1870-1872
January 1870
Jan 30th - Staying at Fathers yet D... ... taxes $...1 and settled up my ..., ... ... bills which amounted to $15. also paid $20 to Fluharty and M... on my stock bill
March 1870
March 7th - Came home from School this evening. Mother still pretty low and weak so Amelia remains with her. Had a lot of emigrants stay with me to night. Awful cold night
March 8th 9th 10th and 11th - at home every evening
12th Saturday - A cold stormy day. Made warm biscuit for my breakfast. Posted up the Town Record and wrote to E. C. Allen and Co. Went down to fathers and staid all night
Sunday 13th - Came home with my team today. Snowed tonight
March 14th - Waded through the snow to school this morning. About 3 o’clock the wind commenced blowing very hard from the Northwest. Snow flying very thick so that it was with great difficulty that Farends boys and I got home. My cow came in this evening. such a storm night that I brought the calf into the house.
15th - Storm still continues. Snow flying so thick all day that a person could not see any distance. My fuel gave out so I had to go to Mr. Farends and borrow. Mr. Crocker came over with me and staid all night. The hardest storm today I ever saw
16th - Still storming some but not near as hard as yesterday. I staid at home today. Wrote to ...
17th - Had School today. Weather warm but snow pretty deep.
18th and 19th - School. went down to see Mother and Amelia Saturday evening staid all night Mother very restless
Sunday 20th - Snowing & blowing today. I came home this evening
21st - The last day of my School a good many of the parents out today to visit the School. All seemed very well pleased and the scholars read their Compositions and spoke their pieces very well. How thankful I am to God that he has given me such success in my labors. A very heavy fall of snow this afternoon. A widow woman and little girl & ... staid with me all night
March 22nd - At home today cleaning out Stables & doing chores. Went and borrowed some coal from Wm Root. A young man with me all night
23rd - Wind in the South thawing a little. Father came over this evening to tell me they were out of coal & to get me to go for a load for them. I went home with him left my Register at Mr. Goulds
24th - Borrowed J. Van Hornes sleds and started for the coal bank. very poor sleighing. arrived at the bank at night
25th - Ebenezer Cooper here for coal so I concluded to go home by his road found the sleighing much better. got to Will Lowes by 3 o’clock so I concluded to make another trip from here tomorrow. staid all night at Wills
26th - Raining a little this morning but we pulled out about six o’clock two other teams joined us on the road but on getting to the bank found no coal for me had to wait about four hours and in consequence did not get back to Wills till dark so I was compelled to stay all night again much as I disliked to drive home Sunday morning
27th - Sunday. Froze some last night so that the Sloughs are awful after about four hours hard work I reached fathers. Mal coming to take care of Mother for a few days we all came home this evening. Very glad to have my dear little family home once more
28th - Recd a draft from Uncle Jas for $75.00 to put up a house for father Jack
28th - At home today. getting a grist ready for Mill
29th - Went to Fort Dodge today. Mr. Farend and I witnesses on a contest between the Swamp land Co and Aleck they claiming the N 1/2 of his 80. Snowed till about 2 o’clock very disagreeable. after transacting our business at the Land Office I went and settled up with Furlong and Mulroney paying them what I owed. bought Eugene a new pair of boots and myself a hat. Went from the Fort to the Coal bank where I staid all night
30th - Loaded up and started for home. the roads getting pretty bad in places at noon Mr Yates overtook me so we came along together. our wagons cut through the ice in a big Slough about six miles from home I got mine out but Mr Yates breaking the tongue of his we had to leave it sticking there. We had to wade around in the cold ice water for nearly half an hour which was not very pleasant. I arrived at home again dark. horses and myself very tired.
31st - About home fixing up stable etc. etc.
April 1870
April 1st - Weather dull and cloudy. moving some of my corn
2nd - Thawing very fast. Will and Lavina came to make us a visit this evening staid all night
3rd Sunday - Sloughs all full of water so I did not go to the School house to meeting. Will and Lavina staid with us till evening.
4th - Sold some Corn to Bro John today. took Amelia down to Mothers again and brought Mal home
5th - At home oiling my harness. Clifford over after some corn with him Jas Gregg and John McConnell who came from Illinois a day or two ago. I wrote a letter to uncle Jas Jack
April 6th - Went up to our new town today. it consists at present of two small grocery stores one blacksmith shop and the Rail Road Depot. The Yatesville Post Office moved there a few days since. Mr. Glover P.M.
