March 1-31, 1891 in Charleston, Illinois Highlights

March 1891

1.  Sunday 8 AM.  Ther  10,  25, 20.

Ed Eastin died about 8.30 AM and Tue went over there after breakfast  He had been confined to the house a week or two.  

2. Monday.  7 AM.

Ed Eastin was buried this PM  Turie went to funeral at the house.  Ice is said to be 3 inches thick but nobody has packed any.

3.  Tuesday.

Tom Stansberry called to get price on 20 acres land adjoining them.

4.  Wednesday.

H.G. has now decided to  fill the ice box with ice and I get men and teams to work toward night.  Ice on Bishop's  Pond about 4 in.  Got in two loads will need four more.  Latta began moving old stable on lot across the  road.  Self about sick all day.  High fever at night.

5.  Thursday

Got our haul of ice nearly six large loads costing us altogether about 8.00.  Felt better today but catch more cold.  Somebody did a lot of painting on Pentecost Church creating quite a sensation.  The Council refused at a meeting tonight to allow a vote on license.

6.  Friday

Self feeling badly with sore throat and bad cold in general.  Maggie and Phebe went to ? social at night.

7.  Saturday

Uncle John was down to dinner.  Hat was down to supper.  Tue and she went up to Eastins.  D ?p and 
H.G. shot off Al King tonight.

8. Sunday

9.  Monday
County Court in session trying Pentecost offender.  Buy sack Decatur flour at W.E. Hill.  Learn that McCornell has bought Alveys store room and will move  his grocery store back there.   Prisoners at jail nearly got out today.  they found it out just in time.

10.  Tuesday,
Father not very well.

11.  Wednesday
Father cough so bad he had to get up in night and remain up  Marie still sore throat.

12.Thursday
Buddie [Marie] still has bad sore throat.  

13.  Friday
2 1/2 inches of snow on ground.  Maggie very heavy cold and does not got to school  Marie's throat still very bad.   Mrs. Davis sewing here P.M.

14.  Saturday
Uncle John was in town PM.  He got letter from Henry Hildreth of Berlin [Wisconsin] wanting to borrow $300.00.  Self not very well.

15.  Sunday
Maries throat better  Maggie about same.  None of the girls went to Sunday School.  Maggie complaining good deal with sore throat and tongue.

16.  Monday
Maggie didn't go to school. She and ? went walking P.M.  Tue went up to dressmaker P.M.  Tue got a letter from Aunt Fan.  Sam Goodrich's wife was buried today

17.  Tuesday 
Crail did not come  Learn that his wife is sick.  Got Sutton to extend water pipe in barnyard.  Learn that the temperance people  had meeting tonight to select candidates for city offices.

18.  Wednesday
Baby [Marie] had croup last night.  Spaded place along Eastins fence set out pie plants. I planted my mushrooms today in bed in smoke house.  Marie feeling badly all day and has croup at night.  Learn that McCraveys have rented Alvey room and will move there next month  Marie slept down stairs Tue with her.

19.  Thursday.
Set out lot of turnips for greens got some medicine of Dr. Patton for Marie she seems better toward night.  Maggie did not go to school.

20.  Friday.
Marie had croup spell from 4 A.M.  Our chickens worry us a good deal we don't know whether to sell them or go without garden like we did last year.  Marie seemed much better today.  Phebe's school was out today and Maggie went over with her P.M.

21. Saturday,

22.  Sunday, 

23. Monday,
Marie does not feel first rate yet.  Self pain in side all day or might have gone to ranch.  Side feeling bad all day.  Begin to doctor for it at night.  Temperance people settle on a ticket for city officers.  Councilman 1st Winter  2nd  W Goodman 3 H?  4th A.M. Bain  Mayor, Chas Wiley  Treas. Jo McCravey.

24.  Tuesday  

25.  Wednesday.
Crail dug waste drain to hydrant in barn yard.

26.  Thursday
The pain in side not much better than for last few days.  Marie set her dress on fire today.  Nobody home but M&P they put it out before much damage was done.  

27.  Friday
Maggie and Phebe went to Pres. church at night at night to an easter (sic) entertainment.

28.  Saturday
The Reps endorse the FMBA ticket recently put in the field

29.  Monday
Pain in side about the same or worse.  Girls got up early to color Easter eggs.  I spent the day doctoring and dieting for lame side.  M & P went to S.S.  Tue to church.  Tue and  Phebe went to Hats after dinner.

