January 5, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County, IL

January 1892 

Charles 50, Tue 36, Margaret 14, Phebe 12, Marie 5.

5.  Tuesday.  7AM.  Ther  18.  27.  23.  =  22 2/3

Cloudy E. wind.  Enloe took another small load of lumber and paid me for all.  Maurice Burgner has got his 500 posts and will pay me soon.  Tue went to Dick Norfolks funeral P.M. He died yesterday at house here.  Brownfield straightened up posts after dinner.  have on hand 165  Many of them culls.  I put up roosts for hens in the hog pen and Tue and self caught them and put them in there after supper. I fell and hurt my foot so could hardly get around.  We have 37 hens and roosters and 4 ducks.  Cloudy day E wind AM moving gradually around toward N. a little NNE at night and very light fine snow after 9 P.M barely covering the ground.  My foot hurt so I had chill about 10PM.  Gobed midnight.

January 1903

Charles 61, Tue 47, Margaret 25, Phebe 23, Marie 16

5. Monday.  6 AM  Ther.  25. 28.  25  =  26

Cloudy, N wind.  Maggie gets ready and starts for Champaign on 11.15 train.  About 3 in. heavy snow on ground.  It fell in night probably after midnight.   Nick Smith says Garrison sold out and purchaser again sold but I have not verified report.  Mostly cloudy day with NW wind.  Phebe sick at night self about sick.  Quitting use of tobacco feels worse than usual.  Snow remains on ground.  This snow was exactly like one a week ago.  Gobed 9 PM

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.

February 16-28, 1891 in Coles County, IL

February 1891

16.  Monday. 8 AM.  Ther.   54.  59. 55.  

Cloudy SW. wind little rain in night  Brownfield finishes mushroom bed, patches smoke house roof  and saws  wood P.M.working most of day  Tue  suffering very much with neuralgia did not get supper   I trimmed grape vines and some trees  Mostly cloudy day with south wind and occasional light rain.  The warmest day we have had this winter  Trade quiet get sarsaparilla for Tue  Gobed 1  About clear at midnight

17.  Tuesday 730 AM  Ther.  33.  40.  27.

Cloudy.  N.W. wind No rain in night.  Tue  better this morning.  Maggie complains  of stiff neck.  Marie 4 years old today.  Height.  37 1/8 in.  weight .30 lb. Apl 4   Maggie didn't go to school.  Richtin children  Hat Mrs Knock and several others called today  got some mushroom spawn which will plant when bed gets warm enough  Cloudy day wind NW early AM S.  at noon and NW before night,  growing colder.   gobed 12

18.  Wednesday.  7.30 AM.  Ther 12.  27.  23.

Cloudy N. wind  Mrs. Rogers washed.  Uncle John  in town but didn't come down to dinner. Witnesses and others went up to Springfield to attend trial of Ed. Melville    Jo crail came down in morning says  he will go to work as soon as it thaws out.  Order two pounds yellow Danevers Onion seeds from I B Mitchell.  Trade quiet.  Cloudy day and cool.  Wind NW AM at noon  E before night.  Light snow for an hour or two P.M.  Not enough however to cover the ground  Gobed  1230---

19.  Thursday,  7.30 AM  Ther  20.  33. 33.

Cloudy NE wind snowing till 8 AM 1 1/2 in  Dr. Hall and wife want to buy part of our bottom field.  I took in the washing for Tue this A.M.  Cloudy and disagreeable day snow and sleet in morning and quite heavy rain 3 to 5 P.M.  heavy mist at night wind E and SE.  Gobed.  1230

20.  Friday.  730 AM.  Ther  46.  56.  38

Cloudy and raining, wind S.  Moderate rain most of night.  With heavy wind toward morn.  Rain most of day till 2 P.M.  Offer Dr. Hall 50 ft. S side bottom field for 300.00 which he does not accept.  the stove pipe at store blew down last night.  Jake Duzy says 2 1/2 in rain fell yesterday and today  Trade dull.they took Jerry Johnson to Springfield today as witness  Wind gets in SW and finally in NW before night growing cooler  Mrs. Davis here today. Mrs. Rogers and Fannie ironed P.M.  gobed 11.30 PM    Pd. V.K.Curd bal SM Hutch a/c 21.90

21.  Saturday.  730 AM Ther  31,  48.  33.
Part clear wind NW Uncle John was down to dinner  Says wants to pay for Phillips farm next Saturday and will want all the money I can spare.  Warren Decker was up on horse back.  Reports roads very bad and river swimming.Says they have cleaned off two or three acres lower Fritz hollow.  Partly cloudy day with NW wind  Trade quiet for Saturday  gobed 1130 PM  Crail says will help me all next week.

