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

Dec 13-31,1901 and Jan 1-5, 1902 in Charleston, IL (Highlights)

December 1901

Love boy begins carry wood evenings after school.

13.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 52.  40.  20.  = 37 1/3

Cloudy and raining southwind.  Rain began about midnight or after being in light showers.  Thunder about 8 AM.  Sign of moderate weather to come.  Rain all day wind getting north P.M.  With sleet after dark.  Spent long time today sorting papers and looking for Shirleys old lease which I didn't find.  Was up town toward night getting home 6 P.M.  Gobed  10 PM

14.  Saturday.  5 AM.  Ther  -2.  0.  -8.  = -3 1/3
Trim covered with with ice drops: Chickens about frozen.  We have 8 or 10 chickens.
Cloudy early but clears off.  The storm quit in night   Strong north wind all day.  It was the worst storm we have had in years and the first  cold wind we have had this season.  Perhaps two or two and a half inches of snow fell.  I spent most of day with furnace which had to run full capacity to keep house warm..  

15.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther. -12.  4.  -2  =  -3 1/3
I water and feed about noon.  Have been feeding horses but twice a day before cold spell.

16.  Monday

17.  Tuesday
Garrison says water pipe froze up back part of store.

18.  Wednesday
Warren  and Simons call and I pay Warren check for gray horse $80.00.

NOTE:  For 19-23 just posted day and temps.  Other days below are the same or posted very little.

19.  Thursday. -11.  4,  -4  =  -3 2/3

20.  Friday,  -11. 4,  -4  = -3 2/3

21.  Saturday

22.  Sunday

23.  Monday

24.  Tuesday,  
Drive out to Loxa P.M.  find Jo sick and Mrs. G gone to Loxa.  Took presents to children.  

25.  Wednesday  -  send some quinine tablets to Jo AM.

26. Thursday

27.  Friday

28.  Saturday.

29. Sunday   Karl Love still carries up wood and coal.  Miss Ford came home last night 2 AM.

30.  Monday
Pay Chambers and Linden in full $3.00 chk.  Marie has function at night.

31.  Tuesday.
I start out to Gaines 9. AM. but  came back and start again 10.30 AM.

January 1902

Anticipate trouble with Shirley this season.

1. Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther.  24.  40.  34.  =  32 2/3

Clear.  Easterly wind.  Self not feeling pretty well.  Go up town 10 AM.  Go up town 10 A.M.  Shave Frank May.  Pay a/c at Paynes drug store, check to date: , $7.10  Stores generally closed P.M.  Banks and PO all day.  Mostly clear day with E To S wind.  No signs of cold or stormy weather.  Didn't hitch up horse today.  Mort and Kate over at night  gobed 8.30 P.M.

2.  Thursday  6.15 AM.  Ther.  38.  36.  26.  =  33 1/3  Mostly clear.  Brisk SW wind.

3.  Friday. say 6.30 AM.  Ther  11.  20.  14.  =  15.

4.   Saturday say 630 AM.   Ther.  8.  29.  18.  = 18 1/3

5.  Sunday.  7. AM.  Ther.  14.  35.  25  = 24.

December 10-12, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston, IL

December 1890

10.  Wednesday, 7 AM.  Ther 28.  42  37

Clear with SW wind.  Uncle John in town and down to dinner.  Warren brought up half cord of wood which he sold.  H.G learns that his dog shot yesterday was still alive and he went out after him in afternoon.  N E Welch pays 19.78 for lumber bought last summer.  Maggie starts wearing truss which Tue  bought some time since.  She didn't go to school P.M.  Tom Houghton drummer  here.  I caught some cold the first of week worse today.  Clear day with SW wind snow mostly disappears.  gobed 11.30~ 

11.  Thursday  7.30  AM. Ther  37  47  29

Mostly cloudy wind N.N.W.  Settle with March & Bradley $4.00.  Remit in full to Mullany & Hagen 372.95  Warren brought half cord which sold from wagon.  Tue interested in doings at Pres. church keeping her from noon till bedtime  The girls took their supper there  Brownfield brought down two barrels.  Old Mrs. Eastin died about 5 P.M.  Doug Clark had his leg crushed by locomotive last night and had it taken off.  Sal Greenfrilder drummer in town.  Gobed 12.30

12.  Friday  7.30  AM.  18.  27.  18

Clear, NW wind.  Brownfield cleans out stable.  Bill Myers takes out 3 hogs to kill.  Tue and went out to old cemetery to  old Mrs. Eastins burial in afternoon.  Warren brought up load of wood which sold to Brownfield.  Warren take out hangings for barn door.  Trade dull clear day with NW wind.  Get horse shock at Pucks.  PD 85c  Gobed  12.30  Myers took out 3 hogs to kill.

December 1901

10.  Tuesday,  6.15  A.M.  Ther.  20.  40.  30.  =  30

Mostly clear.  Southwind.  Marie sick before breakfast and did not go to school, but she went up town P.m. Wilton phones me that axle not heard from yet.  I did not go up town today.

Chilly partly cloudy day.  with S. wind.  House very cold AM.  Lizzie Shoats and their girls here P.M.  I sat in basement reading magazines &c till go bed  11.30 PM

11.  Wednesday  6 39  AM.  Ther  28.  44.  33  =  35

Mostly clear E. wind.  The snow did not disappear yesterday.  Mrs. Smith came abut 7 AM. to iron.  She works till 5 P.M. raking off leaves. &c.  Wilton has heard from buggy axle.  It will be here in a day or two.  I ate too much dinner and went without supper.  Felt badly all P.M. and night.  It is reported that there are several cases of small pox in town.  Sat and read Sunday R.H. in basement   Go bed 10 P.M.