30.  Monday
Tue bought lot of plants from Mrs, Sefton.  Maggie and Phebe start to school.  L? side about same and stay round house most of day....

31. Tuesday,
Find that hens have injured my mushroom bed badly, Tue has four little chickens she keeps in house all that two nests of eggs yeilded.  Mrs. Perrill called at night says Mr. Perrill quite sick















4

January 21-31, 1902 in Charleston, IL

January 1902

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This Record carried to new book like this Jany 25  1902

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

Jany 25 1902 to Jany 26, 1903

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 30-1, 1913 + Month weather and 1, 1888 in Coles County, Illinois

1913

30.  Sunday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.   58.  64.  56.  = 59 1/3

Cloudy  and raining S.E.2.  Mrs. Bell died early A.M.  Rain ceasing.  Tue decides to go to church getting R.H. on the way.  It quit raining and I intended to hitch up and take a drive about 2 PM. but heavy showers occasionally stop me.  the wind got southerly with some thunder about 4 P.M. to 6 P.M.  Grove's folks over a while P.M. till thunder starts then home.  This is one of my bad days and think am taking the grippe.  Stiff neck all day Pains in chest &c.  Gobed 9.30  Clear at 9

The Weather &c for November 1913

Daily mean temperature 50.  58. Max 76 on 22nd  Minimum 20 on 11th. Clouds 52%  Precipitation all rain 4.59 falling on 18 days, Winds N. 3 2/3 :  NE 2/3:  E 2 2/3:  SE 3 1/3:  S. 13:  S.W. 3 2/3:  W. 1/3:  and N.W. 2 1/3 days.  Much of corn crop is shucked about  half crop of inferior corn in this section.  It sells at elevators 55 to 60 cents.  Clover hay 17,00 per ton:  Fat hogs say 7.50  Eggs 35.  I am feeding straw and corn.    The grass is green and heavier than at any time last spring or summer.  The recent rains have not raised the streams to any great extant.  The scarcity of water which was serious in October has disappeared.   Fungi are growing but only a few.  The forecasts of Weather Bureau are for this type of weather indefinitely.  This continues to be a remarkable year.  The average temp. about ten degrees higher than 1910 and 1911 and six degrees above 1912.  there was near an inch of ice Nov. 20 A.M.

1913- December

1. Monday.  6.15  AM.  Ther.  56.  62.  58.  =  58 2/3

Cloudy W.2. fog.  My neck rheumatiz (sic) &c no better- worse.  Tue and Mrs. Grove were over at Bell's A.M.  the funeral at 2.30.  Young Geo Hampton calls for about fourth time for some old lumber.  He has not bought any of me yet Says Miller is at home.  Pay Siberts bill AM 2.15  I hitch up about noon.  Deposit these checks 338.20 at 2nd Natl. Drove out far as Huffman's.  The roads are very muddy - sloppy.  I felt poorly all day.  Leave mare at Nickle's.  They are not using their new barn as yet.  Cloudy foggy day light northerly winds  go bed.9.

1988

1.  Saturday; 6 AM.  Ther.  34.  37.  34.

Cloudy and damp light NW wind  Ch. working all day in corn crib  Easters haul load of wood to Guresey and takes Taffart his third load from yard.  Tue rents house in E. part of town to Mrs. Lee Brown at 1.20 per week payable weekly in advance.  Abe Workman calls to see about making ties.  Father ate dinner down at A.G.'s  Tue went over to F. Knocks toward night.  Cloudy all day, few snow flakes in forenoon  Gobed 8.30 PM  Put up stove up stairs.

July 17-22, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

17.  Thursday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  78.  100.  90.  =  89 1/3

Mostly clear SW.2  Our hottest night.  Tue and girls ironing AM., finish.  Hot winds drying up crops in west report temperatures up to  112. from Kansas and Nebraska.  The U.S. are having diplomatic troubles with Mex. which may lead to  war.  My pain in side worse today and with the heat made me very uncomfortable: hottest average day so far.  I did not hitch up.  Tue and girls attend band concert at night.  Gobed 10.  Clear fresh N.W. wind.

18.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  72.  96.  84.  =84.

