The evening continues cloudy and cold, the mercury being at 19 degrees at five o’clock.
Spent the early morning in my usual manner until breakfast, and after breakfast sat down to the library table and wrote seven notices to the several individuals of Ziba Morse’s family, & to the overseers of the poor, giving information of the time and place when the Inquisition will be held concerning his lunacy &c. Afternoon went up to the Post Office but got no mail, then went up to Br. Streetors and gave him these notices to be served. Rode back with him to the Centre, then came home and chopped some wood.
Tuesday, 9
Seventh day of Last Quarter.
The early morning was a little cloudy but soon came off
fair. The weather had moderated some the mercury having come up to 20 degrees
at five seven o’clock . The day has been fair and pleasant
and quite mild. The evening too is quite fair at five o’clock and the temperature
is indicated by the mercury to be 28 degrees.
After attending to the preliminary affairs of the morning, took my breakfast and then took my seat in the library and devoted the principal portion of the forenoon, in making preparation for the Inquisition, in relation to Ziba Morse. Wrote two subpoenas and examined the law and forms as given in the books concerning such proceedings. In the middle of the day went up to the post office and got the Tribune, the first I have received on my new subscription for the new year. Came home and after reading the paper a spell, spent the remainder of the afternoon inserting selected newspaper articles into my scrapbook, and splitting some wood for the kitchen at night.
Wednesday, 10
New Moon 10-2 Morn.
The morning was cloudy, the weather continuing mild. At seven o’clock the temperature was about 26 degrees. The forenoon continued cloudy, and about noon the clouds broke away and the afternoon was fair & considerably warm. The evening continues fair and at five o’clock the mercury stood at 27 degrees.
Spent the early morning as usual and read a spell before breakfast. After this prepared some mucilage and worked a spell at my scrapbook again, which, with reading, occupied the time till past 11 o’clock, and then went up to the post office but got nothing, then went up to Ben. Putnam’s but found nobody, and then came home, stopping a short time with Lydia on the way. Burton and Mary were here this afternoon and Luman came from Troy, bringing Sara with him. They staid over night. Cut and split some wood.
Thursday, 11
Second day of New Moon.
Another mild, cloudy morning. At seven o’clock the temperature was 29 degrees, and the clouds disappearing, the forenoon, and the afternoon till towards night were quite warm and fair. The evening at five o’clock was partially cloudy & with a heavy south wind. The mercury is standing at 37 degrees.
After the first business of the morning took my breakfast, then read a spell, and finally went to letter writing again. Wrote a short letter to Mr. Anderson of Rochester, sending $1.50 to him to pay at the office for the Democrat Chronicle for me, and about eleven o’clock went up to the P.O. & got that paper & a letter from the sheriff, and then came home & read the paper. Went up to the store again & delivered my letter to Anderson, bought some stationary, came home & wrote a few lines to Mr. Mercur and another letter enclosing another Venire to the sheriff, fearing that the former one was defective though written according to Purdon’s form. In the evening went up to P.O. & delivered the two letters. Luman departed for Barclay afternoon.
Friday, 12
Third day of New Moon.
The past night was quite windy but remained clear. At seven o’clock the morning was fair and calm, and the temperature was 29 degrees. The day continued fair all the way thro and was very mild and pleasant. The evening is also fair and pleasant the mercury standing at 32 degrees at five o’clock.
Did some reading in the morning both before and after breakfast, and after this did some more writing preparatory to the Inquisition of lunacy now pending, and a little before noon went up to the Centre and stopped at Mr. Bruce’s until the mail arrived, then went over to the post office and got the Tribune and the Reporter, and a very long letter from my friend A. M. Bailey, which contained one also from his son Middlesex. Went back to Bruce’s & read my letter, then came home and read it again & looked over my newspapers, then went out & chopped & split some wood for the library & the kitchen.
Saturday, 13
Fourth day of New Moon.
There has been another clear night, followed by a fair morning. At seven o’clock the mercury stood at 20 degrees. The morning soon became cloudy and the day was also cloudy, the weather continuing mild, and just at night it commenced to snow. The evening is cloudy and snowy and the mercury up to 30 degrees at five o’clock.
Spent the early morning according to custom, and after breakfast sat down in the library and devoted most of the time during the forenoon to reading, dozing some occasionally. Towards noon Burton came with horse and buggy and carried wife up to his house, and the children rode with them. I went up on foot, and so did Lizzie and Sara. Called at the post office on the way but found nothing there for myself, but Lizzie got a letter from Harvey, announcing that he was well and was pleased with his situation. We spent the afternoon very pleasantly at Burton’s and just at night came home in the same order went. Chopped some wood.
Sunday, 14
Fifth day of New Moon.
The snow storm did not amount to much, only whitening the ground a little. The morning was cloudy at the opening and the weather considerably colder. At seven o’clock the mercury stood at 11 degrees above cypher. The day continued quite cloudy and cold all the way through. The evening is of the same type at five o’clock, and the temperature was down to only six degrees above zero.
Arose and attended to my washing as usual in the early morning and put my room in order before breakfast, and after breakfast sat down and spent the time reading, mostly, until the hour for meeting, and then got ready and went up to the meeting house and gave my attendence there. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a discourse. Came home directly after close of the meeting and found Benjamin and Lurenda here with Charlie & Susie, being on their way from Franklin. They staid till towards night, Carried letter from Lizzie to Harvey to the post office in the evening.
Monday, 15
Sixth day of New Moon.
A very cold night. The morning was fair at the opening, but soon became partially cloudy. At seven o’clock the temperature was down to 1 degree below zero. The day has been mostly fair, and much warmer than the morning, and the evening is considerably cloudy and not very cold. At five o’clock the mercury rested at the mark for 17 degrees above the cypher.
Got ready and read a little while in the morning before breakfast, and devoted some time to it afterward. Brought up a quantity of water out of the cellar for Lizzie to do her washing with, and chopped and split some dry pine wood for her, and then went up to the Centre and delivered at the P.O. a Reporter I had put up to be sent to A. M. Bailey. Called a spell on Mr. Bruce and then went back to the post office and waiting there until the mail was brought, I got the Tribune and the Courier and came home. Spent some time looking them over and then went out and split some wood for the kitchen and the library. Freemont was here a spell in the evening.
Tuesday, 16
Seventh day of New Moon.
The morning at seven o’clock was quite cloudy and the weather was pretty cold, the mercury being down to the mark for 6 degrees. There had been some time in the night another little flurry of snow which partly covered the surface of the ground. The day was mostly fair. The evening is cloudy and the weather more moderate. At five o’clock the mercury was at 22 degrees.
Spent the day at home exclusively. Inserted some pieces in my scrapbook and repaired some tin ware by soldering and trimmed my grape vine, in the forenoon. Mr. Gilman brought me a letter from the post office sent by Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook. Spent a considerable portion looking over some old newspapers and cutting out from them such articles as I wish to preserve in my scrapbook. Besides this I split some wood for the cooking stove and for the library. Luman came at night & brot Eliza. She went with Lizzie and others in the evening down to Abe Mott’s to a surprise party. Luman went to bed.
Wednesday, 17
First Quarter 7-6 Morn.
Another light sprinkling of snow in the night and another cloudy morning. At seven o’clock the temperature was indicated by the mercury to be 17 degrees above zero. As the morning advanced, the clouds disappeared and the forenoon was partially fair. The afternoon became quite fair but a cold westerly wind prevailed until night. The evening is quite fair and pleasant, but it is also considerably cold, the mercury at five o’clock, being down to 14 degrees.
Remained at home and about the house again through the entire day. Spent some time in the morning, both before and after breakfast with the family, Eliza and Luman both being with us. Luman left for Barclay in the course of the forenoon, having some cattle to drive. Devoted a considerable portion of the time today to examining old Tribunes and selecting and cutting out articles for insertion in my scrapbook. Cut and split some wood besides. Elon called in the afternoon. Eliza and Lizzie went up to visit Helen in the afternoon, and over to Elon’s in the evening.
Thursday, 18
Second day of First Quarter.
The morning was cloudy and was also pretty cold. At seven o’clock the temperature was down to 9 degrees above the dividing line. The day continued cloudy, and has been pretty cool, but grew some milder as it advanced. The is considerably cloudy and at five o’clock the temperature had risen to 24 degrees.
After attending to other matters this morning, sat down and read a spell before our breakfast was ready. After breakfast spent some time examining old Tribunes and cutting out select articles for insertion in the scrapbook. Towards noon went up to visit with our women at Volney’s this afternoon, Eliza continuing her stay with us. Carried the baby along to Volney’s and then went up to the post office and got the Tribune and the Chronicle, and a letter from Br. Wells, returning to Volney’s, & at night came home & cut some wood.
Friday, 19
Third day of First Quarter.
Found the morning cloudy again, and the ground slightly covered with snow. The temperature at seven o’clock was 24 degrees, the same as at five last evening. The weather has continued cloudy and mild through the day. Snowed some in the course of the day, especially toward the close. The evening is also a little stormy but is quite mild, the mercury being up to 30 degrees at five o’clock.
Spent some time in the morning reading both before and after breakfast, and then went down to the barn with Mr. Gilman and helped him drive the calves down to the farther creek to get some drink. Came in and read a spell and then Alburn Morse calling, I gave him a subpoena for witnesses to attend the Inquisition in his father’s case next Monday. In the middle of the day went up to the post office and got the Reporter, and found the township election in progress, but came away without giving any attention to that, & went over to Amanda’s, where our women had already gone. Eliza came back with us and staid over night again.
Saturday, 20
Fourth day of First Quarter.
The morning was cloudy and the temperature mild, the mercury at seven o’clock standing at the mark for 33 degrees. The sun shone some before noon, but the afternoon was cloudy with considerable wind from the southwest, thawing some all the while. The evening is quite cloudy at five o’clock and continues to thaw, the mercury being up to 34 degrees.
Read some before breakfast and and made that the first business again after leaving the table. Azor called here for Eliza in the course of the forenoon, but started away again very soon. They went up to Sam. Rockwell’s for a visit. Soon after they went away Fremont came in and remained with us until towards night, spending most of his time reading. Went up to the post office a little before noon but brought home a paper for Fremont only. Spent the remainder of the day reading and chopping and splitting some wood for our fires.
Sunday, 21
Fifth day of First Quarter.
The morning at seven o’clock was quite cloudy with mild weather continuing. The mercury was resting at 28 degrees. The clouds broke away as the morning advanced the clouds broke away and the sun shone out brightly but the middle of the day and the afternoon were quite cloudy again. The evening at five o’clock remains considerably cloudy and with a mild temperature, the mercury indicating 29 degrees.
Spent the early morning according to my common practice and after breakfast I spent the principal portion of the time with a book until the hour for meeting, and made preparation and attended at the Meeting House at the Centre. The audience was not large, there being no appointment for a publick preacher there today. Br. Charles Ross took charge of the meeting and conducted the exercises. Came away immediately after the close of the meeting, and devoted a portion of the afternoon with the women and children, and the remainder of it
in the library reading.
Monday, 22
Sixth day of First Quarter.
