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.

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.                                         

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

December 13-31, 1890 Charleston, IL (Highlights)

December 1890

13.  Saturday, 7:45 AM  Ther  15  38  32

Myers brought in hogs killed yesterday.  Warren brought in a load of wood 4 cord which sold Spurgeon.  Self about sick all day.  Trade medium.  Mostly clear day SW wind fine weather Rent Perkins room to fellow for shooting going in Monday  Gobed 12 oc~~

14.  Sunday,  8 AM  Ther 25.  44.  20

Clear SW wind.  work at hogs in cellar till nearly dinner time.  Tue did not go to church  Start for timber about 3 P.M.  Fellow named Edinunrode 5 miles home with me claiming he had sprained ankle.  Got to John's before dark.  Clear day with SW wind.  Warren went fox hunting.  Gobed 9 P.M.

15.  Monday,  5.30 AM Ther  15.  34.  35.

           Clear S.E. wind white frost.  Boys finish NW corner of roof.  I went out with gun saw three pheasants which couldn't shoot.  Ride down to where they have been making boards and rode among the hills an hour or two.  John and Rile count at boards before noon.  John Simons desires to work another year for me, but make no bargain yet  I start home about 1 P.M.  Saw Harrison this AM.  He will haul hay for me tomorrow if the weather admits.  Fathers cold seems good deal worse.  The roads are generally [sic] dusty scattering this patches of last Monday snow still on N well beds.  Gobed12.

16.  Tuesday 7 AM  Ther  33.  35.  30.
Cloudy and raining SE lightly continuous till about till about 10 AM turning to snow from SW. which continues most of day melting as it fell  Light sprinkling of snow on ground at night wind W.  Mended up sausage grinder  which took me about all day and made case sausage which took me about all day  Tue helping apart of the time  Business fair.  Court in session.  King Murder trial in progress.  Gobed  11.30 P.M.

17.  Wednesday 7.30 AM
Bought load if hay of Bradberry 10.64  2660 lbs.  Sold 200 boards.  Natl. Cash Register Agt. here Deius  drummer.  King murder trial closes, jury out with case tonight.  Mostly cloudy AM.  

18.  Thursday.
Tue works at hogs lard.  I packed  hams shoulders and sides in Bbl and cover with brine.  W Decker hauls load of wood on yard last load of dry.   Stranes drummer here, also H Meyer.  Uncle John down to dinner.  Mrs. Rogers ironed PM.  Settle up with Skidmore  Gobed  1130 PM

John Simons in town says has three teams to haul down old hay from Vanmeter shed, today.  Uncle John in town and down to dinner.  Mrs. Alex Fisher was buried today.  H.G. wants to go hunting  Monday if snows.

21.  Sunday
Maunie Lang here to dinner.  Start to ranch 330 getting there about dark.

22.Monday
Clear, wind SW  John Warren and Jo H. start for two loads hay about sunrise they with Harrison got three down here Saturday.  They got here today about 2 P.M.  John and Rile work at boards in river bottom.  

23.  Tuesday. 530 AM.  
Boys work at making red oak cut by Milt into boards.  Chut Bennett took 528 ft fencing up and took the same quantity yest.  Went by Walkers for first time in many in many moths.  Stop and dig briar roots on river bottom.  Tue about sick.

24.  Wednesday  Chut Bennett brought lumber he started with yesterday and Warren brought 1600 boards.  Remain at store most of day.   Began snowing shortly after midnight  Hyman in town.

25.  Thursday  Thursday  8 AM.  Ther. 22.  27.  17.
Snowing moderately from N.E. began about midnight last night, snowed most of day today making a fall of about 3 inches.    I got a case comb and brushes in my stocking  also also some other things  Maggie and Phebe some books &c and Marie two fine dolls.  Tue gave father a pair of felt slippers.  I paid note of  Tue and self for $400 at bank today and made a new one of  100.00  I did not eat any dinner today Stay at store  /stay at store all day Ate too much for breakfast.  Hat and H were down to dinner.  Clears off at night and grows colder, wind N.E. gobed 12

26.  Friday 7.30 AM.
This is the coldest morning since last winter.  H. G. and Due Dowling went hunting today  and I remain at store all day.  H.G. got back before night  Mostly clear day with SWwind.

