You will find birth dates, death dates and anniversary dates and quite a bit of other information in this journal for the community of Lake City, Rockwell City and nearby.
William Thompson Smith b.12 Apr 1845 in Saltsburg, Indiana county, Pennsylvania. He died 12 Sep 1904 in Blanket, Brown county, Texas, and is buried in Rosehill cemetery, Calhoun county, Iowa.
Nancy Amelia Jack Smith b.1 Aug 1845 in Tarentum, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. She died 1 Aug 1890 in Rockwell City, Calhoun county, Iowa and is buried in Rosehill cemetery, Calhoun county, Iowa.
Amelia Jack Smith is the sister of Mary Jack. Several other siblings were living in the area and are mentioned in the journals:
Alexander Negley Jack - Amelia's brother, frequently referred to as Aleck
Lavina Jack Lowe - sister of Amelia, married to William Lowe
Ruth Jack Condron- sister of Amelia, married to William Condron
Margaret Jack Stonebraker- sister of Amelia, married to Austin Stonebraker
Mary Ann Jack Van Horne- sister of Amelia, married to James Van Horne
Clifford Smith- brother of William
Robert Smith, Jesse Smith and James Smith are William's half brothers from his father's first marriage
John McLaughlin is William's half brother from his mother's first marriage, sometimes referred to in journal as 'Barney'
You can find the Smith family tree on Rootsweb
(1866-1867)
[In left margin:] I did not feel much like commencing to keep a diary but Amelia insists on it so I suppose I will have to yield. What woman is there that will not have her way. I rather expect though ...t will ... ... ... years to refer to this poorly kept journal.
Sept 24 - We have started ... [two illegible lines] our destination is Fort Dodge Iowa. We started from Port Byron this afternoon stayed at Br...l ... tonight.
Sept 25 - Did not get further than Condren’s this evening stayed there all night.
Dec 23 - It has been a long time since I have written in my old journal. Tomp & the girls are at Sabbath school we are staying in Fort Dodge this winter. We intend going out to the country in the spring.
January 1867
January 13th - Was born unto us this Sabbath about 4 O’clock one of the sweetest loveliest smartest prettiest and best Boys that ever was born in this town. May God spare him to us and give us grace and wisdom to train him for eternity
April 1867
[Apr 3, 5 mostly illegible] ...This day we moved...Calhoun Co into Mr. Van Horns ...
Apr 6 Came home today. Broke the tires of ... at Powers Grove.
April 7 - My first Sunday out at Yatesville went to Prayer meeting [page torn] none. Wrote two letters one to Robert the other to James Smith [page torn] fall of two or three inches of snow this evening.
April 8 - Recd three letters today from J. Newton Wm... [page torn] and Hattie Wilcox. How very slow and tardy Spring a...[page torn] the farmers getting very impatient about getting [page torn]
April 9 - A. N. Jack and I went with the team to Mr. Van Horns [page torn] for oats, from there to Mr. Blains where we staid all night Borrowed seven dollars from Mr. Blain.
April 11 - Went to Ft. Dodge today. Snow going off very fast
April 12 - Sowed some wheat today. took supper at Mr. B... had to go around 8 or 10 miles to get across a ... Could not ... at Des Moine as the bridge was ...
April 13 - Came home today found my dear wife and baby well. How thankful to God I should be for these treasures
April 15 - My 22nd Birthday, the past year has been a rather eventful one with me for ... I have changed my residence from Illinois to North Western Iowa have left the home of my childhood & with my wife came to seek a home of my own also have been blessed with a very fine boy Homer Eugene. May God’s blessing rest on us another year. Aleck and I went down to Leneham to finish sowing. Camped out the 15th 16th 17th and 18th came home the 19th.
April 20 – Mr. Van Horn came here today great destitution prevailing in Ft. Dodge & vicinity owing to the high water. Flour selling at $11 per cwt, corn meal $6 and $7.
April 21 - Had a big wild goose dinner today the first I remember of eating went very well. Wrote to Brother John this morning
April 23 - Commenced sewing wheat on the Van Horn place today. Harrowed on 10 acres the 23rd, 24th, 25th & 26th. Received a letter on the 26th from Brother John.
