A New Year Begins - January 1, 1892 and 1903

A Note to my followers:  I am still recovering from surgery, which explains the Gramesly Journal not being posted.  I hope to Start this new year with several posts every week.  The postings began with a post on my Grandmother Marie's 125 Birthday and a post 100 years ago as well.  As there was a huge gap in 1915, I picked up and started from 1900.  The two entries are now 11 years apart.

January 1892

1. Friday.  7 AM.   Ther 50.  54.  20 = 41 1/2

Mostly cloudy.  Very red before sunrise.  Furious S. wind all night.  Dashes of light rain about 8 A.M.  Plastering in E room room up stairs fell after breakfast nearly catching the children who were all three playing up there. Maurice Burgner got his last posts.  I did not count them.  Bought oysters and a rabbit.  Sprinkle rain occasionally.  High south wind all day changing to west before dark about two inches  snow before 9 P.M.  Trade light  H.G. made eggnogg [sic] Go bed Midnight 

Note:  Charles is 50; Tue is 36; Margaret is 14; Phebe is 12 and Marie is 5

January 1903

1.  Thursday.  7 AM.  Ther  15  38.  32  =  28 1/3

Clear S.E. wind.  Dick returns my shotgun A.M and works two hours at cleaning out furnace room &c.  Pay W.E. Hill a/c AM.  9.23 K. ch.  Think there is mistake.  Dick has taken 2 cd. wood to saw and split for me and began on it before noon.  Self quit tobacco for sure last night and feel quite drowsy this morning.  Dick cleans out stable P.M. but didn't cut any more wood.  He worked 3 1/2 hours today besides sawing some wood which is by the job.  Mostly clear day, SE wind:  more cloudy toward, and light rain after dark.  Marie spends the night at the Stones.  Phebe at ball.  Tue over at Groves till 11.  Self gobed 830 P.M.

 Charles  is 61; Tue is 47; Margaret is 25; Phebe is 23 and Marie is 16.

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

August 2-3, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

August 1889

2.  Friday.  7 AM  Ther.  71.  85.  67.  =  74 1/3

Partly cloudy hazy mostly clear day somewhat smoky   Uncle John was up to dinner says  will bring in bull tomorrow for Milt to take down to timber.  Stores closed in PM a while and most people went out to races.  Attendance very slim for Friday very few country people in   gobed  10.30 PM.

3.  Saturday.  6.30 PM.  Ther.  65.  88.  68.  =  73 2/3

Clear smokey.  Went to depot to telegraph for beer, Uncle John brought bull in and ate dinner with us.  Milt went out late taking bull.  Paid up R. Decker and E. Johnson to date and more.  the crowd is better today than here to fair.  Pretty busy all day.  The horse fair  however was hardly a success this year, farmers being busy and being behind with all work.  Nick walked down home with me at night.  AM sun pretty "full" all day.  Go bed  10.30

August 1900

2.  Thursday  5.30  AM.  Ther.  70.  98.  82.  =  83 1/3

Fair.  SE wind.  Jim Warren began mowing yard yesterday and continued today. @ 1.50 per day.  Maggie Devone finishes ironing.  Tue , Maggie and Marie eat supper at Groves.  Self invited but didn't want any supper.  Take two sacks back to W. D. Smith.  This one of the hottest days this summer.  Mostly  clear variable wind mostly northerly.  I could do little more than keep quiet today.  Gobed 10 PM.

3.  Friday,  5.45 AM.  72.  99.  80.  =  83 2/3

Mostly clear.  Light cloudy.  Tue went away with Mrs. Shontias P.M.  Jim Warren worked at hay in yard till about 3 P.M.  $2.75  C.D. Mitchell gives me bill for lumber which he needs right away, about 2000.  Very sultry  Clear  with easterly wind   gobed  10 PM.

April 10-13, 1914 in Charleston, IL

April 1914

10.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther 30.  58.  48.  =  45 1/3

Clear. S.2. white frost.  Ice 1/5 in.  Self poorly today stomach off~~  Bill came early working at wood mostly.  Fixed fences along hill  Cleaned up wood pile and to things in good shape.  .Tue attended RC at Chenowith's PM.  Think ate too many tomatoes for dinner.  Bill carried up coal and wood and grist at 5 PM.  Paid him in full to date 3.00  He works only 9 hours per day now.   Lyndhorst has started a mail order house  style of S.R.& Co.  See ad in Courier.  I did not visit town.  Part cloudy with high southerly wind.  Gobed 8.

