September 3 -4, 1892 and 1903.

September 1892

3.  Saturday, 6 AM.  Ther  55.  84.  68.

Mostly clear southerly wind.  Self and girls got breakfast  Mrs. Norfolk paid me for 9 cords wood 27.00  Warren hauling 4 cord's to Albert Anderson.  Chut Bennett finished Fluhartys Received 80.15 from W. H. White for ties and culls  Uncle John was down to dinner  Warmer day clouds and more signs of rain than lately  Get some hay of Uncle John which Oliver Frisbie will deliver next week.  Trade only moderate.  The dust is immense.  Tue finished her first lot of plums today.  occulation [sic] of Mars and Moon to night go bed  11 P.M. ~

4.  Sunday,  6.30  AM.  Ther 64.  84.  55

Some clouds wind southerly  Intended to start for timber early but as hot and dusty postpone till towards night.  Sign of rain all day, sprinkle a little at 4 PM  Go to ranch about 6 P.M.  JW and wife had been over the river just got home. Began raining about 7 AM and rained lightly about 2 or 3 hours.  Gobed 9 PM

September 1903

3.  Thursday.  6.30 AM,  Ther  55.  85.

Clear calm.  Mrs. Owens ironed.  Drive up and tell "Mercantile" Smith that will keep buggy.  Get bu of corn at Griffins for which I owe him 55c.  Have talk with A Richter about coal.    He will report price Hillsborough in day or two.  Tighten up wheels on new buggy.  Putting on washers.  Kellogg did not show up this morning.  They are putting a new metal roof on the Theater.  The old house is to be sold Oct. 1.  People are at work decorating the Public Square for the Street Fair which will begin Sep 14.  Nest Monday there will be great Labor day celebration Mattoon and Charleston combined.  Buy buggy jack at Mercantile Cr 50c.  Look at timothy seed.  I.B. Mitchell's.  It will cost me 2.00 per bu for the best.  take Maggie for for drive about 3 PM getting back 6 P.M.  Went down by Woodson place and across and across River.  No incident.  No mushrooms.  Today is Maggie's birthday. 25.  At night drove around town alone a while with new buggy.  Helen here at night first time in good while  Heard that N.M. got in Calabrasi today.  Clear day Southeasterly wind 2  Gobed 10 PM~

4.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther. 60.  84.  71.  =  71 2/3

about clear southerly wind 1.  I drove out to Gaines AM getting home 1 P.M.  New buggy.  Old mare very clumsy.  Old Sorrel better and Sam Owens began plowing with him today.  think they will finish this evening.  Jo is out of old corn and is feeding new.  Will begin harrowing down piece tomorrow - may bring me load of hay (baled) and take out timothy seed.  Roads dry and smooth  New buggy all right but springs too stiff.  Geo. Kellogg says will saw eaves off shed for me in morn.  Drove down to Hen's.  He talked somewhat abusive and I left.  Edith Bates there.  After supper drove round with Tue. E and south.  Mostly clear day, light variable wind.  Jim Pugh will fix old buggy Monday.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

July 7- 11, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, IL

 July 1891

7.  Tuesday.  Ther  70  76  67  =  69 1/3

Mostly cloudy with S wind.  Brownfield hoes garden AM.  First  lot of cercropius coming out of second molt today  they are yellow with two rows of blue horns on both sides two rows of yellow ones on back and four red horns on head.  The last lot have finished hatching and  have about half died through neglect.  Nick reports his baby better today and he is at store.  Brownfield and self clean up buggy wheels P.M.  Sprinkle rain  9 30 AM light shower about noon, heavier rain   S.E. Chut Bennett brought up load of ties 15.  Mostly cloudy wind variable S to W AM. but settled in NE about 1 PM and blew strong all day and night.  Gobed  10 15 PM~

8.  Wednesday,  6 AM  Ther   55,  69  55  =  59 2/3

Cloudy fresh N wind.  Nicks baby getting better.  Mrs. Rogers washed  AM and ironed P.M.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  Oce  Bennett brought in 15 ties  Says they will finish hauling in my rye today.  Trade light.  A. Frieberg gets in at night.  Gobed.  11 P.M.

9.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  50.  80.  62 = 64

Clear  E. wind   Freiberg drummer in town.  Trade him 5 Bbl of Matingly spirits for  Draling paying him 2 1/2 cts to boot.  Renew demand note at 2nd National Bank for 600.00 charging interest from 8 to 7% to agree with new law.  Learn that Jim Cassady will thresh my rye.  H.G. informs me that he has to go down to Grose Nest tomorrow.  Clear day with easterly wind gobed 11.30

10.  Friday.  6 20 AM.  Ther  60

Clear, E. wind.  Learn that, Cassady will thresh Jo Handlys wheat tomorrow.  Would have gone down there but over son and Hat went to  Grose Nest  He got back at night.  Mostly clear day  SE wind  gobed  11.30 P.M~

11.  Saturday,  6 AM  Ther               87.  70

About clear, wind S.  Start for ranch 7 AM went to Jim Cassaday, learn that they will not cross river today with machine so turns round and back home by 11AM.  Sell uncle John bal of bacon for 1.00  learn that R.R. has inspected ties went down.  They have spotted pile of 177, Culling 9 and leaving one (?) Rec. check from White 64.84 for 168 ties.  Chut brought up 14 which are un-inspected.  Buy 3 gal. blackberries @2.00  Trade only fair.  Go bed midnight

July 1902

7.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  74.  90.  75.  =  79 2/3

Mostly clear, light SW wind.  Mrs. Golladay washes.  Meet Harry Hagen first time since he quit work for me.  Maggie suffered much from toothache in night.  E. Garrison pays me $10.00 on rent thus settling up to June 14,  Deposit Richter check 17.73 +5.00 = 22.73 at 2nd National Bk.  Sort over some papers A.M.  Ch. Fitzsimmons clears out closet at store - Pay him 50c.  Tue and I start to Loxa 5.30  Taking some eggs to Hen.  Hen and I take drive up through corn.  Think Shirleys shows up best. plows too deep near corn.  Shirley on war path very offensive  The worst case I have had.  Gate post down at end of street.  We start home about 8 P.M.  Not quite so warm as yesterday.  Mostly cloudy.  SW wind  Thunder about 2 P.M. but no rain here  Gobed 10 P.M.

8.  Tuesday.  5.30 A.M.  Ther.  70,  90,  76,  =  78 2/3

Partly cloudy, Light S.W. wind.  Shave and haircut at Brown's after breakfast,  Up to  J.H. Marshall's office and to C.H. with  with him at adjusters and Board of Review.  The cancel all back taxes J.H.M. advises me to avoid Shirley as much as possible.Windows need putty &c at store.  Thought to go out to Gaines P,M, but will wait till morning.  Helen went out home after supper to stay a while.  Marie went with her.  Fred took them out  Mostly clear day with light SW wind,  Lightening NW at night.  I drove up town after supper  Gobed 10 P.M.

