September 3 -4, 1892 and 1903.

September 1892

3.  Saturday, 6 AM.  Ther  55.  84.  68.

Mostly clear southerly wind.  Self and girls got breakfast  Mrs. Norfolk paid me for 9 cords wood 27.00  Warren hauling 4 cord's to Albert Anderson.  Chut Bennett finished Fluhartys Received 80.15 from W. H. White for ties and culls  Uncle John was down to dinner  Warmer day clouds and more signs of rain than lately  Get some hay of Uncle John which Oliver Frisbie will deliver next week.  Trade only moderate.  The dust is immense.  Tue finished her first lot of plums today.  occulation [sic] of Mars and Moon to night go bed  11 P.M. ~

4.  Sunday,  6.30  AM.  Ther 64.  84.  55

Some clouds wind southerly  Intended to start for timber early but as hot and dusty postpone till towards night.  Sign of rain all day, sprinkle a little at 4 PM  Go to ranch about 6 P.M.  JW and wife had been over the river just got home. Began raining about 7 AM and rained lightly about 2 or 3 hours.  Gobed 9 PM

September 1903

3.  Thursday.  6.30 AM,  Ther  55.  85.

Clear calm.  Mrs. Owens ironed.  Drive up and tell "Mercantile" Smith that will keep buggy.  Get bu of corn at Griffins for which I owe him 55c.  Have talk with A Richter about coal.    He will report price Hillsborough in day or two.  Tighten up wheels on new buggy.  Putting on washers.  Kellogg did not show up this morning.  They are putting a new metal roof on the Theater.  The old house is to be sold Oct. 1.  People are at work decorating the Public Square for the Street Fair which will begin Sep 14.  Nest Monday there will be great Labor day celebration Mattoon and Charleston combined.  Buy buggy jack at Mercantile Cr 50c.  Look at timothy seed.  I.B. Mitchell's.  It will cost me 2.00 per bu for the best.  take Maggie for for drive about 3 PM getting back 6 P.M.  Went down by Woodson place and across and across River.  No incident.  No mushrooms.  Today is Maggie's birthday. 25.  At night drove around town alone a while with new buggy.  Helen here at night first time in good while  Heard that N.M. got in Calabrasi today.  Clear day Southeasterly wind 2  Gobed 10 PM~

4.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther. 60.  84.  71.  =  71 2/3

about clear southerly wind 1.  I drove out to Gaines AM getting home 1 P.M.  New buggy.  Old mare very clumsy.  Old Sorrel better and Sam Owens began plowing with him today.  think they will finish this evening.  Jo is out of old corn and is feeding new.  Will begin harrowing down piece tomorrow - may bring me load of hay (baled) and take out timothy seed.  Roads dry and smooth  New buggy all right but springs too stiff.  Geo. Kellogg says will saw eaves off shed for me in morn.  Drove down to Hen's.  He talked somewhat abusive and I left.  Edith Bates there.  After supper drove round with Tue. E and south.  Mostly clear day, light variable wind.  Jim Pugh will fix old buggy Monday.  Gobed 10.30 P.M.

July 22-23, 1892 and 1903 in Charleston, IL

July 1892

22.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  75 92. 76.

Cloudy southwind, Mary Davis stayed all night last night with Maggie.  Get 25 sacks of McCarty and start for ranch getting there before  noon.  Riley cutting sprouts.  John helping somebody thresh.  I look round in Bennett Hollow for fungi a white and start home at 5.30 used up with  the heat.  Went to bed without going to store too tired to sleep.  9.30

23.  Saturday 6 AM ~ ther.  78. 98. 82.

Clear S. wind, Lay round house all day.  Hottest day for several years.  Clear and blazing hot all day.  Can't stand this kind of weather  Gobed 9 PM  Uncle John were in to dinner.  Settle with E Fritz 1 day too much.

July 1903

22.  Wednesday.  5.40 AM.  Ther.  59, 83 72 = 71 1/3

 Clear northerly wind.   I notify E light people that dont want them to put up pole in front.  They refer me to whom I didn't see.  Talk with Charley  Ricketts about it at Post Office  Start to Loxa 9 AM.  Talbott finished cutting oats at noon  I went down to see Gilbert about hay  He offers me 30.00 for north piece, and I decide to cut and put up whole thing.    Talbott will begin in morning on north piece.  Retha still sick with earache  Jo and May took her to Charleston early this morning.  I took Jo over to his hedge cutting and start home about 2 P.M. didn't eat any dinner.  Gobed 9 P.M.  It didn't rain at Loxa last night.

[Margin of Page:  The cow was out this morn NoBell found her down by Normal.]

23.  Thursday 5.30 A.M.  Ther  56.  84.  70= 70

Clear N. 1.  Talk with Colby at office before starting to  Loxa get to  Gaines noon and eat dinner.  Talbott cutting north hay Harry and Sam Owens helping also Jo.  Downey and Talbott kids there while P.M.  Reatha still crying with her ears.  Talbott and I drove whole meadow and I decide to sell it if I can at 8.00 and pitch it on the wagon.  I went up with him on his way home  to Morris Bungnens and beyond, and  got home at 7 P.M.  I was up town a while at night.  Clear day with light northerly wind   Blackberries are very plentiful and selling at 20 cts per gallon

Gobed 8.30 P.M.

July 20, 1892 an d1903 in Charleston, IL

July 1892

20.  Wednesday, 530  AM ~ Ther.  76.  98,  69

Clear wind south.  Proves to be the warmest day in several years.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  Heavy wind storm came up 3.30 P.M. with a little rain.  1/4 in. in all wind was from N.W. and very strong but did no damage here  Freeberg drummer in town  Gobed  1130 PM

July 1903

20.  Monday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  58.  82.  65.  =  68 1/3

Clear, Westerly wind 2.  Take pair of pants to Winter to have altered  Buy scythe and stove at Wilson & McC.  Get start for Loxa about 9 PM Jo trimming hedge.  He and self drove over E meadow before dinner   C.Talbott begins cutting oats in afternoon.  Jo Quit the  hedge and helps him.  Joe seems to be somewhat out of humor.  I drove down to Loxa P.M. getting getting pay of John Linder for two loads of corn hauled last week  C. Enloe went with me to examine Loxa  meadow, and rode up to oat field with me.  Mrs. G pulling up berries.  mostly clear day with N.W. wind I got home 6 30 P.M.  Gobed  9 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