11.  Saturday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  40.  52.  38.  =  43 1/3

Cloudy with light rain.  10.  Feeling better this morning but not up to mark.  It quit rain 7 AM.  I did not feel able to hitch up today and drive.  chilly northwesterly wind all and part cloudy.  I have very little appetite and feel worse than usual.  Tue went up late getting grub.  Pleasant day and good many people hitch in wagon yard which think they have to pay for now.  Gobed 9

12.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  ther.  30.  60.  45.  =  45.

Clear. N.W.1.  white frost. Ice 1/8 in.  we heard door slam up stairs in night last.  1.30 AM. and feared burglars, but proved to be nothing more than a latch slippery.  I  had to shave myself again and don't like it very well.  Tue went to church AM.  Boys seem to be figuring on playing ball again at the Library  lot.  I hitch up 3 P.M.  Tue went over to Groves  till night.  I drove to Alexander woods going by Ashmore road crossing to S. road on E road.  Clear day light NW winds.  Self not feeling well.  Go bed 9 P.M.

13.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  34.  68.  54.  =  52.

Clear.  N.1.  Bill and Jo plant their potatoes at Mrs. Curds.  I hitch up and start Loxa about 10 AM.  Mare was very downsy(sic) along road.  I did  not get there till nearly noon.  Harman and Shrievs sowing oats east of branch.  They have only about 15 acres sown.  I drove up through place.  They have got 80 wired up.  Had to go up to gate west of house.  Met Shrine at BC shed.  He went over the east cover meadow with  irri(sic).  It will have to be plowed up.    The S.W. field, 20 a, very doubtful except small piece of timothy.  I took him home and return through Loxa.  Did not see Harman.  He started for his other place soon after I got to shed.  Drove round by  Loxa house but did not stop there.  Get sack meal at Jones  paid 10.  Charley  pays me house rent 6.70.  Talk with Hugh Sidenstricker and  Al Harman.  Stop at Gaines.  Mrs. G. brought the Retha baby out to see me.  They are remodeling their house.  the roads are dry, some rough except gravel.  I got home say 4.30.  Got  new record from Phebe AM.  Jack dog didn't go.  Mrs. Chas. Griffith called P.M.  Mrs. Grove came over at night and Morty later  Gobed 8.30

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.

November 2 - 16, 1913 in Coles County Illinois

Readers, I have been so busy  that I have not been able to keep the journal up.  I have thought of abandoning this project, but I do enjoy sharing it.  In order to get it caught up I will only put in key points until I get caught up.  If you want to know more about something, please, just send me a message.

November 1913

2.  Sunday.    Maggie came about 2:30 P.M.  She passed through here on noon big four train got off at Loxa and made a crazy trip home mostly on foot.  Maggie has to leave for Jeff City at 3:40 so stayed up till nearly midnight.  

3.  Monday.  Tue and I  get up and help Muggs off on 3.40 train.  She expects to  arrive at Jeff City about noon.  We return to bed till 6 AM.

4.  Tuesday.  

5.  Wednesday.  Tue went to prayer meeting with Mrs. Brooks at night.

6.  Thursday.    Tue got letter from Muggs.  She arrived at J Cy (sic) all right.Tue over at Groves P.M.  Spends the evening after supper "playing out" some records brought down from Whites.  

7.  Friday.  Go to Interurban Station and pay light bill for Sept. and Oct  $3.80 and mdse. a/c 74 cents.  Take Tue to R.C. at Dr. Fulton's 2 P.M.  Sam Popham is dead today.

8.  Saturday.   

9.  Sunday.Tue went with Mrs. Brooks to hear Robert McIntyre at the Methodist Church who preached here many years ago.  

10.  Monday.

11.  Tuesday.I broke one of furnace doors AM. but think can make it do.  

12.  Wednesday.  The furnace makes big kick this morn at leaking:  try to investigate same with some slight success.

13.  Thursday.  

14.  Friday.  Tue  went to R.C. at Fulton's Polk and Eleventh.  Tue with Mrs. Curd called at Griffiths after R.C.

15.  Saturday.  6.30  AM.  Ther.  46.  54.  44.  = 48

Cloudy E.2.  This has been gloomy day:  Kind of a fog in the AM. with sprinkle rain several times.  Light easterly wind.  Tue got long letter from Phebe, she has loaned her money to one Geo B. Marvel and sent the note to Tue.    She expects to  finish at Havana in two weeks, is thinking of going out to  see Muggs before coming home.  Mrs. Bell was worse today and she  phoned Tue to come over.  Tue went uptown P.M. getting ham and eggs.  Eggs are 40 c. per doz.  I did not hitch up.  My lips and face some swollen and feeling much worse than usual.  Pay phone 313 for Oct. 1.50  Gobed  9.30

