Jan 1-7 1891 and Jan 7, 1902 in Charleston, IL

January 1891

1.  Thursday  6 AM.  Ther  49  55  30
Cloudy and raining, wind S or SW. light showers during night - Too wet to do anything out doors.  John and Rile have done nothing for a week  I start home soon after dinner  John and Warren went after load of fodder up to fathers place  John helped dig some roots in river bottom west of John Handlys.  Roads pretty bad did not get home till nearly dark.  Tue had company today  Mrs. Perrill and Davis  the three Kates Mort Grove and perhaps others  Showery all day SW wind sunshine at times high wind changing to west at night growing colder snow squalls at nt[sic]. about half inch remaining on the  ground  go bed 11PM ~~

2.  Friday  730 M  Ther  24  29  22
Cloudy wind N W  Jo Crail straighten up Perkins room and Bill Meyers takes possession.  Jo worked a while for me PM cleaning out stable and piling boards.  J.R. Cunningham died last night, has been sick good while.  Phebe began yesterday t keep family expense book and Maggie keeps record of the weather.   Cloudy day with day with occasional snow flakes.  Wind NW  trade rather dull as has been all the week  Not many people in town.  Gobed 11.30 P.M.

3.  Saturday,  130 AM  Ther  22.  28.  22.
Cloudy SE wind.  Pay drafts from Straws and Kiefer    John Simons and Warren were up and ate dinner with us  Pay Simons months wages for Dec.  Jo Crail piled most of boards in afternoon.  Settle with Jo H. Handly for hauling hay  J.R. Cunningham who died night before last was buried today.  J? Charley Briggs has been here several days.  Uncle John was in town but didnt come down.  Maunie Lang and Davis children here at night.  Cloudy day with easterly wind and snow flying some AM. about clear at 11 PM.  go bed. 1 am

4.  Sunday.  9 AM Ther  15  28 .  22
Clear.  Sit round house all day.  Girls went to sunday School.  Tue to church.  Several children here  visiting girls in afternoon.  Tue went down to Hats after dinner.  Clear day with southerly wind  gobed 11 PM

5. Monday 7 30 AM.  Ther 19. 38. 27
Clear S Wwind.  Mrs. Rogers washes.  Girls start to school Phebe to Miss Whitleman.  Maggie to Western.  Pay up A.M. Agriculturist to July 1892 3.60  Settle with McCravy 11.00  Warren Decker brought load for John Smions  Warren thinks John is going to  to leave me in spring.  School began today.  Trade light.  Clear day SW wind Gobed 11 PM ~~

6.  Tuesday.  7,30 A.M.  Ther  15  33.  21
Clear, Tue not very well Settle with Winter C.E. 20.25  I.  16.00 my account against Isaac 7.10 gave check for for bal.  Harman brought us jar butter,  Get letter from WH White enclosing check 34.58 for 91 ties,  Bought copper TeaKettle [sic] for Tue at Van Meters.  Trade light.  Clear day with NE wind, all electric lights went out tonight about ten oclock   gobed 12.30

7. Wednesday, 7 AM.  Ther 14.  32  22
Clear, NE wind, heavy white frost.  Jo Crail helped put on lock on back to gate to Perkins building and work down at house PM. cleaned out stable and smoke house.  Jake Dice called for lumber
 but didn't get any.  Tue and Maggie went to prayer meeting at night and Maggie then went to stay the night with Mrs. Knock.  The news from Fatty is that he is n better and is perhaps a hopless [sic.] case  Clear day with N.E. wind.  The predictions in daily papers say snow  tonight  Trade only fair.  Roads said pretty  rough.  Learn that Mart Comer talks of sawing up Alex Richters timber.  Gobed 230

January 1902

7.  Tuesday,   6 AM.    Ther  30.  43.  32.  =  35

Mostly clear.   Tue and Phebe ironing.  Went down by the H. G. [Henry Gramesly]  but didn't stop.  Look for man to help me get Pete Drake who comes after dinner and works from 12.20 to 4.20 P.M.  Carries wood down in basement.  Cleans out Stable repairs fence in bottom and will help me tomorrow morning a while.  Mostly clear day SW wind somewhat warmer but ground still frozen.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

November 6-9, 1890 and 1901

`November 1890

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

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

7.  Friday.  6.30 AM  Ther 60  5444

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

8.  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  37  46 56

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

9.  Sunday.  8 AM.  Ther 59.  43. 34

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

November 1901

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

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

8.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther. 47.44.

