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 6 - 10, 1890 and 1901

July 1890

6.  Sunday.  7 AM   Ther  66.  92.  73.

Mostly clear wind southerly.  Start from home at 11 AM. went out to Vanmeter house with Geo Kellogg to look at hay find there is 6 ton poor hay there yet.  Get to Simons about 3.30 nobody home, ride around pastures till night,  Warm day dryer here shower uptown.  Gobed 9,30 PM.  Warren says he will begin hauling wood for me this week.

 with Zeke Eastin for hauling

7.  Monday.  4.30 AM.  70.  94.  77.

Clear, start home after breakfast getting there at 8.30  Mrs. Rogers  the washes.  Tue and Hat pick berries P.M.  Get buggy repaired at Pughs charges 1.00.  Settle with Zeke Easton for hauling lumber  also Sutton puts another bib on hydrant in barnyard.  Present bill for lumber to council at night 398.98.  Very warm and dry.  Clear all day with southerly wind go bed 10.30 PM.

8.Tuesday.  6 AM.  82.  99.  72
Clear.  .  Mrs. R. ironed P.M.  Bim was in to dinner  This has been the hottest day so far.  Thunder shower with sprinkle rain between 1 & 2 PM another with heavy wind from N. between 5 & 6 P.M.    Mostly clear day  heart very oppressive  Settle with M. Comer in full to date also with Jack Handly and Geo  Walter  Sold Will Myers two large hogs fo 18.00  F m B A. have county assembly in court house quite a large crowd.  Cooler night Go bed 10.30 P.M.  

9.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  72  85  60  Clear Cooler.  Took wool down to Factory P.M.  292 lbs @ 24 c.  Not many in town everyone busy in country  Sampson and Reynolds each brought up load of walnut.  Hat and Tue pick berries.  Play croquet after supper.  Gobed  10.30 PM

10.  Thursday.  6.30 AM  Ther  55.  85.  62.Clear with fresh E. wind.  Draw rent money and deposit, pay bal  taxes for last year 111.02 .  Pay Skidmore 25.10   J.L. Green drummer in town  Buy from him 1 bag and most coffee for our own use.  WH White here wants me to try a lot of ties  Phebe has the  ? and suffers   seems to suffer good deal with it.  Sampson hauls up  load of walnut.  Clear day S wind  Gobed 10.30

July 1901

6.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther.  65.  89.  68.  =  74

Clear.  Northerly or NW afterward S.W.  Coolest for aome time,  Jake sawing on wood - finished it and settle in full.  Kate & Bacon called before noon.  They went to Franks to dinner leaving their team here.  They started home about 6 P.M.  Minnie and Maggie got rig at Berkleys and drive A.M.  Minnie did not start home as intended.Went up town after supper to buy some grub.  Engage veal roast at Huttons  Clear day S.W. to W or NW  and much cooler  Gobed 9 P.M.  ~  

7.  Sunday.  5.30  AM.  Ther  58.  70.  58.  =  62

Clear NW wind.  I went uptown for fish before breakfast.  Drove out to Gaines starting 9.30 AM.  went South road and  through Loxa going through place.    Corn looks well.  Not been so much rain out there as in town. Jo hoeing in garden.  I stay to dinner after which Jo and self take good look at clover meadow.  It is not so good as I thought and hardly worth cutting.  Get some potatoes in sack also some beets and leave  at 4 P.M.  Clear chilly day with N.W. wind. My oats have begun to turn.  Didnt decide what would do with meadow.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

8. Monday.  5 AM.  Ther  50.  78.  61  =  63.

Clear N.E. wind.  Mrs Smith and mother came to wash finishing about noon. Received notice of filing of my claim against Wall  Bill Campbell has sold out and quit the restaurant business.  Geo Stegman advises me to cut my patch of weedy meadow.  Minnie  Scott started home home 11.38  Take her baggage to  to depot.  Jubal mows yard P.M. using Groves mower.  I went out to Gaines.  He was cutting thistles and weeds in pasture.  Quit and took mower to Loxa for repair McPheron did not fix it.I brough scikle to town to sharpen and repair.  Tue had Reading Circle women here at night.  I got home about 7.30 PM.  clear day with NE to E wind.  Gobed 9 PM.

9. Tuesday.  5 AM.  ther  55.  88.  68.=  70 1/3

Clear  SE.2  Maggie went early with girls to Decker Spring.  Nell Bishop stayed all night with Phebe last night.  Take sickle to Merriths before breakfast and start for Gaines 8. oc.  But machine would not wouldn't work worth a cent  Get another sickle at Merritts and get to Gaines about 5 P.M. staying all night.  Mrs. G. cut her foot very bad on glass in yard.  Clear day, southerly wind.  Thought would have to take machine before anything.  Corn looks pretty well but needs rain around Loxa  Gobed 9 PM

10.  Wednesday.  4 AM.  Ther  65.  95.  80  =  80.
Clear.  SW wind.  Investigating machine after breakfast find all it needs is oiling, after which it cuts very well.  Had to go to Loxa for bolt.  Leave for home 10 AM.  Took Helen out to Hens P.M.  Hen and Ora  gone.  Jo got meadow nearly done the machine working very well.  Very warm day clear with SW wind.  Roads getting dusty W.  I got too warm A.M. and about sick  Gobed 9 P.M.

