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

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

June 1890

26.  Thursday.  5 AM  Ther  78.97.  80.

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

27  Friday.  4 AM.  Ther 75  98  80

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

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

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

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

June 1901

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*As written

September 17-29, 1900 in Charleston, IL

          September 1900

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 21, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, Illinois

January 1914

21.  Wednesday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  24.  30.  30.  =28.

cloudy. N.W.5. Furnace leaks worse than ever inside.  We have been having BW cakes cakes for breakfast two weeks but skip this morn.  Ora  ate dinner with a friend today.  It is not known how long she will tarry with us.  Tue attends Pictures exhibit at Court House P.M.  Phebe sewing.  They read E. Meter P.M. 1013.  This makes 39 K.W.H. for last month ending today.   This will make our light Dec. cost us about 4.00  Charley Smith did chores.  Alfred has quit - can't afford to do it for a dime.  The girls were up town till bedtime.  Cloudy day with scattering snowflakes.  Strong N.W. wind  Go bed 10 P

January 1889

21. Monday 5.50 AM  Ther.  8.  31.  26.

Clear.  This is the coldest morning since last Mar 8.  Cistern and WW frozen up in Kitchen.  Jim Dawson got half cord of wood.  Mrs. Abe Woodrum  called AM. wanting some coal.  Abe (?) Byres went down yesterday to tie job.  Mrs.  Munroe here P.M.  Clear day with N.W. wind  Gobed 9.30 PM   

January 16- 19, 1914 in Charleston, IL

January  1914

16. Friday. 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  38.  52.  38.

Mostly clear. NW.2  We have been having buckwheat cakes breakfast for week or  two.  They agree with self. Get mare 10 AM.  She has big wound on left hind leg they say by kicking.  It is not serious.  Mail check, $1.75, to  Farmers Review reviewing and extending subscription to Jan 1, 1915.   I drove E and NE town.  Tue to R.C. meet at Popham's.  Leona left some butter.  S.R.W. selling old corn @1.00  I didn't get any but took mare to Nickles.  Carelhers boy drives me down.  Clear day light NW winds  Gobed 9

17.  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  32.  46.  30.  = 36.

Clear wh  fr.  Pay Telephone for Jan. 1.60  Mostly clear day but too cold for me to drive stay at home not feeling well as usual.  Tue and Ora attend Mrs. Walker funeral P.M.   Mary Walemsly calls to see Phebe and Ora P & O  out at night.  Alfred did chores Tue settled with him to date.  Mostly clear day wind shifting from NW to easterly.  Gobed 9

18.  Sunday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  32.  42.  40.  =  .38

cloudy S.E.3. light snow early AM. followed by light rain in all only .10 in.  Tue did not go to church.  Phebe went up for R.H.  Fern was here to dinner and the girls were out at night Mort and Kate came over staying until after dark. Cloudy day SE to S moderate winds~  No rain after 10 AM.  Briggs son Arthur was burned today.  Gobed 9.30

19.  Monday.  6.30  AM.  Ther.  44.  54.  50. = 49 1/3

Cloudy S.2. Ph JEM.  Tue gets letter from Buddy - thinks Chas. has whooping cough.  Tue ironing and not feeling well.  Order mare P.M. and later drive out by grave yard going home by south road.  Get booze at Interurban Sta on way home.  Had to wait a while on agent.  Left mare at Nickles.  Charley Smith did chores says he and Alfred are going to quit.  Rhoda thinks they work too.  Tue and girls attend Art  Exhibition at Court House.  Learn that Joe Maffett is dead.  Cloudy day light S to SW. winds.  thick fog at night.  The roads are sticky and mud not deep.  There are two two freight cars off the track in cut west of Shannons.  There seemed to be good deal travel on roads no autos however.  Gobed 9.