9.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  74.  88.  72.  =  78

Clear SW wind.  Start to Gaines 9AM.  Met Chas. Talbott at gate and he drove through Jo's corn with me.  Jo  having out sweet corn.  Is not very well; has had diarrhea all week.  His corn looks better.  I did not go to Loxa.  Stay to dinner at Jos.  He went to work for Talbott in hay P.M.  Charley thinks can cut my hay tomorrow.  I start home 3 P.M. in front of storm which overtook me near Salem Church  It didn't rain much   I drove up to Decker woods and waded across creek to sawdust  Phebe went picnic.  I took Maggie over to Sefton's and drove SW of town looking for fungi.  Everett McKee rode in with me, occasional light shower PM till after dark.  Mostly clear AM. good deal of wind with first shower SW to W.  Tue has bad pain in side supposed lifting.  Gobed  10 AM

10  Thursday 5.45 AM.  Ther.  60.  75.  58.  =  64 1/3

Clear.  Much cooler.  N.E. wid.  Phone from Loxa that Jo is sick, early.  Mrs. Baird had a girl baby about 6 A.M.  They occupy Mrs. Eastin's house now belonging to the city.  I started out to Gaines 10 AM.  Find him in bed thinks will be up tomorrow.  I ate some crackers and cheese on  road for dinner.  Jos folks did not get any  I stay till about 2 P.M.  Feeling badly today  Think ate too much "force"  Tue about sick.  Helen and Marie came in a while from Sniders.  Mostly clear day with cool N.E. wind.  Gobed  9 P.M.

11.  Friday  5.30 AM.  Ther  50,  80,  63.  =   64 1/3

Clear N.E. wind.  Look round for a hay rack in morning but didn't find one.  Will have to build one.  Had another talk with Jack Scott.  I got home about 2 P.M.  Tue feeling badly today.  Ed wells works all day about the place mostly mowing yard will work tomorrow.  Self feeling badly with toothache PM and night.  Mostly clear day with variable light wind.  The roads are good and crops look fine.  My harness (girth) broke down south of town and near caused a wreck AM. get it repaired.  Gobed 9 P.M.

July 25- August 14, 1901 in Charleston, IL (highlights)

July 1901 (highlights) 

25.Thursday  100

Last night seems the warmest we have had.  I started to Loxa early getting there before 10.  Didn't eat any dinner lay on the floor in the east room upstairs P.M. till 4 P.M.  Retha got lost in the corn, but came in before I left at 5 P.M.  Rep of cyclone in Chicago this AM.  The heat about floored me today.  Corn suffering.

26.  Friday.  Sign consent for gas pipes on sixth ST South of Jackson.  Drive after supper with Tue past Pigeon Roost Normal and Half Mile House.  Phebe at party at Seftons.   Etta still in town and is staying with Vivian.

27.  Saturday -  Maggie has been working at Jenkins Store, this week.  Charley  South rode to Loxa with me.  His wife will probably recover.  Grass has been green until the last few days.

28.  Sunday-  I drive down to river Old Ashmore Road.  Drive with to Pigeon Roost and beyond.

29.  Monday - 

30.  Tuesday - Marie complaining of her back and chest.

31.  Wednesday - Alexander tells me A.M. that Alex Briggs has bought the old Norfolk house - half the lot for $2,250.00.  Learn that Jubal has gone to Kansas City &c.  Report big rain 1 1/2 to 3 in water.

August 1901 (highlights)

1.  Thursday - 

2.  Friday - 

3. Saturday - Miss Ford left for home in New York P.M.  

4.  Sunday - Tue cleaning up Miss Ford's room.

5.  Monday - Dick worked all day.  Hitch up makes mushroom bed in back yard.  Bert was in town and to dinner.   Drive with him down past Normal.  Has been with family down to White Co.  Marie and Helen went to river with Geo. Snider.  Learn that Geo. Tucker has bought Charley Black Saloon.  Tue feeling badly.

6.  Tuesday - An Uncle Tom Cabin show in town P.M. tent next to be R.R.  Geo. Rosebraugh leaves key to Eastin House says that Mrs. E will be home in a day or two.  Her place not rented boys have been looting it as well as our old house recently.  Jo G, says Hen has gone to Iowa again.

7.  Wednesday - Old mare chowed up bag of bran last night.  Etta Vandmysen here last night and will stay with us for a few days.  Big ad painted on Plainsdealer  Bldg recently  Geo.  Tucker is running the Charley Black Saloon on 6th St.  I sort over papers today finding some quite important that were needed.  Tue and I drive late P.M. down to cow at Johnsons  Saw her - looking well.  Drove down cross river at Oliver bridge Went south returning by Five mile house - a long trip started 4.30 and home 8.30.  Mrs. Eastin got in today  after absence of nearly two years.  Helen stayed with her all night.

8.  Thursday  I stop at winters to look at samples for suit.

9.  Friday - 

10.  Saturday - Took samples back Winters and order suit with extra pair pants @37.00 whole outfit.  

11.  Sunday - 

12.  Monday - Caught boys prowling around barn today.

13.  Tuesday - Learn Hen back from Iowa.  Ice bill to 1st inst 3.50.

14.  Wednesday - C lannaham moves into Mrs. Eastin's house.

July 11 - 12, 1901 in Charleston, IL

Due to major computer problems and work I have not been able to post on the blog.  Soon I will get all caught up.  Please keep reading. 

 July 1901

11.  Thursday, 5.15 AM.  Ther  74.  99.  81.  =  84 2/3

Clear, SW2.  Smith says he will cut my oats soon as ripe.  Pay Jubal for work on yard this week.  80c.  Jo came for rake but did not see him.  Get Roan shod at Hosteleters paid 75.  Take Maggie to 11.38 train to go to Loxa to stay a  day or two .  This about the warmest day we have had.  Self about prostrated by the heat.  Start to Gaines 4,30 P.M. Find he has most of meadow raked.  Rake broken.  Drive down through Loxa  Shirley will loan hayrack.  Met  Doroney, says will help us tomorrow.  Get home about 9 P.M. very warm night.Clear hot day wind SW AM.  NW E. at night.  I called at Ora's in Loxa nobody at home Hen not returned  Gobed 9.15 P.M.  McPheron pays 10.00 on rent.Seattle

12.  Friday.  5 AM.  Ther.  67.  91.  71  =  76 1/3

Clear.  S.E. wind.  Get to Gaines' 9 AM.  Downey and boy helping Jo put hay in barn  I went through place to Loxa.  Learn Hen has started to Seattle Wash.  Get home, time for dinner.   Maggie returned from Loxa train P.M.

July 6 - 10, 1890 and 1901

July 1890

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

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

 with Zeke Eastin for hauling

7.  Monday.  4.30 AM.  70.  94.  77.

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

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

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

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

July 1901

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 26 - 30, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

June 1890

26.  Thursday.  5 AM  Ther  78.97.  80.

Mostly clear day with very little wind and more sultry than yesterday.    J.B McComas looks at logs and buys them at 3.50 to take them tomorrow.  Nick caught a cecropia at night - male - a female we had has laid about  200 eggs and died.  Riley Easton brought up Welches lumber.  Uncle John in P.M. looking for man to cut wheat.  A little sign of rain today.  Tue and children slept on floor in front room self up stairs 11 PM.

