February 1- March 13, 1903 in Coles County, IL Highlights

From earlier  February 1903 enteries:

1. Sunday 
 Ficklin visiting Marie P.M.

2.  Monday
John McGunty still figures on bottom lot for Opera House

4.  Wednesday
Did not learn where they decide to put opera house nor whether they decided they decided or not last night.  Ed Brown sick in bed since last Sunday.

6.  Thursday
Henry Hildreth [Tue's brother] called AM is here about to sell his place north of Loxa.  Has been offered 100.00 per acre and seems to have a notion of taking it.  He had been down to his 40 S of town  They City Council at meet last night raised the license to one thousand dollars in advance.

8.  Sunday
I took picture of house from over near Groves also one looking S.W. down South also one of Jack in yard south of house and one of Phebe and Marie from front porch east.  These plates have been on hand two or three years

10. Tuesday
Fill camera with Eastman plates which have been on hand for three years.

11.  Wednesday
Print and try to tone a few pictures P.M. but toning bath does not work.  Have forgotten must knew about this thing.

12.  Thursday
I keep on sorting over things in den  Mel Stark's boy died today.  He had been sick about two weeks with pneumonia.  Phebe to ball at night Dessa and Marie went to show, not together.  Louise here sewing.

13. Friday
There was no school today at Normal or High school.   Miss Ford went to Shelbyville to institute.  Gang of girls here all PM and at night.

15.Sunday
Marie went with Emilie to show at hall night.

16. Monday
 There is a function at JH Marshalls and Tue and Miss Ford and Pearl Davis will attend.

17.Tuesday [Marie's Birthday] 630 AM  Ther  -14, 5, 3, = -2
Light ice in NW kitchen sink,  House pretty cold  Ther in Kitchen 34.  Sitting 44.  Jo Gaines and C. Enloe call AM  Jo came ito have his frozen fingers operated on.   They left 11.10.  A week or two of this weather will exhaust coal.  I put in day ostly at keeping up fires.  Sit in furnance room mostly til bed time.  Tue very sore toe at night.

18. Wednesday  Ther    -8.  3.  -4  =  -3
Claud Fuller had his foot amputated today at Champaign.  This weather covers the  entire country and is the worst cold wave for years  The papers report nothing better for several days.  Stores have quit delivering with wagon except on paved streets.Gang here at night and I go to bed before 8 P.M.

19.  Thursday  Ther  -6.  22.  10.  =  8 2/3
Young Fuller died at Champaign last night.  They did not amputate.  His body arrived here P.M. Marie went coasting at night.  Louise over at night.

21.  Saturday,
Buy lease blanks and tolet paper at W.E. Hills  Paid for.  He tells me Opera House people have decided to build on Stoddert lot on seventh street. tue feeling badly all day and consulted  Dr. Starr getting medicine from him.

22.  Sunday,
Tue did not get up this morning to breakfast . . .  She felt so badly call Dr. Starr toward night.  He left medicine which helped her right away.  I have felt worse for several days than for a long time.  I attribute it to hauling coal and wood.  Made Tue some liminent.  Girls fussing in the kitchen at night.  Louise and Marie.

23. Monday,
 Tue in bed all day.

24.  Tuesday  
Tue got up to breakfast remaining up till bedtime.  I felt badly and went to Patton for medicine.  It is said now for sure they have decided to build the Opera House on lot  south of the jail on Seventh St.

25.  Wednesday, 
Tue up to breakfast but does not feel up to mark.  Talk to Geo. Gray about Rhodes, also with C. McCravy reguarding Opera House.  He says they have not yet decided where it will be.  I felt pretty bad all day, and Tue was up till after supper not so well as yesterday and she called in Dr. Starr toward night.

26.  Thursday, 
Tue did not feel like getting up this morning.  I went up to Pattons to ask about self.  He discourages me somewhat.  Tue did not come stairs today.  Marie plays BasketB game at sch house at night.

27.  Friday
Self very puny..  Have cold in head- must be grippe.  Feeling very bad all over and worse at night.  I think have fever all the time.  Marie attends party at night  Phebe went to show

28.  Saturday
Miss Ford went to Mattoon last night to meet Miss Wheeler.  They got here on 6.20 train this morning.  I took two or three doses of qunine today and think it helped me.  Louise Snider was helping iron AM.  Tue is feeling some better and sat up at night.  Recieve notice from Weaver that Encyclopedia was  shipped Thursday.


March 1903

3.  Tuesday

Dessa "made" fires.  Write to  Prof. Peck first time for two or three years.  Chas Ricketts thinks there is still a chance to sell our bottom lot for Opera House.  Gang here at night and I sit in basement till bed time.

4.  Wednesday
See Al Parker for first time in three or four weeks and inquire about Opera House.  He does not think it too late to change if they can buy my lot.  Charles McCravy called P.M.   called P.M. to talk it over.  I went up to abstract office.  We find Briggs deed for bottom lot (?) me out.  I have missed it at home for several years but supposed it to be recorded.   Decide to make a thorough overhauling of old papers ad find it if in the house.  It was made Jan 27 1891 according to my journal work till 9.30 P.M.. hunting for it. My cold in head much worse than it has been.  Damp Day with easterly wind.  Light rain much of afternoon.  I give price of 2500.00 to Parker on bottom lot and he says they will decide in a few days.  ? ? for O.H,  gobed10 PM

[side of entry] Rec,  Prof. Peck's reports for 1900

January , 1891

• 27.  Tuesday  7 AM.  34.  52.  37.
• Mostly clear..  Went to store without breakfast which I didn't get till 10 oclock  Dinner at 3.  Mr. Piper called P.M.  Tue and self sign note to Briggs 12 mo 8% int for lot in bottom.  Briggs makes out deed squeezing in the taxes on lot.  Father not very well yet.  Weather Jim Roads good Warren Decker brought up 52 Posts go bed 11 P.M.~~

5.  Thursday

My cold as bad or worse than yesterday but keeps in my head.  I put in good deal of time sorting papers.  No trace of fast deed.  Tue busy helping Snider children [Tue's dead sister, Fanny's children] select furniture &c.  they are thinking of going to keeping house soon.  Snider girls here at night.  My old trouble seems a little better.

6.  Friday
I went up to C.L. Ricketts office.  He could not learn from records any about [word off page] supposed to be lost ,  John McGurty has returned from Arkansas (Hot Springs).  Ricketts advises me to persever in looking  for missing deed which I do out in old House P.M.  Find nothing, little encouragement to hunt any where.  Marie went to Masque Party Dennus Laughlns at night.  Tu was up town most of P.M. helping select stuff, furniture  &c. for the Snider girls.

[Side of Page]-  Rec.  Prof. Peck's  reports for 1900 and 1901  also letter from hive in reply to mine 3d inst.  He says my Mushroom is Agaracess abrceptus

7.  Saturday
I put in most of forenoon searching among papers in garnet.  Search P.M. among old checks in den.  Did not find last deed but little traces of the transaction.  Stub to check Oct. 23 1891 for 529.56 was settlement of note of note given for land & int. there on.    Ricketts thinks better make move on Briggs  think have exhausted every chance to find the deed.  Snider girls moved today to Ficklin's.

8.  Sunday,
Phebe stayed last night with Hannah.  Still hunting for evidence of title  to bottom lot.  Put in several hours PM in old house among old Gramesly Bros and other papers.  Found check which paid the note.  It was payable to bearer $529.56  This covers the note which must have beeen 50.00 with int.  I paid the extra 10.00 the day he gave deed.  

9.  Monday  
J E McGurty  Chas McCravy and Ch ricketts call AM. and persuade me to take seat in Opera House as an inducement to get it on Sixth and I accordingly do it.  Briggs says will make me new deed (? claim) for lot in place of one lost.