12.  Thursday.  6.15  AM.  There.  34.  50.  48.  =  44

Partly cloudy: easterly wind.  Light white frost.  Growing warmer all day settling in south.  Hire buggy at Buckley's at noon and after dinner went out to Gaines, getting there about 2 PM.   Met Mrs. Shirley who said Shirley got-ran in" yesterday and she had not heard from him since.  I helping Charley Talbot.   Mrs. Gaines brother Wal. there.  Shirley stock running in corn field  Partly cloudy hazy day with high southerly [sic]  Roads pretty good.  Little mud on  un-graveled portion.  I got some carrots today.  Coming home met Mrs. Shirley with him  Tue went at night to entertainment at Normal along with Groves.  Phebe helping Marie  out with her algebra  Tue got home about 10.30  Gobed 10.30

December 2-9, 1901 in Charleston, IL

December 1901

2.  Monday, 6.45, AM  Ther.  36.  40.  35.  =  37.   

Get a letter from N.S. Page this morning

Cloudy and damp: Barely  sprinkles rain all night.  Mrs. Smith came 7 AM. to wash, working till after dinner.  Charley Wiley calls after dinner to see about bottom lot for Carnagie Library.  I start out to Gaines 2.30 P.M.  He changing work with C. Talbot get tickets.  Jo has 14 tickets 334 bu at 56 and 94 5/7 @ 55 = 428 5/7 = 239.14  Garrison pays me rent to 14 inst. check.  Florence Gaines at home sick.  Shirley not quite done shucking corn  Capt Tillotson called P.M. to see me but I was not here.  Grows some cooler before night.  Cloudy day Northerly wind.  Roads good.  Gobed 9 PM

3.  Tuesday, 6.15 AM.   Ther 32.  37.  28  =  32 1/3

Most cloudy N.E. wind.  Simons and Warren did not come in with corn as promised.  I drove down to see how the Col [H. G.] was AM but did not go in.  Hat said he was no better.  Dr. calls it the "Grippe."  Pay Wilton & Tillotson a/c in full 49.75  Tillotson as one of the committee for Park and Carnagie Library asks price of bottom lot south of branch.  They cant use it at our price $3500  Partly cloudy day with NE wind.  Pay Sam Ray for bus and baggage fare  Partly cloudy day with NE wind.  Ferd was here for a while at night.   Gobed 8, P.M.

4.  Wednesday.  6.30 AM.  Ther  24.  30.  20.  =  24 2/3

Partly cloudy.  Eastwind,  Tue and Phebe ironing  Pay JH Pinnell a/c in full to date 7.35 Deposits Garrison check 50.00  Rent to 14 inst  2d National Bank  PriScilla Club here in afternoon.  Talk with I.Winter PM about park and Library.  He is one of committee and does not much like using our lot at price offered.  Stop at Henry Shoots to ask about Col.  Drive down there and him no better.  Phebe and Helen making candy in kitchen at night  John Clark's  daughter studying with Marie.  Mrs. Clark called for her.  Partly clear day with E to NE wind and growing colder  Gobed 9 PM

5.  Thursday. 6 AM.  Ther  18.  30.  22. =23 1/3

Partly cloudy, hazy, Easterly wind, white frost morn.  Tue and self buy some oysters for the Col and start for his house about 9 AM  old mare made break on Madison St breaking up shafts, buy new pair at Wilton & G costs me 3.00  The Col. better this morn.  Gaines came in with part of a load of straw.  Will be in again tomorrow.  Simons and Warren brought two loads corn 60-50 sold to Griffin @ 60.  Shirley brings in Linders check for balance of his corn 776.56  They think there is error somewhere but I fail to find it for certain.  Buy Warrens grey horse for 80.00 and he will bring him up tomorrow or Saturday.  Hannah Marshal here  at night.  Turie over at Groves till bed time.  Light cloudy day E to SE light winds  Farm's returns so far think the farms have yielded in money about same as last year  Gobed 10 PM

6.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 20.  33.  30.  =  27 2/3

Clear light SE wind.  Self sore throat.  Worse this morn has been coming for several days.  Jo Gaines in with anther small load of straw.  While he was in house his team & was tore off both hind wheels, breaking shaft off at collar.  I spent most of the day trying to find way to fix it and finally order entire new axle through W.&T.   Tue and Helen went down to H.Gs. toward night finding him much better Simons and Warren did not come in with wood.  I figure up Shirley corn tickets for sure getting it about same as Linders check.  Mostly cloudy day E & SE wind.  Phebe attends dance at night with Bres???  Gobed 9 P.M.

7.  Saturday. 6.30 AM.  /ther 30.  39.
Mostly cloudy. Southwind.  Jo came with small load straw taking out four joints of 15 in sewer tile for well at Loxa from Andrews @ 30 c per foot.  I went over to Loxa 11.38 AM returning 1.12 P.M. Settle with JD Linder for balance corn  779.14 Shirley 239.14 Gaines in two checks 777.56 and 240.72  Deposit 777.56 at State Bank KG a/c 240.72 at 2d Natl C.G.  Shirley raised 3663 bushels on about 130 acres.  J.W.Gaines (heard) raised 1373 50/70 bushels partly estimated on about 47 acres.  Warren and Simons brought about cord of wood and grey horse which did not pay for today.  Cloudy day mostly with southerly.  Indications of rain.  Was up town most of PM.  Wilton ordered axle yesterday.  Paid W.M. Scott (Bill)  14.40 Ins. on house and furniture  Cloudy day southwind.  Light rain after dark  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

8.  Sunday.  7 A.M.  Ther.  45.  50.  33.  =  42 2/3
Cloudy and raining. S.E. wind.  Rain began in night.  Stay in house most of day.  Rain much of the time, but light.  It snowed about an inch after dark.  Tue bad pain in side and went to bed early.  Wind swings round to SW and finally to NW  Gobed  9.30 PM

9.  Monday. 6 AM.  Ther.  29.  33.  20 =  27 1/3
Cloudy Northwind light.  Mrs.Smith came to wash 7 AM.  Bill Scott calls again AM.  Mrs. S. works all day. will iron Wed.  Charley Wiley called AM. while I was up town about lot for Library &c.  I didn't see him.  Cloudy with N. to NW wind  The snow did not melt off much.  Should think rain about 3/4 in.  Roads reported muddy.  No word from buggy axle yet  Self not feeling pretty well.  Tue over at Groves till bedtime.  Spend most of the day reading novel "Kidnapped" Mrs S had her boy with her today.  Gobed 9 P.M.