7th - Commenced sowing Oats today the high land in pretty good order
8th - Sowed oats a short time harrowing the rest of the day rather lonesome without my dear Amelia and the boys
9th - harrowing at my oats. Amelia came home this morning. I planted three rows of Onion seed this evening
10th - I went down to see Mother who is still very poorly but gaining a little from there to preaching bro Preston came home with me and staid all night. Robt and Ellen over to see us today.
11th - Attended a Trustees Meeting at the School house today. Bro John here this evening for seed wheat
12th - Sowing and harrowing in wheat. wind blowing hard
13th - Harrowing till afternoon. Plowed the garden and set out some Beets Parsnips Turnips etc for seed
14th - Amelia and I drilling Onion seed this forenoon I took bro Harveys wheat home Amelia went with me to fathers turned in very cold and disagreeable this evening did not get home till after dark lost my hat on the way home
15th - My 25th birthday. May the Lord give me wisdom that as the years glide away I may continually be laying up my treasure where the saints never grow old but are forever with the Lord. The first thing this morning
April 15th continued - went and looked up my hat then up to the Station awhile. At home this evening.making out a Road Tax List today very cold the ground froze some last night
16th - Snowing & blowing I went over to Uncle Greggs and traded some grain 8 Bu Corn & 4 Bu Oats for a pig. Met Robert who had been to my house and got eight bushels of wheat.
17th - Sunday. Went to the School house to hear Bro House the Congregationalist Minister but he failing to come Bro LeDue preached I took dinner with Bro Radley & staid for Union S. S. then went to see Mother
18th - Uncle Gregg brought my pig home & got his grain. I finished sowing wheat. Father Jack & Maggie arrived today.
19th - Finished harrowing wheat then I went up to the Station & bought a new plow garden rake, Hoe, etc
20th - Finished sowing Onion seed, Father Jack came to see us staid with us all night. tried my Plow
21st - Amelia, her Father and I went to see Mother this morning, found her but little better helped Father to make some garden. after dinner came home and worked in our own garden. planted onion sets, Lettuce, Beans etc
22nd - Went over to Bro Prestons today got some Pie plant roots, Strawberries, Currants slips. Gooseberries Willows etc
Apr 23rd - Set out some of my shrubbery this morning. Attended a meeting of the Trustees in the afternoon
Sunday - Attended Union S. S. Went down & saw Mother
25th - Had Geo Peak helping me set out willow cuttings etc
27th - Plowing for Oats
28th - Sowed my oats today
29th - Finished harrowing Oats. Clifford came over and informed us that Mother was aworse. I went up to the Station & got some ... trees and shrubbery came home & set them out rained a litttle this evening
30th - Planted some early Potatoes some cuttings of balm of gilead & Poplars beet seed etc. Aleck & wife here this evening.
May 1870
May 1st - Amelia and I went down to see Mother. I went to preaching had a short class meeting after the sermon
May 2nd – Mr. Crocker came here to board Plowing for corn. Amelia planted some flowers went down to see Mother and staid all night
3rd - Up this morning a 4 went down to Wm Lowes for some seed corn came home by Mr. Jones’s where I bought five bushels of Potatoes. This evening planted some Sugar Cane and Sweet Corn
4th - Went to Lake City today on town business Came home this evening. Bro Clay plowing for me
May 5th - Plowing for corn, commenced raining about 10 o’clock A. M. a very heavy shower
6th - Drizzling nearly all forenoon. I built a Pen for my Pig. Planted a few Potatoes Plowing & harrowing the rest of the day
7th - Plowing for corn
8th - Heard bro House preach. Amelia and all of us down at fathers went from there to Mr Closes to prayer and Class Meeting
9th - Sister Florinda arrived today from Ill. came to take care of Mother. very glad to see her
10th - Marking out my corn ground
11th - Planting. Seymo.. Farend plowing for me
12th - Planting corn
13th - Clifford helping me to harrow & mark our corn ground. Attended a Trustee meeting the evening
14th - Planting corn till noon. then went ot Preaching & Quarterly Conference
15th - A beautiful Sabbath. bro Todd the P. E. preached two splendid sermons. had our little Tommy baptized this evening
16th - Finished planting corn & Potatoes
17th - One of my horses very sick this morning
18th - Cleaned out the well. Plowing ground for beans etc. Sister Mary Jack here this evening
19th - Planted my beans today
20th - helping Amelia to fix up the yard etc etc
May 21st - Raining went to town. Shot at the blackbirds which were taking up my corn.