22.  Sunday. 8 AM.  Ther  22.  42.  39.
Clear SW wind  Tue had headache and tooth ache all day.  Didn't go to meeting.  It is reported that Jerry Johnson escaped from Geo Sullivan on way to Springfield.  Clear day SW wind got into S.E. before night and clouds up  Go bed  11 PM --

23.  Monday  7AM.  Ther  38.
SE wind and cloudy sprinkles rain 8 - 9 AM  Jo Crail comes at  7 and begins work at 1.00 per day clean out stable and began digging for back fence at which he work rest of day  Brought rake and spade at Stodded on Cr.  Mostly cloudy day with strong South wind and signs of rain Roads drying fast  Gobed  11.30

24.  Tuesday.  7 AM.  Ther.  50.  60.  56.
Cloudy strong S. wind all night with occasional sprinkle rain.  Crail came at 7 AM and works at fence all day without accomplishing much  Tue feeling good deal better than she has lately.  Comer got his mill up to Latta  & Richter today  The authorities  have offered  50.00 for arrest of Jerry Johnson  Trade quiet but better than this time last week.  Cloudy day with strong wind (?) occasional sprinkle of rain, late showers 8 to 10 PM. with some thunder, Wind died down after dark, change to W 11P.M. ther 40  AT 12   gobed 12.

25.  Wednesday, 7.30 AM  Ther  20.  30.  24.
About clear N.W. wind strong.  Crail to work all day at back fence.  Tue set PR here in middle manger P.M.  Tom Houghton and Hilleyrn drummer in town.  bought  some wine of Mayan  Easton's evidence cleared Ratcliff today disappointing the authorities.  Clear day with fresh NW wind W at night.  Girls went to some sort of show at Christian church at night.  Gr Bros subscribe 10.00 toward remodeling race track  Gobed  11 PM

26.  Thursday, 7 AM.  Ther.  13.  23.  18.
Cloudy N.W. wind  lt. sn. flying Crail did not work today too cold.  Mrs. Rogers washed AM.  Tue cuts garmment for Mrs. R.  Freiburg     drummer arrives at night .  Clears off AM mostly clear day with brisk N.W. wind  Trade very quiet gobed

27. Friday,  8 AM.  Ther  10.  30.31.
Clear SW wind.  Friday drummer here buy from him 1 Bbl  87 Bond  & Hillard.  Hyman  also here but did not see him.  Uncle John down to dinner says he will his mortgage on store if will pay 600.00 tomorrow.  Mrs. Rogers  ironed P.M.  Miss Green called P.M.  Pay Walter Briggs insurance on store and barn.  Crail has not shown up since Wednesday evening  Mrs. Eastin says Ed is worse - has been very bad for a week or two.  Trade quiet.  Annie Rooney  - Maltese Kitten caught two mice in evening.  Clear morning.  Clouds up about noon and looks much like snow.  wind a little E of South.  Roads in town good  gobed

28.  Saturday,  7.30 AM  Ther  7.  18.  9.
Clear with N wind, about one inch snow on ground which fell after 1 AM.  John Simons in town reports that he and Warren  have been making fence this week settle with him for Feby.  He  says the nannie goat is dead.  This lets me out of goat biz  John Simons ate dinner with us as did Uncle John.  I draw $250.00 from store and borrowed 300.00 at Bank 90 days which with what I had in bank made up 600.00  to pay Uncle John.  He released mortgage and gave up note which has been running nearly fourteen years.  This is really a gift of 1300.00 [$1,300 of 1891 dollars would be worth: $34,210.53 in 2015] from him.  Riley Decker was up and I paid him some on ties he has been making.  Clear cold day with N.wind.  Trade moderate  Bought a load of corn of John Leavitt  28 20/70 bu @ 50c.  Settle with Crail in full of has worked 3 days this week and will go  ahead soon as weather permits  Simons brought us a gallon jug of Maple syrup.  Having chewed or smoked tobacco constantly for a year I have decided to quit altogether till July 4 or longer  Then at midnight 7.  Gobed 1.30