March 1-8, 1890 in Charleston, IL

March 1890

1.  Saturday 6 AM.

at ranch

John went after hay to Sims got a small load of the of the best we have had.  Rile worked till noon, and settle with him for work done to date.  He still owes me for two months rent.  Several lambs died today and three well five new ones this morning.  Pretty clear pleasant day but cold NW wind.  Gobed 10.30 PM.  John and wife went out to barn in night

2.  Sunday 6 AM. At Ranch.  Ther

Clear day.  John and Warren went for corn.  I walked over across hollow AM.  Johnny Decker dined with us.  Rile Decker worked all day at odd jobs.  Had to nail stripes on south side of shed when wind changed to SW in PM.  There have been six lambs today two died in house.  Gobed  11.30 PM

3.  Monday. 5 AM.  Ther.                34  =
Partly cloudy.  John started for another load of hay at about 8 AM.  I work with sheep and lambs till 10.30 AM and start home getting there at about 3 PM after the roughest ride I ever had.  I counted lambs pretty carefully this AM and make 49 alive most of them pretty good, as nearly as I can tell then have ten of them died, and 43 of the ewes have had lambs 16 ewes have had twins according to this.  Two or three of the remaining 27 ewes are probably not with lamb.  My trip home nearly used me up and I did not go up town. Abbot brought me some cull posts and cut up for wood toward night.  Our worst trouble at ranch is want of milk for young lambs, John will buy a cow as soon as he can.  Gobed.  10.30 PM -- 

4.  Tuesday 7 AM  Ther  27.   27.  19.  =  24 1/3
cloudy and snow flying from NW.  Mostly clear day with N.W. wind.  Remain at home all day all the neighbors have called today.  Hat was here toward night.  Feeling badly self and took some oil sat up till 1.30 AM waiting for it.   Abbott cut lot of cull posts and some poles into stove wood  Grows colder.  The street lights not lighted tonight  nor last night  Tue spent evening up at Lattas  Gobed  1.30 AM

5.  Wednesday.  7.30 AM.  Ther.  Ther 13.  25.  16.  =  18
Cloudy and snowing lightly from N.E.  Snows about 1 inch AM.    Went up about 10.30.  Remit Dunnaway.  Pabst. F. Strauu & Co in full send WHR  JM A(?) & Co. Louieville KY to free (?) B ? Whiskey.  Bert down to dinner.  Came in with team and wagon.  Bim was married last Saturdat to Ora Easton.  Bill Kelly works at store washing bottles P.M. says has good cow to sell.  Spent evening at store first time in a week .  Street lamps not going tonight.  Go bed 11.30 PM

6.  Thursday 7 AM.  Ther  4.  27.  21  = 17 1/3
Clear with N.E.  wind.  Get letter from Aunt Maria.  The first in a long time.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Bim and wife are going to live with him this sumer (sic).  Get samples grass seed from WS Hill and pay him for all I have bought.  Council meet at night and vote to have special election on license question on  Apl 23.  Tue feeling badly today and also at night.  Marie sick in night - Tue  thinks from swallowing a piece of chewing wax.  Tue and baby got up and spent night on the lounge down stairs  Mostly clear day with N.E. wind:  hazy night.  Circle around moon.  Sat up till after 2 A.M.

7.  Friday 7.30 AM.  Ther  21  32  22  =  25
Cloudy and snowing from S.E  Tue not feeling much better.  Self about sick all day and night had high fever at night did not go bed till 2.30 AM.  Snows lightly most of day from N.E. about 2 1/2 in  Mrs. Eastins sick sent Ed for Ed for whiskey  Trade light, did not go up town at night  Bill Kelly gives me order for his cow if I want her at $25.00  He recommends her highly.

February 18-23, 1890 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1890

18.  Tuesday.  7 AM  Ther  39.  40.  36.  =  38 1/3

Cloudy and growing cooler.  Wind NW.  Uncle John and Hen were down to dinner.  Hen got locked up at night.  Surveyor Green did not come sown till night so I did not go to  timber as intended.  Will go tomorrow if does not storm.  Mostly cloudy day with NW wind.  Cobble rode mare a while.  Uncle tells me he will want team to break up some new land.  Gobed 11 PM.

