August 24-28, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, Illinois

August 1891

24.  Monday,  5 AM  Ther

Partly cloudy. Riley and J.S. make barn door s. side and nail up  Warren went to town without load.  I start home about 10 AM getting there noon.  Sps rain AM.  cool.  Nick on hand but feeling badly.  I stopped an gathered lot of mushrooms (supposed Agaricus Procerus, and had one small one for dinner.  Phebe and Turie both sick at night vomited till after midnight.  Self not feeling very well nor W.S.G.  attribute to mushroom at first but decide must have been  very rich soup for dinner  Go bed 1 AM.

25.  Tuesday, 6 AM  Ther.

Clear  Ringling Bros Circus in town  Unusually large crowd  all of timber fellows in, settle with most of them.  Uncle John  says can have team wagon and plow which Squires may come after Saturday  W.S.G. and  children went to circus P.M.  W.S.G.  Tue and Hat at night.  Trade hardly as good as it should have been considering the big crowd.  Jo Parker worked forenoon patching roof.  Brownfield helped all day at store  Nick there all day, but not well.  Police give permission to keep open till 11 PM while do not accept.  Bert Bim and Uncle ate dinner also H & Hat.  Gobed  11 PM

26.  Wednesday  6 AM  Ther 50

Clear wind, S.  Jo Parker came early Brownfield helped him an hour or so ? up floor on porch and get ready to put on roof before quitting at night.  Warren finishes Mrs. Coon wood 6 cords @ 3.00  Pleasant day.  Tue not very well  Gobed  10 30 PM

27.  Thursday  Ther

Cloudy wind NW. light rain till 10 AM  Parker works 3/6 day on roof Brownfield 1/2 day.  Put 15 Cull Cercrops on willow tree.  Have 50 spinning up stairs  clear PM and much cooler  Gobed 10 30 PM

28.  Friday 6 AM  Ther 44  70.  52  =  55 1/3

Clear and almost frost.  Parker and Branford work all day on roof  getting it nearly done.  Mrs. R washes and irons  K of P here big meeting in town  Quite a crowd in town  Warren brought load of wood to Mrs. Norfolk  Settle in full to date with Chut Bennett.  R.R. spots ties and pay me for 144.  Clear day N. wind Gobed  10.15 PM~~

August 1902

24.  Sunday,  5 AM.  Ther  45.  82.  58.  61 2/3

Clear.  Helen and Marie started at 620 AM train for Indianapolis to visit Laura Clark for today.  I drove down to Mt. Zion School House      and around by Woodson Place looking.  Didn't find much.  Got home 1 P.M.  Went over river at bridge and into the hills near the road beyond,  Didn't find much.  Got home 1 P.M.  Tue was up most of P.M. but not feeling much better.  Dr. Patton brought me lot of mushrooms mostly Puff Balls and too old.  Drove up to Decker Park and got mess of Pluteus at saw dust.  Then down to Galodays to tell her not to come tomorrow.  Mostly clear day N.E.  wind  Gobed 830 P,M,

25.  Monday  6 AM.  Ther.  48.  82.  60. = 61 2/3
Clear  N.E, wind.  Marie and Helen  came home about midnight last.  Try to write good description of Psalliota  I have been finding in  woods.  Tue was up all day but feeling badly  I drove up to Dr. Pattons pasture after dinner  Intended to from three to Gaine's was taken sick about 3 P.M. came and couldn't eat any supper.  Clouded up P.M. and  lt rains after 4 P.M. and much of night, wind easterly.  I got to sleep on lounge till after 10 P.M.

26.  Tuesday,  6 AM.  Ther 57.  76.  58.  =  63 2/3  
Cloudy and raining lightly easterly, rain continued till 9 AM.  I drove down to Wrights to investigate mushrooms  Did not find any worth while.  Some fellows sawing on Stoddard 40.  Jo with family came in after dinner in buggy for spade and shovel to work on road.  Pay Wilson and McClara in full to date, check 5.51 includes shovel and knife  'Drove up to Dice woods getting fine mess of  supposedly Clyloryte ordores which undertake to have for supper but fail to get them them through.  Saw  but one specimen of large Psatliola today.  Many fungi coming up in woods.  Bridges pays me rent for month ending Aug 20 being in  full to  that date.  Tue up most of day and over at Groves at night.  Gobed 9 P.M.

27. Wednesday 545 AM.  Ther  57  84  62  =  67 2/3
Mrs. Galoday washed.  I intended to go out to Joe's but felt too badly In P.M. drove east of town finding many kinds of mushrooms  Some good ones.  Lepiota  procuruis,  A sylvaticus, ?,  Pluteus cervinus  various forms of elits cups  Got home before night was up town after supper.  Tue over to see Cottons baby which is sick.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

28.  Thursday, 5.45 AM.  Ther 57.  84.  70  =70 1/3
Partly cloudy, hazy, light easterly wind.  Tue and I start for Loxa before 10 AM.  Took her to Hen's, I went up to Gaines'.  Shirley about half done B.C.  He does not want me to insur his part of B.C.  says will not have more than ten tons.  I insure part of Shirley's at night with WW Scott agt.  All of the Jim Decker B.C. with Frommel for 600.00.  Met C Talbot who will help me build fence if I need him.  I drove up to Dice's woods on way home getting home 5.30 PM.  Tue decided to stay at Hen's all night.  Mostly clear day; light easterly wind  Gobed 9 P.M.

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July 12 - 31 , 1891 in Coles county, IL HIGHLIGHTS

July 1891

12.  Sunday,  7 AM,  Ther,  67,  90  69= 75 1/3

Clear.  S., wind, straighten up cecropias this AM.  They had become somewhat demoralized.  There are, however some 280 of them alive alive at date   girls went to SS Tue to church.  Clear and hot with fresh wind, S.  Start for ranch 330 PM.  S. wind

13.  Monday,  4.30 AM.  Ther  70.  93.  80  81

Clear.  SW wind.  Try to burn off rye stubble this morning but too much dew.  Boys left some fire in field and went to working ties, but before noon fire got and burned whole field over, burning out several parcels of fence.  Johnny and Rile work at ties John Simons puts in good part of PM patching up burned fence.  I went down to river A.M. ground near the river nearly covered with thousands of little frogs.  I started home at 2.30 PM getting there at about six oc.  Owen Black rode with me from Adkin's.    Mostly clear day.  Lightning W. and N.W. at night  Very dry and dusty.  Boys had hard work to save wood and fences down at ranch today, fresh S.W. wind  Gobed  10 30 P.M.  Old cow had male calf today.

14.  Tuesday,  6AM.  Ther 69. . ..  Send word to Hamon want butter.

 Mostly cloudy.  Heavy thunder shower 230 AM to 5 AM with showers.  Brownfield worked P.M sh...ing hens under the hog pen  Took buggy up to to Pugh. for repairs.  Cecropia worms not doing very well.  Decide to put most of them out of doors.  Mostly cloudy AM mostly clear PM.  gobed 11 PM.  Harding fixed gutter on store P.M.   Took buggy to Pughs

15.  Wednesday,

Circus in town  H & H [Henry a& Hat Gramesly] down to dinner  Bert to dinner.  Uncle John in town but not down.  Put cecropia from walnut tree in front to tree on hillside.  9 in No.  Trade only medium.  About  like last circus last week.    

16.  Thursday

Tue and children go to Hats to dinner.  Got  buggy from Pughs not done so take her back.   Uncle John down to dinner.  H.G, made draw of 270.00 yesterday which will make us short on payments this month  

17.  Friday

Brownfield brought home buggy and washed it off in morning  I painted in afternoon.

18.  Saturday

Buy new grindstone for ranch.

19.  Sunday

20. Monday

Old William Ricketts died at 2 PM. Had been confined to house but a a few days.  Order 3 doz bar glasses from Busby & Company, write  to several  ? for prices of show cases.

21.  Tuesday

Nick's baby  takes sick again in P.M and I stay at store alone at night.  Maggie not very well.  Old Mr. Ricketts was buried this afternoon.

