February 23- 28, 1889 in Charleston,IL

February 1889

23.  Saturday, 6.15, A.M.  Ther.  -1.  13.  8.

fair   But cloudy most of day , with N. wind snow flying at times has been coldest day this winter coldest average since last Fb 27.  Bob Brown called about  noon to say he had sowed about 15 acres of timothy.  Pay him 3.00 on a/c.  He still owes me me a rent.  Wood pile grows less pretty fast this weather.  Good deal less than half a cord on hand.  Mrs. Rogers and daughter brought clothes at night.  Phebe and  self went up after some steak and (?).  Not so cold as last night.  Mary Davis over toward night.  Got to bed 10 1/2 P.M.

24.  Sunday.  6.45 AM  Ther.  7.  23.  18.

Cloudy , gift of snow in the night.  Phebe went to S.S.  Maggie coughed good deal in the night having caught more cold yesterday.  Phebe went to S.S. and brought Mamie Lang home with her, she stayed till night.  Maggie had accident with syrup cup.  Cloudy day with variable wind mostly S.E. light snow at times probably less than half an inch in all.  Gobed 9 P.M.

25.  Monday 6.15 AM  ther.  9.  33.  26.  Part cloudy hazy.  Clouded up and snow flurry from S.E.Began snowing about 4 P.M. and continued most of the night with sleet winding up in the morning with a little rain which froze as it fell.  Warren Decker brought me a half a cord of wood and took down clover seed got of Wright 144 lbs at 6.00 per bush.  He also took seeder.  Learn that Tom Stoddert is worse and has had to give up the supervisor-ship.  Baby has caught cold.  Phebe went to school  Maggie about the same.  Gobed 10 P.M.

26.  Tuesday  6.30 AM.  Ther.  32.  40.  36. = 36.

Mostly cloudy day and snow melting.  Just I started for timber at 2.30 P.M. turned back at Walker ford but went ahead after meeting Handley's folks.  River up a little and full of ice which is not moving yet.  Go to bed at 7.30  Roads bad for riding  10 P.M.

27.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther.  34.  44.  34.

Partly cloudy.  Still thawing.  Rode to Warren Decker's to get clover seed, which Warren brought over.  Got Bob started and hope he will continue till finished  Start home at 11 AM.  Roads not quite as bad as yesterday.  Very muddy toward town.  Got home abt 1 P.M.  Sunshine at times, snow leaving, fast wind N.E.  Warren Decker hauled load of wood which he but in road in front of house.  Order case Bethesda for Stoddert.  He is sick  abed  and has been for some time.  Gobed 9 PM.

28.  Thursday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  32.  50.  42.  

Partly cloudy - hazy.  Maggie's cold is much better and she does not cough much in the night.  Zeke Easton bought load of wood which sell him for .75 c  Bought Potatoes and rabbit at Wrights on Cr.  Jack Fagan paid me $1.00 old a/c.  Tue went up to Davis' in evening, Maggie making pie meanwhile.  Began to rain before dark and slow rain in night.  Wind S.E.  Very sloppy and disagreeable, roads are not yet broken through.  saw up some wood  Go bed 8.30 PM  Crank woman calls.

January 16-19, 1889 in Charleston, IL

January 16-19

16.  Wednesday. 6 AM.  Ther.  50.  61.  39.

Cloudy.  Strong S wind all night with  light rain.  Phebe was first one up this morn and helped get breakfast.  Paid up Stoddert  a/c 22.20 , Havy's a/c $13.75.  Strong wind all day.  Dash of rain about sunset, clearing off wind getting into the west. grown colder after  dark.    Heavy wind all night.  Lunar eclipse (?) night.  Tue went up to Davis ' toward night.  Phebe got pushed down in mud today noon by big boy.  Gobed 10 PM.  

17.  Thursday.  6 AM  Ther.  29.  36.  28.  

Clear, wind, west, clear pleasant day.  Father ate dinner with the G.A.R.  Bob Brown was up and reported on ties for the first time Uncle John was down to dinner.  Marie was sick  all day and worse at night.  I went uptown and got some yeast, steak and some coffee which I roasted.  Gobed 10.30

18.  Friday. 6.15 AM  Ther.  21.  35.  24.  

Clear.  Did not sleep much last night on account  of baby she had a hot  fever and we thought of sending for the Dr.  She is  better this morning.  Pleasant day NW wind.  Baby not feeling very well yet.  I paid Mike Miller in full 14.10  Tue went up town toward night.  Wrote  for Tue  to Curtis Pub Co  go bed 8.30 PM

19.  Saturday. 6.15 AM  Ther.  18.  34.   33.

Clear with  E. wind.  white frost.  Warren Decker called pay him order on Skidimon 28.00 and check for 20.00 still  owe him several dollars.  Bob did not send in his report on ties.  Uncle John was in to dinner, he has traded the Nicholson place for Kline farm paying 500.00 to boot.  Mrs. C. Davis and daughter called toward night.  clear day E wind clouds up toward night and began to snow about 10 P.M.

October 27 - 29, 1888 in Coles County Illinois

October 1888

27.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.   59.  66.  42.