22nd - Sunday Heard Bro Preston preach. then visited Mother where we staid the rest of the day. Jesse there
23rd - Harrowing corn for bro John
24th - Went to Fort Dodge Father Jack along. I staid at Mr. Blains all night. Very warm day
25th - Came home today. Weather very cold
June 1870
June - Sometime in the fore part of the month Sisters Nancy and Mary Jane were sent for & came out to see Mother die. Oh the long weary nights and days so full of pain & anguish, pain & affliction to her and anguish & sorrow to us who were so soon to lose sight of that truest of earthly friends a mother. I visited her on Sabbath the 26th found her calmly suffering & waiting for her release at her request we gathered round & sung several hyms, one of them “O come Angel band” etc on the 28th about noon she fell asleep in Jesus. buried on Wednesday, funeral sermon by bro Preston, on the same day the second of Mr. Brooks boys was buried The sorrowing girls started home on Friday. I taking them to Fort Dodge with my team
During the summer I farmed about 30 acres. part of the time we had almost a drought so that crops were poor I raised 72 bushels of Wheat 105 of Oats about 125 of corn and 60 of Potatoes.
After Mothers death father and Clifford came to live with us. Clifford worked as section hand on the Rail Road awhile.
In the fall I lined my house with flooring, papered it etc. At the election on the 11th of Oct I was again elected Township Clerk. In Nov after finishing my Plowing getting my Thrashing done etc I procured a Certificate from E. L. Hoble Co Supt and again engaged to teach the Yatesville School. Sister Mary Jack married to Jas Van Horne sometime this month. Father Jack got up several Singing Classes this fall one at Yatesville one at Greenfield and one on the Lizzard. Commenced my school on the 29th of Nov. taught four months at a salary of $30 per month. had the satisfaction of getting through my second term without using a rod. Parents seemed all well pleased with the progress of their children. My School closed the second week in March. I made one trip to Fort Dodge to the Mill, got my wagon wheels from the shop & timber to make a drag etc then commenced making preparations for my Spring work
About the 1st of March Ruth Condron came out intending to wait her till Will came along going West, her little girl Frankie very sick Aleck went for Doctor Cramer who came and attended her untill she was better.
Bro Clifford about this time started for Illinois I commenced sowing Wheat the 17th of March. Sowed 3 bushels of the famous Norway Oats
I sowed about 10 acres of Wheat and about 8 acres of Oats
I planted out this Spring nearly an acre of forest trees, soft Maples Poplars and balm of Gileads. Also planted about 80 Rods of willow cuttings for a hedge and eight apple trees & one Transcendent Crab tree
On the 13th of April Ruth recd a dispatch from home stating that Wm was very sick and ordering her to come home immediately Accordingly she started the next morning for Davenport. M. P. Davidson married this month
May 1871
May 1st - A meeting of the Trustees at my house today. raining in the afternoon
2nd - Making out and mailing Road tax lists & marking out corn ground. Raining nearly all night
3rd - A cold rainy disagreeable day, Recd 2 letters one from Mr. Doran with bad news about my money. the other from bro Clifford . Answered Dorans
4th - Still raining a little this morning. Nance presented me with a fine colt this morning, Father Jack and I went over to Roots this forenoon, Father Smith and bro Horswell here for dinner, set out 24 Cabbage plants and hauled some rock in the evening, Attended prayer Meeting at night. Paid Mr. Radley $5 that I owed him.
5th - Marking off corn ground. Bros H...ll and Clay spent the evening with us
6th - Planting corn. Aleck helping me in the afternoon
S. 7th - Attended the Preaching of bro Horswell held Class and Eugene and I staid for Sabbath School
Monday May 8th - Planting corn. Aleck and I went up to town in the evening to establish boundary line of Road Dist
9th - Finished my field of Corn Planted some Peach Blow Potatoes. Wrote to bro Clifford
10th - Had Mr Fluhartys roller and rolled my corn field. Wrote a letter to bro Preston
11th - Helping Father Jack plant corn today. Amelia visited Mrs. Yates, Thomp went up and took supper with them. at Prayer meeting tonight
12th - Plowing a wet piece of land & planted some sweet corn
13th - finished planting my low ground, Helped Amelia fix up some flower beds.