April 28 - Wrote to John Clifford and P. F. Cox today.
April 29 - The wind blowing a perfect gale so that we done nothing all day. This prairie is famous for high winds.
April 30 - Commenced sowing Oats on the Van Horn place today. ...the old adage “May comes laughing o-er the plain” does not hold good in this instance for she comes whistling such tunes over these prairies as renders an overcoat and mittens very agreeable companions. Whew how cold!
May 1867
May 2nd - A little warmer today. Vegetation just beginning to start up a little. Hauled some hay from Fluharty’s today.
May 3rd - Mrs. Smith alias my wife my angel etc. and my Boy paid Mrs. Yates a visit today. I myself shot a duck this afternoon went over and took supper at Mr. Yates.
May 5th - Went over to Mr. Hakes to prayer meeting this afternoon only a half dozen or so there but had a good meeting. Baby boy ... well today.
6th - Went into L..nehnan... place to prepare ground for corn. Had quite a time finding a place to board finally hailed at Mr. Platts and was taken in.
7th- Plowing with two teams part of today. Amelia got a letter for me from Father today. Plowed in there the ...
10th - Finished plowing and marking one way the evening of the 10th
11th - Came home today. Vina came out with us. Found Melia and the baby not very well. Mrs. Brooks & Mrs. Davidson here visiting. Mary Jack had a kind of fit this evening.
12th - Raining this morning pretty hard. Wrote to Father today
14th - Went out to Twin Lakes with Vina to see her claim had to wade several sloughs but found it at last
15th - Started this morning for Ft. Dodge. Bot a bushel of seed corn from Mr. Merritt paid $2.00 for it. Vina & I planted about an acre of corn this evening went and stayed with Mrs. Platt all night.
16th - Maggie dropping corn for me today. Worked very hard and only covered about 4 acres.
17th - Finished the piece today about 4 O’Clock. Went over to Ft. Dodge attended a church trial between Mr. Garsnoe & Mr. Cheney lasted till about 11 O’clock.
18th - Commenced raining this morning had a very bad storm of rain and wind so that we could not come home.
19th - Sunday Came home today found the roads in an awful condition very glad after a week of toil to get home to see wife and Boy. Wife and Boy Ditto. Found a letter here for me from Clifford.
20th - Raining today an agent of Dr. Jaynes stopped here all night. Aleck charged him three dollars for himself and team.
21 and 22 nd - Working in the garden a little planted some potatoes Peas etc.
23rd - Aleck and I went over to Coles blacksmith shop to get the breaking plow sharped the Lizzard high enough to swim the wagon...
24 - At home today wrote a letter to J. ... De...man Had a very heavy rain and hail storm this evening
25th - Commenced breaking prairie on Mr. Jack’s claim today broke about one and a half acres.
26th Wrote a letter to Mother today Amelia enclosed a collar in it. Amelia and I attended prayer ... ... this afternoon
27th - ... starting to Lake City this morning was prevented by the rain.
28th - Still raining this evening a very disagreeable time ... farmers cold d... rain about half the time.
29th - Started for Lake City this morning in company with Mr. Yates Mr. Farrand & Mr. Root saw a drove of seventeen elk. Mr. Peter Smith caught one about 2 weeks old which I hauled home for him. Got to Mr. Lawrences about 5 O’clock in the evening.
30th - Went to the Mill this morning took 10 Bu Wheat & 4 bu corn. Came to Mr. Lawrences took dinner loaded up went to Mr. Smiths where I took supper & staid all night.
31st - Started for home about 11 O’clock the sloughs very miry stalled with my load four or five times. Old S...t gave out so I have to leave my load at Mr. Glovers and come home horseback came pretty near losing my way on the prairie.
June 1867
June 1st - The first day of the first summer month more like February of March cold & rainy all day went and brought my load home from Mr. Glovers.
2nd - Cleared off this morning, and looks more like fair weather. Attended meeting at Mr. Hakes & here we organized a Sabbath School. Mr. Clay elected Supt Mr. Gould Asst Mr. Brooks Lib and Mrs. Brooks Secretary.
3rd - Went to breaking prairie this morning. J. Van Horn & Aleck went to ... to fish.