January 2, 1892 and 1903 in Charleston, Illinois

January 1892

2.  Saturday 7 AM.  Ther 15.  18.  8.  = 13 2/3

Part cloudy, strong w wind which blew all night.  Uncle John down to dinner  He went off again without basket of  "grub" which I had to bring him at night.  Vandermeter worked a while P.M.  Took onions up town.  cleaned out stable I built fire under meat first time.  Very dull day  The dullest of  a dull week  Emma went to her sisters to stay all night.  Clear day with brisk NW wind   gobed midnight

January 1903

2. Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther.  31.  35.  32.  =  32 2/3

Cloudy and light rain, east wind.  Dessa makes fires.  Desa irons.  Rained ceased AM. and began again about dark.  Dark cloudy day, with easterly wind  We get yesterdays Daily paper AM and todays PM  Dick did not come today.  I did not go up town .  Think the tobacco Habit dating this time from  Apl 1, 1902 has hold of me pretty bad.  Hartly friend of Phebe came P.M. remaining till nea

rly midnight - supper &c.  It rained and sleeted after dark.  Light, however.  Dark, damp day.  I did not hitch up  and did not ever go to town.  Dessa very bad cold but went to Salvation meeting at night  Turee was up till 11 P.M.  Very heavy fog P.M. getting heavier followed by rain and sleet in night easterly wind.  Self go to bed 9 P.M.

August 24-28, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, Illinois

August 1891

24.  Monday,  5 AM  Ther

Partly cloudy. Riley and J.S. make barn door s. side and nail up  Warren went to town without load.  I start home about 10 AM getting there noon.  Sps rain AM.  cool.  Nick on hand but feeling badly.  I stopped an gathered lot of mushrooms (supposed Agaricus Procerus, and had one small one for dinner.  Phebe and Turie both sick at night vomited till after midnight.  Self not feeling very well nor W.S.G.  attribute to mushroom at first but decide must have been  very rich soup for dinner  Go bed 1 AM.

25.  Tuesday, 6 AM  Ther.

Clear  Ringling Bros Circus in town  Unusually large crowd  all of timber fellows in, settle with most of them.  Uncle John  says can have team wagon and plow which Squires may come after Saturday  W.S.G. and  children went to circus P.M.  W.S.G.  Tue and Hat at night.  Trade hardly as good as it should have been considering the big crowd.  Jo Parker worked forenoon patching roof.  Brownfield helped all day at store  Nick there all day, but not well.  Police give permission to keep open till 11 PM while do not accept.  Bert Bim and Uncle ate dinner also H & Hat.  Gobed  11 PM

26.  Wednesday  6 AM  Ther 50

Clear wind, S.  Jo Parker came early Brownfield helped him an hour or so ? up floor on porch and get ready to put on roof before quitting at night.  Warren finishes Mrs. Coon wood 6 cords @ 3.00  Pleasant day.  Tue not very well  Gobed  10 30 PM

27.  Thursday  Ther

Cloudy wind NW. light rain till 10 AM  Parker works 3/6 day on roof Brownfield 1/2 day.  Put 15 Cull Cercrops on willow tree.  Have 50 spinning up stairs  clear PM and much cooler  Gobed 10 30 PM

28.  Friday 6 AM  Ther 44  70.  52  =  55 1/3

Clear and almost frost.  Parker and Branford work all day on roof  getting it nearly done.  Mrs. R washes and irons  K of P here big meeting in town  Quite a crowd in town  Warren brought load of wood to Mrs. Norfolk  Settle in full to date with Chut Bennett.  R.R. spots ties and pay me for 144.  Clear day N. wind Gobed  10.15 PM~~

August 1902

24.  Sunday,  5 AM.  Ther  45.  82.  58.  61 2/3

Clear.  Helen and Marie started at 620 AM train for Indianapolis to visit Laura Clark for today.  I drove down to Mt. Zion School House      and around by Woodson Place looking.  Didn't find much.  Got home 1 P.M.  Went over river at bridge and into the hills near the road beyond,  Didn't find much.  Got home 1 P.M.  Tue was up most of P.M. but not feeling much better.  Dr. Patton brought me lot of mushrooms mostly Puff Balls and too old.  Drove up to Decker Park and got mess of Pluteus at saw dust.  Then down to Galodays to tell her not to come tomorrow.  Mostly clear day N.E.  wind  Gobed 830 P,M,

25.  Monday  6 AM.  Ther.  48.  82.  60. = 61 2/3
Clear  N.E, wind.  Marie and Helen  came home about midnight last.  Try to write good description of Psalliota  I have been finding in  woods.  Tue was up all day but feeling badly  I drove up to Dr. Pattons pasture after dinner  Intended to from three to Gaine's was taken sick about 3 P.M. came and couldn't eat any supper.  Clouded up P.M. and  lt rains after 4 P.M. and much of night, wind easterly.  I got to sleep on lounge till after 10 P.M.

26.  Tuesday,  6 AM.  Ther 57.  76.  58.  =  63 2/3  
Cloudy and raining lightly easterly, rain continued till 9 AM.  I drove down to Wrights to investigate mushrooms  Did not find any worth while.  Some fellows sawing on Stoddard 40.  Jo with family came in after dinner in buggy for spade and shovel to work on road.  Pay Wilson and McClara in full to date, check 5.51 includes shovel and knife  'Drove up to Dice woods getting fine mess of  supposedly Clyloryte ordores which undertake to have for supper but fail to get them them through.  Saw  but one specimen of large Psatliola today.  Many fungi coming up in woods.  Bridges pays me rent for month ending Aug 20 being in  full to  that date.  Tue up most of day and over at Groves at night.  Gobed 9 P.M.

27. Wednesday 545 AM.  Ther  57  84  62  =  67 2/3
Mrs. Galoday washed.  I intended to go out to Joe's but felt too badly In P.M. drove east of town finding many kinds of mushrooms  Some good ones.  Lepiota  procuruis,  A sylvaticus, ?,  Pluteus cervinus  various forms of elits cups  Got home before night was up town after supper.  Tue over to see Cottons baby which is sick.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

28.  Thursday, 5.45 AM.  Ther 57.  84.  70  =70 1/3
Partly cloudy, hazy, light easterly wind.  Tue and I start for Loxa before 10 AM.  Took her to Hen's, I went up to Gaines'.  Shirley about half done B.C.  He does not want me to insur his part of B.C.  says will not have more than ten tons.  I insure part of Shirley's at night with WW Scott agt.  All of the Jim Decker B.C. with Frommel for 600.00.  Met C Talbot who will help me build fence if I need him.  I drove up to Dice's woods on way home getting home 5.30 PM.  Tue decided to stay at Hen's all night.  Mostly clear day; light easterly wind  Gobed 9 P.M.