The morning at seven o’clock was quite windy, was partially fair, & with a lower temperature, the mercury being at the mark for 20 degrees. The weather being pretty cool it thawed but little in the course of the day. It was partially cloudy through the day, but the evening is quite cloudy. At five o’clock the temperature was 28 degrees.
Directly after breakfast in the morning went down to see Abe Mott in relation to some business that Harvey had engaged him to do. Returning I spent the remainder of the forenoon reading, and in making preparation for the Inquisition to be held in the afternoon. At noon went up to the Centre and calling at the post office received the Tribune and the Courier. At the proper time went in to Franklin’s and met the sheriff there who had already summoned the Jury. On the arrival of Delos Rockwell we commenced proceedings and closed them a little before night. Came home & read my papers.
Tuesday, 23
Seventh day of First Quarter.
The morning was partially fair at the opening, and the temperature at seven o’clock was 26 degrees. The day remained partially fair only, the sun shining a part of the time, and as it progressed the weather grew colder too, so that at five o’clock in the evening the temperature was down to 14 degrees, and continues to fall. The evening is considerably fair and quite calm.
Remained in and about the house all the morning and all the forenoon and spent a portion of the time reading. Mr. Gilman came into the library with me occasionally and Elon called before noon and spent three or four hours with me. In course of the afternoon went up to the Centre and called at Orlando’s barnyard to see the old sow that Abe and Lincoln undertook to drive up to Sam Rockwell’s on a visit but left there on account of lameness. Called at the P. O., & at Isaac’s, & then came home and chopped & split some wood for both fires.
Wednesday, 24
Eighth day of First Quarter.
The morning was quite cloudy and cold, the mercury being down to 6 degrees above zero at seven o’clock. As the morning advanced the clouds broke away and the day was partially fair. The weather has continued quite cold, and there has been a brisk north west wind. The evening too at five o’clock is partially cloudy, and the mercury has only come up to 13 degrees.
Remained in the library most of the time during the morning, and until some time afternoon. Mr. Gilman brot me two letters from the P.O., one from our Lettie, and the from Mr. Doane at Troy requesting me to call at Frank Taylor’s for Delos Rockwell & inquire for his gold pen. Went up to Frank’s and made the inquiry, and they made a search but it was not successful. Came home and after reading a spell chopped and split some wood for the kitchen and the library.
Thursday, 25
Full Moon 0-18 Even.
The morning at the opening was quite cloudy and cold. At seven o’clock the mercury rested at 10 degrees above zero. The clouds breaking away early in the day the forenoon and middle of the day were partially fair, and the afternoon was quite fair. There has been a cold westerly wind prevailing through the day. The evening at five o’clock is very clear, and is quite cold also, the mercury being down to 11 degrees above zero.
Spent my time in the early morning as usual until the breakfast call, and on leaving the breakfast table returned to the library and read an hour or two longer. After this went out and split up a pile of wood for the women to use in the kitchen. In the middle of the day went up to the post office and got the Tribune, and then went in and chatted an hour or so with Mr. Bruce and Lydia. Came home and spent some time with in the library reading the newspapers with Mr. Gilman. John Vroman came in & paid $9.92, the of note Luman held.
Friday, 26
Second day of Full Moon.
The past was a clear, cold night. The morning at the opening was fair and calm, and the mercury was 1 degree below zero. The day continued fair until towards night and then became a little cloudy. The wind has been southerly and it thawed some in the middle of the day where the sun shined. The evening at five o’clock is partially cloudy, and the temperature is up to 17 degrees.
Spent the morning as usual and remained at home through
the day, reading some when not otherwise engaged. Mr. Gilman being up to
the Centre in the afternoon brought me the Tribune Reporter
from the post office. Elon called in the forenoon and chatted with me some
time, and Mr. Gilman was in the library with me several times. Luman called
just at night with Wm. Tidd, they being on their way from Barclay to Troy.
They staid but a short time.
Saturday, 27
Third day of Full Moon. The morning was quite cloudy and the weather considerably more mild. At seven o’clock the mercury stood at 17 degrees, same as last evening. The forenoon remained cloudy, and in the middle of the day the clouds broke away so that the sun appeared occasionally. The afternoon and the evening were considerably cloudy but not very cold.
Spent the morning as usual, and the forenoon examining old Tribunes and cutting some articles for the Scrap Book. Having agreed to go to Troy with Lincoln and Fremont, waited for them till noon and then started off on foot, calling at the post office where I found the Chronicle. Went on some ways beyond East Troy and then being overtaken by the boys, rode with them to the village and called with them to see Delos at his office. I went to the picture gallery and bought a dozen stereographs, and not wanting to ride home in the evening, walked over to Azor’s & staid.
Sunday, 28
Fourth day of Full Moon.
The weather this morning was quite moderate, was partially cloudy and snowed a little. The day continued mild and mostly cloudy until night and then became partially fair again. The evening is mostly fair and at five o’clock the temperature as indicated by the thermometer, is 20. degrees.
Remained at Azor’s in the morning until after breakfast, and then with little delay started off homewards and went up to Benjamin’s where I concluded to stop a spell. Walked there from Azor’s in one hour. Staid there with them until after supper and then concluding that I ought to be at home I started off on foot again and arrived at home in one hour and forty minutes after leaving Benjamin’s. Spent some time with the children, then kindling my fire in the library I spent the evening there as usual.
Monday, 29
Fifth day of Full Moon.
The morning was quite fair but very cold. At seven o’clock the mercury was down to 7 degrees below the cypher. The day has been considerably fair but there has been a cold, piercing, westerly wind prevailing which has rendered it quite uncomfortable. The evening is also fair but is quite windy and cold, and the temperature at five o’clock was only 6 degrees above zero.
Took my bath in the morning as usual and then took my breakfast. After this wrote a letter to the Prothonotary and inclosing with it all my papers relating to the Inquisition & in the middle of the day carried it up to the post office delivered it there with twelve cts postage. Got the Tribune and returned immediately home. Spent some time looking over the paper and then Samuel came in and wife and I were vaccinated and the two little children also. He staid till after tea and then departed. Fremont came in towards night. Mr. Gilman was with me in the library a number of times.
Tuesday, 30
Sixth day of Full Moon.
The morning at seven o’clock was partially cloudy and very cold, the mercury at that time being down to 3 degrees below the cypher. The morning clouds disappeared and the remainder of the day was fair but it continued cold. The evening is clear and calm, and at five o’clock the mercury was down to 3 degrees above zero.
Spent the morning about the house according to custom, and after breakfast devoted an hour or more to the newspapers and then went to work at filling my scrapbook which I followed until towards noon and then walked up to the post office and got the Courier which I brought immediately home and spent some time reading it. In the forenoon Amanda came and staid till towards night. Split up a parcel of wood for the kitchen, and some for the library. In the evening Luman came & put up, with some cattle for Barclay.
Wednesday, 31
Seventh day of Full Moon.
The night was clear and cold, and the morning at seven o’clock was fair and calm, with the mercury down to the mark of 6 degrees below zero. The day continued fair and before night the cold was considerably abated. The evening is fair and the weather pretty keen again but not as cold as last night.
Spent the morning and the forenoon in my usual way, and in the middle of the day – Luman having offered us a chance, – concluded to go with wife to Barclay. I started on ahead with his cattle, and he came on afterward with his mother in his carriage. He overtook down by the county bridge, and then changing places with him I took my seat in the carriage and went on with wife to Barclay and left him with the cattle. Arriving at Mr. Brewer’s, I sent him back with the carriage to meet Luman. We staid at Brewer’s, an in the evening Theodore and Esther came in.
February
Thursday, 1
Eighth day of Full Moon.
The morning was fair and was also considerably cold. The day continued fair, and the sun shining brightly there was some thawing, but it was quite cold again towards night. The evening is fair overhead. but is considerably hazy around the horizon. At five o’clock the mercury came up to only 9 degrees above zero.
We arose in good season and looked around the market establishment before breakfast. Took our breakfast at Mr. Brewer’s and soon after we went into the picture gallery to have our photographs taken. We sat several times in the course of the forenoon, going back to Brewer’s to dinner. After dinner Luman came with his carriage and brought his mother home, I coming the greatest portion of the way on foot. On our arrival we found Harvey at home he having finished his work in Tioga Co. and returned. Luman went on to Troy, in search of fat cattle.
Friday, 2
Last Quarter 5-14 Morn.
The morning was a little hazy but was otherwise fair. The temperature had not improved much, the mercury being down to 11 degrees below zero at seven o’clock. The day has been fair, and quite pleasant and thawed a little in the sunshine, and and was not so cold at night as it was the last night. The evening is also fair, and at five o’clock the mercury was up to 14 degrees above zero.
After attending to the first business of the morning spent a short time reading before breakfast. After breakfast went out and split a little wood, and then James McKean came in to see if he could ascertain what Luman’s arrangements are for the disposal of his beef hides. After he went away worked a spell at cutting out from newspapers articles for the scrap book, and then went up to the post office and got the Reporter and the Chronicle, and also a letter from Mr. Atkins and a book from the Department of Agriculture, sent by Mr. Mercur. Came home spent some time reading.
Saturday, 3
Second day of Last Quarter.
The morning at the opening was cloudy and there was a snow storm in progress with the weather more moderate. At seven o’clock the mercury stood at 14 degrees the same as last evening. Continued cloudy through the day but the snow storm abated somewhat in the course of the forenoon, but fell in the course of the day to the depth of twelve inches or more. It is the first snow of the season sufficient to make sleighing. Evening is cloudy and stormy and windy, and the mercury at five o’clk. is at 18 degrees.
Intended to attend the funeral of old Mr. Davis today, but on account of the storm and unbroken track I concluded to remain at home. Devoted a portion of the time at filling my scrapbook besides reading some and splitting some wood. Had no company except Mr. Gilman occasionally & Luman came about noon & staid over. Fremont called with the Courier.
Sunday, 4
Third day of Last Quarter.
The morning was cloudy at the opening and there was considerable wind which drifted the snow some, but the weather was moderate the mercury resting at 18 degrees, the same as last night. There was some sunshine in the middle of the day but it became cloudy again before night. The evening at five o’clk. is cloudy and calm, and the temperature is up to 25 degrees.
Have felt a little unwell last night and today, which is probably on account of my vaccination. On this account and also on account of the bad walking I did not attend the meeting to day, but spent the time at home and mostly in the library reading some and writing a little when not engaged in conversation with Mr. Gilman or some of the family who occasionally came in to sit with me. Luman remained with us till in the middle of the day and then started for Barclay with his buggy, leaving his cattle here for the present.
Monday, 5
Fourth day of Last Quarter.
The morning at the opening was cloudy and the weather mild. At seven o’clock the mercury was standing at the mark for 28 degrees. Mild, cloudy weather continued through the day thawing some. The evening remains cloudy, and the temperature at five o’clock was at the freezing point – 32 degrees.
Felt some better this morning and attended to my matters about the house as usual but did not go out farther than the dooryard, not having been out as far as the road since last Friday. Spent the time today almost exclusively at preparing and arranging articles selected from newspapers, and inserting them in my scrapbook, putting more than fifty pages of double columns. At night went out and split some wood for the library and brot it in. Had no company today except one or two short visits from Mr. Gilman. Harvey brought the Tribune down from the post office in the middle of the day. Spent some time this evening reading it.