19.  Wednesday.  7 AM.  Ther  35.  432.  35.  =  37 1/3

Cloudy wind E. Began to rain about 9.30 AM continuing till 1 PM  Much thunder with it.  Heavy rain & hail between 12  and 1 P.M.  Wind SE to NW.  Green and self decide to  postpone trip to timber for a while.    Package of things from  Berlin recd.  Hen still where they put him last night.  Dwyer says will let him out tomorrow morning.  says will let him out tomorrow morning.  Phebe not well yet and has not been to school since quitting  Gobed 12

20.  Thursday 6.30 AM.  Ther 23.  25.  18.  =  22

Cloudy and windy, NW.  Bim got out in morning and Tue got his breakfast.  Came down and stayed all night.  Hyman drummer in town.  Surveyor Green gets done here and goes home, says  will do our work next week if possible.  Cloudy day NW wind clears off night.  Trade light  gobed  11 PM.  

21.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther   9.  27.  22.  =  19 1/3

Mostly clear, Wind NW.  Phebe feels better but did not go to school.  Pay up Chambers & Parker 17.00 Ck C Griffith a/c wood 3.75  Learn that Drake and Simons are moving today  H.G. very cranky at night  Mostly clear day cloudy at night  Trade rather light.  Go bed 10.30 PM.

22. Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther.  22.  28.  32  = 27 1/3

Cloudy and  snowing quit about 8 AM and lightly at times during day.  John Simons up about 11 AM.  Reports sheep doing badly as last two ewes and lambs since I was there Feby 13  He took out grass seed bought of Bill Hill and some feed for sheep, also condition powders  Trade light.  Tue  went to show at night: left baby with dad.  Gobed 11 PM ~  The girls staid(sic) all night with Maunie  Cloudy.

23.  Sunday,  7.30 AM.  Ther.  33 - 42 - 41 =  38 2/3

Foggy AM.  Girls brought Maunie  home with them and she stayed all day.  Cloudy day but warms and snow all goes off by bedtime  I made batch of doughnuts toward night.  Wind S.  Gobed 8.30 PM  

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.

 

February 12-15, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1914

(At top of page) Miss Phebe Gramesly 4522 Clifton Ave. Chicago

12.  Thursday. 6.15 AM.  Ther.  18.  24.  20.  = 20 2/3

Cloudy N.E.2 light snow in night and flurries much of day perhaps 1 in. of light  fell during the day.  We got  a letter from Phebe AM.  She arrived in Chicago all right.  Fern has secured a place in Ohio.  I wrote briefly to her AM  Tue mailing letters.  Mrs. Nichols phones at night that had heard from Fern.  Claims that we have not  got Phebe's address right.  Tue writes to Muggs at night.  Send her and Buddy some Couriers.  Gobed 9   Cloudy day.

13.  Friday.  6.40  Ther.  16.  22.  18.  = 18 2/3

Cloudy and snowing N.E.3.  It snowed lightly much of night and began in earnest about 7 AM.  Continuing most of day.  Ed Shafter digs out walks for 30 c.  Charles comes and chores at night and will come tomorrow.  Wind  N.E. e shifting late late P.M. to North.  It snowed much of day drifting a good deal.  Guess it at 5 in.  Ed.  Shaffer dug out walks P.M.  Neither of us got out.  Self feel especially unwell today.  So stormy I did not order coal.  There is enough to last three or four days.  Learn that Ben Dawson is dead at Westfield.  I wean self out sorting old R.H.s AM.  Go bed 9.P.

14.  Saturday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  4.28.  16.  =16

Clear, N.2.  Tue gets clothes from attic and begins ironing.  She gets a letter from Henry Hildreth (Bim) at Portland Oregon inquiring about his share of Aunt fan's estate.  Today lowest temp since last Mar.2  I did not order coal can let it go till Monday.  R.H. did not come till P.M.  Charley chored and we settle after row with Tue.  Chas is poor help.  Will try  to get someone else or do work self.  Tue went up  town after grub getting half a ham.  Mostly clear day with light N.W. wind.  I get valentine card from Muggs.  A letter came from Muggs for Phebe.  We  have not heard any more from P  Gobed 8.30  Cap. Alexander died AM.

15.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  8.  32.  20. = 20

Clear. S.W.  1.  we did not bank up furnace fire last night and house very cold this morn.  We had breakfast about 9 eating in kitchen.  Tue didn't go to church but went up A.M. for R.H.  I did not go out and nobody called. Very unpleasant day strong S.W. to W. wind with light snow much of time.  Several sudden changes in temperature especially  about  dark much colder.  The gas failed to burn today but got started late P.M.   gobed 9.30 PM.

February 1889

12.  Tuesday.  5.50 AM.  Ther.  14.  30.  21.

Clear W. Wind.  Mrs. Shaw stops taking milk.  No word from Strickland yet.  Went down to depot 3.20 P.M. train but did not get to speak to him walked down to tie pile ` none coming in although  roads are said to be getting pretty good.  they are as dry in town here as in summer town.  Mostly cloudy day strong W wind very chilly.  Snow flakes flying toward night.  Gobed 9 PM.