27  Friday.  4 AM.  Ther 75  98  80

Clear,  no wind.  McComas came for logs.  they only averaged about 75 lbs.  Tue picked berries in morning.  Dickinson washed  buggy &c  Comer in town AM.  Too hot for anything,  Light thunder showers in NE.  Lightning at night.  Steve Douglas adjudged insane and went to asylum.  Pay J A Weaver and Art Glass Co   about the hottest night  go bed 10.30 PM.  

28.  Saturday.  4.30 AM.  Ther  77.  98.  80  = 85
Mostly clear.  Tue picks berries AM.  Another hot day.  everybody complaining of heat.  Not very large crowd in town for Saturday.  Trade fair.  Most of  gang up from timber and paid off.  Did not see Comer, he left his book at store.  Uncle John in town looking for me n to cut wheat.  Warren Decker  up with load of lumber.  He refuses to haul up hogs or haul my hogs down.  Sheridan Ashby  died today having been sick two or three weeks.  Cloudy with S.Westerly wind.  Gobed up stairs at midnight - -   

29.  Sunday. 6 AM.  Ther  80  98  79  =85 2/3
Clear.  Southwesterly wind.  Girls went to S.S.  Buddie [Marie] to Christian Church with  Mary Davis.  They all went riding with Dr. Hall toward night.  this has been one of the warmest days, thunder and appearance of rain  S. P.M.  Tue and self pick a few berries at night.  Tue did not go to church.  Go bed 11 P.M. upstairs

30.  Monday.  5 AM.  Ther  80.  92.  75
Part cloudy.  Mrs. Rogers washes.  Heavy  shower 930 to 10.30 AM. with much thunder.  Send DWRs 9 Bbl to  Samuels.  Baseball game today.  Trade fair.  Self about sick.  Gobed 10.30 PM~~

June 1901

27.  Thursday. 6 AM.  Ther.  73.  86.  75  = 78

Cloudy apparently general rain / AM till 5 AM or 6 AM.  Went down after Jubal didn't  find him; hunt up Jo Crail  They both came P.M.  Jube  mowed front yard.  Jo worked at Crossing.  50 c each.  Maggie crowd had function here at night~~ keep self awake  till midnight.  I get fine lot of Pleurotus ostreatus  down at Geo Waters which didn't have for supper.  The rain last night was the heaviest we have had this summer.  Lightning at night with rain later in night  Gobed 9 PM.

28.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  74.  95.  74.  =  81

Clear SW wind.  Went up town before breakfast got some ham.  Mrs. Bell has been milking since Monday.  Weeds in pasture are cutting yield of milk.  there was quite heavy shower after midnight last night and another 4 - 5 P.M.  Hen [Henry Hildreth] and Ora drove into shed out of rain but didnt stay long.  Farmers say no plowing this week.   I drove  out S.W. getting two boxes of Russula viescens not much good and didn't cook them.  Sultry Day.  S.W. wind.  Buy rubber storm apron W. & T. 1.00 Cr.  Talk a while with Geo Brown north of P.O.   go bed 9 P.M.

29.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  72.  92.  79.  =  81

Clear.  N. wind.  No rain last night but thundered in west toward morning.  I went up to  Pinnells for meat before breakfast  Buy chicken, 15 c.  per lb. have been 17 c. alive.  Pay interest at 2d Natl.  $175.00 Called at State Bk to settle, say call Monday.  Get Jubal to hoe garden and take home Mrs. Walkers chair AM.  pd. Jubal 25. c.  Settle with Crail work done Thursday 50 cts.  Speak to C. about Talbot boy says will cut it for me.  Jo Courtney  thinks he will handle it on shares.  Take Marie P.M. to take home dishes used Thursday night &c.  They are counting on big celebration here on July 4.  I suffer much  from the heat today.  Drive with Tue after supper to get chicken &c.  Clear day with west wind very sultry  Gobed 10 P.M.

30.  Sunday.  5 AM.  Ther.  75.  96.  81.  =  84.
Clear , southwest wind  Would have gone down to Simon's but promise to hot.  Drive down to Woodson place looking for fungi.  Saw none  This seems strange.  Same gypsies camp down by school house south that Lucus out near Gaines.*  Mrs. Knox stays to dinner and supper.  She is staying at Mrs. Purtills.  Too warm for me to move round much Southerly wind and clear all day.  Gobed.  10 P.M.

*As written

June 15- 20, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County, IL

June 1890

15.  Sunday, 7.30 P.M.  Cleaning  Get ice at store this morning  sort and clean out tool drawer at store.  I notified Wright last Friday June 13th the we (GB) [Gramesly Brothers] would want the Perkins building as soon as he could vacate the same.  Had old roofing hauled down yesterday and piled  back of barn.   Start to ranch about 2 P.M.  H. Mullen road down from 5 Mile house with me.  Simons folks not at home.  Saddle mare and ride over to hungarian (sic.) patch.  Found we are about out of corn pleasant day and much nicer than yesterday   Gobed 9.30  PM

16.  Monday. 5 AM. at Ranch.  Cloudy misty  Morning walk round in west pasture and go down where boys were mending washed road in hollow  Reynolds and Sampson took up load of city- stuff each.  Light rain AM.  Thunder slower  2 P.M. with little rain.  Slept a while in barn after dinner and rode over to Martin's and Milts afterward.  Boys work all day on road  Gobed 9.30 PM..

17.  Tuesday.  5 AM at Ranch  Boys went over  to cutting logs.  I went down to Mill an hour or two.  Drove down to Handly ford but too  high and had to return  Comer went with me.  Came home by Blakemans getting there about noon.  Heavy rain P.M. with much thunder and rain good deal in night  shower at Ranch AM.  Durnwey  beer man here.  Mrs. Davis helping Tue sew  Gobed 10.30

18.  Wednesday  6.30 AM.  Ther  70  85  72
Warm weather went with Moffett and inspected pile of city lumber making 7419 ft.  Mrs. D. still helping Tue.  Tue sick all night she thinks from eating  lettuce for supper  There are showers around but more here gobed 10.30

19. Thursday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  74.  97.  73.
Part cloudy, variable wind sultry day, signs of rain but didn't.  Uncle John in town yesterday P.M. has been sick.  Clown acting on N.  Buy two loads corn of A. Heddin 45 bu @30.   Start for ranch at nearly 7 P.M. getting there after 9.    Took down sack corn just about out Simmons folks gone to bed.  Enddie occupied bed with me.  Gobed 10 PM.  Geo Kellogg past up awning  Jim Warren mowed yard.

20.  Friday  5 AM.  at ranch  ther  74  90  77
Mostly clear Thunder shower 9 AM.  Start home 10 AM.  Was over in woods where boys are cutting logs Near N E corner of S forty.  Got some fungus of several kinds  Thunder showers round PM but none here.  Engage Warren to haul up shoats tomorrow and take load of corn back, owe him one load of 16 bushels  Will sell my shoats although they are very low.  Go bed 10.30 P.M.