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

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

July 11- 16, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston, IL

July 1890

11.  Friday  7 AM  Ther  63.  92.
Clear with S. wind.  Start for Ranch 8 A.M.  Meet Tom Springcorn with load  of lumber for Comer    T Sampson hauls out dry walnut and  strips.  Find that Noble had struck water and had well about as deep as could go  they finished  at 3 P.M. and left.  Simons and self took walk round west pasture.  and I rode over to hungarian patch  It is getting very dry down here, corn and grass suffering at home 6 P.M.

[top of page - "Car load"]

12.  Saturday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  71.  96.  71.
Mostly clear.  Get Bob  Manifold to clean up Perkins building and scrub it out.  Carrell hauls down  55 Beer Kegs and 33 cases empty bottles to R.R. also takes off load of dirt.  Heavy rain about 4 P.M.  Trade only fair.  This has been about the hottest day this summer  Gobed  10.30 PM

13.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  75.  94.  76.
cloudy shower at 7 AM. with thunder  Intended going to ranch after dinner but too hot.  Tue has been  worried a good deal lately about Phebe's spine.  Tue and Maggie went to  church Phebe and Buddie stay at home.  Go bed,  930 PM -

14.  Monday 6 AM.  Ther    96.  70.
Clear with southerly wind.  Comer in town we decide to saw out some R.R. also ship car load of oak to Chicago   Bob Manifold helps about old building  Dig ditch on W. side and haul away trash  Heat most oppressive today although good breeze  Violent storm of wind followed by rain from 8 to 10 P.M.  wind fr N.E. and (?) have done damage.  More of it in night  Gobed  10.30 P.M.

                                                                   Muzzle dog
15.  Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 74.  89.  74.  
Part cloudy wind east.  Heavy wind and rain last night probably after midnight.  They are building new sidewalk in front of our house  or rather  lay the old one over new.  Manifold piles walnut in P.M.  Mrs. Rogers irons.  Tue and Mrs Davis went somewhere after supper  air very close wind varible  Gobed midnight.

16.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  72.  90.  73
Mostly cloudy light rain early AM.  Start at 9 AM for ranch, getting there in time for dinner after dinner put tar on sheep's noses.  John and I look through Fritz hollow for Walnut other boys cut sprouts.  Thunder S. W and W 5 PM looking like rain for a while.  go bed 930 P.M.

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.

May 21-22, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

May 1890

21. Wednesday.  6.15 AM.  Ther 57.  78.  65.

Most cloudy with fresh S. wind  Geo Kellogg gets Charley Sallens to work at ice box.  Some of lumber got of Fuller so bad had to take back and exchange.  Got box about finishes expect except door and sawdust.  Old Mrs. Davis died about 11 PM  Tue stayed over there most of the night and Ruth stayed with Maggie and Phebe.  Ought to have gone to timber tonight but too tired.  gobed 10.30

22.  Thursday.         63  87  73

Decide not to go to timber today in order to go to Grandma David funeral at 3 P.M.   intended to go at night but H.G. objects says has to leave tomorrow morning on important by   Klelogg and Sallues work on box and  shed all day getting door in and shed nearly up.  Jim Pinnell has had a man hauling City stuff for me all the  week - Jo Drake.   Paid Jo 1.50 order.  Learn that John Spurgeon is very sick.  Pleasent day and warm.  gobed  11.30 PM.

May 1901

21.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.    52.  55.  52.  =  53

Cloudy with light rain. N.E. wind.  Mrs. Owens washed finishing before noon.  I took her home.  Rain continued all day quite heavy at times in P.M.  Wind changed to N toward night to N.W.  I stay at home most of day.  Gaines telephones that planter did not work right.  John Linder said he would  fix it.  Bretz contractor for paving Seventh St  gets his outfit on ground.  gobed 8 P.M.   Garrisoon paid 50.00 check.

                         

22.  Wednesday.  5 AM.  Ther  47.76.  58  =  60 1/3

Clear S.W. wind.  Charlotte Sproule comes to sew for Tue all day.  Start to Gaines 9.30  Jo has planter at work and about 9 acres to plant  Thinks some may not be checked owing to the planter out of fix.  Corn planted last week coming up,  took out Mrs. G. carpet  warp.  She owes 40 cts on same.  I get home time for dinner.  Mostly clear day S.W. wind roads somewhat muddy ex Gravel, Self toothache and headache.  Tue over  Grove, at night.  Charlotte going to move from Grove house  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

April 11-30, 1890 (HIGHLIGHTS)

April 1890

11.  Friday.  

Start for Ranch by Handly Ford.  Have been clearing W. Decker Ridge.  Stay with them P.M.  They are doing it extra well.

12.  Saturday,

Red Sow had pigs last night. Goat chewed up rig seat last night.