If you would like to read more  about the Gramesly family, Richard and I have just published a book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives : The American Story.  This book is about William Sayre and his sons Charles and Henry, their migration from New York to Illinois and many of their adventures.  It can be ordered from most book stores and Amazon.

August 20-23, 1891 and 1902 in Coles County, IL

August 1891

20.  Thursday  6 AM  70  87  74 = 77

Cloudy W or SW wind  Mostly cloudy day occasional thunder shower heavy about noon damp and sultry.  

21.  Friday, 6 AM.  66  80  65 =  70'

Mostly clear N.W. wind some cooler.  Nick still remains at home  sent up word that he thought he would be able for duty next Monday.  I remain at store all day in fact have not been able to write up this record this week.  gobed 1030

22.  Saturday,  6 AM,  62.   .  60  = 

Mostly cloudy went down to RR to see Sefton about Bbl of whiskey which came last Monday with only 12 gals in it.  Walked down to tie pile count 149.  18 of them are John Whites.  Have heard from Woods once or twice this week.  Warren brought up load of 11 ties.  Chut load  70 posts  Report John Simon pull onions  Monday dig potatoes Wednesday cut sprouts other days and probably work at ties rest of the time.  Uncle John brought basket of Poocerus mushrooms which prove to be good eating.  Say at store all day.  Trade good  Hat was down to supper.  31 silk worms have began to to spin.  Had on hand in all this AM 124.  Change 23 on hillside to another limb  Part cloudy day  N wind and growing cooler.  Gobed  10 30 PM

23.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther 54,

Mostly cloudy.  Was sick in the night but don't lay it to mushrooms rather to watermelon eaten yesterday P.M.  Starts to ranch at 2.30 P.M. getting there before night and went over to east field boys have not made much headway sp...ding this week.  Clover looks fine.  Warren decided he can't break my wheat ground.  Had 22 BushVictor potatos [sic.] and about 25 bush onions all in barn.  Sp Rain about dark  Gobed 8 P.M.

August 1902

20.  Wednesday  830 AM.  Ther  65.  90.  67 =  74

Mostly clear.  I had sore throat keeping me awake most of night and lay in bed till long after breakfast.  Drove east of town A.M.   Get lot of young Leoiota procerus which gave to Mrs. Dr. Patton also several other kinds clitoeybi  and Trichicholoma. Very close and warm  Sold Sam Weyth 10 1x6 - Paid $1.25  I drove out to Fairground toward night getting back just in time to escape thunder shower with light rain from 5 P.M. till after dark.  Feeling very badly self today  Tue and girls sewing.  Florence Moore went away tonight.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

21.  Thursday.  5.30  m.  Ther  62  88.  67  =  72 1/3

Mostly cloudy.  Phebe up early to go on excursion to Marion, IN.  Tue wants to allow Marie to go to Indianapolis Sunday on excursion.  Start to Gaines 9 AM.  Jo mowing weeds along branch.  I did not stay to dinner but went to Loxa calling on Mrs. Bridges for rent which didn't get.  Return Gaines through place.  Mash of corn looking well.  I didn't eat any dinner today.  Very sultry somewhat cloudy day.  Stay at Gaines till about 4 P.M.  Stop at Talbotts.  He gave me about 1/2 bush fine potatoes.  Got home before 6.  Oran Pierey rode part way too  town with me,   Took home a lot of corn beans cabbage tomatoes &c from Joe's.  Pay Jo check  18.00 on month wages.  Self feeling badly all day.  Roads good.  The rain on Monday morning was heavy at Loxa.  Met Shirley hauling BC[broom corn] for Downey  Gobed 8 PM.

22.  Friday  6 AM.  Ther  58.  84.  56.  =  66

Clear N.E. wind.  Tue had toothache all night.  Helen and Maggie got breakfast.  Phebe did not  come home last night, staid [sic] at Montgomery's.  Get Reasor to put in new  hydrant at barn which they finish 2 P.M. but pump in cellar does not work.  Tue feeling badly went back to bed in P.M.  I drove down south of town P.M. getting big lot of ?Psalliota two kinds, also a lot of puff balls.  I   left mess of PBs at Dr. Pattons.  Mrs. Patton sick.  Warm  AM but cooler and cloudy P.M.  There was a fall of 10 degrees in temperature between 1 P.M. and 2 P.M.  I went up after dark talk while with Garrison but didn't get   rent.  Gobed  9.30 PM

23. Saturday.  6.15 A.M.  Ther.  52.  80.  56  =  62 2/3

Partly cloudy.  Tue felt badly all night with tooth ache &c.  Thinks she ate too much for supper.  Fix her up some bitters after breakfast.  Drive up by  Dice's woods but didn't find any  mushrooms worth saving.  Jim Decker up and  I go on his note for 100.00 for 90 days to harvest B.C. [broom corn]  Marie and Helen went to party at Straley's at night.  I drove uptown for some grub so many buggies I couldn't tie up, so didn't stay long.  The Salvation Army are still preaching at 3rd and Monroe.  Couple fellows rode down there with me.  Partly cloudy day with easterly wind.  Jim thinks will begin cutting B.C. Monday.  Tue kept her bed all day today.  Gobed 9.30 PM

July 12 - 31 , 1891 in Coles county, IL HIGHLIGHTS

July 1891

12.  Sunday,  7 AM,  Ther,  67,  90  69= 75 1/3

Clear.  S., wind, straighten up cecropias this AM.  They had become somewhat demoralized.  There are, however some 280 of them alive alive at date   girls went to SS Tue to church.  Clear and hot with fresh wind, S.  Start for ranch 330 PM.  S. wind

13.  Monday,  4.30 AM.  Ther  70.  93.  80  81

Clear.  SW wind.  Try to burn off rye stubble this morning but too much dew.  Boys left some fire in field and went to working ties, but before noon fire got and burned whole field over, burning out several parcels of fence.  Johnny and Rile work at ties John Simons puts in good part of PM patching up burned fence.  I went down to river A.M. ground near the river nearly covered with thousands of little frogs.  I started home at 2.30 PM getting there at about six oc.  Owen Black rode with me from Adkin's.    Mostly clear day.  Lightning W. and N.W. at night  Very dry and dusty.  Boys had hard work to save wood and fences down at ranch today, fresh S.W. wind  Gobed  10 30 P.M.  Old cow had male calf today.