Clear.  N.E.2.  Mostly clear day.  brisk northerly wind Some Cumuli lay low in south P.M.  The pain side Kept me pretty grerat(sic) today.  Hitch in morn but didn't drive any till late P.M.  Girls had sort of function P.M.  Gace Sefton and Mary Walmsly perhaps others.  I drive west 5 P.M.  Drive by J.B. Hills to town Line return by waterworks and South road.  Think side gets worse.  It is easier when I keep still.  Take mare to Nickle's.  Theodore delivered me home.  Tue and girls went up town and I  gobed 9.30

19.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  70.  88.  76.  76.  =  78.

Cloudy. W.1.  Light rain (.10)  Go up to Brown's for shave AM.  Did not order mare till 10 oc and then drove up town only.  My pain in side seemed better early but later annoyed me so that I had to keep quiet most of the time.  Tue wants me to get Dr. but will try it a while longer.  Toward night drove down to Electric Light for couple of lamps but pain prevented my getting them.  One of Co's men brought the lamps later,  Talk minute with Jake Daizy.  He is feeling poorly.  The Chautauqua season begins today and many non residents here.  There is quite a settlement of tents at fairgrounds.  Gobed 9  Nickles came down for mare.  

Note:  Above this entry :  July 1913.  19 Tue gets 2 Mazda lamps for D.R.

20.  Sunday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  62.  88.  72.  = 74.

Clear.  N.W.1.  I drove up town A.M. but find more comfortable to remain quiet.  Paper did not come till after 3 PM. on account of a wreck or R.R. Tue and Muggs attend church AM.  Tue  and Mrs. Brooks call on Mrs. J.B.M. P.M.  Maggie long auto ride with Frank Ricketts P.M.  Clear day with light northerly wind.  There must have been big crowd at Chautauqua.  try BW plaster on side.  Gobed  10 P.M. 

21.  Monday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  60.  84.  70.  =  71 1/3

Clear N.E.2.  Plaster not helping lame side which was worse than ever.  I kept grunt  till 6 P.M. when drove S.W. by Kaw's returning by Burk hill 8 P.M.  tue wrote Buddy  Maggie sending fave to come up on visit  Harman phones that will thresh oats in day or two and wants me to come out.  Says.  Some corn bigining (sic.) to fire.  Cloudy light northerly wind.  The groves over at night.  Nickles' sent down for mare.  Gobed 9

22.  Tuesday.  5.00 AM.  Ther 60.  90.  76.  =  76 2/3

Clear. N.1.  Tue slept till pretty late.  My side no better  barring that selfful better than usual.  Harman phones that will thresh oats this P.M.  I can't  go out.  Sibert repairs L. rear  wheel old buggy.  Boy brings it over.  Muggs and Tue both grunting.  Write Phelps inquiring about  axles which think ought have been here long ago.  Write  Fareness Review for address of tractor man.  Late P.M., drive up to town going by Slodduts found the district road ever saw where they are hauling crushed stone for road.  I got  home about 7.  Philip Dougherty and wife call at night,  Clear day light SW wind Gobed 9   mare home

July 5, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

5.  Saturday, 5.30 AM.    Ther.  78.  94.  82.  =  84 2/3.

Part cloudy.  SW.3.  Emmett came 7 to work.  Repairs pasture fence which was broken down several days ago.  Plant cherry pits.  Mows yard.  Makes mushroom bed in garden.  Plants corn on old house lot: plant more beans.  Says will cut weeds Monday.  Settle with him ch. 1.50.  Part clear day with strong S.W. to N.W. winds: little signs of rain.  It is about as dry as it was two two weeks ago.  Few country  folks in town for Saturday.  Jim Turner died a day or two ago.  Get letter from Phelps.  Says axles will be finished and shipped soon as possible.  Tue Groves at night.  Gobed 9.30.

1888

5.  Thursday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  70.  90.  75?

Mostly cloudy.  Baby pretty smart this morning.  Kelly works in garden and helps some up town AM.  Pay him order  Bails for 1.00  Mrs. Eastin here PM.  Tue over to Davis toward night.  Maggie got hit in eye with  stone supposed to be from a sling.  Wheat harvest is about over.  Everything growing very fast.  Prospect for a large crop of corn better than ever before at this time of year .  C.G. not very well .  Gobed 8 P.M. 

