February 1- March 13, 1903 in Coles County, IL Highlights

From earlier  February 1903 enteries:

1. Sunday 
 Ficklin visiting Marie P.M.

2.  Monday
John McGunty still figures on bottom lot for Opera House

4.  Wednesday
Did not learn where they decide to put opera house nor whether they decided they decided or not last night.  Ed Brown sick in bed since last Sunday.

6.  Thursday
Henry Hildreth [Tue's brother] called AM is here about to sell his place north of Loxa.  Has been offered 100.00 per acre and seems to have a notion of taking it.  He had been down to his 40 S of town  They City Council at meet last night raised the license to one thousand dollars in advance.

8.  Sunday
I took picture of house from over near Groves also one looking S.W. down South also one of Jack in yard south of house and one of Phebe and Marie from front porch east.  These plates have been on hand two or three years

10. Tuesday
Fill camera with Eastman plates which have been on hand for three years.

11.  Wednesday
Print and try to tone a few pictures P.M. but toning bath does not work.  Have forgotten must knew about this thing.

12.  Thursday
I keep on sorting over things in den  Mel Stark's boy died today.  He had been sick about two weeks with pneumonia.  Phebe to ball at night Dessa and Marie went to show, not together.  Louise here sewing.

13. Friday
There was no school today at Normal or High school.   Miss Ford went to Shelbyville to institute.  Gang of girls here all PM and at night.

15.Sunday
Marie went with Emilie to show at hall night.

16. Monday
 There is a function at JH Marshalls and Tue and Miss Ford and Pearl Davis will attend.

17.Tuesday [Marie's Birthday] 630 AM  Ther  -14, 5, 3, = -2
Light ice in NW kitchen sink,  House pretty cold  Ther in Kitchen 34.  Sitting 44.  Jo Gaines and C. Enloe call AM  Jo came ito have his frozen fingers operated on.   They left 11.10.  A week or two of this weather will exhaust coal.  I put in day ostly at keeping up fires.  Sit in furnance room mostly til bed time.  Tue very sore toe at night.

18. Wednesday  Ther    -8.  3.  -4  =  -3
Claud Fuller had his foot amputated today at Champaign.  This weather covers the  entire country and is the worst cold wave for years  The papers report nothing better for several days.  Stores have quit delivering with wagon except on paved streets.Gang here at night and I go to bed before 8 P.M.

19.  Thursday  Ther  -6.  22.  10.  =  8 2/3
Young Fuller died at Champaign last night.  They did not amputate.  His body arrived here P.M. Marie went coasting at night.  Louise over at night.

21.  Saturday,
Buy lease blanks and tolet paper at W.E. Hills  Paid for.  He tells me Opera House people have decided to build on Stoddert lot on seventh street. tue feeling badly all day and consulted  Dr. Starr getting medicine from him.

22.  Sunday,
Tue did not get up this morning to breakfast . . .  She felt so badly call Dr. Starr toward night.  He left medicine which helped her right away.  I have felt worse for several days than for a long time.  I attribute it to hauling coal and wood.  Made Tue some liminent.  Girls fussing in the kitchen at night.  Louise and Marie.

23. Monday,
 Tue in bed all day.

24.  Tuesday  
Tue got up to breakfast remaining up till bedtime.  I felt badly and went to Patton for medicine.  It is said now for sure they have decided to build the Opera House on lot  south of the jail on Seventh St.

25.  Wednesday, 
Tue up to breakfast but does not feel up to mark.  Talk to Geo. Gray about Rhodes, also with C. McCravy reguarding Opera House.  He says they have not yet decided where it will be.  I felt pretty bad all day, and Tue was up till after supper not so well as yesterday and she called in Dr. Starr toward night.

26.  Thursday, 
Tue did not feel like getting up this morning.  I went up to Pattons to ask about self.  He discourages me somewhat.  Tue did not come stairs today.  Marie plays BasketB game at sch house at night.

27.  Friday
Self very puny..  Have cold in head- must be grippe.  Feeling very bad all over and worse at night.  I think have fever all the time.  Marie attends party at night  Phebe went to show

28.  Saturday
Miss Ford went to Mattoon last night to meet Miss Wheeler.  They got here on 6.20 train this morning.  I took two or three doses of qunine today and think it helped me.  Louise Snider was helping iron AM.  Tue is feeling some better and sat up at night.  Recieve notice from Weaver that Encyclopedia was  shipped Thursday.


March 1903

3.  Tuesday

Dessa "made" fires.  Write to  Prof. Peck first time for two or three years.  Chas Ricketts thinks there is still a chance to sell our bottom lot for Opera House.  Gang here at night and I sit in basement till bed time.