10.  Tuesday  Tue went up town to help Sniders in morning staying till nearly noon.  I fill out QC Deed which Briggs takes to sign.  Parker hints they have decided to buy to buy my lot for O.H.  Henry Hidreth called AM. says he is talking of buying a place in town.  Learn later thathe has bought the J. White place near Half mile corner 6 acres.  The Ency. came today and I am pleased with it it.

[Side of page]-Recieve Ferndale Cal paper with -- Pay Lafayette Taxes in full $88.30

[Side of Next Page] - Recieve Ferndale Cal paper with noticed of death of Coozine Kingsly at Ferndale on Feby 28.

11.  Wednesday
I put up Ency"Bookcase" AM.  Tue gets letter that Maggie still sick and  thinks she go to Champaign right away.  Chas Ricketts calls AM reporting more trouble in abstract .  Briggs deed from Shaw is "off" this time.  The Opera Co begin hauling old lumber on to lot today and we have to shut our cow up.    Tue had club meet here P.M.  Tue thinks she will go to Champaign Friday.

12.  Thursday
. . . think will get most of bottom lot business finished tomorrow.  Have to get T.C. Deed from  Chas E Shaw and wife of Paris for deed Briggs lost.  She [Tue] went Gertrude Brazelton P.M  Phebe bowling at night and wake toward morning.

13.  Friday,  6.15 AM.  Ther  28.  62.  43.  =  44 1/3
Cloudy Very Heavy Fog.  Could not see house more than 4 rods  Tue gets off on 11.16 train late Intends to stay over Sunday  She lets Dessa go, but could not get home so came back and spent the night.  The Opera House people continue to haul stuff down to the bottom lot.  They have bought the old Park house and will utilie the material in building the O.H.  I fill T.C. deed and mail it to Chas E. Shaw to have signed.  Enclosed One Dollar  Ricketts  has finished abstract of  bottom lot and given to Parker.  The Republicans had primary yesterday.  C.C.  Digby was nominated for Mayor.  It is thought the Dems will put up Geo Muchmore.  Bill Scott carried line and I measured from Mrs. Shaws to Eastin lot AM., with tape line making total distance 470 1/2 feet.  Mostly clear day after fog cleared away SE wind  Roads reported about impassible for single horse vehicle.  Gobed 9 PM.

January4, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County, IL

January 1892

4. Monday.   7.  AM.  Ther  26.  30.  24.  =  26 2/3

Mostly cloudy, wind SW.  The girls start to school this morning to public schools.  They had been going to Miss Whitlemore since October.  Tom Rice brought big piece of ice form Bishops pond about 3 inches thick.  Mrs. Rogers washed AM.  Maunie Lang went back to school.  Learn that Latta has bought the Wait place SE of town.  Buy load of coal of Reicters.  Wind got round to NW before noon.  Mostly.  Mostly cloudy chilly day  Gobed midnight ~

Charles Gramesly

January 1903

4.  Sunday,  7 AM.  Ther.  25  35  30  =  30

Cloudy, NW wind.  I (?) round house all day.   Sort over in den awhile P.M.  Maggie is getting ready to return to school tomorrow AM.  Miss Ford arrives from NY PM, were expecting her.  Moderate day.  Sun shone out about noon.  Gobed 9 P.M.  Snow at night.  Took a wire in my right tumb P.M.

William Sayre Gramesly, Phebe Gramesly , Marie Gramesly, Margaret Gramesly

The vine on the house is a beautiful trumpeter vine.

January 3, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County Illinois

January 1892

3.  Sunday.  7 30 AM. Ther 1.  18.  21. = 13 1/3  

Clear NW wind coldest morning since Feb 23 89.  Girls went to SS.  Marnie here all P.M. is going back to St. Mary's tomorrow.  Phebe stayed all night with her.  Mostly clear day  Cloudy toward night wind W.  Sat night Tinker at Marie's chair  Gobed 10.30

Alarm of fire 9 AM was Skidmore house.

January 1903

3.  Saturday, 6.30 AM. Ther 31.  34.  27.  =  30 2/3

Cloudy  northerly wind. (NW) Dessa coughing all night.  I made fires.  Howard Mitchell calling on Phebe A.M.  Jo Gaines came about 10 AM.  reports about 3 or 4 acres corn in field.  Bring in tickets for last lots by him self.  Pay Ed Lumbhart for shuck 124 40/70 bu,@3 check 3.75   WW froze and burst at store.  Reasor will fix PM  Met C Talbott who seeks Jo at G.W. Grays.  Talk with Ed Decker Jim in town but did not talk with him,  The Roads reported passible.   Jo brought 6 tickets amounted to 224 = 48 bu corn.  Miss Ford expected back tomorrow. Self &c.  Henry calls and leaves 3 doz eggs for which I owe him 75c  Light sn. ocasional .  Cloudy day  gobed  9 PM.

August 1-17, 1902 in Charleston HIGHLIGHTS

August 1902  

1. Friday.

Buy some tools at Yellow Store square 90  Level 70  File nails &c and start for ranch about 8 am.  John Simons grunting.  I got whip last time down  I drove  to river to water horse.  The stream is not fordable at Handley's Ford.  I go tangled up in the brush on point could hardly get out.

2. Saturday.

The Normal summer students mostly left today.  they have began moving the Maples.  Have it south about 20 feet which is near half way.

3.  Sunday 5.30 AM.  Ther  71.  96.  78.= 8812/3

Miss Celia Ford preparing too leave tomorrow  Ferd here to dinner

4.  Monday.

Miss Ford left P.M.  Maggie had visitors at night.

5.  Tuesday

[Coming home from a day at the ranch]  Had to face storm of wind and light rain for last two or three miles coming home.    The boys   Jim Riley   Steve & Ike began on shed at noon and had posts all up when I left.  Kentuckian rides with me to 5 Mile house.  Helen and Marie went to Loxa on local to stay all night

6.  Wednesday

I started for ranch about 10 AM  getting there noon time.  Boys had got their posts out of the woods and up.  They were nailing up strips and putting up plates all P.M.  Think will get rafters up tomorrow  [I get home] before dark.  Tue had been feeling bad all day and found her in bed.

At the top of page:

(6)  We decided yesterday to add another section on N. end of shed making it 42 ft instead of 35.  Jo will go to work at Shed at Loxa fixing roof and stripping.

7.  Thursday,

Tue felt badly all night and I called Dr. Patton in morning.  I  lost my  knife Tuesday and bought a new one at Yellow Front today.  I start for ranch about  10 AM.     The boys had the rafters up and were eating dinner.  They side up gables and nail on rest set of strips P.M.  B.C. looking pretty well.

[Heads home]  roads are dry but rough S. of  Five Mile.

8.  Friday.

Tue spent rather bad night and I had too go to  barn for meddy for her  Dr came 8 AM  Tue had a bad spell about 6 PM and does not feel as well as she did in morning.

9.  Saturday

Tue had Dr. Patton this morning.  

10.  Sunday

Tue got up and helped with breakfast and went back to bed and felt very badly all day.  She has symptoms of the bloody flux, otherwise I intended to go to ranch.

11. Monday

Tue feeling better, didn't have Dr. today.

12.  Tuesday

Mare doing better.

13.  Wednesday

Tue not feeling as well and did not get up.  I feel very badly all morning; think too much coffee.

Tue up today at dinner [lunch time]  Start out to Gaines 2.00 P.M. came back and started again.  Stop at Fair Grounds looking for mushrooms with Clark.  Find Lepiota Morganii lycperdons. and A cauepectuis  I got to Gaines after 4 P.M.  Jo came up while I was there is mowing weeds in corn.  The rest of the family gone hunting grapes get home 6.30  Cow got out today, Mrs. B got her.  Tue got up P.M and think is improving slowly.