Clear day.  Hampton hauls lumber all forenoon and one load after dinner.  The timber gang were in and I pay them off most of them in full.  Bob Brown takes out (?) of timothy seed and 4 new bags which he says he will take.  Wright works on stable all day  Bill Hatton from 9.30 AM  Warm and pleasant cooler toward night.  Gobed 10 PM

28.  Sunday.  7 AM  Ther 38.  55.  45.

Clear pleasant day.  Let cow in yard for first time and have some trouble with her.  Katie Cramer here to visit girls.  Perrill digging again in creek   Tue sends word down to Dickenson not to wash tomorrow.  Go bed 9 P,M,

29.   Monday.  6 AM  Ther  45.  67.  40.

Clear fresh S. wind.  Wright and Hutton work on stable.  I paint advertising signs for Mike Miller  most of afternoon.  Bbl of quinces came from Dorsey.  Cost them 3.25 freight and dray 1.00  Tue intended to wash  but didn't feel well enough.  Phebe sick in morning does not go to school  Clear day  Gobed 11PM.

October 17- 19, 1913 and 1888 in Coles County Illinois

1913

17.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  64.  56.  50.  56.  = 54

Cloudy. S.3.  Raining.  It began in night came in showers.  Miller came and insisted on painting Went to work on porch ceiling and quit.  We  went to Loxa to see about some repairs on house getting back after noon.  I didn't hitch up today for first time in good while.   Is going away tomorrow.  Can't work till Tuesday.  Tue to R.C. PM.  Bill Decker and I Shafer call talking sawmill.  I didn;t do it.  Meet of teachers at Normal today.  The street cars crowded much of the time.  About 1600 registered.  Cloudy day wind becoming N. and colder  Gobed 8.30  PM

18.  Saturday 6.15 AM.  Ther.  46.  56.  46.  = 49 1/3

Cloudy N.3.  Tue killed one of her four chickens  I hitch up 10 AM. and drove down to Normal Park.  Saw a few cainpestris but not worth  picking.  Tue got long letter from Buddy first for two weeks.  They are thinking of moving to another house this fall.    Miller called leaving rule.  Rhoda came and washed siding on porch getting done 2 P.M.  I drove to creamery for cream, didn't get it.  The teachers meeting ends today.  Tue went to  library a while at night.  Much cloudy with N. to NE light wind.  Gobed 9 P.

19.  Sunday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  40.  58.  48.  =  48 2/3

Most  clear.  NE.1.  Hitch up.  Got paper and  get start for ranch 9.30 AM. getting there before noon.  The roads pretty muddy after leaving    I did not take Jack dog.  Met but one auto going.  Warren not at home I drove round the fields again  and then out on ridge.  Was surprised to see Frank Decker drive up from N. ridge.  He had come across from Iks.  I had supposed the way impssible.  He went to Warren for apples.  I let mare eat grass near gate while I ate my lunch and then followed Frank out and round by Ikes.  Warren there and also Ike, Jim and family.  I stop at old ranch orchard  Rhodas sisters picking apples.  There is fine crop on the trees left and I got samples of same.   The fruit much better than any around Charleston.  I got home by river road about 5.30 P.M.  pretty well tired out.  There is very bad place where they are putting in a bridge.  We looked for  Phebe today but she didn't come.  Tue went to church with Mrs. Brooks.  Mostly cloudy day with  northerly light wind with signs of rain.  Saw no fungi except for group of unknown  Armanita  grown on pile of rotten logs.  The woods are mostly green as yet.  Gobed 9

1888

17.  Wednesday.  5.45  AM  Ther.  35.  60.  49.

Clear and pleasant.  Thick white frost.  Five men at work besides Warren.  He worked with the sulty harrow P.M.  think is does very good work.  Steve was at work today first since he cut his foot.  John and Milt build fence across river other boys pick up brush &c.  I rode over on south ridge over an hour or  two.  Got home  over an hour or two.  Got home about 7 P.M.   Riley Rennells rode home with me.  Bob Brown at home says will finish hauling boards.  Gobed  9.30 PM.

18.  Thursday.  5.45  AM.  Ther.  45.  60.  58.

Cloudy and strong E., raining a little ;  Some rain and good deal thunder toward morning and some hail.  Clear off P.M.  Put in some window lights.  Hat was down  P.M.  I sorted out lot of nails in smoke house.  Get ready to start for timber early tomorrow.  Buy a file and bolt  at Ginthers.  Go bed 9.30 P.M.

19.  Friday.  6.45 A.M.  Ther.  50.  58.  48.
Cloudy and raining.  Began to rain probably about midnight.  Wind N.  Mostly clear day didn't go to timber.  Father cutting wood.  Hat was down in afternoon.  Mrs. Chanceller  was married this evening.  Gobed 7

October 8 - 11, 1888 in Coles County Illinois

October 1888

8.  Monday.  5.30  AM.  56.  70.  45.

Clear start for timber about 8 AM.  Five men at work building fence Bob Brown not at home.  Tue sends word to Mrs. D not to wash today.  Tue boiling down cider and making catsup.  She is feeling very well.  Eastin brings us load of wood.  9 PM.

9.  Tuesday.  5.30  AM  56.  70.  45.  

Clear  with light  white frost.  Boys making fence and (?) around the house.  Begin clearing out  (?) west of house.  Get saddle at Bobs.  Mrs. B at home.  Gather some hickory nuts.  Gobed 9 PM

10.  Wednesday.  5.40 AM.  36.  62.  50.

Hazy.  Trade saddles at Skidmores.  Nearly finish road west of house down hollow.  Horce not very well, has been for month.  Got  home about dark.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

11.  Thursday.  5.30 Am.  47.  55.  50.

Cloudy rain in night very light.   Light rain good part of day from 11.30 till 3 PM in timber.  boys work  for now at poling and staking fence.  Warren  hauling out Bob's rails.  Start home at  3 PM but didn't get there till 6.30 PM.  Got basket of grapes on Indian Hill.  Maggie and Phebe went to doll party at Mrs. Knocks.  Left word with Warren for boys not to work any were (sic) till see me.    Go bed 10 P.M.  2 gal package came from JTSB

