February 1 - 11, 1891 in Coles County Illinois

February 1891

1.  Sunday. 7 AM  Ther 38.  31  25.

Cloudy NW.  Went up to store 9 AM. and scour up spoons &c till after noon.  Tue complaining with neuralgia all day better at night girls went to S.S.  Dark and damp grows colder before noon.  Caught roosters at night gobed 1030  

2.  Monday 6.30 AM.  Ther 20.  47.  47.

Clear with SE wind, heavy white frost.  Nick on hand this morning. all right.  There was an alarm of fire this morning  Harry Lawle house.  Mrs. R. failed to come today as was expected.  Maggie and Phebe went up to Davis at night.  Trade quiet Ground hog day the  The sun shone out brightly this morning  Mostly Cloudy day wind SES SW & W.   Grows colder at night go bed 11.30.

3.  Tuesday 7 AM.  Ther 3. 14.  16.

Clear, strong NW wind /snow and Sleet in night about 1 in snow on ground  Self about sick today  Got 7-10 butter of Harrison in rolls  Kill two roosters this AM and pick.  They have caught 4 of suspected P.O.  thieves.  Trade very dull.  Clear day with W wind  Gobed 12

4. Wednesday,  7 AM.  Ther -5.  17.  16. 

Clear with N.W. wind.  Began growing colder about 8 P.M. yesterday thermometer falling from 16 to about zero at midnight  15 gross flasks came today from Auder(?) Ind  Mrs Rogers took washing home.  Mrs. Knock called PM  Charley Bond paid me for lumber got some time ago  Fresh S. winds at night gobed midnight.

5.  Thursday, 7 AM.  Ther  18.  47.  33.  

Clear, S wind.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  Rec.  2 Bbl Mallingly Whiskey today out of bonel(?).  Trade light.  Pleasant day clear with strong SSW what little snow was on the ground ha disappeared  Gobal 11.30

6.  Friday. 7 AM.  Ther.  26.  47.  34.

 Clear /sw wind.  Green drummer here.  John Simons up.  Warren brought load of 50 posts.  Lizzie Decker wants to make maple sugar on shares.  Brownfield cleaned out out stable and sawed some wood in afternoon.  Collect 2 mo rent of John Cadle 2.00.  Post master from Brocton here and they another of robbing gang - Ed Melville  Clear day with Southerly wind. still night gobed 11 PM ~~

7.  Saturday.  7.30 AM.  Ther.  34.  45.  32.

Cloudy and raining lightly. Wind N. sunshine some more before noon dark day and roads said to be pretty bad   Uncle John was in town but didnt  come down.  Trade only moderate.  Hat was down to supper.  The  girls spent afternoon at Fishers gobed 1

8.  Sunday.  730 AM.  Ther 31.  42  34  

Foggy.  S.E. wind. Girls went to S.S. Interested to go to Ranch but afraid it might rain.  Did rain light shower just after dark Cloudy day with SE wind.  Maggie went to church at night.  Self feeling badly P.M.  gobed  10 PM

9.  Monday.  7 AM.  28.  25.  21

Cloudy wind NW and growing colder.  Perrill taking fencing off bottom lot.  Mrs. Rogers washes AM.  Riley Decker up settle with him 1.25 for posts to date says he will go to work at once on ties on ridge s. of mill.  Sent word to Simons to make sugar troughs.  Tue and Marie visit Mrs. Knock P.M. old Mike Kelly died yesterday.  Cloudy day with occasionally a snow flake wind w. or N.W.  Trade great  gobed 12.30

10.  Tuesday.  7 m.  Ther.  10  30  23

Cean with NW wind.  Alex Fisher took half a cord of Warren wood.  Went down to collect Rodes & W. Bill.  Walk up track and look at ties   Find there has been a mistake.  Col Connolly here examine  Ed Melodle Brocton P.O. Burgler.  They decide to hold him and will take him to Springfield tomorrow  Clear day with w or Nw wind.  Tue  went to  church taking Phebe.  Gobed  11.30 ~~

11.  Wednesday, 730 AM.  Ther  20.  40.  32.

Mostly clear.  SE wind.  light white frost.  Get new kick rein for harness at Skidmores  Start for ranch about 2 P.M.  Find roads bad most of the way got there before dark.  Warren went Fox hunting getting in at 2 in morning  Old White face was bred on 8th visit to John Handleys bull.  Simons made a lot of troughs today for maple trees  gobed 9 PM mostly cloudy day with southerly wind.