May 12-14, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

12.  Monday.   5.30 AM.  Ther.  44.  80.  64.  =  62 2/3
Clear S.3.  I don't know but what I am getting worse-can't get better.  I got hitched up driving up town.  Got lot of stamps . at P.O. and mail letter to H.G. Phelps with 58.50 check for buggy.  I soon drove home.  John Simons, he had just called to see Dr. Patton, called P.M. and talked a while, says has cleaned out our fence row west of him.  Tue busy most of  day cleaning in D. Room. I went up toward night and got sack of corn and bale of straw at Mitchell's.  Tue spent evening at Grove's.  Self take a B.M. pill.  Clear day fresh southwind [sic]  gobed 10

13.  Tuesday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  58.  88.  74. = 73 1/3
part cloudy S.2. haze.  Learn that Dr. W.R. Patton died last.  Harman phones has about 35 acres corn to plant wants me to come out.  Can't do it.  Tue drawing party today alone P.M.   and drove to see Ray Bennett getting home after 6 about time Tue.  Ray will help me all forenoon if needed. Tue went over to Mrs. Curds after supper.  Part cloudy day with fresh to strong southerly wind.  Gobed 10 P.M.

14.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  66.  90.  74.  =76 2/3
Part cloudy.  Slept fairly well but still carry pain on right side with some fever.  Rhoda wash AM and worked PM at cleaning.  Ray came  and cut wood for an hour pd. 10c.  I went up early and get shaved.  Feel unusually tough AM.  This the hottest day to date.  Mrs. Grove and Mrs. Heeb called P.M.  I drive late P.M. to country N.W.  I went north to town line W to Pophams S. to R.R. and home S. road.  Many people  planting corn -  some breaking.  The roads are very dusty.  Some clouds today.  Bureau predicts  rain not many signs here.  Mostly clear with strong southerly wind.  Tue worked most of day and went to bed early pretty tired.  Gobed 9.30

May 3-5, 1913 In Charleston, Illinois

1913

3.  Saturday.  5.30  AM  Ther.  60.  86.  70. = 72.

Clear mostly S.2.  Had high fever all night didn't sleep much.  Emmett cleaned up site of old house and quit at noon Pay him up in full check $6.75 will get his wood away Monday if possible.  I felt very poorly all day and took big dose oil about.  Ate nothing much during day - very sore throat - Drove up town AM. but didn't move round much P.M.    Tue out a while go bed 8.30 some cloudy P.M.

4.  Sunday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  64.80. 70. = 71 1/3

Mostly cloudy. S.2. Some better this morn and ate some breakfast.  Drove up for paper.  Tue  went to church.  I am trying to decide on a buggy from H. G. Phelps.  Sprinkles rain several times during day.  I drove down by hog farm after 3 P.M. very light shower sent me home.  Mort and Kate were over P.M. till near night, after which Mrs. Curd called till about 9 oc.  It threatened rain many times today but did not lat the dust heaviest about 8 P.M.  Go bed 11 P.M.

5.  Monday.  5.30 AM  Ther.  66.  86.  68.= 73 1/3.

clear mostly S.2.  Tue cleans house some alone  upstairs.  Trial of Chas Fritz and other boys did not come up.  Threatening weather all day.  Heavy clouds with thunder N at 8 AM  Thunder NW 4 PM. with sprinkle rain here wind S to SW. about 4 PM  I drove down by Woodson place returning by Wrightsville.  The roads are good  getting dry and rain is  needed.  Several have planted corn.  Have felt slightly better today not enough to encourage me much.  Harman phones that planter does not drop regular and will get  a grader today for his seed  corn.   I got  another letter from Phelps today but have not yet scketched(sic) buggy.  Read catalogues of books at night.  Gob. 9.30

April 8, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

8.  Tuesday.  5.30.   A.M.   Ther.  40.  44.  40.  = 41 1/3

Cloudy.  E.4.  Ray came early and planted balance of taters.  Order half ton Harrisburg nut coal of Tucker Bros. which came about 10 AM.  Helen Hildreth came A.M. staying to dinner and till 4 P.M.  Tue over to Grove's a while before supper.  Cloudy with strong east wind.  Light rain all day and at night.  Cold and gloomy even with good fire.  Gobed 9            R.  .76

1888

8.  Sunday, 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  40.  63.  52.

Clear A.M. with E. wind clouds up.  Maggie went to S.S.  My cold was so bad that I stayed around the house all day.  Very sore after my ride yesterday, much have ridden as much as thirty miles, which is the first riding have done for a dozen years.  Gobed 9 P.M.

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.