Tuesday, 6
Fifth day of Last Quarter.
Cleared off in the night time and there was a very heavy wind. The morning was fair and calm and mild, the temperature at seven o’clock being up to 30 degrees. As the morning advanced it became cloudy and the afternoon was quite rainy, ceasing towards the close of the day. The evening is partially fair, and at five o’clock the temperature is 32 degrees.
Having despatched the first business of the morning went in to breakfast, and after this back into the library where I spent most of the time during the day, not going away from the house at all. Did something more towards completing my Scrap Book, filling up the pages, 142 in all, and spending some time at making an index or table of contents. Besides all this I devoted a considerable portion of the time at reading, and also split some wood and shovelled some snow. Harvey according to his arrangement started away again with his team to work a spell at Snediker’s in Columbia township, hauling logs. Had no company from out of the house.
Wednesday, 7
Sixth day of Last Quarter.
The morning at the first was a little cloudy and the weather was some colder. At seven o’clock the mercury stood only 10 degrees above zero. The day has been mostly fair but not as warm as yesterday. The evening at five o’clock is fair and the temperature, as indicated by the mercury is only up to 11 degrees.
Arose early, kindled my fire in the library, attended to my ablution and then dressed and put the room in order according to my daily custom when at home. After breakfast I went into the library again and after I had spent some time reading I examined some more old newspapers and selected and cut out such articles as I wished to preserve for another Scrap Book. Did not go abroad at all today, and have seen no company besides the family and Mr. Gilman. Split a little more wood at night.
Thursday, 8
Seventh day of Last Quarter. New moon
8-56. Evening Sun rises at 7-3, and sets at 5-26.
The night was very cold, the morning at sunrise was fair and pleasant, and the mercury in the thermometer had sunk down to 13 degrees below zero. The day continued fair, thawing some in the middle of it, but freezing again towards night. The evening at sunset is fair and the mercury has risen to 18 degrees above the cypher.
Spent the morning in the usual mode and after breakfast went back into the library, and spent some time reading, and after this went out and split some wood for the kitchen. In the middle of the day, went up to the Centre, met Benjamin there in a cutter, got in with him and he drove me back to the post office, I went in and got the Chronicle and then rode with him down to Samuel Shepard’s, and back home, he going up to Burton’s, having left Lurenda there. In the afternoon I read the paper and worked a spell at the index of the Scrap Book and prepared my wood for the morning.
Friday, 9
Second day of New Moon. Sun rises at 7-2, and sets at 5-27.
The morning was quite fair at sunrise, and the temperature pretty low, the mercury being down to 6 degrees below zero. The forenoon became partially cloudy and the afternoon considerably so, thawing but little. The evening at sundown is still somewhat cloudy but appears to be clearing off. The mercury is resting at 20 degrees above zero.
Spent the early morning according to my adopted rule. After breakfast returned to the library and spent the forenoon almost exclusively, to looking over a parcel of old newspapers, and selecting and cutting out some interesting articles for insertion in a Scrap Book. At noon went up to the Centre, riding with a young man in a sleigh who stopped at Isaac’s, called at the post office and got the Tribune and the Reporter, brought them home and spent the afternoon with them. At night cut and split some wood for both fires.
Saturday, 10
Third day of New Moon. Sun rises at 7-1, and sets at 5-28.
The Morning was quite fair after another very cold night. At sunrise the mercury was down to 8 degrees below the cypher again. The day continued fair and thawed considerable where the sun shined. The evening at sundown remains fair, and the temperature is 20 degrees above zero.
Improved the early morning in the usual way, and after breakfast spent some time in the library reading. Towards noon Amanda and Lucella & Lincoln’s wife, with their little children came over. Went up to the post office but found no mail matter and returned. Afternoon Mr. Bruce and Lydia, and Theodore and Esther came, and soon after their arrival Luther and Sally made their appearance, making out a very good company for the afternoon. Towards night they all went away, & I then split some wood.
Sunday, 11
Fourth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 7-0, and sets at 5-30. Moon sets 8-36
The morning was cloudy and calm and the weather more moderate. At the time of sunrise the mercury stood at 15 degrees. The day came off fair and the weather was quite mild, thawing considerably. The evening at sunset is a little cloudy, and the temperature is 37 degrees.
Read some in the early morning and after breakfast until the hour for the meeting, the time was spent reading, almost exclusively. Attended the forenoon meeting at the Centre. Br. Greenlaw was not present in person, but was represented here today by his brother who officiated in his place. Returned directly from meeting and after spending a short time with the family, resumed my place in the library, and my reading. A short time after this Burton and Mary and their little girl were announced, and they spent the remainder of the afternoon with us.
Monday, 12
Fifth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-58, and sets at 5-31. Moon sets at 9-49.
The morning is a little cloudy and the weather continues mild. At the time of sunrising the mercury stood at 26 degrees above zero. The day has been mostly fair and the weather quite mild, thawing more than it did yesterday. The evening continues fair and mild, the mercury at sunset being up to 35 degrees.
Spent the morning and the forenoon at home and about the house, doing a little of several things, among which was chopping and splitting some wood, principally for the use of the kitchen, but devoting the greatest portion of the time to reading in the library. In the middle of the day I went up to the post office, and the mail being late, waited till its arrival, and then receiving the Tribune and the Courier for last week brought them home and spent the most of the afternoon with them. Luman came in the afternoon from Barclay and staid over. Harvey returned with his team.
Tuesday, 13
Sixth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-57, and sets at 5-32. Moon sets at 10-55.
The morning at sunrise was considerably cloudy with mild weather continuing. The mercury was standing at 25 degrees. The fore part of the day was partially fair but it became cloudy again and the afternoon was rainy. It has thawed very much and spots of bare ground begin to appear. The evening at sundown is rainy and the mercury stands at 34 degrees.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning and the forenoon in the library, a part of the time engaged at reading and the remainder of it selecting and cutting out articles from newspapers for preservation in Scrap Books. Did not go to the post office today, not expecting any matter in this mail. Spent some time in the afternoon inserting articles in a small scrap book for recipes & towards night I chopped and split some wood for the kitchen and the library. Luman went away after breakfast, Harvey going to help him drive some cattle to Franklin.
Wednesday, 14
Seventh day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-56, and sets at 5-34. Moon sets at 11-58.
There was another change of weather in the night. At the time of sunrise in the morning there was a snow storm in progress attended with some wind and the mercury was down to 12 degrees avove zero. The snowing soon ceased, the clouds broke away, and the forenoon became fair. The afternoon was partially cloudy and the weather grew colder. The evening at sunset was mostly fair and the mercury was down to 6 degrees above zero.
Spent the early morning in the usual way and after breakfast
went to work at my Scrap Books again, selecting useful items from the Reporter
and the Courier and inserting them in the small Book for that purpose.
Towards noon Harvey hitched up his sleigh and we all got in and rode up
to Luther’s for a visit. Found Luther and Sally at home over to
Van Rensselar Robinson’s for a visit. Found his father there, and Amanda
and her folks were also there. Towards night I walked home before the rest
were ready.
Thursday, 15
The Fourth Sixth Eighth
day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6 and sets at 5-35. Moon sets Morn
The night was very cold and the morning was cloudy and cold, the temperature at sunrise being only 3 degrees above zero. The day continued cloudy all the way through and was considerably cold and blustering, and much of the time there was a little snow falling. The evening at the time of sunset continued cloudy, and the temperature was 13 degrees above zero.
Attended to the first business of the morning, and after breakfast went to work in the library at another Scrap Book, having improvised an old Patent office Report for that purpose. Spent most of the forenoon at selecting and inserting articles, and then got into the sleigh with Harvey and the family and rode up to Luther’s for a visit. Found Luther and Sally at home and had a pleasant time with them. Returning at night, called at the post office and got the Courier only. Worked in the evening at my Scrap Book.
Friday, 16
First Quarter 1-28, Morn. Sun rises at 6-53, and sets at 5-36. Moon sets at 0-59.
The morning at sunrise was quite cloudy but the weather had moderated some in the latter part of the night, the mercury standing at the mark for 14 degrees. The day continued cloudy nearly all the way through, there being but a very little sunshine, but the weather was considerably more moderate than yesterday. the evening at sundown was still cloudy and the mercury was up to 24 degrees.
Arose early according to custom, and having gone through with my morning routine, took my breakfast and then resumed my work at the Scrap Book in the library. Was engaged in this way the principal part of the forenoon, but Harvey having hitched up his sleigh again for another visit, towards noon we all got in and rode over to Elisha Bailey’s and spent the afternoon with him and his family. Towards night, Harvey not being on hand, I started off in advance of the rest, and walked home, having my wood for morning to prepare.
Saturday, 17
Second day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-2, and sets at 5-37. Moon sets 2-0 M.
The morning is quite cloudy, & is calm and mild. At the time of sunrise the temperature was up to 20 degrees. The clouds passed away in the course of the forenoon and the afternoon was fair and a little colder. At sunset the evening is fair and the mercury is at 14 degrees.
In the morning after putting my person and my room in proper order I sat down and read a spell and then I went to my breakfast, after which, returning to the library, I went to work at examining some old newspapers and selecting & cutting out articles to be preserved in Scrap Books. In the afternoon went out and cut and split and brought in my wood for Sunday & then went up to the P.O. & got the Reporter, and another letter from A. M. Bailey, & a letter for Harvey. Elon came in and sat a spell, then Sam came & pulled a tooth for me, & after this Luman came with some cattle & put up.
Sunday, 18
Third day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-51, and sets at 5-39. Moon sets at 2-57 Morn.
The morning at sunrise was quite fair and calm but the weather was very cold, the mercury being down to 6 degrees below zero. The weather continued remarkably fair and pleasant through the day, thawing some in the sunshine. The evening at sundown continues fair and the mercury is resting at the mark for 17 degrees above the cypher.
Attended to my morning matters and took my breakfast, and then sat down in the library to reading until the time to make preparation for meeting. Having done this went up to the meetinghouse and gave my attendence there. The meeting was conducted by Br. C. D. Ross, but E. F. Larcom was the chief speaker. At the conclusion came immediately home and spent the remainder of the day about the house – with the family, and in the library reading. Luman remained with us until towards night and then departed for Barclay, leaving his cattle for Harvey to drive tomorrow.
Monday, 19
Fourth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-49, and sets at 5-40. Moon sets 3-52.
The morning opened fair and the weather remained considerably cold. At sunrise the temperature was down to 4 degrees below zero. The day has been fair and, after the early morning hours, quite mild. The evening at sunset was a little hazy around the horizon but otherwise fair, and the mercury was 19 degrees above zero.
After the early morning affairs took an early breakfast, and then sat down in the library and spent an hour or two reading. After this commenced to write a letter to my friend A. M. Bailey In the middle of the day went up to the Centre, calling first at the Post Office where I received the Tribune and the Courier, and the Chronicle, and then after making a short stop with Lydia came home and chopped some wood and read my newspapers, making but little progress with my letter.
Tuesday, 20
Fifth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-48 and sets at 5-41. Moon sets at 4-43 Morn.
The morning is clear and calm and cold. At the time of sunrise the temperature, according to the thermometer, was down to 4 degrees below zero, the same as yesterday morning. The day has been fair until near the close and has been considerably mild. The evening at sunset is cloudy and the mercury has gone up from its low position in the morning to 32 degrees above the cypher.