June 1901

15.  Saturday. 5.30 AM  Ther  70.  88.  75.  77 2/3

Mostly cloudy S.E .  Buy case of strawberries of J.B. Hill  1.25.Pay  Jim Pugh for repairs for  repairs on buggy in spring.  Simmons and Warren did not come with wood as expected.    The crossing to back street not fixed yet.  Tue has R.C. women  here P.M.  Self feeling very poorly all day.  Buy gasoline can W & G  Partly clear day.  Distant thunder showers NW P.M.  no rain here wind variable easterly.  Gobed.  9 P.M.

16.  Sunday. 5.45 AM.  Ther  70.  93.  74.  -  79
Clear Easterly wind  Branch children and Mrs. Nell here before folks were up.  Drove SW of town looking for fungi:  an Col yboidaicata  and one Rusule.  get home 11 AM.  Feeling badly all day, very warm  Thunder showers about 3 PM.  No rain here I remain at home.  Plant few hills sweat corn P.M.  Gobed 10 P.M.  Tue Helen and Marie hull strawberries   night,

17.  Monday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  62  82.  63 = 69
Clear Northwind.  Change cooler in night  City begins grading back street again.  Said were going to finish but did not get any tile for crossing in.  I had to go out (?) in front way today.  Saw Mrs. Owens AM. says she cant wash.  Start to Loxa 2 P.M. taking scythe.  They are scraping the road near  town line.  Jo plowing piece by barn third time.  Corn looks well.  Mrs. G papered kitchen last Sat.  I got a big lot of peas, lettuce beets onions &c and start home before five P.M.  Clear cooler day with strong northerly wind.  All hauls except Phebe and self went to Normal Show at night.  Tue walked down and back getting pretty tired  Gobed  10 P.M.

18.  Tuesday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  58.  85.  65.  =  69 1/3
Clear.  Light North wind.  They level down with scraper on back (5th) St. but get no farther.  They have cut down at street line average about 3 1/2 ft.  Take Tue and Marie out to Loxa to Home.  Ora has been sick but better now.  I went on up to Gaines' through the place eating "dinner" there.  Edith and Lizzie there.  Alex Sobol and Flora help help me measure piece E. of barn to B.C. shed.  2 1/2 Ac  Clear AM. but clouds over afternoon and light rain for an hour or two.  I return to Hen's [Henry Hildreth] about 4 P.M. and we start home in rain.  Saw Shirley at Hens.  Corn is looking pretty well but small for season.  Had to drive out and in front way today driving over sidewalk and curb.    Helen went to her Grandmothers to stay tonight.  Leave buggy in yard when unhitch tonight.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.  some lightning at night.

19.  Wednesday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  64.  82.  65.  =  70 1/3
Partly cloudy NW wind.  Several heavy showers in the the night.  Tue gets up to shut windows.  Mrs. Smith who ironed for Tue last week comes to wash before 7 AM..  Learn that  Will Campbell has sold  Restaurant to Friend Sargent.  Mrs. Smith finished 4 P.M.  Get new hat at Winters to keep.  Was at Co Clerks Office P.M.  figuring on whose land has sold for taxes,  Think John  Simons w.20 and 4 acres are in it.  Drive east of town toward night.  See no clover cut.  My crossing back still out.  They monkeyed a little on 5th St P.M. but did not reach  mine.  Partly cloudy day with variable wind  Threatening to rain much of P.M.  Light showers between 5 & 6 P.M. and more and heavier in the night.    Helen was helping her Grandma all day.  Marie went to picnic  Maggie has quarrel with Will Jenkins  she says  Gobed 8 P.M.

20.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  68.  92.  75.  = 78 1/3
Mostly Cloudy Northerly wind.  There were showers in last night.  about 1/2 inch water.  Shave at B's AM pd.  Intended  going to Gaines P.M. but didn't eat dinner enough.    Take Bill Campbell home toward night.  He has sold out and is looking for a house.  I drove up by Decker Spring toward night,  Jack Colby brought small mess Pleurotus  ostreatus  which (?) folks did not cook.  I find Skidmore ST. Supt P.M.  He says will fix crossing as soon as he can.  Someone told him I was going out front way is reason he has not fixed it.  Threatening weather all day, but no rain till night.  Very  clear   Gobed 8 P.M.   Phebe out until 1 AM.  Leave buggy in yard.

April 11-30, 1901 in Coles County Illinois (HIGHLIGHTS)

April 1901

11.  Thursday.  5.30  AM.  Ther  36.  63.  50  =  49 2/3

Mostly clear  Fresh N.E. wind.  Receive anew book on mushrooms from C.H, Peck.

12. Friday

Hen's to remain over Sunday.

13. Saturday   

Mrs. John Trobough died P.M.  Has been very low long time.  Marie sore throat.

14.  Sunday

H.H. has a new phonograph and quite a crowd at their house.  Uncle Jim Shoemaker reported very low.

15.  Monday

Circut Court  begins.  Bert on Petit Jury and went  to dinner with  me.  

16.  Tuesday

City Election.  Ramesy  Rep elected  Mayor rest of Rep. ticket elected except P. Kane dem.

Ald 3rd ward.  Clara's sister Daisy came today to testify in Clara's divorce case which will come up soon.

17.  Wednesday

Bert in on train today was down to dinner.  Snider and Cant labor case in on train today.  Went up to Pattons  with Tue 8.30 A.M.   Clara and Daisy went up to court 4 P.M.  Judge Dunn granted Clara divorce.

18.  Thursday

I went up town to learn that G Wall had made assignment and that Garrison Brothers had dissolved patnshp.  

19.  Friday

bert was down to dinner.  Tue and Marie went to Loxa on local freight about 5 P.M.  Maggie and Phebe attend Owl Ball at night.  Court adjourned till Monday.

20.  Saturday

Queen was sick this morning and did not hitch up all day.  Uncle Jim Shoemaker was buried this morning.  School election P.M.  didn't vote.

21.  Sunday

22.  Monday.

Clara thinks she will quit this week and go to Huttons where she will get better wages.  

23.  Tuesday

24.  Wednesday.

Got Dr. Starr for Maggie at night.

25.  Thursday.  

Drove up to Pattons Office A.M.

26  Friday

Clara left at 10 A.M.  Party of little folks surprise Marie at night. 

27.  Saturday

Goodman has frame of house up back of house up back of our lot & Mrs. E's.*

Henry Stoddert is very low   Has had two paralytic strokes.  John Ricketts died two or three days ago.  Helen here to supper.  I took her down to H.G.'s.  Marie went up with  Ora Goodman for flowers.

*5th Street.

28.  Sunday.

Hannah Marshall  here to dinner.  

29.  Monday

30.  Tuesday

Maggie working at Jenkins.  

February 18-23, 1890 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1890

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

October 21-22, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October  1889

21.  Monday 6.45 AM,  Ther 27

Heavy white frost. went to ranch.