March 29-30, 1888 in Charleston, IL

Ordered $300 more ins. put on why. in KY by Simon Stern Agt.

29.  Thursday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  29.  55.  44.
Clear. White frost.  S. Wind.  Sore throat kept me awake good deal during night.  Have had it since Sunday and does  not get much better.  Clear all day and first pleasant day for long time.  Put  in day  trying  to  electioneer.  Comer also  in town "working".   Tue was was uptown doing some trading in afternoon.  The roads are drying up very fast.  My sore throat was immense at night and kept me awake till 2 A.M.   9.30 P.M.

30.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther.  42.  68.  52.
Clear southerly wind.  Throat and tongue some better this morning.  Tue's throat is nearly as bad as my own.  Tue and the rest went down to Dowlings.  Bruce Myres paid me 25c that he owed and worked from 1.30 to 5 P.M.   burying Carlo and cleaning off yard.  Order a gallon of good from Mullany & Hayes.  Try to work a  "little" for Col.  Prospect not very encouraging but still may "get them."  Went up to Rep. Club at night.  Throat very bad at night, probably worse than ever, keep me awake till 2 A.M.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

March 4, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois.

1913

 4. Tuesday, 6,15 AM.  Ther.  40, 36, 28.  = 34 2/3

Cloudy.  N.2.foggy and growing colder.  Mr. Law seems worse this morn and has Dr., again.  Tue uptown AM.  Pays  J.H. Pinnell a/c in full.  ch. 13.27.  Get card from Phebe at Ann Arbor.  Mrs. Coon called a while P.M.  I phoned McG. AM for sauce and had to ask  H.G. by  phone to bring it up to me.  He is still at Comers working.  He stayed and hour or so .  Court has case tomorrow (?) for bootlegging.  Mostly cloudy day with moderate northerly winds.  Clear at night.  Den Dowling and family have returned from Springfield and are at Hat's.  Mort and Kate and Webster came over  7.30 staying the evening.  Harmen didn't show up  as phoned yest.  My face and mouth worse than ever today and tonight and I slept but little.  Gob 10.30  H.G. reports that has pd note at Bk 15.00.

1988

4.  Sunday  7. Am. Ther.  24. 34.  28.

Cloudy wind E.  Strong snow flakes flying.  Tue bakes mess of beans.  Maggie and Phebe went to Sunday School and Church and  were up to Davis toward night.  Tue went down to Dowlings toward night staying till nearly dark cloudy day wind E. or N.E.  Thawing a little at noon.  Gobed at 9.15 P.M.

February 23, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

23.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  18.  34.  26.  =26.

Mostly clear N.2. Ice 3/4 in.  Tue at church AM.  She got some Graham yesterday and we are living on germs as we used to.  It remained cold and cloudy most of day so did not drive.  Light northerly winds with light snow 4 P.M. until after dark.  About half an inch fell.  Gobed 9 PM.

1888

23.  Thursday 6.30 PM.(sic) Ther.  31.  55.  37.

Clear smoky. calm Wind N. Easterly after while.  Ed Eastin buys old harness @ 3.00  Pay Seph MClasky for labor yesterday .70.   Trim up vines south of smoke house.  Dam Van Sickle calls trying to sell me a pony.  Hat was here in afternoon.  Looki tells me I had better rent the Nicholsen place as his customer won't want it till fall.  Pearl Davis and Cecy Fisher came home  with the girls.  Self not well.  Tue has tooth ache good deal.  Gobed 9.30 PM.  foggy night.

February 19-22, 1888 in Charleston, IL.

19.  Sunday.  7.30AM.  Ther.  47.  54.  52.
Cloudy, Showers o rain in night.  Girls and baby coughed most of the night.  Rain this morning and occasionally during day.  Wind S.E. change cooler between 9 and 10 P.M.    Tue and self try to make out list of garden seeds we want but did not finish.  went to be 11 P.M.

20. Monday.   6.30 A.M.  Ther.  33.  40.  33.
Clearing off from W.  west wind strong.  H.G. called in morning after some liq.  Sent 8.47 to Joseph Harris Seed Co. for seeds and fertilizer.  Comer up town give him statement of a/c which he disputes saying it is about 50 dollars too much, nearly gets mad about it.  Says will be up Wednesday or Thursday and straighten it up if we can.  Have not settled since Sept. 25.  See Tom Stoddert about the Nicholson place.  He says it could be fixed up this count we look up the record and find their mistakes.  Clear day with west wind.  Gobed 10 P.M.