13.  Wednesday.  6 AM  Ther.  18.  48.  28.  

Cloudy, wind SE looks like  snow and began about 7 AM. soon cleared off. and very pleasant day but a few flakes of snow fell.  H. G. was down in morning.  I trimmed a while at peach and plum in afternoon.  Mr. Wing called few moments P.M. to inquire about the lumber.  My throat not feeling very well today.  Maggie went to school in afternoon first time in a week.  Clark girl here with children after school go bed 9.30 PM~

14.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  25.  45.  42.

Clear .  Started for timber at 10.oc. getting there about 1 P.M. work while at putting out  fires left by John Decker.   He had been burning (?) this week.  Bob and self burn brush round horses P.M.  Fresh southeast wind blowing all day.  faxi (sic) AM mostly cloudy PM and  began to mist about 10 P.M.  Bob has topped about 60 maple trees sap has been running about 2 weeks.  Gobed 10.30

15.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  39.  50.  53.

Cloudy and foggy or misty.  Wind  still SE.  Damp but has not rained much.  Heard one little dash on roof at night.  Did not sleep well a gain.  Too mush coffee for supper.  Bob and self walk around timber a while before dinner and I decide  to go home for fear of cold change.  Bob agrees t o go to work at once at sowing timothy seed.  Started home after dinner.  Roads muddy in a few  places but generally dry and pretty good.  Damp SE wind and foggy all day.  Got a few papers from aunt Marie.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

October 3-6, 1888 in Coles County, Illinois

1888

3.  Wednesday  5.30 AM.  Ther.  27.  55.  44.

Clear.   S.W. wind Very heavy frost.  The finest hard one in town.  Wrote Dorsey for bbl quinces wrote letter to Aunts Fair Mate and Helen about Ma started down there about 8 AM. staying till marly night.  (?) home by Uncle John's  but didn't see him round Ma very low but likely to live several days perhaps.  Bim came there before we left.  We left the baby home with Maggie and  Grandpa.  Gobed 9 P.M.

4.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther. 45.  65.  55.

Partly cloudy and looks like rain but cleared off strong S. wind statted for woods at 8 AM.  Five men at work and Warren Decker hauling rails.  Light rain about 3 P.M. and some thunder the boys have got the land about clear of logs and brush.  Have decided not to put in wheat it has got to late.  Gather lot of butternuts and persimmons on way home.  Buy saddle at Skidmore's this morning on cr. $9.25 with briddle.  Mostly cloudy afternoon.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.  Tue ironed today.

5.  Friday. 6 AM.  Ther.  58.  58.  57.

Cloudy and much like rain. dics K pays rent for Sept.  Winters tells me Cooper not very good pay.  He owes me for 8 cords of wood.  Uncle John was in at 10 AM.  Ma died at 7 this morning.  Took Tue out there after dinner.  Bim was in to dinner.  Hat came down Uncle John went down to Sniders and I didn't see  him any more.  It began to rain about 11 AM and continued nearly all day.  I got home at  about 7 P.M.  The roads are very heavy Gobed 9 PM with baby.

6.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther. 53.  64.  55.

Cloudy, no rain in night.  Baby slept better than usual  Met Uncle John up town.  He says any deal (?) dies this morning at 7 oc.  It began to rain before noon.  After dinner I took Tue down to Bert's going by Harman's and (?) by stage road.  Rained slowly most of PM.  I got home at 7 PM.  Tue stayed down at Bert's.  Baby slept well with me.  Dark foggy night  Gobed 8.30 PM.    Got started to Bert's about 8.30   Roads very heavy got there at 10.30.  Mr. Swain preached funeral sermon.  Snider overtakes me on road we got to Cemetery at about 12.30.  They bury her at lot with Fan.  Rene and Hat  (?)  Hen went home with us and ate dinner.  Clears off toward night .  Gobed 9 P.M.

September 12-17, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

12.  Wednesday, 5.45  AM  Ther.  63.  78.  55.
Clear, N. Wind, down to timber all day 4 - men at work.  Steve Decker cut his foot and had to quit in P.M.   Wind N.  After eating dinner I went over on ridge back of Wes Deckers and look round an hour or two.   Bob is hauling out sheeting nearly done.  they went to town yesterday.  I got home at 6.40 Gobed 9 PM

13.  Thursday. 5.45 AM.  Ther.  43.  68.  54
Clear and cool said to have been light frost last night.  I took the girls out to the fair in morning.  Jo Dikob rode back to town with me.  Went out myself after dinner.  Not feeling very well, got home 5 P.M.  Paid Zeke Eastin 5.00 for Riley which I borrow from V.K. Curd.  Settled with Oce Bennett in morning.  Tue finished ironing she washed and ironed this week.  Gobed 9.20 PM  Bim borrows buggy for tomorrow.

14.  Friday, 6.30 AM.  Ther.  44.  68.  58.
Clear.  Tue makes tomato ketchup.  Went up town to get cans for it but could not find any.  Pay Zeke E.  $3.50 none for Riley.  Hat came AM. and went to fair with Tue after dinner.  Self feeling badly all day with colic.  Went to fair in afternoon.  Kate Davis here at night.  Bim and his girl here in P.M. while Tue and self were at the fair.  Gobed 9 PM.