October 1-2, 1913 and 1888 in Coles County Illinois

1913

1.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  54.  74.  60.  = 62 2/3

Cloudy. Light fog.  N.W. 2.  Rhoda worked all day mostly cleaning windows.  P.M. she  works for Kate Grove.  Mort workes the day at porch getting near done.  I added up my weather business for Sept. AM.  Drove over to  Ad Millers.  P.M.  Find him west of Normal.  A phone from C.H. Jones to fix up Loxa house for renter at once.  Miller can do it Friday and will try to get ready for him.  Tue was up to Mrs. Littletons P.M. and attends PM with Mrs. Brook at night.  Most cloudy AM Clear PM.  NW wind  Gobed 9 PM

2.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  56.  74.  56.  = 62 1/3

Clear N.W.3.  Harman phones that have quit cutting B.C. on account of two green.  Mort came and finished lt odds and ends round house till 11 AM.  I drove to Reynolds but Miller not there.  Change horse to old buggy P.M. and get sand cement and liver.  Tue worrying about things so that about sick.  No Helen worries her good deal.  See MIller at home says will go  Loxa in morn if able.  Most clear day northerly light winds.  Gobed 9.

1888

1.  Monday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  62.  78.  55.

Pleasant day S.W. wind.  Get Jas. McCimack to put glass in above.  Myers says can't pay his rent now let us have potatoes says he will  give up house next Monday.  Tue and self went down to Timber after dinner leaving baby  with father.  I got  glass for front  at Neals on cr. at 3.50.  Borrow pint of liquor J.H.(?)  Gobed 9 P.M.

2.  Tuesday.  5.40  AM  Ther.  42.  55.  38.

Part clear windy day, went down to timber at 8 AM.  Warren Decker at work hauling out wood and posts. also worked yesterday Bob Brown laid up with boil.  Got half bushel of sweet  potatoes of Walker on way home.  Bert* was  up in P.M. to say that  his Mother is very low and not expected to live long.  Gobed 9 PM.

*Tue's brother talking about her Mother.

September 27-28, 1913 and 1888 in Coles County Illinois

1913

 27.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther.  40.  70.  50.

Clear N.E.1.  Theodore Siebert takes mare  7 A.M. to shoe 1.00 cr.  He helps  tighten up buggy.  I drove up town AM going to Winter's.  The hat ordered hasn't come.  AM preparing to go to ranch tomorrow.  It seems like getting ready to go to New York.  Tue went up town 3 P.M. and did not return till bed time she ate supper at Hat's.  They  have sent John F. Weaver to Kankakee  Insane asylum today.  Mort came over P.M.  Examined porch and will begin work on it Monday.  Helen H. went home on  on 3.30 car.  Tue not able to board her.  Mostly clear day light variable winds.  I had retired when Tue got home.  Gobed. 9

28.  Sunday. 6 AM.  Ther.  52.  68.  66.  = 62.

Mostly cloudy. E.1.  I got start  for ranch 8.15. light rain 8.30 and later.  Warm hot at home as had hoped so I had several gates to  handle.  I drove out to camping point where eat dinner.  I  drove over the whole clearing and think could afford to let Ike and Warren have it at their own price.  About half the south fields is blackberry  briars.  The N. field has good stand of persimmon and sassafras sprouts about four years olds.  Later I drove round by Ike and met Warren.  They will go  to work on it soon as get corn cut.  Bill having lives at my old place which now belongs to Jo Bails.  There are some good apples on the orchard.  I go  home River road via Handly ford getting 5.30 P.M.  very tired.  Jack stayed at home.  Cloudy day light S.E. winds light rain at times all day and at night.  No thunder.  Tue went to church after which Grove's came until 10 oc.  Gobed 9

1888

27.   Thursday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.   46.  60.  47.

Mostly clear day.  Got late start for woods.  Have horse  shod in front by J. Parker Paid .50  Bought  pair of gloves if Winter on Cr.  Four men working today on middle ridge.  Steve Decker cut his  foot very badley this P.M.  This is the second time he has cut himself.  I took him home in buggy.  Cool day.  Gobed 9 PM---

28.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  40.  58.  45.

Get late start 9 AM.  There were (?) forenoon 4 in PM.  still on North ridge.  Warren Decker has been working inJims place for couple of days.  Oce Bennett begins afternoon.  Strong W.  or NW wind all day.  Bob Brown at home today.  Have not seen him since Tuesday.  Got home 6.30 P.M. our folks got  stove in kitchen today.  Cool day and some cloudy  Was a light frost in places last night.  Gobed 9.30

September 25-26, 1913 and 1888 in Coles County Illinois

1913

25.  Thursday.  6 A.M.  Ther.  56.  80,  66. = 67 1/3

Mostly clear, S.2.  Get first letter from Phelps regarding wheels.  Says  will repair them if will return them.  Tue got letter from Phebe with first enclosure.  I sent some papers to the girls.  Met H. Messick again.  He has applied a carload phosphate rock at Westfield farm.  Mr. Reed bought half bu. clings 60 c. Pd.  Warren Decker calls, he and Ike R. want to rent Ranch ground for next season and will begin work on it at once.  Have not decided but promise to go down there next Sunday if possible.  Mrs. Grove called and later Tue went up town to Parker opening with Mrs. Brooks.  I drove late to timber E. getting home 6 P.M.  Tue and Helen got to hear band at night.  Clear AM. clouding up P.M. wind becoming N.W.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.  Rain about 10 P.M. (.08)

26.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  56.  64.  48.  = 56.