14.  Thursday

Tue got up to breakfast and remained up most of day.  Self feeling badly. 

15.  Friday

My fountain pen filled by Geo. W. Hustland first time  I have used it: see June , 2. [his birthday- I can see the difference in the writing in that entry.]  Went down down to Wrightsville P.M.  Tue was up all day and feeling better.  Self felt badly all day.  Drove  up town at night.  The Salvation Army have a tent up at 3rd and Madison with big crowds at night.

16.  Saturday. 

Self feeling worse than usual than usual this morning.  Was up town at night after steak and tobacco.

17.  Sunday,  7 AM.  Ther  60 82  64  =  68 2/3

Mostly cloudy S.E. wind.  Tue kills two of her chickens for dinner.  I went out to Jim Warren for cabbage and tomatoes.  Drove up to Decker getting fine mess of Plutuis cerviness   Stop at Fair ground getting seven large puffballs.  Florence heree too dinner.  She is going too  Seattle on visit soon.  I drove P.M. down by Mat Browns place.   Find Ledpita brocenus near Parkers place and  unknown Psolliolta near Mt Zion School house.  I return by Billy Browns and M.Zion, getting home about dark.  There was light sprinkle  11 AM.  and it clouded up again P.M. with thunder all round.  Gobed 9 P.M.~

February 16- 28, 1902 Highlights

February 1902

16.  Sunday

Find Mrs. Eastin's old cat dead at barn this morning.  Ferd here while at night.

17.  Sunday, 6 AM.

Cloudy and snowing.  This is about the 24th "tracking" snow since the first in Dec 13th.  Marie is fifteen years old today and had several girls callers at night.  Self not feeling very well.  Tue has not heard from Maggie for nearly two weeks.  Self not feeling very well  Gobed  8.30 PM

18.  Tuesday.  6 AM.

Hannah was here most of P.M.  I sort through some photo trash P.M.  W.W. at the barn have frozen up everyday lately.  Cistern has been about dry for sometime.  N at night Self feeling badly.

19.  Wednesday

In yesterday Courier that Tom Tremble will go to Indianapolis in a week or so.  Has not paid rent due.--  Learn that Dan Tremble has moved out.  Tell Scott to rent the house.  Buy meat 55, pots 10  carrots 5 & Codfish 15  85 cts at Bantons.  Tue was up town P.M. with Mrs. Knock to Parkers opening.  Carlos Wing called to see about Cols. Place.  Mostly clear East wind.Girls all went coasting at night to Miles.

20.  Thursday

They are hauling  pipe for gas main on this street.  The girls coasting again tonight till late.  [Tue and Charles sick]

21.  Friday.  6 AM

Self about sick this morning.  Tue same.  I went up to Dr. Pattons office for medicine for Tue; he was not there.  Bert in town  and called awhile P.M. and called a while P.M.  Self and Tue both about sick.  Mostly clear day N.W. wind.  there is several inches of ice and snow on ground some of which has been there since Dec. 14.  Gobed  8 PM.

22.  Saturday

Wing calls AM to see about renting HG house.  I was busy and didn't see him.    Gave him the keys P.M.  Was about sick all day and got meddy for self and Tue of Dr. Patton.

23.  Sunday 7 AM.  Ther  30.  40.  36.  =  35 1/3
Tue kills one of her big roosters.  I spent much time looking over seed and fruit tree lists today.  I don't feel any better.  

24.  Monday
Wing and Sal McClasky still talking about trading for H.G. house.  Johnson and Melville take job of cleaning out privy  back of store for 3.00    Phebe went to ball at night with Geo Davis and stayed all night with Hannah

25.  Tuesday
Get barrel which make watering tub in barnyard.  Overhaul west room old house P.M. find boys  have taken all the old brass also saw.  Henry Heagan calls AM.  Self feeling badly but worked good deal today.

26.  Wednesday 
Went up to Marshall's office to get leases written. He advises me to write  them myself.  

27.  Thursday
Cloudy and raining which began about 10 last night.  The back street so bad Mrs. Bell has to go  round by sidewalk to milk our cow. It rained much of day from SE blowing into Attic windows and soaking through into Miss Ford's rooms.   Bert here on political biz and stays to dinner.  

28.  Friday
Al Latta  has his farm and his property across the street.  Tue attends Reading Circle P.M.

(One half page of February weather chart and graph.  Monthly mean 20 degrees  Clouds 44 1/2 %)

Dec 13-31,1901 and Jan 1-5, 1902 in Charleston, IL (Highlights)

December 1901

Love boy begins carry wood evenings after school.

13.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 52.  40.  20.  = 37 1/3

Cloudy and raining southwind.  Rain began about midnight or after being in light showers.  Thunder about 8 AM.  Sign of moderate weather to come.  Rain all day wind getting north P.M.  With sleet after dark.  Spent long time today sorting papers and looking for Shirleys old lease which I didn't find.  Was up town toward night getting home 6 P.M.  Gobed  10 PM

14.  Saturday.  5 AM.  Ther  -2.  0.  -8.  = -3 1/3
Trim covered with with ice drops: Chickens about frozen.  We have 8 or 10 chickens.
Cloudy early but clears off.  The storm quit in night   Strong north wind all day.  It was the worst storm we have had in years and the first  cold wind we have had this season.  Perhaps two or two and a half inches of snow fell.  I spent most of day with furnace which had to run full capacity to keep house warm..  

15.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther. -12.  4.  -2  =  -3 1/3
I water and feed about noon.  Have been feeding horses but twice a day before cold spell.

16.  Monday

17.  Tuesday
Garrison says water pipe froze up back part of store.

18.  Wednesday
Warren  and Simons call and I pay Warren check for gray horse $80.00.

NOTE:  For 19-23 just posted day and temps.  Other days below are the same or posted very little.

19.  Thursday. -11.  4,  -4  =  -3 2/3

20.  Friday,  -11. 4,  -4  = -3 2/3

21.  Saturday

22.  Sunday

23.  Monday

24.  Tuesday,  
Drive out to Loxa P.M.  find Jo sick and Mrs. G gone to Loxa.  Took presents to children.  

25.  Wednesday  -  send some quinine tablets to Jo AM.

26. Thursday

27.  Friday

28.  Saturday.

29. Sunday   Karl Love still carries up wood and coal.  Miss Ford came home last night 2 AM.

30.  Monday
Pay Chambers and Linden in full $3.00 chk.  Marie has function at night.

31.  Tuesday.
I start out to Gaines 9. AM. but  came back and start again 10.30 AM.

January 1902

Anticipate trouble with Shirley this season.

1. Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  24.  40.  34.  =  32 2/3

Clear.  Easterly wind.  Self not feeling pretty well.  Go up town 10 AM.  Go up town 10 A.M.  Shave Frank May.  Pay a/c at Paynes drug store, check to date: , $7.10  Stores generally closed P.M.  Banks and PO all day.  Mostly clear day with E To S wind.  No signs of cold or stormy weather.  Didn't hitch up horse today.  Mort and Kate over at night  gobed 8.30 P.M.

2.  Thursday  6.15 AM.  Ther.  38.  36.  26.  =  33 1/3  Mostly clear.  Brisk SW wind.

3.  Friday. say 6.30 AM.  Ther  11.  20.  14.  =  15.

4.   Saturday say 630 AM.   Ther.  8.  29.  18.  = 18 1/3

5.  Sunday.  7. AM.  Ther.  14.  35.  25  = 24.

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.