15.  Saturday, 6.30 AM.  ther.  57.  71.  58.
Cloudy or nearly so.  Sprinkle rain in morning and occasionally during day.  The gang were in AM. and paid off.  Got butter and mutton at Bill Myers, AM. some meat P.M.  Got 1 1/2 doz (?) jars at Bin Mitchell's on Cr.  Tue went to fair afternoon with Hat and Mrs. K,  Self  feel bad all day.  Bim brought cow in at night.  Uncle J. sold his hogs yesterday at 5.50.  Gobed 9PM

16.  Sunday  7.30 AM.  ther.  55.  70.  55.
Cloudy and light showers with thunder before day light.  Ferd woke us up early after his coat.  Occasional showers all day.  Girls did not go to S.S.  Ferd* and Helen* here most of the day.  Tue went over to Perrills P.M.  Gobed 9.30

*Ferd and Helen are Tue's sister Fan's children.  Fan died in December of 1887.

17.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  ther.  53.  58.  54.
Cloudy.  Light  mist nearly all day.  Got ready to start for timber but gave it up.  E. Easton says will haul boards tomorrow.   Have sold C. Steigman a load.  Alex Briggs tells me he has rented Mrs. Norfolk's lot.  Went down to Nickolson place but Myers was not at home.  Maggie and Phebe start for school.  dark cloudy.  Has rained enough to lay dust on mud.  Self about sick all day.  Gobed 9 PM

September 9-11, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

9.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  64.  80.  55.
Clear.  We started out to Berts about 10 AM took baby.  Ma about same.  Stop to look at Gideons broom corn shed.  Came home through Loxa and stopped at Uncle Johns.  Find that the cow went homethe day she left us.  Got home about 7 P. M.   Laura Perrill and baby came home on  a visit today.  Mrs. Perrill and Hugh went to Columbus a day or two ago.  Go bed 9.30

10.  Monday  5.30 AM  Ther  47.  80.  64.
Clear  Timber all day, 4 men work at burning brush.  They will work tomorrow and next day.  Brown hauling sheeting, says he will come to town tomorrow.  Tue did washing herself, Mrs. Dickenson failing to come.  I got home before 7 P.M.   Dowling paid me 3.50 which he collected of Byrd  Olmstead clear day wind variable gobed 8.30 PM

11.  Tuesday  5.30  AM  Ther.  55.  87.  71.
Timber all day boys burning brush and logs and cutting (?).  Pick basket butternuts  (much unreadable )  wind varible.  Gobed 8.30 PM.S

August 19-21, 1913 & 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

19.  Tuesday.  4.30 AM.  Ther.  74. 94.  78.  =  82.

Mostly clear. S.1.  Tue and I start to Loxa 6.29 A.M.  going S. road.   Leaving Buddy and Chas. in bed.  Stop at Jones'.   Tue collecting his rent and at Gaines' where she saw the two babies and there at Mrs. Shirleys.  Mrs. S. is feeling poorly and has  changed much.  We drove up through the place going over to west side and through all cloverfields.  Do not think there is much seed in any of it and told Cox same when got to place.   Cox has visitors.  We did not see Harman and it was so warm we soon left for home.  The corn does not promise any more than at last visit.   Half a crop is big estimate.  We got home about 11 A.M. after very hot drive.  Shirleys digging well near their house.  Cox says they have plenty water at farm.  Can see nothing of clover sown with oats.   B.C. looks well.  Thunder much P.M. and mostly cloudy.  Sprinkle rain.  Apparently heavy rains S.  Find lot of supposed lepiota Granulosus  in garden.  I did not drive any more after getting home from Loxa.  Old mare seems to feel downsy (sic)she is worse to drive than I ever knew her to be.  Tue and Buddy over on 4th street at night.  Later they go up town.  This the first day of Coles Co. fair.  Admish is 50c. this year as it was last.  Gobed 8.30

20.  Wednesday.   5.30  AM.  Ther.  74.  94.  76.  =  81 1/3

Clear.  E.1 Walter came before we got up.  He has a short vacation.  Rhoda came to wash.  She irons most of P.M.  I drove up town 10.A.M. soon returning.  The heat very oppressive.  Mostly clear AM but clouding up P.M. with much thunder and heavy showers around .62 in. fell here between  5 and 6 P.M.  Must have been immense rain few miles south.  None of attended the fair.  Slightly cooler at night.  Go bed 9 P

21.Thursday.  5.30. AM.   Ther.  74.  94.  76.  - 81 1/3

Light fog. W.2.  Walter took Chas. to fair AM.  I drove up town for cream.  There are several bands of gypsies in town I met them on 4th St.  Later drove over to see Bill Hatton but didn't  met(sic) Boden.  Tue and Buddy up town P.M. leaving me with Charles.  Write Leader Engine Co. for catalogue of tractors.  Part cloudy AM but mostly overcast P.M.  Light shower 11 A.M. heavier showers late P.M. all for today, .34 in.  I felt the heat bad as ever today;  Skinner comes after I go bed, and stays the night.  He has been hurt in Chicago and has crutches.  Gobed 9.30

1888

19.  Sunday  6 AM  60.  83.  66.

Clear.  We started for  Berts before 9 AM leaving father alone at home.  Stayed til 5 P.M.     (/0 hitch and  several of his children were there.  Found Ma not so well as last time we saw her.  Got home before 7 P.M.  Has been pleasant day  mostly clear.  The roads are good and not dusty.  Gobed 9 P.M.