June 11-13, 1913 in Charleston, IL

11.  Wednesday,  5.40  AM.  Ther.  44.  84.  62.  = 63 1/3
Clear.E.1.  Rhoda came early and worked till 2 P.M.  I felt poorly all day on night have gone to Loxa.  Hitch to new buggy Drove SE of town AM.  Met Steve Hall.  His farm in river bottom is suffering from drouth as bad as the uplands.  Rhoda ironed till 2 P when Tue and the girls took in hand.  I tried to write letter to Phelps regarding axles but could not get good start.  Tue  went  to prayer meet at night.  Phebe out with Ora til 10 P.M.  Clear day light easterly winds.  Gobed 9.30

12.  Thursday 5.40 AM.  Ther.  48.  88.  66.  =  67 1/3
Clear, E.1.  Get shave of Yates:  Bob Wilton there.  Harman called a few minutes at barn while was hitching up, said he called to see buggy.  Think he is fixing up scheme about hay but said nothing about it.  I would have gone to Loxa if had not felt so badly  Emmett Fritz called a while P.M.  Says will help at any time after tomorrow.  Gets iron bar.  I try to write letter to H.G. Phelps but fail.  Took Tue  and Charles out to Helens late P.M. getting home after sunset.  Clear day with light variable  winds.  Just like every day this week but drier.  The grass is like tinder.  Henry and Hat were here when we got home.  Mrs. Balch fell from Cherry tree hurting herself.  Dr. Hite and Florence Wright were married tonight.  Gobed 9.30

13.  Friday. 5.30.  AM.  Ther.  50.  90.  70.  =  70.
Clear. S.W.1.  Wrote a hasty letter to Phelps asking advice.  The program today is for me to go to Loxa and rest  of family to dinner at Helens.  I start 9 AM.  Teach Loxa 10 AM. and drove pretty well over place.  Did not meet Cliff.  He does not seem to be doing anything with the clover meadow.  It is ready to cut.  The crops are looking better than average of this season.  Talk while with Cox and start home via Loxa and S. road.  I  saw Mrs. Gaines, Retha's boy was born last Friday.  Hugh putting up fence between  Jones 5a and  our farm.  Get small sack meal of C.H. Jones and reach Helen's about 12.30.  Tue, Phebe, Marie with Charles there and were eating.  I joined them.  the Normal Grocery and adjoining residence burned  2 P.M.  I start home 4 P.M.  the rest follow on 7 P.M. car.  Tue was ordered over to at once.  Rob Mitchell called after I left.  I got home wanting some poles.  He didn't get them.  Clear day light S.W. winds quite sultry but cool night and  and morn.  Jack dog crippled and couldn't go.  Go bed 9.50

February 1- 4, 1913 in Charleston, IL

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

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

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

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

January 29-31, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

29.  Wednesday,  6 AM.  Ther  24.  46.  42. = 37 1/3
Mostly cloudy. S.3.  The house was colder this morn than have noted this winter.  Ther in setting R. 57.   Something wrong with  furnace or the coal.  Rhoda came about 11 AM and washed done before night.  Phebe cutting  out new brown dress.  Harman phoned AM that would be in with some meat P.M. brought 19 3/4 lb lard 8 1/2 sausage, tender loin, spare rib and beef in all 40 lbs. Pay him check 4.80.  He took out old harness he had left in barn.  Fern was here at night.  The snow went off except north hills.  Mostly clear day with strong southerly.

30.  Thursday 6.15 A.M.  Ther.  40.  60. 52. = 50 2/3
Clear. haze, S.3. Phone J.E. M.  Learn that Jessie Dunn's baby died last night after long illness.  Tue got a letter from Marie AM.  Hitch up mare 11 AM., first since Sunday.  The scaves (sic)of funeral procesh (sic) on E side.  Tue went down to Jessies A.M.  I got same P.M. after make two trips.  Look for JEMc 5 PM  didn't see him.  Meet Rogers Bennett with Zoll.  Ora was here at night.  She is thinking of going with Phebe next week to Chicago.  Clear AM but clouds up PM. with dashes of rain 5 P.M. and later strong southwind(sic) becoming N.W. before morning.  Gobed 9 P.M.

31.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.26  34.  10. = 23 1/3
Clear snowfl. (sic) N.W. 3. some light showers early in night.  Harman phones that thinks will finish NW tile today.  They plowed yesterday.  Tue goes to funeral P.M.  Jessie Moffets baby.  Helen Ferrish went with her.  Phebe has friends for supper.  Frances, Ora and Fern and Tue made quit a function of it.  Had a roast of Harman's beef which was fine.  Lear of death of Ike Cassell an old settler from way back.  Mostly clear day with high N.W. wind.  It began to grow colder about noon and we are worried at night for fear W W will freeze.  New WC frozen twice this winter.  Go bed 9 P.M.  I spend much of time sorting over old papers and mags.