27.  Saturday.  8 AM
Roads said to be good but no sleighing.  Uncle John in town but did not come down to dinner.  He has not yet closed his trade for the  Phillips farm.  Says if he does  not  he will go 8 Seattle.  Old Mrs  Pineel who died a day or tw ago was buried today.  Mount joy  & Do had "passover supper at  Geo Lees tonight..  Mrs Latta's niece was over at night playing on piano.  Tue built fire up stairs at night  for first time  this  season.bill Meyers wants to rent Perkins room 6 months.

28.  Sunday
Alarm of fire about 8 AM  

29.  Monday

30.  Tuesday
Sutton fixed waste in water works in woodhouse.   Bill Meyers decides to take Perkins room 6 months @10.00 per month as son as shooting man gets out.  

31.  Wednesday
Uncle John down to dinner.  I got started for ranch  3.15 PM.  Tom Level rode with me part of the way  got there about dark.  Lucy sick with bad cold.  One of the spring lambs died last night.

February 10-17, 1901 in Coles County Illinois

February 1901

10.  Sunday.  7 AM  Ther  14.  32.  24  =  23 1/3

Clear, N.W. wind.  I quit tobacco last night and was sleepy all day.  Lulu Dorsch called while we were eating dinner.  She has been away for several weeks.  Kate Perrill called toward night staying all night.  Her mother is over at Bains.  All of them went to church at night.  Slept in bedroom over kitchen.  Clear day gobed.  9.30

11.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther.  25.  38.  22.  =  28 1/3

Cloudy light snow S.W.  Kate Perrill was here to dinner and her mother spent the afternoon with us. all hands eating supper at Groves except self.  I didn't eat my supper.  They will start for Columbus tomorrow noon about half an inch damp snow in forenoon.  Clara got home 1.30 PM.  Her sister did not come to Shantias (Mark Eastin House) today as agreed.  Everything is covered with ice or snow but not so slippery  as Saturday  Thawed considerly today  Wind SW but cooler at night wind becomes N.W. Clear day.  Gobed 10 P.M.

(shorthand)

12.  Tuesday.  5.15, A.M.  Ther, 12.  24.  17.  =  17 2/3

Clear northwind.  Clara washing.  Mrs. Perrill calls after breakfast.  they left on 11.55 AM train expecting to get to Columbus at 8 P.M.  Tue and I went over to Groves to say goodbye to Mrs. P. and Kate.   Martha Veach called P.M.  Tue and Marie attended church at Pres. at night   Maggie to concert with Garrett.  Gobed 10 PM~

13.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther  10.  38.  27  =  25

Clear, N.W. wind.  Garrett Wall tells me he wants to sell out to Houchin.  I was at clerks office P.M. and learn from Ricketts & Stone that Jim Stevens has released mortgage on Defenbaugh timber land.  Vol  Mount will be buried Friday  Frank Scott came P.M. and was here to supper.  He and Maggie attended "Leap Year" ball at night.  Tue feeling badly and retired early  Marie Clara and self play cinch till late bed time.  Clear day northerly wind.  Go bed 11 P.M.

14.  Thursday.  5.45 AM.  Ther  20.  38.  26  =  28

Clear easterly wind.  Self was feeling badly in night - too much supper.  Maggie got home 2 A.M.  Jack Troboyh came 7 AM.  clean out ashes.  Moves coal.  Clan out cow shed and works over mushroom stock which was too cold to make up  Clara ironed.  Everybody gone except self at night.  Bert called P.M.  He will have a sale next Wednesday.  Scott went back to Champaign AM.  The snow which has covered ground several weeks is getting pretty well off.  Clear day light NW of variable wind  Gobed 10 P.M.

Top of page:  Learn that H.G. is working for Charley Black who has lately bought Gilber Saloon.