20.  Monday,  5.40 AM  Ther  64.  75.  68.

Cloudy and raining since two or three o'clock.  Intended to  to make early start for timber but for the rain.  Put handle in another ax.  Phebe had tooth ache all night and today.  Mamie Lang here all day.  Bims call toward night and looked at swelling on calf's flank.  Kate Davis got home today.  Mrs. E. has been pretty sick for several days.  Turie decides to let them have qt. of milk a day.  I mowed in yard hour or two P.M.  Went up town at night.  Had talk with Sam Litch about  sheep.  Go bed 9 P.M.  Wind E.

21.  Tuesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  66.  83.  70.

Cloudy and raining began after midnight.  Phebe cried all night with toothache.    Mrs. Dickenson  comes to wash finishing at 3 P.M.  Dressler & (?) call to look at bar furniture and offer 325.00 for it which I refuse.  Phebe feeling very badley all day, face swells up mostly cloudy day, wind N. roads said to be muddy.  Gobed 7 P.M.

May 15-19, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

15.  Tuesday, 6 AM.  Ther.  48.  60.  47.
Mostly cloudy wind easterly.   Wrote letters to several parties for catalogues of Mill &c.    Got measured at Winters for suit of clothes to cost 30.00  .  Zeke Easton brought in cord of wood which he sold to John Chapman and which John owes for.  J.W. Lackey inspects walnut lumber and pays the same 57.20.   Come in town trying to city bill of lumber.  Mrs. R. irons.   W.S.G. cut some wood.  Began to rain about 1.30 and kept it up most of AM and lightly in night, wind S.E.  Wrote a letter to Uri asking him to sell my  furniture.  Gobed 10 PM

16.  Wednesday, 6.30 AM.  Ther.  47.  62.  47.
Cloudy wind N.E. clears off.  Sam Lietch talks to me about buying in at coal shaft.  Went out to Uncle John's with Tue  in afternoon, says will drive cow in for us Saturday, got home 6 P.M.   Bim has planted 5 acres of watermelons.  Cool day pleasant afternoon.  Gobed 9.30 AM

17.  Thursday, 5 AM  Ther.  48.  54.  53.
Mostly  cloudy and looked like rain.  Start for woods with Kelly  getting there about 9 AM.  We began looking out a line for a fence but it began to rain before we had been there long.  They were working the road today.  Started home in the rain about 1 P.M. rained most of day rather (?) grows warmer at night.  Gobed  8.30.

18.  Friday, 6.45 AM.  Ther. 60.  60.  50.
Cloudy S. wind.  Heavy  rain in night with good deal of thunder and lightning about the first we have had this spring.  Baby has began to walk alone some this week.  Get offer of sawmill outfit  from Lane and Bodley Co.  Uncle john brought in cow P.M.  Kelly helped about two hours in afternoon straighten up lumber.  Rutherford up pay him 2.00 order.   Bought a catfish of Bill Neece.  Mostly cloudy day  N.W. wind.  Misty P.M.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

19.  Saturday.  5.30 PM.  Ther.  40.  65.  51.
Mostly clear, wind N.E. veirring [sic] to easterly.  Kelly  worked forenoon put stakes to berries and grape vines.  Bert was here to dinner.  The cow gives about 3 gal per day.  I milk.   Sell half cord wood to A. Owens.  Roads bad and great.  Delivered Jim wood.  Find bugs in plenty on potatoes in bottom.  Confer with H.G. P.M. he is still anxious to go in to sawmill business.  Go bed. 10 P.M.

April 28-29, 1888 in Charleston, IL

1888

28.  Saturday 5.45 AM.  Ther.  60.  82.  61.

Clear S. wind.  Learn that Geo Lee's wife has just died in Chicago.  Kirk and J. Rutherford bring in some old lumber, two loads.  Went down to R.R. with Kirk to see ties.  They have not unloaded yet.  Pay J. Rutherford and Jim Campbell for work done yesterday.  Uncle John was in PM.  says Bim has got home.  Thinks will stay there.  Father later sawdust from round house.  Maggie and Phebe have company P.M. Balten girls.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

29.  Sunday 5 AM.  Ther 62.  81.  61.

Clear.  S. or SW wind.  Got  up early and jar plum tree for curculio for first time.  Will  try to keep them off this year.  Didn't find any today.  Have about decided to fence off back part of lot and get a cow.  Mrs. Wentz and Louise were over to dinner.  Geo Lee is very sick and not expected to live.  Geo M Cornwall wants to rent my store for the Herald office, offers but 20 per month.  Had to get stuff for E's folks  This is the last   My  U.S. license expires tomorrow.  Take the girls out to Tower's  woods  after dinner and drive round town with Tue a while.  It clouds up in afternoon and began to rain before dark.  wind N.W.  Gobed 10 PM.