June 3-4, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

June 1890

3. Tuesday.  5 AM.  Clear and pleasant day but very warm.  Cut logs on ridge till noon finishing it.  P.M. worked along river having bad luck with two large trees.  All force hands cut logs today making about 3500 feet.  I start home about 5.30 P.M. getting there before 8  Find the girls both gone on visit to Berts.  Nick sick and H.G. grumbling  Clear day with southerly wind Tue has been cleaning house Mrs. Rogers helping  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

4.  Wednesday, 7 AM.  Stay at store most of day.  Nick did not come up and understand he is  sick abed.  Tue still cleaning house, thinks it will take all the week  Buddie very cross.  Welch takes lumber brought up for him except 4 sticks  Clear day signs of rain at night and light sprinkle at 10 P.M.  strong south wind all night  10.30 PM

June 1901

3. Monday.  5.30 A.M.  Ther.  58. 82. 63.  =  67.2/3

Cloudy with light rain, eastwind  Jubal Jones did not come today AM. as promised probably a/c of rain.  See him forenoon and he worked all of P.M. Beginning 12.25 They began grading Street back of us P.M (5th St,) but didn't get much done on it.   They may not change my crossing to street much if any.  I started to Gaines 2.15 P.M.  Jo working on southeast piece.  did not go down to where he was.  Mrs. Gobol and daughter there there  Mrs. G. papered E room last Sat. doing very good job.  I get home 6 P.M.  Jubal Jones worked till after . cleaning up yard and will come tomorrow morn.  Miss Ford has function in dining for supper.  Mostly clear day easterly wind  Gobed 9 P.M.

4.  Tuesday. - 5.45 AM.  ther.  63. 87.  73.  = 74 1/3
Fair SE wind.  Jubal came 6.20 AM. and worked till 4 P.M.  Cleaned up yard pretty well.  Cleaned out stable   I sold heifer calf today to Pinnell 4 1/2 c. weight 320.  Jube led him to W. & T. Scales.  Marie graduated today Grammer grade.  Ora called P.M. and attended exercises with Tue.  Probably warmest day we have had this year.  Mrs. Owens sick and did not wash as usual.  Fair day with fresh S.E. wind.  Lightning SE at night  Gobed 9.30 PM.

June 1, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County, Illinois

June 1890

1. Sunday  6.30 AM.  Ther.  65

Mostly clear.  Painted screen doors up at store.  Crass helped oil buggy and I started for Ranch at 11 A.M. by way of Handly Ford getting there about 1.30 P.M.  Rile Decker over toward night settle up with him.  Clear day NW wind  9.30

June 1901

(top of page)  Geo Gray has recently had "new" front put in Shoe Store.  Mrs. Monroe building  they are painting it today May 31.

1.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  53.  74.  54.  =  60 1/3

Cloudy Sprinkle rain.  Roan untied himself last night and was grazing back of house when got up.  Jubal Jones came 7  AM and worked till nearly 6 P.M.  clean up grass, cut wood &c. will come again Monday.  John Simons  brought up hayrack.  Settle with him as  possible.  Giving him check for balance 5.50.  Renew note at St. with Earl Decker 10.00 for 90 d. promise not to do it again.  Will Decker says taxes paid on piece to be decided to Bachman June 13.  Pay Mrs. Dorsch a/c K.G. ch. 6.70 ice full to date from last Dec. 22.  Oscar Decker is working for  Walter Briggs.  Miss Ford's friend Miss Wheeler came P.M. to stay a while with her.  Phillip Davis building a new house which shows up strong in S.W.  They are just getting the roof on.  Self bellyache after supper.  Tue got a letter from Mrs. Eastin at Denver yesterday inquiring about her tax &c.  Fair day with northerly wind  Clear at night.  The rain early A.M.  Gobed.  9.30 AM.~ 

April 5-8, 1890 and 1901 in Coles Coles County Illinois

April 1890

5.  Saturday.  7. AM.  Ther.

Mostly  clear.  Wright works at raspberries and cleans up front yard.  Simons and gang in pay in pay them off.  He took down chaff and seed out of barn.  Uncle John in, says he has to have his team right away.  Anti license people have  meeting at night but make no nominations  Tue still suffering from neuralgia.  Pay Ed Wright  for two days @ 100.  Part cloudy day with easterly wind sprinkle rain about 10 PM.   gobed 1oc

6.  Sunday.   7.30 AM.  Ther.  45.  64.  60

Part cloudy wind southerly  Tue went to church came home sick went for Dr. P at night.  Warm and partly clear day.  Went up to drug store for meddy for Tue P.M.  Gobed 10 PM.

7.  Monday.  7 AM.  Ther  53.  79.  68  =  66 2/3

Mostly clear.  Tue did not sleep much last night and seems worn today  Got medicine of Patton for her again.  Ed Wright cleans out stable and buggy  Straightens up Eastin's fence. &c  Intended to go down to Ranch but could not leave on account of Tue.  Hat was down toward night.  Sprinkle rain 4 PM and in night  Gobed 10.30 PM

8.  Tuesday, 5.30 AM.  Ther  63.  81.  68 =  70 2/3

Mostly clear..  Thunder shower about day light with a little rain,  Wright works all day spades up for  peas beans radish and cabbage which plant.  Stram drummer in town.  Mrs. Rogers washed and ironed.  Hat here most of day.  Tue feeling badly and had  Dr again PM.  I start for ranch 4 P.M.  but turned back deciding to go tomorrow  Maggie sick  caught cold yesterday.  Warm day with S.S.W. wind.  lightning east at night.  Gobed 10.30 PM

April 1901

5.  Friday 5 AM.  Ther.  49  60  49  =  52 2/3

Cloudy S.E. wind   Ate breakfast at  Starr and Start for farm 7 oclock.  Jo sowing oats.  It began to rain about 9 AM shower occasionally all day  Jo finished sowing oats about 4 P.M.  I stated home 5 P.M.  Took old harness to town for repairs.  Roads very slippy  Rain today prevented my looking round much.  Forgot to take rubbers.  Miss Ford got home from her visit  Tue went over to Groves at night.  Rain pretty heavy 3 to 4 P.M.  Wind got NW  Gobed 9PM

6.  Saturday.  5.30 AM  Ther  48. 45. 45. = 46

Cloudy NW wind.  Talk with Hodgen.  He thinks can furnish loan of 9000.00  On farm @ 5% and I  took up one of abstracts P.M.  Pay Pete Drake P.M. .65.  Paid  Charleston Tp tax PM. to H.T. Miles   Col. 204.37 - $2.04 = 1% off  Dark disagreeable day N wind mist at times.  Gobed  9 P.M.

7.  Sunday,  6.30 AM.  Ther  42  54  42  =  46.

Mostly cloudy N.E. wind.  Tue and  girls attended church  Look over a few things in old house AM.  Mare stood in shed all day.  Thought to hitch up P.M. but too cool.  Mostly clear bright day northerly wind.  Helen and Ferd  here at night.  Tue was going to church but didn't.  Clara attended Christian ch.  Read or do nothing most of day.  Still chewing.  Gobed  9 P.M.__

8.  Monday.  5.30 A.M.  Ther.  33.  53.  37.  =  41

Clear chilly Northerly wind.   Went up to Hodgens and talk with him a while.  Give him abstract to part of Loxa (42) land to examine   Garrison not got bond as yet.  Pay  Lafayette Tp taxes 78.54 and Hutton Tp.  14.57 to Ganaway Treas  Pay 1.72  on piece  24a included mine and Jane Handly's.  William Garrison went to Casey to see sick  father.  Self feeling badly all day.  Mostly clear day N or NE wind.  Tue and children went to lecture at Episcopol (sic) church.  Clara Washed A.M.  Gobed  10 P.M.