16.  Sunday.  6.30  AM.  Ther.  42.  46.  40. = 42 2/3

Cloudy N.2.  Light fog.  Furnace grate off again.  Dark and gloomy day.  Light northerly damp  (?) fog.  no rain.  Tue went to church AM with Mrs. Brooks and alone at night.  She was over to Bills P.M.  The old couple are no better.  I didn't hitch up let mare exercise in lot an hour or two.  The branch is up so it runs a good stream.  Clears off after dark.  Gobed 9.30

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. 

June 1-2, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

1.  Sunday .  5.30 AM.  Ther.  72.  94.  76.  = 80 2/3

Part cloudy. W.2.  Kenneth brought paper.  Shave self AM.  It was hard job.  Hitch up about noon.  Toward night drive south by Woodson place rounded by Wrightsville getting home sunset.  The roads dusty.  Largest corn 4 or 5 in. high much of corn not yet up.  Oats will be near a failure - thin and short.   Earliest are heading out about .8 inches high.  Partly cloudy with indication of rain P.M. northerly winds.  It cleared off at night and cooler.  Tue and  Buddy went to church at night taking Charles but Buddy had to return with him.  Go bed 9.30 P.M.

2.  Monday.  5.30. AM.  Ther.  62.  92.  74.  =76.

Clear N.E.2.  This is my seventy first birthday and I don't feel worth a cent.  Emmett came 7. hitching up:  takes lawn mower over to Wells.  Went with me to R.R.  the buggy has not come.  Give Tue check for church dues, 16.00.  Emmett cuts weeds AM all over place P.M.  Wheels out manure on hillside.  Went up for Mower but not done.  Emmett will come tomorrow.  I decide to quit chewing for an indefinite length of time.  Mostly clear day with easterly light winds.  Groves were over at night.  I go to bed. P. M.

June 1888

1.  Friday  5.15 AM.  Ther. 50.  67.  52.

Partly cloudy.  Three cuculio this morning.  Kelly works in garden most of forenoon.  Bob B(?) brought  up material for flood gate for which he charged $1.25.  Had a few words  with Perrill about building water gate.  He threatens to tear it down.   Pay Kelly 2.00 order on bill still owe him  about 1.00.  Kink  & Rutherford get back from MO. and want to go to making ties again.  Val Mount called and wants to rent room over store, didn't let him have it.  Not very well self today caught cold yesterday.  Mostly cloudy  N. wind sp. rain several  times.   Go bed 8.30.

2.  Saturday  5.15  AM Ther.  45.  65.  48.

About clear.  My birthday.  Phebe gave me a bouquet of roses.  Kelly  Painted upper roof at store.  Miss Kurayer tells me she will take the room 3.75.00 per year.  Uncle John was in toward night.  Zeke Easton brought in half a cord of wood which he sold.  Warren Decker also brought in wood.  Zeke E. will help me next week at making fence.  Got  more surprised ciuculios this morning.   Hardly believe they are ciuculios as but few plums have been stung.  Bought keg of nails of Ginthers.  Mrs Wentz was over at night.  Go bed 10 P.M. 1/2

May 26-30, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

26.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  62.  76.  54.  =  64.
Cloudy S.2.  Thunder 7 AM and light rain.  Mostly cloudy day with occasional light rain also some thunder and showers around   Rain here .31 in.  It will help but we need more.  Wind S. getting NW before night and cooler.  I hitch up late P.M. drive round town a little.  Rain didn't make much mud.  Too cold for things to  grow much.  Tue spent evening at Groves.  Strong northerly wind all night.  Mare at Nickles 1st for long time.  Gobed 10.

27.  Tuesday.  5.30. AM. Ther.  52.  76.  60. = 62 2/3
Cloudy mostly N.4.  Mare from  Stable 8 oc.  Get shave of Yates Brown owe.  Tue writing to girls.  Expects Buddy Friday  and Phebe Sunday.  I take trip S.W. to get Parker and Hatton.  Parker came after dinner and monkeys  with old screens all P.M.  He went down to BPAs for screen wire, and did not do much.  Emmett says will help all I want in a day or two.  I drove late up by Stodderts.  Went over in Dicewoods.  There has not been rain enough to help much.  It but little more than laid the dust round town.  The roads are fine.  Clear day.  Wind N.W.4.  Bradleys have them new auto.  No word from my buggy order. was rec.  May 13.  I get home 6.30 go bed 10.