Spent the early morning in the usual manner. After breakfast, Harvey not having returned from Barclay, and Mr. Gilman having a very lame arm, I went down to the barn after breakfast and fed the cattle. After this returned to the house and resumed my writing in the library. Finished my letter to Mr. A. M. Bailey and commenced writing one to Lettie Lane of Jersey Shore spending most of the time during the day at the writing table, but chopped some wood in the meantime for both fires. At night went to the barn again and took care of the cattle, & sent the Bailey letter to P.O. by Alva. After this Harvey came home.
Wednesday, 21
Sixth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-46, and sets at 5-43. Moon sets at 5-29 Morn.
The morning at sunrise was considerably cloudy and the weather was very much warmer than it has been of late. The temperature was up to 30 degrees. The clouds cleared away in the morning and the day has been fair and quite mild. The fields on the north hill are getting bare of snow. The evening at sunset is partially cloudy and the temperature is 32 degrees.
Arose early in the morning, attended to my bathing and other matters according to my custom, and then took my breakfast at the usual time. Immediately after breakfast returned to my table in the library and resumed my writing, completing Lettie’s letter in which I enclosed photographs of myself and wife, having copied the letter as I proceeded with it. After this commenced writing a letter to Mr. Atkins, which I copied as I went along. Towards night went out and chopped and prepared some wood for the library, and in the evening went up and placed letter to Lettie in the P.O. box.
Thursday, 22
Seventh day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-45, and sets at 5-44. Moon sets at 6-9 Morn.
The morning was mostly fair at sunrise in the morning, and the weather was some colder again, the mercury being only 7 degrees above zero. The evening is mostly fair, and quite calm, and considerably cold at sunset, the mercury standing at 6 degrees above zero.
Arose before the sun in the morning, and after breakfast returned to the library, and after devoting a short time to reading commenced to write a letter to Rhoda A. Cook after I had finished my letter to Mr. Atkins. Wrote at intervals during the forenoon, and at noon went up to the post office and delivered my letter to Mr. Atkins and got the Chronicle and came home in company with Sam and Ed. who were both on foot. Spent a considerable portion of the afternoon reading the Chronicle, and the Tribune that came last Monday. Mr. Gilman came in occasionally, but otherwise I have had no company today. Read some in the evening, but wrote most of the time.
Friday, 23
Eighth day of First Quarter, Sun rises at 6-44, and sets at 5-45. Moon rises
Another cold freezing night, followed by a cold morning which at sunrise was quite fair, and calm, with the mercury at cypher. Clouds came up with the sun and soon the sky was over cast with them. The day continued cloudy all the way through, except that the clouds were a little broken towards night. The weather has been chilly although it has thawed some. The evening at sunset is partially cloudy and the temperature is up to 25 degrees.
In the morning after breakfast resumed my chair at the writing table and finished my letter to Rhoda and the copy likewise, and then read till past 11 o’clock, at which time I took the letter up to the P.O. & delivered it, waited till the mail came in, got the Tribune and the Reporter, went in & waited till the tolling of the bell, then went in to the Meeting House & attended the funeral of David Allen’s wife, Elder Phenix officiating, and then came home & spent remainder of afternoon reading.
Saturday, 24
Full Moon 6-0, Morn. Sun rises at 6-42, and sets at 5-46. Moon rises at 6-3.
The morning, at the rising of the sun, was mostly fair and the weather had become considerably more moderate, the mercury resting at 30 degrees. The day was fair until toward night, and quite mild besides, thawing considerably. The evening at sunset is quite cloudy and the mercury in the thermometer has risen up to the mark for 43 degrees.
After attending to my morning ablutions and other matters took my breakfast and after this went back to the library and resumed my business of letter writing – this time to Middlesex A. Bailey, who is a son of Alfred M. Bailey, in answer to a letter from him of January 6th last. Spent a considerable portion of the day at the writing table copying the letter as I went along, and finishing the whole at an early hour in the evening. Did not go to the post office today on account of the muddy road. Amanda and Mrs. Robinson came in and spent some time with me towards night.
Sunday, 25
Second day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-41, and sets at 5-48. Moon rises at 7-5.
The thawing continued through the past night and the morning was quite cloudy at the opening, and the mercury was up to 37 degrees at sunrises. The day continued cloudy till and then the clouds were a little broken, but the weather towards the close of the grew considerably colder. The evening at sunset is quite windy as well as cloudy, and the mercury has fallen to 26 degrees.
Spent a considerable portion of the morning hours in the library reading. At the hour for meeting went up to the Centre for that purpose, but went first over to the Post Office and and deposited my letter to A. M. Bailey’s son in the post office Box, and then, returning to the Meeting House, gave my attendence there. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered the discourse, and Br. Levi Taylor also being present took a part in the conduct of the meeting. Came home & spent more time reading.
Monday, 26
Third day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-39, and sets at 5-49. Moon rises at 8-9.
There was a good deal of wind in the course of the night, and the morning at sunrise was some windy with a few clouds. Tmercury was 10 degrees above zero. The day has been principally fair. The weather has been pretty cold although it thawed in the sunshine, but there was a cold wind there kept the temperature down in the shade. The evening is fair and at sunset the mercury stood at 17 degrees above zero.
Went to work at some of my old newspapers in the morning after breakfast, examining them and cutting out such articles as I thought were worth preserving, to be inserted in Scrap Books. Worked till afternoon at this business and then laying it aside started to go up to the post office, but meeting Mr. Gilman on the way who brought me the Tribune and the Courier, I turned about and came back, and spent most of the remainder of the day reading the two newspapers. Luman came in the afternoon from Barclay, and staying till towards night, departed for Alba. He expects to be off several days in search of fat cattle.
Tuesday, 27
Fourth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-38, and sets at 5-50. Moon rises at 9-13.
A freezing night, followed by a fair cold morning, with the mercury down to 8 degrees above zero at the time of sunrising. The day continued fair and pretty cold, but with less wind than yesterday and a higher temperature. The evening at sunset is fair and with some wind remaining. The temperature is 21 degrees.
The morning routine attended to as usual. After breakfast went back to the library and resumed the examination of old Tribunes, selecting articles for preservation in scrap books. Devoted the principal part of the forenoon to this employment, and in the afternoon spent some time in the chamber arranging the things in some of the closets and cupboards there. After this cracked and at some hickory nuts, and then resumed my scissoring again. Amanda and Fremont called. Harvey & Lizzie went with Amanda to the Centre to meeting this evening.
Wednesday, 28
Fifth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-37, and sets at 5-51. Moon rises at 10-20.
Another clear cold night, and the morning was clear and cold and fair. The temperature was shown by the mercury to be 8 degrees above zero. The day continued quite fair and pleasant all the way through and the cold weather has considerably abated. The evening at sunset is clear and calm, with the mercury at 22 degrees above the cypher.
Spent the entire day at home, not going away from the house at all. Devoted the time principally to the same employment I was engaged in yesterday, searching the old newspapers and cutting out articles to be placed in Scrap Books. Spent considerable time reading in the course of my business during the day. In the afternoon went out and split and prepared and brought in some wood for my use in the library. Amanda came over went up to the Centre with Lizzie to meeting again tonight.
Thursday, 29
Sixth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-36, and sets at 5-52. Moon rises at 11-31.
The morning opened quite fair and pleasant but it was also pretty cold. At the the time of sunrise the mercury was down to 9 degrees above zero. The morning became cloudy as it advanced and the day was mostly cloudy and pretty cold. The evening was also cloudy and cold and the Aurora Borealis was very conspicuous.
Spent a considerable portion of the forenoon at the business of examining an selecting articles from old newspapers for preservation in Scrap Books, necessarily spending much of the time reading. Harvey went to Troy in the forenoon and took along his Ma and his wife and the children and Sarah, all of whom were going to Azor’s, I waiting till mail time and then started off on foot. Called at the Post Office and got the Tribune and the Chronicle and a letter from Cousin Lydia Caywood. Stopped a short time at Bruce’s and Burton’s, called & took dinner at Benjamin’s, & then went on to Azor’s where I found wife, Harvey having gone home.
March
Friday, 1
Seventh day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-35, and sets at 5-53. Moon rises at Morn.
The morning opened fair and very pleasant, but the weather was tolerably cold. The day continued quite fair all the way through, and the sunshine produced considerable thawing in the middle of the day and in the afternoon. The evening continued fair, and was also pretty cold.
Pretty soon after breakfast I started out and walked over to town, calling first at Grant’s shop where I left my watch to be cleaned, and my chain for further inscriptions. While waiting for this work made several calls about town and traded a little with Jewell and Pomeroy, and with Newman and Parsons. After this this went back to Grant’s and got my watch and bought a pair of sleeve buttons, $2.50, & bought of P. M. Sayles a package of stamped envelopes. Returned to Azor’s, and towards night hitched up and carried us in his light waggon down to Benjamin’s, where stopped for the night.
Saturday, 2
Last Quarter 2-33, Even. Sun rises at 6-34, and sets at 5-53. Moon rises, 0-41.
The past night was clear and cold, and the morning was cloudy and cold, and the same sort of weather continued through the day without thawing any. The evening too is cloudy, but there seems to be a little abatement of the cold. At the time of sunsetting the mercury was up to 14 degrees.
We spent the forenoon and a part of the afternoon visiting with Benjamin and Lurenda, and towards night, according to arrangement, Benjamin hitched up his team and brought along Lurenda and Charlie and Susie besides. We put out his horses and they all staid over night, Lurenda going up to meeting in the evening with Lizzie. On our way home, I called at the P.O. and got the Courier and looked it over some in the evening. Luman, with Dr. Hillis, called at night a short time, on their way from Barclay to Troy.
Sunday, 3
Second day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-32, and sets at 5-54. Moon rises at 1-52 Morn.
Cleared off in the night and was quite cold. The morning at sunrise was clear and calm and cold, and the mercury was down to 5 degrees above zero. The day continued fair, with slight exceptions, until the close, and the weather became moderate enough to thaw some where the sun shined. The evening continued fair, and at the time of sunset the mercury was 27 degrees above the cypher.
Quite unwell today, having taken a severe cold while at Benjamin’s, but attended meeting nevertheless. Benjamin and Lurenda attended and wife rode up with them. Azor and Eliza came down and attended also. They all came down and stopped with us till after tea, and towards night they departed for their several homes. Br. Olin of Fulton co. N. Y. was the speaker today. He is a very able man, and has been engaged here for a week past, speaking every evening. Returned as soon as the services closed. Felt considerably unwell in the evening. Took a hemlock sweat & went to bed.
Monday, 4
Third day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-30, and sets at 5-55. Moon rises at 3-0 Morn.
The morning, at the time of sunrise, was considerably cloudy, a little windy, and not quite as cold as common. The mercury was up to the mark for 23 degrees. The principal part of the day was cloudy, and considerably windy and somewhat squally and quite cold after the middle of the day. The evening at sunset was cloudy, and quite blustering, the mercury being only 6 degrees above zero.