22.  Wednesday

Brownfield works while in AM.  QuitGrand Army

28. Tuesday - H.G. tells me he wishes to attend the Grand Army Friday at Detroit next week three or four days.  First lot of (cecropia) on tree one of them came out of 4th molt today.

29.  Wednesday  find lot of young men in pasture down under willows.  Put  6 oldest cecropia down in bottom on tree.  

30.  Thursday  Uncle John down to dinner.  He is much dissatisfied with tenants on all his places.  

31. Friday Nicks baby was bad again tonight and I had to stay at the store.  Ship 37 kegs empty kegs to Dunnaway.

March 1-31, 1902 in Charleston,IL. Highlights

March 1902

1.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.  32  33.  27.  =  30 2/3
Shirley called a while forenoon.  He signed lease on Tues land yesterday at Charley Jones.  Samuel fellows call to see about rent H.G. house I hitch up and drive down there P.M. found house all open except front door.  

2.  Sunday
This is the last snow according to Wes. Decker sign  There were to be twenty six.  Ferd called at night

3.  Monday.
Bert called while we were eating breakfast.  He is delegate to  Rep. Co, Convention which meets today in Mattoon gets all candidates but one Zimmerman of Ashmore for Trea.  Tily sheriff.  Cream, judge.

4.  Tuesday.

5.  Wednesday.
Examine records at Court House find that Armstrong did not contract to keep up fences between us and that the Stock judgement expired Jan 7 last.  Tarleton Miles died suddenly today.  Phebe attended ball at Owl Club

6.  Thursday,
Jo came with team and Will came with him and I hire him at 15.00 per month to begin when I want him and work as long I need him.  I am to board him.

7.  Friday 6 AM.
Mushroom bed 80 degrees inside.  I spent two hours at H.G. place P.M.  Found woodhouse door open.  Tarlt Miles was buried today.

8.  Saturday
Mushroom bed 95 inside.   Pick up old spawn at barn yesterafternoon [sic] have about enough for this bed.  Berry Stoddert is tending bar for Dick Cadle in hotel  Miss Ford had a function in her room at night.

9. Sunday
Mushroom bed about same as yesterday say 95 or more 6 in. down.  It seemed to be over 100 at night.

10.  Monday.
Mushroom bed about 100.  John Marshall says can fix up Strode Matter any count.  Get catalog of bookcases.  Lattas sale today but I could not go.

Top of page:  Temp mushroom be falling, but little above 90 today.  Spawn M bed today  11th see below.  Temp 90.

11. Tuesday
Spawn mushroom bed P.M. south 2/3 of old spawn saved in 94.  N 1/3 some started in shed last fall.  Fear bed may be too warm.  The smell from this bed penetrates into living rooms  Marie has gang of girls here at night.

12.  Wednesday
I got a a letter from Cynthia Ansley today

13.  Thursday
Phebe began working at Jenkins with t? ? . . . .

14.  Friday

15.  Saturday
Write Aunt Cornelia asking Uncle mark to send me 25 Kieffer  Pears,  and 100 raspberry plants.  Marie and Helen went to Sniders P.M. Laura Clark with them.

16.  Sunday
Fix up up box of material in barn going to try to make some spawn.  Mix with chaff and bank up with manure spawn as made.  Helen , Louise and Marie walk in from Snider's toward night.  Florence  Moore   here most of P.M.  All go to church at night.

17. Monday
Louise Snider stayed all night with us.  I felt very bad all day and  ate no breakfast nor dinner. Charley Marshall thinks they want to build Opera House on bottom lot.  Tu pays Dr. Patton bill P.M. some 27.00 settled in full for 25.00

18.  Tuesday
Tom Miles calls AM. is running for collector against C.H. Louise was here  They went to show with Ferd.

19.  Wednesday
Got a letter from Mary P. Sayre PM.  John McGruty has gone to Chicago to buy new bar furniture.

20.  Thursday

21.  Friday
Emmett Fritz gets dirt for mushroom bed and we earth it over P.M>

22.  Saturday
Tue and I  about decide not to sell McClasky H.G. place.  John Marshall advises not to without some money down.  Tue and I drive down to H.G. place toward night.

23.  Sunday
I decide to try my hand at making brick spawn therefore get the bricks ready nine in number in hay now got tired fooling with it all day.  There seems to be much live spawn in mushroom bed in garden and I save a a basket or two of it

24.  Monday
Call at Shoots d  Col PM   He is again working for pension.

25.  Tuesday
Wrote letter to Aunt Maria.

26.  Wednesday
Tue planted sweet peas in garden.

27.  Thursday
Maggie comes home P.M.

28.  Friday
Drove down at  got Mrs. Smith to do some washing for Maggie. Frank Ashmore put in door bell.  Marie to Clarks to stay all night.  Louise stays with us all night.

Top of page:  Send 1.00 fo Country Gentleman, Money order for sub. for self.

29.  Saturday

Tue and all hands busy ironing &c.  Didn't hitch up till noon but went up town and paid taxes for Charleston Township 197.80 Realty 6.60 personal 2 checks.  Louise stayed here all night and AM.  They were all at work to fix up Maggie.  She left on 2.45 train  I took her baggage down.  Marie went with me.

30.  Sunday

31.  Monday

March 1902 Mo.Mean 39.6  Clouds 59%   Chart of daily temps.

February 16- 28, 1902 Highlights

February 1902

16.  Sunday

Find Mrs. Eastin's old cat dead at barn this morning.  Ferd here while at night.

17.  Sunday, 6 AM.

Cloudy and snowing.  This is about the 24th "tracking" snow since the first in Dec 13th.  Marie is fifteen years old today and had several girls callers at night.  Self not feeling very well.  Tue has not heard from Maggie for nearly two weeks.  Self not feeling very well  Gobed  8.30 PM

18.  Tuesday.  6 AM.

Hannah was here most of P.M.  I sort through some photo trash P.M.  W.W. at the barn have frozen up everyday lately.  Cistern has been about dry for sometime.  N at night Self feeling badly.

19.  Wednesday

In yesterday Courier that Tom Tremble will go to Indianapolis in a week or so.  Has not paid rent due.--  Learn that Dan Tremble has moved out.  Tell Scott to rent the house.  Buy meat 55, pots 10  carrots 5 & Codfish 15  85 cts at Bantons.  Tue was up town P.M. with Mrs. Knock to Parkers opening.  Carlos Wing called to see about Cols. Place.  Mostly clear East wind.Girls all went coasting at night to Miles.

20.  Thursday

They are hauling  pipe for gas main on this street.  The girls coasting again tonight till late.  [Tue and Charles sick]

21.  Friday.  6 AM

Self about sick this morning.  Tue same.  I went up to Dr. Pattons office for medicine for Tue; he was not there.  Bert in town  and called awhile P.M. and called a while P.M.  Self and Tue both about sick.  Mostly clear day N.W. wind.  there is several inches of ice and snow on ground some of which has been there since Dec. 14.  Gobed  8 PM.

22.  Saturday

Wing calls AM to see about renting HG house.  I was busy and didn't see him.    Gave him the keys P.M.  Was about sick all day and got meddy for self and Tue of Dr. Patton.

23.  Sunday 7 AM.  Ther  30.  40.  36.  =  35 1/3
Tue kills one of her big roosters.  I spent much time looking over seed and fruit tree lists today.  I don't feel any better.  

24.  Monday
Wing and Sal McClasky still talking about trading for H.G. house.  Johnson and Melville take job of cleaning out privy  back of store for 3.00    Phebe went to ball at night with Geo Davis and stayed all night with Hannah

25.  Tuesday
Get barrel which make watering tub in barnyard.  Overhaul west room old house P.M. find boys  have taken all the old brass also saw.  Henry Heagan calls AM.  Self feeling badly but worked good deal today.

26.  Wednesday 
Went up to Marshall's office to get leases written. He advises me to write  them myself.  

27.  Thursday
Cloudy and raining which began about 10 last night.  The back street so bad Mrs. Bell has to go  round by sidewalk to milk our cow. It rained much of day from SE blowing into Attic windows and soaking through into Miss Ford's rooms.   Bert here on political biz and stays to dinner.  