4.  Wednesday
See Al Parker for first time in three or four weeks and inquire about Opera House.  He does not think it too late to change if they can buy my lot.  Charles McCravy called P.M.   called P.M. to talk it over.  I went up to abstract office.  We find Briggs deed for bottom lot (?) me out.  I have missed it at home for several years but supposed it to be recorded.   Decide to make a thorough overhauling of old papers ad find it if in the house.  It was made Jan 27 1891 according to my journal work till 9.30 P.M.. hunting for it. My cold in head much worse than it has been.  Damp Day with easterly wind.  Light rain much of afternoon.  I give price of 2500.00 to Parker on bottom lot and he says they will decide in a few days.  ? ? for O.H,  gobed10 PM

[side of entry] Rec,  Prof. Peck's reports for 1900

January , 1891

• 27.  Tuesday  7 AM.  34.  52.  37.
• Mostly clear..  Went to store without breakfast which I didn't get till 10 oclock  Dinner at 3.  Mr. Piper called P.M.  Tue and self sign note to Briggs 12 mo 8% int for lot in bottom.  Briggs makes out deed squeezing in the taxes on lot.  Father not very well yet.  Weather Jim Roads good Warren Decker brought up 52 Posts go bed 11 P.M.~~

5.  Thursday

My cold as bad or worse than yesterday but keeps in my head.  I put in good deal of time sorting papers.  No trace of fast deed.  Tue busy helping Snider children [Tue's dead sister, Fanny's children] select furniture &c.  they are thinking of going to keeping house soon.  Snider girls here at night.  My old trouble seems a little better.

6.  Friday
I went up to C.L. Ricketts office.  He could not learn from records any about [word off page] supposed to be lost ,  John McGurty has returned from Arkansas (Hot Springs).  Ricketts advises me to persever in looking  for missing deed which I do out in old House P.M.  Find nothing, little encouragement to hunt any where.  Marie went to Masque Party Dennus Laughlns at night.  Tu was up town most of P.M. helping select stuff, furniture  &c. for the Snider girls.

[Side of Page]-  Rec.  Prof. Peck's  reports for 1900 and 1901  also letter from hive in reply to mine 3d inst.  He says my Mushroom is Agaracess abrceptus

7.  Saturday
I put in most of forenoon searching among papers in garnet.  Search P.M. among old checks in den.  Did not find last deed but little traces of the transaction.  Stub to check Oct. 23 1891 for 529.56 was settlement of note of note given for land & int. there on.    Ricketts thinks better make move on Briggs  think have exhausted every chance to find the deed.  Snider girls moved today to Ficklin's.

8.  Sunday,
Phebe stayed last night with Hannah.  Still hunting for evidence of title  to bottom lot.  Put in several hours PM in old house among old Gramesly Bros and other papers.  Found check which paid the note.  It was payable to bearer $529.56  This covers the note which must have beeen 50.00 with int.  I paid the extra 10.00 the day he gave deed.  

9.  Monday  
J E McGurty  Chas McCravy and Ch ricketts call AM. and persuade me to take seat in Opera House as an inducement to get it on Sixth and I accordingly do it.  Briggs says will make me new deed (? claim) for lot in place of one lost.

10.  Tuesday  Tue went up town to help Sniders in morning staying till nearly noon.  I fill out QC Deed which Briggs takes to sign.  Parker hints they have decided to buy to buy my lot for O.H.  Henry Hidreth called AM. says he is talking of buying a place in town.  Learn later thathe has bought the J. White place near Half mile corner 6 acres.  The Ency. came today and I am pleased with it it.

[Side of page]-Recieve Ferndale Cal paper with -- Pay Lafayette Taxes in full $88.30

[Side of Next Page] - Recieve Ferndale Cal paper with noticed of death of Coozine Kingsly at Ferndale on Feby 28.

11.  Wednesday
I put up Ency"Bookcase" AM.  Tue gets letter that Maggie still sick and  thinks she go to Champaign right away.  Chas Ricketts calls AM reporting more trouble in abstract .  Briggs deed from Shaw is "off" this time.  The Opera Co begin hauling old lumber on to lot today and we have to shut our cow up.    Tue had club meet here P.M.  Tue thinks she will go to Champaign Friday.

12.  Thursday
. . . think will get most of bottom lot business finished tomorrow.  Have to get T.C. Deed from  Chas E Shaw and wife of Paris for deed Briggs lost.  She [Tue] went Gertrude Brazelton P.M  Phebe bowling at night and wake toward morning.

13.  Friday,  6.15 AM.  Ther  28.  62.  43.  =  44 1/3
Cloudy Very Heavy Fog.  Could not see house more than 4 rods  Tue gets off on 11.16 train late Intends to stay over Sunday  She lets Dessa go, but could not get home so came back and spent the night.  The Opera House people continue to haul stuff down to the bottom lot.  They have bought the old Park house and will utilie the material in building the O.H.  I fill T.C. deed and mail it to Chas E. Shaw to have signed.  Enclosed One Dollar  Ricketts  has finished abstract of  bottom lot and given to Parker.  The Republicans had primary yesterday.  C.C.  Digby was nominated for Mayor.  It is thought the Dems will put up Geo Muchmore.  Bill Scott carried line and I measured from Mrs. Shaws to Eastin lot AM., with tape line making total distance 470 1/2 feet.  Mostly clear day after fog cleared away SE wind  Roads reported about impassible for single horse vehicle.  Gobed 9 PM.

January 5, 1892 and 1903 in Coles County, IL

January 1892 

Charles 50, Tue 36, Margaret 14, Phebe 12, Marie 5.