February 12- 15, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1891

12.  Thursday 6 AM.  Ther  30  50  41

Partly clear SE wind.  John Decker and Rile went to work making ties.  Simons taps sugar tree AM and burns brush PM.  Warren hauling posts out of hollow.  Start home 3 PM.  roads worse than yesterday and didn't  get home till dark.  I walked over to rye field on Decker Ridge this AM.  I suppose it looks very well.  Pleasant day mostly clear with S.W. wind Trade is much better this week than it was last.  Gobed 1

13.  Friday.  7.30  Ther  27.  48.  30.

Clear W. wind, Quigins said he would help me today but failed to come.  Tue not very well.  The girls got supper.  Billy Chilton was kicked by a horse today and supposed to be fatally injured  Miss Vaughn and Mrs. Davis  spend evening with Tue.  Clear day with Northerly wind  Gobed 12

14.  Saturday 730.  Ther  22  51.  38.

Clear S.E. wind Brownfield worked most of forenoon fixing mushroom in small ned.  I sent for the spawns this evening.  Settle with W Decker and Chet Burnnett.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  He has rented the Phillips farm to one Dukeman an shares  Jeff returned from Springfield this AM. and went to Fontenet Ind tonight to arrest Laker and Ratcliff implicated in PO robbery here.  Milt Drake in town says he intends to fence and cultivate the ground he leased from me.  Warren took out a bushel of clover seed to sow on rye  Trade moderate, week much better than last  Clear day with S. wind  and roads generally very good  go bed  1.45

15.Sunday, 8 AM.  Ther  36.  48.  37

Mostly cloudy S. wind  Girls went to Sunday School.  Tue to church.  Work a little at mushroom bed.  Ate dinner after 3 PM.  Cloudy day with south wind : light rain  1 PM to 5 PM and again began at qq PM.  Gobed 1

February 1902

12.  Wednesday 6.15 AM.  Ther.  5.  25.  16.  =  15 1/3

Clear, west wind.  The Domestic Science Club met here P.M. and Tue was at  work all day getting ready for them.  There were fourteen ladies from 2 P.M> till say 5 P.M.  I remain in furnace room keeping fires.  Gang of Union men came near fighting in afternoon up at McGurtys.  Had been cutting and hauling ice for McG.  Clear day with NW wind signs of fair weather at sunset.  weather report  says continued cold.  Tue got pretty tired today  Gobed 9 P.M. ~~

13.  Thursday.  6. A.M.  Ther, 2. 32.16.= 16 2/3 (drawing)

About clear SE wind.  Rhoda comes to iron.  Jo Gainies (sic) came in just as  I was about to write to him.  Has not been doing much lately.  Retha sick  He came for med for her.  Thinks might hire May's brother cheap.  I gave Jo check for 5.00 for all meals and 11.00 on wages.  He says have over paid him to date.  Jo Waters my horses for me, and left about 11 A.M.  He says the Galbreath Store at Loxa is closed out.  Rhoda worked till 4 P.M. washing curtains &c.  Tue over at Groves at night  Gobed 9 PM.

14. Friday 6 AM.  Ther.  8.  25.  12. = 15.
Some cloudy E. wind. quit drinking coffee this morn.  Vivian here to dinner.  Simons called after dinner.  Claims has  hauled good many logs to Ira Browns mill since I was down and will haul more.  Ira has bought Bill Decker's interest on mill.  Bill has sold place (Jane's) and they will move to Oklahoma soon.    Comodore Eastin is going with them.  They will not take lucy and Johnny Handley.  Pay H.G. 1.15  Col for him by Tue.  Stomach feeling badly today.  Clear day Northeasterly wind.  Roads said to be fine but somewhat smooth.  Gobed 8 PM.