14.  Tuesday,  6AM.  Ther 69. . ..  Send word to Hamon want butter.

 Mostly cloudy.  Heavy thunder shower 230 AM to 5 AM with showers.  Brownfield worked P.M sh...ing hens under the hog pen  Took buggy up to to Pugh. for repairs.  Cecropia worms not doing very well.  Decide to put most of them out of doors.  Mostly cloudy AM mostly clear PM.  gobed 11 PM.  Harding fixed gutter on store P.M.   Took buggy to Pughs

15.  Wednesday,

Circus in town  H & H [Henry a& Hat Gramesly] down to dinner  Bert to dinner.  Uncle John in town but not down.  Put cecropia from walnut tree in front to tree on hillside.  9 in No.  Trade only medium.  About  like last circus last week.    

16.  Thursday

Tue and children go to Hats to dinner.  Got  buggy from Pughs not done so take her back.   Uncle John down to dinner.  H.G, made draw of 270.00 yesterday which will make us short on payments this month  

17.  Friday

Brownfield brought home buggy and washed it off in morning  I painted in afternoon.

18.  Saturday

Buy new grindstone for ranch.

19.  Sunday

20. Monday

Old William Ricketts died at 2 PM. Had been confined to house but a a few days.  Order 3 doz bar glasses from Busby & Company, write  to several  ? for prices of show cases.

21.  Tuesday

Nick's baby  takes sick again in P.M and I stay at store alone at night.  Maggie not very well.  Old Mr. Ricketts was buried this afternoon.

22.  Wednesday

Brownfield works while in AM.  QuitGrand Army

28. Tuesday - H.G. tells me he wishes to attend the Grand Army Friday at Detroit next week three or four days.  First lot of (cecropia) on tree one of them came out of 4th molt today.

29.  Wednesday  find lot of young men in pasture down under willows.  Put  6 oldest cecropia down in bottom on tree.  

30.  Thursday  Uncle John down to dinner.  He is much dissatisfied with tenants on all his places.  

31. Friday Nicks baby was bad again tonight and I had to stay at the store.  Ship 37 kegs empty kegs to Dunnaway.

July 7- 11, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, IL

 July 1891

7.  Tuesday.  Ther  70  76  67  =  69 1/3

Mostly cloudy with S wind.  Brownfield hoes garden AM.  First  lot of cercropius coming out of second molt today  they are yellow with two rows of blue horns on both sides two rows of yellow ones on back and four red horns on head.  The last lot have finished hatching and  have about half died through neglect.  Nick reports his baby better today and he is at store.  Brownfield and self clean up buggy wheels P.M.  Sprinkle rain  9 30 AM light shower about noon, heavier rain   S.E. Chut Bennett brought up load of ties 15.  Mostly cloudy wind variable S to W AM. but settled in NE about 1 PM and blew strong all day and night.  Gobed  10 15 PM~

8.  Wednesday,  6 AM  Ther   55,  69  55  =  59 2/3

Cloudy fresh N wind.  Nicks baby getting better.  Mrs. Rogers washed  AM and ironed P.M.  Uncle John was down to dinner.  Oce  Bennett brought in 15 ties  Says they will finish hauling in my rye today.  Trade light.  A. Frieberg gets in at night.  Gobed.  11 P.M.

9.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  50.  80.  62 = 64

Clear  E. wind   Freiberg drummer in town.  Trade him 5 Bbl of Matingly spirits for  Draling paying him 2 1/2 cts to boot.  Renew demand note at 2nd National Bank for 600.00 charging interest from 8 to 7% to agree with new law.  Learn that Jim Cassady will thresh my rye.  H.G. informs me that he has to go down to Grose Nest tomorrow.  Clear day with easterly wind gobed 11.30

10.  Friday.  6 20 AM.  Ther  60

Clear, E. wind.  Learn that, Cassady will thresh Jo Handlys wheat tomorrow.  Would have gone down there but over son and Hat went to  Grose Nest  He got back at night.  Mostly clear day  SE wind  gobed  11.30 P.M~

11.  Saturday,  6 AM  Ther               87.  70

About clear, wind S.  Start for ranch 7 AM went to Jim Cassaday, learn that they will not cross river today with machine so turns round and back home by 11AM.  Sell uncle John bal of bacon for 1.00  learn that R.R. has inspected ties went down.  They have spotted pile of 177, Culling 9 and leaving one (?) Rec. check from White 64.84 for 168 ties.  Chut brought up 14 which are un-inspected.  Buy 3 gal. blackberries @2.00  Trade only fair.  Go bed midnight

July 1902

7.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  74.  90.  75.  =  79 2/3

Mostly clear, light SW wind.  Mrs. Golladay washes.  Meet Harry Hagen first time since he quit work for me.  Maggie suffered much from toothache in night.  E. Garrison pays me $10.00 on rent thus settling up to June 14,  Deposit Richter check 17.73 +5.00 = 22.73 at 2nd National Bk.  Sort over some papers A.M.  Ch. Fitzsimmons clears out closet at store - Pay him 50c.  Tue and I start to Loxa 5.30  Taking some eggs to Hen.  Hen and I take drive up through corn.  Think Shirleys shows up best. plows too deep near corn.  Shirley on war path very offensive  The worst case I have had.  Gate post down at end of street.  We start home about 8 P.M.  Not quite so warm as yesterday.  Mostly cloudy.  SW wind  Thunder about 2 P.M. but no rain here  Gobed 10 P.M.

8.  Tuesday.  5.30 A.M.  Ther.  70,  90,  76,  =  78 2/3

Partly cloudy, Light S.W. wind.  Shave and haircut at Brown's after breakfast,  Up to  J.H. Marshall's office and to C.H. with  with him at adjusters and Board of Review.  The cancel all back taxes J.H.M. advises me to avoid Shirley as much as possible.Windows need putty &c at store.  Thought to go out to Gaines P,M, but will wait till morning.  Helen went out home after supper to stay a while.  Marie went with her.  Fred took them out  Mostly clear day with light SW wind,  Lightening NW at night.  I drove up town after supper  Gobed 10 P.M.