28.  Friday
Al Latta  has his farm and his property across the street.  Tue attends Reading Circle P.M.

(One half page of February weather chart and graph.  Monthly mean 20 degrees  Clouds 44 1/2 %)

January 21-31, 1902 in Charleston, IL

January 1902

21.  Tuesday 6 AM.  Ther.  28.  33.  31.  =  30 2/3

 to be heavy and 3 to 4 inches deep, having fallen in night.  Did not hitch up today.  Went up town P.M.  Charley Smaclzle died yesterday.  Henry Brown (Blind) died today having been sick all winter  H.G. working for Shouts again; began yesterday.  Snow  fell most all AM.  Not heavy however.  Suppose there was there was 4 to 5 inches in all very wet.  Phebe went home with Hanna Marshall to stay all night.  Geo Linder "Jr" here to see about Eastin's place.  Learn that Mrs. E has sold for 3,000.00 to Park commish.  They bought the old Davis place week or two ago @ 4,000.00  Cloudy damp day barely not freezing.  Tue feeling badly  and lies on lounge much of time  Self not feeling very well.  Have not used any tobacco since Christmas.  Gobed  9 P.M.

22. Wednesday,  6AM.  Ther.  27.  36.  30.  =31

Cloudy light, NW wind.  Shirley called 9 AM. to make out lease but I was not ready.  He stayed till 11 AM.  Tue feeling some better today.  She was over at Groves till 9 P.M.  Cloudy day with light NW to Westerly wind.  Thawing all day, streets and walks covered with slush.  The Col. (H.G.) gave me a black dog which take home.  Snow does not go off very fast  Cooler and freezing at night.  Gobed 9 P.M.

23.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  21.  38.  25.  =  28.

About clear, southerly wind.  Mrs. Smith comes to iron A.M. working till noon  Hitch up early AM intending to go to Loxa.  The ground is still covered with snow but it has settled a good deal.  Tue feeling better today than has for some time.  Mostly clear day south to westerly wind.  Gobed 9 P.M. ~~

24.  Friday 6 AM.  Ther.  22.  31.  22.  =  25.

Cloudy light N. wind snow flakes flying  Buy lot of stuff at W.E. Hills AM.  getting trusted for same, 75 cts Writing paper. (Tabs) 25. Envelopes 25.  Pencils 10 per 5 ink 10.  Hitch up and take Tue to R Circle at Will Miles.  Write letters to P.H. & Co. S.H. Co and others AM and  mail PM.  Begins growing colder about 2 P.M.  Weather (?) predicts cold wave.  Ther 16 in  NW.  Light snow flying 2 P.M.  Self not feel well P.M.  Marie & Helen making Fudge at night.  Phebe attended dance with young Miles  Gobed 8 P.M.

This Record carried to new book like this Jany 25  1902

Back pages have July 1901 figures.  Another page figures up crops of Shirley, Gaines, Simon

Jany 25 1902 to Jany 26, 1903

25.  Saturday, 6.15, AM.  Ther.  22.  32.  26.  =  26 2/3

Mostly cloudy SE wind later.  Self about sick this morning.  Write for Catalogue to Slack, Chicago.  Deposit half of Garrisons check 25.00 at  2nd Natl.  nobook.  See Charley Talbot and Wm Wayne, AM. Send 10.00 to Theodore Banta for Sayre Family book.  Have talk with traveling man at Charleston Hotel toward night about land.  Cloudy day with south-easterly wind.  Began snowing 6 P.M. from S.E.  There was earthquake Earthquake in St. Louis yesterday morn.  Write C.H. Slack Chicago for grocery Catalogue.  Self feel  badly all day.  Girls all went to entertainment at Normal at night.  Mort and Kate over at night but I had gone to bed.  Had a pain take me in left shoulder about 10 PM which kept me awake most of night, gone in morning  Gobed 8.15 PM

26.  Sunday.  7.15 AM.  Ther  32.  36.  4.  =  24

Cloudy, heavy fog,  SE wind.  About 1 1/2 to 2 in wet snow fell in night.  Pain in shoulder gone this morning.  Cloudy day thawing till say 1 PM. wind southerly till 1 PM then NW and Ther fell to near zero by 9 PM,  I hitch up Queen before dinner but did not use her because of the change  Much of the snow that fell last night melted this afternoon, but had to keep up good fires PM and night and house got very cold before morning strong NW wind PM & night gobed 9 PM.

27. Monday.  5.30 AM  Ther -6.  8.  2.  = 1 1/3  Clear, NW, wind Mrs. Smith came to wash 7 A.M. working till 3 P.M.  Tue and Groves went up to Court (symbol) P.M. to testify in case of Al Latta and wife.  They decide to live together.  Did not hitch up today Am reading Ivanhoe staying most of the time in basement.   Mort and Kate over at night.  Clear cold day with N.W. wind Mrs. S. will iron Wednesday morning  Gobed 9 P.M.  

28.  Tuesday.  5 AM.  Ther  2.  18.  18.  =  12 2/3

Partly cloudy.  S.E. wind.  Made mistake of an hour this morning getting up too early.  Read Ivanhoe in furnance room most of forenoon.  Henry Reasor looks at pump and furnace P.M.  pay him a/c to date $1.05 check.  Did not hitch up today  Was up town P.M.  Get some lease blanks at W.E. Hills and pay him what I owe 75cts.  Learn that Fuquas of Casey have bought N1/2 Mrs. Norfolk place and will build big general store here in the spring.  Partly cloudy day SE wind snow flying at times.  Ferd called at night. Tue over at Grovers till bed time  Gobed 9 PM

29.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  14.  17.  15.  = 15 1/3

Cloudy northwind.  There was about 2 in snow in night apparently from N.E. Mrs. Smith came to iron working until 3 P.M.  Paid her ch 75cts.  Sayre Family book sent for last Sat. comes by express and self and Phebe put in much time looking it over.  Find several errors.  I didn't go up town till after 4 P.M.  Get 25 cts spare ribs at Donschs  Cloudy day NE wind becoming E toward night.  Hail and Snow began abut 4 P.M. and continued an hour or two.  About 1 1/2 in fell.  Gobed 9 P.M.

30.  Thursday.  5.45, AM.  Ther 15.  29.  22. = 20 1/3  Cloudy, N.E. wind.  Still studying Sayre genealogy  Tue not feeling very well.  She has co. P.M.  Mrs. K.  there was about 2 inches snow and sleet last night.  Report sleighing good Marie and Helen went sleighriding (sic.)  at night.  I did not hitch up today Tue feeling badly and went to bed early.  Cloudy day with easterly wind.  Gobed.  9 P.M.

31.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther, 22,  32,  24.  =  26.

Cloudy, N.W. wind.  There was over an inch of heavy snow last night.  Tue feeling badly this morning but gets up and gets breakfast.  Bert calls a while P.M. half an hour or so I went up town 4 P.M.  Meet JH Marshall at Court H  Republican primaries tomorrow to nominate County Officers  Buy some "birds" of young Dallas.  Pete Drake and Jubal on a "high lonesome"  Pete says will come and work a while tomorrow abut 8 AM.  Mostly cloudy day with NW. wind, variable P.M.  Gray horse has kicked doors down at barn.  It didn't thaw much today even in the sun.  Tue over at Groves at night Phebe gone.  Helen and Marie home  gobed 9 PM~~

April 11-30, 1890 (HIGHLIGHTS)

April 1890

11.  Friday.  

Start for Ranch by Handly Ford.  Have been clearing W. Decker Ridge.  Stay with them P.M.  They are doing it extra well.

12.  Saturday,

Red Sow had pigs last night. Goat chewed up rig seat last night.

13.  Sunday.

Lombard Plum in full bloom.  Tue to P Ch to meeting AM.  Drove with Maggie and Phebe out to Mrs. Lowes Woods AM.  Drive with Tue and baby out to Uncle John's after dinner getting home before dark.

14.  Monday. 

 Wright stakes raspberries.  Bert here to dinner  Hat was down after dinner.

  she and Tue went over to Knocks.  The elections tomorrow creates  good deal of interest.