15.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther 1. 25. 22 = 26 (16)
Clean. NW wind. Young Benchet called to see about H.G. place.  Meet Bridges of Loxa up town says next Sat. is pay day on R.R. and will send me  2 MO rent (10.00) sure  See Zack Scott in Court House.  He .Js living on Sole McClask place.  says 30 acres of good bottom land.  Garrisons rent due yest.  Met AJ.Weil of Cincinnati yester P.M.  Zack says roads fine even for barefoot horse.  Adams of five Felix Johnstons house 4 PM. not much damage.  See Tenant Bridges who says will pay me next Saturday.  $10.00 rent.  Decide not to sell Cols. house for less than 150.00  Mostly clear day with Northerly wind.  Mort and Kate over at night.  I was up town till 930 P.M.  Gobed 930 PM

January 8-20, 1891 in Charleston, IL

January 1891

8.  Thursday,  8 AM  Ther  18  37.  28.

Cloudy E wind.  Uncle John in town  does not think he is going to get the Phillips place  Charley Bond took load of lumber from pile by back gate.  The pile contained at first 1056 ft = 132 pieces.  Hear that Comer will move his mill at once up to Richters timber.  Tue and children up to  Davis at night  Maggie stays all night with Mrs. Knock again.  Mary Davis stays all night with Phebe.  Cloudy day east wind, began snowing lightly about 10 P.M.  Roads appear to be good.  Gobed 1230 ~~

9.  Friday 8 AM.  Ther  26. 32.  31.

Cloudy and snowing slowly about an inch on ground light  snow most of day in all perhaps two inches.  Thawing most of the day, heavy fog at night wind Easterly.  Trade light.  Look over bills and prepare to make inventory of stock a rough estimate shows the profits  to have been satisfactory.  Tall cigar drummer in town.  Mallaways man was here yesterday.  Maggie stays with Mrs. Knock  Gobed

 

10.  Saturday, 730 AM.  Ther 29  37  32

Cloudy, light SE wind.  Settle with R Decker JW Decker and Warren Decker, all in full to date.   John Simons up from ranch  Hire him for another year from Mar. 1 @ 21.00 per MO.  Maurice Burgner looks looks at boards but does not buy.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Says he is sure of getting Phillips farm now.  Owen McGurty pays me up    Figures up invoice carefully make just about same as estimate yesterday.  Trade rather light.  Dark cloudy day with very little wind.  Foggy at night gobed 2 AM  Maurice all night.

11.  Sunday,  8 AM.  Ther.  30.  32.  20.

Cloudy  ad occasional snow flying.  M &P went to S.S.  Buddie went to  Christian Church with Maunie.  Interested to go to timber today but too threatening.  Repack (?) &c in Bbl.  Cloudy day occasional snow flying N wind grows colder at night  gobed 12

12.  Monday.  7.15 AM.  Ther  19.  30.  19.

Cloudy NW wind light snow flying all day  Dull day  roads somewhat rough.   Mrs. Rogers washed.   Tue about sick with bad cold  Find some errors in invoice figures which correct making still better.  Tue reading Flauntleroy at night  Gobed 12 ~~

13.  Tuesday.  7 AM.  Ther 6.  30.  28.

Mostly cloudy.  S.W. wind.  The cow got in front yard this morning.  We turned her in street and she failed to come home at night.  Mrs. Rogers ironed  Bought sack flour and sugar at Wrights today paying cash.  Have decided to pay cash henceforth.  Tue about sick with bad cold.  Mostly clear day with strong SW wind.  gobed  1 AM.

14.  Wednesday.  730 AM  Ther  22  35 20

Clear.  Wind,  Get things ready to start for timber before dinner.  H.G. makes draw of check for 250.00.  Tue still feeling badly.  I start for ranch about 3 P.M. overtake Ed. Wright who rode with me a mile or two.  Went by Handly ford and get there 5.30  John has been working on his house this week  Clear day wind NW PM.  gobed  9 PM.

15.  Thursday 5 AM.     Ther  23  30  26

Partly cloudy with SE wind hard frost  Warren took load of wood to town for John.  John hung door t sheep shed.  Jo H, Handly and family there to dinner also  also Lucys mother.  Jo went down river for load of boards which he will haul tomorrow.  He has rented John Simons place for this year.  Fred Decker called to get a job but failed.  I start  home at 3 P.M. getting there at 6.  Roads not so bad as yesterday and quite good much of the way.  Paid up Lucy today for board from Oct. 1 to Jan 1 inclusive 4.50.  Mostly cloudy day with SE wind cleared ff at night.  Gobed

16.  Friday, 730 AM.  Ther  20  36  24

Clear, White frost, wind N.  Jo H Handly brought in small load of boards not counted, perhaps 1200.  Brownfield helps a while toward night at smoke house.  Minstrel show at hall to night to which father went.  Clear day with N. wind, fine weather.  gobed