November 28-29,1890 and 1901

November 1890

28.  Friday 6.30 AM  Ther  25.  44.  29.

Clear South wind, sharp frost, AM S(?) took 800 more boards and paid me for all  Nick still remains at home with swelling in in his face.  I stay at store pretty close trade only moderate a load  of each ties wood and boards came up today.  Fine clear weather but ground pretty dry roads are first rate but getting dusty.  Spoke to Briggs about lot says he dont care about selling now.  Gobed 12oc

Hibbard paid 10.50 for 3 1/2 card wood.

29.  Saturday.  6.30AM.  Therr22,  48,  42.

Mostly clear and coldest morning we have had this fall.  Nick was on hand this morning all right get offer from Atherton for 10 Bbl of their whiskey which we have  Chut hauls load of ties  Warren load wood settle with Warren to date except Latta's wood.  Good crowd in town trade good.  Uncle John in town P.M. order seltzer from Meyer.  Mostly clear day S wind  all changing to W before noon.  Brisk W wind at night and partly cloudy.  Gobed

November 1901

28.  Thursday. 6 AM.  Ther. 19.  46.  35.  =  33 1/3

Clear, calm.  Heavy white frost.  Helen went out home yesterday to stay till Saturday.  Tue was much discouraged about the duck but finds it all right.  Mrs.Knock ate dinner with us.  Have 1 1/2 cords wood left which think will sell.  Tinker around barn AM. and after dinner drive south of town and to river.  Roads good.  Mostly clear day with Southwesterly wind.  Stronger at night Gobed 10 PM

29.  Friday 6.20  AM.  Ther.  38.  56.  35.  =  43.

Mostly clear.  Fresh SW wind.  Mrs.Smith came to wash and iron.  Maggie and Olive did not get up till about noon.  Mrs. Shaw called saying Committee having Carnegie Library business  in charge had called on her to see about buying her lot and they would probably call  (?) one.  Put handle in ax for Jo Gaines.  Mrs. Smith worked AM. washed and ironed worked on 5th St P.M.  C. Talbot helping Jo shuck corn.  Will finish tomorrow.  Shirley has turned his stock on 80. and is hurrying Jo up.  No School at Loxa school till Monday.  Corn today 56.  Start home 4 P.M.  Clear day Southwesterly wind roads good.  Get home 6 P.M.  Girls had a function at night  I was up town a while.  They kept the house awake until midnight.  Self Gobed 10 P.M.

November 1-3, 1890 and 1901

November 1890

1.  Saturday 7 AM.  Ther  33  60  50

Clear SW wind.  Warren and John here before I got up.  Went right to work at hog house and got sided and roof on by 3 PM.  Uncle John here to dinner. Gang up from timber and settle with most of them   Good many in town   and politics main talk on streets.  Dem com - strikes for money at night but got none   Tue not very well.  Clear or mostly so with SW or W wind light sprinkle rain about 10 Pm  Buy load of corn of Harvey Brown 16 10/70 bu.  $6.75  Good many fellows loaded tonight  Go bed  11.30 P.M.

2.  Sunday  8 AM.   Ther 49.

Clear W wind fresh.  Children went to SS Turie to church start to Ranch after dinner getting there before supper, cool raw day  with NW wind.  gobs  8 PM.

3.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.

Cloudy morning with NW wind spitting hominy snow.  John and I try to to lookout N and W lair near NW corner.  Rile and Johnny  beginning clearing on west line NW of west field have decided to fence the Fritz hollow.  Warren finishes  hauling out lumber from old mill sites  Start home about 2 P.M.  Try to get some squirrels and quail on road home but fail  Gobed 1030 ~~ 

November 1901

1.  Friday I took a walk North east to South getting very tired AM.  I got a rig at livery stable in afternoon and Mary and I drove  over  to "North west" on west shore, returning before night.  Close cloudy muggy day but not very warm. Self felt badly all day.

2.  Saturday.  Maria called before noon and took self and Aunt Maria around town a while.  Maria and Fahys left for New York P.M.  Raw NW windy day   We drove to Whitney's and up near Stand Pipe

3.  Sunday.  Bright pleasant cool day.  Got a rig till noon driving east of SH and over on neck for last time as intend to leave for Geneva tomorrow morning.  Charley drove with me PM going to ocean at Bridgehampton and afterward to Fahy's house on the neck.  Charley with dog call at night.  C & I return Bricklyn road. 

October 27, 1890 and 1901

October 1890

27.Monday.  5 AM  Ther

Mostly clear John and Warren go over and pull turnips.  Expected to get a big load, but the patch had been robbed only yielding about 8 Bu of small ones Geo. Martin reports my hogs in their corn field the boys go get them, ring and turn them into W. pasture.  Fix corn crib preparatory to getting some corn of from Jo Handley. Comer moved his mill  out of the hollow today  Warren finishes hauling out Mart (?) this forenoon.  PM  John & Warren work at Johns corn.  I rode over to Milts but he was not homed  I start at 4 PM.  Hunt up Jo Handley to tell him to haul 4  loads corn to my crib @ .35 cts  Found Jo and his family W of river I didn't get home till after dark  Gobed  11P.M

October 1901

27.  Sunday.  Our train left Geneva late but arrived NY 42nd St on time.  Missed one connection at Syracuse  Arrived  at Sag Harbor 12.45 PM.  and at Aunt Mariah's they were eating dinner when I got there.  I was expecting they had been expecting me as I wrote that I was on the way.  Clear pleasant day and warmer.  Charley was over at night  Gobed 9.30 PM.