February 12-14, 1888 in Charleston, IL

12.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Rher.  9.  42.  34.
Clear S.  wind .  Maggie, Phebe S.S.  Had one of our turkies (sic) for dinner.  Maggie, Phebe about all afternoon.  Tue went up to  Easton's toward night.  Geo. Weber called P.M. went up town with him.  Clear day with S. wind.  Go bed 10.30 P.M.~~

13.  Monday  6 AM  ther.  30.  42.  37.
Mostly  cloudy with S. wind.  Bim*  called in morning also was Uncle John.  He wants me to put the title  of Nicholson place through court at once.  Tue not very well  AM  took meddy  forgetting she was going to show at night.  Get Knock and discover bursted (sic) water pipe at store. Tore big hole in knee of pants don't know how.  Doc. Dowling  paid me 5.00 on a/c.  Wade Hall failed to bring lumber as promised.  went to McGiberry concert at night with Tue and children.  Sent 1.00 to (?) for 1 year subscription.  Gobed 11 P.M.

*I think this is Tue's brother, Henry Hildreth.

14.  Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  40.  45.  22.
Mostly cloudy wind SW.  Mrs. Rogers sends word that she can't wash today.  Tue engages her for Friday.  Wind changed to N. before noon and grows colder.  Rain and afterword sleet.  Wade Hall brings up some lumber which does not suit me very well.  Undertake to turn on water at store but find pipe bursted in another place.  Stop at Fatty's awhile toward night.  Caylon has been delivering some wood to C. Mason today.  Ed Easton wants a cord tomorrow.  Gobed 9 P.M.

September 11, 1887 in Charleston, IL

11, Sunday 7 AM.  Ther,  62.  71.  65.
Cloudy.  Heavy rain in night with some thunder.  Bim brought in some eggs after breakfast.  Learn that Jas Ashmore is very low has been sick some time.  Drive with Tue toward night out by Cemetery and round town.  Has been cloudy day with sprinkles rain AM.  Maggie and Ph. went over to Perrills toward night.  The rain last night was the heaviest since last spring.  Was getting dryer than before.  Gobed 9 PM.

September 10, 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

10, Saturday 6.30 AM.  Ther. 60.  72.  62.
Cloudy, wind N.E.  Got letters from J. O. W. for box but it failed to go.  Bim was down at dinner time.  Pay Riley Easton 2.00 on boards.  Cows in garden A.M.  Nail up back gate  Tue went up to Mrs. Norfolks who has been sick.   Cormer was in town toward night  first time since day of accident.  Saw has not come yet.  Jake Edeman  down while eating supper.   Pay Rub Davis/100 bal due on lumber for steps on lumber for steps last spring.  Mostly cloudy day.  Wind E. or N.E.  Gobed 9.30 PM

September 3 - 4, 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

3,  Saturday,     6 A.M.     Ther.  71.  86.  65.
Cloudy.  Uncomfortable night.  Mosquitoes are getting pretty bad.  Tue paid Mrs. Wentz, milk & cream bill from Apl 1 to  Sept. 1. Ca. 2.00.  I find this was all settled  yesterday, however.  Bim was down while eating dinner.  Says Uncle John's horse which was sick last Sunday died that night.  Rec. letter from Geo. Curriens offering to trade residence in Mattoon for timber.  Dr. J.C. Hall pay  up $1.75 says is going to California.  Will Hall , M.D. says will move to Washington (?) soon.  New Clock runs too fast , try to regulate it at night.  Buy Mutton at Mason's at night.  Looked like rain  today, but didn't.  Bring down Gal MVM for E. at night.  Go bed  10 P.M.

4,  Sunday,  7.30 A.M.  Ther.  abt. 70.  91.  73.
Part clear.  Didn't sleep well in night.  Phebe had spell of vomiting in night.  Drive down to see M. Comer fore noon.  Sictton went with me.  Get home before 1 P.M.  Comer thinks he will be up this week.  Thinks will not entirely lose use of eye..  Very dusty.  Many people going to camp meeting, this being  the last day.  Ed Eastin still sick.  Tue and children up there and to Davis' toward night.  Kate Davis over while evening.  Gobed 9 P.M.