15.  Friday  6. A.M.  Ther.  25.  52.  25.  =  34

Clear Southerly wind.  Start for Loxa 10 AM had to put cinders on ice N of barn before could get out  Roads pretty good going.  Mud deepen returning Jo cutting wood.  Has done no regular work for me this month.  John and wife  gone perhaps to stay.  Jo will go to trimming hedge Monday.  Clear day snow mostly disappearing.  I start home 4.30 P.M. going to Loxa.  Got Claras valise.  Tue got letter from Phebe She wants to come home.  I  brought in Jo's clock for repairs  Mort and K over at night till 9.30.  Go bed 9.45 P.M.

16.  Saturday 5.30 AM.  Ther  24.  30.  30.  = 28

Cloudy NW wind.  Hitch up before noon.  Take Gaines clock to Dan McCarty for repair.  John  Simons in town, also in town, also Warren.  They have hauled out nearly all wood cut and will begin plowing soon as possible.  Harvey, Claras brother was here about noon.  Jim  Hearding tells me Walls has sold out Maples and gos to Kinmundy  Buy chicken cod fish &c at Pat Bartons- Paid.  Tue attended  church at Pres. at night.  Marie Clara and self play Cinch till 9.30 P.M.  Raw cloudy day  Queen's feet very tender.  Gobed 10 P.M.

(Shorthand at top of page.)

17.  Sunday.  6.45 AM.  Ther.  30.  53.  38.  =  40 1/3

Cloudy strong southwind.  Maries birthday 14 years.  I went to P.O. AM.  Getting some paper &c for Clara.  Marie got several  little presents this morning.  Some snow still lying on north hillsides.  Jo claims ground frozen  about 8 in.  Lulu Dorsch here about dinner time.  Clear day wind getting W. before night.  Ferd here going to church with Tue.  All gone at night except self.  I sat in furnace room reading most of P.M. and at night.  Gobed 10 P.M.

January 29- February 1, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston, IL

January  1890

29.  Wednesday.  Ther  36 46 ( an ink smear across this entry.)

Cloudy a light shower between 6 and 7 AM.  H.G. an hands , Nick has not shown up yet.  Learn today that he is better.  Kelly helps most of day washes bottles and cleans furniture.  He is going to work for R.R.  Very dull day muddy and dark  Paid water rate to July 1 for house and store  

gobed 11 PM  Fog at nt.

30.  Thursday 7 AM.  Ther  37.  48.  48. = 44 1/3

Foggy morning.  Another dark muddy day.  Tue spent day at Perrills.  Very few country people in town now days.  The roads are said to be as bad as ever known.  Frank McGurtys baby  and Jeff Watens sister buried today.  Nick still at home.  Cloudy day strong S. wind at night.  Gobed midnight

31.  Friday.  7 AM.  Ther  48.  52.  40.  = 46 2/3

Part cloudy day.  Nick up AM first time.  Trade dull.  Tue complaining Bish killed billy kid.  gobed midnight.

February 1890

1.  Saturday.  7.15 AM.  Ther.  34. 

Cloudy sprinkle snow last night.  Nick at Store all day first time since sick.  Bill Kelly working for R.R. Co.  Engage Brownfield to help clean up.  John Simones in town says he is reading to move at any time.  Snider will help one load.  Snider was married last Wednesday night  to Phillip's daughter  Uncle John was down to dinner self not very well.  Paid winter a/c in full to date  Gobed  1 AM.

January 1901

29.  Tuesday.  6 AM.   Ther  22.  40.

Partly cloudy N.W. wind.  Jack Trobough work 8 to 10 AM.  Takes out  ashes; turns manure and oil buggy and took it up to Davis Shop  Mrs. Wm. Brazleton died this morning  after being sick a long.  Old Mr. Sproule very sick.  Tue went over there after dinner.  Helen here to supper.   Davis did not repair buggy and I went after it  toward night.  Took Tue and Helen to H.Gs after supper.  Kate Perrill  who arrived with her mother from Wellsville, Ohio here with Groves till bedtime.  Marie seems better but remains at home.  Cloudy with variable wind a little rain and sleet during day about an inch snow at night.  10 PM.  

( Shorthand at top of Page)

30.  Wednesday. 5.15 AM.  Ther. 20.  19.  8  =  15 2/3
Cloudy northerly wind.   Clara ironed all day and went out with Daisy at night.  Growing colder all day  Partly clear P.M.  NW wind.   Tue over at Grove's at night.   Mrs. Brazelton was buried today  Pay F.M. Payne druggist a/c $7.70 in full. check.  Gobed 10 PM.