17.  Saturday.  745 AM  Ther  22  28  25

Cloudy, N wind white frost  Brownfield came 8.30, and we finish smokehouse except door  Take meat out of brine.  Ferd was down to dinner  Uncle John came after we got through  Tue sick at night  Trade rather dull.  Dark cloudy day snow flakes flying AM and N.  Go bed

18.  Sunday.  730 AM.  Ther  24  30  25

Cloudy N. wind Tue feeling badly.  Self and Maggie got breakfast and dinner  Girls went to S.S. taking Marie  Phebe went with Richters girls to church at night.  Maggie has a very bad cold.  Bryan to put in smoke house but postponed it till tomorrow  Cloudy day old Bill Morris was killed today by falling down stairs  some snowflakes.  S wind at night  gobed  11.30

19.  Monday, 7.30  AM.  Ther  20.  41. 29.

Clear wind S.W. heavy white frost  Tue feels better this morning  Mrs. R. washes   Brownfield hung up meat and I build smoke under it.  Bill Morris killed yesterday was buried to day down in Cumberland Co.   GrBro subscribe 25.00 toward foundry fund.  Warren Decker says he will go to hauling posts this week.  Tue feeling badly P.M.  Phebe and I brought in the washing  Mrs. Knock and sister over at night.  The Authorities close poker rooms.  Splendid weather clear with SW wind roads first rate.  Nick about sick, has been complaining week or two but still on duty  Gobed.  

20.  Tuesday. 7 A.M.    Ther  26.  50.  37.

Mostly clear S. wind.  Get lock for smoke house also for she up at Perkins room  Tue complains good deal  Self not very well.  Charley Bishop started west tonight to sell goods for Weiss Mill  Weather  fine, clear with fresh SW wind.  Mrs. Latta was over today.k  quiet  gobed

December 10-12, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston, IL

December 1890

10.  Wednesday, 7 AM.  Ther 28.  42  37

Clear with SW wind.  Uncle John in town and down to dinner.  Warren brought up half cord of wood which he sold.  H.G learns that his dog shot yesterday was still alive and he went out after him in afternoon.  N E Welch pays 19.78 for lumber bought last summer.  Maggie starts wearing truss which Tue  bought some time since.  She didn't go to school P.M.  Tom Houghton drummer  here.  I caught some cold the first of week worse today.  Clear day with SW wind snow mostly disappears.  gobed 11.30~ 

11.  Thursday  7.30  AM. Ther  37  47  29

Mostly cloudy wind N.N.W.  Settle with March & Bradley $4.00.  Remit in full to Mullany & Hagen 372.95  Warren brought half cord which sold from wagon.  Tue interested in doings at Pres. church keeping her from noon till bedtime  The girls took their supper there  Brownfield brought down two barrels.  Old Mrs. Eastin died about 5 P.M.  Doug Clark had his leg crushed by locomotive last night and had it taken off.  Sal Greenfrilder drummer in town.  Gobed 12.30

12.  Friday  7.30  AM.  18.  27.  18

Clear, NW wind.  Brownfield cleans out stable.  Bill Myers takes out 3 hogs to kill.  Tue and went out to old cemetery to  old Mrs. Eastins burial in afternoon.  Warren brought up load of wood which sold to Brownfield.  Warren take out hangings for barn door.  Trade dull clear day with NW wind.  Get horse shock at Pucks.  PD 85c  Gobed  12.30  Myers took out 3 hogs to kill.

December 1901

10.  Tuesday,  6.15  A.M.  Ther.  20.  40.  30.  =  30

Mostly clear.  Southwind.  Marie sick before breakfast and did not go to school, but she went up town P.m. Wilton phones me that axle not heard from yet.  I did not go up town today.

Chilly partly cloudy day.  with S. wind.  House very cold AM.  Lizzie Shoats and their girls here P.M.  I sat in basement reading magazines &c till go bed  11.30 PM

11.  Wednesday  6 39  AM.  Ther  28.  44.  33  =  35

Mostly clear E. wind.  The snow did not disappear yesterday.  Mrs. Smith came abut 7 AM. to iron.  She works till 5 P.M. raking off leaves. &c.  Wilton has heard from buggy axle.  It will be here in a day or two.  I ate too much dinner and went without supper.  Felt badly all P.M. and night.  It is reported that there are several cases of small pox in town.  Sat and read Sunday R.H. in basement   Go bed 10 P.M.