4th - The boys got home with their fish did not get very many.
5th - Finished a ... on father’s claim and struck out one on mine and Alecks. Turtle soup for dinner today.
[Left margin:] I must say that I have really got interested in my journal it looks so much like my life. Blots, freaks of fancy, foolishness, mistakes in short a bundle of imperfections wonder if I could not amend it echo answers mend it.
June 6th - Quite a heavy shower this morning but cleared off about 9 O’clock went to Mr. Fluharty’s and bought a bushel of Potatoes @ $1.25 planted a few of them this afternoon. How beautiful and fresh the face of Mother Earth appears after the rain. The vegetables and grain growing finely. how should we chide ourselves for distrusting Providence when he gives us so many tokens of his goodwill to us. had a general measurement this afternoon Amelia is 5 ft 7 1/2 inches high. Eugene 26 inches. Mary Jack 5 ft 4 in and myself 5 ft. 10 1/2
7th - Started for town today got into the field about noon replanted corn an hour or two then went to town to get the plow sharpened. found Platts Vina Maggie etc. all in a row. Father feeling very badly over it staid at Platts all night.
8th - Finished replanting the corn this forenoon came home this evening. brought a letter home with me fro Amelia from Martha Jack.
9th - An awful heavy rain last night. the ground covered with water this morning. Mosquitos getting plenty in the lasts day or two did not go to Sabbath School as the roads were very muddy.
10th - Done a very good days breaking today about an acre and a half
11th - Aleck went to town to work the corn. I plowed a piece of ground and Amelia and I planted it with Potatoes. Recd a letter from Mal stating they were going to start the 30th of May for Ft. Dodge
12th - Hired one of Mr. Brooks horses to break with. Mr. and Mrs. Farr and Mrs. Root and Mrs. Starr took supper with us this evening.
13th - Looked like rain this morning but cleared off. eight emigrant wagons passed in a drove
14th - Breaking today planted squashes & pumpkins rained this evening pretty hard. Father and Maggie came out this evening from town. Father has not been at home for two or three months so is quite ...
June 15th - finished a land on our claims this forenoon. Took a stroll over our land today like mine better every time I see it. Amelia started to go up to it but met us on way & turned back.
16th - Sunday. Went to Mr. Radleys expecting to hear preaching but d...appointed had prayer meeting and Sabbath School rained v... hard this evening.
17th - This morning cold enough to make a person shiver in the house. have written some in my Diary before breakfast have been trying to search my heart and feel more like str... to live more consistent with my profession. May God help me. Father Aleck and I mowing weeds off the wheat tod... Amelia & I went up this evening and planted some maple seeds on our claim.
18th - Went to town today to work the corn. on arriving there heard of the death of Patrick Lyon who was struck by lightning. took our bed and board to Mr. Rouleys
19th - Raining this forenoon went and heard a trial in the Court house.
20th - Pleasant weather all day. plowed about 8 acres of co...
21st - Finished plowing this morning after a heavy show... came home found a letter here from Barney ...
22nd - Mowing weeds today. In the evening tried to burn the old grass off Barneys claim but found it ...
23rd - Sunday. Went to Sabbath School & Prayer meeting one of the heaviest rains of the season ... this evening the face of the earth all covered over with water.
24th - Morning still raining. Enough to make any... look down in the mouth so much wet but supp... it cant be
helped rather dull prospect for Amelia’s school which was to commence today. Mowing weeds today
Noon. Amelia reports 7 scholars to begin with. I wrote a letter to T. E. Cook this evening.
25th - Commenced breaking again this morning raining this evening
26th - Breaking alone today. an addition to Amelia’s family today of two new scholars. raining this evening.
27th - At home not “doing very much of nothing” this forenoon the weather looks more like being fair hope it may Wondering what has become of Barney and Mal as they should be here by this time.
28th - Breaking Prairie today the Plow did not run very well only went 10 rounds on the piece
29th - Wrote letter to Maria Nicholson this morning. Mary Jack had another fit this morning had very hard work to get her restored to consciousness
30th - Went to Sabbath School this morning heard there that Barney had shot his hand in Fr. Dodge. Started in right away hunted all over for him but failed to find. staid at Mr. Rowleys all night.