  

January 21-31, 1891 in Charleston, Illinois

January 1891

21.  Wednesday.  7 AM  Ther 31  37  29

Cloudy and damp, wind W.  was probably sprinkles from before daylight  Chet Bennet brought up load of 55 posts, very small, Uncle John was down to dinner.  I got too much fire under meat today and injured it some.  Mrs. Rogers ironed in afternoon.  Hat was here to supper  Tue stills feels badly.  Trade dull.  Cloudy with mist and light rain and W wind.  NW at night and clearing.  Gobed  1230

22.  Thursday  7 AM.  Ther  29.  35.  29

Cloudy, wind w about 1/2 in snow on ground fell last night occasional snowflakes most of day, dark and disagreeable Briggs offers bottom field for 500 dollars  Tue feeling some better.  Crail works over stable  manure and cleans out stable.  Gobed 1230 ~~

23.   Friday  7  AM.  Ther  24. 34.  27.

Clear, light wh. frost.  Clouds up AM and cloudy day with 'westerly wind.  NW toward night clear at 9 P.M.  Tue feels better today Self not very well took med at night.  Trade very quiet and has been all the week.  We do not decide to buy Briggs' lot thought would wait and consult Uncle John.  Mrs. Curt Davis here P.M.  Kate Davis over toward night  Gobed 12.45

24.  Saturday.  7.30 AM.  Ther 23.  26.  18

Cloudy.  Turie can't decide to buy Briggs lot Uncle John was down to dinner but we said nothing about it to him.  Johnny Decker was up settle with him to date.  He reports that Nannie goat got killed in hog pen.  Heard that Latta and Alex Richter were going into the saw mill business.  Father not very well.  Hat was down at night and stayed to supper.  Trade light for Saturday Order claret and rum from Meyer.  Partly cloudy day.  Clear at night.  Wind N.W.  Roads are said to be rough  gobed. 

 25.  Sunday, 8 AM.  Ther.  20,  41,  32.

Clear, Wind S. Heavy  white frost.  Tue did not go to church.  I start for ranch 3.45 getting there about dark John and Lucy gone to meeting Rile Decker and Warren there.  Clear day with westerly wind, roads good much of the way. river very low.  Go bed, 9 AM.

26.  Monday  6 AM.  Ther.  29.  37.  36.

Partly cloudy.  John fixes to separate sheep so can feed the thin ones, and burn brush.  I walk out to rye No. 2 find it looking pretty well.  John and Rile go to work at posts in river hills.  Lizzie and Lucy are willing to tend a small field of onions on shares (half) I to furnish land and seed John and I look at Fritz hollow and think it will do first rate.  I started home after dinner John went to  F Hol with me.  Got home 5 PM. been sick since Saturday has not been to stove.  Buy lot of Briggs for 510.00 go bed  10.15  PM  Bob Reat died.

Top of page:  Post Office was broken into last night young Drummer arrested for same today.

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.~~

28.  Wednesday, 6 A.M.  Ther  40  46  42

Cloudy and raining lightly, continuous till afternoon sunshine occasionally PM.  foggy at night.  Nick not round yet.  Uncle John in town has been to Snider several days  Stays all night with us  Hat was down to supper.  R A Reat was buried today.  John Reat was buried today.   John Snider of town died last night  Trade quiet go bed go bed 12

29. Thursday  7 AM  Ther  41.  51.  37.

Cloudy, wind S.  Nick still sick.  I went up before getting my breakfast  Look over records at Court house regarding the lot in the bottom.  John Snider was buried today.  Brownfield cleaned out stable.  Mrs. Rogers ironed  Trade fair warm and pleasant with SW wind tell about  1 P.M. wind charged to W strong.  gobed 12

30. Friday.  6.45 AM.  Ther 27  44  .36

Part cloudy.  Nick not yet up town P.O. inspector here examiner Drumifer P.O. robbery suspect Ed Bond was brought to town crazy to night.  Father still complaining.  Somewhat cloudy day wind variable.  Gobed 12

  

31 Saturday 6.30 AM   38  46  42  

Cloudy with light rain which continued till night with short rests.  Uncle John in town but not down to dinner.  the deed for Phillips farm have come.  Nick was up town today first time since last Saturday but he didn't stay long  Cloudy wet day Trade better than expected  Gobed 12

February 2-7, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County IL

February 1890

2.  Sunday, 8 AM.  Ther. 36.  45.  49.  =  43 1/3
Cloudy. damp day.  Felt badly all day and didnt go up to store.  Tue and Phebe went to Hats after dinner  Did not rain today although looking much like it.  Go to bed 9. P.M.

3.  Monday 6.30 AM.  Ther  49.  70.  60.  =  59 2/3
Part cloudy.  Milt Drake up with for load of corn  Mare sick didn't take much.  Warren took down load for Simons.  Milt says will leave  house pretty soon.  R. Decker came up with him.  Old Mrs. Bunch was buried today.  Partly clear day and warm light shower about 5 P.M.  Warm night.  Gobed 10.30 ~

4.  Tuesday.  7 P.M.  Ther. 57.  72.  63.  =  64
Cloudy wind South changing to SW and at night W.  Warm spring day with strong wind  Roads very bad but drying  fast.  John Snider sent teams up for load of Simons things and Warren took another load.  Simons is now moved into Wes Deckers and will go into my home as soon as Milt goes out.  Tue makes Maggie stay home from school AM.  Gobed 10 PM.  

5.  Wednesday 7 AM  Ther  43.  45.  37.  =  41 2/3
Cloudy.  Wind, N.  Turner patches roof sp. rain AM.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  He has sold the Gage house making about five hundred on it.  Walter McKinley died this morning of consumption.  Brown drummer here P.M. also Cohert.  Turner patches house roof in morning cloudy Cool north wind  11.30 PM.