April 1-3, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

April 1890

1.  Tuesday, 7 AM  Ther.

Clear N.E. wind Nick and H.G. go hunting.  I start for ranch at about 9 AM.  Find Johnny and Warren at work  Warren is working in John's place while he went to election.  Got the sulky harrow yesterday.   When John got home we harrowed the grass plot for samples.  Gobed 10 

PM

2.  Wednesday, 5 AM.  Ther
at Ranch
Partly cloudy, wind S.E.  Johnny  and Riley burn brush back of  barn.  Simon and self went AM to look at line surveyed by Green.  It puts the five east sycamores on my land.  I sowed sample grass seed after breakfast.  Simons makes and hangs two gates in P.M.   other boys making fence  Part cloudy day S.E.  wind and signs of rain  Did sprinkle lightly from 4 P.M. till in night  Gobed  10 P.M.

3.  Thursday  5.30 AM.  Ther
Cloudy and raining light rain most of  night and until noon.  Works a little in barn Simons starts for corn after dinner.  I started home Find Tue about sick with neuralgia  Council met tonight and decide not to have vote on the license question  This would seem to settle it  Heavy rain about and after dark  11.30 PM

[Stop of page]  Stopped yesterday to get Carlos but he would not follow me

April 1901

1.  Monday.  5.15 AM.  Ther.  27.  49.  40.  =  38 2/3

Partly Cloudy white frost S.E. Wind Clara washed  Saw John Marshall about Walls and Garrison.  Fear may lose 40.00 owing me by Noble.  Garrison pays me $15.00 for which I give receipt as against Walls.  Cow got out P.M. and over in Maxwell's field.  I telephone Wall at Casey but could not hear much from him  Get Gaines' clock again at Jenkin's P.M.  Mostly cloudy day dark and threatening toward night with E. wind.   Order fourth half ton of coal.  Miss Ford went to Bloomington today for two or three days.  Charlotte Sproule over at night.  light showers after.  gobed 9 P.M.

2.  Tuesday.  5.40  Ther  35.  45.  40.  =  40
Cloudy and raining lightly.  S.E. wind  Tue and Clara cleaning Miss Fords room most of day.  Went up and voted AM.  The main question today seems to be  Co Bond  issue  Ricter delivers fourth jag of coal.  Mist or drizzle most of day southerly wind.  No fire in furnace and house pretty cold.  Florence Moore here sewing with Phebe P.M.  Shortess cow loose in street and barn lot P.M.  Make halter for big calf and look over old harnesses.  Intended to go to Loxa A.M. but weather prevented.  Gobed 9 P.M.~

3.  Wednesday 5.30 AM.  Ther  35.  46.  40  =  40 1/3
Cloudy.  Northwind.  Tue and Clara continue work on Miss Fords room  Jo Crail carries in lot of coal and get house warmed up.  Jo helps clean lot of carpet and I took him part way home.  Tue works all day although feeling badly.  I start for Loxa 1 P.M.  Found Jo plowing having about finished the oats ground.  He will get done by noon tomorrow and go to town for seed oats.  He did not get check mailed last Friday and I drove down to Loxa to find out about it.  Didn't learn anything  Took Gaines' clock out.  Got home 6.30 P.M.  Mostly clear P.M. north wind.  Roads pretty muddy but drying fast.  gobed 8.30 P.M.

December 14-20, 1900 in Charleston, IL

December 1900

(top of  page)
Mrs. G was letting cow which has young calf out of barn when she turned on her and towseled her around for two or three rods till Mrs.  got chance to get through a fence.  She tour(sic) of her clothes off and brushed her all over Jo telephoned for me but didn't get me.

14.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  20.  26.  25.  =  23 2/3
Cloudy N.E. wind.  Hitched up right after breakfast and went to Local for girl.  Got her.  Maggie not any better in morning and send for Dr. Starr.  Meet Bacon AM.  Is down with load of potatoes for Breeden.  Says will be here again next week   Tue attends R.C. PM.  Cloudy day N.E. wind NO rain or snow.  Several ladies including Charlotte Sproule call to see Maggie who lies in bed all day.  Tue up town a while at night,  Gobed 9.30 PM  Marie on cat our room.

15.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther  25.  34.  30.  =  29 2/3
Cloudy.  East wind.  Maggie seems better this morning.  Started for Gaine's 9.15  Find Jo at home and Mrs. Gaines very badly injuried by line back Jersey cow.  I had to help get dinner after which Jo went to work patching roof  Mrs. G hardly able to do anything and I stop at Dishons for  one of their girls to go over.  I did not get home till nearly dark.  Cloudy dark day.  East wind.  Simons was up but I didn't see him  Gobed 8.30  PM.

16.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  30  40.  37.  =  35 2/3
Mostly cloudy, Southerly wind  Start out to Gaines 9.30  Mrs. G. not so bad as expected.  Up and around &c.  Maggie Dishon there helping.  Jo tied cow with dress but backed out.  Chilly day.  I get home before dark and found nobody home but Maggie.  She is better today and as up until bed time  Mostly cloudy SE wind.  Gobed 8.30 PM -

Have been recently annoyed good deal by noises in house at night supped to come from water pipes.  They have moved C.L. Depot to south of tracks and are laying foundation for new on site of old one.

17.    Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  37.  54.  45  =  45 1/3
Mostly clear, SW wind.  Jack works AM. putting wood in cellar. &c 60 c paid.  Get lot of grub at I.B. Mitchells all paid.  Maggie up all day and went to town PM.  Family moving into Goodmans new house back of our barn.  AM Alex Briggs has sold his room 608 6th St. and will build large building opposite Mrs. Knocks in spring.  I took Marie and Tue down to Mrs. Dr Jefferies at night.  Throat somewhat sore at night  Gobed 9 PM

18.  Tuesday.  5,30 AM.  Ther  39.  54.  40.  =  44 1/3
Clear.  SW wind.  Heavy dew.  Clara cleaning out pantry today.  JW Gaines brings in good load of sheaf oats which I help unload and get toowarm.  He took Roan out to farm for awhile.  Shirley and wife called P.M. also Charlotte Sproule .  Made me bottle of cough syrup P.M.   Bluebell and hoarhound(sic).  Pay Winter a/c to date 75.00  Maggie able to be uptown P.M.  Print dague or two photos Mostly of family.  Martha sends word that she will come but Tue does not her as long as Clara stays.  Get letter from Phebe AM.  Take Tue down to Shatzbergers after supper.   Mrs. Jefferies here at night  Gobed 8 P.M.  Have about decided that brown cow will have calf month or  two before expected.  Clear day southerly wind.  Cow was taken to Wileys bull Apl 13 and June 5th

19.  Wednesday 5.30 AM.  Ther 28.  40.  34.  =  34.
Clear fog or smoke.  Milk before breakfast  Lloyd girls wash A.M.  Went out to Gaines' P.M.  Mrs. Gaines getting well but her hand very bad yet.  She has another girl named Edith.  Jo is grubbing and will continue long as good weather lasts.  John Gaines there trapping.  Pay Jo 3.00 on wages, and settle for eggs up to date.  bring  home 2 1/12 doz not (?).Isaac Vail quit day before yesterday.  Tue attends Liquid Air lecture at Christian Church.  Cloudy day with northerly wind  Gobed 8 AM.