July 1867
July 1st - Came home today found Barney here all right.
2nd - Went and looked over our claims today. Barney very much pleased with his.
Jul 3rd - Barny and I started for Lake City today with the oxen. Camped at night in the edge of town
4th - Independence Day. Our Nations holiday. What man is there whose heart does not swell with the emotions of gratitude and joy as he reviews the history of our country and feels that in spite of foreign foes or Rebels at home we have an undivided Nation. May Heavens choicest blessings rest on our beloved land. Barney and I took dinner at Lake City where they had a very nice celebration.
July 5th - Arrived home this evening about 5 O’clock brought some cake along for the women.
July 6th - Went to the Black Smith shop with the Plow. attended Sabbath School and Prayer Meeting.
Wrote to Clifford this evening. Breaking prairie the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th
12th - Had my land Surveyed today by the County Surveyor
13th - Went to see about a Reaper today o... to Radleys and Joneses.
14th - Attended Sabbath School and prayer Meet...
15th - Ploughing this forenoon Went to a funeral of a boy of Mr. Carls.
16th - Broke Mr. Roots plough today
17th - Went to town to work the corn today. Stopped at Mr. Blains all night
18th - Ploughing Corn very hard quite a show... in the evening. Father and I took refuge in Mr. Beebees house where we were treat.. like gentlemen (which we are)
19th - Father and I ploughed like whitehead... today got done about 6 O’clock in the evening.
20th - Up at a quarter past two this mor... visited Jerry Leneh..ns fish trap got a few. Went to town and got my adorable a new dress the first one Long may it wear! Came home in the evening found three letters for me from F... Clifford and P. F. Cox.
21st - Sunday Went to S. S. had to take the lead in prayer meeting.
22nd - Harrowing ground for Turnips sowed about 3 acres of them this evening 23rd - Finished sowing Turnips this morning. Went and staked off my 80
July 24th - Trying to break a little today. Went and saw Mr. Radley this morning. Kept a traveling agent all night. Had a very hard rain
25th - Went to town to see our grain get wood and engage a Reaper I did it all in one day
26th Came home today. very warm. found a letter from W T. Condron wrote one to P. F. Cox this evening
27th - Trying to break. Plough would not work so quit the business.
28th - Preaching this morning by Rev. King who organized a Methodist Class. who seen fit to elect me Leader. I fell my unworthiness and un fitness for the position. May God give grace that I may discharge my duty with humility. J. Van Horn went aw.. today.
29th and 30th - Not very busy these two days. Mowed some grass and made preparations to go to town
31st - Amelia Father Baby and I went in to Mr. Beebees this forenoon. I went to town and over to Mr. Coffins disappointed in getting a Reaper there went to Mr. Laughlin who agreed to cut our grain
August 1867
Aug 1st - Commenced harvesting today
2nd - Finished our wheat on Jerrys this evening
3rd - Helped Mr. B harvest this forenoon and came home in the evening. found a letter here from Father
4th - At Sabbath School & Prayer meeting in the morning. Met the class at 5 O’clock at our house had a very good meeting. Our Dear Eugene very sick. had Dr. Olney in to see him passed a very restless night
5th - Commenced mowing grass. Eugene still very sick.
6th - Mowing away
7th - Went and seen Mr. Radley about coming to reap
8th - Wrote a big letter to Father this morning. Mr. Radley commenced cutting this day. ... Barney and I binding
9th - Finished our piece of Wheat this evening
10th - Stacking hay today.
11th - Sabbath. At S. S. this morning. Mr. Hakes appointed Leader of the Union Prayer Meeting. held Class Meeting at Bro Jones a very good Meeting Alvah Cooper joined the ...
12th - Put a patch on my fine Boot today. how my genius is called out by my poverty. Barney and Father went to Ft. Dodge. Preaching this evening by Bro. King.
13th - Bro. King and lady spent the night with us paid Bro King 1.20 this morning. Barney and I stacking Wheat today.
14th - Binding this forenoon for Mr. Radley. came home and rested this evening.