October 20, 1890 and 1901

October 1890

20.  Monday 530 AM Ther.

White frost. Not very heavy  Have had no frost to amount to any thing.  Warren went to town with load of wood.  John and self went over turnip patch and sowed it in rye which I brought down yesterday also sow the piece on N. side of barn  Simons works PM at putting siding on south side of barn.  Matt Comer calls PM. says thinks he will move mill Wednesday  Mostly clear day and cool N and NE wind  gobed 9 P.M.

October 1901

20.  Sunday,  7 AM.  walk round City all was able  Ate dinner restaurant Swan and Ellicoats.  The attendance at Exposition yesterday 163,000 the best day.  Felt badly all day and think I shall have to rest.  Get dose of of C. oil at drug store at night which kept me on move till nearly morning.

April 1-3, 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

April 1890

1.  Tuesday, 7 AM  Ther.

Clear N.E. wind Nick and H.G. go hunting.  I start for ranch at about 9 AM.  Find Johnny and Warren at work  Warren is working in John's place while he went to election.  Got the sulky harrow yesterday.   When John got home we harrowed the grass plot for samples.  Gobed 10 

PM

2.  Wednesday, 5 AM.  Ther
at Ranch
Partly cloudy, wind S.E.  Johnny  and Riley burn brush back of  barn.  Simon and self went AM to look at line surveyed by Green.  It puts the five east sycamores on my land.  I sowed sample grass seed after breakfast.  Simons makes and hangs two gates in P.M.   other boys making fence  Part cloudy day S.E.  wind and signs of rain  Did sprinkle lightly from 4 P.M. till in night  Gobed  10 P.M.

3.  Thursday  5.30 AM.  Ther
Cloudy and raining light rain most of  night and until noon.  Works a little in barn Simons starts for corn after dinner.  I started home Find Tue about sick with neuralgia  Council met tonight and decide not to have vote on the license question  This would seem to settle it  Heavy rain about and after dark  11.30 PM

[Stop of page]  Stopped yesterday to get Carlos but he would not follow me

April 1901

1.  Monday.  5.15 AM.  Ther.  27.  49.  40.  =  38 2/3

Partly Cloudy white frost S.E. Wind Clara washed  Saw John Marshall about Walls and Garrison.  Fear may lose 40.00 owing me by Noble.  Garrison pays me $15.00 for which I give receipt as against Walls.  Cow got out P.M. and over in Maxwell's field.  I telephone Wall at Casey but could not hear much from him  Get Gaines' clock again at Jenkin's P.M.  Mostly cloudy day dark and threatening toward night with E. wind.   Order fourth half ton of coal.  Miss Ford went to Bloomington today for two or three days.  Charlotte Sproule over at night.  light showers after.  gobed 9 P.M.

2.  Tuesday.  5.40  Ther  35.  45.  40.  =  40
Cloudy and raining lightly.  S.E. wind  Tue and Clara cleaning Miss Fords room most of day.  Went up and voted AM.  The main question today seems to be  Co Bond  issue  Ricter delivers fourth jag of coal.  Mist or drizzle most of day southerly wind.  No fire in furnace and house pretty cold.  Florence Moore here sewing with Phebe P.M.  Shortess cow loose in street and barn lot P.M.  Make halter for big calf and look over old harnesses.  Intended to go to Loxa A.M. but weather prevented.  Gobed 9 P.M.~

3.  Wednesday 5.30 AM.  Ther  35.  46.  40  =  40 1/3
Cloudy.  Northwind.  Tue and Clara continue work on Miss Fords room  Jo Crail carries in lot of coal and get house warmed up.  Jo helps clean lot of carpet and I took him part way home.  Tue works all day although feeling badly.  I start for Loxa 1 P.M.  Found Jo plowing having about finished the oats ground.  He will get done by noon tomorrow and go to town for seed oats.  He did not get check mailed last Friday and I drove down to Loxa to find out about it.  Didn't learn anything  Took Gaines' clock out.  Got home 6.30 P.M.  Mostly clear P.M. north wind.  Roads pretty muddy but drying fast.  gobed 8.30 P.M.

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.

October 30- November 1, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

30.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther

Cloudy and getting ready to rain which began about 8 o.c. AM.  Ring three sows noses  Two more pigs missing this morning, one in spring.  Boy work while I sawing store wood and quit working a while P.M.  Milt repaired roof some and went out hunting in P.M.  Rained at intervals a;; day but not heavy.  Gobed 10 PM

31.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther           56.  50.  =

Cloudy but not raining  Ride down to river bottom  Cut L board tree in S. Hollow which wouldn't work.  Look for  more which couldn't find find boys cut one in little Fritz hollow P.M. which we think all right  Start home at 3.30 PM arriving at 6 P.M.  Roads very muddy and slow driving.  Mist and fine rain PM and night  Gobed at 10.30 PM~  Trade has been light this week.

November 1889

1.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther  55.  65.  53  = 57 2/3

Cloudy and rain at spells all day.  Interested going to woods.  Pay Popham per load of hay. 3.00 .  HG will start for Ark. next Tuesday, with hunting party.  Trade not very lively, am somewhat discouraged about my shed and feed for sheep.  Have done but little toward it for two weeks on account of  rain.  Gobed 11 PM 

October 1900

30.  Tuesday  5.30 AM.  Ther.  63.  78.  65 = 68 2/3

cloudy.  Southerly wind.  The other Mrs. Owens comes to wash.  Tue  and Lillie move Miss Ford into east room. (shorthand)  Learn at Gaines' that Irene was expected home today.  The roads excepting paved streets are very muddy this morning   Lend Deffenbaugh abstract for ranch.  They are  getting their pipes together in front of Perkins lot.  on way to square with steam heat.  Simons did not come up with corn as intended.  Hatton has not shown up this week.  Went out to Gaines' 2 P.M.  Jo. shucking shock corn.  Has got 14 loads in to  elevator.  They  have only paid 29 cents for past week.  Get a  basket full of vegetables and start home 5 P.M.  Partly clear day slightly cooler than yesterday.  Got pretty good mess of Caprinus comatus at Bill Hill's which which have for dinner.  Jo Gaines has shucked about 750 bush corn to date.  I did not visit Loxa today.  HOme in time  for supper  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