List of seed and fertilizer ordered forom Joseph Harris Seed Co.  Feby 20 1888

1 oz  E Bacrane Beet   .06                             1 pk  crookneck sq.  .04

1 oz. Eclipse Beet     .06                                  1     "   Parager Tomato  .04

1 pt  E Valentine bean   .13                             1    "   sage                           .04

1 pt Refucee               .13                                        1   qt  Pea                              .25

1 "     King of Garden Lima    .24                     1    " Laxton Alpha A Pea .35

1  "  Stowells Evergrown Corn   .12               1   "   D.W. Manerepot    .18

1  "  Shaker Early Corn      .12                          Act. up                                 1.28

1 Pk H to long carrot            .04                            Total seeds                     2.22

1  "   Green Prolif Cucumber  .04                         50 lb. Nitrite Soda      2.25

1 "    Deacon Lettuce      .04                                   200 ib.  Super Phosphate   4.00

1  " tall nasturtion         .04                                          Draft Sent     8.47

1  "  okra                           .04                                        ======================

1  "  yellow GD onion    .04                                     Ship seeds by AM X

1  "  golden dorn pepper .04                                    Fertilizer by freight

1 oz parsnip                         .06

1  " chartered radish          .08                                       Rec.  Feby 25, 88

21.  Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  25.  42.  31.

Cloudy and fair.  Light W. wind.  Mrs. Rogers comes to wash about 8 AM.  Has not washed for us for two weeks.  Walk down to RR with Seph to look at switch ties.  There is one set there and think will have them piled tomorrow.  Walk around place P.M. looking at fences &c.  The ground is thawed down about 6 inches and is very muddy.  Hat called toward night.  A man named Watkins that was shot in a quarrell(sic) the other night died last night.  Mrs. S.E. Ray was buried today.  Buy blank diary to follow this one.  Not feeling very well.  Gobed  p PM.

22.  Wednesday.  6.15 AM.   Ther.  26.  48.  27.

Clear and fine calm white frost.  Get three men and team and pile set of switch ties at R.R. getting done before 11 AM.  Man named Myers calls  wants to rent Nicholson place.  Think will have to rent it Tom Stoddert says can't clean up the deed  at this next court.    Farmer's Institute meeting in town  good many farmers in.  Mrs. Rogers irons in afternoon.  Clear day with little wind still chilly.  C.G. not yet feeling very well  Gobed 9.15~~

February 8 -9, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

8.  Saturday.  6.30.  A.M.  Ther.  16.  36.  24.  = 25 1/3

Clear.  S.W.2.  I slept well, and found W.C. alright when got up.  Tue spends much of day writing to Muggs.  I copy two recipes for same~~  Harman called P.M.  Has been to a sale and sells an old mare for say 17.50.  Reports the roads good.  Mostly cleat day moderate westerly winds.  Self not feeling pretty well., worse at night and didn't sleep good.   Gobed.9

9.  Sunday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  22.  44.  30.  = 32

Cloudy. W. 1.  The air full of fog and frost.  Tue went to church AM getting Sunday R.H.  Shave self all right AM.  We had dinner 1 P.M.  this the warmest day for a week or two and the snow is settling.  Mostly cloudy light SWS winds ~~  Self complain of stiff neck all day.  Tue went to Grove's from after dark till 10 oc.  Gobed 10  Jack had fit in house at night.

1888

8.  Wednesday  6.30  AM.  Ther  8.  22.  12.

Mostly clear with N.w. wind.  Answer Tom Frost's letter.  Meet M. Sandy uptown, he came down to house at night.  Snider was here to dinner.  Mrs. Rogers ironed in afternoon.  Tue went up town to buy some things P.M.  Mrs. haw is better today.  Curt Davis baby is very sick with whooping cough.  Cloudy or hazy day forenoon, light snow most of P.M. about two inches falling and growing colder.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

9.  Thursday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  -5.  7.  0.
Mostly cloudy, wind easterly.  One of the coldest mornings we have had.  M & P went to school.  M.S. Dowling and H.G.  call on me.  Scott and Den Dowling have a sale tomorrow.  Still chewing tobacco, have tried to quit, but have not been able to make it stick yet.  Curt Davis little baby died today of whooping cough.  Sell Jim Campbell half cord of wood.  John Rice will pay for it.  Ed Eastin says he will wand cord tomorrow.  He says his mother is sick.  Mostly clear day with north wind.  Gobed 10 P.M.~~