15th - Commenced cutting Oats this morning. Barney and I kept up with the Reaper all day bound about six acres. Bully
16th - Amelia sitting up with Mrs. Yates last night who getting worse I was sent for about 1 O’clock and went to Ft. Dodge for the Doctor, came home felling a little unwell, binding this afternoon.
17th - Binding this forenoon. A N. J. and C. Ton... came out and took Dinner with us. Recd a letter from Bro. Jesse and Sister Celina
18th - A very warm day. quite an animated discussion in S. S. on baptism. Held our class meeting at Bro Hakes, a refreshing time
19th - Wrote a letter to Jesse today
20th - Went into town to make preparations for Thrashing. Advertised Old Ereicksons Homestead claim in
The Iowa North West to give father a chance to enter it for himself.
21st - Hunting an Irishman who had my Hay Rack all forenoon. Stacked some of our grain this evening
22nd - Finished stacking today. Expecting a Thrashing Machine every hour but none came bad luck to the Dutch
23rd - Still looking longing and hunting for a Machine myself pretty near sick from eating green corn but some of Mrs. Beebees Blackberry Balsam helped me
24th - Went and engaged a Thrasher for Monday then came home to my dear Wife and Boy. As I write this on the side of the bed they are lying here looking so sweet that I must bid my journal good night and join them in the land of Nod. Mrs. Root and Mrs. Starr here for supper.
25th - Sabbath. Attended S. S. in the morning. held Class meeting at Bro . Glovers in the evening
26th - Went into Mr. Beebees to get our thrashing done took Amelia and Eugene along.
27th - Commenced thrashing this afternoon
28th - Finished today our grain turned out very poor only had 744 Bu Wheat and 185 of Oats. took a load of Oats to town received 40 cts per Bushel
29th - Came home today found a letter here from P. F. Cox
30th - Aleck and I stacking Oats today had a very heavy shower tonight.
31st - Barney and I riding around this forenoon. went to the funeral of Mrs. Skinner this evening.
September 1867
September 1st - At Meeting this forenoon. while eating dinner who should appear but Robt, Jesse, Clifford and Jas Gregg having left home only last Monday noon. very much surprised and very glad to see them held class here at home
Sept 2nd - Riding around with the boys to find them a claim as they think of moving here.
3rd - Went to Ft. Dodge and contested Ole Ericksons Homestead claim for father. proof of abandonment filed
4th - Went and hired Mr. French to go with us to find some land at last found some th...suited them very well
5th - Went as far as Ft. Dodge with the boys on their way home. Robt and Jesse took Homesteads and left for home about 2 O’Clock. I had to be a witness in reference to fathers land.
6th - Engaged Mr. Yates to mow our hat for us. Barney Aleck & I helping him stack hay today
7th - Doodled up our hay today. Got my team down in a ditch and had quite a time with them
8th - Sunday at S. S. and Prayer Meeting. Rained this evening
9th - Hauling hay this afternoon
10th 11th - Haying away.
12th - Haying. Almond and Henry Palmer here today.
13th - Aleck went to town today. Barney and I hauling hay
14th - Commenced raining this morning. I wrote a letter to Wm. Condron
15th - Sunday. Had Class at Bro Clays house this evening
16th - Working the Roads today. Barney and Mal started for Adair Co
17th - Hauled one load of Hay. when it commenced raining. Came in and wrote a letter to Father. Picked some corn at ... ...
18th - Ladies Prayer Meeting at our house this afternoon. Father Aleck and ... went and picked what corn the cattle had left on the break...
19th - Went to Ft. Dodge today. Mary & Aleck picked grapes and walnuts at Powers Grove rained some this evening
20th - Ploughed for Mr. Yates this afternoon
21st - Amelia got a letter from Hattie Wilcox . Ploughed for Mr. Yates in the forenoon hauled hay this afternoon
22nd - Sunday at S. S. did not stay for Prayer meeting. Had class at Mr. Farends
September 23rd - Mr. Yates cutting hay for us. Aleck and I ploughed for him in the forenoon and one of us Aleck in the afternoon
24th - Hauled Hay from the mounds
25th - Finished working our Road Tax this forenoon. Cass Yates mowed some for us worked at putting it up till after dark
26th - Went to town today got a little corn staid at Mr. Long’s all night
27th - Came home by Mr. Blairs for father got a big load of cabbage tomatoes etc.