6.  Thursday  6.30 AM.  Ther.  27.  40.  35.  =  34.
Part cloudy.  Self sore throat been coming on for several days.  Stay home most of day.  Hat here in P.M.  Got some catalogues of Ralf Hunon.  Bought some oysters at night E and NE wind all day and signs of snow.  Trade quiet Gobed 11PM.

7.  Friday. 7 AM.  Ther  30.  40.  34.  =  38
Snowing, NEasterly wind.  Got a letter from Aunt Mary Hildreth this morning.  Sell half cord wood to  Martin.  Lou Reynolds hauls me  a load of wood.  Still got sore throat and go up town only little while toward night  Snow till 9 or 10 AM wind gets in N.W. grows colder at night.  Gobed 9.30
Sold Calf to Bill Myers for 12.00

February 1901

2.  Saturday. 6.30 AM.  Ther.  30.  36.  32.

Cloudy and snowing Slept late, was wokened by carrier with speed delivery letter form Phebe telling that she had lost draft $36.00 sent her the other day write to Phebe and tell Wheatly of the loss.  Mrs. Perrill and Kate came AM. and will stay a few days with us.  Kate is running a millinery store at Wellsville, O.  Snow continued all day from the S.E. about 5 in. damp and heavy.  Clara went up after chickens &c. at night.  I slept on lounge in sitting room.  Gobed 12 oclock after reading an hour or two.  Ground hog didnt see his shadow today.

3.  Sunday. 7 AM.  Ther.  34.  45.  32.  =  37

Cloudy and raining  wind S.E. quite heavy rain most of A.M. and snow settles fast.  Mort and Kate over to dinner and stay till night.
Take two exposures of party in sitting room after dinner.  Sure came out came in P.M.  Kate Perrill not very well.  Wind got round to west toward night and grows colder.  Clara went to church at night.  I slept on lounge going to bed at 11 P.M. Alarm of fire  P.M.  H. Hildreth called PM but did not stay.

4.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  25.  27.  14  =  22

Cloudy weat wind.  Kate Perrill and her mother went over to Groves after dinner  Methodist Aid Society meeting there.  Send check to A. Richter for coal 21.53  Have about enough to last till Mar. 1.  They move the P.O. yesterday to NW room in court house from Jefferies building on S. side.  Take picture of Clara in kitchen P.M.  Helen here toward night  Develop three plates at night.  Tue and Marie over at Groves.  Clear day N.W. wind.  quite slipery on side walks.  Mrs. P. and Kate stay at Groves at night.  Gobed 10.30 PM. _

( some where I have this picture of Clara)

5.  Tuesday.  5.20  A.M.  Ther.  7.  18.  10.  =  11 2/3

Clear N.W. wind.  House rather cool this morning Clara washing.  Get some chemicals and make up new solutions after dinner and spend P.M. at that and toning some cards  Maggie out at night.  Rest of us play cards tell had time.  Clear N.W. cold day.  Gobed 10 P.M.

6.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  4.  26.  14  =  14 2/3

Mostly clear.  Sprained knee very bad in Kitchen this morning.  I was quite painful all day.  Jim Pugh mends buggy shafts P.M. leaves picture of Laura and family  they are staying at Grove's Tue at Groves at night girls and self play cards  Mostly clear day.  Owen Curd was buried today.  Gobed 11 P.M.

7.  Thursday.  7 AM.  ther  20.  35.  28  =  27 2/3

Cloudy and light snow wind easterly.  My knee better this morning.  Clara got up and made fires.  Clara ironing all day.  Tue making shirts for me.  John Simons called about noon and we settle for hauling corn. 10.35

5.70 for S 4.65 for Warner. 207 bush.  Still have crib of about 150 bu at Simons place.  Give him lot of old Country Gentleman.  Clear up lot of old spoiled plates and tone some prints P.M.  Miss Perrill and Kate came and remain all night.  Mort and Kate over till 9 P.M.  Self bad toothache at night and didn't sleep much.  Cloudy day S.E. wind  Gobed 9 P.M.  Drop line to J.M. Stevens regarding mortgage.

December 5-8, 1889 and 1900 in Coles County Illinois

December 1889

5.  Thursday, 6 AM.  Ther. at C.  40.  50.  43  =  44 1/3

Cloudy and damp  Did not rain much last night Johnny came at 7.45  Made two  portable racks for the sheep and think have about room enough.  Start home at 2 P.M.  going by Jo Handlys.  Told Jim Cassady to send me over a  thousand pounds of corn and oats ground.  Got home 6 P.M. roads bad wind N. Misty - gobed 1200.