13.  Sunday.

Lombard Plum in full bloom.  Tue to P Ch to meeting AM.  Drove with Maggie and Phebe out to Mrs. Lowes Woods AM.  Drive with Tue and baby out to Uncle John's after dinner getting home before dark.

14.  Monday. 

 Wright stakes raspberries.  Bert here to dinner  Hat was down after dinner.

  she and Tue went over to Knocks.  The elections tomorrow creates  good deal of interest.

15.  Tuesday

Work all day on election board.  Nick and H go fishing.  The democrats carried all the wards but 1st by large maj.

16.  Wednesday.  

Have mares shoes taken off.  Hymen and Friecberg in town.   The election yesterday resulted democratic 1st Ward Baker R 15 over Will Miles  2 C. W. Roberts D 88 over Gro Ginters  3 Noa Moore 147 over Alex Biggs R  4th R Cadle D 33 over FK Dunn   D Dod? 177 over M.W. Robbins R. total vote on Alderman 1st 194.  2d  212.  3rd  315.  4th  227.  Total 948  The  The  Dem alderman are supposed to be in favor of license.  

17.  Thursday

18.  Friday.  

Talk timber with Comer till about noon.  He offers to log and saw it up at $7.50 per M. Scribnar scale.  He will set mill just above Handlys wheat field in S. Hollow.  Tues red sow had five pigs last week and the McKee sow 8 on Apl 16th and I found black sow with 3 in hollow before starting home.

19.  Saturday

20. Sunday.

 Almond and sherries in bloom.  Dandelions coming out.  Maunie Lang here good part of day as usual.  

21.  Monday.

Crass opens clogged sewer from W.C. and begins on ditch for water works to barn yard.  Crass works at water works Fatty puts in pipe P.M.  Tue and Hat went calling P.M.  Tue buys new pair shoes at Mitchells 3.50 CA.  

22.  Tuesday.

Crass works at water works  Fatty puts in pipe P.M.    P.M. Tue and Hat went calling P.M.  Trade fair Court in session.

22.  Tuesday.

23.  Wednesday.  Comer has moved his mill.

24.  Thursday

Ranch  count sheep and lambs  70 sheep  65 lambs one of which came this morning.  Bill Kelly very sick and they think he wont get well.  

25.  Friday  

Court in session Grand Jury adjourned Tuesday without finding any indictments against liquor men.  Jo Laudes  had damage suit against him by Mrs. Woodrum  The jury have been out a day or two still out.

26.  Saturday

Comer in town.  Settle in full with him.  Make kick about terms ib which he is to saw timber.  Didn't come to any  understanding  Uncle John in town P.M.    Jo Lander jury came out with sealed verdict.  River said to be rising fast.  

27.  Sunday.

Planted  50 sprouted peach pits in garden.  Great blow at dinner about nothing.  Tue and children  went to P Church.  Learn that Bill Kelly is not expected to live.

28.  Monday.  7 AM

Comer called about  9 AM and we agree to go to work at timber.  Mrs. Woodrum  got a verdict against Jo Laudes for 195.00 damages for the killing of her husband by Skelly.  Rip Clark and Ira Brooks had trouble at Pentacost Meeting Tonight.

29.  Tuesday

Bill Kelly still alive but very low.  Old Mrs. Davis has been sick a long time and does not get any better.  Skelly trial in progress.

30.  Wednesday

At Ranch.   Separate rams from ewes.

June 15- 24, 1889 in Charleston, IL (highlights).

June 1889

15.  Saturday.  Trade another watch with  Charley  Dinoch for 2 shoats.  Uncle John down to dinner.  

16.  Sunday.  

17.  Monday.  

18.  Tuesday.  Big party at Swicks at night.    Bill Kelly washed up at store.

19.  Wednesday.  Ten Cent Circus in town.  

20.  Thursday.  Pay Thurber Wheyland & Coin Fulk.  10 Cent Circus quit tonight.

21.  Friday.  City Council tonight contracted  with Chicago parties  to put up electric lights.  Trade good.  Mrs. Davis helping Tue sew.  Ed Eastin on a "tear" tonight  they sent for city marshall.(sic)

22.  Saturday  Bert was down to dinner.   All hands are invited down to Sniders tomorrow Mrs. Wentz's Birthday.  Baby not very well for a day or two.

23.  Sunday    Took Tue and Phebe down to Sniders.  Maggie rode with Frank Snider as also did Hat and Father.  I drove down to Milt's and he and I rode over  south end of land most of afternoon., start home about 6.  Stop at Sniders and eat supper:  get home about half after 8.

