July 18, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County, IL

July 1892

18.  Monday,  5.30  Ther 65.  84.  75.

Clear SE wind.  Mrs. Rogers washes and irons.  Clear AM but clouds up P.M. and  sprinkles about 4 P.M.  Light shower about 10 P.M.  Present bill for lumber  bought last fall Mrs. Furman.  Try  on coat  Winter is making for me.  Gobed  10.40

July 1903

18.  Saturday, 6 AM.  Ther 66.

Mostly clear wind N.W. 3.  I went up town before breakfast getting some cucumbers.  The wind last night broke limbs off trees including my pet peach near old house.  Ferd is still watch at Opera H and eats breakfast with us.  Neither Steve nor Riley Decker have deed I wanted  Will Decker in town and thinks he will get loan leaving out the 4 A. piece.  I put on new pants got recently of Winter.  They are too long.  Abbot called early A.M. and I pay him for yesterdays work.  Talk with young Gilbert P.M.  He wants to buy my timothy meadow.  Says the corn not down much out there.  Not so many as usual in town Sat.  I passed Kate's and saw her sister Minnie from  Mo.  Mostly clear day with N.W. wind  Gobed 10 P.M.

July 16, 1892 - 1903 in Coles County, Illinois

July 1892

16.  Saturday,  6 AM.  Ther  57.  76.  68

Clear strong E. wind.  Coolest day we have had in some weeks.  Settle with  Steve Decker for day in harvest.   Pay him two dollars for Rile.  Uncle John  in town P.M.  Trade pretty fair.  Clear day E. wind learn that Warren Decker will thresh Monday.  Shall go down there tomorrow.  Gobed 11 PM

July 1903

Thursday 5.45 AM.  Ther.  55.  78.  66.
Cloudy and raining.  It began to thunder about 2 AM and to rain between three and four oclock  Very heavy rains till morning with much thunder.  It rained with much thunder.  It rained until 8 or 9 AM.  Met Bacon at P.O. and took him.  Engage Abbot to come and work P.M. but he failed to come.  Kate was up PM and settled with Tue.  Her sister from Missouri is here on a visit.  Rec phone from Loxa that flood gate washed out this morning and they want me to come out in morning.  Louise was here most of day.  Helen has gone to  Ora's to stay and Ferd is staying all night at the Opera House.  This will probably break up their housekeeping.  It cleared off before noon and clear day thereafter;  light S.E. wind.  I estimate rain at about 2 in.  I got shave at Brown all paid.  Saw Ed Wright who renews his 40.00 note at State. 90d.  Gobed  8.45 P.M

April 25, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County, IL

April   1892 

25.  Monday,  5.30 AM  ther  47.  67.  53.  =55 2/3
Mostly clear, wind, N. E.  Ride aroundtill 10 AM then start home.  Riley plowing  John and Oscar clearing north side.  Warren hauling out rails for John Simmon.  Got a lot  of large brown fungus and a few M. escuelauter also some old a. campestres on old stable site.  Mrs. Fleming rode to town with me from Husheron, get home 12.30.  Roads rough no mud much. Harrison worked AM for Mrs. Eastin.  Mrs. R washed AM ironed P.M.  Harrison and self set out grape vines &c P.M.  1 Niagra in 1st row next to path 3 N end and 3 same 2nd row 2 Dutchess N end third row! Brighten at south end of each second and third rows.  ?net up some old peach trees in hen yard.  Tear down division fence between hen and cow yard.  1 dwarf D de aug??lesen pear south of apple tree on hill.  Mostly clear E wind  gobed 10.30  

April 1903

25.  Saturday, 5.45 AM.,  Ther  41,  42.  37, = 40.

Cloudy,  Northerly wind.  Vandemeter worked  till 10 AM mostly rakes garden.  Pay up  Van 35c.    Look at harness at Frommels but didn't .  It began to mist about 4 AM. and thickened up to rain by 1 PM continuing until night slacking up at times  I went up about 4 to send T & M Draft, and again six for grub &c (get shovel).  There werre not many people in town today.    Have talk with Bill Decker.  Tell him don't want to sell trees at precount.  They work a while on Opera House AM.  Rain stops them  Gobed  9P.M.