6.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther  35.  50.  43  =  42 2/3
Nearly clear.  Turie 33 years old today.  Mostly clear fine day with easterly wind   Got letter from Whilt saying would pay 38 cts. for ties.  Bought lot of hinges and bolts at Stodderts for barn and gates   Hat here most of day and to supper.  Tue had Marie's picture taken for first time.  The P.O. has new outfit of boxes put in this week, took box 26 lock box.  Tue not very well.  My foot hurt last Tuesday hurts worse today.  Gobed Midnight

7.  Saturday, 7 AM.  Ther  44.  53.  32  = 49 2/3
Cloudy, misty.  Have caught cold- sore throat.  Uncle John in town and down to dinner.  Pete Snider paid old a/c. Pay Goodwin for family ice last summer  $3.90.    Trade fair.  Dark cloudy with SE wind.  foggy and heavy mist at night.  Tue still complaining.  Mrs. Fanigan here in evening  Warren took down lot of hinges and bolts  Self not up till 1.30 AM.    Grows warmer in night  Tue had Marie sit for photos at (?).

8.  Sunday.  7.30 AM.  ther.  60.  65.  47.  =  57 1/3
Part cloudy wind SW.  Tue still feeling badly  Girls went to S.S.  Tue went down to Dowlings, about  noon, and  stayed till night mostly clear day  Gobed  11 PM ~

December 1900

5.  Wednesday.  5.45 AM.  Ther  33.  40.  33  =  35 1/3

Mostly cloudy Build fire for washer in cellar  See washwomen says they can't come  till tomorrow morning.  Start to Loxa 10 AM Jo cutting blackberry patches in orchard.  John Gaines staying there is (?).  Jo will come to town tomorrow and haul over Mrs. Knocks wood also other work.  Left 3 P.M. stop at Dishons but can't get one of the girls  Drive down south of Loxa  See Crass girls but they couldn't come.  I get home 6 P.M.  Tue not feeling well.  Mostly clear day NW wind gobed 8.30 PM

6. Thursday.  5.20 AM.  Ther 27.  40.  42.  =  39 2/3

Clear southwind.  Heavy white frost.  Went uptown for sack corn meal.  Tue expecting company today,  Mrs.Knock and Mrs. John Hamalton of Mattoon.  Gaines came about 8 AM and hauled over Mrs. Knocks wood  He left about noon taking load of manure, also some shingles for patching roofs.  Warren Decker was up   I followed  him out nearly to Normal.  Says Brown sawed a day or two on custom work, this week.  Tue went up to Court House with her visitors after dinner.  Mrs. Lloyd and daughter wash AM. and will iron  Saturday.  Mostly cloudy day southerly wind occasional light sprinkles with drizzly rain at  night  Gobed 9 P.M.

7.  Friday.  6 AM.  Ther.  42,  37.  34.  =  37 2/3

Cloudy and raining lightly.  Somewhat foggy early Wind Northerly, Drizzly rain all day.  I  stay at home most of day.  Didn't hitch up till about noon.  Did not eat any dinner.  Took Tue to Reading Circle  at Dr. Ritters on Van Buren St. and went after her.  It quit raining before dark  Gobed after getting asleep on lounge 10 P.M.

8.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther 32  42.  34.  =  36

Cloudy N.W. wind.  Mrs. Lloyd and daughter come to iron finishing before noon.  Tue and Mrs. Grove attend Orchestral Concert at Normal P.M.  I went out to Gaines P.M. getting home 6 P.M.  Loins back cow had red heifer calf this morning and Jo had her in barn trying ti milk her Big calf.  Mostly clear day with S.W. wind very chilly.  Roads muddy except gravel and pavement.  Wrote Mort Neal this morning answering letter from him yesterday referring to Walnut logs.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

February 23-28, 1914 in Charleston IL and 1914 Feb weather

February 1914

23.  Monday. 4.30  AM.  Ther.  12.  18.  14.  = 14 2/3

Cloudy and snowing N.E.5.  Snow seems to be about six inches deep.  Drifted badly and can't tell much about.  Phebe got away at 5.40 for 5.55 car.  She  soon returns no chance of her to make Havana trip today.  The  Methodist church was destroyed with only $6,000 ins.  It was valued at 22,000.  Cold and stormy most of day with light snow till toward. (sic)  The late coal is half slack and snow.  This makes mud.  Alfred came to chore but employed him mostly digging out  paths.  Will come tomorrow P.M.  Chas still sick.  Godbed 8.30 P.M.

24.  Tuesday.  4.30 A.M.  Ther.  .4 26.  12.  = 14.

Clear.  NE.2.  Phebe makes another start on 6 car getting far as Mattoon  Can get no farther for day or two.  Order through 436 Same to be sent today.  Phebe gets home before noon.  Mrs. Curd called P.M.  H.G.  went to Interurban Sta for  same toward night.  ~~  Alfred did chores.  I did not get out.  We get yesterday's R.H. today.  The storm was general through middle west and traffic is still  tied up  Phebe will try  H again  tomorrow morning.  Clear day with light N.E. winds.  gobed 9

25.  Wednesday. 4.30 AM. Ther.  34.  24.  = 20.

Clear. E.1.  Phebe got off on 5.55 car.  Rhoda came 7 AM. to wash getting done by noon. Pd. 75c.  Tue expects to do ironing herself.  Alfred came but Tue  tells him to wait till the marrow.  She went up town late P.M. and incidentally over to Grove's.  It is supposed that the old Vail stable property  N.W. cor Mad and 6th has been selected for P.O.  clear day southerly light wind.  Self and Tue  not well both grouchy.  Gobed 9.