28.  Wednesday.  5.30.  AM.  Ther. 50,  90.  72. =  70 2/3
Clear. N. 1.  Phone Sibert to come for old buggy to set tires.  Mrs. Toups washes 1st and works all day at cleaning setting and kitchen.  Bill Hatton worked all AM.  Cut some wood and went with me to cemetery.  Parker worked all day at screens.  Think he will make a weeks work of it if possible.    Phelps SH buggy has been shipped.  Get  bill today.  One of hot days and clear with SW wind 3.  Bill Hatton called at night.    Wants to renovate back house at Loxa.  I leave mare at Nickles and may visit Loxa in the morning.  Warren called a while on front porch about noon.  Gobed 9.30

29.  Thursday.  5.30.  AM.  Ther.  60.  90.  76.  = 75 1/3
Part cloudy.  W.1. Parker came and crowded in another half day.  I spent good deal of time hunting for Hatton.  He will do Loxa closet Saturday.  I was over to see Sibert AM.  He will set up new buggy in my shed.  It was shipped last Friday.  One of hottest days to date clear with fresh W. wind.  Harman phones at night.  Seems to be  discouraged about the drouth.(sic)    Think pretty general.  Tue over at Mrs. Curds at night.  Mare at Nickles.  Go bed 10 PM

30.  Friday*  5 AM.  ther.  72.  94.  78.  =  81 1/3
Clear. W.2.  We  go out to cemetery early - before 7 AM. with flowers.  Getting home 8.  Tue went to 11:30 Big 4 train to meet Buddy but she did not come till nearly 3 P.M.  We got letter from  Phebe yesterday saying she had decided to stay another week and will not be  home till about  June 8.  Harman was in 4 P.M.  bringing sack of corn and two bush. oats.  Mrs. Grove was over soon after Buddy got here.  Tue gave me  "jacking up" because I looked at an old lady and her daughter.  This is the warmest day to date and the heat has about floored me.  Mostly xlear clouding up toward night sprinkle rain 8 PM.  Lightning with very distant thunder ten oclock and later.  Gobed 9.30  P.M.

*Decoration Day

April 30 - May 1-2, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois and April Weather 1913

April 1913

30. Wednesday. 5 AM.  52.  78.  60 = 631/3

Clear S.E.1.  Decide to go Loxa and start 6 AM find Hugh with most of his posts set.  Mr. Oakley able to be round out of doors.  The baby has measles and can't  paper at present.  Drove out far as Darlings gate shut and return.   Meet J.O.L. paying him 3.80 for coal Feb 1912 for J.W.G.  J.D. clerking in their store at Charleston.  They didn't make land trade as reported.  Look at Charley Jone's fence and will use it.  Met Cliff unloading calf.  Says will finish breaking  (?) today has been burning some stalks on place.  I got home 9.45 fire as I drove in Brown house 5th and Jeff.  Emmett began on old house* yestereve (sic) and continued today.  Has not made much imprish(sic) yet.  Is cleaning out east rooms: will come in morning.  Rhoda and Tue worked all day cleaning.  I paid Geo Anderson for posts 50c.  Corn 5.00   Roads dry but somewhat rough.  One of my terrapins is dead.  Clear day with light S.E. wind.  Get Phelps Catalog today.  Mrs. Grove and Mr. over at night.  I did not eat  supper.  Sleep on couch till 9.

* There is a story about this house in Nancy Easter Shick's book,  Long Story Short.

The Weather &c at Charleston Illinois for April 1913

Average daily mean temperature 54.04 Precipitation 2.33 in.  Mostly on 8th, 76: 9th, 57. 14 and 15  Precipitation 2.33in.  Mostly on 8th,  76: 9th, 57 of and  25th. 61.  Clouds 42%.  Very light white frosts 5,  14 and 15th.  It has been a good month for farm work and many of them are through  breaking.  Fruit trees promise full crop none of it has been killed.  Apple trees are in full bloom and nearly every tree is pretty full.  The roads are rough and were pretty muddy about second week.  Corn is 50c oats 30 hogs 8.30  Bill Hill reported a mess of morels last Sunday.  I have not seen any.  The wind has blown from N. 6; N.E. 2 2/3; E. 4 2/3; S.E.2; S. 4 2/3; S.W. 3 2/3; W. 3 2/3 and N.W. 2 2/3 days.  No snow and little thunder.