The Weather

The weather &c for Jan. 1913.  Average daily mean. 37.1;  Max 60 on 17 and 30.  Min 10 on 12 and 31. Precip. mostly Rain, 5. 91 in .90 on 5th .65 on 6th .60 on 10th 1.00 inch on 16th; 1.41 on 20th and, 83 on 22d an inch or two light snow fell but went off at once.  The Prevailing winds N.5 1/3; N.E. 2/3; E. 1 1/3; S.E. 2; S. 10; S.W. 4; W. 1 2/3, and N.W. 6 days.  The ground has hardly been frozen and they have been plowing this week Cloudiness for Mo, 60%.   Corn say 40.  oats 30.  Hogs 7.00  Eggs 25 butter 30 to 40.  The roads have been very bad and are so still  I have not used roads much.  There has been lots of rain and streams are high.

January 25-28, 1913 in Charleston, IL

25.  Saturday.  6.30  A.M.  Ther. 30.  52.  44. = 42
Mostly clear SW 1 heavy white frost ice 1/4 in.  Tue feeling poorly.  She worked hard all yest. going to R.C. PM. and to show with Phebe at night till 11 P.M.  no wonder.  Somebody called  "New Lee" just after I got up.~~The weather is fair today clear with light SW wind.  Tue went calling P.M.  I undertake to repair her ironing table but make rough job of same.    Mostly clear day and I might have taken long drive but am afraid of the roads and somewhat of mare since her long rest.  Order 1Bu corn I.B.M. at night.  Go bed 9

26.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  36.  56.  42. = 44 2/3
Mostly clear, red early. S.2. light white frost.  Think no frost in ground.  Tue and Phebe attend church A.M.  I hitch up mare AM.  for first time in more than three weeks.  Drove S.W. to S.W. cor. city limits.  Gravel roads mushy.  Other roads look very bad Most clear day strong Southwest winds getting NW after dark and colder.  Ora here night.  Ray helps me unhitch at night.  I got home 12.30 P.M.  too chilly for me to drive P.M. Gobed 10.

27.  Monday,  6.15.  A.M.  Ther.  28.  40.  36. + 34 2/3
Part clear N.N.W. 3.  ice 3/16.  The furnace grate is balking again.  It takes an hour or two this morn to loosen it up.  2 keys for front door sent  for 17th inst recd this morn.  Tue and Phebe washing things with gasoline today, after which Tue  went over to Mrs. Brooks' returning about dark.  Much clear with northwesterly light winds.  Ora here at night sewing with Phebe.  They moved machine into E. Chamber P.M.  Self not so well.  Have been eating too heartely (sic).  Gobed 10 P.M.



28.  Tuesday.  6.45.  Ther.   36.  42.  28. = 35 1/3
Cloudy and snowing.  S.W.1  I began to snow about 7 AM from S.W. covering ground in few moments.  I did not sleep much ona/c of hearty supper.  Phebe gets letter from M. & D.  Ann Arbor Mich.  Pay telephone for Dec. 1.50 . Gasoline wash still continues Phebe is preparing to go to Ann Arbor again.  She will go by way of Chicago stopping there a while.  It snowed this morn a while; when it ceased wind shifted to north remaining there then.  Cloudy day.  Then up to 42 at 10 AM but down to 30 at noon most clear night.  Gobed 9


Note:  An article of interest: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/historyonline/housework.cfm

January 17-19, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

17.  Friday.  6.30 A.M.  Ther.  56.  60.  56.  = 57 1/3
Mostly cloudy. S.W.3  Have not heard from Geographic since writing them with remittance of 2.00 Dec. 18.  Mail checks P.M.  to Fuller Bros 20.75 Coal  Tucker Bros 3.50 concrete basement.  Gray & Gray shoe bill to date.  Russell and Erwin New Brittain (stamps) for two front door keys.  Tue mailed and stamped  these letters.  I did not go up town.  Tue attends RC at Iknyans P.M.   Ray Bennett levels up stables.  Tue attends church at night with Mrs. Webster.  Fern N and Ora here evening.  I lie on lounge which we moved to dining room last week.  Look over many  old papers &c AM.  Cloudy day with light rain at times (.10) R. strong southerly winds.  The rains yesterday raised branch some.  Gobed 10 P.M.

Pay I.B.Mitchell & Son Gro a/c to Jan 1 1913 _ 187.1
Tue takes check late P.M. Sat.