5.  Tuesday.  7AM.  Ther  18.  27.  23.  =  22 2/3

Cloudy E. wind.  Enloe took another small load of lumber and paid me for all.  Maurice Burgner has got his 500 posts and will pay me soon.  Tue went to Dick Norfolks funeral P.M. He died yesterday at house here.  Brownfield straightened up posts after dinner.  have on hand 165  Many of them culls.  I put up roosts for hens in the hog pen and Tue and self caught them and put them in there after supper. I fell and hurt my foot so could hardly get around.  We have 37 hens and roosters and 4 ducks.  Cloudy day E wind AM moving gradually around toward N. a little NNE at night and very light fine snow after 9 P.M barely covering the ground.  My foot hurt so I had chill about 10PM.  Gobed midnight.

January 1903

Charles 61, Tue 47, Margaret 25, Phebe 23, Marie 16

5. Monday.  6 AM  Ther.  25. 28.  25  =  26

Cloudy, N wind.  Maggie gets ready and starts for Champaign on 11.15 train.  About 3 in. heavy snow on ground.  It fell in night probably after midnight.   Nick Smith says Garrison sold out and purchaser again sold but I have not verified report.  Mostly cloudy day with NW wind.  Phebe sick at night self about sick.  Quitting use of tobacco feels worse than usual.  Snow remains on ground.  This snow was exactly like one a week ago.  Gobed 9 PM

August 18-19, 1991 and 1902 in Coles County, IL

August 1891

18.  Tuesday  6 AM.  Ther  72.  86.  77.  =  78

Part cloudy wind N.W.  Stay at store  Nick still sick very sultry and oppressive   Got some mushrooms of cross Half bushel  They are more plentiful than I ever saw everywhere.  Go bed 10 30

19  Wednesday 6 AM  72.  86.  77.  =  78

Cloudy W or  SW wind stay at the store most of the day, and gobed 10 30 PM~  Frank  McCraveys baby died yesterday

August 1902

18. Monday  7 AM.  Ther 62.  72.  62 = 65 5/3

Cloudy and raining.  Very heavy  rains before day beginning say 1 AM or 2 AM. with thunder very heavy at times.  I did not get up as usual this morning.  Tue feeling much better and made the fires.  Think tobacco and whisky are holding me down  Wrote to Aunt Maria in afternoon.  Tom Walters mends my spectacles.  Drive out to Dice's Woods.  Find hundreds of my favorite wood Psalliota gone to  waste only two or three small ones fit to use,  There must have fine lot of them about last Saturday. Many other kinds seem to be starting.  The rain stopped about 9 AM.  Cloudy day with  southerly wind.  Roads pretty muddy.  Gobed 1030 PM . . . .

19.  Tuesday.  7 AM.  Ther  65.  88.70.  =  74 1/3
Mostly cloudy but soon cleared off.  I drive up to Dice woods finding several spicies mushrooms but none of my favorite.  Get very large Polyporus gigantius  ?  Look at some fungi in Dr Pattons stable and pronounce there A. anvensis  Saw C. Talbott AM.  He will not start on western trip till next week.  I drove down near Mt. Zion finding several species which had not seen for years and two or three new ones.  The unknown Psalliota is appearing in many places where never saw it.  Mostly clear day roads mostly dry and rough.  Tue working hard most of day and seems nearly as well as she usually is  Gobed 8 30 P.M.

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.                                         

March 1-31, 1902 in Charleston,IL. Highlights

March 1902

1.  Saturday 6 AM.  Ther.  32  33.  27.  =  30 2/3
Shirley called a while forenoon.  He signed lease on Tues land yesterday at Charley Jones.  Samuel fellows call to see about rent H.G. house I hitch up and drive down there P.M. found house all open except front door.  

2.  Sunday
This is the last snow according to Wes. Decker sign  There were to be twenty six.  Ferd called at night

3.  Monday.
Bert called while we were eating breakfast.  He is delegate to  Rep. Co, Convention which meets today in Mattoon gets all candidates but one Zimmerman of Ashmore for Trea.  Tily sheriff.  Cream, judge.

4.  Tuesday.

5.  Wednesday.
Examine records at Court House find that Armstrong did not contract to keep up fences between us and that the Stock judgement expired Jan 7 last.  Tarleton Miles died suddenly today.  Phebe attended ball at Owl Club

6.  Thursday,
Jo came with team and Will came with him and I hire him at 15.00 per month to begin when I want him and work as long I need him.  I am to board him.

7.  Friday 6 AM.
Mushroom bed 80 degrees inside.  I spent two hours at H.G. place P.M.  Found woodhouse door open.  Tarlt Miles was buried today.

8.  Saturday
Mushroom bed 95 inside.   Pick up old spawn at barn yesterafternoon [sic] have about enough for this bed.  Berry Stoddert is tending bar for Dick Cadle in hotel  Miss Ford had a function in her room at night.

9. Sunday
Mushroom bed about same as yesterday say 95 or more 6 in. down.  It seemed to be over 100 at night.

10.  Monday.
Mushroom bed about 100.  John Marshall says can fix up Strode Matter any count.  Get catalog of bookcases.  Lattas sale today but I could not go.

Top of page:  Temp mushroom be falling, but little above 90 today.  Spawn M bed today  11th see below.  Temp 90.

11. Tuesday
Spawn mushroom bed P.M. south 2/3 of old spawn saved in 94.  N 1/3 some started in shed last fall.  Fear bed may be too warm.  The smell from this bed penetrates into living rooms  Marie has gang of girls here at night.