14th - Attended Congregational preaching did not stay for S. S. but hearing that Eleanor (Robs wife) was sick Amelia and I went down to see her, found her some better came home in the evening
15th - Went up to town this morning recd a letter from Ruth, also circular from Land Office, came home and planted Potatoes rained a little this evening
16th - Went down to Hakes’s before breakfast Stirring some low ground this afternoon
17th - Mr Farrend and I bought a breaking Plow in partnership and commenced breaking on his land.
18th - Still breaking left Mr Farrends at noon and came over to my place went around 1 1/2 acres, Recd a letter from bro Preston
19th - Finished said piece this forenoon after noon I planted, Squashes, Melons & beans on the sod
Sat May 20th - Plowing my hedge, Maples, Potatoes etc, broke my shovel plow, Father Jack went out to Marvin to quarterly Meeting
Sunday 21st - No preaching at the School house today I went to S. S. Will Lowes and Moore Condrons here for dinner
22nd - Hoeing Onions, Planting beans etc
23rd - Helped Mr House move his barn etc today Moore Condrons came and staid all night with us. Father came home today B. Freeburger sent to Moline for a shovel for me
24th - More started for Sioux Co this morning about an hour after he started Will and Ruth drove up having staid at Marys all night. Mary V Will and Ruth here for dinner & supper. Commenced working my
25th - Plowing very hard at my corn. rained a little this evening so I set out some cabbage plants & planted some California Corn
26th - Plowing corn
27th - Plowing Corn
S. 28th - Attended Congregational preaching & S.S.
29th - Finished plowing my corn the first time and commenced breaking prairie
30th - Breaking at home
31st - Went to Fort Dodge to the Mill bought lumber to fence Mothers grave also had a tooth extracted, came out to Mr Blains where I staid all night
June 1871
June 1st - Came home today. very hot weather
2nd & 3rd - Plowing
Sunday 4th - Preaching by bro Brown I staid for Class meeting & S. S. Amelia came home and prepared dinner for the preacher
June 5th - A very hot forenoon. A refreshing shower about 1 o’clock something we were beginning to need badly. Set out some cabbage plants
6th - Recd a letter from bro Clifford. Plowing Corn
7th - Hoeing my sugar cane this forenoon, Another small shower came on about noon. Set out some cabbage
8th - Plowing corn. Wrote to bro Clifford
9th and 10th - Breaking prairie east of the house
11th - Preaching by Mr. House. I did not stay for S. S.
12th - Breaking Prairie today. Wrote to Mr. Doran
13th - Putting in some Buckwheat & Rutabagas
14th - Plowing corn In the evening Amelia and the children and I took a buggy ride over to Barneys
15th - Plowing corn. Mr. E G Hobbs here and visited with us
16th & 17th - Plowing corn. Weather very hot & dry
18th - Attended preaching & class Meeting & S. S. stopped at father Jacks for supper. a pretty heavy shower this evening. hard wind
19th - Hoeing willows Potatoes etc. Ruth C. confined
20th - Working on the road today
21st - Plowing corn
22nd - Helping the Trustees to survey Sec 16 T.89 R21
23rd - “ “ “ “ “ “ “
24th - Surveying till noon. Came home cleaned out my well & went to Singing
25th - S. Attended preaching at the new school house. Father Smith came home with us
26th - Hoeing among my trees. Wm. Condron helped me
27th - Plowing corn
28th - Plowing corn. Jerry a yearling steer take sick
29th - Plowing corn. very hot & dry
30th - Plowing corn. Jesse & Lina her to visit us
July 1871
July 1st - Pulling weeds etc bro Horswell came and staid with us tonight. him and I attended a Singing at the School house
July 2nd - Sunday. Preaching by bro Horswell then Class Meeting after which we went out to Twin Lakes to preaching
3rd - Hunting Jerry which had strayed away yesterday. & helping Amelia get ready for the 4th also bought Will Condrons calf for $5.00
4th - Independence day. A beautiful day. the people generally turned out & went to Twin Lakes to a Picnic. Had a very good time
5th - Spent this morning in writing an account of yesterdays proceedings to the Calhoun Co Pioneer. Hoed a while in the evening a rain came on this evening Ruth Condron here today. Measured ourselves tonight Eugene 3 ft 6 3/4 inches Thomas 2 ft 10 1/2 inches Franky Condron 2 ft 11 in Ruth 5 ft 2 1/2 in Amelia 5 ft 6 1/2 in Tomp 5 ft 9 1/2 in
6th - Jesse brought the mower over and I mowed 1/2 day I bought Robts shared of the Reaper & Mower
7th - Recd a letter from bro Clifford Jesse helped me put up my hay
8th - Breaking prairie this forenoon went to town in the evening with some Peas and beets
9th - Went to hear Mr. House preach. but was disappointed as he did not come. his members voted him an intermission of Six weeks. had Prayer Meeting & S. S.