20.   Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  24.  45.  35.  =  34 2/3
Clear NE heavy white frost.  Clara ironed.  Pay John VanMeter a/c in full 11.15  D(?) Wall for months rent but he does not respond.    Maggie working at Jenkins P.M. first time since she was sick  Learn that Helen Snider has left her fathers and is staying at H.Gs.  Take pay for wash down to Mrs. Lloyd.   Tue attended discussion at Christian Church.    Miss Ford getting to go to Chicago tomorrow.   Maxwell putting roof on new house.  Roads mostly dry  Gobed 9 PM
(shorthand)
Brown cow's calf supposed to be due either about Jan 18 or Mar 12
(shorthand)

November 24-30, 1900 in Coles County, Illinois

November 1900

24.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther  37.  42.37.  =  38 2/3

Cloudy and raining E wind.  Rain or sleet most most of late night.  Buy 3 pr. socks Flexner  69 c.  Hastether takes shafts from buggy to repair  Get checks from J.O. Linder for Gaine's corn $102.60  Also for Shirleys up to date $365.27  all at 30 c.  Shirley has 21 acres to shuck. Deposit these checks at State Bank.  The attempt to assassinate Noble Cofer was principal talk on the street today.  Nobody in town  Rain all day till about 4 P.M.  Wind east changing to  to North toward night.  Feeling badly all day ate no supper.  Mort and Kate over at night till bed time.  Buy sock at Flexners  Paid 3 pr 69 c.  Get Shafts repaired Hastether  100 Miss Ford got home  P.M.  Gobed 10 P.M.

25.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther  34.  42.  39.  =  38 1/3

Cloudy misty Northwind.  Light snow flying forenoon.  Self about sick  all day.  Didn't  hitch up not go up town.  Mamie went for oysters also for Interocean and Republic.  The last had long account of Noble Cofers incident.  Ferd here at night and attended church with Tue  and Marie.  Tue Saw Oceline at church  Gobed 9.30 P.M.  Tue writing Phebe.

26.  Monday.  5.40 AM.  ther.  29.  45.  33.  =  35

Clear, southerly wind, heavy white frost.  My cold seems some better this morning and all day, No 2, Mrs. Blain here washes AM. bringing shild.  Get Mrs. Gaines' Machine spooler at Beruen 35 c.  Oceline and Cass called before noon.  They ate dinner at M. F. Watson and left about 2 P.M.  Lillie called AM.  I took down last of her things this afternoon  Mary Davis here P.M. and night  Mort and Kate over to supper  Went up town for shave &c  Pay Grove and Minyan Geo. a/c to date $9.12  Isaac carries in coal &c for Tue at night.  gobed 9. PM.

27.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  31.  45.  40.  =  38 2/3

Partly cloudy.  Tue  making some cake &c to send in Mia Blairs box to Phebe and Vivian.  Lillie Beck took 11.38 train which was late, going to Tekoa Wash.  Pay Geo Hastether ins, on residence expiring Aug 93  Pay off H.G. note at State Bank with int,  205,75. (?) too much.   Learn that Ira Brown  is moving into John Simons house where Jim Decker lived.  Simons has not been up for two or three week.  Geo Steegman pays for lumber Kicking off 102 16.30 Paid  Hitch Post at Perkins lot disappeared last night.  Tues.  Ferd and Fred Mone were here late P.M. talking of taking Helen and Louise from John's and boarding them at H.Gs. to attend school in town.   Tue gets letter from Martha Parsons at Mattoon saying  she will work for her.  Phone and write her to come at once.  She will come Sunday evening.  Tue and Marie over at Groves at night till late.  Gobed 9 P.M.

28.  Wednesday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  37.  40  32  =  36 1/3

Partly  cloudy, N.W. or N wind Start for Gaines' 9 AM. Jo grubbing.  He came in while I was there.  Shirleys teams in field  shucking on Tue's eighty,  People  are hunting  on my land say Shirley gave them permission.  I got home time for dinner  Raw chilly day cloudy NW wind, misty.  Jo Mill continue grubbing while weather is good.  Self not feeling well. Gobed 9 PM.  Maggie attends supper at Starr Restaurant at night.  

29.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther.  30.  32.  28.  =  30

Cloudy N.W. wind.  Thanksgiving, Sent Record to date  Sent 2.00 other day for daily Record to June 1 1901.  Ferd called AM.  Take him over to Knocks to repair gun, and  then to his Grandmas.  Drive Tue down to Shotzberger PM. Afterward to Hats.  Hat and H.G. at night to talk about boarding Snider children.  Maggie away Marie at Lippencotts till bedtime.  Mostly clear with NW wind chilly.  Roads round town quite muddy yet.  Will Goodman talk while with me.  Wall has sold Brocton places and will devote his energies to The  Liquor Store No 5  Mrs. Grove called at night but didn't stay long.  Robt Lamb says he will work  for me tomorrow morn.  Gobed 9 PM~

30.  Friday. 5.45 AM  Ther 30.  54.  44.  =  42 2/3

Clear S.W. wind.  Heavy white frost.  Bob Lamb came about 7.30 AM.  Cleans up furnace room, and stable  Make changes in cow stable and repair up  barn stable doors.  Worked till 5 PM. @ 12 1/2 per hour and will come in morning  Simons and Warren up with wood.  Have finished shucking  corn and report 140 bu for my share which I regard as rather thin for 1900.  Says  Brown has  moved into old Fletcher place and will begin doing something at Mill soon.  See John Marshall about getting him out.  Heave fully determined do this if I can and will begin tomorrow.  Mostly clear AM, cloudy P.M.  Tue at  Reading Circle P.M.  I ride while after supper and caught cold.  Gobed 9 P.M.  Ferd here AM cleaning Bicycle.  

November 20 - 23, 1889 and 1900

November 1889

20.  Wednesday, 7.15 AM  Ther  43.  55.  47   = 

Cloudy but clears away.  Grand Jury adjourn AM.  They did nothing with self and others returned for working on Sunday.  There are indictments against several liquor men in town for selling to minors.  Went down to depot in morning, Sefton says road is not going to buy any ties this year.   Phebe came home PM   with head ache.  Start 6.30 for ranch about 3.45 P.M.  Got there 6.30  Took lantern which was much help  Gobed at Milts 10 PM  Comer presents bill to date $49~  Henry Meyer here.  buy Bby,

21.  Thursday 6 AM.  Ther at C.  42.  53.  45  = 46 2/3

Cloudy, Sprinkle rain light good part of day.  Milt and self work in barn building partition.  The roof I find finished in pretty good shape.  Sheep feeling better.  Start home about 4 P.M. raining most of way home, and very muddy.  Mrs. Rogers washing today leaving clothes out all night.  Strong NW wind at night  Gobed 10.30~~

22.  Friday 6.30 AM  Ther 35.  48.  35  =  39 1/3

Nearly clear and clearing.  Wind strong NW.  Tue got up early to take in clothes.  Mrs. Rogers ironed.  Get shave at night at May's.  Kelly washes and fills lot of bottles P.M.  Remit Bernbi(?)  B & U. 165.50 and Mullaney & H 7.00  Loan "Neighbor" a V.  Send receipt for 5.00 to Mattergly for 5 (ink spot)  Whisky  The  first really pleasant day for long time  Go bed 11.PM

23.  Saturday 7 AM.  Ther 29.  55.  58 = 45 2/3

Clear.  N. Wind.  Gets into south.  Decide on amt of John VanMeters hay 25 x20 x 20 ft  600 cubic feet to ton.  Uncle John in to dinner,  Has not decided to trade with Burgers for Gage place.  Drake comes in and starts out between 4 and 5 PM.   Frank came with him Abbott will saw some wood for us Mondays, Mostly clear day, trade rather dull.  Fresh south wind.  Stay at store till midnight figuring  Go bed at 1 AM.