31.  Thursday. 6 AM.  Ther.  24.  29.  26  =  29 2/3
Clear SW wind.  Gaines calls me at Central while at breakfast.    Send him check 18.00 on wages  Think overpaid some.  Tell him to get line back cow dehorned at once.  Defenbaugh calls to get to get me to release Mortgage will have to see Jim Stevens.  Tue over at Groves w(?) Mrs. Perrill and Kate.  I went over to supper  Kate sick.  Marie still complaining good deal but think getting better slowly.  Clear AM and getting warmer but cloudy P.M. and colder NW wind.  Self feeling badly and still chewing tobacco.  The snow which fell Tuesday still covers ground  Go bed 10 P.M.
(shorthand)

February 1901

1.  Friday.  5.45 AM.  Ther.  27.  30.  30.  +  25 2/3

Clear westwind.  Clara washing windows.  Reading Circle met here P.M.  I sat in furnace room most of P.M..  Play seven up in dining at night  Marie went to school first time for week or two  Gobed 9 30 PM.

January 19-20, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston Illinois

January 1890

19.  Sunday 7.30 AM.  Ther.  39.  54.  58.  =  50 1/3

Cloudy, S. wind, H.G. supposed to be about sauce went up town and helped some about cleaning up.  Maunie here to dinner.  La Grippe very numerous in town.  Went up town toward night.  Learn that Frank McGurty died suddenly at about 5 P.M.  Kelly rode my mare a while P.M.  Light shower at 3 P.M. heavy at night Gobed 10 PM

20.  Monday, 6.30 SM.  Ther  15.  24.  21.  =  20

Strong W. all night Frozen up hard again  Went up town about 7 AM. to relieve Nick.  H.G. complains of feeling some better and comes up in PM.  Nearly every body is taking the "grip" Bill Jeffries has it bad also Frank Vail   Jo Curd and lots of others.  Baby sick all day some better at night.  Mostly clear day.  Trade some better  Sent insurance policys to Freiburg  Order  remaining 2 Bbl Bo A f(?)  Learn Woodrum was buried today  Gobed 1045 PM 

January 1901

19.  Saturday.  6 AM.  Ther. 15.  30.  30  =  27

Mostly clear.  easterly wind.  Queen was loose in barnyard this morning.  My throat very sore and kep(sic) me awake much in night.  Make print of pin hole picture taken the other day and had better success than expected.  Simons and Warren up with stove wood for thernolies(?).    They will work my land down there except west end of Decker piece putting into corn for half, delivered in crib there.  Good many people in town in town and roads getting smoothed down.  Clara got letter from her mother at Loxa that one of her children was sick and she left after supper to return tomorrow evening.  Tue and Marie went up town for grub &c after supper to return tomorrow evening.  Walls shows me where paper has fallen off north side of store room.  My  cold continues abut the same.  Throat some better  Gobed 10 PM.

20.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther.  36.  58.  45.  =  46 1/3

Clear.  Strong southwind.   Tue gets breakfast and dinner.  Tone photo of Kate's boy and break celluloid tray.  Hitch up before dinner.  Start out to Gaines' before 3 PM.  Staying there about an hour.  Got home with Clara about 6.30  Daisy didn't come.  Tue feeling very badly PM and at night.  The roads are nearly as good as in summer  No mud.  Clear day and about as warm as warm as it ever gets in Jany.  Gobed 8.30 PM.

January 13 - 14, 1890 and 1901 in Charleston, Illinois

January 1890

13.  Monday.  7 AM.   Ther  19.  27.  20.  =  22

Cloudy S.W. wind  Snow flakes  flying.  Very hard wind all night.  Ther at 1 AM was 35.  A letter from Freiburg.  He sold Boh for 2.55  Old Mr. Weiss died rather suddenly yesterday.  The awning in front of our Perkins building blew down last night.  Phebe  didn't go to school .  Clear day W or NW wind.    Trade very dull  Mrs. R decided not to wash.  Gobed 11 PM