12.  Wednesday
I got a a letter from Cynthia Ansley today

13.  Thursday
Phebe began working at Jenkins with t? ? . . . .

14.  Friday

15.  Saturday
Write Aunt Cornelia asking Uncle mark to send me 25 Kieffer  Pears,  and 100 raspberry plants.  Marie and Helen went to Sniders P.M. Laura Clark with them.

16.  Sunday
Fix up up box of material in barn going to try to make some spawn.  Mix with chaff and bank up with manure spawn as made.  Helen , Louise and Marie walk in from Snider's toward night.  Florence  Moore   here most of P.M.  All go to church at night.

17. Monday
Louise Snider stayed all night with us.  I felt very bad all day and  ate no breakfast nor dinner. Charley Marshall thinks they want to build Opera House on bottom lot.  Tu pays Dr. Patton bill P.M. some 27.00 settled in full for 25.00

18.  Tuesday
Tom Miles calls AM. is running for collector against C.H. Louise was here  They went to show with Ferd.

19.  Wednesday
Got a letter from Mary P. Sayre PM.  John McGruty has gone to Chicago to buy new bar furniture.

20.  Thursday

21.  Friday
Emmett Fritz gets dirt for mushroom bed and we earth it over P.M>

22.  Saturday
Tue and I  about decide not to sell McClasky H.G. place.  John Marshall advises not to without some money down.  Tue and I drive down to H.G. place toward night.

23.  Sunday
I decide to try my hand at making brick spawn therefore get the bricks ready nine in number in hay now got tired fooling with it all day.  There seems to be much live spawn in mushroom bed in garden and I save a a basket or two of it

24.  Monday
Call at Shoots d  Col PM   He is again working for pension.

25.  Tuesday
Wrote letter to Aunt Maria.

26.  Wednesday
Tue planted sweet peas in garden.

27.  Thursday
Maggie comes home P.M.

28.  Friday
Drove down at  got Mrs. Smith to do some washing for Maggie. Frank Ashmore put in door bell.  Marie to Clarks to stay all night.  Louise stays with us all night.

Top of page:  Send 1.00 fo Country Gentleman, Money order for sub. for self.

29.  Saturday

Tue and all hands busy ironing &c.  Didn't hitch up till noon but went up town and paid taxes for Charleston Township 197.80 Realty 6.60 personal 2 checks.  Louise stayed here all night and AM.  They were all at work to fix up Maggie.  She left on 2.45 train  I took her baggage down.  Marie went with me.

30.  Sunday

31.  Monday

March 1902 Mo.Mean 39.6  Clouds 59%   Chart of daily temps.

February 1 - 11, 1891 in Coles County Illinois

February 1891

1.  Sunday. 7 AM  Ther 38.  31  25.

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

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

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

3.  Tuesday 7 AM.  Ther 3. 14.  16.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9.  Monday.  7 AM.  28.  25.  21

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

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

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

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

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

  

January 21-31, 1902 in Charleston, IL

January 1902

21.  Tuesday 6 AM.  Ther.  28.  33.  31.  =  30 2/3

 to be heavy and 3 to 4 inches deep, having fallen in night.  Did not hitch up today.  Went up town P.M.  Charley Smaclzle died yesterday.  Henry Brown (Blind) died today having been sick all winter  H.G. working for Shouts again; began yesterday.  Snow  fell most all AM.  Not heavy however.  Suppose there was there was 4 to 5 inches in all very wet.  Phebe went home with Hanna Marshall to stay all night.  Geo Linder "Jr" here to see about Eastin's place.  Learn that Mrs. E has sold for 3,000.00 to Park commish.  They bought the old Davis place week or two ago @ 4,000.00  Cloudy damp day barely not freezing.  Tue feeling badly  and lies on lounge much of time  Self not feeling very well.  Have not used any tobacco since Christmas.  Gobed  9 P.M.

22. Wednesday,  6AM.  Ther.  27.  36.  30.  =31

Cloudy light, NW wind.  Shirley called 9 AM. to make out lease but I was not ready.  He stayed till 11 AM.  Tue feeling some better today.  She was over at Groves till 9 P.M.  Cloudy day with light NW to Westerly wind.  Thawing all day, streets and walks covered with slush.  The Col. (H.G.) gave me a black dog which take home.  Snow does not go off very fast  Cooler and freezing at night.  Gobed 9 P.M.

23.  Thursday.  6 AM.  Ther  21.  38.  25.  =  28.

About clear, southerly wind.  Mrs. Smith comes to iron A.M. working till noon  Hitch up early AM intending to go to Loxa.  The ground is still covered with snow but it has settled a good deal.  Tue feeling better today than has for some time.  Mostly clear day south to westerly wind.  Gobed 9 P.M. ~~

24.  Friday 6 AM.  Ther.  22.  31.  22.  =  25.

Cloudy light N. wind snow flakes flying  Buy lot of stuff at W.E. Hills AM.  getting trusted for same, 75 cts Writing paper. (Tabs) 25. Envelopes 25.  Pencils 10 per 5 ink 10.  Hitch up and take Tue to R Circle at Will Miles.  Write letters to P.H. & Co. S.H. Co and others AM and  mail PM.  Begins growing colder about 2 P.M.  Weather (?) predicts cold wave.  Ther 16 in  NW.  Light snow flying 2 P.M.  Self not feel well P.M.  Marie & Helen making Fudge at night.  Phebe attended dance with young Miles  Gobed 8 P.M.