18.  Saturday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  36.  40.  32.  = 36.
Mostly clear W. 2.  Rene phoned Tue to come over to Mattoon.  Which she did  on 10 car returning 3.  Phebe ironing.  We got small box of N. Yakima Apples from M & C, from Buddy.  I had a hard tussel with furnace late P.M.  Ray helping.  This coal is very dirty, full of stone.  Bright clear day NW wind I did not get out.  Mort and Kate over at night till nearly 10 oc.

19. Sunday 6.30 AM.  Ther.  34.  56.  60 = 50
Mostly clear early S.3.  Wh. fr. ice 1/4.  Tue went to church AM.  getting R.H. I wrote two firms for literature on Motor Plows.  Fern and Ora call late P.M. making candy with Phebe.  I had thought of taking drive today but did not feel like hitching up.  The roads are reported very muddy except gravel.  The branch still runs  good stream.  River water muddy.  Cloudy day with strong southerly Part clear at night.  Tue attends church at night.  warm day for winter  Gobed  10 P.M.

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

1913

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

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

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

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

1888

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

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

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

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

January 11-12, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, IL

1913

11,  Saturday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  42.  40.  26. =36.Booze came AM from Mc.
Cloudy, fog.  S.2. R later.  Cloudy day, snow flurries at night.  Tue took up and deposited  Harman check at 2nd Natl. 378.14 .Walter Smith fixes grate which had gotten off again.  I did not go uptown and am feeling poorly yet.  Lee and Law take N. Chamber @ 10.00.

12.  Sunday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  10.  24.  20.  = 18.
Clear N.W.2. One of our coldest to date.  Tue didn't attend church.  Phebe got Sunday paper.  Frances and Ora were here at night.  The three call on Mrs. Mellissa(sic) Stoddert who is sick.  Gobed 9

1888

11.  Wednesday.  6 A.M.   Ther.   5.  16.  13.

Clear.  I built fires all round this morning, Father lying in bed till nearly 7 A.M.  Mrs. Rogers came to  wash.  Mr. Abbott finished sawing wood.  Kate Purill called AM.  Maggie was promoted today to the third room.  Kate Davis.  Phebe remain at home and is feeling pretty well, she went up town with me P.M.  Hat down in afternoon.  Learn that  Al Prevo has come from Ala.  The (?) R.R. took four sets of my switch ties today .  to be paid for on next estimate.  Go bed.  10  PM.  Not feeling very well.  Compared a/c with Skidmore today and owe them $6.55.

12.x  Thursday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  18.  36.  40.

Cloudy.  Wind came up in night from S.E. icing in force.  None of us rested well last night.  Began snowing at 10 AM. turning to hail by noon and finally  to rain got warmer all day.  Settle with W.G. Wright owed him balance of 13.08.  Tue sick all day.  Got dinner at 4oc.  There was probably 2 1/2 in of snow fell.  Self not feeling very well today.  gobed 9.30 P.M.

December 27-29, 1912 in Charleston. IL

27.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther.  22.  30.  24.  = 25 1/3
Clear S.W. 3.  Wh frost. ice 3/8 in.  Rhoda came early and work most of day.  Washed took out ashes brought up coal.  Alfred not evident.  Phone J.E. in A.M. for same.  Hitch up and "deliver" same 3 P.M.  Tue had callers, Mrs. Curd and others.  We got box of things from Muggs.  My share was a large reading glass.*  I drove a little while P.M.  Too cool for pleasure.  All but self seem to have bad colds.  Friends call to see Buddies.  Alfreds mother did his work.  the roads and streets are dry and dusty.  Clear day S.W. wind.  Gobed 9

*I wonder if this is the one Grandpa Reasor used when I was a kid.  Does anyone know who in the family has that ?

28.Saturday.  6.15 A.M.  Ther.  24.  54.  40. = 39 1/3
Clear S.S.W. 2.  White frost, ice.  The loss of tobacco makes me drowsey. They get letter (card) from Muggs A.M.  Charles got Bud up 2 A.M. with Threatened cramp.  I  hitch up noon; drive later S.W. and S.  The roads are excellant.  I was  up town P.M.  Tue and Charles  on sick list.  Tue went up to  Dr. Starr for meddy for both.  One Mr. Marvel called to see Phebe.  We got card from Muggs.  Alfred came P.M. to do chores first time he has shown up for a week or two.  Think my new shoes pretty close.  Clear day S.3.  Go bed 9.30 P.M.