November 1900

20.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  60.  70.  62  = 64

Cloudy misty or fog.  southwind  Charlotte Sprorch  sewing for Tue.  Mrs. Owens washing.  Plumber takes pump to send away for repairs.  Went out to Gaines after fork after dinner.  Jo has only 30 shocks of corn to schuck.  Mrs. G complaining  I brought home two  gallon jar of pickles.  Mostly cloudy day.  Print lot of pictures for Lillie  She is going to stay and do ironing tomorrow.  No rain today.  Roads bad except where graveled.  Tue over at Groves' at night  Dun Wall for rent to date but they didn't buy.  Gobed 9 PM.

21.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  42.  45.  45.  =  44

Mostly cloudy.  Storm of wind and rain in night with sudden change.  Stopped yesterday again to see Maggie  Dlisorn and think can get her to help us when Lillie leaves.  Lillie irons.  Tone and mount some pictures for her.  AM.  Ther was down to 37 about 9 AM.  Charlotte Sproule sewing all day.  Took Lillie home about 4 P.M.  Charley Black says is talking of buying out Wall.  Wall has not paid last months rent.  Mostly clear P.M. and growing warmer.  Weather report saus cold wave  Mort fixed shelf for Tue in pantry    Mort and Kate over at night after I go bed 8. P,M.

22.  Thursday.  5.45. AM.  Ther.  49.  74.  55  =  59 1/3

Pretty clear.  Southerly wind.  Charlotte sewing A Barner sends for spooler for Mr. Gaines machine.  Pay Bartors a/c in full 55 cts.  J.W. Evans pays me on lumber bill 85 c. leaving  40 c. due.  Wall pays rent to  20 inst cash. No chk.  Have talk with Tredene Arnold about saw mill.  Shave at Browns Paid.  Paid up last week.  Richard Walker wants to rent Perkins room.  I start for Gaine's after dinner thinking to get Drihre girl to work at house.  Didn't see her start home late and return staying all night.   Playing seven up till bed time  House cold as a barn and damp.  Jo finished shucking corn today making 1513 bu sold for 446.74*  Including fed and in cribs 1820 bu from 35 a.  Much lightning S & SW at night and change of wind to north and cooler in night  Gobed 9 P.M.

* With inflation, that amount would be about $12026 today.  However, today's farmer would get about $7350 for that amount of corn.  According USDA - The 2014 average U.S. corn yield is now estimated at the record level of 174.2 bushels per acre, 

23.  Friday 4.30  AM.  ther 37.  42.  39.  = 39 1/3

Mostly cloudy NE wind.  Jo hauls in fodder.  I put glass in door taking till 9 o'clock  Intended to take tickets to Loxa and make and make a draw but mailed on time there after I got home.  Find I  injured buggy shaft running into wagon on way home Tuesday night.    Lillie called PM she will start for Spokane Tuesday.  Tue writes to Phebe.  Miss Ford gone to Paris institute for day or two.  It began raining and sleeting 4 P.M. wind N.E.  Jo came in after stove and took out some planks for platform at well.  He brought in big jar of pickles, and some pop corn.  He took potatoes down cellar.  Gobed 8 P.M.  .

At the top of the page:  Fir. Noble Cafee & others fined of stick of Dynamite 3 P.M. One of the three sent him by Express Monday

October 30- November 1, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

30.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther

Cloudy and getting ready to rain which began about 8 o.c. AM.  Ring three sows noses  Two more pigs missing this morning, one in spring.  Boy work while I sawing store wood and quit working a while P.M.  Milt repaired roof some and went out hunting in P.M.  Rained at intervals a;; day but not heavy.  Gobed 10 PM

31.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther           56.  50.  =

Cloudy but not raining  Ride down to river bottom  Cut L board tree in S. Hollow which wouldn't work.  Look for  more which couldn't find find boys cut one in little Fritz hollow P.M. which we think all right  Start home at 3.30 PM arriving at 6 P.M.  Roads very muddy and slow driving.  Mist and fine rain PM and night  Gobed at 10.30 PM~  Trade has been light this week.

November 1889

1.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther  55.  65.  53  = 57 2/3

Cloudy and rain at spells all day.  Interested going to woods.  Pay Popham per load of hay. 3.00 .  HG will start for Ark. next Tuesday, with hunting party.  Trade not very lively, am somewhat discouraged about my shed and feed for sheep.  Have done but little toward it for two weeks on account of  rain.  Gobed 11 PM 

October 1900

30.  Tuesday  5.30 AM.  Ther.  63.  78.  65 = 68 2/3

cloudy.  Southerly wind.  The other Mrs. Owens comes to wash.  Tue  and Lillie move Miss Ford into east room. (shorthand)  Learn at Gaines' that Irene was expected home today.  The roads excepting paved streets are very muddy this morning   Lend Deffenbaugh abstract for ranch.  They are  getting their pipes together in front of Perkins lot.  on way to square with steam heat.  Simons did not come up with corn as intended.  Hatton has not shown up this week.  Went out to Gaines' 2 P.M.  Jo. shucking shock corn.  Has got 14 loads in to  elevator.  They  have only paid 29 cents for past week.  Get a  basket full of vegetables and start home 5 P.M.  Partly clear day slightly cooler than yesterday.  Got pretty good mess of Caprinus comatus at Bill Hill's which which have for dinner.  Jo Gaines has shucked about 750 bush corn to date.  I did not visit Loxa today.  HOme in time  for supper  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

31.  Wednesday 5.30 AM.  Ther 63.  78.  60  =  64

Drove up to Dicks AM and beyond No mushrooms in sight.  See Teo Sefton about coal.  Take Bill Campbell down to his place AM.  They are digging ditch for heat pipes in ally back of store.  Lilly ironing.  CD Mitchell gives me bill for 1200 feet more lumber.  Saw Hatton crossing overhead bridge AM.  They have had saw mill on Decker land north of spring a week or two.   T. Armstrong out of common corn.  P.M. load still in barnyard.  Got a letter from Charley Popham saying need not bring rest of his bill.  Showers P.M. with heavy rain toward night and after dark.  Take Marie over to Weyths after supper to Halloween party.  Corn 30 cts here am entirely out of corn except sweet.  Gobed 9 P.M.

November 1900

1.  Thursday. 5.30 A.M.  Ther.  50.  60.  50  =  53 1/3

Mostly cloudy.  N.W. wind.  Clears off before 9  A.M. and clear day.  tue and Lillie making pumpkin pie AM.  Shave AM. Cr.  Sent draft $120.00 to Loan and Trust Co.  John Simon and Warren up with wood.  Says Ira does not intend to sow any more until after after the election.  Give Bob Chapman key to Perkins room for station purposes.  Charge no rent.  Harry Stoddert wants lot of 2x4 - 12 and 14.  Dun Evans for small bill due.  Tue  sends some shirts to Phebe in newspapers.  Bill Hill called with Caprinus comatus while we were at breakfast.  John Simons calls after dinner and give him bills amounting to some 3600 ft.  Saye Brown in town.  He called P.M. and we settled for all collected by both of us, self to pay hauling.  Give Ira ch for $19.04  Simons not very well satisfied with Tom's management.  Pick balance of quinces.  Had about  1 1/2 bu on three trees.  Fair day westerly wind.  Tue over at  Groves at night.  Gobed 9 PM.

October 3-5, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL.