This Record carried to new book like this Jany 25  1902

Back pages have July 1901 figures.  Another page figures up crops of Shirley, Gaines, Simon

Jany 25 1902 to Jany 26, 1903

25.  Saturday, 6.15, AM.  Ther.  22.  32.  26.  =  26 2/3

Mostly cloudy SE wind later.  Self about sick this morning.  Write for Catalogue to Slack, Chicago.  Deposit half of Garrisons check 25.00 at  2nd Natl.  nobook.  See Charley Talbot and Wm Wayne, AM. Send 10.00 to Theodore Banta for Sayre Family book.  Have talk with traveling man at Charleston Hotel toward night about land.  Cloudy day with south-easterly wind.  Began snowing 6 P.M. from S.E.  There was earthquake Earthquake in St. Louis yesterday morn.  Write C.H. Slack Chicago for grocery Catalogue.  Self feel  badly all day.  Girls all went to entertainment at Normal at night.  Mort and Kate over at night but I had gone to bed.  Had a pain take me in left shoulder about 10 PM which kept me awake most of night, gone in morning  Gobed 8.15 PM

26.  Sunday.  7.15 AM.  Ther  32.  36.  4.  =  24

Cloudy, heavy fog,  SE wind.  About 1 1/2 to 2 in wet snow fell in night.  Pain in shoulder gone this morning.  Cloudy day thawing till say 1 PM. wind southerly till 1 PM then NW and Ther fell to near zero by 9 PM,  I hitch up Queen before dinner but did not use her because of the change  Much of the snow that fell last night melted this afternoon, but had to keep up good fires PM and night and house got very cold before morning strong NW wind PM & night gobed 9 PM.

27. Monday.  5.30 AM  Ther -6.  8.  2.  = 1 1/3  Clear, NW, wind Mrs. Smith came to wash 7 A.M. working till 3 P.M.  Tue and Groves went up to Court (symbol) P.M. to testify in case of Al Latta and wife.  They decide to live together.  Did not hitch up today Am reading Ivanhoe staying most of the time in basement.   Mort and Kate over at night.  Clear cold day with N.W. wind Mrs. S. will iron Wednesday morning  Gobed 9 P.M.  

28.  Tuesday.  5 AM.  Ther  2.  18.  18.  =  12 2/3

Partly cloudy.  S.E. wind.  Made mistake of an hour this morning getting up too early.  Read Ivanhoe in furnance room most of forenoon.  Henry Reasor looks at pump and furnace P.M.  pay him a/c to date $1.05 check.  Did not hitch up today  Was up town P.M.  Get some lease blanks at W.E. Hills and pay him what I owe 75cts.  Learn that Fuquas of Casey have bought N1/2 Mrs. Norfolk place and will build big general store here in the spring.  Partly cloudy day SE wind snow flying at times.  Ferd called at night. Tue over at Grovers till bed time  Gobed 9 PM

29.  Wednesday 6 AM.  Ther  14.  17.  15.  = 15 1/3

Cloudy northwind.  There was about 2 in snow in night apparently from N.E. Mrs. Smith came to iron working until 3 P.M.  Paid her ch 75cts.  Sayre Family book sent for last Sat. comes by express and self and Phebe put in much time looking it over.  Find several errors.  I didn't go up town till after 4 P.M.  Get 25 cts spare ribs at Donschs  Cloudy day NE wind becoming E toward night.  Hail and Snow began abut 4 P.M. and continued an hour or two.  About 1 1/2 in fell.  Gobed 9 P.M.

30.  Thursday.  5.45, AM.  Ther 15.  29.  22. = 20 1/3  Cloudy, N.E. wind.  Still studying Sayre genealogy  Tue not feeling very well.  She has co. P.M.  Mrs. K.  there was about 2 inches snow and sleet last night.  Report sleighing good Marie and Helen went sleighriding (sic.)  at night.  I did not hitch up today Tue feeling badly and went to bed early.  Cloudy day with easterly wind.  Gobed.  9 P.M.

31.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther, 22,  32,  24.  =  26.

Cloudy, N.W. wind.  There was over an inch of heavy snow last night.  Tue feeling badly this morning but gets up and gets breakfast.  Bert calls a while P.M. half an hour or so I went up town 4 P.M.  Meet JH Marshall at Court H  Republican primaries tomorrow to nominate County Officers  Buy some "birds" of young Dallas.  Pete Drake and Jubal on a "high lonesome"  Pete says will come and work a while tomorrow abut 8 AM.  Mostly cloudy day with NW. wind, variable P.M.  Gray horse has kicked doors down at barn.  It didn't thaw much today even in the sun.  Tue over at Groves at night Phebe gone.  Helen and Marie home  gobed 9 PM~~

January 8-20, 1902 in Charleston, IL (Highlights)

January 1902

8.  Wednesday, 630 AM.  Ther  32.  51.  40.  =  41

Part cloudy.  Southwind.  Pete came 7.45 A.M;  we hitch up gray horse (Warren) and ride nearly to the  the river on Ashmore Road.    She drives alright.  Change for Queen and go over to Col's house.  McClaskeys still  have possession of farm.  Pete and I (?) on shop door  shop door at H.G.s.  Self toothache  Gobed  730 PM

9.  Thursday, 6.30 AM.  Ther.

Poultry Ass has big big show.  Bacon on hand.  He had a good scare on R.R. crossing PM just messing limited train.