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.

March 1-31, 1902 in Charleston,IL. Highlights

March 1902

1.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.  32  33.  27.  =  30 2/3
Shirley called a while forenoon.  He signed lease on Tues land yesterday at Charley Jones.  Samuel fellows call to see about rent H.G. house I hitch up and drive down there P.M. found house all open except front door.  

2.  Sunday
This is the last snow according to Wes. Decker sign  There were to be twenty six.  Ferd called at night

3.  Monday.
Bert called while we were eating breakfast.  He is delegate to  Rep. Co, Convention which meets today in Mattoon gets all candidates but one Zimmerman of Ashmore for Trea.  Tily sheriff.  Cream, judge.

4.  Tuesday.

5.  Wednesday.
Examine records at Court House find that Armstrong did not contract to keep up fences between us and that the Stock judgement expired Jan 7 last.  Tarleton Miles died suddenly today.  Phebe attended ball at Owl Club

6.  Thursday,
Jo came with team and Will came with him and I hire him at 15.00 per month to begin when I want him and work as long I need him.  I am to board him.

7.  Friday 6 AM.
Mushroom bed 80 degrees inside.  I spent two hours at H.G. place P.M.  Found woodhouse door open.  Tarlt Miles was buried today.

8.  Saturday
Mushroom bed 95 inside.   Pick up old spawn at barn yesterafternoon [sic] have about enough for this bed.  Berry Stoddert is tending bar for Dick Cadle in hotel  Miss Ford had a function in her room at night.

9. Sunday
Mushroom bed about same as yesterday say 95 or more 6 in. down.  It seemed to be over 100 at night.

10.  Monday.
Mushroom bed about 100.  John Marshall says can fix up Strode Matter any count.  Get catalog of bookcases.  Lattas sale today but I could not go.

Top of page:  Temp mushroom be falling, but little above 90 today.  Spawn M bed today  11th see below.  Temp 90.

11. Tuesday
Spawn mushroom bed P.M. south 2/3 of old spawn saved in 94.  N 1/3 some started in shed last fall.  Fear bed may be too warm.  The smell from this bed penetrates into living rooms  Marie has gang of girls here at night.

12.  Wednesday
I got a a letter from Cynthia Ansley today

13.  Thursday
Phebe began working at Jenkins with t? ? . . . .

14.  Friday

15.  Saturday
Write Aunt Cornelia asking Uncle mark to send me 25 Kieffer  Pears,  and 100 raspberry plants.  Marie and Helen went to Sniders P.M. Laura Clark with them.

16.  Sunday
Fix up up box of material in barn going to try to make some spawn.  Mix with chaff and bank up with manure spawn as made.  Helen , Louise and Marie walk in from Snider's toward night.  Florence  Moore   here most of P.M.  All go to church at night.

17. Monday
Louise Snider stayed all night with us.  I felt very bad all day and  ate no breakfast nor dinner. Charley Marshall thinks they want to build Opera House on bottom lot.  Tu pays Dr. Patton bill P.M. some 27.00 settled in full for 25.00

18.  Tuesday
Tom Miles calls AM. is running for collector against C.H. Louise was here  They went to show with Ferd.

19.  Wednesday
Got a letter from Mary P. Sayre PM.  John McGruty has gone to Chicago to buy new bar furniture.

20.  Thursday

21.  Friday
Emmett Fritz gets dirt for mushroom bed and we earth it over P.M>

22.  Saturday
Tue and I  about decide not to sell McClasky H.G. place.  John Marshall advises not to without some money down.  Tue and I drive down to H.G. place toward night.