9.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  74.  88.  72.  =  78

Clear SW wind.  Start to Gaines 9AM.  Met Chas. Talbott at gate and he drove through Jo's corn with me.  Jo  having out sweet corn.  Is not very well; has had diarrhea all week.  His corn looks better.  I did not go to Loxa.  Stay to dinner at Jos.  He went to work for Talbott in hay P.M.  Charley thinks can cut my hay tomorrow.  I start home 3 P.M. in front of storm which overtook me near Salem Church  It didn't rain much   I drove up to Decker woods and waded across creek to sawdust  Phebe went picnic.  I took Maggie over to Sefton's and drove SW of town looking for fungi.  Everett McKee rode in with me, occasional light shower PM till after dark.  Mostly clear AM. good deal of wind with first shower SW to W.  Tue has bad pain in side supposed lifting.  Gobed  10 AM

10  Thursday 5.45 AM.  Ther.  60.  75.  58.  =  64 1/3

Clear.  Much cooler.  N.E. wid.  Phone from Loxa that Jo is sick, early.  Mrs. Baird had a girl baby about 6 A.M.  They occupy Mrs. Eastin's house now belonging to the city.  I started out to Gaines 10 AM.  Find him in bed thinks will be up tomorrow.  I ate some crackers and cheese on  road for dinner.  Jos folks did not get any  I stay till about 2 P.M.  Feeling badly today  Think ate too much "force"  Tue about sick.  Helen and Marie came in a while from Sniders.  Mostly clear day with cool N.E. wind.  Gobed  9 P.M.

11.  Friday  5.30 AM.  Ther  50,  80,  63.  =   64 1/3

Clear N.E. wind.  Look round for a hay rack in morning but didn't find one.  Will have to build one.  Had another talk with Jack Scott.  I got home about 2 P.M.  Tue feeling badly today.  Ed wells works all day about the place mostly mowing yard will work tomorrow.  Self feeling badly with toothache PM and night.  Mostly clear day with variable light wind.  The roads are good and crops look fine.  My harness (girth) broke down south of town and near caused a wreck AM. get it repaired.  Gobed 9 P.M.

April 1-5, 1891 and 1902 in Charleston, Il

April 1891

1.  Wednesday.  6 AM  Ther  37.  61.  52. = 50
Clear. S.W. wind.  Reported that there is prospect of a war with Italy causing good deal excitement up town.  Pain in side seems worse this morning and went up to Dr. Pattons  Took some of his medicine but felt worse than usual all day  Settle with Johnny Decker for ties all but 1.65 held for culls. Uncle John  Eastin tells me has sold his tie timber to Ledbetter  Tue cleaning up yard P.M.  Mrs. R wash PM.  Tue went to church at night Mostly Clear some cloudy toward night night wind S.W.  9 PM

2.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  47.  43.  38.  =  41
Cloudy N. wind wind.  Sprinkle rain 6 AM.  Feel some better this morning.  Stay at home all day and take tonic  Mrs. R. and Fannie iron.  PM.  Maggie went to Highlads for milk.  Cloudy day with NW wind sp rain occasionally and at night  Learn that Fatty Knock died last evening at the Asylum at Kankakee. Go bed 9 PM.

3.  Friday 6 30  AM.  Ther  30.  34.  27  =  30
Cloudy and snow flying.  wind N.W.  Dont feel as well as yesterday.  Fatty Knock was buried today  Tue went to the funeral at 2 P.M.  Hat was here toward night, she and Tue  went over to see old  Mr. Wentz who has sick long time.  Rechters folks moved from here a week or so ago.  Maggie and Phebe went to birthday party at Griffins in afternoon.    Maggie didnt come home  Tue and Phebe found her at Latta's at 9 PM.  I stay home all day.  The pain in my side about same as yesterday  Cloudy day.  Snowing lightly when got up and continued lightly all day mostly melting as it fell.  Wind w. or NW  Crail has not shown up this week  Go bed 9 45 PM

4. Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther 26.  33.  31.  = 30
Cloudy and snowing lightly wind NW.  Tue about sick  Self about the same as yesterday.  Maggie has a very sore tongue for a very long time.  Went up town first time since Wednesday.  Democrats considerably interested in city election, they don't know who to run for mayor.  Uncle John was in PM has been sick with cold this week.  Trade light for Saturday.  Jo Handly will lend me a load or two of corn till the roads improve.  Tue to Davis toward night.  Mostly clear dayue felt badly all day.  Maunie Lang over to supper.  Gobed. 11 P.M.

5.  Sunday.  7 AM.  ther  28.  43.  38  =  36 1/3
Clear  a little haze.  Wind SW. heavy white frost this AM  Maggie did not get up till 9 AM. her tongue no better.  Phebe and Marie went to S.S.   Tue to church AM.  Self stay home all day  Found side of meat fallen down in smoke house  and partly eaten up by mice.  Children and Tue went up  to  Davis toward night.  Mostly clear day S.W. wind  Hazy in P.M. gobed 9 PM

April 1902

1. Tuesday.  6 AM.   Ther.  30.  35.  31.  =  32

Cloudy NW wind.  Rhoda washed & working till 3 P.M.  Township election Did not hitch up today.  Too cold for me to drive to Loxa. Cloudy all day and occasional snowflakes  Most of day  Tue went over to Groves at night.  Fern Griffith stays all night with Phebe.  Jenkins sends bill which is some 197.00  I have done nothing about fence in the bottom.  I seems difficult to find good hand to make fence.  Have had to keep fire in furnace all day.  Coal will not last many days at this rate.  Gobed 9 PM

2.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther 32.  41.  34.  =  35 2/3

Clearing off light westwind.  Learn that Republican ticket carried excepting J.W. Waltrip for Commissioner.  Wrote  and mail letter to Aunt Cornelia asking Uncle M [Marcus] to send me 20 Keiffer pear and 50 Columbian raspberry.  I intend to set there in bottom.  Didn't eat any dinner.  Get ready to go to Loxa P.M. but thought too late.  See Co Surveyor and we measure across pasture and find that my fence on 5th St should set further out some four feet.  Partly cloudy and quite chilly Gobed 9 P.M.

3.  Thursday, 6 AM.  Ther  27.  46.  39  =  37 1/3

Mostly clear E wind.  Charley Jones found me in banken shop We went to  Court house and look over old delinquent list  He thinks Sawin will release over 8 1/2 acres sold for taxes.  Mrs Eastin here to dinner.  Prof. Baird family moving into her house which now belongs to the City  She will leave for the west in  day or two.  I ate too much for dinner and felt badly all P.M.  Saw Billy Watson and he says will run lines for fences tomorrow P.M. if I can be here,  Rhoda ironed P.M. but gave it up.  Tue went to church at night  Mostly clear day E & S wind  Gobed 9 P.M.