22.  Tuesday.  6.30 Ther at C.

Began to rain slowly about 11 last night and continued without stopping till toward night today  The goats keep me awake in night, having no shelter.  We put them in corn crib today  Milt put  in day in house, and culling wood for present use.  Took gun and went up to Handlys corner toward night.  Saw nothing to shoot  Riley Decker and Henry Rogers burning logs in west f(?)   old man Decker cutting wood for himself.   Gobed 9.30  wind NW

October 1900

21.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther  58.  75.  70   =  67 2/3

Partly clear S.E. wind.  Tue feeling badly this morn.  She has no girl yet and is barely able to do the work.  Maggie not well still works in Jenkins store  Marie goes to school, although stayed away a day on last week.  Get letter from Phebe which open and it proved to be to Tue.  The weeds still lay on pasture in the hollow.  Spoke to T. Brooks about putting in telephone next week.  Also thinking of putting in E. light fixtures.  Promised to go to  Ranch today but pills disabled.  High southerly wind all day.  Part cloudy.  Kate Stoddert here P.M. also Mrs. Knock.  Drive round a while at night alone.  Gobed 9 P.M.

22.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  68.  70.  60.  =  66

Partly cloudy.  There was light shower in night.  Hatton came about 7 AM.  Rain till 10 AM. beginning at 8.  Bill Hatton cut wood most of day.  Wall pays rent to 20th  Deposit same  with Wyeth & H check 30.00 to K.G. a/c at State 80.00  Bert ate dinner with us.  Is on jury but got off  I drove out to Gaines after dinner.  Jo hauling fodder  Has delivered to date at Linder's 104 buschel corn.  I drove through place to Loxa.  Get some things for Gaines'  Saw Mrs. Shirley.  Martha at Dr. Sommers Mattoon,  Mostly clear P.M. and slightly cooler SW wind get home about dark  Self feeling badly all day.  Mrs Owens washed and will iron tomorrow.  She is going away  this week to be gone two months.  Charley Marshall was married last night.  Tom and Hannah called at night.  Gobed 8 PM  Bert says Jesse Lietch dead.  He started for Oklahoma with his Uncle Andy.  Jo Bill has shucked out less than 5 acres of corn near farm getting 10 loads or about 340 bush.  This indicates yield of about 70 bushels ot the acres.  Shirley's  men are cribbing 80 per day each  This shows heavy yield for him.  Elavators had  them stop a/c rain today but will begin tomorrow.  Corn 29 c at Loxa.  Hen is shucking for Smith wants to rent some ground.

September 17-29, 1900 in Charleston, IL

          September 1900

17.  Monday, 5.30 AM.  Ther.  39.  65.  50.  =51 1/3
Clear.  Coldest morn since last Spring.   Northerly wind   Boy Clyde Ashby not studing very well.  I  spent part of AM over at Court House with Jerry Merrett in basement where he was sorting over records.  Drove out to Gaines after dinner  Drive down near branch where Jo was burning brush.  He is doing good Job of clearing.  Pat Downey has sold his B.C. for 85.00 Smith on Division got 80.00  I got some tomatoes and &c. also 11/2 doz eggs.  Roads getting quite dusty.  Cool clean day Northwind.  Got home 6.30 PM  Gobed 8 P.M.  Drove Queen.  Clyde and I could not harness Roan this morning.    

Parker dry goods and Ginthers hardware took fire about 8 PM 18th and damaged goods much.  (shorthand)

18.  Tuesday. 5.40 AM.  Ther.  37.  70.  68? = 58 1/3
Mostly clear. hazy.   Mrs. Owens washing.  Shirley called bout 9 AM.  It was quite windy.  Insisted we sitting in kitchen says will not cut anybodys BC stubble nor corn stalks.  Saw him later up town.  Speak to Bill Scott about selling the Cols place.  Reese has spoken of buying it.  Pat Downey sold his BC for 85.00.  There is talk of higher sales but this is highest I know of.  I start out Loxa 2 P.M.  Boy rides to Fair Ground with me.  I stop there an hour or two  WA Campbell on ground.  Got to Gaines about 4 PM.  Retha rode home from S.H. with me.  Mrs Gaines not at home.  Jo grubbing  Sprinkles rain about 5.30  Stay to supper and all night.  Learn Shirley is talking of renting Berts farm.  &c.  lot of stuff mostly about Shirley.  Play cards till bed time 9 P.M.

19.  Wednesday 4.30 AM.  Ther.  65?  65.  64  = 64 2/3
Mostly Cloudy get ready to start home 7.30 AM.  Very peculiar clouds.  Take snapshot at there from new B.C. shed.  Began raining about 8 and continued till afternoon.  I stay till after dinner.  Flo and Retha didnt (sic) go to school owing to rain.  Drive to Loxa after dinner. Called at Ora's.  She still in bed with Malarial and alone.  Hen gone to Iowa.  Saw McPheron but got no money from him.  Get home 4 oclock  Tue not very well.  busy getting Phebe ready to go to Chicago.  Ferd here.  Is not going to N.Y. at present.  Cloudy day  Gobed 8 P.M.

20.  Thursday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  64.  83.  64.  =  70 1/3
Mostly Cloudy.  SW wind.  Charlotte Sproule sewing for Tue staying to dinner.  Marie went with friends to Fair.  Ferd called AM and I took him out to Fairground.  I drive up to  Dice woods near  Decker sp looking for mushrooms.  Didn't find any   Home to dinner, and took Maggie to fair in afternoon.  Roads were muddy this morning but pretty well dried up before night.  Good Crowd P.M. considering weather.  and if it continues they  look  for immense attendance tomorrow.  Paid Clyde $1.00 up to Tuesday morning.  He had a chill and did not go to fair and was late with chores at night.  Tue  working all day getting Phebe ready to go away next Tuesday.  Tue at Groves at night   Girls out.  gobed 8.30 P.M.  Dan Wall for month's rent due today. didn't pay.

21.  Friday.  5 AM.  Ther 54.  75.?  60.  =  63.
Mostly cloudy and foggy.  Northerly wind.  Folks left dining room open  all night.  Put on new pants and vest.  Have had them a a year. also coat  Drive up town after steak AM.  Charlotte and Maunee Fisher helping Tue  Rene.  Dora and baby came AM.  I took them and Marie to Fair  Went out self after dinner.  See Bacon and Kate a few minutes but didn't see them after dinner.  Shirley in town P.M. bulling round.  Se Brown toward night says engine at Simons ready to go back to mill.  Wall paid me month rent to to 2oth inst 50.00  Attendence at Fair not large  Get pretty well tired out today  tue over to Grove/s at night  Gobed  8 P.M.

22.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther 50.  75?  60?  =  61 2/3
Partly cloudy and some foggy morning  Drive out to Fair with Clyde Ashby and stay there most of day.  Going home to dinner.  Went into most of shows on ground.  Get Draft for Tue for Phebe 100.00 at State Bank after dinner.  Mamie Fisher helping Tue P.M.  Stay at Fair til nearly dark.  Oram Piercy rode to town with me.  Supposed to have been big crowd at fair today saw Charley Hildreth but did not see any more of Bert's folks.  Shirley there but didn't see him  Saw Bill Shirley,  I drove out to fair ground after supper.  Everything pretty well cleaned up  Tue feeling badly.  Mort and Kate over at night.  Cool  pleasant day and fine for fair.  Gobed  9 P.M.