M 10th - Took the mower over to Jesses & Plowed a little in the evening very hot
T 11th - Mowed for Mr. Knox today
W 12th - Stacked my hay. Mr. Farrend & father Jack helping me
T 13th - Pulling weeds in the forennon. cut my surprise Oats in the evening Mr. Huff here helping
14th - Cutting Wheat at Hollenbecks
15th - At DeGroats & Brennans
16th - S. at Preaching had an interesting class meeting
17th - Finished cutting at Brennans and went to Jesses
18th - Cutting at Mr. Roses
19th - Cutting for brother Rob & a small piece for father Jack
20th - Cut my own wheat & 5 acres of oats
21st - At Mr. De Groats today
22nd - Cut for Jesse all day
23rd S. Went to S. S. stopped at father Jacks awhile
24th - Cutting wheat for Mr. Netherhan & DeGroat
25th - Finished Mr. N. De Groat & Mr. Roses grain
26th - Finished cutting my own grain, Jesse went to Smiths
27th - Father Jack & I finished binding & shocking. went down to Robs this evening
28th - Father J. Ruth Condron , Amelia all the children and myself went over to Jesses. rained nearly all day had a pleasant visit came home & wrote some town business etc etc
[following written by Amelia]
29 - Tomp finishing over at Jesse’s today; Eugene went with him. Tommy has had a very busy day playing. he would go to the door and call “Genie come” don’t try to talk much yet. he likes to say “Jimmy Jack” he can say that so pat last night he got quite a fit on him for talking . tried to say all we told him to
I guess Tomp thought I never would get breakfast ready this morning. the fire wouldn’t burn. the stove smoked and nothing boiled I put the breakfast on while it was stewing away. I skimed the milk and churned . Breakfast over at length and Tomp gone. I went at the stove pipe took it all down cleaned it. then came the tug of war putting it together again, after working and sweating over it for some time Aleck came in and helped me finish it. I baked scrubbed and cleaned the usual routine of Saturday’s work. Father Smith here for dinner rec’d a letter from Florinda telling him that they would be out here this fall. wrote a letter to Sister Maggie this evening.
Sabbath, 30th – Mr. Brown preached this morning. I went home with Ruth. Tomp stayed till after Sunday School
Monday 31st - Tomp is stacking over at Jesse’s Washing day for me. A trying morning to my patience. The cow got in the corn and the pigs broke out of the pen quite a time getting them up.
August 1871
Tuesday 1st - Father Clay Jesse stacking today my birthday
Wed 2nd - Tomp and Genie over to Jesse’s I miss ... and seen Mrs. Huff. Rain tonight
[following written by Thomp]
Thurs 3rd - Jesse and I took some wheat & oats down to Robs today. another heavy shower tonight
Friday 4th - At a Convention held at the Bacon School house to appoint delegates to the Senatorial & Representatives Conventions. took dinner at Mr. Bacons
Sat 5th - Helping Rob thrash today. Will Condron came home this evening
Sunday 6th - At Prayer Meeting & S. S. Willie Glover run over by their wagon
Monday 7th - Ruth & Will here visiting. I went to town & got some boards recd $2.00 from Barney
8th - Robt & Jesse here stacking finished mine then went over to Jesses & ditto his
9th - Stacked some hay for father Jack this forenoon. Commenced Plowing my stubble
10th - Plowing in the forenoon killing weeds
In the garden & pulling peas after noon. Father Jack recd notice that his homestead was all right; awfully tickled
11th - Plowing my hedge row etc Will Condron Started for Maple Valley. Will Lowe takes a load out for him. Father Jack also went along
12th - Jesse and I helping Mr. De Groat thrash
13th - Sunday. Bro Brown sick so we had no preaching. held Class Meeting at the new School house
14th - Finished thrashing at noon. came home and thrashed out some Peas
15th - built a pig pen, Robt & Ellen visited us today
16th - Mowing for John Smith
17th - Mowing for Mr. Know
18th - Mowing for Aleck
19th - Helping Aleck put up his hay, Plowed my Maples etc
20th - Sunday. At Congregationalist preaching Robt & family stopped to bid us good bye.