10.  Friday.

Gray horse loose in barn all night.  Tue neuralgia all day and night.

11.  Saturday.  

12.  Sunday

Tue stays in bed all day with neuralgia.  Put in much of day keeping house warm.  Our coal is more than half gone.    Chas Love wants to rent H.G. house..  I did not hitch up today.  They are graveling roads a good deal North and East of Charleston.  Ferd here at night, also last night.  Girls went to  went to church.  I read till  9 oc.

am.  

13.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther  7.  27.  19.

Tue still sick with neuralgia and slept but little last night.  She is in south chamber. Shave at Ed Browns AM Paying him in full 25c.  Tue did not get up today and sent for Dr. Patton at night.   He came left meddy.  Tue keeping a/c of provision &c bought.  

14.  Tuesday.

Tue feeling some easier but kept bed all day.  Circut court in session.  Hanley and Daugherty case being tried for fourth time.  The Col. went to work for Shoots yesterday and quiet  on a/c of his health.  Tue sleeps in south room with Marie  Gobed 9 P.M.  

15.  Wednesday.  6 AM.

Tue  about same Does not get much sleep.  Bill Scott calls two or three times to see about renting H.Gs place for Tom Trimble.  Phone send for Dr. Patton again toward night.   Tue still sleeps south room.

16.  Thursday.

Mrs. Handley  in case against Daugherty  got $50.00 Damage.  Tue feeling some better but remains in bed.    Trimble moves into H.G's house PM.  They caught a forger, he ha been passing checks round town.  

17.  Friday.

Tue came down to breakfast. first time since last since last Saturday.  Called to see Tom Tremble P.M.  He thinks pump will need fixing.  Will Goodman kicking about  5th St. being filled up between Van and Jackson.  Van B. also nearly impassible bet 5th and 6th.   I finish reading Felix Grass  The Terror.

18.  Saturday.

Dr. Blair died this morning suddenly 7 AM.  Tue was up all day but doesn't feel very well.

19.  Sunday, 

Tue not feeling well this morning.  Phebe to Paris with friend.

20.  Monday

Tue still feeling puny, but is round at work.  Love boys undertake to carry wood into cellar towards night but don't finish.  Tue sends $5.00 cash to Maggie in letter.  Tue feeling badly all day and at night but did not decide to call in Dr.

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

Jan 1-7 1891 and Jan 7, 1902 in Charleston, IL

January 1891

1.  Thursday  6 AM.  Ther  49  55  30
Cloudy and raining, wind S or SW. light showers during night - Too wet to do anything out doors.  John and Rile have done nothing for a week  I start home soon after dinner  John and Warren went after load of fodder up to fathers place  John helped dig some roots in river bottom west of John Handlys.  Roads pretty bad did not get home till nearly dark.  Tue had company today  Mrs. Perrill and Davis  the three Kates Mort Grove and perhaps others  Showery all day SW wind sunshine at times high wind changing to west at night growing colder snow squalls at nt[sic]. about half inch remaining on the  ground  go bed 11PM ~~

2.  Friday  730 M  Ther  24  29  22
Cloudy wind N W  Jo Crail straighten up Perkins room and Bill Meyers takes possession.  Jo worked a while for me PM cleaning out stable and piling boards.  J.R. Cunningham died last night, has been sick good while.  Phebe began yesterday t keep family expense book and Maggie keeps record of the weather.   Cloudy day with day with occasional snow flakes.  Wind NW  trade rather dull as has been all the week  Not many people in town.  Gobed 11.30 P.M.

3.  Saturday,  130 AM  Ther  22.  28.  22.
Cloudy SE wind.  Pay drafts from Straws and Kiefer    John Simons and Warren were up and ate dinner with us  Pay Simons months wages for Dec.  Jo Crail piled most of boards in afternoon.  Settle with Jo H. Handly for hauling hay  J.R. Cunningham who died night before last was buried today.  J? Charley Briggs has been here several days.  Uncle John was in town but didnt come down.  Maunie Lang and Davis children here at night.  Cloudy day with easterly wind and snow flying some AM. about clear at 11 PM.  go bed. 1 am

4.  Sunday.  9 AM Ther  15  28 .  22
Clear.  Sit round house all day.  Girls went to sunday School.  Tue to church.  Several children here  visiting girls in afternoon.  Tue went down to Hats after dinner.  Clear day with southerly wind  gobed 11 PM

5. Monday 7 30 AM.  Ther 19. 38. 27
Clear S Wwind.  Mrs. Rogers washes.  Girls start to school Phebe to Miss Whitleman.  Maggie to Western.  Pay up A.M. Agriculturist to July 1892 3.60  Settle with McCravy 11.00  Warren Decker brought load for John Smions  Warren thinks John is going to  to leave me in spring.  School began today.  Trade light.  Clear day SW wind Gobed 11 PM ~~

6.  Tuesday.  7,30 A.M.  Ther  15  33.  21
Clear, Tue not very well Settle with Winter C.E. 20.25  I.  16.00 my account against Isaac 7.10 gave check for for bal.  Harman brought us jar butter,  Get letter from WH White enclosing check 34.58 for 91 ties,  Bought copper TeaKettle [sic] for Tue at Van Meters.  Trade light.  Clear day with NE wind, all electric lights went out tonight about ten oclock   gobed 12.30