23.  Sunday.  5 A.M.  Ther 60  83.  64  =  69
Cloudy.  There was light shower last night perhaps 11 P.M.    I drove up to Decker Spring and beyond AM. looking for mushrooms did not find any.  Roads muddy N. of town.  Tue busy all day getting Phebe ready to go away.  I take valise down to train P.M.  next Hoff and Ed Jones car 5 and Wash.  Was down to 6 P.M. late 15 m train when Phebe left, about 8 or 10 of the boys and girls have gone same trip.  I notice Robt Winston with Ganaway Vern Blair.  Ola Weyath Vivian Blain Charley Miller and others I can't recall.  Tue feeling badly all day and did not go to train.  Mostly clear and quite warm  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

24.  Monday.  5.15 AM.  Ther  65.  84.  65? = 70 1/3
Mostly cloudy with SW wind.  Tue persuades me to drive down to Burts after some peaches.  they were all at home.  We start 7.10 get there ?.40 and leave at 10 AM. getting home about noon.  Got bushel or so peaches and  some Jonathon apples.  I start out to Gaines' 3PM.  Had to see John H Marshall about fore closure  on H.H. place.  Must be done before 27  Gaines shucked sweet corn this P.M.  Dug potatoes last Sat.  Stay all night S&B  Jo came from Loxa 5 P.M.  Meet Shirley near Smith;s says has contracted sold his corn @ so  told him to sell mine also.  He and Bill had started to town to see me but turn back, and Shirley rides to J.H. with one.  Play 7 up at  night  Gobed 9 P.M.

25.  Tuesday.  4.30 AM.  ther.  65? 92.  80 = 79.
Clear  Jo started to town 6 P.M. and self hour after.  Hat took in big load sweet corn putting in bin for feed and taking out load of manure cleaning out stable  Examine new map of county at Je McGurty  He agrees to let have it for 4.10  Very warm but good breeze from SW. and mostly clear day.  Mrs. Owens washed  Take her home before dinner.  Feeling badly self all P.M.  Think ate too much dinner.  No word from Phebe yet.  Charley Miller wrote his father that they got there all right.  Bill Scott thinks "Col." will sell his place for 1,700.00 or less.  Kate Grove over a while at night and Tue and Marie went home with her.  I develop 3 plates at night  Gobed 9.30 PM

26.  Wednesday. 5 AM.  Ther.  70.  90.  72. = 77 1/3
Mostly clear southerly wind.  get up early harness Roan and went up to Dice Woods for mushrooms but didn't get  any.  Mrs. Owens comes to iron AM.  Learn that Loan Ass is about foreclose mortgage on his place.  He one come at J , Marxhalls 3 P,M, and agrees to let me have deed for place  Hill make deed and agreement tomorrow morning.  Find sweet corn Jo bought is about to spoil  Clyde says will come at 5.30 tom.  Mostly cloudy P.M.  Tue feeling badly.  Gobed 8 AM.

27. Thursday, 5 AM.  Ther  62.  63.  62 = 62 1/3
Cloudy misty, spr rain about 5 and afterwards I intended to for look for mushrooms but rain stop me.  Up to John Marshalls office AM.  Take him to "Col" and the Col signs deed to me  Hat also signed.  He will retain possession of house for 6 months unless he can sell at his price after which time if not sold I can sell at my price.  The charges against it now amount to about 1500.00  Saw Henry Neal P.M. about Loan association Mortgage.  Says they will make it easy easy as they can for me.  John Shafer has two "bricks" which he claims he found on Blakeman place which he shipped to the mint as silver. P,M,  They are putting concrete walk round court yard  Mostly cloudy day with NE wind  mist at times  Gobed 9.30 PM  McPhenon called toward night and paid 20.00 on rent  He claims mistake in my account.

28.  Friday 4.30 AM.  Ther  64.  73.  64.  =  67
Cloudy and  'some foggy, also light rain.  Went up to Dice's woods early to look  for mushrooms.  None there dont think there has been enough rain.  Try to see H.G. but thinking but think he is hiding from Sheriff.  Drive down to Miley pasture about noon getting a few puff balls mostly too old.  Maggie working at Jenkin's began  yesterday P.M.  J.A. Parker & Co., are closing  out after their fire.  They have two or three rooms rented round town.  Mrs. Knock was over P.M. and she and Tue went to Parker's sale. Saw John Linder down by railroad he and Tieple are partners now in buying corn.  Mostly cloudy day with light  rain AM early and  heavier after dark at night.  Tue and Marie over at Groves  Maggie away to supper and stayed all night  Gobed 9 PM  Collybia radicata quite plentiful.

29.  Saturday. 6 AM.  Ther  62  73  52  =62 1/3
Cloudy wind northerly  Light rain  most of night also this morning.  John Simons up with  small load of lumber for Stirgman says has been sick.  Ira up and settle with him for all bills collected and some that are not.  Shirley in town.  Armstrong  has not sold his B.C. yet.  The price remains about the same 80.00 to  85.00  Hear of some cropssell at 90.00  Ira takes bill for C D Mitchell also Sam Weyeth.  Tue attends reading Circle P.M.  Women played  baseball down at
R.C.  Maggie working at Jenkins.  Sick at night.  Tue gets letter from Phebe wanting to come  We all write her and send with special stamp  Try to telephone her at night but could not get her.  Clear day.  Northerly wind.  gobed 10 P.M.

September 14 - 16, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, Illinois

September, 1889

14.  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  70.  91.  75 =   78 2/3

Mostly cloudy but clears off.  Big crowd  in town   Rene came in leaving her horse while she went to fair.  I was out a while  P.M. bought a Plymouth rock rooster.  Maggie is sick all day  Sent for Dr. Patton at night.  Think is is the ague.  Busy day and trade pretty good  next to best day we ever had.  Gobed 11 P.M.

15.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  75.  80.  62.  =  72 1/3

Cloudy Heavy shower in night and more at intervals during day.  Had intended to go to timber but for rain.  Maggie better.  Some fellow got us up in night yelling "murder!" in the wood house.  Davis Children here all P.M.  Grows cooler after noon and cloudy all day go bed 7.30 PM

16.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther 58.  66.  57.  =  60 1/3

Cloudy Phebe started for school.  Maggie in bed most of day.Settle with Bill Kelly for wood and work, after which he helped a while P.M. in stable.  Ed Eastin paid me 2.00 on old account went over to Bill Kellys toward  night. to look at some hay..  Milt did not come up today.  Hat helps  Tue with peaches PM and stayed to supper.  H.G. had a keg fall on him today.  Gobed  10.30 PM

September 1900

14.  Friday.  5.AM.  Ther.  53.  88.  60.  =  67.

Clear Easterly wind.  Drive E. and NE of town AM  B.C. mostly cut.  It is reported to be going up in prices.  Tue and Ferd went to Berts getting some peaches.  Ora sick at home in Loxa.  Ferd got letter from Addie  Maggie got dinner which I ate about 1 PM.  Corn on toe kept me awake all night.  Maggie and Phebe to dance at Decker Park.  Roads good becoming dusty  Mostly clear day with easterly wind.  Gobed 9 P.M.