23.  Sunday
I decide to try my hand at making brick spawn therefore get the bricks ready nine in number in hay now got tired fooling with it all day.  There seems to be much live spawn in mushroom bed in garden and I save a a basket or two of it

24.  Monday
Call at Shoots d  Col PM   He is again working for pension.

25.  Tuesday
Wrote letter to Aunt Maria.

26.  Wednesday
Tue planted sweet peas in garden.

27.  Thursday
Maggie comes home P.M.

28.  Friday
Drove down at  got Mrs. Smith to do some washing for Maggie. Frank Ashmore put in door bell.  Marie to Clarks to stay all night.  Louise stays with us all night.

Top of page:  Send 1.00 fo Country Gentleman, Money order for sub. for self.

29.  Saturday

Tue and all hands busy ironing &c.  Didn't hitch up till noon but went up town and paid taxes for Charleston Township 197.80 Realty 6.60 personal 2 checks.  Louise stayed here all night and AM.  They were all at work to fix up Maggie.  She left on 2.45 train  I took her baggage down.  Marie went with me.

30.  Sunday

31.  Monday

March 1902 Mo.Mean 39.6  Clouds 59%   Chart of daily temps.

April 21-24, 1914 and 1889 in charleston, Illinois

April 1914

21.  Tuesday.  6 AM. Ther.  36.  76.  62.  = 58.
Clear. S.3.  repair harness.  Hitch up and go up to vote.  City Election.  They vote only on alderman and City Court.  Miller here fixing ladders and talking of finishing job soon.  I saw Simmons up town.  Mr. Harry Bell died this morning.  Had been sick a long time.  I drove south of town returning by Wrightsville and cutoff.  Had to wait for steam boiler on Finch hill.  The roads are good.  Service blooming, also red bud sugar maple and some other trees.  Sally Campbell called on Tue.  Mrs. Grove was over while at night.  Mostly clear day strong southwind.  Go bed 8.30


22.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther. 56.  86.  66.  =  69 1/3
Clear S.W.2.  Harman phones early and wants me to come out today if possible.  Miller went to work painting - first here since last Oct.  Gets 1 gal oil at Briggs.  I drove down to Buck Berts AM  but did not see him.  Helen came AM and was here to dinner.  Grace S. brought notice "Keep out" home.  Tue went to Mr. Bell's funeral 2 P.M.  The Mexican.   That war situation gets serious.  The first fighting occurred yesterday at Vera Cruz.  Tue gets letter from each Bud and Ph.  Make list seeds from Harris. Tue down to Hats P.M.  I went after her 5 P.M.  She and Hat  had gone to Carmichael's.  I did not find them.  Big show September Morn at Opera house at night.  Tue did not go but went to prayer meet.  There is a small frame building being erected back of opera house.  Part cloudy day with south to W winds.  Looks like rain.  go bed 10.  Miller paints on front porch.


23.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther.  54.  78.  66.  =  66.
Part cloudy E.2.  Miller came 7.  Miller working.  Hitch up 10 A.M.  Mare continues to act worse if anything.  Tue ironing AM.  Drive to Briggs and get gal. of porch paint.  Pay O.J. Ryan 85 cts. for corn bought Monday.  Miller paints all day on porch and south side.  He begins on porch floor we don't like the color of porch and will try to improve it on next coat.  Tue went up town P.M. mails letter for seeds.  Miller quit about 5 P.M.  Mare still vicious and came near getting my left hand while harnessing.  Late PM U drove down to consult Buck Best about her but he  was not at home.  Much cloudy today E. to southerly winds.  Mrs. Toops  calls late P.M.  There has not been much fighting in Mexico yet.  The situation is not encouraging.  Gob 9