14.  Tuesday 7 AM.  Ther  20.  35.  35.  = 30

Clear with E wind.  Heavy white frost.  Clouds over early and mostly cloudy day.  Took Phebe's shoes to cobbler.  Tue expected Mrs. R to wash today but she didn't come.  G Weiss buried PM.  Tue over to Harley's at night.  Mr. Eastin here PM.  Light rain after 8 P.M. wind S,  Gobed 11PM

January 1901

13.  Sunday.  6 AM.  Ther.  24.  39.  28.  =  30 1/3

Partly cloudy, wind N.W.  Ferd and Helen here to dinner.  Mend up harness broken last night.  Drove out to  Gaines taken goods $1.80 to Mrs. G. and bringing home 3 dozen eggs owe her for 5 dozen birds.  Road rough except gravel giving me side ache.   Jo has been grubbing out  cottonwood pond on west eighty says about half done with it.  Has finished clearing up along Loxa branch all hands gone when I got me.    Gobed 9.30 P.M.

14.  Monday  5.30 AM.  Ther  38.  56.  40.  =  44 2/3

Partly Cloudy.  Intended to get up earlier.  Clara washing  first time finishing before noon.  Deposit Defenbaugh check 75.oo at 2nd Natl.  Clear day west wind.  Pay water rates to July 1, 1901.    Buy some things at Johnsons gro.  Have small a/c there.  Mort and Kate over at night playing Krokonole with Tue and Marie.  Clock bought other day no good will return it tomorrow.  Gobed 10.30 PM. 

December 1-4, 1889 and 1900 in Coles County IL

December 1889

1.  Sunday,  8 AM.  Ther.  26.  46.  39.  =  37.

Clear.  W.S.G. cleaned out stable AM out of hay and nearly out of straw.  Tue cooked two rabbits for dinner.  Mrs. Mount was buried today.  Jim Walker died Friday.  Maunie Lang here most of the day.   Walked over to look at Eley hay rack and decide that I don't want it at any price.  Clear day light wind.  Gobed 9 PM

2.  Monday  7 AM.  Ther  36.  58.  48  =  47 1/3

Clear and fine, SW wind.  Mrs. Rogers washed and ironed.   Uncle John in town not down to dinner.  Has traded Kline Farm with Burgers for Gage property paying some 1500 dollars to boot.  I start for ranch about 3 P.M.  Getting there about dark.  Milt and Frank hauled jag of hay today from John Van Meters barn.  Mostly clear day and quite warm.  Very strong SW winds.  Roads bad by bridge river barely fordable.    Gobed  9.30 P.M.

3.  Tuesday.  6 AM  Ther at C.  43.  43  36  =  40 2/3

Damp cloudy day  Johnny Decker worked 7 to 5.  Milt hauled two loads corn from Martins.  Hang gate in barn door.  Corn crib floor, some troughs Warren bought load corn 16 (?) @ 25. 56 bush (2 loads) from Martin @ 22 1/2  self hurt left foot with timber  very painful in night couldn't sleep.

4.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  at C.  34.  41.  39.  =  38

Cloudy.  Johnny worked 7 to 5.  Milt went to town Stanberry suit compromised.  Milt got home about  8 P.M. slow rain good part of PM.   and in night  John and self make rack in  in sheep shed  with troughs  Ran up balance of stairs,  Milt got 400 lb shats at Wings.  Wind S.  River fordable.  Milt returned by Walkers   F Drake daubed on house today.  Gobed 10 PM  a corn kept me awake nearly all night.

December 1900

1.  Saturday. 6 am.  Ther  32.  50.  34.  =  38 2/3  Foggy N wind  Didn't sleep much with toothache all night.  Lamn came 730 working all AM cutting up kindling and other jobs.  Meet Brown in town and have a settlement of my collections to date  Pay him 40 65 check  We decide to  quit soon as he can finish up some sawing now on hand.  Drive down to Wrightsville to catch John Simons  He will set some men cutting wood on me Monday 65 cts and burn brush.  Tue ate dinner at  Groves also children.  I did not eat dinner.  Pay Lamb in full 1.50  Was up  town while after supper.  Mort and Kate over at night  Mostly clear day self about sick.  Have lately been eating and drinking too much.  No tobacco since I quit!  Was at Marshall's office AM.  More there  Gobed 10.PM

Shorthand at top of cage.