7. Wednesday, 7 AM.  Ther 14.  32  22
Clear, NE wind, heavy white frost.  Jo Crail helped put on lock on back to gate to Perkins building and work down at house PM. cleaned out stable and smoke house.  Jake Dice called for lumber
 but didn't get any.  Tue and Maggie went to prayer meeting at night and Maggie then went to stay the night with Mrs. Knock.  The news from Fatty is that he is n better and is perhaps a hopless [sic.] case  Clear day with N.E. wind.  The predictions in daily papers say snow  tonight  Trade only fair.  Roads said pretty  rough.  Learn that Mart Comer talks of sawing up Alex Richters timber.  Gobed 230

January 1902

7.  Tuesday,   6 AM.    Ther  30.  43.  32.  =  35

Mostly clear.   Tue and Phebe ironing.  Went down by the H. G. [Henry Gramesly]  but didn't stop.  Look for man to help me get Pete Drake who comes after dinner and works from 12.20 to 4.20 P.M.  Carries wood down in basement.  Cleans out Stable repairs fence in bottom and will help me tomorrow morning a while.  Mostly clear day SW wind somewhat warmer but ground still frozen.  Gobed 8.30 P.M.

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, 1887 in Charleston, IL

December 1887

2.  Tuesday 7.30 AM.  Ther. 23  34  27  Mostly clear with SE wind  Brownfield helps pile boards AM Saws up pile of white oak P.M.  Jo H brought up load of ties.  Warren finishes Lattas wood, in all  5 3/4 cord.  Uncle John was down in morning to get me to compute interest on notes.   Jo H. took out tile for stove flue for house  I pile  boards till nearly 4 P.M.    H.G. went home sick about 4 and did not come back.  Bill Durham of Hot Springs Ark went back today has been here two or three days  Part cloudy day with SE wind gobed 12.30

3.   Wednesday.  7 AM.  Ther  21.  24.  23.

Mostly clear wind N.W.  HG opened store and went home to stay.  Nick and self get along very well  Warren hauls load of wood which sell to Charley Marshall.  Man from Hutton came for 1200 boards  Jo H brings up 1,500.  This makes 7000  I owe him for hauling  Mostly cloudy day with NW wind and freezing all day. Gobed midnight

4. Thursday.  7 AM.  Ther  12.  27.  27.

Mostly cloudy S.E. wind appearances of  snow.  H.G. failed to open up this morning but was on hand during day.  Bought pair gloves and order pair of pants made at Winters @8.00.  Warren Decker brought load wood which sell to Brownfield  Cloudy day southerly wind.  Trade dull  H.G. had few words  with drunken man before supper  Gobed 12.30.  

5.  Friday, 7 AM.  Ther.  20.  38.  30.

Mostly clear but clouds over and mostly cloudy day.   wind variable.  Warren brings up load of wood on yard.  Jim Pugh makes frow.  60 c.  Buy ax handle of Drury  Trade quiet Gobed 12

6.  Saturday.  7 AM.  Ther  28.  39.  26

Part cloudy.  wind N.  Manifold comes early to clean out cistern.  charges 75 c.  Latta pays $17.25 for  5 3/4 cord wood  Settle with Rile and John for lab date but not fr ties  Warren brought  another load of wood which put in barn yard.  Jo H. brought 1500 boards settle with him in full for 27 ties hauled and 8500 boards @100 per (?).  Trade fair.  Mostly clear day with raw north wind  gobed  1 AM

7.  Sunday.  8 AM.  Ther.  21.  27.  20.

Partly cloudy.  Strong NE wind all day.  Girls went to S.S.  cloudy all day exempt early AM.  I started for ranch about 4 PM. getting there after dark cold ride strong NE wind.  Began to snow pretty fast about 7 P.M. and continued till in the night. blowing through roof and melting very dissagreable (sic.).  Gobed 830 P.M. about 3 in snow on dry yard  John Hughes was found dead in bed this morning.

8.  Monday.  6 AM.  Ther  10.  27.  14

Mostly clear with N. wind becoming NW.  John and Warren bring small load of boards at of river bottoms to use on house.  I got ready to go to Diona but thought too cold.  John shaves shingles PM and I started home about 3 P.M. clear day with NW wind gobed  1 AM 9th  Baby about sick with earache.

9.  Tuesday 7.30 AM  Ther 10. 32. 30.

Cloudy.  H.G. went hunting rabbits and shot his dog Jip.  He got back early P.M.  He got back early P.M.  Warren brought up half cord which put in barn yard.  He says Simons expected to begin on house roof today.  After  dinner walked down to RR find 111 ties 4 of them being crossed.  Wrote card to Alburyd in regard in regard to these cloudy day clears off at night SW wind  Gobed 1230

July 1 - 5 1890 and 1901 in Coles County Illinois

July 1890

1.  Tuesday.  5 AM.  Ther  78.  90.  75.

H. G. changed on beer last week PT car load to come yesterday not come and will not probably.  Start for timber 4.30 P.M.  Met Comer at Kickapoo  got there before dark.  Simons cutting sprouts  No one else working  Gobed 9.30

2.  Wednesday 5 AM.  Ther  70  85  67.

Clear.  Simons goes with Spurgeon to look up logs on Decker ridge R & J cut sprouts AM.  Afternoon boys cut logs over near river bottom, fell large white oak across hallow and had good deal of trouble with it.  Mill not running say they are out of logs.  Start home about 6 P.M. getting there at 8,  Settle in full with Simons wages and board to July 1.