Omitted the bathing this morning on account of being so
much unwell. Got up and built my fire and sat by it till breakfast. After
this returned to my fire room and commenced filling a
new Scrap Book with articles taken from the Tribune, continuing to work
at it by turns through the day. Mr. Gilman went to the Post Office but
found no mail matter in my box. Went out in the afternoon and prepared
some wood for my fire and brought it into the closet.
Tuesday, 5
Fourth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-29, and sets at 5-56. Moon rises at 4-2. Morn.
The night was very cold, freezing the well over in the cellar. The morning was fair at the opening but clouds appeared soon after. It was also very cold, the mercury at sunrise being 10 degrees below zero. The day has been partially cloudy, and has continued extremely cold – the coldest of the year. The evening is fair and very windy, and continues very cold the mercury at sunset standing at the mark for 1 degree below zero.
Continue considerably unwell yet and did not bathe in the morning, doing nothing more than to kindle my fire and get ready for breakfast. After breakfast went to work at my scrapbook again, paging it all the way through, and then was pretty busy most of the time during the remainder of the day at inserting articles from the Tribune. Did not go to the Post Office on account of the cold weather and my indisposition.
Wednesday, 6
Fifth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-27, and sets at 5-57. Moon rises at 4-56 Morn.
There has been another very cold night. The morning was fair at the beginning and was also quite windy. At sunrise the temperature was down to 6 degrees below zero. The day has been mostly fair, considerably windy, and quite cold but a little more moderate than it was yesterday. The evening is partially cloudy, and quite windy and cold. At the time of sunset the temperature was 12 degrees above zero, as appeared by the thermometer.
On account of being so badly affected by my cold I postponed by ablution again this morning, but after breakfast I continued my work at filling my new Tribune Scrap Book, and finished it at night, except the index. Harvey brout from the Post Office the Tribune that was due last Monday, & a Tribune Almanac for 1872 which I had lately sent for. He says he saw a Robin today, in the Orchard. Went out towards night and selected and prepared some wood for my fire & brot it in.
Thursday, 7
Sixth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-25, and sets at 5-28. Moon rises at 5-40 M.
The morning was cloudy at the opening, and a little windy, but the cold weather had abated considerably. The temperature at the time of sun rise, was 13 degrees above zero. The day has been mostly fair and much more moderate than any day since Sunday last, thawing some in the sunshine. The evening at sunset is clear and calm, and not extremely cold, the mercury being up to 23 degrees.
Continuing considerably unwell I again omitted the morning
bathing. Put my room in order and got ready for breakfast. After this went
back to the library and commenced to fill
again to fill a Scrap Book that I began some time since, inserting only
artiles taken from the Chronicle, with the exception perhaps of a very
few from the Courier. In the early afternoon went up to the Post Office
and got the Tribune, calling a little while at Isaac’s on my way back.
Spent some time in the afternoon reading.
Friday, 8
Seventh day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 6-24, and sets at 5-59. Moon rises at 6-16 Morn.
The morning began quite fair but the weather remained considerably cold yet. At the time of sunrising the mercury had found its way down to the mark for 4 degrees above zero. The forenoon was mostly fair, the afternoon being considerably cloudy. The weather through the day has been tolerably mild, thawing some in the sunshine. The evening at sunset is quite cloudy and not very cold, the mercury standing at 23 degrees.
Resumed the sponge this morning and took a thorough washing before I dressed. After breakfast returned to the library and resumed the Scrap Book business again and continued it most of the time through the day. Did not go to the Post Office, but Mr. Gilman brought me the Reporter and the Chronicle this afternoon. Read some this evening. My cold is very much better today.
Saturday, 9
New Moon at 7-57, Morn. Sun rises at 6-22, and sets at
6-0. Moon rises at Sets.
The morning is quite cloudy at the opening and there was a sprinkling of snow on the ground. At the time of sunrise the mercury was up to 25 degrees. The day continued cloudy all the way through without any storm except a little sleet, and has been quite mild besides. The evening continues moderate and cloudy and at the time of sunset the temperature is 27 degrees.
Having nearly recovered from my indisposition I attended to the regular order again this morning, and after breakfast went immediately back to my work in the library, and in the course of the forenoon completed the filling of the Chronicle Scrapbook with which I had been engaged. In the afternoon took another old Patent Office Report and prepared it for another Scrap Book by cutting a portion of the leaves and then paged it. Towards night went out and split some wood for the library fire.
Sunday, 10
Second day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-20, and sets at 6-1. Moon sets 7-29.
The morning was very cloudy, the weather continuing mild. At the time of sunrise the mercury was resting at the mark for 28 degrees. The weather continued cloudy and mild through the day, snowing a very little and thawing some. The evening is cloudy also, and the weather has become a very little colder again. At sunset the temperature was 27 degrees.
After attending to my morning matters had time to read a spell before the call to breakfast. After breakfast returned to the library and spent some time reading and writing. After this got ready and went up to the Centre for meeting, but being a little too early, turned in and waited at Isaac’s until the proper hour and then gave attendence at the Meeting House. Br. Olin preached, and Br. Greenlaw was present. Contributed another dollar for Br. Olin. Returned at close of Meeting & spent the evening at home.
Monday, 11
Third day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-19, and sets at 6-2. Moon sets 8-36.
The early morning was very cloudy, was calm and still, and was not very cold. At the the time of sunrise the mercury was standing at 2 degrees. The clouds broke away before 9 o’clk. in the morning so that the sun appeared, but was obscured again in the early afternoon. The evening is quite cloudy and moderate. At the time of sunset there was a brisk east wind and the mercury stood at 29 deg.
Arose quite early in the morning, & having despatched the first business, commenced to fill another Scrap Book with matter from the Chronicle. After breakfast went at it again, and devoted to it a considerable portion of the day, and filling fifty seven pages of it. In the middle of the day went up to the Centre and Albert went with me to the store to buy some candy. Mr. Gilman had taken the Tribune out of the office and carried it home. Spent some time in the afternoon reading it. Amanda was here at night.
Tuesday, 12
Fourth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-17, and sets at 6-3. Moon Sets at 9-42.
The morning was quite cloudy again but the temperature seemed to have become a little lower. At sunrise the mercury was standing at the mark for 20 degrees only. The day continued cloudy until towards night and then the clouds breaking away, the sun appeared. The weather continues to be a little colder. The evening is quite fair, and the mercury at sunset stood at 20 degrees.
After the morning business, and the breakfast, resumed the business of filling Scrap Book and worked at it a considerable portion of the day. Put in sixty two pages of matter from the Chronicle today besides reading some and spending some time chopping and splitting some wood for my use in the library. Luman Called at the beginning of the evening, having come from Barclay. He did not stay long but departed soon for Troy.
Wednesday, 13
Fifth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-16, and sets at 6-4. Moon Sets at 10-45.
The morning was quite fair and frosty, the temperature at the time of sunrise, being down to 7 degrees above zero. As the morning advanced the sky became overcast with clouds, and and most of the day was cloudy. The evening at sundown is quite cloudy with a pretty brisk wind from the west and the temperature very much milder than the morning, the mercury resting at the mark for 30 degrees.
After breakfast sat down to read a while and Chester Monroe came at his father’s request to have me go up there and see him and write his Will. Rode up there with Chet and found the old gentleman quite feeble. Having ascertained his wishes in regard to a Will, I came home and went at it and completed it a little before night, intending to carry it up to him tomorrow morning. Stopped on my way back a spell with Lydia, & went into the post office and got a letter from Mr. Atkins.
Thursday, 14
Sixth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-14, and sets at 6-5. Moon Sets at 11-48.
The morning was quite cloudy after a clear night, and the weather was quite mild and springlike. At sunrise the mercury was up to 28 degrees. The clouds broke away in the course of the forenoon and the day was partially fair. The evening is considerably cloudy with southerly wind, and at the time of sunset the mercury was up to 35 degrees.
Spent an hour or so reading, and after breakfast started to go and see Mr. Monroe again and carried along the draft of a Will I had written for him yesterday. Found him tolerably comfortable, read to him the Will which he, approving, signed, and it was subscribed by myself and John Sayles as witnesses. He paid me $2.00 for my trouble & I went back to the Centre, called on Lydia a spell, & at P.O. & got Tribune, went home & spent the afternoon reading.
Friday, 15
Seventh day of New Moon. Sun rises at 6-12, and sets at 6-7. Moon sets at Morn.
Snowed considerable in the night, the wind having changed to the northwest was very boisterous. The morning was partially fair, and was quite windy and cold, the mercury at sunrise being down to 14 degrees above zero. The day has been mostly fair but pretty cold, especially toward the close. The evening is fair and calm and at the time of sunset the mercury was down to 10 degrees above zero.
Devoted the day almost exclusively to the examination of old newspapers and cutting out articles to be preserved in Scrap Books hereafter, begginning in the morning immediately after breakfast, and working some in the evening. Had no company today except Mr. Gilman who came in several times to warm his feet at my fire and to spend a few minutes with a book. At night went out and prepared some wood for the library fire and brought it in. In the evening Isaac came down with Isidore, she staying with us.
Saturday, 16
First Quarter at 9-20, Even. Sun rises at 6-11, and sets at 6-8. Moon Sets at 0-48.
Another very cold freezing night. The morning opened fair and pleasant and calm, but the mercury at the time of sunrise was down to 7 degrees below zero. As the morning advanced the cold abated, so that the snow dissolved considerably in the sunshine. The evening too was clear and at the time of sunset the temperature was very much much more favorable, the mercury standing at 2 degrees above zero.
In the morning, immediately after breakfast, went to work at selecting and cutting out articles from old newspapers, same as yesterday. Isidore remained with us through the day, and in the afternoon, Lincoln brought his mother and Lucella over and their little children, he going away after dinner. Spent a part of the time visiting with our company, they all remaining with us over night. Decator Pepper called. Harvey brought the Chronicle from the post office.
Sunday, 17
Second day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-9, and sets at 6-9. Moon Sets at 1-45, Morn.
The morning was considerably cloudy at the first and the temperature was much more moderate than it was yesterday morning. At the time of sunrise the mercury was at 17 degrees. The day has been quite mild, and has been only partially cloudy, It has thawed considerably. The evening is mostly fair at the time of sunset, and the temperature as indicated by the mercury is up to 25 degrees above the cypher.
Arose in good season and spent the morning in the usual manner. On account of the bad walking and of the company, and, probably a predisposition to indolence also, concluded to remain at home today and not attend the meeting. Spent the principal part of the time during the day reading. According to arrangement Harvey went with his team and carried Isidore over to Decator Pepper’s in the middle of the day. In the evening he hitched up again and carried Amanda and Lucella home, they having waited some time for Lincoln to come after them.
Monday, 18
Third day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-7, and sets at 6-10. Moon Sets at 2-39. M.
The night was quite windy and the morning was partially cloudy and pretty cold. At sunrise the mercury was down to the mark for 13 degrees above zero. The day, as usual has been partially fair, and warm enough to thaw some, so that the road is considerably muddy. The evening at sunset is considerably cloudy and the mercury is standing at 27 degrees.