21st - Jesse took Robs to the Fort where they took the train for Pennsylvania I mowed for Mr Hogeboom. Amelia over at Jesses. Alecks baby very sick tonight.
22nd - Pulling beans this forenoon mowing weed etc
23rd - Raking hay for Mr. Rose and plowing
24th - Mowed in the forenoon for myself. Jesse came over & helped to put it up
25th - Thrashed about 2 bushels of beans Went to fathers & J Van Hornes in the evening
26th - Helping Mr. Whittlesey thrash father Jack and I attended the Republican caucus this ...ning, this is Tommies second birthday he is a very hard boy to manage, has a strong will & high temper, may God give us grace to train him aright.
Sunday 27th - J B Closes child buried. Mr. House preached the funeral sermon. after the funeral we stopped at Barneys for dinner . Barney and I went to see father who is sick. found him some better
Mon 28th - A rainy morning. this is the day of the election to vote on the tax for the Rail Road. the tax defeated by a large majority
29th - Went out to see Mr. Hobbs, built a pig-pen went to the Station etc
30th - Helping Mr. Whittlesey thresh
31st - Stacking hay. father Jack helping me
September 1871
Sept 1st - Bought two pigs of father Jack. Helped father Jack thrash his grain this evening
2nd - Attended the Republican County Convention at the Bacon School houise. had the honor to be nominated for Co Treasurer. A. N. Jack nominated for Co Surveyor
3rd Sunday - Heard a good sermon by Rev House. Staid for S. S.
4th - The Board of Trustees met at my house this forenoon. had Mr. Farrend mow for me
5th - A windy day. a heavy shower in the evening. Mr. Lowes house burned down
6th - Helping to prepare the ground for our S. S. Picnic making hay etc
7th - Had a very interesting time at our Picnic which was held at the Yatesville School house, bro Horswell staid with us tonight
8th - Putting up my seed corn, making hay etc
9th - Down at Fathers putting up some of Pleases hay
10th - Sunday Bro Brown preached his farewell sermon. had a very good class meeting after preaching
11th - Hauling hay for myself & Edward Borne with two teams
12th - Father Jack and I finished stacking Ed Bornes hay
13th - A rainy disagreeable day
14th - Still raining - a little trying to collect
Fri 15th - some ...qu...age
Fri 15th - Cut my buckwheat this forenoon went down to put up Pleas’s Hay this afternoon.
Sat 16th - Father Jack and I went to St...y Lake to attend quarterly Meetting. Storm Lake a very beautiful location for a town. Staid all night at Mr Rouths. Quarterly conference lasted till 10 O’Clock at night
Sunday 17th - Heard a splendid sermon by Elder Todd after dinner we started for home came as far as the Marvin Settlement where we staid all night
18th - Came to Pomeroy where I took the train for home where I arrived at noon
19th - Mowing for Jas Gregg today
20th - “ “ “ Mr. Willey recd from him an order for 40 bushels of coal for my days work
21st - Took Amelia down to Jas Van Hornes where she staid all day while I went down to fathers place & finished cutting hay for Pleasant Cox
22nd - Stacking Pleases had got done about 4 O’clock then went to Barneys & helped him to thrash
23rd - Finished thrashing at Barneys this morning then helped Jesse top out a hay stack etc came & oiled my harness.
Sunday 24th - At S.S.
Monday 25th - Jesse and I started for the timber to get wood to make up our Sorghum, camped in the woods near the river tonight along with Greggs
T 26th - Gathered some walnuts & grapes got our wood and came home leaving our loads at Mrs Coopers
W 27th - Father Jack and I went over to Youngs grove for crab apples got about 4 bushels and a load of wood.
Thur 28th - Pulling and thrashing some beans, digging a few Potatoes & bought some lumber this evening at the Station to build an Oat bin
F 29th - Keeping Batch today as Amelia has gone to Jesses to pick berries (night shades) and Eugene and I are at home building a bin
Sat 31st - Went to Lake City today on horseback got some election tickets & drew some town money ($13.11) came home this evening and found that the prairie fire had made sad work in our community brother Jesse having lost all his grain, hay, stables Reaper & mower, Plow etc Thos Greggs hay all burnt Mr Tibbetts house, grain, hay & stables also burnt
October 1871
Oct 1st Sunday - At Congregational preaching & remained for S. S.