24.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.   60.  78.  70.  =  69 1/3
Part cloudy. S.3.  Miller came about 7 and we fix up shade of color for  which suites it better.  Rain stops him 9.  Emmet came 9.30 A, set him to work mowing yard but  rain stops him.  P.O. authorities investing record sent us by Muggs 10th ist.  We have not received it.  Mrs. Grove calls AM Tue still ironing.  Emmett works till 5 AM. mowing yard &c. will come tomorrow.  Mrs. Reasor and Margurite called about noon.  They are down on visit from  Hindsboro.  Speak to Dr. Kincade about mare.  He says can't help her.  Tue went to R.C. P.M. at Chenowith's.   today last R.C. meet this season.  I buy peas at Crims - poor stuff.  Part cloudy and threatening.  Lightening night Sps several  Gob 9.30  R. .15 in

April 1889

21.  Tuesday.  8 AM.  Ther.  43.   68.  60.  =  57.
Partly clear.  Abbott works most of P.M. cleaning up stable.  Buy 3640 lbs. hay of Eley @  8.50.  Mrs. Rogers washed.  Quit smoking tobacco.  Cloudy toward night look like rain lightning N.E. rain with thunder about 11 P.M.  Trade fair  Paid Abbott 25 in full.  Go bed 11 P.M.




22.  Wednesday 6.45 AM.   Ther.  40.  60.  44.  = 48.
Part clear, brisk N.E. wind very chilly.  Start for timber 10 AM.  Milt hauling out lumber.  Will work out my tax and his over on roads next week.  John Handly has moved his (?) about a rod west.  I got home about 7 PM.  Mrs. Faegan helping Tue sew carpet which I bought this AM.  Clear day  Chilly day said to have been light frost this morn.  Gob 12.30




23.  Thursday.  7 AM.  Ther.  54.  73.  65.  =  64
Cloudy strong S.E. winds.  Cloudy all day sprinkles rain several times.  heavy rain about dark and till in night much  lightning, wind S all day.  Trade  dull.  John Kink up with  tow loads of ties says there are but two more in woods.  Mrs.Rogers helping Tue make carpet.  Tue buys a rug of peddler.  Go bed  11 P.M.




24.  Friday 7 AM.  Ther.  65.  73.  52.  =  63 1/3
Part cloudy Mrs. Rogers helping clean front room.  Self not feeling very well.  Dullest trade we have had.  Went down to  R.R. and  counted ties P.M. 229 out.  Kink says there are about  two more loads in woods.  Set out a few tomato plants at night.  Fellows singing and selling books on P. Becton  corner at night.  Order Blackberry Sherry and dry Catauibbor(?) of B.B.& U.  Go bed 11.30 PM.

March 10-11, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, IL

March 1914

10.  Tuesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  32.  52.  38.  = 40 2/3

Clear. S.E.2.  The weather bureau gives hope of warm weather for this week at least.  Receive letter from Phebe AM.  She had gotten packages sent her last week.  I spent several hours sorting over old papers in attic.  Tue  getting ready for Rhoda to wash tomorrow.  Rene phones Tue but she happened to be at Morty's.  Clear and fine much of A.M. but colder after dinner wind shifting to NE and stronger cloudy P.M. with snow flurry sometime in night.  Gobed 9  No Alfred

11.  Wednesday, 6.15 AM.  ther.  28.  34.  30.  =  30 2/3  Av 28 years 40

Cloudy. N.E. 4 ground covered  with "skeft" of snow.  Rhoda's people phone before I got up to say she was sick and couldn't wash today.  Tue went  at it herself after breakfast.  finishing about 2 P.M. when she got ready later went up town with Mrs. Curd to prepare for tomorrow's function.  H.G. called P.M. and engage him to do an errand for me tomorrow.  Gus brought us a dozen eggs  P.M. also brought me some dried apples from Helen.  Mostly cloudy day strong N.E. wind clears off at night.  There was a fine eclipse of the moon from 9 P.M. till 1 AM.  Old fiddlers contest at Opera House at night.  I had intended to go but forgot it.  Gobed  9.30

March 1889

10.  Sunday. 7 AM.  ther.  26.  45.  30.  =  36 2/3

Clear N.W. wind Maggie and Phebe went to Sunday School.  they went up to Davis with the baby a while toward night.  All therm of them have very bad cough.  I went up and talked with Reub Davis a while at night about sawing up my timber.  He did not give me very much satisfaction ~ wants me to buy interest in his mill ~ can't go down there for a month or so anyhow.  Yesterday I made him same offer as agreement with Comer that is  75% of the proceeds for him  25% to me.  Clear day and chilly.  Baby cough very bad at night.   Gobed 9.30 PM.  