Read a spell in the morning and after our breakfast went to work again at collecting matter for Scrap Books, spending the forenoon in this manner. Afternoon went up to the Centre, and calling at the Post Office found the Tribune and the last week’s Courier in my box. Called at Mr. Bruce’s but they were not at home, so came on home, made a fire, and spent a large share of the remaining afternoon reading the newspapers. Towards night split up some wood for the library and brought into the closet a considerable quantity. Luman came here from Barclay in the middle of the day & went back again with some cattle.
Tuesday, 19
Fourth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-6, and sets at 6-11. Moon sets at 3-25 M.
The morning opened fair or nearly so, and the temperature was much more favorable than of late. At sunrise the mercury was up to 32 degrees. The day has been partially cloudy, and notwithstanding the warm morning the afternoon has been quite windy and cold and rough. The evening at sunset is partially cloudy, and the wind has abated. The mercury is down to 21 degrees.
Employed a part of the morning reading and then went to work again at my old newspapers, cutting out such articles as I think are worth preserving. In the afternoon. In the after looked over and arranged some writings and other papers, devoting a considerable portion of the time ro reading and visiting. Burton and Mary came and spent the afternoon with us. Harvey was absent, having gone to help Benjamin Saxton saw stove wood today. Mr. Gilman spent a portion of his time with us in the library, reading and conversing.
Wednesday, 20
Fifth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-4, and sets at 6-12. Moon sets at 4-6 Morn.
High wind in the night. A clear cold morning, with the temperature at 1 degree above zero only, at sunrise, as marked by the thermometer. The day has continued fair and also very cold – remarkably so for the time of the year. The evening is clear but it is quite cold and windy. At the time of sunset the mercury was only 6 degrees above zero, and has ranged near that mark through the day.
Spent the morning in the usual way and after breakfast went to work again at overhauling my old newspapers, and cutting out items for the scrap book. Spent the forenoon in this way and disposed of all the old newspapers except a file of the Northern Banner for the year 1833. Spent a considerable portion of the afternoon in looking that over and reading some of the articles relating to old matters, some of which are now nearly forgotten. Mr. Gilman came in occasionally.
Thursday, 21
Sixth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-2, and sets at 6-13. Moon sets at 4-42 Morn.
Another very cold freezing night. The morning is fair and the weather extremely cold. At the time of sunrise the mercury was only 2 degrees above the cypher. There were only a few clouds in the course of the day but the cold north west wind has almost incessantly prevailed rendering the weather very severe. The evening is a very little hazy or cloudy, and the mercury at sunset is resting at only 13 degrees above the cypher.
Arose early and got ready for an early breakfast, and after this returned to the library and spent the forenoon there, engaged in nothing in particular except looking over my old Northern Banners and reading certain portions of them. Afternoon went up to the post office and got the Tribune and a letter for Lizzie from her sister Sara, and then came immediately home without making any other call. Spent the remainder of the day reading the Tribune. Luman came from Barclay at night & staid.
Friday, 22
Seventh day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 6-1 and sets at 6-14. Moon sets at 5-14 Morn.
The morning was quite fair and calm but was also intensely cold. At the time of the rising of the sun the temperature as indicated by the mercury was 2 degrees below zero. The day was fair until towards night, and then then became somewhat cloudy. The weather became considerably more moderate after the sun came up. The evening is quite hazy and the mercury at sunset was at 24 degrees.
Did not engage in any particular business today but spent most of the time in the library with my books and newspapers, reading some and dozing some in my chair. After noon was intending to go up to the post office after my mail matter but Mr. Gilman came in and brought me the Reporter and the Chronicle and a pamphlet entitled "An Appeal to my Children by Anderson Harvey", which some person had sent me.
Saturday, 23
Eighth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-59, and sets at 6-15. Moon sets at 5-42. Morn.
The morning was quite cloudy at day break, and the wind having changed to the south, the weather has become more mild. At the time of sunrise the mercury stood at 25 degrees. The day became partially fair but most of the afternoon was cloudy and a part of the time quite squally, the snow accumulating to the depth of two or three inches. The evening was partially cloudy, and the weather considerably cold.
Spent the morning and forenoon about the house, and in the middle of the day got ready and went over to Leroy to attend the quarterly meeting now in progress there. On the way over called at the P.O. & got three letters, one from Lettie, and one from Eliza, and one from Mrs. Mary Andrus. Called at John Bush’s, stopped at Mr. Bunyan’s, and after supper went on and attended the evening meeting at which Br. Delmott delivered a discourse. After meeting went home with Amanda Hartman and staid.
Sunday, 24
Full Moon at 8-47, Even. Sun rises at 5-58, and sets at 6-16. Moon Rises.
The morning was fair but was pretty cold at the opening. As it advanced it grew warmer and there was a considerable thaw, so that the roads became quite muddy before night. It grew colder again before the close, and the evening, remaining fair, was quite cold, freezing considerably.
Had a good night’s rest and breakfast in the morning, and employed my time reading until the ringing of the bell and then went over to the meeting house with my niece. Brother Delmot preached again today. After the meeting closed concluded not to stay to the evening meeting, but to proceed directly home and go to Troy to see Azor who has been badly hurt. Called at daughter Amanda’s on my way, & while there Philander’s boy Eddy came with Azor’s team after me & wife & Lucella. We all rode up there & remained, & found Azor with his leg badly crushed a week before.
Monday, 25
Second day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-56, and sets at 6-17. Moon rises at 7-2.
The morning was quite cold & the weather continued fair and pleasant. After the sun was up, the weather became more mild and the thaw went on again to some extent. The latter part of the afternoon became quite cloudy with strong indications of a storm being near at hand. The evening was of about the same character.
Soon after breakfast walked over to town and did a little shopping, and calling into Delos’ office met Br. Elias Rockwell there who had come over to Troy on the train to attend Court as a witness. He walked up to his brother Rufus’, and I, intending to wait till the Court convened at one o’clock, loitered around town some time, until finding an opportunity to ride over the hill with Theodore, concluded not to stay any longer for the Court, but went back at once to Azor’s. He has had considerable pain in his leg and foot today.
Tuesday, 26
Third day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-54, and sets at 6-18. Moon rises at 8-10.
The night remained cloudy and was quite warm. The morning was cloudy too and as it advanced there was a little rain. It rained a very little much of the time through the day, which served to help the thaw along materially, and to deepen the mud. The evening too is cloudy but the storm appears to have entirely subsided.
Having brought the materials with me me to construct another Scrap Book, I selected a place in Azor’s chamber and went to work in the morning early, at filling one with articles from the old Northern Banner for the year 1833. Worked at it a spell in the morning and then Dr. R. brought his uncle Elias there. I left my work and spent my time with him. Samuel R & his wife & daughter came there to dinner and Br. Elias remaining over with us I had an excellent opportunity to visit.
Wednesday, 27
Fourth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-52, and sets at 6-19. Moon rises at 9-20.
The night was quite warm and part of the time fair. The morning was mild and partially cloudy. The day became fair and was warm enough to thaw considerably, so that the roads and fields became quite muddy. The evening is partially cloudy and the weather a little cooler with prospect of freezing some before morning.
Spent the morning in conversation with Br. Elias, and sometime after breakfast Azor had Eddy harness the horses and take us over to town. We went up into the courtroom a spell and then I went out & spent some time about town, spending some time in Delos’ office, returning to Azor’s some time afternoon. After I had taken some dinner, went up to my place in the chamber and spent the remaining portion of the day at work at my Scrap Book and the evening with the family. Azor appears to be getting along very well.
Thursday, 28
Fifth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 6-37, and sets at 5-51. Moon rises at 10-20.
The morning was fair and the weather was quite mild and springlike. The day remained fair until towards night and was quite warm and pleasant thawing considerably after the sun was up. The evening is quite cloudy, threatning a storm, but the weather continues mild.
Went to work in the morning at my Scrap Book, cutting out and inserting items from the old Northern Banner, and continued at it until afternoon. There were several people that came in to see Azor in the course of the day and among them were Andrus Case and his wife. In the afternoon rode over to town with Eddy and Eliza and went into court while they were doing their business and we returned towards night. Azor is quite comfortable today.
Friday, 29
Sixth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-49, and sets at 6-21. Moon rises at 11-45.
Did not freeze any last night, but continued cloudy. The morning was cloudy and the weather continued mild. The entire day remained cloudy and the thaw made some progress. The day has been a little stormy but it did not amount to much. The weather continues cloudy in the evening and does not appear to grow any colder.
Did not arise very early in the morning but was ready for breakfast in season and immediately after breakfast went up chamber to work at my Scrap Book, the same as yesterday morning, and continued at it till afternoon, and then having filled it, – one hundred and fifty two pages in all, – I suspended my work and put up my things, expecting to go home some time tomorrow. Benjamin and Lurenda were up here this afternon and departed a little before night. Azor’s leg continues to improve.
Saturday, 30
Seventh day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-47, and sets at 6-22. Moon rises Morn.
Froze a little last night. The morning was very bright and fair, and the day continued fair till some time in the afternoon and then it became quite cloudy but continued thawing. The evening remains cloudy and is quite dark, but the weather continues mild, the mercury at the time of sunset being up to about 35 degrees.
After breakfast in the morning sat down to do some writing and while being thus engaged Luman called in, and being on his way to Barclay with some cattle, I concluded to ride down home with him, leaving wife to come some other day when she may have opportunity. We came by the way of Uriah Baxter’s where Luman took another yoke of oxen. He had Mr. Wheatley along to help him drive, and proceeded on his way from the Corners. Harvey brought from the P.O. the Reporter, & the Courier, & a letter from Rhoda.
Sunday, 31
Last Quarter at 9-36, Even. Sun rises at 5-46? and sets at 6-23.
Rained some in the night, and the morning was quite cloudy and wet with the wind from the south. At the time of sunrising the temperature was about 33 degrees. The day continued cloudy and somewhat rainy until towards night and then the clouds became a little broken. The evening at sunset is considerably cloudy and the temperature 41 degrees.
And now is closing the coldest March that has been known since the spring of 1772, just one hundred years ago. At the present time it is said that teams are crossing lake Erie on the ice, and graves have been dug to the depth of four feet without passing through the frozen ground.
Attended to my bathing this morning and after breakfast read till the time of meeting and then got ready and went up to the Centre and attended at the meeting house. Br. Levi Taylor was present and conducted the meeting. On my return I found wife at home, Azor having sent his team down for that purpose. Luman came at bed time & staid.
April
Monday, 1
Second day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-44 and sets at 6-24. Moon rises at 1-57. Morn.
Very boisterous wind through the latter part of the night, the morning quite windy and cloudy and the temperature was considerably reduced, the mercury having gone down to 25 degrees at sunrise. The day has been very windy indeed, and was cloudy till some time in the afternoon, and then became only partially fair. The evening is partially cloudy, with a constant, heavy wind from the west. Mercury up to 31 degrees at sunset.
Attended to my bathing and other morning matters, according to my common custom before the call to breakfast. After breakfast went to work at filling a Chronicle Scrap Book that had been left unfinished. Worked at that business a considerable portion of the day quite busily, leaving off occasionally to read a little while to read, and thus by changing my employment and postition, to obtain a little rest. Harvey and Ben Saxton sawed wood over the creek with a machine.
Tuesday, 2
Third day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-42 and sets at 6-26. Moon rises at 2-53 Morn.