24.Monday.  Paid up McCravey a/c .  Buy  suit of clothes  for W.S.G. also straw hat.  $15.75.  Tue putting up cherries and raspberries.  Began closing at 10 P.M. tonight.  Have been closing at 11 PM.

March 19-23, 1889 in Charleston, IL

March 1889

19.  Tuesday. 6 AM     Ther.  38.  55.  39. = 44
Clear.  N. wind.  Baby had high fever all night but seems some better this morning.


(Note: This next section seems to be written by Tue.  The writing is much larger.  Notice that she calls the baby "Marie" not just baby as Charles does.)
Hat came down about the time Chas started for timber.  went home and got her work and staid (sic) all day  Bernice Anderson took a ten gallon keg.  Marie sick all day Mrs. Davis staid(sic) a while in the evening.  Go to bed.9


Start for timber 10 AM.  Went  to Walker's ford couldn't cross river so went round by bridge getting there at 3.30.  Bob gone to Bills didn't return.  Roads very bad.  Clear day strong N. wind  Johnny and Enoch working clearing toward west side.  Gobed 10PM


(Written at top of next page)
White frost  John, Warren,  Enoch, Riley, & Steve and John Son work at clearing  Steve sows what was cleared and burned with  ? and ?  Bob got home at noon and hauling a load of lumber PM.  N. wind clear day gb 9 PM.


20.  (Tue's handwriting  Wednesday.  6.15  Ther.  30.  52.   39.  =  40.
Clear pleasant day.  Marie better, but very cross.  Don't feel well myself.  Mrs. Dickerson came to wash before we had breakfast.  Go to bed 8 PM.


21.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther.  30.  50.  42.  =  40 2/3
5.30 AM,  Pretty hard frost.  Bob finishing sowing around the house  Oscar Decker worked with boys today.  Clearing near the west line and cutting fence row through.  Bob hauls out what lumber I have  for fences, hardly enough for road fences.  Horse got loose and thought she had gone home, found her in pasture.  Start home at 4.15  roads very rough, but mostly dry.  Baby nor Tue, neither very well yet.  Jo Clark called at night and I sold him 100 butternut posts @ 5.50 delivered.  Clear AM and some  cloudy PM.  N,E. wind.    Gobed 9 PM.


22.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  33.  50.  45.  =  42 2/3
6 Am.  Clear or nearly so send Jo Clark out  105 butternut posts.  Got to timber about 3 PM.  Bob gone to take Mats burrow home.  Men fired leaves along Hanley's fence but didn't do a very good job burning.  Bob got horse about 8 PM.  Walked up to where burned with Bent and Ed at night.  Gobed 9 PM. 


23.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  40.  63.  45.  =  48 1/3
Mostly clear.  5 boys working this AM.  Bob went to town early.  I remained here until about 11 AM.  overtake John Kink with load of ties.    Good many people in town.  Jo Clark pays me 5.75 in full for posts.- Cooper pays 2.00 leaving bal of 3.00 till due.  Milt Drake in town wants my house down in woods.  Tue's cough very bad yet but she thinks some better.  Gobed 9 PM~

March 3, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, IL

March 1914

3.  Tuesday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  Ther. 22.  46.  32.  =  33 1/3

Clear, E.1. We get letter from Phebe AM detailing her trip to Havana last week.  It took her two days and one night to complete the trip.  Tue wrote Muggs, Mail check to the C.I.P.S.Co. for 3.34 last month's light. ~  Disagreeable day,.  Mostly cloudy light varible winds; began snowing about 4 P.m. about an inch of light snow fell.  Tue  went up to I.B.M.s to see Mrs. Frank McCravey and then  to Mrs. Nickols and Mrs. Heebs neither of whom was at home.  Later she spent an hour or two at Groves getting home before 6.  The snow was from SW.  It   quit about dark.  There is a lot of old snow and ice on ground in big spots.  Gobed 8.45

March 1889

3.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther  33.  46.  34.  =  37 2./3
Heavy fog N.E. wind.  Maggie went to S. School.  Learn that Tom Stoddert died last night.   He had been sick since last fall.  Geo Sefton's baby was buried this afternoon.  Wrote Simon Sturin ordering renewal 300 ins on whiskey expiring Mar 7.    Write letter to W.H. White accepting bill for switch ties (?) set if can have plenty (?).  Wrote letter to  D. Baughman , Oak Pt. Ill inquiring about lot near R.R.  Mostly cloudy day with N. Easterly wind clears away at night.  Tue went to church with Mrs. Davis.  Gobed 9.30 PM

 

March 1-2, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, IL

Please note that where the text is a different color, you can click on it to go to a link about the topic.