15.  Tuesday

Work all day on election board.  Nick and H go fishing.  The democrats carried all the wards but 1st by large maj.

16.  Wednesday.  

Have mares shoes taken off.  Hymen and Friecberg in town.   The election yesterday resulted democratic 1st Ward Baker R 15 over Will Miles  2 C. W. Roberts D 88 over Gro Ginters  3 Noa Moore 147 over Alex Biggs R  4th R Cadle D 33 over FK Dunn   D Dod? 177 over M.W. Robbins R. total vote on Alderman 1st 194.  2d  212.  3rd  315.  4th  227.  Total 948  The  The  Dem alderman are supposed to be in favor of license.  

17.  Thursday

18.  Friday.  

Talk timber with Comer till about noon.  He offers to log and saw it up at $7.50 per M. Scribnar scale.  He will set mill just above Handlys wheat field in S. Hollow.  Tues red sow had five pigs last week and the McKee sow 8 on Apl 16th and I found black sow with 3 in hollow before starting home.

19.  Saturday

20. Sunday.

 Almond and sherries in bloom.  Dandelions coming out.  Maunie Lang here good part of day as usual.  

21.  Monday.

Crass opens clogged sewer from W.C. and begins on ditch for water works to barn yard.  Crass works at water works Fatty puts in pipe P.M.  Tue and Hat went calling P.M.  Tue buys new pair shoes at Mitchells 3.50 CA.  

22.  Tuesday.

Crass works at water works  Fatty puts in pipe P.M.    P.M. Tue and Hat went calling P.M.  Trade fair Court in session.

22.  Tuesday.

23.  Wednesday.  Comer has moved his mill.

24.  Thursday

Ranch  count sheep and lambs  70 sheep  65 lambs one of which came this morning.  Bill Kelly very sick and they think he wont get well.  

25.  Friday  

Court in session Grand Jury adjourned Tuesday without finding any indictments against liquor men.  Jo Laudes  had damage suit against him by Mrs. Woodrum  The jury have been out a day or two still out.

26.  Saturday

Comer in town.  Settle in full with him.  Make kick about terms ib which he is to saw timber.  Didn't come to any  understanding  Uncle John in town P.M.    Jo Lander jury came out with sealed verdict.  River said to be rising fast.  

27.  Sunday.

Planted  50 sprouted peach pits in garden.  Great blow at dinner about nothing.  Tue and children  went to P Church.  Learn that Bill Kelly is not expected to live.

28.  Monday.  7 AM

Comer called about  9 AM and we agree to go to work at timber.  Mrs. Woodrum  got a verdict against Jo Laudes for 195.00 damages for the killing of her husband by Skelly.  Rip Clark and Ira Brooks had trouble at Pentacost Meeting Tonight.

29.  Tuesday

Bill Kelly still alive but very low.  Old Mrs. Davis has been sick a long time and does not get any better.  Skelly trial in progress.

30.  Wednesday

At Ranch.   Separate rams from ewes.

February 18-23, 1901 in Coles County Illinois

February 1901

18.  Monday,  5.15 AM  Ther,31.  40.  31.  =  34

Mostly cloudy.  Northerly wind.  Saw C. Black early AM  He discusses "The Col" who is tending bar for him.  Clara washed.  Tue feeling badly.  Something in my right eye annoyed me all day.  Went to Storm but failed to find him  Pay Mark Mitchell check a/c in full to date.  Tue Marie and Maggie gone to church at night.  Clear day northerly wind.    Tue stops card playing at night. burn up cards.  Gobed 7.30 P.M.

19.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Thr  18.  23.  14.  = 18 1/3

Clear, NW wind.  Clara ironing.  I intended to go out to Gaine's P.M.  and from there to Bert's sale tomorrow morning but too cold.  Tue got letter from Phebe P.M. saying she will start home soon as she can get money to come on.  Tue feeling badly P.M. and did not go to church at night.  Marie Clara and self play cinch till bed time  Gobed 10.30   
strong NW wind.  Hard to keep house warm.  Mostly cloudy pay per . tax 82 cts.  Lafayette colector (sic) calls

(shorthand at top of page.)

20.  Wednesday.  5.40.  A.M.  Ther.  10. 21.  15 =  15 1/3
Mostly clear.  N.W. wind.  Tue wrote Phebe sending draft for 50.00  Expect duplicate Mar. 1. in place of one she lost.  She is  expected  home this week to stay.  Inmates of Anchor resort and others  having a trial before Squire Davis.  Berts sale today but too cold for me.  Clara ironing AM uptown P.M.  Her father expected to go to Indiana thie week.  Marie went to party at Brightbills at night afterword to Dorsch's.  I walked up town with Tue, she going to church.  Partly cloudy day with N.W. wind  Snow flying A.M.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

21.  Thursday.  5.45 AM.  Ther 8. 29. 20. = 19
Mostly clear westerly wind.  tue getting ready for Reading Circle function tomorrow.  She attended church P.M. I didn't go uptown today.  Clara making doughnuts P.M.  Mushrooms by  Nina L. Marshall recd. from W.E. Hill today 2.00  Folks all went to church at night,  Cloudy day with W. wind growing colder P.M.  Half inch fine snow after dark Gobed 10 P.M.  (shorthand)

22.  Friday.  5.45 AM.  Ther 10.  19.  8.  =  12 1/3
Clear NW wind.  Tue gets special delivery letter from Phebe early AM. saying she would be home on 1.12 P.M. train.  Later recieve telegram that she had missed train and would start at 5.30 P.M.  I met her at Mattoon and we got home at 1 oclock night.  Tue had Reading Circle with refreshments P.M.  This was their last meeting here this season.  Cold mostly clear.  Fresh NW wind snowing flying at times  Gobed 1.30 A.M.

(shorthand at top of page)

23.  Saturday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  8.20.  16.  =  14 2/3
Cloudy NW wind Snow flying.  Papers say no signs of warm weather yet.  Earl Decker calls and settle with him in full to date.  Think can't cut away any more wood at present.  Reports  Simons sick la grip.  Helen here to dinner.  Phebe glad to get home; has very sore throat.  Tried to find chicken P.M. but couldn't   Clara went home on 9.03 P.M. train expecting to return tomorrow or Monday morning.  Her folks are intending to move to Indiana soon.  Tue feeling badly.  I went up town after supper getting veal roast coffee &c.  Cold cloudy day.  NW wind with light snow squalls.  Thought to go out to Loxa but too cold.  Sleep in NW room.  Marie with Tue.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

December 11-13, 1889 and 1900

December 1889

11.   Wednesday 7 AM.  Ther  34.  56.  41  =  43 2/3

Clear and fine  Wind W. Swelling has gone down in left foot but more painful than yesterday. Didn't.  There was white frost this morning.  W. wind and clear all day.    Thought would try to paint something and hunted up all my material.  Hat was here P.M. she and Tue went up to Eastin's awhile.  Gobed 9.30

12.  Thursday. 7 AM.  Ther  35.  59.  52.  =  48 2/3

Clear with S.W. wind.  Went uptown today  for drummer.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Mostly clear day with SW wind  Sent for  Cloak for Tue and Muff. 27.50    Foot much better today but hurt pretty badly before night  gobed 11 PM.  

13.  Friday 7 AM  Ther  56.  57.  55  =  56

Cloudy.  Hibband pays 9.00 in full for wood.  Went down to Electric Plant toward night to see about putting lights in store.  Bert in town did not go down to dinner.  Dark day but warm.  Tue makes mince meat.  Gobed Midnight

December  1900

11.  Tuesday. 6 AM.  Ther  19.  34.  22.  =  25

Clear light NW. wind.  Tue eye somewhat better this morning.  Jack Trobaugh agrees to saw my 3 cords wood for 2.00 and begins at 9 AM.  Write short letter to Phebe which mail at 11.37 train.  Look over a/c at Winter & Coon and find O.K.  Mostly clear day and about freezing all day.  N.W. wind.  Roads wearing down.  Get shave and at Browns P.M.  Marie went  down to Wheatly's with Ruth Stoddert  Gobed  8.30 P.M.