Cloudy N.3.  I had intended to go to farm early but decide not to.  Edith Bates called Am.  I drove out to Helen's P.M. for vinegar. getting home 6oc.  Mrs. Al. Crews was buried P.M.  Gus is buying a lot of alfalfa hay at 17.00  Says will sow 20 ac.  Mostly cloudy AM.  Clear PM light north  wind  Gobed 9

1888

25.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  50.  72.  53.

Clear but considerably coloudy during day.  Reub Davis rode down to his place with me.  Matt Comer rode piece with me.  Four men at work today.  Enoch having quit.  I rode over Hall and Davis land all forenoon.  Rutherford over to see me wants to (?) south house but didn't let him have it.  Met Handley  He says he will move his fence out before I clear up the north track.  He advises me to put in my wheat with a sulky Harrow.  Bob Brown hauls rails all day very slow.  Stopped on Indian Hill and  got some grapes.  Wind strong from North boys chopping and chapping and harvesting near south side of (?)  Gobed 9.30

26.  Wednesday 5.45 AM.  Ther.  45.  71.  58.

Clear nearly a  frost.  Have had more yet.  Mat Br(?) to look at his jarrow  Says I can take it after he gets through with it.  Boys clearing and (?) East of stable.  I  rode over on south side in P.M.  Wind S in morning NW P.M. strong  Gobed  9 PM

August 22-23, 1913 & 1888 in Charleston, Illinois232

1913

22.  Friday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  70.  80.  68.  =72 2/3

Clear. N.W.3.  Skinners stay to breakfast after which he and Walter went to fair.  Marie and Walter went P.M. leaving Chas with Tue and we drive E. to Huckaba road late P.M. getting home 5.30.  Mr. Beeman of Mt. Carmel, a friend of Walter came to supper.  He is exhibiting P.C. hogs at fair.  The  late rain help corn a little grass and weeds are starting .  Helen and Leona call at night.  clear day with fresh NW wind.  Shave self AM.  Neither self nor Tue has attended the fair.  Gobed 10 P.M.

23.  Saturday. 4.45 AM.  ther.  58.  80.  68.  = 68 2/3

Clear.  NW 1.  Walter, Marie and Chas, start for Hindsboro on 6  AM train.  Skinner stayed the night and returned home with them.  I drove down past Normal AM.  One  Harris rode to town with me.  Spend an hour or two hunting for map of Ill which have lost.  Tue went to Hats P.M. staying till p P.M.  H & H here again living in Hutton house.  I drive down by  Woodson's Kickapoo farm returning by wrights.  getting home 6.30  Made batch of mush for supper.  Mostly clear moderate northwesterly winds.  Gobed  9

1888

22.  Wednesday.   5.30 AM.  Ther.  53.  75.  59.

Clear,  N.E.  wind  Phebe cried again most of night with her face it was very much swollen broke this AM and she is better tonight.  Start for timber at 7.45.  Roads very muddy part of the way.  Nobody at work everybody gone to Diona to some meeting except Bob Brown mending wagon.  Look out (?) for west part of road and start home at 4 P.M. coming by Wilkins.  Cow did not come home tonight.  7 Gobed

23.  Thursday  5.45  ther.  47.  75.  58.

Clear.  Phebe not feeling very well yet.  Start for lumber at 7.15 got home at 6.30 P.M.  Six men worked today.  Put on one new man.  Oce Bennett.  Work  P.M. cleaning on road west of house.  Clear and cool day with N.E. wind AM and S.W. P.M.  Bob Stitt mending wagon.  Roads dry  but rough.  8.30 P.M.

August 16-18, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

16.  Saturday.  5.40 AM  74.  96.  82. = 84.

Clear S.1.  Drive 9 AM with Tue and Charles out to Huffmans.  Stop at Jessie Dunns.  John Simon passed through, said was going to Mattoon.  Harman phones that got home Wednesday.  Wants to cut clover for seed.  Another very sultry day.  thunder showers 3 P.M. .15 in. here, much heavier E.  I drove after 4 P.M. to Westfield bridge getting home 6.30.  One of the Wrights has started small store at top of the hill.  Part cloudy day; light variable winds.  Jessie and Mary Ann called at night and they went up to show.  Go bed 9

17.  Sunday.  6 AM.  ther.  74.  98.  84. = 85 1/3

Clear. S.1.  After getting paper drive west and S.W.  An aviator makes two flights today at Urban Park.  At Clover Leaf high bridge I heard their machine and could see part of the flight from the bridge at distance of about a mile N.W.  My first sight of a flying machine.  I return by Bunk hill getting home about noon.  Mrs. Brooks over P.M. and I drove with Buddy and Chas. on Ashmore road to Huckaba road returning S. road.  One of hottest days.  Light variable winds Thunder shs (sic) around, no rain here.  Go bed 9

18.  Monday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.   76.  94.  80.  =83 1/3

Most cloudy.  S.1.  There is quite a stir in town today.  The county fair begins tomorrow.  Drive up to  Grims for cabbage get can buttermilk at Creamery.  Too warm for me to do much.  Harman called P.M. but didn't seem to have any biz. and just called.  Heavy thunder E. and S. much of P.M.  What looked like heavy showers S. say 5 P.M.  Drive with Buddy over S. part town late P.M.  Mrs. Grove spends much of P.M. here.  Mr. Bell very feeble.  Learn that Ike Finch is dead.  Much cloudy.  P.M. go bed 9

1888

16.  Thursday  5.20 AM  Ther.  75.  85.  72.

Got to woods at 8.30  Clouds over and rains before 11 oc.  Men got in 3/4 day.  Bob Brown brings w/ load of lumber.  Men made some  posts today have about decided to build a large sheep farm.  Men quit at 3.30 P.M.  I drove home in the rain slow rain most of P.M.  Gobed 9 PM.