2.  Sunday.  6.45  AM.  Ther.  32.  55.  47.  =  43 2/3

Clear Southerly wind Heavy white frost.  Thought it was snow when woke up.  Start for ranch 10 A.M.  Went to John Simons where Jim Decker used to live.  Ate dinner after which John and went back to where End and Jol will begin to cut wood in morning.  Not much good timber till things get back some distance.  Will pay them 65 cts per cord for good wood  1 ct for good 10.0 posts.  We  then went over to Ira Browns and talked a while  It was after dark when I got home  Roads generally good little mud, but rough.  Clear day Southerly wind.  Roger Bennett rode a ways with me going down.  Gobed 8 PM~~

3.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther  30.  40.  38.  =  36.

Clear N.W. wind Martha Parsons did not come yesterday as promised by phone other day.  Shirley called AM and Paid 168.19 ch for our half bal of corn also paid rent on 5 acres in hungarian 25.00  Pay him for labor 4.00  This was an extra I never heard of.  Thought made mistake but couldn't find him up town.  Bert was down to dinner.  Has been sick.  I drove out Gaines to take hammer &c  He had been hauling up wood today.  Deposits above check and other cash at 2d Natl 224.49  No book.  Bal in B 15.00  Cloudy day estimated 245 acres 2046.00 or 8.35 average per acre.  This is so much better than past years that feel encouraged to continue  farming.  All hands away at night as usual.  Maggie was sick in night.  Tue and self got up  Gobed 8 P.M.  Lloyd women said would come to wash Wednesday morn early.

4.  Tuesday.  6 AM.  Ther. 36.  40.  37.  =  37 2/3

Cloudy NW wind light.  Maggie feeling better and went to work.  Sell Harding lot Cull 544 @ 1.50      8.16 which  Crt on my coal oil a/c.  They are putting in steam pipes from 4th west on Jackson.  Intended going to Loxa but will wait till tomorrow.   Pay Mike Millen a/c 10.50   Courier 5.50.  C.E. Winter 5.50 all chs,  Telephone Martha at Cent. says she is not coming at least, not before New Years.  dark and chilly day wind Northerly to N.W.  Rain and sleet AM at times, very light however.  Tue over at Mrs. Knocks at night  Gobed 9 PM.

September 10-13, 1889 and 1900 in Coles County Illinois

September 1889 

10.  Tuesday, 6 am.  Ther 66.  86.  70  =  74

About clear.  start for timber at 7 AM got my own breakfast.  Got up last night and shave about 1. AM.  Find Rogers and old man Decker at work.  Red sow had eight pigs last night.   Had boys cut load apples for Reynolds.  Start home at 3 P.M.  Gather mess of puff balls on way home which cook and give dog  They taste good and didn't hurt the dog.  Gobed  11 P.M.  Some cloudy in day.

11.  Wednesday.  6 AM.  Ther 70.  88.  70  =  76

Mostly clear.  Drive south of town with  girls after fungus.  Tue puts up 6 cans peaches.  Drake hauls load of green wood on yard.  Very  hot day.  Gobed 11 P.M.

12.  Thursday 6 AM  Ther  70.  88.  70  =  76

Clear.  Tue and girls went to fair AM staying all day  Sent Maggie home sick.  B. Anderson paid me for Keg bought last spring.  Drake brings up green wood.  Trade good.  gobed 10.30 PM.

13.  Friday.  6.30 AM.  Ther 68.  87.  70  =  75

Part cloudy warm pleasant day.  Crowd at fair not so large as expected  was out awhile P.M. so was Tue and father.  Bill Kelly helps at store did yesterday.  Milt brings wood on yard  gobed 10.30~

September 1900

Kate Longshore was buried today - died Sat. night.

10.  Monday.  5.30  AM.  Ther.  73.  95.  77  =  81 2/3

Mostly clear.  Just learn of big storm at Galveston several thousand people drowned.  Charley  Gowdwin hauls down old scraps and cleans up yard at store AM.  Mottes offered 80.00 for Armstongs B.C.  Try AM to get A. by phone at McGurtys.  He says he won't sell @ 80.00 and will not bale till next week.  Maggie bout sick and went over to see Dr. Starr.  Drive up to township line with Tue and Marie at night.  The schools began today.  Very warm day  go bed 9 P.M.