May 1913

1.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  54.  82.  66.=67 13

Clear.  S.W.2. Mare in pasture all night and did not come up early.  Emmett had to get her.  Drive up town and up by Anderson's orchard AM.  Apples are in full bloom and nearly all the trees load.  Other fruits about same.  Emmett worked all day mostly taking of land piling old lumber and lath.  The  frame is in worse condition then supposed.  Think I will have taken out to farm for posts &c.  Tue went to picture show afternoon and at night.  Emmett's Charley got jailed yesterday will have trail tomorrow.  I started 3 PM.  west but, mare so downsy (sic) return barn.  Have been feeding too much corn.  I study Phelps list and may order buggy in day or two.  Emmett will try to get Bill Hatton to help tomorrow.  Tue home from paintings 9.30

2. Friday 5.30 AM.  Ther. 56.  86.  68. = 70

clear S.1.  Little dew.  Emmett and Bill work all day and get old house leveled and mostly cleared up.  Pay Bill Keck 1.50.  Tue went with Helen Hildreth to concert at Normal  I gave Emmett some of the wood from old house.  I ate something - perhaps cove oysters for dinner which made me sick all P.M. and night.  Mostly clear day with strong southerly winds.  Harman phones that through breaking and will begin planting tomorrow near A. Moore's.  gbed 9

March 22-24, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

22.  Saturday, 5.30 AM.  Ther.  20.  44.  36. = 33 1/3

Clear.  N.1. white frost.  Ice 5/8 in. tub.  I neglected to build  up fire in furnace at night and did not sleep after 3 A.M.    I did  not put on much style for breakfast except biscuit   they were not stylish.  Ray came as promised and did up chores all round:  picked up late lot of limbs in yard;  helps me hitch up.  He worked up till 9  Pd .15. will come again Tuesday morn.  drive up town toward night:  got to P.O.  No letter.  Drive W. to Eastern School for exercize.(sic)  Get sausage and pork at Dorsch 15.  Pay a/c at Thos. Briggs ch 2.90.  Met  Alex Gordon on St.  He lives at T.H.  says doing well.  The boys did not play ball on library lot today P.M.  Think board has gotten after them.  Paid 10 Corwin.  Jack sick; had fit in house P.M.  Electric meter man reads today 766000.  Another fellow an inspector of meters came a little later.  He reported our meter all right.  I cooked some sausage for sup. but  could not eat much.  The dirt streets are quite  muddy.  Part cloudy day E to SE wind.  Weather Bureau predicts rain tomorrow.  Gobed 8.30 

23.  Sunday.  5.45.  ther.  42.  86,  68. =  59 1/3

Cloudy, S.E.3.  Light rain from 4 AM. with much mild thunder.  I thought I had good breakfast, fried  pork &c. but no appetite.  Jack has quit eating think sick.  The rain to 7 AM. 60.  It didn't stop long at any time and very dark with heavy rains after 10 oc.  I bought  paper of boy.  I didn't feel much appetite and did little cooking.  After 10 AM heavy showers till afternoon.  I went to sleep on lounge and when got up made about pint of mush which ate for dinner with blinky milk .  Soon as I got through or before Groves came over stay till after 4.  The  Ther. continues to rise and stood at 68 most of P.M.  The rain from 7 AM till 2 P.M. was 1-2 3 in mostly between wo AM and 11 AM.  The branch was very high.  Shave self after Gs left.  They promise to come again -S.!  The sun came out at times after 1 P.M. but mostly cloudy day.  More rain at night: furious wind with heavy dashes of rain all night.  I felt poorly and took oil.  Slept on lounge from 8 P.M. till 11.30  Gobed midnight

24.  Monday.  5.30 AM  Ther.  54.  58.  52. = 54 2/3

Part cloudy S.W. 3.  No appetite this morn and ate little .  Wash up accrued dishes.  It looked like big pile compared with food have consumed.  H.G. called AM.  Is looking for a house they have to  leave Lizzie's.  I sold him old silver watch for 5.00 will pay when  gets pension.  I wrote short letter to Tue AM.  It began to  rain 10 AM and continued  all day and much of night.  Wind light variable some very heavy showers.  Total from 7 AM today till &AM (25th) 2.55.  This makes 5.03 inches i about two days.  I went to P.O. late getting letter from Tue written sat gob 10.45

I tinker with the clock P.M. till I thought it spoiled but it has been doing well ever since Sleep on  couch 8 to 11.