15.  Saturday. 6 A.M.  Ther.  65.  95.  70.  =  76 2/3

Mostly cloudy.  S.E. wind.  Sprinkle rain 7 A.M.Mrs. Owens came to help Tue.  Can fruit &c.  Return shoes to AM Mitchell and he Crs. me 5.00  Pay him $20.00 ch on account which leaves me owing him ten or twelve dollars.   B.C. is reported to be a little higher.  Mostly clear day wind getting round to  NW before night.  I drove Queen up  town after supper for grub.  Talk a while with W. H. Campbell on west side.  Says he is doing well in restaurant.  Bad runaway in front of our premises   about 8 P.M.  Lee Wright and others nobody hurt seriously but vehicle demoralized ,  C.D. Mitchell pays me for lumber ch. 42.02  get couple show tickets of Al Parker through P.O.  Tue thinking of taking another roomer.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.  ~~~~ (shorthand)

16.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther.  50.  75?. 50 = 58 1/3

Clear.  Brisk N.W.  Turned cool in night.  Start bout 9.38 AM.  Thinking of going to Ranch but only go far as Kickapoo.  Coming back by   Myers lane,  getting home about noon.  Feeling without  tobacco, very sleepy.  Tue and I start for Berts about 3 P.M.  Drive through Loxa stop at Hen's.  He is gone to Dakota. Ora sick in bed, better than she was.  Gilbert girls staying with her found their farm on fire PM and extinguish it.   Bert's folks not at home when we got there at 6.15 PM. and got on wrong road going home getting down by Hayden Kings.  Mostly clear day.  Take Snap shot at Bert's house from S.W. before they get home.  Gobed 9 PM

March 14-18, 1889 In Charleston, IL

March 1889

14.  Thursday.  6 AM. Ther.  48.  68.  60.  =  58 2/3
Fair start for timber at 8.30 after buying some more wire.  Got there about 11 AM.  R. & S. clearing other boys make fence.   Warren hurt finger and did not work PM.  Bob about sick and not rushing very much.    Gobed 9 PM


15.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  57.  73.  57. = 62 1/3
Mostly clear S. wind.  Bob hauls out lumber in morning.  Warren hauls load of slats to town.  Enoch Johnson began at noon working with fence gang.  Fire got out about noon and we had warm work to stop it.  R & S clearing doing good job making wood.  Warren brought down 3 reels of wire and some other things  I start home about 4.30 P.M. leaving for all hands to cut brush tomorrow.  Got home  7.30  found Tue feeling much worse and all in bed but Father.  The cow came home herself today.  Pleasant day and  S.  wind, brisk.    Roads dry all the way.  Gobed 8.30


16.  Saturday. 6 AM.  54.  72.  50.  = 58 2/3
Fair - smokey.  Tue not feeling so well this AM.  Phebe coughed and vomited in the night and is about sick in the morning.  Sent for Patton who prescribed for both.  Meddy made Phebe sick all day.  I made a rake to use in clearing.  Oil and clean on buggy P.M.  Grows colder toward night.  Went up town  about dark to get some meat &c.   Mrs. Davis over after dark.  Warren Decker hauls Taggart 1/2 cd wood.  Paid John Kink 6.00 on ties.  Uncle John in to dinner.  Hen has gone again taking a good horse, they found the horse however say he will let us have all on a post office checking as soon as we get a place for them.  Paid Riley and Steve Decker up in full.  Plant in hot bed some yellow and red tomatoes.  Tue looking better at night.  Gobed 9 PM.


17.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther.  39.  64.  48.  =  50 1/3
Foggy, clears off before noon.  Tue feels badly yet but appetite some better.  Made another rake for use in brush.  finish getting buggy for trip tomorrow.  Drove with girls down to Kickapoo for some elm bark for Tue.  Tue feeling badly all day.  Kate Myers was over toward night.  Gobed 8:45 PM  N.E. wind toward night.


18.  Monday.  Monday.  6 AM  Ther.  46.  53.  45.  =  48
Cloudy, wind about E.  Began to sprinkle  about 6.30  AM.  Tue complains of feeling some better this morning.  Baby had some fever all night.  Rain most of AM. heavy for an hour or two,  thunder afternoon.  Tell Bill Hill  to order me  2 bush orchard grass seed @ 1.40.  Got some old cloth over store for hot bed.  Bought some pea and radish seed  at Ben Mitchell's.  Pay Sam Ray 15.00 which leaves 83.85 still due.  Cloudy all day.  Baby was sick all day  having light fever.  Tue good deal better but still bad cough.   Gobed 9 PM.  Wind N.E.

October 3-6, 1888 in Coles County, Illinois

1888

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 21, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

21.  Tuesday.  6.30. AM.  Ther.  16.  34.  30. = 26 2/3

Clear N.2.  Edith Bates called AM.  Phebe entertains her.  We have dinner 1.30 PM.  Harman and Preston call having been at sale N. of  town.  They leave lot of harnesses in barn  Roy leads mare to Siberts to remove shoes.  Phebe gets letter from Ethel Corey at Chicago.  Clear day with light SSW wind.  Red at sunset.  Ora Webb calls at night.  Phebe making phudges (sic) or something else to send to Buddy.  I did not read any at night.  Gobed 8.30

1888

21.  Saturday, 6 AM.  Ther.  -3.  15.  15.

Clear., Wind N.E.  Baby slept. better than night before but not well yet.  Uncle John was in town, came down but did not stay to dinner.  Hen is still complaining.  Collect from John Rennells $7.00  A. Bengner $2.00,  Aubain $2.16 Rall a/c in full.  Roads  good and big crowd in town.  Riley Easton brings me 52 Posts.  Pay him $1.50 for them.  Snider called P.M. but didn't see him.  Baby better P.M. but worse again at night.  Comer in town says will pile ties Monday.  Clear day with N.E. wind.  Gobed 10P.M.

January 13-14, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

13  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  22.  36.  34. = 30 2/3

Part cloudy.  Tue cleans up some up stairs and got a letter from Marie.  Part cloudy day variable winds.

14  Tuesday.  6,30  AM.  Ther.  24.  42.  36.  = 34

Clear S.E.1.  Tue went over to see the neighbors on 5th St. P.M. at night she attended church with Mrs. Dr. Brooks and Will Graves folks.  John Parker called to see me P.M.  Has been having the grip not well yet.  Fern and Ora here at night.