3.  Thursday. 7 AM.  Ther `

Clear.  Worry nearly all day with pile of city lumber Geo Kellogg and two other men pile whole lot over in afternoon  Maffett sick and could not come over and recive it   Drove over there at night.   Council met and ajourn without doing anything to meet Monday night.  Comer up town and pretty full full  thunder shower about 5 P.M. light rain here.  Been about sick all day took medicine and ate nothing  Tue not very well.  Gobed  10.30 P.M.

4.  Friday 6 AM  Ther  67.  78  55

Cloudy with N. Wind quite chilly, but sun comes out after a while and turns out to be a fine day  Crowd in town only moderate and trade only fair for 4th.  John Kings little girl got hurt with a sky rocket at night.  John Simons and Warren brought my wool and two large hogs.  Send out new C.C. sow by Simons.  Go bed 11 P.M.

5. Saturday. 7.30 AM.  Ther 50 78 60

Clear  Temp was 44. early this morning.  Frank Maffett counts up lumber and makes it substantially same as myself  the bill  unpaid at date amts. to 26599 ft $398.98  Give Hutton Tp bill to Geo Dallas $11.99  Not a very busy Saturday.  Bert was down to dinner.  I took buggy up to Pugh PM to repair but didnt finish it Crass pulled it down again.  Settle today with R. Eastons and H House for hauling lumber.  Pleasant cool day with easterly wind  Gobed 11 PM.

July 1901

1.  Monday,   6.30 AM.  Ther  80.  97.  80  =  85 2/3

Clear, southerly wind.  Was about sick all night.  Mrs. Smith came to wash about 7 AM. with her  mother.  We are out of both coal and wood.  engage Jubal Jones to cut the load of wood on hand 7/8 of cord.  Tue and girls sewing P.M.  Phebe went to picnic.  Gone all night.  Very sultry with southerly wind mostly clear some clouds.  Calhoun says 1.89 in rain fell last Thursday after midnight.  Gobed  9 P.M.

2.  Tuesday 5 AM.  Ther  75.  98.  75.  =  82 2/3

Mostly clear:  light southwest wind.  Jubal comes to saw wood at 7.  Helps hitch up and  I start to country 7.15 A.M.  Jo plowing on E side N. piece.  Stop at Courtneys says will look at my meadow today and report in morn if I  go out.      Owe Mrs. G. 30 cents for eggs.      Mrs. Gaines washing.  I get a lot of beans, beets and other vegetables, also eggs.  Getting home time for dinner.  McGintry ask for use of   bottom lot for balloon fourth of July celebration which didn't get.  Very sultry day s.w. wind mostly clear AM. but cloudy after 4 PM  Light shower  between 5 and 6P.M with signs of more.  I lost my knife today.  Maggie and Minnie drove roan while at night. Cooler at night  gobed 9 P.M.     

3.  Wednesday,  5 AM.  Ther.  70.  98.  74  =  80 2/3
Partly cloudy, N. wind.  Jubal sawing wood and helped hitch up.  I start out to Gaines about 9 AM.  Jo Courtney says cant cut meadow.  Jo plowing SW piece  Edith there.  I got home before dinner  Leave house and buggy  at Binkleys for cleaning up getting him toward night 75c  pd.  Storm comes up just after dinner  Much thunder and wind blowing many limbs off trees in yard also everywhere in town.  Lost cane today think where I hitch near Evan's.  Gobed.  9 P.M.  Cloudy P.M. and cooler.

4.  Thursday.  5.15 AM.  Ther  72.  96.  74.  =  80 2/3
Mostly cloudy, Southwind.  I went up to Wrights for ham before breakfast.  They have our block  each side of square blocked off today.  I drove up to Decker Spring AM.  Saw no fungi.  Pet Dickens rode to town with me.  Balloon ascended twice near Baptist Church.  Very sultry.  Said to have been good trade in town.  The heat hurt me worse than usual.  Mostly clear except early and late southerly wind  gobed 9 PM.

Top of page:  Learn that John (Butch) Klein and Mrs. Albright are dead this week.

5.  Friday, 6 AM.  Ther  72.  90.  75.  =  79.
      Cloudy and raining since 3 AM. said to have been quite heavy.  Get check books at both State and 2d Banks.  They redeem stamps t State.  Checks vc do not require stamp after 1st inst.  Get blank of Charley Lee and have John Marshall fix amt   Wall bankrupt a/c which mail to E.S. Robinson Referrce (sic) Springfield.  Jubal came after dinner and picked up litter left by storm in front yard also saws splits wood a while.  Drove SW looking for fungi.  Several species Rusula , Telephera  Scherwinity  Small hycoperdone. are all I saw.  Maggie and Minnie  had some entertainment P.M. - girls.  Mostly clear day with strong S.W, wind much of time.  Gobed 9 P.M.      

Photo  copyright Charles Gramesly