--------------------------------------------------------

Theodore Rau Soldiers home St. James MO.

Av Temp 24 years 34

26.  Thursday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  10.  44.  34.  =  29 1/3

Clear. S.W.1.  Tue has been invited out to dinner at Mrs. Curds and went about 11 AM.  I cook self some rice for dinner and make pot of mush (patent)   Tue got letter from Buddy yesterday.  We expected to hear from Phebe today but did not.  S got letter from Theodore Rau at St. James. MO.  Says Muggs advised him to write me about mushrooms.  Alfred  did chores.  We owe him for three trips.  Tue  got home about  5 P.M.  Harman phones at night.  Will finish hauling BC tomorrow.  Part clear day hazy.  Light SW winds  Gobed 8.30

27.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  30.  46.  36.  =  37 1/3

CloudyS.2. Fog early.  We ate breakfast 9 AM.  Tue ironing AM.  She went to RC at Elwoods 2 P.M.  We were disappointed at not hearing from Phebe today.  Grace Sefton called P.M. to inquire about the girls.  Alfred calls but don't let him work.  Tue gets home about 6 P.M.  Most clear day except fog a while in morning.  Harman called 4 P.M. having gotten through with the BC.  He got  110.00 for straight and 50.00 for crook.  I got 276.46 for my third.  This  is from say 35 acres. a poor crop and badly handled.  Cliff paid me also for load of soft corn forgotten in un settling 12.00 Jan 31. and for load of corn recently sold.  Bert Tuple 111.30 all one check 23.30  There are several items still unsettled, other corn &c.  Mostly clear at night gob 10 P

28.  Saturday.  6.30 AM  ther.  32.  46.  30.  =  36

Part cloudy, W.2.  We get first letter from Phebe since she left.  Postal C she stayed all night at Lincoln.  Ate dinner at VivianBlairs in Springfield.  Got in Havana 4.30 Thursday.  Tue  went up town AM. Depositing at 2nd BC ch 276.46 and Harman ch for corn 23.30 getting  book balanced, went back to pay Gray and Gray. 10.00 and J.H. Pinnell 15.22 chk both for accounts in full to date.  Tue  gets some Codfish.    T.W.P.  Tue  ironing P.M.  Alfred chores at night and Tue  pays him in full and 40 cts. more on next week 1.00  Part cloudy day with westerly wind.  It  clouds up after noon say 1 P.M. and sprinkle of rain. Light sps- at say 8 P.M. and snow flurries in night.  I got suddenly cooler about 8 P.M.  Then falls  ten degs in an hour.   With violent wind all night.  Gobed 9

The weather  &c at Charleston, Ill. for Feby 1914 ~~

Mean temperature, three observations daily.  26.1 degrees  Maximum 52 on 2d and 17th Minimum 2 on the 25th  Clouds 40% Precipitation 2.50 inches.  Snow say 15 in.  Winds N 1 2/3 days, N.E. 8 days;  E.3 2/3 days; S.E. 2/3 days.  South 4 days; SW 2 2/3 days; West 4 1/3 days and Northwest 3 days.  Warmest day 2d 42 degs.  Coldest 7 deg. average on 12th Precipitation about normal.  The ground is frozen solid but not very deep.  Corn Loxa 55.  Oats 35.  Hogs 8.00  Butter 30 Eggs 30.  Town branch running light stream.   Think roads rough but passable.  They will not be any better very soon.  There is considerable.  snow and ice on the ground in patches.  Side walks have been covered with ice for two or three weeks.  Greatest days of precipitation 6th .55 in.  R and Sleet. 12-13th. 12-13th .41 in. Snow.  18th .95 R&S and 22-23 .38 in. S&S.  Have used to date about 16 tons coal.  My stove wood is nearly gone.

February 20-22, 1914 and 1889 in Coles County Illinois

February 1914

EMeter 1044,000

20.  Friday 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  20.  36.  24.  =  26 2/3

Part cloudy N.E.1.  Norton, Lafayette collector calls.  He gives me figures on tax at Loxa : total 162.58 being 7.57 more than last year.  Tue attends R.C. at Myra Alexander's.  Alfred did chores tonight.  Chas. got hurt at school not seriously.  Phebe is getting ready to start Sunday for Havana, ILL.  Tue and self have been talking of offering our house and grounds to P.O. agreed McGreggor for P.O. site.  Such a thing is possible not probable.  Mrs.  Darmblaser (GA) and Mrs. Morg Anderson reported dead in Courier.  Mostly  clear nearly freezing all day: light northeasterly wind.  Gobed 9

21.  Saturday. 6.30 A.M.  Ther.  14.  40.  38.  =  30 2/3

Clear. E.1.E. Meter reads (C.S.) this morn 1044 K.W.  they read it today for month, with discount off makes 3.34 bill for Feby.  Phebe getting ready to leave for Havana.  She  has decided to start Monday  morning.  Mostly  clear day variable  E to S. winds growing warmer after dark.  I didn't go up town.  Mort and Kate came over while we were at supper staying till 10 P.M.  My hands are very sore from the weather and dust.  there is still good deal snow in patches.  Gobed. 10.

22. Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  40.  24.  18.  =  27 1/3

Most cloudy N.E. 2.  Tue attends morning church, getting paper R.H. 7cts.  It began sleeting about noon an alarm of fire 12.30 P.M. proves to be the Methodist church.  It burned most of afternoon.  Think it about ruined.  Phebe very busy getting ready to start for Havana at 6 tomorrow morn.  It was cloudy and storming all P.M. and night sleet and ice at times but settled down to snowing later with fierce N.E. wind.  Proves to be one of worst storms of  season.  Gobed 8.30

February 1889

20.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  0.  29.  21.

Clear light S.W. wind  The coldest morning to day to date.  Woodpile is getting low have not more than a  a cord in woodhouse altogether.  Maggie still stays home from school has a very bad cough night and day.  Made a bottle of syrup for her P.M.  Tue cutting out woolen dresses  for the girls.  Have been discussing the the plan of going down to timber to live a while.  Clear day with westerly wind.  Stay at home all day can't afford to  expose myself (?) sort of weather.  Gobed 9.30 PM 35.

21.  Thursday.  6.15 AM  Ther.  23.  46.  36.  

Clear S. wind.  Tue worked up stairs AM till she got tired out.  Uncle John was in to  dinner.  Mostly clear day with S. wind.  Cutting snow pretty fast.  Had thoughts of going to timber tomorrow but (?) roads are too bad.  Maggie's cough seems some better today.   Kate Davis over little ehile toward night.  also Mamie Land.  gobed 8.30 PM

22.   Friday.  6,30 AM.  Ther.  28.  28.  6

Clear early but clouded up wind N.W.  Then went up to 32 by 8 AM which was the highest it grew colder all day  mostly cloudy.  Snow flying at times.  H & M here to dinner also Bert's for a day or two.  Maxine Lang spent afternoon here.  Maggie at home.  a good deal of the last fall of snow on the ground.  ~ 8.30

February 16-19, 1914 in Charleston, Illinois

February 1914

16.  Monday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  4.  28.  22.  = 18

clear. N.W.3.  Order load of Panama coal from Andrews WN @ .350  they send it just after dinner.  It is some improvement on the coal we have been burning all winter.  The load 465 lbs. at average consumption this season this should last till Mar. 15.  they had good deal trouble getting in owing to ice N. of barn.  Tue irons AM. Cap Alexander was buried today.  Mrs. Brooks called a while 3 PM.  I cleared the way for coal man.  Charles chored 4 PM.  Mostly clear day clouding  toward night.  Tue went up town  and down to  Hat's.  She was in great demand over phone by Helen.4' (sic) and Mrs. Grove.  Helen wanted her to accompany  her to  grand concert at Normal but got home too late.  She went over to Groves till after I  retire~  Mostly clear day moderate westerly winds.  Gobed 9 PM

17.Tuesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  24.  52.  38.  =  38

clear. S.4.  The new coal does fine but will have to hold it down to keep fire at night.  We get letter from each of girls this morn.  Phebe thinks will be home tomorrow.  I sent Buddy birthday card yesterday.  Tue mails papers to Muggs and Marie* this morning.  Tue ironing AM.  Harman phones regarding B.C.**  We decide to not sell at Harryman ($110.20) offer.  Buddy 27 today.  Have been reading over old diaries for several days.~  Pulling brass tacks from old trunks AM.  Sort over papers on "desk" PM.  Tue went up town late PM. is sending a mop to Buddy by mail.  The R.H. enlarged its sheet yesterday one column.  Mostly clear SW to W wind and snow gives off pretty fast.  Gobed 8.30.  Tue wrote to Bert about Bim.***
*Buddy is Marie's nickname  **Broom corn    ***Bim is Henry Hildreth's nickname

18. Wednesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  34. 40.  34.  = 36.
Cloudy. E.2. light foggy. Light rain began 8 AM and continued all day with snow at night.  Moderate northeasterly winds.  Think about two inches snow fell at night.  Charley came to chore.  Tue pays him to date 3o c.  I employ self reading old letters.  Mrs. Chamberlin and others.  Henry Sutton , an old friend died a day or two ago of cancer.  The gas gives out on account of slight accident at plant.  We look for Phebe in afternoon but she did not come till nearly midnight.  Fern remained at Chicago.  gobed midnight.

19.  Thursday. 7 AM.  Ther.  28.  36.  26.  =  30.
Cloudy N.E..1.  Clear off before 11 AM.  Phebe went to Station for suitcase, not getting it.   Big four.  Harman phones about B.C. thinks better sell for fear it spoils.  Coldwater Bill  off the snow.  Tue  Pd. him.  The gas appears all right about 7 A.M.  Phebe did not  get up to breakfast.  H.G. called 2 P.M. to inquire and intended ally &c about and Nels Thomas farm. A  friend thinks of trading for same.  I can't help him much.  Shave self late P.M. first since 8th (?).  Think there was about 2 in. snow yest.  With the rain which fell earlier made.95 in Precipitation.  Clear afternoon with moderate N.E. wind.  the P.O. inspector is here to decide as to P.O. site.  there are several locations to choose from.  He will be here till  Saturday.  Phebe and Tue both home at night.  Play Graphophone  good deal.  Gobed 10.