1888

13  Friday - 7 AM.  Ther.  5.  10.  4.

Clear with strong N.W. wind change was probably toward morning, very slippery.  Bob Edmuns   house down on the creek  burned this morning.  Learn that Blakeman did not charge Snider any rent on his place for last year.  Mrs. Rogers irons.  Tue feeling badly all day, takes medicine at night.  Phebe went uptown with me towards night.  Buy some yarn thread and some medicine  Rec Pay from Coal Shaft for last Mo. lumber  60.24.  Clear day with N.W. wind.  Temp up to 11 at 3 P.M.  Borrow botany of George Watson at night.  Gobed  9.45

14.  Saturday,  6.30. AM.  Ther 5.  35.  5.

Clear.  Wind S.E.  Get a Berlin Corerrant with notice of Uncle George Wade's death which occured at 8 oclock  last Tuesday.  Ben Henry pays 2.00 on a/c.  T Levell 2.00.  Have talk with Al Prevo.  Hen was down to dinner.  Snider and Ferd also here.  Tue went over to  to Wentz, toward night.  Clear morning.  Cloudy  by noon then began to rain about 4 P.M.  wind being northerly  soon turns to hail and snow, continued till after 10 P.M.    Temp. at 0  at 10 oc.  Ferd and Helen who were up town  with stayed here all night.  Ferd sleep on lounge in room H with girls.  Tue feeling better than for sometime.  Tobed 10.30 P.M.

January 1, 1888 in Charleston, IL

1912 - 

Apparently when I copied the journal, I missed a couple of pages at the beginning of 1912. The journal entries will continue on January 4th.   I apologize for the interruption in the story. 

 CMS

January, 1, 1888

1.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther   18.  19.  17.
Cloudy but soon clears off.  Father reports waterworks at store burst from frost.   Get F. Knocks  wrench and shut it off after  breakfast.  Phebe appears to be all right this morning.  Figure on apple account and post up Comer.  Roads are frozen up smooth and solid very slippery in places.  Hen bought us a couple of chickens yesterday and we had one of them for dinner.  Lem Stark funeral was at 2 P.M. today  did not attend.  Kate Davis was over a while at night.  Baby cried till after midnight.  Gobed  11.30 P.M.

December 21-22, 1912 and 1887 in Coles County, IL

1912

21.  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  ther.  20.  42.  30. = 30 2/3
Clear.  S.W. 2.  Tue felt poorly all night.  Sweeps most forenoon.  Colby calls and patches W.C. up stairs and comes close to flooding house.  Tue sends for oysters for dinner.  N. G. Harman calls P.M. paying notes with int. total 307.80.  Shre(?) was with him  and paid use of drill 3.00.  Mrs. Grove was over P.M.  Mort is sick.  Alfred was expected A.M. but didn't  show up till late P.M. . . then did not finish up his work.  Clear day with moderate southwesterly winds.  gobed 9.30.

22.  Sunday.  6.15 A.M.  Ther.  22.  .40.  26. = 29 1/3
Clear.  W.1.  ice 1/2.  Tue feeling poorly and did not attend church A.M.  I hitch up and  get paper 11 A.M.  Nobody called today.  W e had dinner 2.30 P.M.  Later I started and to take a drive but did not get further than old Kelly place, where return.  Too cool for me to drive for pleasure.  Many autos out today.  Clear with S.W. wind.  The roads some dusty.  Tue attends concert with Mrs. Knock at night.  Gobed 10.

1887

21.  Wednesday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  2.  14.  8.

Clear strong N.W. wind all night.  Coldest day we have had so far.  Sold half cord wood to Met Stark.  Tue went to schoolhouse fore noon to take girls dinner.  She made some cakes in P.M.   Snider called toward night.  Kate Davis was over at night doing some Christmas sewing until after 9 P.M.  Learn that Nettie Perrill has regained teachership and will go to California.  Clear day with fresh W. or S.W. wind.  Self not feeling very well, nor Tue and baby.  Buy jacket for W.S.G.  Gobed 10 P.M.

22.  Thursday.  6.15  A.M.  Ther.  8.  22.  14.

Clear. W. Wind.  Sell C. Mason 1 cord wood @ $3.oo  Mrs. Perrill called little while AM.  Mrs. Rogers washed.  Uncle John and Hen were down to dinner.  Made a rack to measure  half cord wood for use on yard.  Sold McMurtrie some ties and plank $2.60.  Made out C.E. Winter bill  $10.05.  Joe  Brandenburg pays a/c  1.50 per W.H. Goodman.  Kate Perrill called at night.  Tue left her clothes out all night.  has been just about freezing in Apple room today.  Gobed 10 P.M.

december 10, 1912 & 1887 in Coles county, IL.

1912

10.  Tuesday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  32.  50.  34.  = 38 2/3

Part clear S.S.W.5. ice?  Harman phones that they are putting up the Sexton fence.  Harman will be in soon and bring me some feed.   Preston has decided to accept Abe Hardin's proposition but will remain till Mar.  I didn't hitch up.  Fine day with southwesterly wind.  I felt rather worse than usual.  Alfred comes; removes ashes; wants Tue to hold back his salary till till 2.00.  CO (Bud) Skidmore funeral today.  Tue went up town for grub toward night.  The roads must be fine.  Mostly clear.  Am out of all kinds of feed after tomorrow morn. Go 9.

1887

10.  Saturday.  6.30 AM  Ther.  44.  48.  .44

Cloudy foggy or misty.  fair rain wind N.  Hen pays 5.00 on 7.50 fine.  I paid for him recently.  Comer in town with  gang P.M.  says he has been serving this week..  Find he is nearly  paid up on  everything.  Got Lp order of Jo Perkins.  Dark wet day, fine mist or rain most of time.  Wind from E. to N.  Went down to depot to take peck of apples to Prof. Lee.  Snider was in town.  Has Si Record and his wife living with them, also has  good girl.  Gobed 10 PM

Charleston, Illinois June 21,1912 and 1887

100 Years Ago

Friday, June 21, 1912,  5.40 A.M.  Ther. 58.  74.  60.  = 64.

Part clear N.W. 1.  Tue and girls ironing.  Get shave at Browns AM.  We hear no more from Kate Bacon.  Mort Grove has gotten well and has gone to work.  Mrs. G still feeling poorly.  I drove SW PM and round Hen's* bottom road.  Nobody working fields today.  Saw no fungi.  I stop at J H Parker's leave word for him to go to Loxa to repair floor.  He called later in evening, will go Monday.  Folks all went to band concert an Square leaving me with Charles.  Gobed 9 P.M.

*Hen refers to either Tue's brother Henry of Charles' brother Henry.

125 Years Ago

Tuesday, June 21, 1887, 6.30 AM.  Ther.  73.  83.  65.

Cloudy, wind N.  Decided change in the air since last night.  Crass came to work before I was up.  Clean out weeds in garden and bottom.  Set stakes for pile of wood up on lot.  After dinner clean out  ice box at store.  Drive after supper with Tue and girls.  Cloudy most of forenoon mostly clear P.M.  Ruth brought down cocoons of black silk worms which I put on string.  Go to bed 10 P.M  Remit checks to Hillerman Bros. 31.20, K.B. Cracker Co. 2.20.