31.  Wednesday 5.30 AM.  Ther 63.  78.  60  =  64

Drove up to Dicks AM and beyond No mushrooms in sight.  See Teo Sefton about coal.  Take Bill Campbell down to his place AM.  They are digging ditch for heat pipes in ally back of store.  Lilly ironing.  CD Mitchell gives me bill for 1200 feet more lumber.  Saw Hatton crossing overhead bridge AM.  They have had saw mill on Decker land north of spring a week or two.   T. Armstrong out of common corn.  P.M. load still in barnyard.  Got a letter from Charley Popham saying need not bring rest of his bill.  Showers P.M. with heavy rain toward night and after dark.  Take Marie over to Weyths after supper to Halloween party.  Corn 30 cts here am entirely out of corn except sweet.  Gobed 9 P.M.

November 1900

1.  Thursday. 5.30 A.M.  Ther.  50.  60.  50  =  53 1/3

Mostly cloudy.  N.W. wind.  Clears off before 9  A.M. and clear day.  tue and Lillie making pumpkin pie AM.  Shave AM. Cr.  Sent draft $120.00 to Loan and Trust Co.  John Simon and Warren up with wood.  Says Ira does not intend to sow any more until after after the election.  Give Bob Chapman key to Perkins room for station purposes.  Charge no rent.  Harry Stoddert wants lot of 2x4 - 12 and 14.  Dun Evans for small bill due.  Tue  sends some shirts to Phebe in newspapers.  Bill Hill called with Caprinus comatus while we were at breakfast.  John Simons calls after dinner and give him bills amounting to some 3600 ft.  Saye Brown in town.  He called P.M. and we settled for all collected by both of us, self to pay hauling.  Give Ira ch for $19.04  Simons not very well satisfied with Tom's management.  Pick balance of quinces.  Had about  1 1/2 bu on three trees.  Fair day westerly wind.  Tue over at  Groves at night.  Gobed 9 PM.

October 28-29, 1889 and 1900

October 1889

28.  Monday,   6 AM.  Ther  40

Cloudy.  Got a lot of groceries for Drake and start down there about 10 AM.  Milt and Warren hauling logs.  Sent them over to Pophams after load of hay in afternoon.  I drove over east and down to Diona looking for hay.  There seems to  be lots of hay east of here.  The boys got in after dark with their hay.  H. Rogers and Riley Decker fill up old wells.  My horse was sick this P.M.  Gobed  10 P.M:

29.  Tuesday 5.30 A.M.  Ther

Part cloudy.  Henry and Rile saw wood ash logs all day.W. & M.  hauled up four loads lumber from Mill.  Was down to Milts toward night  strong SE wind all day looks like rain at night and sprinkle in night,  Have got up a little over 3000 feet of shed lumber  Gobed 9.45 PM.

October 1900

28.  Sunday. 5.45 AM.  Ther.  62.  84.  65.  =  70 1/3

Fog.  Calm.  Jessie Parker and friend call us up 1.30 AM.  Some men scared them.  Went far as Bill Hills home with them.  Old mare mare in front of stalls:  fault of Simons & CO.  Tue gets letter from Pyles (Reder) girl saying she  cant come to work for her  EE Mrs. Reese but she cant come tomorrow  Start for  ranch 9.30.  John and I went over to cornfield and back on ridge before dinner.  Find fine Hydruem irnaceum on S side main ridge.  John has shucked out four loads for me and two each for himself and Warren.  Mine  is is put stick crib in John's barnyard.  we walked out to end of ridge where we could look down on sawmill, but didn't go down there  Decide to have wood cut back of corn field also along road near Wallace Defenbaugh place.  I went home "River" road getting there about dark.  Warm mostly clear southerly wind.  Tue and Marie ate dinner with Mrs. Grove.   Mary Davis here on visit.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.

29.  Monday. 6 AM.  Ther 64.  82.  60  =  68 2/3

Partly cloudy with light shower about sunrise.  An alarm of fire about 1 AM. was Malone's house on State St.  Saw Lillie Beck who says she will come to work for Tue after dinner.  Had part of  Hydnum E, for breakfast  Very good dipped in batter and fried.  better than stewed as heretofore  take one of the three sections to Normal for Prof Colum(?)   Hatton failed to come this AM as promised.  Lillie Beck came P.M.  I start for Loxa 2.30 P.M.  Began to rain before got to Fairground.  Heavy showers till after dark.  Return home remaining there all P.M.   Alvin Talbat orders 1000 feet pl. for township and will want some for himself.  Mostly cloudy day Gobed. 8 30 PM

October 25-27, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

25.  Friday.  6 AM.   Ther  53.  57.  54.  =  44 2/3

Cloudy and  Damp, wind N.E got a lot of things for Milt and Jo Handly  Start at 9 getting  then before noon.  Milt hauling logs Warren helps in PM.  Henry and Frank saw lot of logs for  long posts.  Begins to rain fine before 10 AM. and kept it up  all day.  Mort began sawing logs.  Tom Spurgen started hauling in P.M.  Wind fresh from NE  Gobed 10 P.M.

26.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther at C.  47.  45.  43 = 45

Cloudy N. wind Old Mare lost her colt last night and Milt buried it.  She has not been well for sometime and what little we have worked has seemed to hurt her.  Started for home about 8  AM.  went to Wilbers on Fox Ridge, but no hay   Feed of all kinds is scarce on east side in the thin sod diet.  Warren and Milt want to 'work' on logs.  Got home about 11 AM.  Cold damp day.  Trade duller than usual  Mrs. Clark and Hat here at night.  Gobed 11 PM.