12.  Thursday.  6.15  AM.  There.  34.  50.  48.  =  44

Partly cloudy: easterly wind.  Light white frost.  Growing warmer all day settling in south.  Hire buggy at Buckley's at noon and after dinner went out to Gaines, getting there about 2 PM.   Met Mrs. Shirley who said Shirley got-ran in" yesterday and she had not heard from him since.  I helping Charley Talbot.   Mrs. Gaines brother Wal. there.  Shirley stock running in corn field  Partly cloudy hazy day with high southerly [sic]  Roads pretty good.  Little mud on  un-graveled portion.  I got some carrots today.  Coming home met Mrs. Shirley with him  Tue went at night to entertainment at Normal along with Groves.  Phebe helping Marie  out with her algebra  Tue got home about 10.30  Gobed 10.30

December 2 - 9, 1887 in Charleston, IL

December 1887

2.  Tuesday 7.30 AM.  Ther. 23  34  27  Mostly clear with SE wind  Brownfield helps pile boards AM Saws up pile of white oak P.M.  Jo H brought up load of ties.  Warren finishes Lattas wood, in all  5 3/4 cord.  Uncle John was down in morning to get me to compute interest on notes.   Jo H. took out tile for stove flue for house  I pile  boards till nearly 4 P.M.    H.G. went home sick about 4 and did not come back.  Bill Durham of Hot Springs Ark went back today has been here two or three days  Part cloudy day with SE wind gobed 12.30

3.   Wednesday.  7 AM.  Ther  21.  24.  23.

Mostly clear wind N.W.  HG opened store and went home to stay.  Nick and self get along very well  Warren hauls load of wood which sell to Charley Marshall.  Man from Hutton came for 1200 boards  Jo H brings up 1,500.  This makes 7000  I owe him for hauling  Mostly cloudy day with NW wind and freezing all day. Gobed midnight

4. Thursday.  7 AM.  Ther  12.  27.  27.

Mostly cloudy S.E. wind appearances of  snow.  H.G. failed to open up this morning but was on hand during day.  Bought pair gloves and order pair of pants made at Winters @8.00.  Warren Decker brought load wood which sell to Brownfield  Cloudy day southerly wind.  Trade dull  H.G. had few words  with drunken man before supper  Gobed 12.30.  

5.  Friday, 7 AM.  Ther.  20.  38.  30.

Mostly clear but clouds over and mostly cloudy day.   wind variable.  Warren brings up load of wood on yard.  Jim Pugh makes frow.  60 c.  Buy ax handle of Drury  Trade quiet Gobed 12

6.  Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther  28.  39.  26

Part cloudy.  wind N.  Manifold comes early to clean out cistern.  charges 75 c.  Latta pays $17.25 for  5 3/4 cord wood  Settle with Rile and John for lab date but not fr ties  Warren brought  another load of wood which put in barn yard.  Jo H. brought 1500 boards settle with him in full for 27 ties hauled and 8500 boards @100 per (?).  Trade fair.  Mostly clear day with raw north wind  gobed  1 AM

7.  Sunday.  8 AM.  Ther.  21.  27.  20.

Partly cloudy.  Strong NE wind all day.  Girls went to S.S.  cloudy all day exempt early AM.  I started for ranch about 4 PM. getting there after dark cold ride strong NE wind.  Began to snow pretty fast about 7 P.M. and continued till in the night. blowing through roof and melting very dissagreable (sic.).  Gobed 830 P.M. about 3 in snow on dry yard  John Hughes was found dead in bed this morning.

8.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther  10.  27.  14

Mostly clear with N. wind becoming NW.  John and Warren bring small load of boards at of river bottoms to use on house.  I got ready to go to Diona but thought too cold.  John shaves shingles PM and I started home about 3 P.M. clear day with NW wind gobed  1 AM 9th  Baby about sick with earache.