Monday 2nd - Clerking for Bd of Trustees
T 3rd - On Board of Registry came home this evening and was agreeably surprised to find here Austin Stonebraker and David Condron and his father
W 4th - Thrashing today. had 94 bushels of wheat 240 of oats and Six of Buckwheat
T 5 - Helped Aleck thrash today
F 6th - Our visitors started this morning for Maple Valley Father Jack and I digging Potatoes
Sat Oct 7th - Bro Beams our new Minister took dinner with us Eugene and I digging Potatoes, worked on non-resident tax list at night till pretty late
Sunday 8th - A very windy day, bro Beams preached at the Manson School house after which I took him out to Twin Lakes where he preached again, came home and staid with us all night
M 9th - Digging Potatoes etc
T 10th - Clerking at the General Election. Lincoln Tp gave me 45 votes for Co Treasurer while Danforth only received 18, got home about midnight
W 11th - Helping Aleck to kill a hog etc
T 12th - Digging Potatoes Aleck went to Mill for me
F 13 - A Rainy disagreeable day, Bro Beams and family came in the evening from Rolfe
Sat 14th - Raining nearly all day. Pleas and Florinda Cox arrived this evening in the midst of a snow strom snowed pretty hard for about two hrs. Bro Beams moved into Father Jacks house this evening
S 15 - A very bright pleasant day. Father Smith came over today to see Pleas and Flor
M 16th - At a Plowing bee at Jesses today
T 17th - Digging Potatoes
W 18th - Not very well this morning. Dug a pit and put some Potatoes in it. 50 bushels
T 19 - Taking care of Potatoes also went down to Coopers to see about the cane mill
F 20th - Amelia and I made flying calls at Mr. Houses Mr. Knoxes and Mr. Freeburgers took dinner at the latter place Helped Father Jack bury his Potatoes
Sat Oct 21st - Amelia the children and I went to Fort Dodge sold 16 1/2 bushels of Potatoes at 22 1/2 cts per bushel bought myself and the family some clothes came home late at night
Sunday 22nd - At Congregational preaching in the forenoon at Methodist in the afternoon and at baptist preaching at night
M 23rd - Getting my crib ready for corn
T 24 th - Aleck and I husking today
W 25th - Raining nearly all day
T 26th - Husking corn today.
F 27th - Father Jack and I went down to Lake City to see about renting a house The Teachers Institute in session. I attended a Sociable at Mr Swanns in the evening
S 28th - Came home today
Sunday 29th - At Congregational preaching this forenoon our Sabbath School closed today. Brother Chas Knox took dinner with us
M 30th - Husking corn, Pulling cabbage Beets etc
T 31st - Husking Corn. Spent the evening at J Van Hornes
November 1871
Nov 1st - Husking corn. Spent the evening at P F Coxes
2nd - Went to Lake City today with some Potatoes cabbage, Onions, Beets and Crab Apples. Rented a room of Mr. Fox for six months @$4 per month paid him the rent in advance
3rd - Came home today. Recd a letter from A F Stonebraker We all went down to Will Lowes where we staid all night
4th - Brought home a load of wood, husked one load of corn wrote a letter to A F Stonebraker giving my note for Three Hundred Dollars
Sunday Nov 5th - At Preaching twice today Mr. Moses and Mrs. Jones took dinner with us ...