4.  Friday  5.30 AM.  Ther.  28.  50.  40.  =  39 1/3

Mostly clear Easterly wind.  I got started to Loxa 8 A.M.  Old Queen tried to run away on  road out there.  Jo and Wall breaking: have about 12 acres broke.  They are working south of house  Shirley breaking down by Loxa.  Three families in Loxa are quarantined for small pox also Wallace Defenbaugh.  Take Mrs. Shirley some chrysanthemums  Saw Ora. Try to settle with McPheron but I didn't have my a/c with me  Pay Al Newby 2.00 for calf services of bull.  got home about noon  Get Watson P.M. and we establish line for fence on west side lot 127.  It runs 3 to 5 feet further in street than original fence  We measure west from Sixth St.  on Van Buren on on Harrison and get line form these points.  Tue had Reading Circle here PM with refreshments.  Saw Emmett Fritz.  He says he will help me tomorrow  Mostly clear day northerly wind Gobed 9 P.M.~~        

5.   Saturday.  5.40 AM. 30.  55.  50.  =  45
Clear white frost Southwind. Emmett came working till 3 P.M.  Pd him 1.00 which is 10c. over.  He hitchedup & carried out all ashes.  Sorted and ? post s for bottom fence, and carried down cellar a lot of wood also ground up some of our tools  Mr. Bell had oil stone and drawing knife supposed   John Simones and Warren in after new planter amt, of Dr. Bush lumber 491 ft oak and elm amounting to $8.36.   Pay  interest on Mrs. Eastins note up to next Nov. 1.  Elvira Garrison pays $5.00 on rent for Mo. end 14 inst.  Kate Bacon called PM and stays to supper   I took her over to Franks - a very dark drive as lights were out.  It began to sprinkle 2 PM and occasionally after that with heavy thunder showers and wind later say after 9 P.M.  Tue and Groves folks intended to to entertainment at Normal  but too threatening.    Laura Clark stays all night with Marie and Phebe  went home with Hannah Marshall  Gobed 8.30 PM.                                         

March 1-31, 1891 in Charleston, Illinois Highlights

March 1891

1.  Sunday 8 AM.  Ther  10,  25, 20.

Ed Eastin died about 8.30 AM and Tue went over there after breakfast  He had been confined to the house a week or two.  

2. Monday.  7 AM.

Ed Eastin was buried this PM  Turie went to funeral at the house.  Ice is said to be 3 inches thick but nobody has packed any.

3.  Tuesday.

Tom Stansberry called to get price on 20 acres land adjoining them.

4.  Wednesday.

H.G. has now decided to  fill the ice box with ice and I get men and teams to work toward night.  Ice on Bishop's  Pond about 4 in.  Got in two loads will need four more.  Latta began moving old stable on lot across the  road.  Self about sick all day.  High fever at night.

5.  Thursday

Got our haul of ice nearly six large loads costing us altogether about 8.00.  Felt better today but catch more cold.  Somebody did a lot of painting on Pentecost Church creating quite a sensation.  The Council refused at a meeting tonight to allow a vote on license.

6.  Friday

Self feeling badly with sore throat and bad cold in general.  Maggie and Phebe went to ? social at night.

7.  Saturday

Uncle John was down to dinner.  Hat was down to supper.  Tue and she went up to Eastins.  D ?p and 
H.G. shot off Al King tonight.

8. Sunday

9.  Monday
County Court in session trying Pentecost offender.  Buy sack Decatur flour at W.E. Hill.  Learn that McCornell has bought Alveys store room and will move  his grocery store back there.   Prisoners at jail nearly got out today.  they found it out just in time.

10.  Tuesday,
Father not very well.

11.  Wednesday
Father cough so bad he had to get up in night and remain up  Marie still sore throat.

12.Thursday
Buddie [Marie] still has bad sore throat.  

13.  Friday
2 1/2 inches of snow on ground.  Maggie very heavy cold and does not got to school  Marie's throat still very bad.   Mrs. Davis sewing here P.M.

14.  Saturday
Uncle John was in town PM.  He got letter from Henry Hildreth of Berlin [Wisconsin] wanting to borrow $300.00.  Self not very well.

15.  Sunday
Maries throat better  Maggie about same.  None of the girls went to Sunday School.  Maggie complaining good deal with sore throat and tongue.

16.  Monday
Maggie didn't go to school. She and ? went walking P.M.  Tue went up to dressmaker P.M.  Tue got a letter from Aunt Fan.  Sam Goodrich's wife was buried today

17.  Tuesday 
Crail did not come  Learn that his wife is sick.  Got Sutton to extend water pipe in barnyard.  Learn that the temperance people  had meeting tonight to select candidates for city offices.

18.  Wednesday
Baby [Marie] had croup last night.  Spaded place along Eastins fence set out pie plants. I planted my mushrooms today in bed in smoke house.  Marie feeling badly all day and has croup at night.  Learn that McCraveys have rented Alvey room and will move there next month  Marie slept down stairs Tue with her.

19.  Thursday.
Set out lot of turnips for greens got some medicine of Dr. Patton for Marie she seems better toward night.  Maggie did not go to school.

20.  Friday.
Marie had croup spell from 4 A.M.  Our chickens worry us a good deal we don't know whether to sell them or go without garden like we did last year.  Marie seemed much better today.  Phebe's school was out today and Maggie went over with her P.M.

21. Saturday,

22.  Sunday, 

23. Monday,
Marie does not feel first rate yet.  Self pain in side all day or might have gone to ranch.  Side feeling bad all day.  Begin to doctor for it at night.  Temperance people settle on a ticket for city officers.  Councilman 1st Winter  2nd  W Goodman 3 H?  4th A.M. Bain  Mayor, Chas Wiley  Treas. Jo McCravey.

24.  Tuesday  

25.  Wednesday.
Crail dug waste drain to hydrant in barn yard.

26.  Thursday
The pain in side not much better than for last few days.  Marie set her dress on fire today.  Nobody home but M&P they put it out before much damage was done.  

27.  Friday
Maggie and Phebe went to Pres. church at night at night to an easter (sic) entertainment.

28.  Saturday
The Reps endorse the FMBA ticket recently put in the field

29.  Monday
Pain in side about the same or worse.  Girls got up early to color Easter eggs.  I spent the day doctoring and dieting for lame side.  M & P went to S.S.  Tue to church.  Tue and  Phebe went to Hats after dinner.

30.  Monday
Tue bought lot of plants from Mrs, Sefton.  Maggie and Phebe start to school.  L? side about same and stay round house most of day....