The morning was fair and calm after a very windy night. It was also pretty cool, the mercury being down to 22 degrees at the time of sunrise. As the morning advanced the clouds gradually dispersed and the middle of the day was fair, but was cloudy again towards night. The evening is quite cloudy and dark, and at sunset the mercury was up to 51 degrees.
Spent the early morning according to my common practice and after breakfast resumed my work at the Scrap Book and completed the filling. After dinner rode over the creek with the boys to see them saw wood. Took Albert along, and after staying there a spell took Albert and returned to the house. Having heard from several sources that Br. Elias Rockwell had died very suddenly and would be buried tomorrow, concluded to go up there & so got ready and went up to Luther’s tonight, so as to take the early train tomorrow morning.
Wednesday, 3
Fourth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-41, and sets at 6-27. Moon rises at 3-37. M.
The night was quite cloudy and there was a little rain. The morning was quite wet and muddy, and a little rainy but it cleared off before noon and the middle of the day was considerably fair. Became a little cloudy towards night, but the evening was clear and quite cool.
Arose before five o’clock in the morning, and got ready and started off for the summit, without waking Luther or Sally. Arrived there some time before the train and waiting for it got aboard when it arrived and found Mr. Stockwell in the car and arriving at Canton went home with him and got my breakfast. Remaining with him till after dinner, he attended the funeral with me. There were several preachers present, all of whom took some part in the exercises. Found Eliza there, & heard of the death of Robert Shedden in Union. After the burial of Br. Rockwell, went home & staid with Stephen.
Thursday, 4
Fifth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-39 and sets at 6-28. Moon rises at 4-15 Morn.
The night was a little colder again and froze some. The morning was partially fair and it came off quite clear before noon. The afternoon was mostly fair but became partially cloudy again towards night. The day was somewhat chilly but not very cold. The evening at sundown is quite cloudy and the mercury is standing at 34 degrees.
Remained with Stephen in the morning till some time after breakfast and then started homewards, with the intention of attending Robert’s funeral in the Windfall at two o’clock in the afternoon. Went by way of Minaqua and up across the fields to Wm. Bates’ and remained there till after dinner. Then Wm & Vesta took me to the funeral in their waggon. After the burial walked down to Luther’s stopping there till after supper, & then went on home, calling at the on the way where I found the Tribune which I read in the evening.
Friday, 5
Sixth day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-38, and sets at 6-29. Moon rises at 4-47, M.
The morning was fair and frosty the mercury, at the time of sunrising having gone down to 16 degrees above the cypher. The weather continued fair through the entire day and was tolerably mild but was not very warm. The evening is also quite fair, and at the time of sunset the mercury stood at 34 degrees.
Spent some time in the morning reading, both before and after breakfast, and then went to work at a Courier Scrap Book putting about thirty pages of matter. After noon I went up to the Post office and found the Reporter and the Chronicle in my box, then went in and spent a short time with Mr. Bruce and Lydia and then returned home and devoted some time to looking over my newspapers and reading some. Tommy Bush left his wife here in the forenoon and he came in towards night and visited with us a spell. This is their first visit.
Saturday, 6
Seventh day of Last Quarter. Sun rises at 5-36, and sets at 6-31. Moon rises at 5-14, Morn.
The morning is cloudy and calm and cool. At the time of sun rising the mercury indicated a temperature of 26 degrees. The day has quite fair and pleasant and springlike, and the music of the birds has commenced again. The evening is a little hazy but otherwise fair. At the time of sunset the mercury was standing at 47 degrees.
Spent a small portion of the day reading, but devoted the principal part of it to filling a Scrap Book with articles from the Berkshire Courier. Put in one hundred pages today. Towards night walked up to the Post Office but found my Box empty. Met Br. Greenlaw there with whom I had a few words of conversation, but returned home directly, without making any other calls. Had no callers today except Mr. Gilman who came in a few times only. Have been expecting Luman here from Troy tonight, but at 9 o’clock he has not come.
Sunday, 7
New Moon at 7-37 Even. Sun rises at 5-34, and sets at 6-32. Moon Sets.
The morning opened with a boisterous wind from the south, and was quite cloudy but not very cold. At the time of sunrising the mercury stood at 41 degrees. The day remained cloudy, but the wind subsided in the morning. Rain began to fall very moderately towards the close, and continues this evening. At sunset the mercury was up to 46 degrees.
Spent the early morning in the usual way, and after breakfast read some until near the hour for meeting, and then got ready and went up to the Meeting House calling at Isaac’s a few minutes on the way. Br. Greenlaw was present and gave us a very good discourse on the subject of Christian duties or morals. Returned home immediately after the conclusion of the meeting, and spent much of the remainder of the day reading. Fremont was here in the afternoon.
Monday, 8
Second day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-34, and sets at 6-32. Moon sets at 7-24 M.
The morning at dawn was cloudy and foggy and wet, but did not rain. At the time of sunrising the temperature was 40 degrees. The day has been quite cloudy most of the time but quite mild and springlike. The evening is considerably cloudy and the mercury at sunset was standing at 47 degrees.
Devoted a considerable portion of the time today to filling a Scrap Book with items from the Courier same as Saturday, and put in about one hundred pages. In the afternoon Lydia and Annette came for a visit. Went up to the Post Office soon after they came and got the Tribune and the Courier, and finding Sam. there (he has lately moved to Troy) had him come down with me and get that Anderson Harvey pamphlet. Towards night Luman came from Troy where he had been attending the trial of his suits with Moore. After supper he went on to Barclay.
Tuesday, 9
Third day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-31, & sets at 6-34. Moon sets 8-29.
Heavy wind in the latter part of the night, cloudy at morning dawn, with the temperature continuing to improve. At sunrise the mercury was up to the mark for 50 degrees. The day continued cloudy with much wind and a little rain. In the evening at sundown the clouds are a little broken, and the temperature is represented by the mercury at 57 degrees.
Spent the day at home and about the house. Finished the filling of the Courier Scrap Book in the forenoon, putting in between thirty and forty pages, making nearly three hundred pages in all. In the afternoon employed a portion of the time reading, and splitting and preparing and bringing in a quantity of wood for my use in the library. Anna? and Ben moved today and commenced housekeeping.
Wednesday, 10
Fourth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-30, and sets at 6-35. Moon sets at 9-32 even.
The morning was calm and quite cloudy. At the time of sunrising the temperature had come down a little since its last setting, the mercury standing at 48 degrees. The day continued cloudy all the way through, with slight exceptions, and was a little cooler again. The evening was cloudy still at sunset, an the mercury down to 41 degrees.
Attended to the morning business and the morning meal and then after reading a little while, appropriated another old Patent Office Report and converted it into a Scrap Book for the Bradford Reporter, and worked at it until I had filled one hundred pages with articles from that paper; employing the evening. Elon came over in the middle of the day and spent several hours with me in conversation. He reported to me the news of the death of Daniel F. Pomeroy of Troy, who is to be buried tomorrow. Split and brought in some wood towards night.
Thursday, 11
Fifth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-28, and sets 6-36. Moon sets at 10-35 even.
Cleared off in the night, and the morning was fair at dawn and a little frosty, the mercury, at sunrise having gone down to 31 degrees. The day continued fair and the afternoon was considerably windy. The evening too is fair except that it is somewhat hazy. At the time of sunset the temperature was up to 42 degrees.
Arose and attended to my morning matters and at seven o’clock took my seat at the breakfast table, and on leaving it I resumed my work at the Reporter Scrap Book putting in twenty one pages more, and then laid it by, having exhausted my stock of of mucilage. Spent some time reading & then went up to the Centre, stopping a spell with Lydia while Taylor was eating his dinner, & then went in the P.O. & got the Tribune & the Chronicle, & a letter from Dan. sending me a $50.00 check for Valeria. Towards night went down to the creek to see if fish would bite, but without success.
Friday, 12
Sixth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-26, and sets at 6-37. Moon sets at 11-35, even.
The morning was quite fair and calm at dawn, and with a considerably lower temperature, and was quite frosty. At sunrise the mercury was down to 24 degrees. The forenoon was fair and calm, but the wind changing to the south, the afternoon became quite windy and cloudy and with a higher temperature. The evening is partially fair and at sunset the mercury resting at 60 degrees.
Spent the morning in the usual manner and having read a spell after breakfast, I then went to work at cutting up and fitting Reporter articles for the pages of the Srap Book. Spent a considerable portion of the day in this employment and went through with my selections from that paper. Harvey hauled wood for Ed. Watkins and wife and Lizzie and the children rode over to Amanda’s and spent the afternoon, leaving me alone except a call or two by Mr. Gilman. Did not go to the post office today.
Saturday, 13
Seventh day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5-25 and sets at 6-38. Moon Morn.
A pretty warm night. At dawn the morning was considerably cloudy and calm, & clouds moving from the south west. At sunrise the mercury stood at 45 degrees. The clouds soon cleared away and the day was fair. The weather has been warm, but a high wind has prevailed through the day and especially the afternoon. The evening is fair and quite breezy, and at sunset the mercury stood at 51 degrees.
Spent the morning in the usual way and at several intervals in the course of the day worked at cutting and fitting selections from the Courier and other papers, for insertion into Scrap Books. In the middle of the day went up to the post office and found in my box the Reporter and the Courier. Made a short call on Lydia, and on my way home stopped at the shoe shop & got my boot I had left there to be mended. At night split & prepared some wood.
Sunday, 14
Eighth day of New Moon. Sun rises at 5:20 and sets at 6-39. Moon sets at 0-30, Morn.
The morning was considerably cloudy and there was a pretty strong wind from the west. At sunrise the mercury indicated a temperature of 35 degrees only. The day was very windy and partially fair and considerably cool. The weather in the evening continues of about the same character but grew calm before morning. The weather is considerably cooler and freezes some.
Attended to my bathing &c. in the early morning, as usual. After breakfast returned to the library and spent some time reading, after which got ready for for meeting and, at the proper time, proceeded to the Meeting House at the Centre and gave my attendence there as usual. Meeting was conducted by Br. Levi Taylor and at its close, according to my intention, I proceeded from thence to Azor’s and at my arrival met Benjamin and Lurenda there. I staid over.
Monday, 15
First Quarter at 5.15 Even. Sun rises at 5-22, and sets at 6-40. Moon sets 1-15 M.
The morning was cloudy and the weather some cooler, the ground frozen a little. The clouds continued and snowed a little in the middle of the day. The afternoon was also cloudy, and the snowstorm recommenced and continued, coming from the east. The evening is cloudy and stormy and the mercury at sunset had settled down to 28 degrees.
In the morning directly after I left the breakfast table started off to the village. Had to wait some for places of business to be opened. Called at Gustin’s and left Selenda’s picture to be copied in a large form, called at Delos’ office to see him, called at the Bank and got Daniel’s check cashed, called at some other places and then returned to Azor’s waited till after dinner and then started for home, calling only at the post office on the way but the Tribune had been sent.
Tuesday, 16
Second day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-20, & sets at 6-41. Moon sets at 2-3 Morn.
The morning at dawn was pretty cold and pretty cloudy. At the time of sunrise the mercury was down to 24 degrees. There was about 3 or 4 inches of snow on the ground which has mostly thawed off. There was a little sunshine in the forenoon and a little before the close, otherwise the day has been cloudy. The evening is fair and at sunset the mercury rests at 31 degrees.