Self portrait of Charles Gramesly

March 1914

(at the top pf the page)  We had quite a scare AM when found paper burning in den around fire place where there has  been  no fire for years.  The furnace chimney burned out this morning and suppose fire got down from top into flu, but it may come from below from furnace ash pit and  flues.  It did no damage but it was just luck that it didn't.

1. Sunday. 7. AM.  Ther.  10.  20.  18.  =16

Clear.  N.N.W.6.  High NW wind all night with snow flurries at times.  Tue got paper at 10 AM but did not attend church.  It proves to be a had day  on our heating  plant and we are almost out of fuel of any kind.  We were at home all day-nobody called.  Mort is about sick with cold.  I did not eat any supper.  Have been eating too much.  Gobed. 9.30 P.M.

2.  Monday.  6.15 am.  Ther.  12.30.  26.  -  22 2/3

Clear N.2. Tue fixes up package clothes for Phebe.  We did not hear from her this morning.  Get SR & Co Gro list.  Tue packs and sends off by Parcel P two boxes of clothes which Phebe left.  I order another load of came coal BPa& Co which they deliver 4 P.M.  Alfred chored 4 P.M.  Tue was over to Mrs. Brooks a while P.M.  Mostly clear day with light N.N.W winds.  It did not  thaw much today - only in sun.  A great storm has just swept Atlantic coast.  Harman phones night night hunting about clover seed.  I have felt poorly all day gobed 9.30

March 1889

1.  Friday  6.30  AM.  Ther.   39.  45.  38.  =  40 2/3

cloudy, wind S. light rain, probably most of the night.  Maggie did not go to school having caught more cold.  Mrs. Davis over in morning.  Learn that Geo. Sefton's baby died  last night.  Hat here P.M. helping Tue sew on  Phebe's dress.  Mrs. Easton calls P.M.  Dark damp day; wind shifts to west.  Have about decided to buy some hens and put in old smoke  house till we get a better place for them.   Tue churned toward night.  Has made 26 lb since Jan 9.  Mrs. Neal begins taking a pint of milk a day.  There ought to be a crop of peaches this year as the buds are all sound as yet and not swollen.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

2.  Saturday. 6 AM.  Ther.  32.  48.  37. = 39

Cloudy, foggy.  Hunt for man to clean out stable didn't find one.  sent  50 c. to  Able Agriculturist for  Poultry book.  Get letter from W.H. White with 18.00 for ties recd.  Went down to R.R. to see ties  2 piles one of 24 I know Kinks and other of 21 doubtful.  this makes 63 ties I have recd pay for which may not be mine.  Think will furnish the 10 set of switch ties but don't  know hour yet.  Spoke to Goodman about  gas well lot.  Mrs. Perrill called  toward  night.  Tue not very well.   Mostly cloudy day, wind N.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

October 20-26, 1888 in Coles County Illinois

October 1888

20.  Saturday.  5.40  AM  Ther.  40.  55.  35.

Mostly Cloudy day.  Wind N.W.  Got down to much before 10 AM.   Find boys had been at work some in spite of rain.  Finish fence before noon.  Make couple of gates in P.M.  Get home about 7 AM. (sic) Stopped on road to pick up  basket of nuts by John Handleys  gobed  10 PM.

21.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  35.  50.  45.

Clear early but mostly cloudy day.  Girls did not go to S.S.  Tue went down to Dowlings before noon and stayed all day.  Ruth and Many Davis and Mauice Lang over toward night.  Baby has very bad cold.  There was pretty  heavy  frost last night forming sheet of ice.  There are good many green leaves on trees yet.  The wind and rain have taken off most of the yellow ones.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

22.  Monday. 5.40 A.M.  Ther.  43.  50.  48.

Cloudy and light rain which began in night.  Light rain and mist all day.  Mrs. Davis sews for Tue  in afternoon.  Father went to political speaking at hall at night.  Damp, dark day.  Wrote to Bennett asking about ties.  Gobed 9 PM

23.  Tuesday, 5.45 AM.  Ther.  43.  45.  42.

Cloudy and damp  No wind.  Geo. Wright  (?) will begin on my stable Thursday.   Uncle John in town did not see him.  Good many apples coming to town  they sell at 15 to 25 cts per bush  gobed 9.30

24.  Wednesday  5.40  AM.  Ther.  32.  55.  48.

Clear.  Fresh S. wind started for ranch abt 8 AM.  Mostly clear day.  Four men at work have stopped them for a while.  Bob making wood rack  Rode over to S side P.M.  Nearly had an accident from horse getting tangled up in a grape vine.  Gave Dock Bennett  lot of old tops.  Got home about 7 PM.   Roads very heavy.  river has risen a little but still clear  Mrs. Decker washed  Tue thinks she will do ironing herself  Gobed 930 PM

25.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther  40.  65.  58.