 

April 7, 1913 and 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

7.  Monday.  5.15.  Ther.  34.  48.  42.  =41 1/3
Clear.  E.2.  Soon clouds up.  Roy came 7 AM.  Get mare shod at Dibert.  Jethoo  Evans phones that my Perkins lot is eligible for PO site.  He calls later.  I ask 120 0 dollars for my lot.  Jethro 4000.  Glascos 5.000.  The Paris man has not reported theron.  Says  will employ Cafer to arrange matters.   Can't find key to box* deeds and try unsuccessfully for hour or two  to open it  think Tue has same.  Get letter  from Buddy AM date 4 inst.  Roy spades for three rows of potatoes and after we began to plant them.  It began light  rain at noon and continued  (too light to read) We  quit at 2  P a/c the rain.  Roy and self plant one row potatoes and rain stopped us at 2 PM.  Jethro Evans came again toward night and I sign contract with him and JW Glasco to sell my part of S.W. 1/4 of block for P.O.  building putting in hands of Judge Cafer at 2% com on purchase price.  Pay Evans 2.00 my share plat.  Tue got home about 6 P.M. having been gone since May 21.  Morty came over soon after she arrived but did not stay long.  Mostly cloudy with strong easterly and light rain at times mixed with hail most of P.M.  Gobed 9 P.M.

*I have this old tin box full of legal papers.I have always wondered why there is just a hole where the lock and latch should be.  Now I know the story of the Deed Box.  This is what is so fun about the journal, it answers many questions.

1888

7.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther.  37.  65?  50
Clear.  Very heavy dew nearly frost.  Took Sam, Ray's white pony and ride down to R.R. then down to timber getting back at 7.30 P.M.  About as tired as could be.  Caught more cold.  Saw the timber pretty thoroughly today.  Kinks ties suit me pretty well.    Wes Decker gives us leave to move in his fence to get to road out.  Told him he could have all the wood he needed.  The saw mill has moved out.  I went by  Handly Ford and return by Walker's.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

March 31- April 1, 1913 in Charleston, IL.

31.  Monday,  5 AM.  Ther. 46.  56.  48.  = 50.
Clear W. 5.  Phone Record to send Ray.  He did chores, cleans off mare, and helps hitch up.  We went to P.O.  Nothing.  Will discontinue box April 1.  I get letter 28th by carrier from Tue.  She spoke of starting home this morn but i don't believe she can get here.  Station agent says no travel south of Lawrenceville.  Pay Ray for work to date include 65 c.  Will come tomorrow morn.  I got breakfast and dinner together about 11 AM.  2  P.M. went up to bank to see about a loan.  Felix Shy says come tomorrow noon.  Harman called 3.30 staying over an hour.  Pays me check for clover seed 3.80.  Must have C.S. sent out soon say tomorrow.  His reports from farm not encouraging.  Accident in street front hurt a horse which later they tried to shoot.  Mr. Law paid me 1.25 on room rent, says  owed 4.90.  Drive up to Crims at night for grub.  eggs, soup &c.  Go bed.9

The Weather %c. at Charleston, Ill. for March 1913

Average daily temperature 41.  42.  Max 70 on 30th Min. 4 on the 2nd Precipitation 7.33 Most of it during last week of month.  Immense rains with much thunder and wind 23d  24  25 and 26.  Great floods everywhere but worse in Ind and Ohio.  Tornados W.  Omaha and west generally.  Little damage done here  River at highest point.  Traffic demoralized also mails.  Six inches snow on 26.  Tue  left for Mt. Carmel on 21 inst. and is still there detained by high water in Wabash and elsewhere.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Pay Interest on note 750.00

J.P. Morgan died today at Rome..

April 1,  Tuesday,  5.15 AM.  Ther.42.  66.  52.  =53 1/3

Part Cloudy.  W. 2.  Ray came working an hour .  He helped hitch up.  Voted mixed ticket.  Went up ti 2nd to felix about loan.  They make out demand note for 700.00 which is about what need and I sign Tue's name along with my own.  Get draft for $750.00 which mail T&M.  Discontinue Box 24.   Go to I.B. Mitchell's and order 6 bu. C.S. sent Loxa INT car P.M.  14.00 per bu.  Mare scares bad at big piece stone in road near Mrs. Leroy's.  Mrs Brooks has written to Tue.  I drove E. a mile or two late P.M.  The gravel road is good other roads rough.  Little mud.  Got home about 6 oc.  No mail today except paper.  collect Mrs. Wests Express Order 1.00  Morty called at night.  they were here Sunday while I was gone. 9 P.M.

In Margin:  quit 24 P.O. Box Have had for many years.