March 14, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913  

14.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  54.  68.  42. = 54 2/3

Clear, hazy. S.4.  There was strong S.E. or S. wind all night.  I hitch up AM.  Drive down to B.P. Andrews to see about account .  Harman phones about kitchen chimney at farm.  It must be fixed.  Tue went to R.C. at Pophams.  Monticue wants to buy bill board.  I went to Brown's for shave and haircut P.M. pd.  He cashed 5 ch for me.  Pay Ray up to last Thursday .70.  Tue went up to see Mrs. Brooks before supper.  Later she got riled and over to Groves ? where she stayed till after I went to bed.  She  is worried about  the young men.  Wants to get them out this week.  Harman did not appear.  Get letter from Mr. Oakley of Loxa calling for  fence paper &c  on house at Loxa.  Part clear day and the  warmest since Nov. 11.  It grew colder late P.M.  Sp rain 1 P.M.  Gobed 10 P.

1888

14.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther.  23.  34.  25.

Partly cloudy.   Carlo has been gone since last Saturday, we think he has been poisoned.  They have been killing dogs lately,  I sowed nitrate on strawberry bed.  Trimmed some peach trees in the AM.  Don't feel right though.  Frank McGurty was fined 85.00 and put in jail 10 days by Judge Hinley for selling whiskey without  license.  Comer was up says he has turn up getting ready to move mill.  Mrs. Perrill and Kate called toward night.  Tue working on dark blue dress for Maggie which she finishes.  Gobed 10.30 ~ clear day E. wind.

March 6, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

6.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther.  14.  26.  22.  =20 2/3

Most Clear.  NW.3.  Icy.  Little snow.  The ground is not covered.  Tue ironing A.M. and up town and at Hats P.M.  Hat has sold her piano to McCall.  Mostly clear moderate N.W. wind.  Snow flurries AM.  Tue went uptown P.M. for grub and change.  Mr. Law getting better slowly.  Pay phone bill for Feb. 1.50.  Tue went over to Groves at night until 9.30.  Dogs are still being poisoned  Dr. Kinkead lost cow by poison.  Gobed 10 P.M.

1888

Fertilizer from Harris recd.

6.  Tuesday ~ 7 AM.  Ther.  20.  34.  28.

Cloudy and light snow flying  wind light northerly  Tue got up and made fire.  Self not feeling very well  Mrs. Perrill called while in morning.  Ollie Rosebraugh has been very sick for several days, but better today.  Seph hauls me three loads of manure and takes some lumber down to Nick place, also delivers load of wood to Brackett.  Takes pay in wood.  Zay Johnston speaks to me about Stevens note.  Learn that Dan Vansickle has sold the pony which he wanted to sell me.   Snider's hired girl  called P.M. says he is keeping "back" now with his children.  Tue went uptown P.M.  Pleasant day but chilly.  N.W. wind.  11P.M.

February 1- 4, 1913 in Charleston, IL

1.  Saturday,  5 AM.  Ther. 4.  20.  12. = 12
Clear, NW.3. Swf.  We had big fires till midnight and nothing froze up.  the postman has been missing us a few mornings, coming about noon.  Harman called brings some serapple (sic), tying his  horse in barn.   Tue and Phebe having much trouble with Phebe's dress.  Order bale hay I.B.  Phebe going to Chicago Monday morn.  Too cold for me to get out.  Am getting lazy.  We are  eating too much , am billious (sic).  Phebe and Fern went to show.  Gobed 9

2.  Sunday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther. 12.  34.  28. = 24 2/3
Clear, S1.  wh. fr.  Lower W.C. supply frozen till 10 A.M. but no damage apparent.  We failed to fire up good at bedtime.  Tue gets up 8.30.  Phebe later.  I work at W.C. til 10.  Fell in dining R. hurting self slightly, foot caught in fringe.  Tue got letter from Kate yest. first for long time.  The church bells rang 6 AM.  Phebe and Turie attend church AM.  I shave self A.M.  The Groves were over late afternoon.  They went home before dark.  Phebe packing her trunk in E. chamber.  She went to depot for ticket and had her trunk taken to station and checked.  Ora here at night; they expect to take 5.25 car to Mat. in morn and will reach Chicago before noon.  Cloudy P.M. and snow about 5 P.M. continuing till night about 5. in. fell.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

3.  Monday, 4.15 A.M.  Ther.  28.  38.  20. = 28 2/3
Cloudy N.1.I got up earlu a/c Phebe.  She left at 5.15.whilst I was eating breakfast.  Expecting to meet Ora at Interurban station.  The snow last night was from the south.  It seemed a long morning to me.  I fed mare at 8 oc.  I did not shovel path.  The snow measures 5 in. Precipitation .40.  The hay ordered poor quality.  John Abbot calls AM hunting for work for later.  He didn't want to shovel snow today.  Roy clears away some of snow at night.  This is the first snow of any note this winter.  Mostly cloudy day with light northerly winds.  Clearing at night.  Gobed 9.