9.  Tuesday 7.30 AM  Ther 10. 32. 30.

Cloudy.  H.G. went hunting rabbits and shot his dog Jip.  He got back early P.M.  He got back early P.M.  Warren brought up half cord which put in barn yard.  He says Simons expected to begin on house roof today.  After  dinner walked down to RR find 111 ties 4 of them being crossed.  Wrote card to Alburyd in regard in regard to these cloudy day clears off at night SW wind  Gobed 1230

November 6-9, 1890 and 1901

`November 1890

6. Thursday, 6.30 AM  Ther  47.  70.  62.

Clean and pleasant S wind.  Simons and Warren came early and hauled wood to McMurtries from Lattas Lot in front after which sawed ties intwo (sic) and took to RR to  No of 18  The election news still more encouraging to the democrats.   They  have carried nearly every state.  They held a ratification meeting at night addressed by Hunter of Paris - Cannon is beaten in this dist gone democratic  Self not very well.  Nick ditto  Gobed midnight bought new saw at Gurthers cr 2.50

7.  Friday.  6.30 AM  Ther 60  5444

Part clear wind SW.  All democratic news confirmed today.  Brownfield helps wash bottles &c.Tue went went to Friabies with Mrs. Davis  Got jar of butter of Al. Harman 8 1/2 lb @20 c.  Took another jar to fill.  Warren bought up load of green wood to McMurtrie  Tue and baby get home before night  Trade quiet.  Light rain began before dark heavier about 10 P.M.  Cloudy PM wind N at night.

8.  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  37  46 56

Cloudy day.  Rain early AM. again at night.  Uncle John down to dinner  Trade only fair.  Roads said to be pretty muddy  Gobed 11 PM.

9.  Sunday.  8 AM.  Ther 59.  43. 34

Cloudy day.  Up to store till noon intended going to ranch.  Crass did not come Brownfield helping  Tate says he is going to vacate Perkins room tomorrow  Girls went to Sunday school  Gobed 9 P.M.

November 1901

6.  Wednesday  6 AM.  Cool and clearing.  Started for Geneva 8.30 AM. arriving about 3 P.M.  Bus up to Cynthia's where I stay all night.  Annie with Wilke were here  last Sat.

7.  Thursday  6.30 Am.  I got lost trying to walk over to Aunt Margarets.  Got down to town went up to Aunt Margaret's on trolley where I ate dinner, after which Jim called to take me out to Uncle Newts where we arrived about 4 P.M.  Jim returning home.  Cold high south wind all day.  Stay all night with Newt and Nett and slept in N.W. chamber.  Gobed 10 P.M.

8.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther. 47.44.

Cloudy strong westerly wind.   Stay and visit with Newt till nearly night when Newt took me up  to Uncle Marks.  Uncle Mark putting up pears.  Has sold one car load loose.  Has to more C.L. which will ship to Cleveland and Columbus.  Cold cloudy windy day,and growing colder.

9.  Saturday, 6.30 AM.  Cold cloudy and disagreeable weather.  I help them at pears sorting in Wagon house. Signs of heavy frost tonight, clear.

March 22-25, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

March 1890

22. Saturday 7 AM.  Ther  40.  47.  37  =  41 1/3

Part cloudy wind N. Demo Township primary good many in town, trade only fair.  H.G. complaining and at home most of day.  I stay at store most of time out of wood again  Brownfield saws some up two or three  poles.  Think I heard of dog Carlo last two months or more ago.  Pleasant cool day NW wind drying fast  gobed 12.45

23.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther 34.

Clear.  NW wind. Start for ranch about 9 AM getting there at 1 P.M.  Fired Simon at Wes'  Johnny will go to work tomorrow  Gobed 10 PM.  Light rain at times in night from E or SE.

24.  Monday, 5.30 AM  Ther.

Cloudy, wind S. John and Rile work in in west pastures cleaning off  for grass samples.  Castrate and dock lambs AM.  Have 46 R and 22 E.  I went down on river  where disputed line is and measure up what logs are left there, about 3500 ft.  There are 13 logs left and about 10 have been taken away.  Simons hauled load of strips P.M.  Went after Hanleys harrow which didn't get.  A fair ewe died tonight after being sick a few hours.  Pleasant warm and windy, light sp rain in night.  Gobed 10 PM  Violent S and SW wind.

25.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.

About clear wind west John started for town with small load of wood getting back about 5 P.M.  Reports road good. brought chickens down  Rile and John make stakes and and rails in west field.  John brought feed down  Reports no hay at home.  Go bed 10.30

Ferocious W wind all day. 