31. Tuesday,
Find that hens have injured my mushroom bed badly, Tue has four little chickens she keeps in house all that two nests of eggs yeilded.  Mrs. Perrill called at night says Mr. Perrill quite sick















4

February 16-28, 1891 in Coles County, IL

February 1891

16.  Monday. 8 AM.  Ther.   54.  59. 55.  

Cloudy SW. wind little rain in night  Brownfield finishes mushroom bed, patches smoke house roof  and saws  wood P.M.working most of day  Tue  suffering very much with neuralgia did not get supper   I trimmed grape vines and some trees  Mostly cloudy day with south wind and occasional light rain.  The warmest day we have had this winter  Trade quiet get sarsaparilla for Tue  Gobed 1  About clear at midnight

17.  Tuesday 730 AM  Ther.  33.  40.  27.

Cloudy.  N.W. wind No rain in night.  Tue  better this morning.  Maggie complains  of stiff neck.  Marie 4 years old today.  Height.  37 1/8 in.  weight .30 lb. Apl 4   Maggie didn't go to school.  Richtin children  Hat Mrs Knock and several others called today  got some mushroom spawn which will plant when bed gets warm enough  Cloudy day wind NW early AM S.  at noon and NW before night,  growing colder.   gobed 12

18.  Wednesday.  7.30 AM.  Ther 12.  27.  23.

Cloudy N. wind  Mrs. Rogers washed.  Uncle John  in town but didn't come down to dinner. Witnesses and others went up to Springfield to attend trial of Ed. Melville    Jo crail came down in morning says  he will go to work as soon as it thaws out.  Order two pounds yellow Danevers Onion seeds from I B Mitchell.  Trade quiet.  Cloudy day and cool.  Wind NW AM at noon  E before night.  Light snow for an hour or two P.M.  Not enough however to cover the ground  Gobed  1230---

19.  Thursday,  7.30 AM  Ther  20.  33. 33.

Cloudy NE wind snowing till 8 AM 1 1/2 in  Dr. Hall and wife want to buy part of our bottom field.  I took in the washing for Tue this A.M.  Cloudy and disagreeable day snow and sleet in morning and quite heavy rain 3 to 5 P.M.  heavy mist at night wind E and SE.  Gobed.  1230

20.  Friday.  730 AM.  Ther  46.  56.  38

Cloudy and raining, wind S.  Moderate rain most of night.  With heavy wind toward morn.  Rain most of day till 2 P.M.  Offer Dr. Hall 50 ft. S side bottom field for 300.00 which he does not accept.  the stove pipe at store blew down last night.  Jake Duzy says 2 1/2 in rain fell yesterday and today  Trade dull.they took Jerry Johnson to Springfield today as witness  Wind gets in SW and finally in NW before night growing cooler  Mrs. Davis here today. Mrs. Rogers and Fannie ironed P.M.  gobed 11.30 PM    Pd. V.K.Curd bal SM Hutch a/c 21.90

21.  Saturday.  730 AM Ther  31,  48.  33.
Part clear wind NW Uncle John was down to dinner  Says wants to pay for Phillips farm next Saturday and will want all the money I can spare.  Warren Decker was up on horse back.  Reports roads very bad and river swimming.Says they have cleaned off two or three acres lower Fritz hollow.  Partly cloudy day with NW wind  Trade quiet for Saturday  gobed 1130 PM  Crail says will help me all next week.

22.  Sunday. 8 AM.  Ther  22.  42.  39.
Clear SW wind  Tue had headache and tooth ache all day.  Didn't go to meeting.  It is reported that Jerry Johnson escaped from Geo Sullivan on way to Springfield.  Clear day SW wind got into S.E. before night and clouds up  Go bed  11 PM --

23.  Monday  7AM.  Ther  38.
SE wind and cloudy sprinkles rain 8 - 9 AM  Jo Crail comes at  7 and begins work at 1.00 per day clean out stable and began digging for back fence at which he work rest of day  Brought rake and spade at Stodded on Cr.  Mostly cloudy day with strong South wind and signs of rain Roads drying fast  Gobed  11.30

24.  Tuesday.  7 AM.  Ther.  50.  60.  56.
Cloudy strong S. wind all night with occasional sprinkle rain.  Crail came at 7 AM and works at fence all day without accomplishing much  Tue feeling good deal better than she has lately.  Comer got his mill up to Latta  & Richter today  The authorities  have offered  50.00 for arrest of Jerry Johnson  Trade quiet but better than this time last week.  Cloudy day with strong wind (?) occasional sprinkle of rain, late showers 8 to 10 PM. with some thunder, Wind died down after dark, change to W 11P.M. ther 40  AT 12   gobed 12.

25.  Wednesday, 7.30 AM  Ther  20.  30.  24.
About clear N.W. wind strong.  Crail to work all day at back fence.  Tue set PR here in middle manger P.M.  Tom Houghton and Hilleyrn drummer in town.  bought  some wine of Mayan  Easton's evidence cleared Ratcliff today disappointing the authorities.  Clear day with fresh NW wind W at night.  Girls went to some sort of show at Christian church at night.  Gr Bros subscribe 10.00 toward remodeling race track  Gobed  11 PM

26.  Thursday, 7 AM.  Ther.  13.  23.  18.
Cloudy N.W. wind  lt. sn. flying Crail did not work today too cold.  Mrs. Rogers washed AM.  Tue cuts garmment for Mrs. R.  Freiburg     drummer arrives at night .  Clears off AM mostly clear day with brisk N.W. wind  Trade very quiet gobed

27. Friday,  8 AM.  Ther  10.  30.31.
Clear SW wind.  Friday drummer here buy from him 1 Bbl  87 Bond  & Hillard.  Hyman  also here but did not see him.  Uncle John down to dinner says he will his mortgage on store if will pay 600.00 tomorrow.  Mrs. Rogers  ironed P.M.  Miss Green called P.M.  Pay Walter Briggs insurance on store and barn.  Crail has not shown up since Wednesday evening  Mrs. Eastin says Ed is worse - has been very bad for a week or two.  Trade quiet.  Annie Rooney  - Maltese Kitten caught two mice in evening.  Clear morning.  Clouds up about noon and looks much like snow.  wind a little E of South.  Roads in town good  gobed