Clear with S. wind.  Geo Wright failed to come to put up stable - Frank Kellogg worked two  hours in cow yard.  Wright says will come tomorrow.  Tell  John Kirk that he can go to work making ties on S. end.  Can make 300 at  22 cents delivered on track.  Father about sick has been sawing too much wood  I do the milking  Gobed 8.45 PM ~

26.  Friday.  6.15 AM  Ther.  58.  65.  59.

Cloudy misty was a little rain in night.  Geo Wright stakes off place for stable P.M.  Engage Geo. Hampton to haul old lumber down tomorrow morning  Hat helping Tue on carpet  Gobed 9 PM

October 6-7, 1913 and October 7, 1888 in Coles county Illinois.

1913

6.  Monday.  5.30 AM  Ther.  62.  82.  66. +  70.

Part cloudy SE1.  Walter  came in 5 AM.  I drove down by Millers but did not see him.  Get color card from Briggs and try to select colors for repainting.  They don't have my selections in stock.  Walter not feeling well.  He left for home in night after I had retired.   I noticed a good deal of fungi today but saw nothing of the kind.  Mostly clear P.M. southerly wind gas smell.  Helen Hildreth  called toward night on her way to Normal.  The roads are fine.  Bill Hatton has moved to B st.  I didn't talk to him.  Gobed 9 PM.

7.  Tuesday. 5.40 AM.  Ther.  60.80.66.  =  68 2/3

Clear partly.E.1.  Very heavy dews lately.  I broke blue butter plate an old relic.  Drive down to see Miller.  He was shingling for son will come tomorrow morn.  I drove up to Thos. Briggs P.M. getting one gal. No. 336 and 2 half gals 147 also gal  linseed oil.  Will try these colors.  Tue takes park out  cleans it off and renews brini later she went up town and to Hats at night she went to church and didnot get home I had retired.  Mostly cloudy with sprinkles rain several times.  Small rainbow SE at sunset.  I drove out far as Huffmans late P.M.  No fungi appear but appears like good weather for them   Gobed 8.30

1888

7.  Sunday.   7 AM.  Ther.  45.  67.  57.

Clear. S.W. wind  Maggie goes S.S.  Stay at  home all day  Thought of going to Uncle Johns but didn't feel very well.  Mrs. Davis over in afternoon.  Pleasant day.  Gobed 9.30 PM

May 12-14, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

12.  Thursday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  73.  92.  80.
Clear, fresh NW wind.  Buy some apples of Hariman, 20.c.  Try all  morning to get some one to haul Mather Posts.  T. Reden  dreying on item PM but Kershaw forbid him putting them on lot.  McWm brings up sky light and I gave ita one coat vf paint toward night.   Jim Roberts pays me 1.25 for wood got last winter.  H.G. pays 75c on a/c.  Has been very hot today in sun but brick west wind made it comfortable change in night about 1 AM oc.  Go bed 8.30 PM.  M & P  went down to Mrs. Rogers at night.

13.  Friday. 5.30 AM  ther.  65.  78.  65.
Mostly clear.  Sudden change in night for cooler from N. or NE.  Maggie went with Mrs. Johnston to river sketching early.  Paint sky light again McMurtrie says he will fit it next week.  Buy bunch of shingles of Minton on Cr.  Deliver Mathers balance of posts and he pays for them $9.00.  Baby pretty bad all day something like the flux.  Drive a while after supper.  Mrs. Davis are going to Bloomington on a visit.  They will start tonight.  Ed Eastin is "off" again has been for several days.  Clear and cool gobed 9.30 PM

14.  Saturday, 5.45 AM.  Ther.  65.  75.  61.
Part cloudy wind S.E. Phebe was sick in night from eating green apples.  baby seems about the same this morning.  McCormick glazes sky light in P.M.  Sold Kelly 1/2 cord wood delivered.  Take   11 sawed ties down to  R.R. making 149 all together there.  Paid Bateman 50 cent dray.  It rained lightly most of forenoon.  I puttied  up some  cracks in old (?).    Pleasant P.M. and cool.  Go bed 10 PM-  Tue got meddy for baby of Dr. Patton.