It is July 25, 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, IL

100 Years Ago . . .

Thursday, July 25, 1912,  5.30 AM   Ther.  70.  90.  76. = 78 2/3

Part cloudy, haze. N. 2.  Rhoda washed AM.  McNeel's took furnace sections down cellar and let it go at that : they did little else.  I got halter at Nickles.  Rhoda's little boys trying to mow yard P.M.  Get shave Br's P.M.  Pd.  I drove to Dicewood late P.M.  The Chautauqua began today at Fairground.  Phebe attends function.  Tue over at Grove's.  Clear day with fresh Northerly winds go bed 9.30.

125 Years Ago . ..

Monday, July 25, 1887      6 AM.  Clear ther. 60.  91.  68.

Clear.  Start down to Fair with Tue and baby about 9 AM. staying there an hour or two.  Brought home some green corn getting home before noon.  Bim was in after dinner says Uncle John is sick, sent him some whiskey.  Tue and I intend to go out there tomorrow morning.  MSandy in town first time since the Westfield suit.  Another alarm of fire this time in afternoon, this time it was the Ficklin Stable.    Buy peaches and starch at E. Eastins.  Write letter to E.D.Davis about not having  timber ready but forget to mail it.  Gobed 9 PM.

It is July 9, 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago

Tuesday, July 9, 1912  5.30 AM  Ther.  68.  92.  78.  = 79 1/3 

Clear. S. 2.  Tue slept in N. Room and did not rise early.   She  and Phebe iron much of AM.  Tell Harvey twice more to come and fix furnace.  I drove SW of town a mile or two looking for fungi.  I did not  get any.  Mostly clear day and  one of of the warmest this summer.  Tue  over at Groves at night.  H a  letter from Muggs this morning.  Oats are turning and will be in the harvest next week.  We have heard nothing from Kate who left us over two weeks ago.  Go bed 9.30

125 Years Ago

Sunday, July 9, 1887     7 AM  Ther.  78.  93.  75.  

Some cloudy.  Mrs. Chanceller "borrows"  water to wash with.  Tue finishes blue dresses for girls.  Pay Comer  83.48  owe him on city bill 100.00.  Pay W. Decker 10.00 on wood hauling, pay Moffett a/c 3.30.  Buy gal B. Berries at Mitchells.  Uncle John and Bim in PM.  Says my mare has injured one of his best horses badly.  Walk down  to Depot and round by gas well toward night.  Very warm mostly strong NW wind.  Tue went  up to  Davis  at night.  Go bed 10 P.M.

July 5, 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago

Friday, July 5,1912   6AM  Ther.  74.  92. 78. = 81 1/3

Part cloudy. S.1. I drove E to timber .  Fungi are coming many spieces.  They are scathering(sic) however.  Visit P.O. Mitchells a/c 1st. 127.49.  I got  home before noon.  Tue very busy with her R.C.* work other members here P.M. helping her.  I drove to Dicewoods late P.M.  Nothing doing in fungi there.  The dirt roads are generally dry and rough.  This the hottest so far the season, I saw but one or two plowing corn.  It is too wet.  There is great growth of weeds and briars in the woods.  Mostly clear day light S or S.E. winds.  Mrs. Curd was over while at night.  Go Bed 10 P.M.

* Reading Circle

125 Years Ag0

Tuesday, July 5, 1887,  6 AM.  Ther 72.  90.  75.

Uncle John

Partly Cloudy.  Last night just before went to bed Uncle John came to stay all night.  Had trouble with Bert out at Loxa.  Made up bed for him in lounge.  He went home this morn after breakfast.  Bim was here to dinner.  Ruth and Mary Davis were over P.M.    Rails  called in morning.  Maggie and Phebe took lesson of Miss Piperion  morning.   H.G. was down P.M. with his account of lumber which I think agrees nearly with Comer.  Newt Calhoun thinks  he will have a bill for us in a few days.  Go bed 11P.M.

July 3, 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago

Wednesday, July 3,1912  5.30 A..  Ther.  72.  80.  72. = 74 2/3

Cloudy. S.W.3 Alfred Smith comes and "finishes" yard pay him 55c.  Heavy thunder shower about 11 AM. (.53)  Tue was up town.  No wind Harman phones , says have plowed all their corn twice and some three times.They have been cutting weeds too wet to plow.  Shave self P.M. after which drove E of town with usual result getting home 6 P.M.~  mare very scarey of fire crax.  Balt. Dem. Convention have named Wilson and Marshall for P. + V.P. Mostly cloudy day  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

125 Years Ago

Sunday, July 3, 1887    6  A.M.  76.  88.  75.  

Cloudy most of forenoon wind S.  Girls didn't go to Sunday School.  Tue  put up a few raspberries.  Sprinkle rain several times during day ans showers at night.  Have been trying to decide where to build a stable.  Not feeling very well today my self.  Quit chewing tobacco to night: didn't  quit  the other day when said I would.  Cut hole in wood house roof for stove pipe.  Bim was down yesterday and helped us move stove out of kitchen.  Gobed 10 P.M.

I found this photo of the 1912 Democratic Convention in Baltimore.