17.  Friday 5.30  AM.  Ther.  72.  90.  70.

Cloud and damp got to woods at 10 AM,  Three of men at work on hillside near spring.  Jo Handley's child died last night and was buried today.  Republican meeting down in Hutton Township.  Heat very oppressive today.  Damp and hot cloudy forenoon clear P.M.  Got home at 7 P.M.  Tue not very  well, baby better than she has been for long time.  Am very well.  Satified with clearing job so far.  Gobed  9.30  PM

18.  Saturday 5.30 AM.  64.  82.  60.

Cloudy early but soon clears off wind. - N. on N.W.   All hands up but John.  Decker to pay them all up.  Pay note July 14 at bank and make new one for 60 days.  Pay Mike Miller 10.00 and owe him yet some  6.00 dollars.  Tue not feeling  very well.  Got shoes at Messecks for the girls.  Sam Cooper wants 8 cords wood.   quit tob.  Gobed 9 P.M.

August 7 - 11, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1888

7.  Tuesday, 5.30  AM.  Ther.  70.  88.  72.

Cloudy.  Thunder storm with rain toward day.  Went out to Uncle Johns AM  looking for cow and calf  found them P.M. at John Huffmans.  Kelly went with me to drive him in.  He worked P.M. in garden got half bu potatoes of Myers 9 PM.

8.  Wednesday.  6.20 AM.  72.  81.  63.

Clear or nearly so.  Went down to woods to get some fellows to clearing.  Bob Brown not at home but came when I was there.  Decker boys say they will begin work in morning.  Kelly work in garden forenoon.  I got home baout 7 P.M.  Growing cooler all day.  Gobed 9.15 P.M.  -- Baby better.

9.  Thursday 5.40 AM.  53.  79.  60.

Partly cloudy.  Start for woods at 8 oc.  Find the farm Deckers all at work.  I left them at 4.30 P.M.  Seem to be doing pretty good job clearing.  Bill Kelly came in morning and worked in garden and cleaning out cellar.  Warren Wicker began hauling wood to Mrs. Coon. He hauled altogether (?) 9 1/6 cord and has had 5.00 in money on same.  Tue sent for Dr. for baby P.M. but sent him word not to come.  Gobed 8.45

10.  Friday,   5.45  AM.  Ther.  58.  82.  60.

Clear.  I start for timber at 8.45 got there at 10.30.  Found nobody at work but they had been then walked round a while and came home.  Bob Brown rode as far as Butte with me.  There was a democrat  pole raising there today.  Their Cannon burst the morning.  I went down via Walkers.  Rec. gal whisk today from B. B.&U..  Mostly clear day, Got home at about 4 P.M.  Gobed 9 PM.

11.  Saturday  6 AM  Ther.  60.  85.  65.

Cloudy AM.  Went up to Masons after tenderloin and beef.  Pay up Bill Kelly in full 75c bal.  Baby has been pretty bad for several days with bowel complaint.  Today is Phebe's eighth birthday.  Snider was here an hour or two at night.  Went up town after coffee.  Go bed 10 P.M.

June 7-13, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

7.  Thursday  7 AM.  Ther.  64.  84.  70.
Clear.  Sort out drawers &c up at store.  Kelly worked there P.M. brought M.T. Bbls. down home and put in smoke house.  H.G. there P.M. and think I made a mistake in renting.  Don't know yet what I will do with my furniture.  Hot day and uncomfortable night.  Gobed 10 P.M.  Fatty Knock connects pipe at store.

8.  Friday.  6.30 AM  Ther.  72  88  70
Some cloudy.  Kelly washes lot of bottles and I filled them with Sherry.  Get back room partly cleaned out.  Kelly helped put some carpet in house P.M.  Vol is again after me to rent up stairs  Bob Brown up with load of stove wood.  Post up his account to date.  He's in debt several dollars for rent.  Mrs. Norfolk was down to house toward night for an hour or two.  McCormick white washes hall.  Gobed 10 PM  Appearance of rain in PM

9.  Saturday.  6.15 AM  Ther.  68.  85.  68
  Clear with with fresh west wind.   S.W.  Intended to go to Salisbury early this AM to get description of (?)  which wish to change.  Rain stopped about 9 AM.  Went down to Salisbury and look at record start at 10 and back 2.30.  Pay Auf Vaughn 3.00  Kelly 3.00 Friday 4.oo still owe Kelly 2.75 others in full.  Steigman speaks to me about Pink  house.  There was but little rain down in Hutton tp.  clear day after rain.  10.30  Got some P. Green for potato bugs.

10.  Sunday  6.30  AM.  Ther.  60.  75.  62
Clear with fresh W. wind.  Snider and children came before we got breakfast.  I packed up lot of glassware up stairs at store before dinner. Eva Vail and Davis girls called P.M.  Vail's folks are going to Montana soon.Drive with Tue toward night afterward with Phebe.  Ferd and Louise stayed over to Wentz.  Helen here.  gobed 10 PM

11.  Monday, 6AM.  Ther.  60.  73.  57
Clear.  Miss Kurayer looks at room AM and tells what she wants.   Kelly paints lower roof AM.  Pay Easton 2.50 in full for make fence.  Milt Drake over from Terre Haute wants me to  go down to timber with him, can't.  Mrs. R. sends for washing at night.  Clear day and cool, wind W or NW.  gobed 10 PM.