October 1889

3.  Thursday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  56.   76.  46  = 57 2/3

Clear and pleasant.  Second day and last day of re-union .  Good many in  and trade  equal to Saturday.  Warren hauls load of Cooper  Milt finishes 3 cord to Hibbard.  Sold J. Dice 99 posts @6 1/4. cash.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Bert in town but didn't come down Gobed 10.30 ~

4.   Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  46.  70.  48  =  54 2/3

Clear and cool.  Probable light-frost start for timber before 7 AM.  Min (sic) making roads from hollow didn't finish.  Rode around S side PM looking at timber get pretty well tired out.  Got home at 7.15 P.M.   Find mess of puffs balls by Edmons.  Tue spent day at Hats   HG took off screen doors at store today  Gobed 12.30

5.  Saturday  6.30 AM.  Ther 45.  62.  42.  =  49 2/3

Clear.  Caught cold last night sore throat  cool day.  P(?)  smoke stack to Light Plant.  H.G. abusive.  Make wife sick P.M. and he not there at night.  Uncle John in.  Warren haul load to Cooper.  Milt l to Anderson.  Gobed 11.30

October 1900

3.  Wednesday. 5.30. AM.  ther 60.  88.  63

Clear.  S.E. wind.   Get Ed. Wells to pull weeds and sort over seet corn.  Harvest pumpkin crop in bottom.  Ike Rogers up with BC which he sold for 80.00  Warren with Lim  MR. Owen irons.  Get mess of Lycapendons in Wileys pasture.  Ed. Wells went with.  Mrs McKee rides home to town with me.  Tue  and Mrs. McKee rides home to town with me.  Tue and I  drive while at night till say 8.30.  Today  the first day I have not used tobacco since Mar 1.  Fill plate holders to camera at night in dining room.  Gobed 9 P.M.

4.    Thursday 5.30 AM.  Ther 60.  90  68  =  72 2/3

Mostly clear.  Start to Loxa about 9 AM.  Jo grubbing Mrs. G out in field.  I fool round till  dinner and them stay till about 4 P.M.  Was  down in corn and in lower part  of John's new (?) get home before 6.  Charlotte Sproule,  Mort & Kate here at night.  Jo coming to town tomorrow morning says will mow weeds.  Clear day.  Gobed 8.30 PM

5.  Friday 4 AM.  Ther 63.  91.  70  =  74 2/3

Clear.  Jo came about 8 AM. and began mowing bottom.  Rene and Bert in staying to dinner.  Tue gets letter from Phebe and Bert in staying to dinner.  Tue gets letter from Phebe and telegrams from NWU dean.  Phebe says she  cant  stand it there and must come.  I spent afternoon at Shannons trying to phone to her but no good.  Telegraph 7 P.M. to her telling her to come home at once.  Rene and Bert went home  5 P.M.  I take Irene down to Warrens to have her fortune told  Tues didnt amount to much.  Tue and I ride a while at night, east  and south of town.  Mostly clear day and about the  warmest we have had lately  Jo mowed the weeds in bottom and left for  Loxa about 5 P.M.  taking load of manure.  Miss Ford not here at night.  Grama phone waked us at about midnight.  Warm night.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

  

September 8-9, 1889 and 1900 in Coles County Illinois

September 1889

8.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther  60.  80.  62  =  67 1/3

Clear or nearly so SE wind  Start for  woods 8 AM.  Investigate supply of posts on ridge W. of W. Decker.  Count up sheep, thought had lost some of them  get home at dark   gobed 9 PM.

9.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  64.  84.  68 =  72

Cloudy.  Mrs. Rogers washed and ironed.  Tue not very well.  Drake hauls up load of posts and moves 8 ft. posts.   Sam Adams takes boards and pays for them.  Crass helps all day.  Took Mare again to Montgomery's house.  Go bed  11 P.M.

September 1900

8.  Saturday, 5.30 AM.   Ther  65  93   72  =  76 2/3

Clear easterly wind  Drive to Mrs. Owens after breakfast but couldn't get her so Tue does the work herself.  Miss Ford expected Sunday.  Johnny Decker in town perhaps for last time as he has with his family started for the "Nation."  I drove out west of town to see them.  Shirley came in with balance of B.C. 3 loads.  98 bales weighed 29070 lbs. @ 82.50 per ton  My share  ( one third) came to 399.71 which deposit  at State Bank Corn not well baled.  Shirley had, he says 38 AM.  Armstrong not yet sold.  I drove out to Gaines about 3 PM.  Jo not at hand working and in Broom  Corn.  Get some corn, tomatoes and eggs getting home 8 P.M. by lower road.  Sick at night think form eating soup.  Ferd was at our house in afternoon  Has left his father and intends going east.  Helen and Louise left  but went back    Heard that Bert got home from Dakota  Mostly clear day with light northerly wind  Gobed 8.30  P.M.~

9.  Sunday.  6 AM  Ther  70.  97.  76  =  81

Partly cloudy, Old Mare loose last night and ate most of corn I got yesterday about  15 ears.  Drive her today.    Starting for Simons 9.30 AM.  Ate dinner there.  John and I went down to mill yard before dinner out afterward went over to corn field.  He will bring me load of corn Tuesday.  Very sultry day and I start home early because could not get cooled off.  Ode Eastin rode to town with me.  Queen about played out when I got home.  Hitch up Roan and drive with  Tue out to G. Linder place getting home 8 P.M.  Miss Ford* came today.  Normal begins Tuesday.  Gobed 8.30 PM.

*  Ellen Ford, (1865- 1948) came to Eastern in 1900 and was there until 1934.  .  Miss Ford had a Masters of Arts degree in Latin from Syracuse University,  1894.  In  1921, she was instrumental in the reorganization of the Normal School to a teachers college.  Ford Hall was named after Ellen Ford.

August 29-30, 1889 and 1900 in Coles county IL

August 1889

29.  Thursday. 5.15 AM.  Ther  58.  90.  66.  =  71 1/3

Clear smokey.  Start at 6.10 with girls.  Milt Riley and Enoch work at digging all day.  Think have got a good supply of water for stock.  Began on well for house.  Two had to work hard, roads very dusty and pastures getting very dry.  Get home 7 P.M.   Found two drummers waiting for me.  Brown and Nelson.  Warren brought up a load of posts.  Gobed  10.30 PM

30.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther  69  94.  70  =  77 2/3

Clear - Bill Kelly works while for me in morning.  JTS drummer still here order claret from Thirsker,  Tue has caught very bad cold.  Uncle John  came down but didn't stay for dinner  Milt brought in load of wood selling to Moderal in part from old watch.  Quit chewing tobacco tonight.  Have been using it for about a month.  Gobed 11 PM.

August 1900

29.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  67.  90.  70.  =  75 2/3  

Clear.  Very heavy dew several mornings.   Clyde Ashby choring  Maggie Devone ironing  Tue  fixing up Miss Ford Room.  Drove out to  Fair ground.  Marshall getting their BC out of buildings  Get some fungi   Lepiota  Canlifer    Simons brings in load of lumber all sorts.  He has  brought John's   ( Decker)and Jim's plans and they will start for the Nation or Arkansas soon.  Molter wants to buy our B.C,  Geo  Rosebraugh offer 80.00  Lon Armstong brought me sample of his father's brush.  Look for cow supposed to be out.  she proved to be in pasture,  Gobed 10PM

30.  Thursday.  5.45.  A.M.  Ther.  66.  92.  75  =  77 2/3

Mostly clear.  Easterly wind.  Our cow supposed out still in pasture.  Clyde Ashby continues working for us.  Takes home to Chas Marshalls a lot of borrowed magazines.  Tue finishes up Miss Fords room.  Start out to Loxa 2.30 P.M.  Meet Shirley with C.H. Jones.  S. says is bound to sell his share B.C. today  Jo hauling out BC seed.  Pay him 12.00 check on wages  Took out rope for well.  Shirley sold for 82.50 which is the best have heard of sales here.  I get home 7 P.M.  Clear warm day roads getting dusty.  Wind easterly.  Mort and Kate over at night  Gobed  9 P.M.