4.  Tuesday  5.30  AM.  Ther.  10.  32.  20. = 20 2/3
Part cloudy N.W.1.  W.C. frozen up again this morn, until say 9 AM.  Tue gets letters from Maggie and Phebe.  Phebe got to Chicago 10.30 A.M. yest.  I recently had letter from Kate Bacon.  Tue writing letters all P.M.  Gov. Dunne was inaugurated yesterday.  Helen Hildreth and friend call P.M.  Mostly clear day with light northwesterly wind, too cold to move the snow.  Tue visited the library a while after supper.  Has been one of the coldest days.  Gobed.9.

January 22-23, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

22.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  ther.  26.  42.  38. = 35 1/2

Clear.  S.2.  White frost.  Tue complaining in night.  Rhoda came 7 AM. to  wash.  She stays to dinner.  Tue gets letter from Muggs.  Went up to Brown's for shave and hair cut for first time since the grip.  Paid .40  Tue and Phebe fix up box for each Muggs and Buddy.  Mailing  Muggs  at night.  It clouded up before noon continuing all day   It began to rain light showers 6 P.M. and kept it up much of the night.  Gobed 9 P.M.

23.  Thursday.  6.45 AM.  Ther.  46.  48.  42. = 45 1/3

Cloudy.  Mist.  S.3.  Light rains much of night and sprinkles this morn (.83)  Tue not feeling well but irons much AM.  She has tiff with roomer.They read light meter for month P.M. 684000.  The Dec. no of Geographic came today.  Tue over to Groves at night till late.  Phebe ate supper at Frances Stodderts.  They sent Buddy's box by express.  Cloudy day with moderate northerly winds.  The papers have been talking about a cold wave for two or three weeks but it has not come.  The mud roads are reported very bad.  Am out of cobs as well as corn.  Have coal enough to last till March with this  kind weather.  Gobed 9 P.M.

1888

22.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  15.  25.  25.

Cloudy wind S.E. light snow flying.  Maggie and self went up after newspaper.  Left word for Dr. Patton to come down and see baby, she (?) so much better after dinner.  Tue sent word that he needn't come.  Cloudy all day and thawing on south side.  Had duck for dinner.  Hung up meat in smoke house toward night.  Tue  went over to Wentz.  Girls up to  Davis before night.  Go bed 10~~

23.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  25.  34.  21

Cloudy, wind light S.W.  A.H. Prevo  paid  (?) AM is going away tomorrow P.M.  Bue Dawsom pays up in afternoon.  Mrs. Rogers washes twoweeks(sic) wash.    Comer and two men at work stacking ties  was down to see them in afternoon.  Engage John Savely and Lem McKee help tomorrow.  Tue feeling badly today.  Left her things out all night.  Maggie went to school.  Clear off PM. wind NW  Gobed 10 PM. 

September 24, 1912 in Charleston, Illinois

24, Tuesday,  6 AM.  Ther.  50.  76.  64.  =  63 1/3
Part cloudy.  S.E.1.  Tue gets letter from Muggs - special del. stating that she expects to soon loose her place at O. State Library because not a native of state.  I start Loxa 10. A.M.  Go S. road  and through farm up to B.C. shed.  Harman has 25 men cutting B.C. and are about half done cutting.  Expect to begin seeding tomorrow.  Cliff has fired Curt and he will soon move to near Lerna.  Harman picking up around shed.  P & P have finished but I have not seen them.  I return N. road getting home 6 P.M.  Tue at Groves at night.  Mostly clear with light S.  Took lunch.  Jack didn't go.  I was sick in night.  Gobed 9

September 13, 1912 in Charleston and Loxa, Illinois

Friday, 5.30  A.M.  Ther.  50.  80.  66
Clear, E.1. A, Preacher is moving  in house back of us he owns.  Get start Loxa 9 AM or later went through and pretty well over farm.  Harman's crops look about as well as the neighbors.  P&P not there.  They  have done nothing for two weeks.  Cliff has clipped much of oat stubble.  the clover looks well.  The thins places pretty good.  Have fine stand on most of 62 acres sown.  Haas cut NW 8 acres supposedly for seed.  I drove from W. to BC shed could not get round so return round field and visit shed from S.  Saw no one but Mrs. Binge.  Did not get out at premises.  Gather peck or so grapes SW house on fence Drove down through Loxa seeing Hogg and CHJ.  Return S. road and home before 2 PM did not eat dinner which took.  Drove to Parkers toward night.  Didn't  see him.  Tue at Groves night.  Mostly clear.  Light southerly wind with light whirlwinds.  The roads are good and quite dusty in places.  Gobed 8.30

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

100 Years Ago

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

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

125 Years Ago

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

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

It is July 7 and 8, 1912 and1887 in Charleston, IL.