March 1901

22.  Friday 5.30 AM.  Ther  25.  70.  43.  =  46.

Clear light S.E. wind.  Dick came  about 7.30 and worked till noon mostly cutting wood.  Jo Gaines came for load of manure 8 AM.  I see John Marshall advises me to have bond &c fixed up at once.  Look at harrows W & T. over take Ma and Mrs. G going to Loxa. Ate dinner at G's afterward went to Loxa Saw McP. No money.  Buy plow Linder 13.00  Decide to get harrow of W.O.Y.  Came south road home.  Nancy Grishu and Mrs. Mote ride to town with me.  Folks, except self, all went to Passion Play moving pictures.  Pres Church at night.  Mostly clear day, southerly wind.  Roads mostly dry and pretty good.  Go bed 9 PM  Jo sows clover & timothy west of house after dinner.  Tell Jo  John & wife can remain there a while but not long.  John working on Loxa section  Gobed 9 PM

23.  Saturday  5.45 AM.  Ther  25.  55.  52  =  44.

Mostly clear.  Gaines came 8 AM. taking out load of manure and new harrow.  John Simons and Warren put horses in stable.  John has sold part of his place to Ina Brown.  Met Ina with Will Decker and talk about scrap lumber on mill site.  J.H. Marshall fixes up lease and bond for Garrison Bros. and they sign lease will fix bond soon as possible. No word from Maggie  Expected to her home today.  Tue went over to Grove's showers PM and at night not heavy.  Gobed. 9.30 P.M. --

At top of page : 25th Tue had several Reading Circle ladies here P.M. fixing up program for next season.

24.  Sunday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  51.  68. 60.  =  59 2/3

Partly cloudy.  Self feeling badly.  Tue better than for several days.  Ferd here to diner.  Drive down to Mrs. Owens toward night.  Geo Kellogg and I drove down to Myers lane to see new gravel road.  Dirt road very muddy.  Partly cloudy day southerly wind.  Very heavy rains with much thunder in night and some hail about 9 PM.  Owen and Reynolds boy help me get cow in.  Phebe stayed all night with Lizzie Shoot.  Gobed  8.30 P.M.

25.  Monday  5.10 AM.  Ther  50.  62.  45.  =  52 1/3

Cloudy, S.E. wind.  Branch was high in night and washed out lower flood gate.  Clara washed.  Pay Mel. Stark Charleston personal tax check - $4.63  Pay Loan Assn. dues and int.  Mar 1 to May 1.  17.10  Deposit Garrison ch 50.00 and 15.00 cash at 2d  Clears off AM. and bright pleasant day with SW wind.  Streets drying fast.  I drove to 3.20 PM train but Maggie didn't come.  Haven't heard from her since last Wednesday  Gobed 9 P.M.

November 19 - 30, 1888 in Coles County Illinois (Highlights)

November 1888

19.  Monday.  - Tue went over to Perrill's toward night.  Mary Perrill arrived home with her two children last week.  Sat up and read Century till 10 PM.

20.  Tuesday. Trying to find some one to work  on stable but couldn't.  Went to work myself in PM.

21.  Wednesday. 6 AM.  Trying to find help on stable.

22.  Thursday. Mr.  Chowning came early and worked all day.  He charges $1.50 per day and suits very well, today he put all the flooring I had down in the loft and got his stairs well started.

23.  Friday.  Men and boys working on stable.

24.  Saturday.  Hat was here to dinner and all PM.  Tue moved sideboard into kitchen.

25.  Sunday.  Went to timber by Handley's  Ford.  Tue had company to dinner, Laura , husband and children.  Tue churned all the evening and butter didn't come.

26.  Monday.  Maggie broke my thermometer this morning and I had to buy another.    Maggie did not go to school.  Stable work.

27.  Tuesday.  Stable work.

28.  Wednesday.  Came near having an accident with gasoline this morning from getting hold of the wrong can.  Johnny Decker called.

29.  Thursday.  6AM.  Ther.  38.   42.  38.

Cloudy, misty. N. wind.  Thanksgiving day.  Cloudy all day with fine rain or snow at times.  Chowning works on E side of building.  Easton brings (?) load of wood and takes two loads down to Laggert.  Pay Brownfield 2.75 bal due for labor.  Pay O. Martin 10.18 for 2490 lb. hay.  Tue over to Perrills toward night.  10 PM.

30.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther  35.  38.  37.

Cloudy and damp.  Chowning worked all day putting band round stable fitted windows. and boxed up stairway.  Light snow fog or rain by turns all day.  Tue and children  over to Myers to dinner.  Learn that Prof. Lee died a day  or  two ago.  Wrote letter to W.H. White inquiring about R.R. ties.  Cloudy all day NW. wind.  Gobed 8 PM.