March 26-28, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

26.  Wednesday.  5.30.  AM.  Ther.  34.  32.  26.  = 30 2/3

Cloudy.  N. 3. was cold when woke up owing to no fire.  Paper did not come but got a letter from Phebe.  It began to snow heavily about 10 AM and continued.  The  report in town papers yesterday that river rising and about reached furnace fires at water works.  This morn, no pressure, no water.  It is said they are shipping water from Mattoon.  I nearly finish the coal building fire this morn.  Order load W.Bros.& G.  It came about 2 P.M. 1500 lb. Tower Hill.  P.H. didn't come A.M.  By 4 P.M. the snow is .6 in or more.  I got now paper except Courier today.  The  storms and floods have been immense all over the west worse in Ohio, Nebraska and Indiana.  The mails are all "nix" W.W. shut down by high water.  River higher than ever before.  Reported thousands of people drown in Ohio floods.  Peru, Ind., Terre Haute and mostly any where. Helen phoned evening asking how was getting along.  I ate quite hearty sup tonight.  I was unable to to P.O. but as mail, have quit fora while would have got nothing.  Gobed 9. 

27.  Thursday 5 AM.  Ther.  24.  36.  30.  = 30.

Part cloudy, N.W.4.  I got up early - house was cold.  I ate little breakfast.  Jacks appetite seems off, too.  Ray came about 7 and worked hard till 8.30 shoveling snow &c.  I sent him to P.O., no mails and to buy paper.  The storm reports are getting worse.  Thousands drowned in Ohio and Indiana and elsewhere.  Terre Haute and nearby towns about as bad as any.  There is little hands and prac(t)ically no mails.  I got today's R.H. by mail carrier   Morty phoned AM asking if I needed anything.- I didn't,.  Said would be over this eve.  I made a bread pudding and some dutch cheese, both pretty good.  Harman calls 5 P.M. for few moments only.  Reports rains have washed fields badly.  Wants his clover seed soon as possible.  I went up town soon after he left to P.O. but no mail.  Return back way slipping in without Gs knowing it.Part cloudy day, stiff NW wind- The sun cut snow good deal.  Think snow 6 inches I slept on couch till midnight to oil and went to bed.

28.  Friday. 5.30. AM.  Ther. 22.  48.  38. =36.  

Clear. SW.2.  Not much appetite this morn:  take some biscuit and milk for breakfast.  Ray came later than yesterday.  He went to P.O. again getting nothing.  I wrote to Tue which carrier takes.  Got papers that were behind this morning.  The reports from floods &c. get worse.  Ray will come tomorrow morning.  For dinner had chicken soup and biscuit   Got letter from Tue P.M. written Monday.  I went to P.O. toward night.  No mail.  Clear day, fresh southerly wind.  snow getting patchy.  I took small can chicken soup for supper.  Gobed 9.

January 2, 1888 in Charleston, Illinois

2  Monday,  7 AM.  Ther 10.  32.  32.
Clear, but clouds over got a letter from Bruen saying would take 10 set more switch ties after receiving trace out which would do Jerry H.   Tue ironing.  Mrs.  Wentz over P.M., also Mrs. Feagan.    Tue sends Maggie to tell Mrs. Rogers not to wash tomorrow.  Settle with  F. Knock to date, he paying me $7.35.  Mr. Sutton went away last Saturday night to stay.  Glasco boys take possession of the Plaindealer today.  Uncle John was in till 3 P.M.  Saul Snider at night  says will keep my mare down there for something more than 2.00 per mo.  Pay P.O. sent 25.  Soup at Mcs 25.  Comer was up at night.  Says will send City and Coal Shaft bills  up  Wednesday.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

November 21-22, 1912 in Charleston, IL

21.  Thursday.  6 A.M.  Ther.   42.   62.  42.  + 48 2/3
Clear S.S.W.2.  Mrs. Gaines phoned last night that Patrick could do the patching at Loxa house next Sunday.  Rhoda comes to wash early.  This is great weather.  Clear with southerly light winds. I got large Ostreatus (sic.) at grave yard yest.*    I get to Loxa before left some lime at Gaines for Patrick and drove up through place Old mare byit(sic.) my middle right finger and shall lose the nail.  I saw Harman and hands shucking piece S. of house.  They began on this their last piece this morn. Lost Jack and return through finding same.  Before leaving deposit ck 42.49 at 2d.  Clear day wind becomes w. and cooler.  My damaged finger kept me awake all night.  Rhoda took out the ashes today.  Go bed 9 P.M.
*I think this is fungi

22.  Friday. 6.30  AM.  Ther.  30.  58.  44. = 44
Clear. W. 1 ice 1/10.  Slept but little and about sick this morn.  get shaved at Brown's.  Mrs. Grove over to dinner.  Tue went to R.C. I hitch up about 4 P.M. drive up town and to P.O.  Tue got letter from Patrick regarding the plastering and later phones Harman concerning the same.  clear day light light westerly winds.  Harmans letter told of yesterday did not arrive He said it contained check for my share to Elevator.  Gobed 9P