April 22, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

22.  Tuesday.  4.45 P.M.  Ther.  54.  82.  66.  = 67 1/3

Clear.  S.2.  Start Loxa 6 AM and get home 9.15 AM.  Hugh working for A. Moore.  Helps me measure lot 218 ft.  Buy 2 ties Geo. Anderson.  Stop at Jones: pay him a/c to date 90 cts cash.  Start to go up to place but decide to go home at once.  Don't seem to find fence I want: look at Mercantile stock AM.  Give saw to file to Moody.  Emmett came early:  plants in garden, rake off yard began on S.R. ash pit sent lawn mower to  Chas Wells for treatment.  He  returned it PM. pd. .50c.  After finish ashes Emmett with me looks over pasture fence and spend hour or two hunting post digger which couldn't find.  I drove over to Anderson for saw and came near a runaway.  Raymond got saw for me Tue over at Mrs. Bro(?) P.M. getting home 6.30.  Emmett worked all day and will work tomorrow.  Most clear hazy day.  S.W.4.  Get booze P.M.  Interurban owe me dime.  Tue over at Brooks P.M. and at Grove's at night at night.  I slept on couch till 9 when go to bed.  E. Meter 784.000 $1.57 CG

1888

22.  Sunday, 7 AM.  Ther.  50.  65.  50.

Cloudy SE wind.  A little rain about 9 AM and indications of (?) cloudy most of day and fresh easterly wind.  Tue set out her roses &c. north of the house.  Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Robinson were here toward night Mamie Lang has the measles.  Plum and peach trees are in full bloom or nearly is.  Gobed.  9.30 PM.

February 25-26, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

25.  Tuesday.  6.30  AM.  Ther.  20.  40.  32. = 30 2/3
Clear S.W.1.  The ton of coal delivered and suits.  Tue gets letter from Phebe.  She expects to move to Ann Arbor this week to begin work for M & Darling.  Mostly  cloudy P.M. with light snow at night.  Rain or sleet later in night.  There are traces of Sunday's snow left on north hill sides.  Otherwise ground bare.  Mis Care here P.M. about library works.  Chilly day with moderate southerly winds.  Gobed 9.

26.  Wednesday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  38.  44.  40. = 40 2/3
Cloudy. S.2.  Rhoda came to wash at 11 oc. finishing about 3.  Tue feeling very poorly AM. but better P.M.  Rhoda stays to dinner.  Dark foggy day with mist or light rain and much of time a cold wave is predicted.  Cloudy all day.  Tue went over to Groves toward night  little while.  She gets letter from Buddy with one to forward to Phebe.  Heavy showers (.70) in night.  Gob 9

1888

26.  Sunday.  7 AM  Ther.  16.  20.  13.

About clear, strong W wind all night.  Cold day with west wind, cloudy and snow flying much of the time and seems to be growing colder.  Girls went to S.S. and after that went down to Hat's where they ate dinner getting home about 1. P.M.  Mrs. Davis was over toward night.  Has been  cold and disagreeable day frozen up solid again.  Go bed 10. PM.

December 19, 1912 & 1887 in Coles County, Illinois

1912

19.  Thursday.  6.30 AM.  ther.  30.  42.  36.  = 36.

Part cloudy.  W. 3. ice 1/4.  Tue got long letter from  Buddy yesterday and one from  Phebe this morning.  She expects to start home Sunday from Ann Arbor, Mich.  Will come via Chicago.  Too cool for me to try Loxa trip.  I hitch up about noon and drove down to  Whalens elevator.  Order load Linton coal.*  Tue wrote girls mailing letters PM.  Learn that Dick Stoddert (Harry's) is dead at Kankakee.  Order at Geo Gray's pair shoes as have been using for 12 years.(sic)  Mostly clear day Southwesterly light winds.  Go bed 9.

*

1887

19.  Monday.  6.30 AM  Ther.  35.  48.  42.

Partly clear. at sunrise.  Wind S.E.  Fresh wind all night probably S.E.   Ed. Eastin calls for step ladder.  Finish up the  pork and sausage in  morning.  Bert was in and ate dinner. Uncle John in town.  Tue went up town PM to get some things for Christmas.  Renew  note with H.G. 65.00 for 90 days.  Thought there might be some lumber come up but didn't hear of any.  The roads are probably pretty bad.  Mostly cloudy day,  wind mostly south.  Tue not feeling very well.  Took medicine at night.  Uncle John says Aunt Deal** is worse than usual.  Mrs. Davis over at night, she is making dress for Ma.  Gobed 10.30

**Aunt Deal is Uncle John's wife and Tue's mother, Eliza Cordelia Amidon.  Sadly, Cordelia was marked insane in several census.  In this entry she is also referred to as Ma.  Cordelia was beloved by the family.