11.  Monday  5.30 AM.  ther.  26.  45.  38.  =  36 1/3

Clear wind southerly.  Wrote W.H. White telling him could not take tie contract and deliver on  big time, that is May 30 .  Started to timber about 8.30 getting there about noon.  Rode round on east 40.  Went to Warren and engaged him.  John and Jim to help tomorrow also Riley and Steve.  Bob moving Riley Decker.  Pleasant and roads  pretty dry in places and very rough  River up pretty  high but fordable at Walkers.  gobed 9 P.M.

January 6-7, 1914 and 1889 in Coles County IL

January 1914

6.  Tuesday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  30.  38.  30.  = 32 2/3

Cloudy. W.2.  We have breakfast about 9.  Tue ironing.  Harman Calls AM. bring small piece of meat. 3 1/2 lbs.   Paid 300.00 ck on pasture &c rent.  Was in a hurry so did not settle.  Mail papers to Muggs.  Tue got a card from Kate yest.  Duvall's folks are moving from Mrs. Hawley's house back of us on 4th.  Gus and Helen called at night on way to show at Opera H.  Tue writes again to Mary and Addie.  Mr Prest Lord's daughter will sail on same steamer - the Adriatic next Saturday.  Cloudy day with moderate westerly winds.  Alfred sold us a rabbit this morn which Tue cooks for dinner.  Tue over at Groves at night  Gobed 9

7.  Wednesday. 6.30  AM.  32.  46.  40.  = 39 1/3

Cloudy day, fog.  S.W.2. It soon clears off and first clear day for weeks.  Read and sleep mostly AM.  Can't account for drowsiness unless quitting tobacco.  Went up to  2nd National Bank and deposit Harman's check 300.00  Pay note at bank due in day or two.  Collect 1.50 at Paynes error in settling.  Tue  and Phebe both out P.M.  Alfred came.  Tue attended prayer Meet with Mrs. Brooks night.  Mostly clear day and at night: fresh southwind.  Gobed 9

January 1889

6.  Sunday.  7  AM.  ther.  34.  45?  34.

Cloudy N wind.  Baby cried good deal in night with supposed colic.  Cloudy all day Tue and girls went over to Kate Myers toward night.  Put up box in barn for pigeons.  Let mare out in lot and she jumped over in garden.  roads are getting pretty solid but there is not much (?) hauling being done.  Gobed 9.30 PM

7.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  28.  45.  35.  Clear.  wind S.W. Heavy white frost.   Eleven Decker hauls me two loads of corn.  Took mare after dinner and drive down to Walker Ford crossed river which came in bottom of buggy.  The  roads are not so good as I thought  got home just before dark and took washing down to Mrs. Rogers.  Owins pd me for  logs brought up last summer.  Got couple of small botls.    9 PM

Jim Chapman was buried today.

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.

September 9, 1912 in Charleston, Illinois

9,  Monday    5.30  AM.  Ther.  66.  92.  76. =78.
Clear. SE. 1.  I suffer from heat about as usual but the air not so oppressive.  I  harness mare.  Met Bill Scott AM.  Says will try to sell Mrs. Sexton fence for her part.  Leone and Helen with John call P.M.  Resse came in with her Helen to start her at the Normal which begins today.  She will live at the Dormitory.  I took short drive after supper west part of town.  Seemed to be busy day in Charleston.  There was big show at opera House at night.  Clear day light S.E. wind  8.30