28.  Saturday,  7.30 AM  Ther  7.  18.  9.
Clear with N wind, about one inch snow on ground which fell after 1 AM.  John Simons in town reports that he and Warren  have been making fence this week settle with him for Feby.  He  says the nannie goat is dead.  This lets me out of goat biz  John Simons ate dinner with us as did Uncle John.  I draw $250.00 from store and borrowed 300.00 at Bank 90 days which with what I had in bank made up 600.00  to pay Uncle John.  He released mortgage and gave up note which has been running nearly fourteen years.  This is really a gift of 1300.00 [$1,300 of 1891 dollars would be worth: $34,210.53 in 2015] from him.  Riley Decker was up and I paid him some on ties he has been making.  Clear cold day with N.wind.  Trade moderate  Bought a load of corn of John Leavitt  28 20/70 bu @ 50c.  Settle with Crail in full of has worked 3 days this week and will go  ahead soon as weather permits  Simons brought us a gallon jug of Maple syrup.  Having chewed or smoked tobacco constantly for a year I have decided to quit altogether till July 4 or longer  Then at midnight 7.  Gobed 1.30

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

January 8-20, 1891 in Charleston, IL

January 1891

8.  Thursday,  8 AM  Ther  18  37.  28.

Cloudy E wind.  Uncle John in town  does not think he is going to get the Phillips place  Charley Bond took load of lumber from pile by back gate.  The pile contained at first 1056 ft = 132 pieces.  Hear that Comer will move his mill at once up to Richters timber.  Tue and children up to  Davis at night  Maggie stays all night with Mrs. Knock again.  Mary Davis stays all night with Phebe.  Cloudy day east wind, began snowing lightly about 10 P.M.  Roads appear to be good.  Gobed 1230 ~~

9.  Friday 8 AM.  Ther  26. 32.  31.

Cloudy and snowing slowly about an inch on ground light  snow most of day in all perhaps two inches.  Thawing most of the day, heavy fog at night wind Easterly.  Trade light.  Look over bills and prepare to make inventory of stock a rough estimate shows the profits  to have been satisfactory.  Tall cigar drummer in town.  Mallaways man was here yesterday.  Maggie stays with Mrs. Knock  Gobed

 

10.  Saturday, 730 AM.  Ther 29  37  32

Cloudy, light SE wind.  Settle with R Decker JW Decker and Warren Decker, all in full to date.   John Simons up from ranch  Hire him for another year from Mar. 1 @ 21.00 per MO.  Maurice Burgner looks looks at boards but does not buy.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Says he is sure of getting Phillips farm now.  Owen McGurty pays me up    Figures up invoice carefully make just about same as estimate yesterday.  Trade rather light.  Dark cloudy day with very little wind.  Foggy at night gobed 2 AM  Maurice all night.

11.  Sunday,  8 AM.  Ther.  30.  32.  20.

Cloudy  ad occasional snow flying.  M &P went to S.S.  Buddie went to  Christian Church with Maunie.  Interested to go to timber today but too threatening.  Repack (?) &c in Bbl.  Cloudy day occasional snow flying N wind grows colder at night  gobed 12

12.  Monday.  7.15 AM.  Ther  19.  30.  19.

Cloudy NW wind light snow flying all day  Dull day  roads somewhat rough.   Mrs. Rogers washed.   Tue about sick with bad cold  Find some errors in invoice figures which correct making still better.  Tue reading Flauntleroy at night  Gobed 12 ~~

13.  Tuesday.  7 AM.  Ther 6.  30.  28.

Mostly cloudy.  S.W. wind.  The cow got in front yard this morning.  We turned her in street and she failed to come home at night.  Mrs. Rogers ironed  Bought sack flour and sugar at Wrights today paying cash.  Have decided to pay cash henceforth.  Tue about sick with bad cold.  Mostly clear day with strong SW wind.  gobed  1 AM.

14.  Wednesday.  730 AM  Ther  22  35 20

Clear.  Wind,  Get things ready to start for timber before dinner.  H.G. makes draw of check for 250.00.  Tue still feeling badly.  I start for ranch about 3 P.M. overtake Ed. Wright who rode with me a mile or two.  Went by Handly ford and get there 5.30  John has been working on his house this week  Clear day wind NW PM.  gobed  9 PM.

15.  Thursday 5 AM.     Ther  23  30  26

Partly cloudy with SE wind hard frost  Warren took load of wood to town for John.  John hung door t sheep shed.  Jo H, Handly and family there to dinner also  also Lucys mother.  Jo went down river for load of boards which he will haul tomorrow.  He has rented John Simons place for this year.  Fred Decker called to get a job but failed.  I start  home at 3 P.M. getting there at 6.  Roads not so bad as yesterday and quite good much of the way.  Paid up Lucy today for board from Oct. 1 to Jan 1 inclusive 4.50.  Mostly cloudy day with SE wind cleared ff at night.  Gobed

16.  Friday, 730 AM.  Ther  20  36  24

Clear, White frost, wind N.  Jo H Handly brought in small load of boards not counted, perhaps 1200.  Brownfield helps a while toward night at smoke house.  Minstrel show at hall to night to which father went.  Clear day with N. wind, fine weather.  gobed

17.  Saturday.  745 AM  Ther  22  28  25

Cloudy, N wind white frost  Brownfield came 8.30, and we finish smokehouse except door  Take meat out of brine.  Ferd was down to dinner  Uncle John came after we got through  Tue sick at night  Trade rather dull.  Dark cloudy day snow flakes flying AM and N.  Go bed

18.  Sunday.  730 AM.  Ther  24  30  25

Cloudy N. wind Tue feeling badly.  Self and Maggie got breakfast and dinner  Girls went to S.S. taking Marie  Phebe went with Richters girls to church at night.  Maggie has a very bad cold.  Bryan to put in smoke house but postponed it till tomorrow  Cloudy day old Bill Morris was killed today by falling down stairs  some snowflakes.  S wind at night  gobed  11.30

19.  Monday, 7.30  AM.  Ther  20.  41. 29.

Clear wind S.W. heavy white frost  Tue feels better this morning  Mrs. R. washes   Brownfield hung up meat and I build smoke under it.  Bill Morris killed yesterday was buried to day down in Cumberland Co.   GrBro subscribe 25.00 toward foundry fund.  Warren Decker says he will go to hauling posts this week.  Tue feeling badly P.M.  Phebe and I brought in the washing  Mrs. Knock and sister over at night.  The Authorities close poker rooms.  Splendid weather clear with SW wind roads first rate.  Nick about sick, has been complaining week or two but still on duty  Gobed.  

20.  Tuesday. 7 A.M.    Ther  26.  50.  37.

Mostly clear S. wind.  Get lock for smoke house also for she up at Perkins room  Tue complains good deal  Self not very well.  Charley Bishop started west tonight to sell goods for Weiss Mill  Weather  fine, clear with fresh SW wind.  Mrs. Latta was over today.k  quiet  gobed