27.  Sunday.  6.30 AM.  Ther   44.47.  44.  =  44 1/3

Cloudy NW wind.  Tue and self went to ranch got there about noon  Ate dinner by burning  brush heap.  Warren and Geo Martin there  went by  Walkers and back by Pophams  Popham will sell me a stack of hay  Can get straw of  Jim Cassady.  Cloudy  all day and chilly  Got can oysters at night at Shenens.  Roads nearly dry some muddy places one near Mt Zion  Gobed 10 PM

October 1900

(Top of page shorthand)

25.  Thursday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  53.  78.  62  =  66.

About clear wind S.E  Had fine lot of oatmeals for breakfast from Jack Colby.  Bill Hatton still working at wood.  Drive down to H.G.'s and to Rictus Elevator  Corn 30c today, here.  Richter will sell me Hillsborough nut coal @ 2.00.  Theodore Arnold unloading car.  T.A. speaks of buying out Ira Brown.  Simone and Warren went through with loads (2) of lumber for Popham.  Pay C. Wiley Calves check $10.00  He claims mistake in my favor of $5.00 and returned $5.00.  Pay S.H. Record check for tile 18.20  Pay Binkly bill at stable for clipping horse last spring, 1.75.  Walk down 5th St. where they are putting in heating pipes.   Fifth St has been blocked for a week or so with this  business.  Girl Lillie Beck Calls AM to hire.  Order 10 to 12 tons coal of Richter, Hillsborough nut.  Democratic rally at gospel tent tonight,  was up town till 10 P.M.  (A smudge?) 30 c at Loxa.  Al Newby tells me  Jo is at work shucking  Clear day southerly wind  Gobed 10.30  

26.  Friday  6 AM.  Ther  60.   84.  62  =  68 2/3

Mostly clear.  fast load coal comes before done breakfast.  I had to shut them off on the slack.  They then claimed to screen it.   7 loads running about 1 1/2 ton to load.  Bill sawed wood all day getting done with sawing.  Took Tue  over to Reading Circle at G.B, Griffins P.M.  Maggie gets ready  and starts for Chicago on excursion starting 2.40 AM (27)  She stayed at Mrs. Blairs till train time  Many went.  Fare only two dollars.  Tue feeling badly all day.  Clear day SW wind.  Repub rally at night.  I was up town till nine O's Mort and Kate over.  Tue drives down to Martha's but couldn't get her to work for her.  Monday.  Gobed 9.30 P.M.  

27.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther 60.  84.  64.  = 69 1/3.  

Heavy fog.  Calm.  Alarm of fire in night, Starrs Restaurant.  Bill worked at wood getting Kindling into cellar settle with him P.M. 6.85  He will put in the wood Monday  Simons has been shucking corn this week.  He and I went to Briggs to count up fences  Met Ira Brown and we have a sort of settlement only partially and no money paid.  Pay Simon One Dollar on hauling from pocket.  I drove out SW of town looking for mushrooms.  Found nothing but Armillaria Melleus  or something resembling it.  Pay coal oil bill $1.55  John and Warren brought up lumber part going on yard.  Gave Ira Brown book for his accounts.  Clear day light southerly wind.  Gobed 9.30 PM~~  Take Tue to  Hats after supper and went after her 8 PM  

October 23-24, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

23.  Wednesday 5.45  AM Th @ C

Clear.  NE wind Rogers  R. Decker and Milt work all day setting blocks for shed.  Got 18 set. Did nothing (something to light to read)

24.  Thursday  6 AM.  Th at C

Mostly clear, light white frost.  Boys finish setting blocks get log wagon of Comer and Milt tries to haul a few logs but got along very slow.  Sent  for Warren but he could not come today  Rile and Henry cut logs for 20 ft posts, looking like rain.  I start home at 5 PM. getting there at 7 PM.  Alex Axtin ran into my buggy with lumber wagon on way home.  Mare acted badly.  Trade has been pretty fair this week considering weather.  10.30 PM.

October 1900

23.  Tuesday  6 AM.  Ther  55.  72.  60.  =  62 1/3

Partly clear, southerly wind.  Bill came before 7 AM. and began at wood in barn working at that and kindling all day.  They are pay 30 c for corn in Charleston today.  Drive down and see Mrs. Rogers about working for Tue one day this week.  She couldn't come.  Sam Weyeth called AM to see about his lumber.  Simons did not come up today, but Brown called PM while I was away.  I drove up to Decker Spring and beyond finding some Armellana meleus and Pleunotus astreatus.  Colby brought me mess of latter about noon.  Mrs. Owens ironed and is going away tomorrow.  Clear day southerrly wind Gobed 8 PM  Ferd here sup.

24.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther 45.  75.  54.  =  58

Foggy.  Was about sick all night.  Write letter to Minnie Pyles Hindsboro asking her to come down and work for us. Bill came early.  Went with him to Mintons for a plank..  Stop at Martha Veach's for Pattern.  Go see Mrs. Rogers, she cant help Tue before Monday P.M.  Take Tue  to Fluhartys and to Schatzburger   Charley Popham kicking because lumber for cirbs has not come  Learn  from Jim Decker that Simons & Warmen are shucking corn  Send word for them to hurry up with the lumber.  Sell Gaiser per Barr 638 ft 12 & 14 ft fencing.  Tue gone much of P.M.  Girls call to hire at night.  Kate over.  Clear day westerly wind gobed 9.30 P.M.  ( short hand) 

October 16-19, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

16.  Wednesday.  5.30 AM.  Mostly clear.  white frost.  Milt helped  about logs today with horse and we get nearly two thousand feet cut and down hills.  Milt loads wood so as to start early tomorrow .  Riley Decker and old man have been burning brush this week and have nearly finished.  Gobed 9.30 PM.