12.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.    20.  40.  36  =  32

Mostly clear.  Southwind.  Heavy white frost.  Trobaugh sawing.  Young Misses Lloyd came to wash 8oc finishing early.  Clover leaf trains have changed time yesterday.  Mrs. Shirley called P.M.    Shirley came afterward but I was gone.    Pay hires of wages 25,00 check.  Start Loxa 2 P.M.  Gaines does not seem to be  doing much.  Has been grubbing and trapping.  John Gaines there.  Start home 5.  Tue had Precilla Club P.M.   Ferd here at night till bed time  Mostly clear southwest wind.  Roads good Gravel best.  9.40 P.M.  Tue at Groves at night.  

***  A  top of page:  Trobaugh finished wood Wednesday eve.  Pay him up in full.  (shorthand)

13.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  30.  36.  24.  =  30

Clear wind Westerly,  Call on Campbell at RR Restaurant  Mrs. Lloyd and daughter Maggie iron AM.  Took their rubbers home and start for Gaines 2 P.M.  Jo grubbing but came in while I was there  Intended to drive  down to Feeleys for one of Craso girls  Stop at Loxa on and see Clara Thurman who says she will be over in morning   Maggie came home at noon sick no better at night.  Pay a/c at CH Jones 3.35 to Hogg.    McPheron pays 10.00 on a/c   H.G. & H here at night.  Mostly clear day N wind  Roads good.  Gravel best.  Gobed 10 P.M.  

October 21-22, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October  1889

21.  Monday 6.45 AM,  Ther 27

Heavy white frost. went to ranch.

22.  Tuesday.  6.30 Ther at C.

Began to rain slowly about 11 last night and continued without stopping till toward night today  The goats keep me awake in night, having no shelter.  We put them in corn crib today  Milt put  in day in house, and culling wood for present use.  Took gun and went up to Handlys corner toward night.  Saw nothing to shoot  Riley Decker and Henry Rogers burning logs in west f(?)   old man Decker cutting wood for himself.   Gobed 9.30  wind NW

October 1900

21.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther  58.  75.  70   =  67 2/3

Partly clear S.E. wind.  Tue feeling badly this morn.  She has no girl yet and is barely able to do the work.  Maggie not well still works in Jenkins store  Marie goes to school, although stayed away a day on last week.  Get letter from Phebe which open and it proved to be to Tue.  The weeds still lay on pasture in the hollow.  Spoke to T. Brooks about putting in telephone next week.  Also thinking of putting in E. light fixtures.  Promised to go to  Ranch today but pills disabled.  High southerly wind all day.  Part cloudy.  Kate Stoddert here P.M. also Mrs. Knock.  Drive round a while at night alone.  Gobed 9 P.M.

22.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  68.  70.  60.  =  66

Partly cloudy.  There was light shower in night.  Hatton came about 7 AM.  Rain till 10 AM. beginning at 8.  Bill Hatton cut wood most of day.  Wall pays rent to 20th  Deposit same  with Wyeth & H check 30.00 to K.G. a/c at State 80.00  Bert ate dinner with us.  Is on jury but got off  I drove out to Gaines after dinner.  Jo hauling fodder  Has delivered to date at Linder's 104 buschel corn.  I drove through place to Loxa.  Get some things for Gaines'  Saw Mrs. Shirley.  Martha at Dr. Sommers Mattoon,  Mostly clear P.M. and slightly cooler SW wind get home about dark  Self feeling badly all day.  Mrs Owens washed and will iron tomorrow.  She is going away  this week to be gone two months.  Charley Marshall was married last night.  Tom and Hannah called at night.  Gobed 8 PM  Bert says Jesse Lietch dead.  He started for Oklahoma with his Uncle Andy.  Jo Bill has shucked out less than 5 acres of corn near farm getting 10 loads or about 340 bush.  This indicates yield of about 70 bushels ot the acres.  Shirley's  men are cribbing 80 per day each  This shows heavy yield for him.  Elavators had  them stop a/c rain today but will begin tomorrow.  Corn 29 c at Loxa.  Hen is shucking for Smith wants to rent some ground.

October 11-12, 1889 and 1900

October 1889

11.  Friday  6 AM.  Part cloudy  Ther  60.  82.  66  =  69 2/3  Start for timber 7.10  Met Milt going to Diona with wagon  Have Riley and Rogers cut a few logs old (?) and R. Deck burn brush  Meet Milt on way  home with big sow.  sp. rain toward night  Got home 8 PM   Father about sick with cold  go bed 10.30 PM.

(Next Page at the top)
11th over -  Electric light  started up for few moments about 7.30 first time.  D.G. Milie Stable burned about 8 PM.   Al Crass got hurt with hose cart.   (I have made this entry bold, not Charles.)

12.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.  60.  80.  58  =  66
Partly cloudy.  Light shower in night.  Pleasant day NW wind.  Remit Thurber 14.63  Send receipt for B&h Whiskey to free two Bbls also Rec for 2 Bbl Matingly   Uncle John in town.   Drake did not get in with wood  Warren brought load to Cooper.  Trade good best day so far except during fair  Electric light started at 6.45 P.M. for good. and continued all night  Kelly oils buggy.  go bed 11.30 PM

October 1900

11.  Thursday. 5.30 AM.  ?.  52.  78.  60.  = 63 1/3

Mostly clear.  Get shave  Decide to go to Mattoon on train  Drive down there and leave horse hitched to Wrights shed N. of R.R.  Going  to Mattoon on 11.38 train which was late  Take in most or many of show P.M.  Eat supper with the Catholic Ladies  Saw Martha Parsons at night.  Met Charley Hopper after dark and he and I took in some of show.  Try to telephone to Pipher to put up my horse but contrary drug man headed me off.  Met D.B. Rose says told fellow to pay me 200 amt of bill he owes me for lumber  I got home at 11 P.M. and ate hearty sup at that time  gobed 11.11 PM  

12.  Friday.  4.30 AM  .  Ther 52.  75.  60  =  62 1/3

Partly clear.  I intended to start to Matton or Loxa early but did not get off till 8 or 9 AM,  Went to  Gaines and intended to reach Mattoon.  Mrs. and Mrs. Gaines wanted to go with children, so we go  I  taking Mrs G in Buggy and Jo walking Start with load - May and daughter, 9.30 AM. getting there 10.30.  Leave horse and buggy in stable west side which May recommended.  OK.  Take in much of fair.  Meet many I knew.  Saw Bert and was with him over show says will loan us money and take up note at 1st National Bank.    Shirley met me just as I was about to start home.  Tell him have not time to discuss matters.  They  try to plow BC stubble yest. but give  it up.  Got to Joes about 6 P.M. and home 7 PM.  Gobed 830 P.M. 

October 3-5, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL.

October 1889

3.  Thursday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  56.   76.  46  = 57 2/3

Clear and pleasant.  Second day and last day of re-union .  Good many in  and trade  equal to Saturday.  Warren hauls load of Cooper  Milt finishes 3 cord to Hibbard.  Sold J. Dice 99 posts @6 1/4. cash.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Bert in town but didn't come down Gobed 10.30 ~

4.   Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  46.  70.  48  =  54 2/3

Clear and cool.  Probable light-frost start for timber before 7 AM.  Min (sic) making roads from hollow didn't finish.  Rode around S side PM looking at timber get pretty well tired out.  Got home at 7.15 P.M.   Find mess of puffs balls by Edmons.  Tue spent day at Hats   HG took off screen doors at store today  Gobed 12.30

5.  Saturday  6.30 AM.  Ther 45.  62.  42.  =  49 2/3

Clear.  Caught cold last night sore throat  cool day.  P(?)  smoke stack to Light Plant.  H.G. abusive.  Make wife sick P.M. and he not there at night.  Uncle John in.  Warren haul load to Cooper.  Milt l to Anderson.  Gobed 11.30

October 1900

3.  Wednesday. 5.30. AM.  ther 60.  88.  63

Clear.  S.E. wind.   Get Ed. Wells to pull weeds and sort over seet corn.  Harvest pumpkin crop in bottom.  Ike Rogers up with BC which he sold for 80.00  Warren with Lim  MR. Owen irons.  Get mess of Lycapendons in Wileys pasture.  Ed. Wells went with.  Mrs McKee rides home to town with me.  Tue  and Mrs. McKee rides home to town with me.  Tue and I  drive while at night till say 8.30.  Today  the first day I have not used tobacco since Mar 1.  Fill plate holders to camera at night in dining room.  Gobed 9 P.M.