28th - Attended the County Convention at Twin Lakes had the misfortune to be nominated for County Superintendent
29th - Amelia and I went with Bro Jones and staid to class meeting. Mr. Coffin preached to us today
30th - Started for Boone this morning in company with Mr. Radley Mr. Hakes & Mr. Griffith
October 1867
Oct. 1st - On the Road. Camped for dinner at Boone River. Went and staid at Uncle Samuel’s all night
2nd - Drove into Montana loaded up and drove about five miles where we camped for the night
3rd - On the Road. reached Brush Creek this evening. one of my horses pretty sick tonight
4th - Commenced raining this morning and continued to rain till 1 or 2 O’clock. we came to Ft. Dodge and attended the fair. staid all night in town
5th - Came home this evening very glad to see my family
6th - quite a frost this morning went to S. S. and Prayer meeting Bro & Sister Jones came and staid to class
7th - Aleck and I went to town for wood and corn
8th - Election day held at Mr. Yates. helped Mr. French to Clerk at the Polls. rained some this afternoon got through about 9 o’clock counting votes. fifty-three votes Polled in all. only 8 Democratic votes cats. Recd a letter from Father with a check for $45.00
9th - Lavinas claim contested today Mr. Yates French ... Father and I went to town. Aleck and I from there to To...
10th - Came home this evening with a lot of rails
11th - Aleck and I working at an Oats Bin Uncle Jas Jack came here evening
12th - Uncle Jas went to Ft. Dodge. I staid at home & hauled 4 loads ...
13th - Sunday at S. S. went home and took supper with Mr. Glover. had Class Meeting there. The threshers came this evening
14th - Uncle Jas started for Sioux City . Done our thrashing today. had 78 Bu. Wheat & 355 of Oa...
15th - Aleck and I went and helped Jones & Radley to thrash
16th - Putting a roof on our Stable and Granary
17th - Helping Mr. Yates to thrash
18th - Finished thrashing at Yates this forenoon. Eugene stop jerking my arm you good for nothing little Darling, always in mischief. Commenced thrashing at Closes
19th - Came home from Closes today at noon. Digging Potatoes in the afternoon
20th - Sunday not feeling very well so did not go to S. S. Rained in the evening Barney and Mal got home today
21st - Hauling Sod and building a stable
22nd - Amelia Eugene and I went into Mr. Blains got our Dinners and from there to Mr. Beebees where we staid all night had a very pleasant time cracking ...
23rd - Went into town this morning to get Eugenes picture taken. got a kind of one of him & his Ma took Dinner with Mr. Hollihan. Came home this evening
24th - Finished Sodding our Stable. a cold rainy disagreeable d...
25th - Commenced Plowing on J Van Horns Place today
26th - Still Plowing
27th - Sunday at Sunday School the question of closing the School came up but was unanimously opposed class at our house Jno Hakes led the class
28th - Barney went to town to Mill I plowed for Mr Yates
29th - Plowing at home today a very cold day. Snowed a little this evening
30th - Broke Mr. Yates Plow took it to the shop while there the BlackSmith son brought home in his coffin. Amelia went with me as far as Mr. Clays where we took supper
31st - Attended two funerals today. Davidsons child and Peter Olenbacks
November 1867
Nov 1st - Plowing. Amelia went and finished digging our Potatoes. Mr. Yates & Mrs Brooks here for supper
Nov 2nd - Plowing this forenoon
3rd - Sunday. A cold disagreeable day had class at Bro Hakes
4th - Plowing a little today. got my horses shoed this evening. Our little Eugene pretty sick
5th - Went into J. Lenehans to husk corn. Commenced this evening
6th - Husking all day camped out & done our own cooking
7th - Still at work on the corn
8th - Finished our corn this forenoon. Jerry Lenehan and us had some words about the division of the corn. Came home with a load this evening
9th - Finished hauling our corn today. had three loads to my share about 75 or 80 bushels
10th - Another cold Sunday. had Preaching to day by Bro. Hamilton. Class at Bro Clays
11th - Not feeling in a very good humor. What can the matter be guess this is a blue Monday. Plowing
12th - Plowing today
13th - Barney and I went to Ft Dodge to Mill. Staid at Mr. Platts all night
14th - Dug up some Walnut Maple quaking asp trees we came home plowed this afternoon
15th - Set out some trees on my claim this forenoon, plowed this afternoon
16th - Haad old Nances Life insured. Plowing Recd two letters from Jesse and Robt. Smith
17th - S. S. Class at Mr. Yates this evening
18th - Plowing finished my own and commenced on J...