17.  Thursday, 6 AM.  Ther.                               64.=

Cloudy and signs of rain.  Decide to have Milt help today.  Cut walnut blocks and head up to house  boys cut red oak tops getting several good logs  Settle on site for  shed after dinner.  Leave Milt to put in gate posts west of house  start home about 4 PM with Frank Drake arriving about 6 P.M.  Find that Maggie has been sick all the week with  hives  Hat here to supper.  Business has been dull since I left on Monday morning.  Mostly cloudy day and warm  Gobed 10.30 PM ~ 

18.  Friday 7 AM.  Ther    60.  66.  43.  =  56 1/3

Mostly cloudy.  Milt brought up load of stove wood.  Warren finishes Coopers  8 cent and puts some on yard.  Milt took goats and kids down  He and Warren will haul logs tomorrow if they can get Comers wagon.  Drove out to Uncle John's P.M.  but didn't see him   got black pup at Shirleys  Trade dull.  Maggie had light chill, has one every day this week.   Newly had runaway at night while unharnessing.  Uncle John is building house on Hawkins place.  Fresbie doing work  go bed 10.30 PM.

19.  Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther  43.  71.   54  =  56

Clear  Pleasant day.  Maggie had a chill but lighter than yesterday.  The gang was up and paid off.   Milt hauled load of wood to Anderson and got drunk leaving stable for home at 10 P.M.   Bought  52 bushels of oats of Jo Whelan @ 26 c.  Uncle John in town after lumber.  Trade good and one of best Saturday we have had.  Kelly worked most of day at house and store  Walk round after shutting up looking for Mat think he didn't go home.  gobed 11.30 PM

October 1900

16.  Tuesday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.

Cloudy northerly wind.  Went to Mattoon to see Irene about H.G. place but train too late to talk much got home 2 P.M. went out to Gaines to take rods for wagon  He has shucked  two loads today. finest.  Mrs. Owens washed A.M.  Saw Bert in Mattoon.  Tue fired Clyde Ashby A.M.  He was no count.  Buy two cords wood of Henry Newell @ 3.25  Tue about sick with her eye.  Thought of going for doctor at night  Gobed 8 P.M.

17.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther   30.  60.  42.  =  43

Clear very heavy white frost first hard frost.  Newell hauls the wood and settle with him.  J. Simons and Warren bring lumber for Weth & Hardin.  Geo Weyth pays 30.00 for bill of lumber to W.&H., all delivered in car here  Mrs. Owens irons  Tue in bed most of day and feeling very badly.    Don't milk but once per day now  Meet Emmet Balch up town AM  Gobed 8 PM

18.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  30  70  50  =  50

Clear Easterly wind.  Look for Newell AM for more wood but didn't find him.  Tue  feeling some better today.  I drove out to  Loxa P.M.   May not at home when I get there 2 P.M.  Jo Shucking corn has two hundred bushels shucked up to tonight.  Yield hardly as good as expected  They will take it at Loxa Saturday @70lb  H.G. and Hat here at night: first time in good while  clear day and slightly warmer.  Pick lot of string beans out at Gaines.  Simons not in today  Gobed 9 PM  Pay off Winter note at First Natt. Bank 211.58 using Renes check 200.00

19.   Friday 6 AM.  Ther  40.  75.  60  =  58 1/3

Clear SE wind.  Buy another cord of wood of Newell.  Simons and Warren stop on way to Pophams with lumber.  Tue's eye better but she is still feeling very bad and wants to get a girl.  Corn selling for 30-70  Sent picture of her house to Rene in Oklahoma  Try to find some body to cut wood PM. but didn't.  Went to show at night taking Seph McClasky.  Gobed.  10.30 PM

October 11-12, 1889 and 1900

October 1889

11.  Friday  6 AM.  Part cloudy  Ther  60.  82.  66  =  69 2/3  Start for timber 7.10  Met Milt going to Diona with wagon  Have Riley and Rogers cut a few logs old (?) and R. Deck burn brush  Meet Milt on way  home with big sow.  sp. rain toward night  Got home 8 PM   Father about sick with cold  go bed 10.30 PM.

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11th over -  Electric light  started up for few moments about 7.30 first time.  D.G. Milie Stable burned about 8 PM.   Al Crass got hurt with hose cart.   (I have made this entry bold, not Charles.)

12.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.  60.  80.  58  =  66
Partly cloudy.  Light shower in night.  Pleasant day NW wind.  Remit Thurber 14.63  Send receipt for B&h Whiskey to free two Bbls also Rec for 2 Bbl Matingly   Uncle John in town.   Drake did not get in with wood  Warren brought load to Cooper.  Trade good best day so far except during fair  Electric light started at 6.45 P.M. for good. and continued all night  Kelly oils buggy.  go bed 11.30 PM

October 1900

11.  Thursday. 5.30 AM.  ?.  52.  78.  60.  = 63 1/3

Mostly clear.  Get shave  Decide to go to Mattoon on train  Drive down there and leave horse hitched to Wrights shed N. of R.R.  Going  to Mattoon on 11.38 train which was late  Take in most or many of show P.M.  Eat supper with the Catholic Ladies  Saw Martha Parsons at night.  Met Charley Hopper after dark and he and I took in some of show.  Try to telephone to Pipher to put up my horse but contrary drug man headed me off.  Met D.B. Rose says told fellow to pay me 200 amt of bill he owes me for lumber  I got home at 11 P.M. and ate hearty sup at that time  gobed 11.11 PM  

12.  Friday.  4.30 AM  .  Ther 52.  75.  60  =  62 1/3

Partly clear.  I intended to start to Matton or Loxa early but did not get off till 8 or 9 AM,  Went to  Gaines and intended to reach Mattoon.  Mrs. and Mrs. Gaines wanted to go with children, so we go  I  taking Mrs G in Buggy and Jo walking Start with load - May and daughter, 9.30 AM. getting there 10.30.  Leave horse and buggy in stable west side which May recommended.  OK.  Take in much of fair.  Meet many I knew.  Saw Bert and was with him over show says will loan us money and take up note at 1st National Bank.    Shirley met me just as I was about to start home.  Tell him have not time to discuss matters.  They  try to plow BC stubble yest. but give  it up.  Got to Joes about 6 P.M. and home 7 PM.  Gobed 830 P.M. 