12.  Tuesday.  5.45 AM.  Ther. 55.  80.  65.
Clear, wind easterly.  Baby got up about 3 AM but not to stay up.  Kelly came at 6.45 working all day clearing up back  rooms at store.  Pay him up all but 1.75.  Order 1.00 ft flowing from Fuller's drive down to Myers with Tue after supper.  says he will help me tomorrow.   Looks like rain at night mostly clear day with south wind.  Go bed 10 PM

13.  Wednesday, 6 AM  Ther  70.  87.  75.
Mostly clear day with SW wind brisk.  Myers came to work before 7 AM.  Work all day at Store mostly in round room.  Kelly didn't work today  went down to Mintons and Fullers afternoon to get some lumber.  Mr. Geo Dallas came for Hutton Township called P.M.  This has been about the warmest day so far.  Gobed 9.30 PM  C.G. takes off flannels.

May 10-11, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

10.  Thursday. 5.30. AM.  Ther.  62.  80.  67.
Mostly cloudy.  Kelly works all day at fence Zeke  Eastin brought Alex Ficher 3/4 cord wood.  Pay him order for hauling $1.35.  Select goods for a suit at Winters. to (?) $30.00.  Have found no curculio yet.  There was light showers this morning  about  sunrise.  Tue set some tomato plants at night.  The ground is very hard and dry hard digging post holes.  Old Mrs. Eastin has been quite sick for a long time.  We slept up stairs last night for first time since last fall.  Mases Kenshaw paid me today for posts and lumber full $16.75  Gobed 10 PM

11.  Friday  5.30 AM.  Ther.  63.  85.  65.
Partly clear looking like rain.  Kelly and self finished fence at noon, he worked at spading in bottom P.M.  Chanceller was hunting for me all afternoon.  Wants to rent our room for beer club.  I got  to warm today and about sick at night.  Strong S.W. wind all day storm came up fro N.W. about S.W.  about dark  and some rain fell.  Bob Brown hauled 1/2 cord wood to Ed Easton  Mrs. Perrill and Kate called at night.  Gobed 10 PM.

May 6-9, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

6.  Sunday,  5.15 AM  Ther.  62.  82.  68.
Clear.  No curculio yet.  Went down park house with H.G.  Then drove awhile with  Tue.  Drew off "french" at store about 3 1/2 gal.  C.G. feeling badly all day.  Phebe  still sick not much fever though and does not  break out thoroughly.  Has been warm day and dry, need rain Go bed 9.45 PM.  Maggie at Davis at night.

7.  Monday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  60.  75.  68.
Cloudy and sprinkling lightly at times.  found no curculio yet.  Plums on some trees are as large as small peas.  Set out row of tomatoes  along the N. fence  E.  and 11 optiums, then 7 Paragon 8 Golden (?)  Phebe  about the same this morning but better toward night.  Mrs. Rogers washed.  Plant some sage and radishes.  Pay up Kink and Co and they start west.  Receive  65.20 from Bruner for 63 ties.  Tue not feeling very well.  Tom Knock says  will  build my fence tomorrow, Bill Kelly  agrees to help.  Sprinkle rain several times during  day with several light showers after dark.  Go bed 9.30 PM

8.  Tuesday. 5.30 AM.  Ther.  62.  75.  60.
Partly clear.  Sprinkle rain little in forenoon.  Bill Kelly works all day, put  up some trellis in garden and spades in garden.  Mrs. Rogers works all day at cleaning up stairs.  I plant two rows of peas in garden.  Three cases Bethesda cerriis(?)  from Chicago.  Baby  took a step or two alone on Sunday the first.  Think she will soon be able to walk.  Go bed 9.30 P.M.

9.  Wednesday.  5.45 AM  Ther. 62.  65.  58.
Mostly cloudy day.  Kelly cut burdock &c. round place AM.  Couldn't get T. Knock to work at fence so set Kelly at it, rather slow work.  New tenant moves into one of Curney's house , gave her hay to fill a bed.  Myers pays 2.50 on rent.  Bob Brown brings up another load of wood for Mrs. Perrill half cord.  Cool day but warmer toward night.  Go bed 8.30 P.M.

April 19-21, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

19.  Thursday.  5.45 AM  Ther.  49.  60.  43.
Some cloudy grows cooler in the morning.   Intended to go to Timber home back but couldn't  get home.  I wanted to start  about 8 AM with Val Mount got home about 6 PM.  Let  R. Rutherford have the McKee house at 1.10 per mo.  Bob Brown has made 425 rails which he is putting into fence.  Came by Comer Mill.  Kirk hauled up 700 feet lumber to city.  There is about one load city stuff there.  Doch(?) papers and /whitewash Kitchen today.@ 2.25.  Meyers worked  half day for Mrs. Perrill.  Gobed 10 PM  Sprinkle rain down near timber about 9 AM.

20.  Friday, 6 AM  Ther.  34.  54.  36.
Clear.  Pretty heavy white frost.  Found roads better than expected (?) yesterday,  dry but somewhat rough.  Maple, service berry and red bud in bloom blood root up and about to bloom.  Things seem rather backward.  Kirk brought up 7.05 feet of lumber for the city which is all of the city stuff.  Meyers came at noon and worked half a day, says he has papered the front room at Nick house costing 112.   Plant some early beans in bottom also some beets.  Went down to R.R. toward night to look at Kirk's ties, has 96 out they look very well.  Not feeling very well today, have been chewing tobacco.  Cool clear  pleasant day.  Peaches  and plums on hillside blooming.  Go bed 11 P.M.  Mrs. R. work all day cleaning kitchen.