February 7, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

7.  Friday, 6.30 AM.  Ther.  10.  30.  20.  = 20

Clear W. 2.  I had attack of indigestion or something else after retiring and slept but little after going to bed.  Think billions (sic) attack.  I have been eating too much sausage and such stuff without doing any work.  The bale clover hay recently from  I.B. worst I ever    wish I had a hundred tons of it for manure.  I wire up W.C. so we don't find it frozen as usual.  Tue gets up earlier than usual.  Tue went calling to Curds and LeRoys after R.C.  I take some of Starr's little meddy all day and feel some better at night.  Gobed 8.30.

1888

7. Tuesday  6.30 A>M.  Ther. 32.  45.  20.

Mostly cloudy wind SW.  Mrs. Rogers comes to wash at 8 AM.  Saveley finishes wood which pay him for 40 cts.  Maggie, Phebe both went to school.  We killed and dressed our two turkies (sic)  after dinner.  They  weighed dressed 6 and 6 1/2 lbs.  Ruth Davis  was over in afternoon.  Sam Leitch told me this AM that the liquor men had better get their petition ready for next council meeting.  Mrs. Ed Eastin called  P.M.  Mostly cloudy day changing cooler in  afternoon with strong westerly wind.  Go Bed.  10.30 P.M.  Toake says he has sold the Nicholson place for $500. 

January 25-28, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

25.  Wednesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  30.  36.  10.
Cloudy.  Wind SW. light snow flying Maggie and Phebe both went to school.  Phebe has not been since 9th  inst. Pay off men for piling ties yesterday $4.30.  Comer up and working at ties, am going to let him finish them.  Ed Eastin pays me balance on note.  12.30 releasing mortgage on lot. Cleared off before noon: wind W.  Tue  got letter from Aunt Mate.  Went down to tie pile after dinner.  Strong wind from N.W.  Snow melting fast.  Pay winter bal 13.36 Recketts 15.00 both in full.  Caught more cold and laid up at nights with sore throat.  Maggie has very bad cough.  Turns colder toward night.  Gobed.  10 P.M.

26  Thursday.  7 AM  ther 2.  22. 20.
Clear NW.  Maggie and Phebe don't go to school.  My throat some better this morning.  Worst cold I have had for two years.  Sell Ike Hughes half cord of wood.  Somebody hauled load of new posts to yard 52. probably Riley Eastin.  Comer finished stacking ties.  I have been out $6.50 on this job.  Recketts took clock up to shop and repaired case.  Bought Gelatin and glycerin.. N. Main returned borrowed book by Sexhres.  Hat was down toward night.  Pleasant day get chilly with westerly wind.  Maggie and Phebe both have bad colds.  Gobed 10PM~~


January Paid McKee1.25 and Sandy .45 for Comer for work done yesterday.

27.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 14.  29.  26.
Nearly clear.  Wind North.  Undertake to make a copying pad but fail.  Tue sewing on dark dress for her mother.  Maggie and Phebe still remain from school   their colds not being any better.  Went down to switch ties and put Comer's on each pile according Bruner's instruction.  Tue writes a letter to Aunt Mate at night.  Has been pleasant day,  clear with chilly north wind.  Gobed 11 PM

28.  Saturday  7 AM.  Ther.  14.  32.  24.
Nearly clear.  Wind easterly.  Baby cried good deal in night and coughed like croup.  R.R. Browne of Helena, Ark in town   A.Bunk pd. a/c in full $1.65.  Uncle in and down to dinner. seems to think Snider biz. in pretty bad shape.  Comer in before noon.  The R.R. man did not receive ties up again Monday.  Bought  1 lb coffee at Vansickles.  Sold  half cord of wood to C. Mason Cr.    Total eclipse of moon in evening.  The roads are still good and lots of wood coming in.  Gobed.  10 PM  Pay Riley Eastin for 105 posts $3.25.

December 9, 1912 and 1887 in Coles County, IL

1912

9.  Monday, 5.30 AM.  The. 14.  36.  30. = 26 2/3Clear SW.2.  ice 3/4.  This is coldest morning since Mar. 25 when temp was 10.  Furnace leaks so at times am afraid to build all we need.  Jim Turner brought me bushel butternuts P.M. paid 75c.  Grace Sefton called P.M. says her father feels better.  Her brother George Sefton has been here from Ark. for two or three weeks - returned today.  Tue gets letter from Muggs also one from Phebe.  Alfred didn't come was expected.  Mostly clear with Southwesterly strong.  Learn that  Bud Skidmore is dead.  He lived in St. Louis.  Gobed. 1030.