October 9, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, Illinois

October 1889

9.  Wednesday 7 AM.  Ther.  40.  70  47  = 52 1/3

Clear No frost.  Tom Houghton drummer here.  Buy stove of Main mfg Co and get it set up $11.00  Milt nor Warren up today.  The electric light will start about Saturday night.  They fixed up their engine today for first time  Good many people gone to St. Louis fair this week.  Father has caught heavy cold.  Go bed  11PM

October 1900

9.  Tuesday.  4 AM.  Ther  37.  66  50  =  51

Clear probably white frost not the first.  Start for ranch abour 8 AM.  Meet Simons and Warren with wood.  They report Brown as sowing rye.  Lucy would not let little Johnny go with me to open gates.  Gave Will Decker,  Wyeth and Hardin bill.  He says  they will begin sawing it today.   Cross river at Handly ford.  Take Val Handly's wife and child across river.  Went round by Replogles get home  bout 1 P.M.  Mrs. Owens washed.  We hear from N W U that Phebe is likely to stay .  Armstrong  delivers BC to Matter having sold it for 80.00  My share - one third was $153.~  Start for Loxa 5 P.M.  quite chilly get there just as they were getting supper.    Play seven up a while at night clear day with northerly wind.  Jo still grubbing.  Gobed 9.30

October 7 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

7.  Monday.  7 AM.  Ther  27. 52. 33.  =  37 1/3

Clear very heavy frost  the first heavy one  Most trees are green yet and Hickory nuts have not fallen much as yet.  Caught more cold last night.  Mostly in my head.  Put on woolen underclothes this morning.  Begin getting ready for stove at store.  Streamer drummer in town, buys small bill from him.  Mrs. Rogers  washes, Milt and Warren did not come up - supposed to be working on road.  Go  bed 10.30 ~~

October 1900

7.  Sunday, 6 AM.  Ther.  58.  63.  55.  =  57 2/3

Cloudy.  North wind. Quite a heavy shower in night.  turning cooler.  Looked for  Phebe some in  night.  Have had no word from her since I sent telegram.  Drive south of town P.M. looking for mushrooms.  didn't see any.  Charlotte Sproule here P.M.  Jack Cabby brought lot of mushrooms mostly Campestris    Lulu Dorsch here at night staying with Maggie.  They have company with oysters.  Ferd here all night.  Went to bed at 8.30 PM, but got up at midnight to to train for Phebe  Walk down.  She didn't come however.  Gobed 1.15 AM.

October 2, 1889 and 1900 in Charleston, IL

October 1889

2.  Wednesday 7 AM   Ther  45.  68.  50.  =  54.1/3

Clear. Reunion of 8 Ill ?  Mrs. Rogers irons.  Millers Sawmill moves out west of town.  Warren brings load of wood to Cooper the first of 8  cord.  Milt  brings load to Hibbard.  Sold J. Dice 99 posts @6 1/4. cash.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Bert in town but didn't come down  gobed 10.30~~

October 1900

2.  Tuesday.  5 AM.  Ther  52  84.  60.  =  65 1/3

Clear.  Easterly wind.  I got up and ate breakfast before rest of them got up.    Miss John Simons on road.  I  didnt start till 7 PM.  and got home at 7.  Didn't eat diner except bunch candy &c.  Tue gets long letter from Phebe.  She has decided to stay there if she can take music.  Mort and Kate over at night till 10 PM.  Mrs. Owens washed  Phebe wrote to each of us but seems to be having good time.  (shorthand)  Get sample Kaffee corn.  Mort and Kate go home at 10 P.M. and gobed 11 PM.

April 10-13, 1889 in Coles County Illinois

April 1889

10.  Wednesday.  5.45  AM  Ther.  40.  70.  52. =  54.

Clear smoky.  Bought fish pole and stopped on way to timber to fish a little, no good.  Called at  RR office to find that they do need piling  Got to wood at 11 AM.  Hitch mare  on ridge where boys are working and stay with them most of day.  

11.  Thursday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  55.  76.  65.  =  65 1/3

Clear Start pretty early.  Hitch in mid'll (sic) hallow forenoon.  Decide to quit building  wood fence.  Boys clean out fence row to Handley's live and then south to meet other cleaning mark two or three weeks ago.  wind south and threatening rain.   Light P.M. about  5.30.  John and Os work in old clearing burning remains of log heaps  Get home at 8.15.  Mrs. Perrill and Kate over in evening.  Hugh has been at home since lat week since last week.  Gobed  9.30 AM.

12.  Friday.  5.45 AM.  ther.  65.  78.  58. = .67

Clear or nearly so.  Started for timber.  7.45 got horses shoes taken off.  Meet John Hanley at talking gate, get to woods at 10 AM.  John and Os finish up old clearing and clean out  road round Hurricane Handley's fence.  Os  went to Kinks and got saw.   Boys  clearing west of house.   Find fox den in hills west of house.  Got home at  8.30.  Meet Milt Drake, says he will start in morning for the home in timber.  Decide to work no more until after city election which comes off next Tuesday.  Horse fell on way home breaking harness.  Gobed 10 P.M. Sp rain  abt. Norm Gets cooler.  Warm day very strong winds  from s. varing to SW W + N.W.

13.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther.  54.  58.  48.  =  52 2/3

Cloudy growing cooler.  The gang mostly up for pay.  Went down to tie pile.  Warren says he has hauled 118 and will quit  Jack Handley  has been hauling for two or three days.  Went down to R.R. toward night counting up ties. 486 Tallying exactly with haulers count.  Crass went down with me.  Met Kink going home  He was pretty ful.  Pay Jack Handly in full for 49 ties hauled.  Milt Drake started for timber with his "things"  Wants me to take Mrs. Drake and children down Monday.  Tue buys  6 chickens of Mrs. Davis.  Chilly day mostly cloudy east wind 9.30 PM