21.  Saturday  6.20 AM.  Ther. 40.  60.  50.
Part cloudy with brisk S. wind.  Myers came in morn and worked about an hour.  Count up and find that  I owe him$1.16. which let go on next months  rent.  Bought some ceiling at Fuller for Kitchen.  Went down to Wings Mill to depot.  Trees have not come yet.  Uncle  John and Snider  both in town both called P.M.  Lindbloom gets in the calaboose(?) again.  Comer up we call the walnut lumber 2000 ft. and I give him my share of a/cs for the lumber and everything (?) the mill was.  The ground is getting very dry strong appearance of rain and sprinkled little in PM.  Jay Johnston has been tearing down old building N.W. corner of square since last Thursday morning, is going  to build a big block there.  Mostly cloudy day gobed 9 P.M.  quit tobacco again.

March 31 and April 1-2, 1888 in Charleston, IL

March 1888

31.  Saturday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  42.  60.  54.

Clear, wind N.E.  Throat better after 2 AM.  Felt very bad in morning but seems to be improving. Seph finished hauling 200 posts to Mrs. Linder.  I was up town all day, and am told my prospects am as good as can expect.  Uncle John was in and is doing me good out in the country as is John Snider.  It is said the Dems. are pretty bad scared all round.  Cool morning but cooler  but warmer P.M.  Clear day and drying fast.  Milt Drake was up in afternoon and appeared to be drunk.  Bob Brown agrees to pay me $2.50 for house in timber from Mar. 1.  Go bed 9.30

April 1888

1.  Sunday, 6.30.  Ther.  54.  79.  64.

Clear, some smokey.  My throat was better last night.  Think  a few small doses of salacin taken yesterday helped it.  Pleasant warmer day with  fresh SW wind.  Went to town with intention of going down to timber but gave it up.  Trim up  groffaer(?) in garden.  Tue went out to country  after dinner.  The girls went walking and W.S.G. stayed with baby.   There is a good deal of politics on the street today if it is Sunday.  Clouds up toward night lightening in N.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

2.  Monday. 6 AM.  ther.  42.  57.  42.

Pleasant day mostly clear.  Northerly wind.  Trying  to electioneer all day.  Went down to broom factory* and railroad.  Think  prospects for election pretty good.  Got pretty well tired out.  Buy ham at Bill Meyers on Cr.  Gobed 10 P.M.

*I believe this was located on what is now W. Vine Street which is N of  town.  I understand in later years it was owned by the Vaughn family.  Thank you to Brenda Mills for this information.

February 15-18, 1888 in Charleston, IL

15.   Wednesday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  11.  26.  22.
Clear with fresh N.E. wind.  There was an alarm of fire just as went to bed last night from Cash and Griffiths Store did not burn any though.  Tue working hard all day to  get ready for party of women tomorrow.  Mrs. Easton over AM again after dark.  Baby has  caught very bad cold.  Mostly clear day with N. wind.  throwing good deal ice sun.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

16.  Thursday.  6 A.M.  Ther.  18.  45.  38.
Clear wind S.  Tue got up at 5.30 and built a fire this morn.  Caylor delivers 2 cords  of wood to Ed Eastin.   Tues co. all came.  Mrs. Knocks, Grandena  Davis, Mrs. R. Davis, Kate Myer, Mrs. Feagan, Mrs. Perrill and Kate.  Father ate dinner at  H.G.s and self took lunch uptown.  Fatty  Knock repaired water pipes at store and turned on the water.  Tom Burk paid me 5.00 on a/c.  Went to Sam Rays toward night got lap robe, old coat and carpet from buggy.  Saw my rope hatter side curtains and rubber apron in buggy.  Clear day, wind SW gobed 9.30 PM.

17.  Friday. 6 AM.  Ther.  35.  45.  37.
Cloudy, wind W somewhat foggy.  Mrs. Rogers decides not to wash till next week.   Sam Goodrich helps pile up lumber on yard.  It does not suit mme very well.  There are about 2100 ft. mostly 2 in. plank.  Caylen takes cord of wood to C. Mason.  Pay Sam Ray 50.00 on a/c leaving bal due him of twenty or thirty dollars.  He wants a cord or two of wood.  Mrs. Ray is dangerously sick.  Stop at Fattys shop a while P.M.  Wrote to Brunce answer PC resd yest.  Clear P.M. awind W.  Go bed 9 P.M.  Baby has very bad cold she is a year old today.

18.  Saturday. 6 A.M.  Ther 33.  55.  49.
Clear wind W.  white froswt.  Went down to Rays Stable and have error of 10.00 corrected.  Mrs. Ray very sick.  Caylor hauls some wood to C. Mason and bringa me a load of stable manure after dinner.  Uncle John was down to dinner.    Comer sent up some 4x5- 14  300 ft.  Pay Wade Hall 6.00 for hauling lumber   Jo Spuregean 91 cts.  Amt due Sam Ray to day in full for keeping horse is 30.00  he wants a cord or two of wood.  I told Bob Brown today that I would want my house in the woods.  Mostly clear pleasant day and the ground thawing out very fast.  Gobed 9.30 PM~

February 1-4, 1888 in Charleston, IL

1.  Wednesday, 7 A.M.  Ther  30.  35.  34.
Cloudy or foggy.  Mrs. Rogers comes to wash at 8 A.M.  Baby seems better this morning but  Tue sends for Dr. Patton who came about noon.  Settle with Case apple a/c P.M.   Mrs. Norfolk calls me in telling me to send Mrs. Terman load of wood.  Gave bill lumber provided City last month to H.G. 2000 ft. $30.00.  Jim Driscoll goes up with load of lumber from mill.  Jack Fayan calls on me toward night.    Phebe did not go to school today.  She slept till after 9 A.M.  Cloudy all day and thawing a little wind Easterly.   Gobed 9 P.M.