11.  Tuesday 5.40. Am.  Ther.  73.  90.  75.  =  79 1/3

Clear Southerly wind.  Mrs. Owens washes.  Pay Charley Goodwon for dray &c.   Went out to Gaines' AM.  Jo cutting corn  Get basket of tomatoes &c.  Back home before  noon.  Take Mrs. Owens home after dinner  Violent S to west wind all day but no rain.  Lightning S.E. at night.  John Simons brought up a small load of corn: did not see him.  Ferd was here to supper and all night   Says  has left home and will go out to New York in two or three weeks.  Thought would go out to Loxa at night but decide not to go  gobed 8.30 P.M.

12.   Wednesday 5 AM.  Ther.  58.  88.  60?  =  68 2/3

Clear N.W. wind.  Mr. Scott was expected today but didn't come.  Ferd here to diner and supper.  He has fully determined to go back to Sag Harbor and will probably leave in tow or three weeks. (Top of page has a lot of shorthand.)  Take Maggie down to 3.30 train.  Get back for  Walls coal house.  Henry Reasor puts new stop-and - waste at barn and tries to fix water pump in basement.  Gaiser says will take what fencing I have on hand which count 129 ps 1x6 ass lengths 12 to 16.  Drive out to Gaines' late.  Find them  gone to bed at 7 P.M.  Jo has been cutting corn and burning brush all the week.  Mostly clear AM cloudy some P.M.    looking like rain   Wind N.W. Go bed 9 P.M.  Shirley pays Ins. on B.C. 2.65

13.  Thursday.  3.30 AM.  Ther  50?  86.  60.  =  65 1/3

Mostly clear wind.  Shirley came for Jo to help in hungai(?).  Get bushel of tomatoes and other things  Leave Gaines' 10 A.M. over take Bill Myers on way home.  Mrs. Owens ironing today.  Mr. Scott here to dinner and P.M. till 9.05 train.  Ferd here to supper.  He has not heard from Sag Harbor lately.  They have taken water trough away from  NW corner sq.  Schenen building upto second floor  Black running "The Health Office" alone  The Walls being busy at their place in Brocton.  I met Armstrong on road today.  he does not want to sell his B.C. for less than 100.00.   Mostly clear day westerly wind.    Al Deffenbaugh gave me receipt for work done on road in Lafayette 13.37.  This is road tax on everything at Loxa  Gobed 8,30 PM

March 3, 1914 and 1889 in Charleston, IL

March 1914

3.  Tuesday.  6.15 AM.  Ther.  Ther. 22.  46.  32.  =  33 1/3

Clear, E.1. We get letter from Phebe AM detailing her trip to Havana last week.  It took her two days and one night to complete the trip.  Tue wrote Muggs, Mail check to the C.I.P.S.Co. for 3.34 last month's light. ~  Disagreeable day,.  Mostly cloudy light varible winds; began snowing about 4 P.m. about an inch of light snow fell.  Tue  went up to I.B.M.s to see Mrs. Frank McCravey and then  to Mrs. Nickols and Mrs. Heebs neither of whom was at home.  Later she spent an hour or two at Groves getting home before 6.  The snow was from SW.  It   quit about dark.  There is a lot of old snow and ice on ground in big spots.  Gobed 8.45

March 1889

3.  Sunday.  7 AM.  Ther  33.  46.  34.  =  37 2./3
Heavy fog N.E. wind.  Maggie went to S. School.  Learn that Tom Stoddert died last night.   He had been sick since last fall.  Geo Sefton's baby was buried this afternoon.  Wrote Simon Sturin ordering renewal 300 ins on whiskey expiring Mar 7.    Write letter to W.H. White accepting bill for switch ties (?) set if can have plenty (?).  Wrote letter to  D. Baughman , Oak Pt. Ill inquiring about lot near R.R.  Mostly cloudy day with N. Easterly wind clears away at night.  Tue went to church with Mrs. Davis.  Gobed 9.30 PM

 

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

January 1914

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

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

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

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

January 1889

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

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

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

Jim Chapman was buried today.