December 9, 1912 and 1887 in Coles County, IL

1912

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

1887

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

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

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

December 8,1912 & 1887 in Coles County, IL

1912

8.  Sunday.  630  AM.  Ther.  34.  36.  24.  = 31 1/3

Mostly cloudy.  W.3.  ice 1/4.  Tue went to church AM.  I didn't hitch up.  Had thought of going to ranch if pleasant.  Snow flying many times today and at night; but little fell however barely visible   Had to rush  fires a little.  Furnace keeps leaking fear it will give out before spring.  Tue attend entertainment with Mrs. Brooks at night at church.  Go bed 9.30

1887

Cloudy day E. wind.

8.  Thursday.  6.30  AM  Ther.  32.  44.  43.

Cloudy  Foggy.  Mrs. Rogers comes to iron at 8 AM.  Told Sam Ray yesterday to put my mare on lighter feed at 6.00 per month.  Snider  took Ma home today.  He stopped here but she did not get out.  Harman brings jar butter  8 1/8 lbs. 1.65.  Took out another jar.  Mrs. Davis helping Tue sew in P.M.  Got lot of Couriers with Fannie's notice and sent to the relations.  Harry Holmes has damage case in court.  Trial this P.M.  Geo. Weber over.  Baby still very cross.  Tue seems to feel some better.  Gobed 9 P.M.

December 2, 1912 & 1887

1912

2.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  44.  42.  30. = 38. 2/3

Mostly  cloudy W. 6.  Cottingham's man came to put in new grate and finds it a misfit and one piece lacking.  It didnot work well and they will return in morn to remedy it if possible.  Mostly cloudy with high  wind W to NW diminishing late P.M.  Clear at night ~~  Tue got  tickets to show at Opera House at night and took Mrs. Brooks.  Alfred came late P.M. and tinkered round a while.  I did not hitch up.  I read at night with good fire  in grate went to bed before Tue got home.  Gobed. 10.  I did not hitch up nor visit town.

This is a link to a furnace of the time.  I suppose theirs was similar.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh382yeKUmFnO_Nusi-JSFVEa39J-pWLdPxdd5TdXCiVKnYBBBxcvp-IjEImP8BOJJSH_jBXa95BQy3KmJ3k3FBv_r-kzSlfRP2-auGFWbsFj-pIiPdl3CcchfBeNtpGNsqflZmtEKXbX0/s1600/14+Furnace+Room_1912.jpg

1887

2. Friday.  6 A.M.  Ther.  37.  40.  42.

Cloudy and raining lightly.  Fresh S.E. wind.  Was up with Phebe good deal in night.  Baby not well this morning.  C.G.(him) still has slight cold in throat.  Went over to (Dr.) Patton's forenoon says Fan* very bad.  Nobody there.  Tue went down to see Mrs. Nott.  Couldn't go Mrs. Dowling said she would go. I took her down after dinner.  Found Fan very low.  Saw Dr. at night after he had been there.  Didn't  give any encouragement.  Mrs. Davis and Kate Myers were over at night.  Doctor Phebe with fatbacon &c  at night and she was not so bad as usual.  Misty damp.  P.M. roads pretty bad.  gobed 10 P.M.

*Fan is Tue's younger sister.  Fan has three children and had a stillbirth in November 22.  She is 27 years old.

August 19 - 21 1887

19.  Friday   6.30  AM.  Ther.  65.  85.  65.
Clear northerly wind..  Tue decided to do ironing herself again.  May Johnson went home today.  Saw Comer up town.  Think will get mill to running next week.  Hat and friend call in afternoon.  get note from Laggart saying he wants a load of of wood at once.  Baby cried very much today.  Kate Davis over while P.M.  Pleasant day and clear.  Gobed 10 PM.


20.  Saturday  6 AM.  Ther.67.  91.  76.
Clear.  Pick up and put away newspapers.  Drove out to meet W. Decker who took a load wood to Laggart.  Uncle John down to dinner.   Rest up stuff for J.O.W. but forgot it.  He left  without it.  Young came about 1.30 made a botch job of it.  Ladder.  Nickolson paid 12.00 for my old buggy.  Tue finished ironing.  Fan was here part of P.M.  Went home just before night.  Dark cloud from NW before sunset but didn't rain.  Mrs. Davis was over a while at night.  Comer was up town but I didn't see much of him.  gobed 10 P.M.


21.   Sunday,  7 A.M.   Ther.  72.  88.  71.
Partly cloudy.  NW wind.  Went up town in morning.  See Geo.   Webens who gave me some cigars.  Tue not very well.  Complain of toothache and headache.  Warm morning cloudy most of P.M. and somewhat cooler.  Took drive with Tue (leaving baby with W.S.G.) down  by hog farm and out by fair ground, getting back before dark.    Girls spent afternoon at Davis'.  Sprinkle  rain at night.  Go bed  9 P.M.