2.  Thursday,  6.30 A.M. Ther.  33.  34.  32.
Cloudy.  Baby seems better this morning.  Receives draft from  J&L&B for 618.80 in full.  Mrs. Feagan called in morning,  "settle" with John Armstrong P.M.  Mrs. Shaw is very sick.  John Roberts was buried this morning.  Cloudy all day wind easterly.  Tue has headache bad at night.  Go bed 11 P.M.  W. Decker agrees to cut 20 cord good wood @ .60.

3.  Friday 6.15 AM.  Ther  32.  36.  37.
Cloudy, misty wind NE.  Maggie and Phebe both went to school.  Mrs. Rogers irons.  Look up act. at Christers and Chambers.  Sell Jim Pernnell 205 ft, sheet @ 75c.  Milt Drake and Johnson up from timber.   Milt pays me $1.00 for wood sold.  Baby not feeling very well.  Tue thinks may be taking Whooping Cough.  Talk of sending for Dr. at night but decide not to.  Dark Damp Day with NE. wind.  The roads are still good and Bob Brown brought up a load of lumber.  Dr. called at night for paper.  Gobed 10 P.M.

4.  Saturday 6.30 A.M.  Ther  37.  39.  36.
Cloudy.  raining about day light.  Wes Caylen brings me a half a cord of wood.  I sent Mrs. Lusman a third of cord a day or two ago.  Baby seems better this morning, she coughs a good deal in night, but does not "whoop" any.  Comer and gang are up and pay him 50.00.  Settle  with Ginthers in full $12.60 - 3.00  with Geo Chambers  $43.90 -3.00 and with Messick and Gray 11.93 all in full.  Get city order for lumber last month  $30.00 which deposit.  Snider called P.M.  Mrs. Davis and Paul over in the evening.  Dark damp day, misty.  Snow in afternoon, wind NW.  Gotobed 10 PM.

January 24, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

24.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.   34.  46.  34.  = 38.
Cloudy N.1.  Fred Cottingham calls with bill for plumbing &c. 75.88.  He calls again after dinner and pay him check.  He made small repair at W.C. P.M.  Tue went to R.C. at Dr. Iknyan's 2 P.M.  Helen Ferrish calls P.M.  but didn't stay long.  One Rennells son of Edmund came wanting to rent Loxa farm.  Roy did not come early as usual.  Part clear day variable winds.  Part cloudy day with moderate northerly winds.  Tue and Phebe attend show - Madame Sherry  at night.  Finn and Ora were to supper.  Gobed 9

1888

24.  Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  10.  31.  28.

Clear wind S.E.  Savely and McKee went to work at ties about 8 A.M. working  till 6 P.M.  Sam Goodrich and other fellow began at 9 we got up 4 set.  Comer men work from, 10 AM till 5.30 P.M.  I got pretty well tired out and went home after dark about sick.  Didn't sleep much last night on account of Tue and baby both complaining.  Bob Brown brought up 50 old posts fore which I pay him in full $1.00  Al. Prevo calls for flask which I promised him.  He and Caleb Ferris start for  Alabama tomorrow.  Ed Eastin told me to bring up my  note and he will pay balance due:  it is 1232 to date .  Got a  letter from L.G  Fract Ferndale California asking me for an affidavit in regard to disability.  Gobed 9 P.M.  Tue better.  Helen went home today has been  here since Sat Jany14.

January 17-19, 1888 in Charleston, IL

17.  Tuesday,  6.30 AM.  Ther.  21.23.8.
Cloudy, wind, N.W.  1/4 in. of light snow fell in night.  Sold Mrs. Mount 2 cord wood which she get delivered.  Al Prevo came down to dinner and talked two or three oclock.  Bob Brown brings up load of walnut lumber.  Riley Easton has hauled up couple  of loads  posts new and old this week which I pay him for.   M. Sandy pays me 2.00 on a/c.  Snider calls an hour or two P.M.  Ferd over at Wentz  Helen here.  Tue writes couple of letters at night one to Aunt Maggie not very well takes medicine.  Gobed 11 P.M.

18.  Wednesday.  7 A.M.  Then.  0.  11.  9.
Clear wind westerly.  A.H. Prevo denies a portion of his a/c and doesn't pay the balance.  Sold John Rickett a why Bbl 1.00 C. Mas(?) pays up for wood 3.00  Snider called a while but didn't see Luse.  Maggie did not go to school.  The cold spell since last Saturday has been the most severe ever known in the northwest.  Saturdays paper containing  list of two hundred fatal cases of freezing.  Gobed 9 P.M.

19.   Thursday - 6.20  A.M.  Ther.  5.  30.  22.
Clear, S.W. wind.  Tue not very well but better P.M.  Present bill to Winter 24.39.  did not examine his closely.  Snider did not come up.  Tue baked some pumpkin pies.   Both girls stay home from school.  Comer in about noon.  Pay him check 55.00.  Bought  2 dressed ducks also some buck wheat at Mitchells pay cash for nearly everything now.  Go bed 11 P.M.