4.    Thursday 5.30 AM.  Ther 60.  90  68  =  72 2/3

Mostly clear.  Start to Loxa about 9 AM.  Jo grubbing Mrs. G out in field.  I fool round till  dinner and them stay till about 4 P.M.  Was  down in corn and in lower part  of John's new (?) get home before 6.  Charlotte Sproule,  Mort & Kate here at night.  Jo coming to town tomorrow morning says will mow weeds.  Clear day.  Gobed 8.30 PM

5.  Friday 4 AM.  Ther 63.  91.  70  =  74 2/3

Clear.  Jo came about 8 AM. and began mowing bottom.  Rene and Bert in staying to dinner.  Tue gets letter from Phebe and Bert in staying to dinner.  Tue gets letter from Phebe and telegrams from NWU dean.  Phebe says she  cant  stand it there and must come.  I spent afternoon at Shannons trying to phone to her but no good.  Telegraph 7 P.M. to her telling her to come home at once.  Rene and Bert went home  5 P.M.  I take Irene down to Warrens to have her fortune told  Tues didnt amount to much.  Tue and I ride a while at night, east  and south of town.  Mostly clear day and about the  warmest we have had lately  Jo mowed the weeds in bottom and left for  Loxa about 5 P.M.  taking load of manure.  Miss Ford not here at night.  Grama phone waked us at about midnight.  Warm night.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

  

October 2, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

2.  Wednesday 7 AM   Ther  45.  68.  50.  =  54.1/3

Clear. Reunion of 8 Ill ?  Mrs. Rogers irons.  Millers Sawmill moves out west of town.  Warren brings load of wood to Cooper the first of 8  cord.  Milt  brings load to Hibbard.  Sold J. Dice 99 posts @6 1/4. cash.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Bert in town but didn't come down  gobed 10.30~~

October 1900

2.  Tuesday.  5 AM.  Ther  52  84.  60.  =  65 1/3

Clear.  Easterly wind.  I got up and ate breakfast before rest of them got up.    Miss John Simons on road.  I  didnt start till 7 PM.  and got home at 7.  Didn't eat diner except bunch candy &c.  Tue gets long letter from Phebe.  She has decided to stay there if she can take music.  Mort and Kate over at night till 10 PM.  Mrs. Owens washed  Phebe wrote to each of us but seems to be having good time.  (shorthand)  Get sample Kaffee corn.  Mort and Kate go home at 10 P.M. and gobed 11 PM.

August 31-September 3, 1900 in Coles County Illinois

August 1900

31.  Friday 5.30  AM.  Ther  68.  94.  75.  =  79

Clear.  SE wind.  Sign contact selling Shirley BC to Geo Rosebraugh @82.50    See W E McCravy about Minton note due tomorrow.  Boy and self went over and count Briggs  fencing 43.1x6-14.  He wants 62 more pieces.  Considerable B C unloading at W & C warehouse, for which they get 80.00.  Pretty red clouds up and shower south with thunder.  Sprinkle here  Thought to go to Loxa tonight and started but came back home.  "Roads getting dusty.  Gobed 11 PM.

September 1900  (shorthand at top of page)

1. Saturday.  5.30 AM  Ther.  70.  93.  74  = 79

Partly clear S.E. wind.  Clyde Ashby and self drove out to Gaines after breakfast getting lot of tomatoes &c got home before noon.  Jo about done hauling out B.C. Seed.  Simon was in town but didn't bring any lumber because couldn't get a load of good.    Self feeling badly all day  Pay Owen 2.00 P.M which is about all I owe  him     Marie got home from visit to Terre Haute about noon.  Partly cloudy day with shower 5 P.M. much thunder   Nothing new in BC market today and  heard of no sales  Didn't go uptown after supper.  Gobed 9 P.M.

2.  Sunday.  5.30 AM.  Ther 72.  90.  70 = 77 1/3

Mostly cloudy, southerly wind.  Tue and I start for Berts  8 AM.   Head N. road by Loxa.  Rene not home but came in a few moments, Andy Leitch there.  I stay about an hour go home away south of old road  Buy water melon of Bill Brown.  Get home before dinner  Shower came up about 2 P.M. raining for nearly an hour  Bring home samples of water from Berts new well.   Gaines folks were going to Cumberland but we saw the team in pasture as we passed.  Clyde has lot of boys looking round its farm much of P.M.  Drive south of town alone a while at night.  Campbell not there Develop 2 plates BC hands  Go bed 9.30

(top of Page)  Sept 1900  3rd Saw Rosebrough before starting to country  He wont pay 82.50 for any more BC at present.

4th  Road north and E rough and many muddy places

( a line of short hand)

Milt paid rent to Aug 20 on Monday.  Some talk with Bill Wall about my paying for fix patch.

3.  Monday, 5.30 AM.  Ther  68.  86.  68?  = 73

Cloudy Northerly wind.  Labor Day with parade which I did not see.  Tue got home 12.00  I went to train for her Marguerite Trimble was with her.  Start to Loxa about 3 P.M.  Get sack corn and basket potatoes and home about 7 P.M.  D.P. Rose pays balance of lumber bill 2.13 and Mrs. Knock pays for small bill lumber 90 c.  Jo Gaines grubbing, but pols and shucked corn for me.  Gobed 9 PM

August 13-18, 1900 in Charleston, IL

August 1900

Another big "Cake Walk" at Decker park Monday Night.   Didn't go.

13.   Monday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  AM.  Ther.  70.  93.  75. =79 1/3

Mostly clear.  Very heavy rain with wind in night probably about midnight.  Maggie D got home in night.  Owen helped me hitch up AM first time since in Spring also milked at night  Has quit working at Stodderts.  Drove east of town P.M.   and ride with G Kellogg at night E. of  half Mile house Doc Bennett says Ina Brown is to pull out his engine tomorrow morning.  I took quinine AM and felt bad till late afternoon.  Mostly clear day and quite sultry yet.  Maggie gives up her Centralia trip  Gobed 9 PM.

14.  Tuesday 5.30, AM.  Ther.  72.  84.  75.  =  77

Partly cloudy.  Owen helped me hitch.  Mrs. Owen washed.  I saw Charley Mitchell and start for ranch 8.30 AM.  Getting across river.  Heavy storm from NW made me return  Met storm at Wrights where I stop for an hour getting home about noon.  Heavy rain with wind and thunder from 10.30 till 11.15 AM.  Clears of P.M. and air very close.  Speak J H Marshall about Brown   Owen milks.  Gobed 9 P.M.  (shorthand)

  Next page - Two rows of shorthand.

15.  Wednesday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  70.  90.  75? = 78 1/3

Partly cloudy.  Much lightning N in  night.  Thought to go to ranch, but Heavy shower came up about 9 AM.  Urinal for store came yesterday but decide not to put it till Geo Gray vacates our back lot.  Wall is starting a saloon at Brocton.  West out to Gaines P.M.  Gaines gone to Mattoon did not get home till night.  Shirley and Arnut(?) in townclear hunting BC Hands.  Self feeling badly all day.  Gobed 9 PM

16.  Thursday.  4 AM.  Ther 70.  85.  76.  =  77

Mostly clear at 4 AM.  but some clouds up  Shirley began cutting BC. Jo will help him and will probably help Armstrong.  I got  some eggs  tomatoes and corn and get home 8.30.  Learn through Gaines folks that Bert has gone to Dakota.  Very heavy shower between 9 and 10 AM. but mostly clear P.M.  Drive down to see Kellogg P.M. but he was not at home.  Tue  over at Groves at night.  She is not feeling so well as usual  Gobed 9 PM.