29.  Sunday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  34.42.  40.  = 38 2/3
Clouding up S.3. ( clear early)  Ice very light.  the ground is frozen a little.  Cloudy day strong southerly wind.  I didn't hitch up.  Buddy got the paper.  Phebe went  to Mattoon with Ora returning 3 P.M.  Charles and Turrie (Tue) feeling better.  Snow flurries AM light rain at times P.M.  Precip. .15  I didn't hitch up but had thought seriously of going to ranch had it been pleasant day.  Go bed. 9 P.M.

December 4, 1912 & 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

1912

4, Wednesday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  40.  54.  50.  = 51 1/3

Fog.  Light cloudy.  A.M. out of feed except our bale hay.  I get start Loxa 10.30 A.M.  They are still putting crushed rock on north road at Carral bridge.  Mare got scared at two squirrels near Jo Reat's place and tried to run away.  I drove through Loxa but saw nobody but Ora.  Went on to west side.  Look over Sexton line.  Pick up more crab apples near W. line.  Drove into  and north on NW 40.  Harman spotted me soon  as I arrived.  We drive along NW branch.  He wants to put in some tile there on own hock.  We return to B.C. shed and from there over to  Harmans meeting Jimmy Miller.  Harman loads up sack corn for me and I start home about 3 P.M.  Preston wants to give up his claims on place and take a farm of Hardin.  Jack went eating  much of  lunch I got home 4.30 P.M.  Alfred  choring . took out ashes.  Roads moist, little mud.  Part cloudy light easterly winds.  I slept after in "den" until after 10 light rain say 9 P.M. .05.  Gobed 10.30

1887

4.  Sunday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  54.  42.  30.

Mostly clear wind S.W. getting  W or NW.  People call  good deal.  Bert and Rene* came about noon.  Did not have time to eat  much dinner.  The church was well filled and there were a good many out at the graveyard.  Hat says H.G**. is sick and he did not go out.  Kate Myers and Kate Perrill stayed with our children.  The baby (Marie)*** was very bad for awhile at night and cried constantly till 8 P.M.  John Snider^ stopped here a little while on way home.  Gobed 9 P.M.

* Fan and Tue's brother and wife.

**Charles' brother.

***(Marie)  This appears to have been added many years later.  Charles has yet to refer to Marie by her name.  He calls her baby.

^ John Snider is Fan's husband.

Charleston, Illinois on October 13, 1912

13,   Sunday. 6  A.M.  Ther.  42.  66.  46. + 51 1/3
Part Cloudy.  N.W.2.  Maggie got Record Herald and later A.M. went with Hat and Ora on a drive taking dinner with them.  Tue went to Church A.M.  I drove S. to Walker Ford which cross and return by Blakeman Bridge get home 3 P.M. after starting at 11 AM.  Mort and Kate over an hour or two, but I didn't see them.  Clear day with light N.W. wind.  A fine day for driving and I got very tired.  I took mare to Nickles.  Ferd Snyder arrived from Oklahoma about midnight.  Gobed 9.30

It is July 21, 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago

Sunday, July 21, 1912 ,  5.50 AM   Ther.  78.  86.  76. = 78 2/3

Cloudy SW 3  There was light showers (to) about 3 AM.  Threatening morn.  I got  R.H. and then stat for timber E. but return after getting halfway occasional weather.  Storm struck us about noon.  Heavy rain with great thunder and lightning for short time.    Tue phones no rain at Bert's.  After dinner late P.M. drove to woods E.  No mushrooms worth bring home.  Return by Westfield road, getting home 6.30.  Take Mare to Nickles.  Phebe out at night with Ora.  Go bed 9.30

125 Years Ago

Thursday, July 21, 1887,  6 AM  Ther.  75.  95.  73.