1887

9. Friday  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  41.  46.  46.

Cloudy, misty Wind E.  Mrs. Davis helping  Tue on dress for Ma.*  Ruth Davis sent off her cocoons today.  I packed them up last night.  A dark day.   Heavy mist from N.E.  raining at times.  Few People in town.  Roads very bad.  Learn that coal shaft is down  about 60 ft.  Phebe has not been to school this week.  Tue feeling some better.  C.G. (him) sick in night from oysters.  Baby had terrible spell of crying in night.  Her front teeth are coming through.  Gobed 9P.M.

*He is talking about his mother-in-law who is also his aunt.

October 31, 1912 & 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

1912

31.  Thursday.  6 A.M.  Ther.  48.  56.  44.  = 49
Mostly Cloudy N.E.2.  There was light rain about midnight and later.  I was feeling badly all night with stomach.  Siebert shod mare and returned her 9 A.M.    The rain to 9A. .15 more later with thunder 10 A.M.  Steady rain much of day with occasional R to 5 P.3  It great about 9 P.M.  Muggs and Tue irons.  Maggie went to Lela's at night with Grace Moo.  Rain  ceased before 9 P.M.  .70 more making total 1.78 in wind to N.3 P.M. and colder.  Go bed 9.30.

The Weather for October. 1912.  daily mean 57.2. Max 82 on 5th 6th 9th and 11th Min, 30 on 24th.  Rain 2.51 in.  Clouds 285  direction duration of winds.  N.4; NE 1 2/3; E 2 2/3;  S.E.1:  S. 11 2/3; SW 3 2/3;  W 11/3;  and NW.5 days.  First white frost 14th very light for 16, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 30th that on killing many things with thin ice.  The roads good.  People cribbing corn .  Corn is 30 cts.  Elevators supposed to take it Monday.

1887

31.  Monday.  6.15  Bill Hatten begins on wood, he is cut my wood and put in wood house @ 1.50 for cord.  Pay draft for tax on Bdl.. at 1st National Bank.  Telegraph M&N Ind. for 6 gal for hunting party.  Settle with Zeke Easton to date paying him cash 10.00.  Comer in town gives me city bill, says will begin to haul tomorrow on ties.  Mrs. Young comes to wash will iron on Wednesday.  The hunting party intend to start for Arkansas Wednesday.  Learn that Lewe  Stark is very low.  Tue not very well.  Gobed 10 P.M.

October 18, 1887 in Charleston, IL

18, Tuesday,   6 AM  Ther.  49.  60. (?)  43.
Mostly cloudy.  Mrs. Dickenson ironed T. G. Chambers died this morning.  Start for timber 8.30 with Tom Knock, look over old lumber sold load to P. Snider.  Tom shot two squirrels and a rabbit.  Bill Brown visiting Bob.  We got home just before dark.  Found Comer here, been to Mattoon, didn't get any bills.  Wants me to  carry job of switch ties till January.  Easton begins hauling my wood to house.  C. not well at night;  Gobed 9 P.M.

Charleston, Illinois on October 14, 1912

14,  Monday,  6.15 A.M.  Ther.  34.  64.  48. =48 2/3
Clear N.1.  Light frost.  Ferd is to be married (17. inst. ?)to Florence Purtill when he will return to Oklahoma at Haskell.  Tue and Maggie fix up box for Phebe which send by Exp.  Write Cass Shaver reply to his letter of 10 inst.   Guy Loving began pick peas 10 A.M.  Tue phoned early to Rene that Ferd was here but Charley did not come over to see him.  Charley was to start  to Decatur  from Best's where has office, at 7 AM.  Guy picks and other job till after 4 P.M.  Paid from pocket .75 cts.  Maggie's goods &c came Sat.  She has (been) busy unpacking a good deal today.  Guy cleans up wreck after Mort (?) Co.( burns brush heap).  Alfred came 4 P.M. doing chores &c.  Tue and Maggie busy as bees all day.  Self unwell.  Clear day N.W.2.  Go bed 8.30  Take mare to Nickles.