100 Years Ago

Sunday, July 7, 1912  6 AM.  Ther.  72.  86.  74. = 77 1/3

Cloudy S.2.  Tue felt badly all night - Thought she had fever.  I try to get breakfast which eat about 8 AM.  After getting R.H. I drove SW of town far as Old Slab S.H. neighborhood out on round by  by Brown Chapel.  Did not see fungi enough for a mess even of poison kinds.  I got home about 1 P.M.  Common roads very rough, gravel first rate.  I drove north to town line late P.M.  There has been some wheat cut the past week.  Corn looks well but some of it very weedy.  Much cloudy today moderate S.E or S. wind.  Tue felt better and went to church at night.  gobed 10 P.

Monday, July 8, 1912  6 A.M.  Ther.  70.  90.  76. = 78 2/3

Part cloudy, S.1.  There was heavy thunder here in night but no rain.  Mc Neal looks at furnace and will have to separate sections in order to stop leaking.  Tue and Phebe ironing A.M.  Got letter from Muggs.  She thinks will be home last of month.  It thundered around much of the day a light shower here betwen 2 and 3 P.M. (.14 in)  I drove E to timber late P.M.  Many fungi starting.  Got one Sargi rebesaus which fail to have for supper.  More rain elsewhere than here.  Dirt roads muddy in places.  Tue at Groves night.  Much cloudy.  Light to fresh southerly winds.  Go bed 9.30

125 Years Ago

Thursday, July 7, 1887  7 A.M.  Ther.  77.  92..75.

Cloudy but clears away.    Uncle John is threshing.  Bert says he is going to Cal. soon.  Uncle J. has settled with him.  Borrow buggy and drive mare round town a while, first time since she ran away June 24.  Didn't like her steps so drove out to Uncle Johns and got Bert's mare leaving mine.  Don't know that she will suit me any better.  Thunder showers in all directions from 11 A.M. till 3 P.M.  but no rain here. Gave bill for lumber to  H.G.  Total after deducting culls  25,643 amounting $384.64.  Tue sick in afternoon thinks from eating something.  there is some talk that license will be granted tonight, but it is not likely to be.   Gobed  9.30 P.M. 

Friday, July 8, 1887   6.30 A.M.  Ther 75.  92.  76.

Clear.  Comer and gang up early all going to Mattoon to Circus.  Pay him $50.00 on lumber bill.  Pay up J.B.Hill $29.04 besides credit of 10.50 for wood in Apl.  Tue about sick all night and this morning, but better P.M.  Get pans made at Millers Cr. 30c.  Sprinkle rain P.M. showers  around.  Very sultry, wind variable getting very dry.  Must have rain soon or no crops.  Go bed  10 P.M.

Charleston, Illinois June 18, 1912 &1887

100 Years Ago

Tuesday 6 AM.   Ther.  60.  66.  60. = 62.

Cloudy N.3. R. to 7 A.M.  .02 in.  they began working at trolly (sic.) line extension to run from sixth street St. to Fair grounds along S. side Big Four yestermorn.(sic.)  The National Republican Convention meets in Chicago today to nominate candidates for President and V.P.  It began raining and continued  till after noon.  Sprinkles later.  I did not hitch up.  Had light wood fire in furnace most of the day and at night.  Frances here at night.  Tue went to Groves.  Self read in Kitchen.  Cloudy day N. to N.E. but little rain P.M.  Gobed 9 P.M.

125 Years Ago

Saturday, June 18, 1887,  6.45 Ther 78. 95. 75

Clear.  Tue slept down stairs with baby.    Then about 75 all night , very close.  Crass cuts burdocks &c. round place and then we get together all the  empties we can.  Pay him up at noon, has worked 2 1/2 days.  Sold him 2 doz. old mason jars for 1.50 bal in cash.  Comer up in P.M. advanced him 20.00 on lumber.  Bert says he will come in in morning tomorrow and we will go to  timber.  Drive after supper.  Lightening N.W. after dark.  Cloud up about 10 P.M. but didn't  rain.  Go bed 10.30-