Cloudy but soon clears off.  Several very light showers with some thunder in night.  Maggy walked out of bed in night but didn't happen to hurt her.  Get another letter from Cuthbert saying he could get 10c rate and would take several cars red oak @17.oo  Start down to timber about 9 AM and get back at 4.  Mare behaved very well.  Some cloudy.  Showers in distance.  Apparently heavy thunder shower passed south of us about 4 PM.  Tue  has been ironing today.  Air close, cooler night.  Gobed 9 PM.

june 13,1912 & 1887 in Charleston, IL

100 Years Ago

Thursday, June 13, 1912  5.30 AM.  Ther.  62.  86.   70 = 72 2/3

Part Cloudy E.2.  I felt poorly this morn.  Rhoda Smith comes to wash.  Try all AM to Phone Nick getting him at noon.  Package got 3 P.M.  Rhoda finished at noon staying to dinner.  Tue and Phebe went funeral P.M.  Geo.  Lippincott.  He was injured by cars a few days ago.  Tue was down to Hats while P.M.  Light rain with some thunder began say 4 P.M. continues till dark.  Fern Nichols who has been away trimming(?) home today.  She and Ora call at night.  There was appearance of heavy rain N.W.  Hope it reached Loxa.  Mostly cloudy P.M.  Gobed 9.30

125 Years Ago

Monday, June 13, 1887  6.30 AM  Ther 71. 86. 68. 

Clear, Baby not very well but not yet broken out.  Mrs. Laird washes.  Father and I went after hedge twice afternoon to Hickory.  Maggie and Ruth went after supper.  Her worms are mostly spinning.  CG  doesn't feel pretty well today.  Hot day, perfectly clear.  Milt Davis over at night.  Timesexpress(?) Lecture on street at night.  This is the  30 day for my worms.  Rene called P.M.  Write letter to M.N. Uri and to Ch Bot works.  Gobed 10 P.M.

June 6, 1912 and 1887 In Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago 

Thursday, June 6, 1912,  5 AM.  Ther. 64. 74.62. - 66 2/3

Partly cloudy. N,N,W,  The  "shower" in night might just laid the dust.  Phebe and Ora occompany (sic) friend Mrs. Campbell to Paris and left on 6.22 train.  Fix up some paint and give porch floor one first coat.  Mort is reported better this morn.  Mrs. G. not so well.  Start Loxa 10 return with cherries and start again after dinner.  Fred Harman mowing and plowing 1/2 piece of clover.  Slict helping him.  Thane have about half broken and include it with piece on west in B.C.

I went out to measure old barn &c so we  can shingle.  It is 26ft. square with one third pitch to roof. Harman says can get material same in Mattoon delivered.  Did not visit house.  Drove west part of place.  Oats looking better.  Seem to have good stand young clover with oats.  Go home through Loxa and S. road.  Stop Hedkens for buttermilk.  this has been busy day in country.  The roads are good.  Go home 6 P.M.  Kate B. called after supper.  Have promised take her over river tom.  All hands to show at night.  Gobed 9.30


125 Years Ago
Monday , June 6, 1887, 5.30 AM.  Ther.  73.  89.  74
Mostly clear, Father and self went after osage in morning and again at night - took silk worms at home up stairs.  The mice began on those at the store.  Set trap for them at night.  Mary Frackler Kindergarten begins, but our girls don't go.  Write E.D. Davis accepting bill of 38000 ft. bridge lumber to be delivered Aug.  "Our son" says city must have 500 ft 2" x 8" - 6' at once. Write to  Deunway sending 62.00 and order case beer.  Drive while at night with Tue.  Gobed 10 P.M.

June 4 1912 and 1887 in Charleston, Illinois

100 Years Ago

Tuesday, June 4, 1912,  6 A.M.  Ther. 60. 76. 60. = 65 1/3

Mostly cloudy N.3.  there was light shower probably toward morning (.02)  Tue complaining of pain in her hip for past week.  Self have sore on cheek which have nursed for a  month.  Meter reading 389.000.  Get shave's at Browns pd .15.  Get some lumber and nails at  Andrew's to repair back porch.  Mostly clear day cloudy some P.M. with sprinkle rain say 5 P.M.  Tue  and I drive out to Helen's late P.M. getting buttermilk &c.  Gus working at his milk.  Phebe and Ora out.  Tue over to Library.  Go bed. 9 PM _

125 Years Ago

Saturday, June 4, 1887, 7 AM  Ther 75. 87.73.

Clear.  Delia thinks she has the measles this morning and I took her home before noon.  Maggie going with me.  Father and self went after osage in morning and again in night.  The silk worms which have not been doing very well seem better today but the ants are after them again.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  Comer came up toward night.   Has ill ready to go to work Monday morning .  I recd. letter from ED Doire with bill for  38,000 ft.  Drove with comer down to Winston's.  Go bed at 10.30