19th - Plowing. Barney started for Tods Mill for po...
20th - Finished Plowing on the Van Horn place went up and commenced on my breaking. came home at night and found Mr. Geo Spade here also the Mrs. Davidsons were here visiting.
21st - Still plowing some on my own land. Bar... came home and him & Geo Spade hunting for a cla...
22nd - Barney and family took my team and went with Mr. Spade. I went to Ft Dodge. up to Mr. Havilands to see J. Vanhorn & to the Land Office. took Walkers line as far as to Mrs Lenehans wading the Des Moines river on my trip. Rather cool!
23rd - At home. Our fair weather which has lasted three or four weeks has given way to a drizzly foggy disagreeable day. We fixed up our Stable roof. I ... some Walnuts commenced building a Coal hou... hooped Amelia’s water barrel. & paid Mr. Brooks some co... I owed him. Recd a letter from Nancy & Maria Nichol...
24th - A pretty cool morning went to S. S. and preaching Bro Hamilton the minister came home with me & staid all night. Mr. Carro... came this evening and took Barneys oxen & my wagon
25th - Went and helped Mr. Starr to pick corn. Barney and Mal got home this evening with a load of coal
26th Mr. Starr Mr. Sohn and myself went to Tods Mill for Mr. Boyce. Starr and I staid all night in Mr. Van ...olkenburgs barn
27th - A pleasant day. arrived at home a little after dar... Work commenced on the D. and S. C. R. R. at Ft Dodge
28th - Cold and snowing a little
29th - Aleck and I butchered one of my hogs weighed 1.40 the other 1.06
30th - Still pretty cold. Wrote to Maria Nicholson. The last of another month. How swift time flies “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts to wisdom”
December 1867
[new page very light copy]
Dec 3rd - Jesse ... ... family in our wagon and started for Mongona. Stopped at Ft Dodge for dinner ... ... ... all night
4th - S... today. ... ... pretty hard ... ... This evening found Lina and Maggie glad to see us.
5th - Went to work this morning sawing wood for Mr. ... at $... per Day. Very ...
6th - Jesses old Mare strayed away so I started this morning to look for her. rode across the prairie to C... a pretty cold day. did not find the old mare
7th - Sawing wood for Mr. Jones a... ...
8th - ... Jesse Lina and I went over to Roberts and ... dinner ... Wrote a letter to Amelia...
9th - ... wood for Mr. Loyd
10th - Sawing wood for Mr. Fletcher. A very ... day
11th - Raining this morning the coal miners on a strike for ... pay. Snowed above two inches this evening. Bro. ... brought me a pair of boots at $5.50
12th - A very pleasant day Sawed wood for Mr. ... A ... Class Meeting in the evening ...
13th - Snowing very hard all day. Had a very strange feeling after I went to bed tonight my flesh ... ... ... very itchy and I was very sick ... stomach
14th 15th 16th 17th and 18th - Working away sawing ... ... ... and wishing and hoping for a letter from home.
19th - ... had ... sleigh and sent another ... after the old mare. I went out to C...
[new page very light copy]
Dec. 20th - ... wood for Mr. Perkins in the ... and I commenced ...
21st - Still working on our sled. S...ing
22nd - Sunday ... ...
23rd- ...
24th - ...
25th - Christmas. The weather warm and pleasant Jesse Lina and I had our Christmas ... pleasant but would be more so if ... were with me. May God grant them a happy Christmas
26th Sawing wood for Mr. Perkins. Attended Class Meeting at ... a good meeting notwithstanding there was a dance in the house adjoining.
27th - ...
28th ... Fluharty’s today again 29th - Sabbath Attended Presbyterian preaching this evening. ...
30th - ...