August 7 - 11, 1913 in Charleston, Illinois

1913

7.  Thursday 5.15 AM.  Ther.  74.  94.  84.  =  84.
Cloudy and raining.  Much heavy thunder but little rain since 1 AM.  Tue did not get up.  She sent for Dr. Starr after breakfast, and remains in bed the day.  Mrs. Brooks calls on her P.M.  also Mrs. Groves later.  I oil up and put some washers on new buggy wheels AM.  Drove to big 4 depot twice  with Buddy.  Maggie had much trouble getting off but finally went with Phebe to Mattoon at 4.30 to take 6 P.M. fast train which proved to be four hours late.  Phebe got home 6.30 and last heard from Muggs she had gone to Louisa's.  Buddy and I drive N of town late P.M.  The rain did not lay dust.  Part cloudy day with Southeasterly winds very sultry.  Lightning S at and after bedtime.  Gobed 9

8.  Friday.  5.30 AM.  ther.  78.  100.  90.  =  89 1/3
Part cloudy. S.3.  There were thunder and lightning all night but think no rain.  Spend an hour or  two adjusting wheels on new buggy.  Was uptown twice but did not leave buggy on account of the heat.  Tue seems some better but did not get up.  Mrs. Gaud Brooks entertain her most of P.M.  Got cards from Muggs P.M. at St. Louis where she stayed the night and was just starting for Jeff City at  9 AM expecting to get there just after noon.  Take a little drive with Charles and Phebe at nearly night and take horse up to Nickles.  Jim Crawford came home with me and we came near a wreck with auto at cor. Van B. and 4th.  Clear day and night strong S. or S.W. winds.  Gobed 9.30.  Clear night with no lightning.

9.  Saturday.  5.30 AM.  Ther.  78.  96.  86.  =  86 2/3
Clear S.3.  Deposit checks for caorn AM 162.47.  Get book at bank.  Last night another warm one.  Annie Piper was buried tody.  Tue much same and still in bed.  Dr. Starr called 4 P.M.  Kill our extra chicken which have been stall feeding in corn crib.  Tue kept the bed all day.  Mrs. Grove over again P.M.  Clear day with moderate southerly winds.  Gobed 10 P.M.  Mare to Nickles

10.  Sunday.  5 A.M.  ther.  76.  94.  80.  = 83 1/3
Mostly cloudy. S.2.  Order mare early and get start to Loxa at about 6 AM.  leaving rest in bed.  I stop at Harmans to phone about pump.  Paul phones for me.  Enter at gate NW of house: did not see Mr. Cox.  Think our corn beats the average.  Clover seed not filled and will not pay to cut and thresh.  B.C. looks well  Met Sleet Shirley on place.  Wants to rent ground next season.  Saw Mrs. Gaines  Retha and the baby.  I got home 10 AM.  Drive P.M. down by Lattas and return by Tom Brink Hill.  I found Tue up when I got home from Loxa.  She is feeling better Phebe getting ready to  leave for Chicago tomorrow morn.  Ora Webb is going with her and stayed the night.  Mostly cloudy day, southwesterly wind.  Gobed 9  Save P.M.

11.  Monday 5.30 AM.  ther.  74.  90.  84.  =  82 2/3
Part cloudy. S.E.1.  Ora and Phebe went at 3.48 AM.  tue up to breakfast and feeling better till bad feeling spill about noon.  She got letter from Muggs who arrived at Jeff Cy. (sic) all right.  I find both rear wheels of new buggy loose in hub and am thinking of sending them back.  Drive over to Seiberts but he is away.  The men at shop say it cannot be fixed advise returning them at once.  Today very sultry and mostly clear with light southerly winds.  Take Buddy and Charles down to check Phebes trunk late P.M.  Clara Digby called to see Bud in afternoon.  I got a letter from Harman who is enjoying himself around Geneva, N.Y.  I bundle up lot old newspapers P.M.  The weather has settled down into regular drouth:  Some corn late planted looks well but cant do long without rain.  The only place running water Sunday was in Riley - crossed at Richards bridge.  M & K over night go bed 9