17.  Saturday 5.20 AM.  Ther.  78.   100.  85.  =  86  . 87 2/3

Mostly clear  Roan horse was loose this morning and had demoralized everything about the farm.  Start for Gaines 7 AM.  They have about 20 hands cutting BC south of house.  Intended to go home early but went on errand for Armstrong and stay round till 4 PM.  They get to threshing about 3.  Too warm for me to move around much.  They have 15 acres cut.  Get home 6 P.M.  Pay Simons for  amt. (to date) of C.D. Michell bill coming to  (?).  Maggie Dvone and sister were going home tonight but gave it up.  Drive round town a while at night.  ( shorthand)  Gobed 10 PM

18.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  ther.  73.  99.  85.  =  85 2/3

I start for ranch after breakfst to see if Brown had moved  found him just across Blakeman bridge on way to Perry Rennells.  Says can fix up another bargain and that BC thresh will not hold him long.  Very hot especially PM and night.  Warmest night   Gobed 9 PM    Oka and Ruth Decker came at night.

August 9-12, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

August 1889 

9.    Friday.  7 AM;  Ther.  72.  90.  72.  =  78.

Part cloudy hazy.  Mrs. Knock and Tue went to  teachers institute this AM.  I got shave and haircut at Mays.  John May got shot yesterday not dangerously.  Pay K Bros, & H. Acceptance.  Remit Thurber W & Co. in full ~ Heavy rain between 3 and 4 PM.  Milt brought load of wood to Tooke, sold  McGurty posts.  Base ball game today post poned till tomorrow.  Mostly cloudy.  More rain toward night.  Trade Duller.  10.30

10.  Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther.  10.83.  65.  =  72 2/3

Cloudy, foggy, clears off  and pleasant day.  Base ball in P.M.  Uncle John and Bert both here to dinner.  Milt didn't come up today.  Sold McGurty 105 posts at 6 Paid.  Got mare shod in front of Rice's shop.    Trade fair but hardly up to mark.   Mostly clear with  N. wind.  Engage John Riley and Henry Rogers to help me next week.  Gobed 10.30~

11.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  67.  83.  65.  =  72 2/3

Mostly clear N.E. wind.  Oil and tighten up buggy.  Phebe's birthday.  She went to S.S.  meeting AM.  Mar(?) here most of day - she spends most of her time here  lately.  Went down to (?) McKees  to look at  (?) which I bought for twelve dollars.    Drove all around town afterward took Tue and baby.  Pleasant  day~  Gobed 10.30 

12.  Monday.  7.30 AM.  62.  83.  68.  =  71.

Clear.  Uncle John in Town and (?)to (?), hen (?) brought sow in morning.  Uncle J, says I paid too much for her.  I bought  3 or  four loads of corn of him which they will haul tomorrow.  Drake brought up load of 7 ft. posts.  Pleasant  day clear with SE wind.  Gobed 10.30 PM,

August 1900

9.  Thursday.  5.40 am.  Ther.  72.  97.  77.  =  82.

Clear SW wind.  Ho came 7 AM for BC shed slats  Evans orders small bill lumber for shed.  DP Rice orders about 1000 feet 2 in plank and  (?).  John Simons & Ewd Decker bring up odd lots.  Tue not feeling well and over at Groves .  Self didn't go up after supper.  Gobed 10PM.  

10.  Friday 5 AM.  Ther.  72.  98.  81.  =  83 2/3

Clear SW wind.  Start for Gaines 6.30 AM.  All gone to Mattoon.  I got lot of garden stuff and start home 9 AM.  Simons  and Earl up with lumber for Rose and others.  Brown getting  "particular"  Some heavy clouds P.M. looking a little like rain,  Heat very oppressive.  Didn't drink any coffee this morning.  Tue went to R.C. PM  Drive N. of town P.M. tow miles crops no better than round Loxa.  Tue on warpath bad after supper.  She is not feeling well.  Gobed 9 PM.

11.  Saturday. 5.20 AM.  Ther.  73.  96.  82.   =  83 2/3

Clear.  Southerly wind.  Geo Gray gets new front put in.  Urinal ordered through Van Meter two weeks ago not come yet.  John Simons brought in wood today as there was  no lumber sawed.  J.W. Decker was up and rode aways  with me.   C.D. Mitchell thinks can give me bill for 10 or 12  M feet.  Snider receives first bill all right and says and says will give me more.  Self feeling badly today Drive up at night for shave.  Cow didn't come up and I went to bed without having milked.  Lay awake all night with high fever.  Didn't have any chill.  Gobed 9 PM.

12.  Sunday. 5 AM.  Ther.  75.  96.  75.  = 82.

Partly cloudy.  Began raining about 7 AM several heavy showers during day with  thunder.  Maggie and Marie were going with excursion to Terre Haute but decide not.  Maggie Devone went home.  I feeling bad all day no appetite.  Fever left in early in morning.  Think the hot weather responsible for most of it.  Drive awhile with Tue at night.  she employs  Mrs. Owen to wash Tuesday.  Roads except gravel quite muddy.  Gobed 9 PM.

July 11-27, 1889 in Charleston, Illinois (highlights)

July 1889

11.  Thursday

Get pair of cheap shoes at Mitchells.  Green drummer in town, but didn't buy anything.  

12.  Friday

Mrs. Rogers washed bed clothes.

13.  Saturday

Uncle John was down to dinner.  Snider returned from Indianapolis where he had been to take cattle.  Drummer from Toledo is in town.  Trade is good, best day we have had so far.  

14.  Sunday

Heavy thunder shower.  Town branch is higher than for years, a foot or more higher than on June 8.  Phebe gets blackberry on new dress.

15.  Monday.

Uncle John in town on way to Snider's to help thrash, left some with me to deposit for him.  Mrs. Davis helping Tue sew in PM.

16.  Tuesday.

Crass washes buggy.

17,   Wednesday.

I clean up harness and had some repairs made on it.

18.  Thursday.  

Baseball game today between Kansas and Charleston.  Charleston  2nd best.  

19.  Friday.

Subscribe for  "Hanacasion"  for G. Bros for 4 months

20. Saturday, 

Maggie is thinking more drawing lessons of Miss Johnston.  Rode with Tue toward night storm drove us in before dark.

21.  Sunday.

22.  Monday

H.G. washes up lot of flasks.  Maggie began taking drawing lessons of Miss Johnson.

23.  Tuesday.

Bert in town afternoon bought himself a new buggy and harness.   

24,  Wednesday.

Drummers numerous this week.   M & Ph went to Martha Davis birthday party today.   Self not very head ache. (sic)  Sent for  some pericals(sic) for Maggie.  

25.  Thursday.

Tue went out to Uncle John's with Mrs. Davis  starting about 10 AM. took baby.  Girls spend day a Davis.  Tue got home before night.  Try on coat at Winters.  Tue left me to bake batch of bread.  Learn that Calvert died recently at St. Joe MO.

26.  Friday 6 AM  Ther.  71.  91.  66.  =  78.

Cloudy.  Start to timber at 8 AM. via _______ Handley ford.  Very oppressive (?) and flies troublesome  River just ran over top of buggy bad in crossing, R. Decker the only man at work.   Thunder shower began about 12.30 PM  met Milt .  He brought up wood  Sam Adams took 46 posts this morning.  Go bed 10.15 PM.

27.  Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther.   72.  91.  78.  =  80 1/3

Clear hazy.  Pleasant day Receipts largest we have had.  Uncle John in town says he will go with me to look for sheep after a while.  Milt did not come up, roads bad.  D. H. Calvert was buried  today.  Breed mare to Dr. Montgomery's horse.  Sam Adam pays me for 86 posts $5.76 ?  Go bed 10.30 

February 20-22, 1914 and 1889 in Coles County Illinois

February 1914

EMeter 1044,000

20.  Friday 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  20.  36.  24.  =  26 2/3

Part cloudy N.E.1.  Norton, Lafayette collector calls.  He gives me figures on tax at Loxa : total 162.58 being 7.57 more than last year.  Tue attends R.C. at Myra Alexander's.  Alfred did chores tonight.  Chas. got hurt at school not seriously.  Phebe is getting ready to start Sunday for Havana, ILL.  Tue and self have been talking of offering our house and grounds to P.O. agreed McGreggor for P.O. site.  Such a thing is possible not probable.  Mrs.  Darmblaser (GA) and Mrs. Morg Anderson reported dead in Courier.  Mostly  clear nearly freezing all day: light northeasterly wind.  Gobed 9

21.  Saturday. 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  14.  40.  38.  =  30 2/3

Clear. E.1.E. Meter reads (C.S.) this morn 1044 K.W.  they read it today for month, with discount off makes 3.34 bill for Feby.  Phebe getting ready to leave for Havana.  She  has decided to start Monday  morning.  Mostly  clear day variable  E to S. winds growing warmer after dark.  I didn't go up town.  Mort and Kate came over while we were at supper staying till 10 P.M.  My hands are very sore from the weather and dust.  there is still good deal snow in patches.  Gobed. 10.

22. Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  40.  24.  18.  =  27 1/3

Most cloudy N.E. 2.  Tue attends morning church, getting paper R.H. 7cts.  It began sleeting about noon an alarm of fire 12.30 P.M. proves to be the Methodist church.  It burned most of afternoon.  Think it about ruined.  Phebe very busy getting ready to start for Havana at 6 tomorrow morn.  It was cloudy and storming all P.M. and night sleet and ice at times but settled down to snowing later with fierce N.E. wind.  Proves to be one of worst storms of  season.  Gobed 8.30

February 1889

20.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  0.  29.  21.

Clear light S.W. wind  The coldest morning to day to date.  Woodpile is getting low have not more than a  a cord in woodhouse altogether.  Maggie still stays home from school has a very bad cough night and day.  Made a bottle of syrup for her P.M.  Tue cutting out woolen dresses  for the girls.  Have been discussing the the plan of going down to timber to live a while.  Clear day with westerly wind.  Stay at home all day can't afford to  expose myself (?) sort of weather.  Gobed 9.30 PM 35.

21.  Thursday.  6.15 AM  Ther.  23.  46.  36.  

Clear S. wind.  Tue worked up stairs AM till she got tired out.  Uncle John was in to  dinner.  Mostly clear day with S. wind.  Cutting snow pretty fast.  Had thoughts of going to timber tomorrow but (?) roads are too bad.  Maggie's cough seems some better today.   Kate Davis over little ehile toward night.  also Mamie Land.  gobed 8.30 PM

22.   Friday.  6,30 AM.  Ther.  28.  28.  6

Clear early but clouded up wind N.W.  Then went up to 32 by 8 AM which was the highest it grew colder all day  mostly cloudy.  Snow flying at times.  H & M here to dinner also Bert's for a day or two.  Maxine Lang spent afternoon here.  Maggie at home.  a good deal of the last fall of snow on the ground.  ~ 8.30

February 16-19, 1914 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1914

16.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  4.  28.  22.  = 18

clear. N.W.3.  Order load of Panama coal from Andrews WN @ .350  they send it just after dinner.  It is some improvement on the coal we have been burning all winter.  The load 465 lbs. at average consumption this season this should last till Mar. 15.  they had good deal trouble getting in owing to ice N. of barn.  Tue irons AM. Cap Alexander was buried today.  Mrs. Brooks called a while 3 PM.  I cleared the way for coal man.  Charles chored 4 PM.  Mostly clear day clouding  toward night.  Tue went up town  and down to  Hat's.  She was in great demand over phone by Helen.4' (sic) and Mrs. Grove.  Helen wanted her to accompany  her to  grand concert at Normal but got home too late.  She went over to Groves till after I  retire~  Mostly clear day moderate westerly winds.  Gobed 9 PM

17.Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  24.  52.  38.  =  38

clear. S.4.  The new coal does fine but will have to hold it down to keep fire at night.  We get letter from each of girls this morn.  Phebe thinks will be home tomorrow.  I sent Buddy birthday card yesterday.  Tue mails papers to Muggs and Marie* this morning.  Tue ironing AM.  Harman phones regarding B.C.**  We decide to not sell at Harryman ($110.20) offer.  Buddy 27 today.  Have been reading over old diaries for several days.~  Pulling brass tacks from old trunks AM.  Sort over papers on "desk" PM.  Tue went up town late PM. is sending a mop to Buddy by mail.  The R.H. enlarged its sheet yesterday one column.  Mostly clear SW to W wind and snow gives off pretty fast.  Gobed 8.30.  Tue wrote to Bert about Bim.***
*Buddy is Marie's nickname  **Broom corn    ***Bim is Henry Hildreth's nickname

18. Wednesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  34. 40.  34.  = 36.
Cloudy. E.2. light foggy. Light rain began 8 AM and continued all day with snow at night.  Moderate northeasterly winds.  Think about two inches snow fell at night.  Charley came to chore.  Tue pays him to date 3o c.  I employ self reading old letters.  Mrs. Chamberlin and others.  Henry Sutton , an old friend died a day or two ago of cancer.  The gas gives out on account of slight accident at plant.  We look for Phebe in afternoon but she did not come till nearly midnight.  Fern remained at Chicago.  gobed midnight.

19.  Thursday. 7 AM.  Ther.  28.  36.  26.  =  30.
Cloudy N.E..1.  Clear off before 11 AM.  Phebe went to Station for suitcase, not getting it.   Big four.  Harman phones about B.C. thinks better sell for fear it spoils.  Coldwater Bill  off the snow.  Tue  Pd. him.  The gas appears all right about 7 A.M.  Phebe did not  get up to breakfast.  H.G. called 2 P.M. to inquire and intended ally &c about and Nels Thomas farm. A  friend thinks of trading for same.  I can't help him much.  Shave self late P.M. first since 8th (?).  Think there was about 2 in. snow yest.  With the rain which fell earlier made.95 in Precipitation.  Clear afternoon with moderate N.E. wind.  the P.O. inspector is here to decide as to P.O. site.  there are several locations to choose from.  He will be here till  Saturday.  Phebe and Tue both home at night.  Play Graphophone  good deal.  Gobed 10.

 

October 12-16, 1888 in Charleston, IL

October 1888

12.  Friday.  6 AM.  47.  62..  50.  

Cloudy rain in night  not enough to wet the make mud.  Got some things up at room and over store.  John Parker says will repair buggy seat for 75c.   Father has been sawing wood lately.  Riley Eastin called to settle paid him 6.00 which is  nearly all I owe him.  He has made nearly ten thousand boarsd for me.  Snider brought us a can of sweet cider.  Help Tue at night with her tomatoes.  Rec prices of seeds from AD Co.  Cloudy most of day cooler PM  Go bed 10 PM.

13.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther.   43.  65  50.
Partly cloudy N.W. wind.  Post up books in morning.  Pay up Jim Decker in full.   Grand Democratic rally today.  Big crowd in town not all democrats   (?) Uncle John and Bert were down to dinner.  Cooper paid 4.00 on his wood instead of 8.00 as promised.  Buy steak at Bill Meyers on Cr 20.   Laura and her family were here at night.  Phebe and baby both sore throat.  Gobed 10 PM.

14.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  45.  60.  54.
Clear.  The girls did not go to Sunday School.  Had dinner at 2.30 P.M.  Went out to Uncle John toward night getting home before dark all the children have bad colds.  Go bed 9 P.M.

15.  Monday. 6 AM.  Ther.  51.  62.  50.
Cloudy.  Light rain good part of night .  Write to Wheatly about timothy seed, but before night buy all I want of Geo Wyth @1.85  Got M Miller to put extension on back chimmny at store to stop smoking.   Went to look at  F Knocks Stable in P.M.  Phebe had cold stays home from school.  Light rain fore noon clear off PM.  Gobed 9 PM

16.  Tuesday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  50.  63.  48.
Clear.  Road somewhat muddy.  J.R. Haddocks rides with me part of the way.  Lost my whip, but got it at night.    Boys work at poling and staking fence.  Bob not at home.  Storm comes up about 3 P.M.  Much wind down there and very little rain.  Heavy rain and hail uptown.  Came home by Handley's ford road dry  down then muddy.  Near town two or three day.  Phebe went to school got caught in rain.  Gobed 9.30