In the morning, after attending to the preliminary matters, recommenced my work of constructing Scrap Books. Having procured the materials for making mucilage, I went to work at inserting my Reporter articles and completed the filling of one I had left unfinished, and then converting another of my old Patent Office Reports into a Book for this purpose, commenced filling that and continued until I had exhausted my stock of Reporter items. Worked at this business through the entire day, not going away from the house at all.
Wednesday, 17
Third day after First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-19, and sets at 6-42. Moon sets at 2-42 M.
At the time of sunrise the morning was mostly fair and was quite calm but was considerably cold and frosty. The mercury was down to 15 degrees. The day has been partially cloudy a considerable part of the time, and has thawed some but was not very warm. The evening is quite fair & at sunset the mercury stood at 36 degrees.
Spent the early morning as usual, and after breakfast seated myself at the library table and spent a considerable share of the time there during the day, converting old Patent Office Reports into Scrap Books and putting into them such articles as I had saved from several old periodicals for that purpose. At night Theodore and Esther came and Amanda also. They spent the evening here and put up with us for the night. Theodore has just returned from Philadelphia, where he had been to purchase a large camera.
Thursday, 18
Fourth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-18 & sets at 6-43. Moon sets at 3-15 morn.
The morning dawned with a clear sky & frost in plenty.
At the time of sunrise the thermometer indicated a temperature of 18 degrees
only. The forenoon was fair, but in the wind having changed
to the south, the afternoon was quite cloudy and a rain storm commenced
before night and proceeded quite moderately. The evening remains cloudy
and rainy, and at sunset the mercury indicated a temperature of 38 degrees.
Our company left us in the morning after breakfast. Spent some time, at intervals in the course of the day, preparing and putting on labels of paper to the backs of several Scrap Books I have made and have in progress so that they may be known at sight. Went up to the Centre a little before noon, and calling at the Post Office found in my box the Tribune and the Chronicle, and an advertising pamphlet sent from Towanda. Called on Lydia a short time & then came home & read my papers.
Friday, 19
Fifth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-11, and sets at 6-44. Moon sets at 3-42, morn.
The night was rainy and the morning was cloudy and wet. At the time of sunrise the temperature remained at 37 degrees. Cleared off before nine o’clk and the day was quite fair and pleasant. The evening too is fair with the moon shining brightly, and the mercury at the time of sunset was standing at 47 degrees.
Worked a little while in the morning at preparing another Scrap Book and then, laying it aside devoted the remainder of the day to writing a letter to Mrs. Rhoda A. Cook which I completed and copied some time before night, and then went out and chopped & prepared some wood for the library, and the remainder of the time till after sundown was devoted to reading. Eli Rockwell called with a book for which I paid him $3.50. Carried letter to P.O. at night. Mr. Gilman brot Reporter.
Saturday, 20
Sixth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-14 ans sets at 6-45, Moon sets at 4-35, morn.
The morning when it opened was a little cloudy, but mostly fair, and at sunrise the temperature was, according to the thermometer, 31 degrees. Forenoon fair, cloudy in the middle of the day and fair again in the afternoon. The evening is fair and bright, and at sunsetting the mercury was standing at 53 degrees.
Arose at an early hour according to my practice, and attended to my bath and put my room in order, and had time to read a little while before I was called to breakfast. After leaving the table I returned to the library, and having a quantity of matter on hand that had been taken from the Chronicle, I went to work and arranged it, cutting it up and fitting it for insertion in a scrap book I had prepared for that purpose. Made out more than two hundred pages. Had no company, and did not go away from the house during the day.
Sunday, 21
Seventh day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-13 &
sets at 6-46. Moon rises sets at 4-35, morn.
The morning dawn was fair and pleasant and calm, and at the time of the rising of the sun the temperature was down to 33 degrees. The day has been quite pleasant, continuing fair till the close. The evening is a little cloudy with indications of a storm. The mercury at sunset was up to the mark for 58 degrees.
Read some in the morning, and at the proper time made preparation & attended meeting at the Centre. Br. Greenlaw was present and delivered a very good discourse on the subject of the charge(?) of the law, from Hebrews. He came home with me after meeting, returning to the Centre towards night. After he went away Luman and Dr. Hillis called a while, and then departed for Troy; and while they were here Elon came in. Received at the Centre, a letter from my friend J. K. Pelton, which had been placed in the wrong box.
Monday, 22
Eighth day of First Quarter. Sun rises at 5-11, & sets at 6-47. Moon rises
The night was rainy, the morning was cloudy and wet, the wind was changed back to the north, and the temperature at the time of sunrising was 40 degrees. The clouds cleared away in the course of the forenoon and the remainder of the day was mostly fair and the weather considerably colder. At the time of the setting of the sun the mercury stood at 30 degrees.
After the first business of the morning, and after breakfast, went back to the library and commenced filling a Chronicle Scrap Book, No 2. Devoted a considerable portion of the day to it, and inserted one hundred and twenty six pages of matter from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Did not go away from the house during the day. Harvey brought the Tribune from the post office in the afternoon, and the Courier.
Tuesday, 23
Full Moon at 8-41 Morn. Sun rises at 5-10, and sets at 6-48. Moon rises at 7-4, E.
The morning at the dawn was quite fair but pretty cold, it having frozeen considerably. At sunrise the mercury was down to 18 degrees. The forenoon was fair and calm and pleasant, but much of the afternoon was partially cloudy and quite windy. The evening is partially cloudy with considerable wind. At sunset the mercury stood at 49 degrees.
The business of the forenoon was the same as yesterday, with a part of the afternoon included. Inserted one hunded pages of matter into the same Scrap Book worked at yesterday, leaving some forty pages unfilled, with stack of Chronicle articles exhausted. Towards night went over the creek & got a pole to be used in a flower bed, & fished a little while with very poor success.
Wednesday, 24
Second day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-8, and sets at 6-49. Moon rises at 8.18.
The morning was a little cloudy at the beginning, and the temperature at the time of of sunrise was 44 degrees, as appeared by the mercury. The morning came off fair and remained so through the forenoon. The afternoon, most of the time, was considerably cloudy. There was plenty of wind through the day. The evening is quite calm and clear, and at the time of sunset the mercury stood at the mark for 52 degrees.
Attended to my morning matters at my usual early hour and sat down and read a spell before breakfast. After break- came back to the library and after reading a while went to work at the fragments of my old Northern Banner newspapers and cut out all the articles that appeared to be worth saving, and after cutting and and fitting them for the Scrap Book found there was enough for about ninety pages. Prepared some wood at night.
Thursday, 25
Third day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-7, and sets at 6.30. Moon rises at 9-32, eve.
The morning was fair at the opening, but was quite hazy in the eastern horizon. At the time of sunrise the mercury was standing at the mark for 32 degrees. The day has been quite windy, but very fair and pleasant. The weather seems to be gradually growing warmer. The evening continues quite fair, and at the time of sundown the mercury was up to the mark for 63 degrees.
Went to work in the morning, immediately after breakfast at the Northern Banner Scrap Book No. 2, at preparing & filling it but only put in about sixty pages. Mrs. Phinney called in the forenoon to see us, she being out here from the West on a visit. Valeria also came soon after, to whom I gave the $50. Daniel sent for her. They both went away in the course of the afternoon. Went up to the Post Office after dinner and got the Tribune and the Chronicle.
Friday, 26
Fourth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-6, and sets at 6-50 Moon rises at 10-45 even.
The morning at the dawn, was a little cloudy and was warmer than common. At sunrise the temperature according to the mercury was 56 degrees. The fore part of the day became quite cloudy and then cleared off and the remainder of the day was quite fair, but with considerable wind. The evening is fair except that is considerable hazy and smoky. At sunset the mercury was up to 68 degrees.
Arose in the morning before the sun and attending to my customary bath & other morning matters, took my breakfast and after this returned to the library and resumed my work at the Scrap Book which I commenced yesterday, overhauling the fragments of the old Northern Banner to obtain all the articles worth preserving, and preparing them for the pages of the book. Did not go away from the house today at all. Mr. Gilman brought me the Reporter from the post office.
Saturday, 27
Fifth day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-4, and sets at 6-52. Moon rises at 11-53 eve.
The morning was pretty fair at dawn, and at sunrising the mercury indicated a temperature of 42 degrees. Fair weather continued through the day, but much of the time there was considerable wind, and some smoke or haze. The evening too is fair, and is also quite calm. The temperature at sunset, according to our instrument was 46 degrees.
In the morning on leaving the breakfast table, went to work again at my Scrap Book, and spent the forenoon in that employment, having completed the insertion of all the items I have from the Northern Banner, making about 150 pages in No. 2. In the afternoon I concluded to go a fishing, & followed the creek down to Orrin Allen’s lot, making out a considerable number of small fish. Was quite tired when I returned.
Sunday, 28
Sixth day of Full moon. Sun rises at 5-3 and sets at 6-53. Moon _____ Morn.
The morning was fair and calm and quite pleasant, and the temperature, at the time of sunrise was about 45 degrees. The day continued fair but was not very warm, and was considerably cool toward the close. The evening continued fair and cool, with a pretty bright prospect for a frost. The Aurora Borealis was quite bright in the northwest.
The morning was spent in the customary way. After breakfast read some and at the proper time got ready and went up to the Centre to meeting, and found Azor and Eliza there. There was no preacher present, and the meeting was conducted by the elders, Br. Taylor being the chief speaker. After meeting I rode down home with Azor and Eliza, who remained with us till towards night, and then I concluded to ride home with them where I staid over night.
Monday, 29
Seventh day of Full Moon. Sun rises at 5-2, & sets at 6-54. Moon rises 0-50 Morn.
There was a little frost this morning and the weather remained fair and pleasant and soon became considerably warmer. The day has been calm and the atmosphere somewhat smoky. The evening is cooler again and remains fair, and at sunset the mercury was at 49 degrees.
After breakfast left Azor’s and walked over to the village, called at Gustin’s and on Delos, and after this, meeting Luman in the street and concluding to ride home with him, I went into Samuel’s to wait till he was ready, and arrived at home a little after noon. In the afternoon rode with him up to Loren Leonard’s taking Albert along with us. Tried a hook in the little stream there but could find no trouts. Luman staid over. Got the Tribune & the Courier at post office.
Tuesday, 30
Last Quarter at 3-25 Morn. Sun rises at 5-0, and sets at 6-55. Moon rises at 1-39 M.
The morning was quite smoky and was quite hazy around the horizon, but otherwise was fair. At the time of sunrise the mercury was standing at 36 degrees. The day has been considerably windy and tolerably warm. It was a little cloudy early in the afternoon, and the atmosphere continues quite smoky. The evening is fair with the exception of haze and smoke, and at sunset the mercury was up to 59 degrees.
Luman went early in the morning over to Barna Turner’s after a pair of fat oxen and was back here to breakfast. Concluded to try my luck again today with my fishing tackle and started out soon after breakfast and beginning here on my farm went down the creek as far as Tom Pratt’s, but did not succeed very well, getting none but small ones. On my return I found a letter on my table from A. M. Bailey which Harvey had brot from the Post Office.
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