M 6th - Mailed a letter with $12.00 to Rev. H Brown Aleck, Father and Seymour Farrend helping to husk corn
T 7th - Finished my corn and commenced on Father Jacks
W 8th - Raining today. We made a barrel of Krout, got a letter from Clifford & answered it
T 9th - Still raining. went to town, read some law etc etc
F 10th - Helping Father Jack to pick his corn wrote a letter to Bro Robert this evening
S. 11th - Picking corn for father Jack
Sunday 12th - Attended the preaching of Mr House in the morning and that of Mr. Phillips of Fort Dodge in the evening. Raining tonight
M 13th - A stormy disagreeable day. some snow with ice out today with my official bond getting sureties Messrs. Gould, Jones, Moses, E. L. Hobbs, Whittlesey Wise and Jas Glover signed with me. Amelia quilting a comfort
T 14th - Miss Shore paid us a visit. also sister Florinda & family called on us this evening
W 15th - Got a grist ready and with Amelia and the children started for Fort Dodge Went as far as Mr. Blains where we staid all night. had a very pleasant visit
T 16th - In Fort Dodge nearly all day done trading to the amt of $75.00 got our grist etc and came home in the night. raining a little tonight
F 17th and S 18th - Raining pretty hard both days
S 19th - A stormy day. No preaching at the Manson School house. Bro Beams preached at the Yatesville School house in the afternoon
M 20th - Visiting at Thomas Greggs today, cold
T 21st - Visiting at P F Coxes turned very cold this evening and tonight
Wednesday Nov 22nd - A very cold day at home
Thursday 23rd - Brother Jesse and I went into Fort Dodge where I found Mr. Yates and him and Jesse appearing as witnesses for me I made proof and applied for a Patent for my Homestead Jesse and I went to Mr. Lathrops coal bank where we staid all night
Friday 24th - Came home today with a load of coal
Saturday Bought a yearling heifer for $13.50 Visiting at Mr. Jones ‘s. A Pleasant day but turned cold tonight
Sunday 26th - A very cold day. Amelia and I went and heard Mr. House preach
Monday 27th - Bitter cold. Butchered 3 pigs today
Tuesday 28th - Aleck and I went to the coal bank
Wednesday 29th - Came home with a load of coal
Thursday 30th - Thanksgiving day. A large company of us took dinner at Mr Freeburgers
December 1871
Friday Dec 1st - Went to the coal bank
Sat 2nd - A very pleasant day. broke my wagon and was obliged to leave my load. borrowed Mr. Gregorys’ wagon to bring my wheel home
Sunday 3rd - Commenced snowing and blowing this morning continued to grow fiercer all day. this evening very cold and the storm about as severe as I have ever witnessed in N W Iowa. Blow Monday 4th The storm abated but the cold intense went up to Manson and got my wheel repaired hauled a load of coal from the Station to Mr. Houses. took dinner with him 18 deg below zero
Tuesday 5th - Went down to the Lizzard and got my wagon
Wednesday 6th - To the coal bank again. had considerable trouble getting a load as there is such a rush for coal A very warm Pleasant day
Thursday 7th - Turned cold again this morning. Had to face the wind coming home : pretty cold
Friday Dec 8th 1872 [should be 1871] Fixing up things at home preparatory to moving
Saturday Dec 9th - Jas Van Horne and Mary Will Lowe and Lavina Barney and Mal and Aleck and Maggie all visiting us today. Lavina scalded her foot Barney and I took my young cattle over to Jesses
Sunday 10th - A very pleasant day. Attended Mr. Houses preaching. Father Pleas and Flue here tod...
Monday 11th - Packing up and loading our wagon started and came as far as Jesses where we staid all night
Tuesday 12th A pretty cold day. came through to Lake City where we arrived at sundown. Set up our beds, Stove etc took supp... with Mr. Foxes
Wednesday 13th - I went back up to the prairie today staid at Alecks all night
Thursday 14th - Getting things ready for the teams which are going down tomorrow I staid at Pleasant Coxes tonight
Friday 15th - Six teams viz: Jas Van Horn Jesses Aleck’s James Greggs Wm Lowes and P F Coxes came down with loads arrived at Lake City about dark found Amelia and the turkey tired waiting for us
Saturday 16th - The boys all started for home Father Jack went along with them
Sunday 17th - At home all day ... as there is no preaching
Monday 18th - In the Office with S. T. Hutch... looking up matters connected with the duties of Treasurer
Tuesday 19th - In the Office
Wednesday “ “ “
Thursday Dec 21st - In the Office Spent most of the time in the Office untill Friday Dec 29th when I went up to Twin Lakes in company with some School Teachers going to an Association. Went from there down to Lincoln. Stayed among the folks untill Monday Morning when Mr. Yates Mr. Fluharty Mr. Jack Mr. Gould and myself came down to Lake City arriving a little after noon With the New Year begins new duties and responsibilities Oh May I find My Heavenly Father a “help in every time of need”
January 1872
Jany 2nd 1872 - My bond approved and I sworn into office. Commenced receiving Taxes paying Co Warrants etc. Busy in the office all the rest of the week.
Sunday 7th - Went and heard Elder Burch preach
Monday 8th - Amelia agrees to keep my diary posted hereafter. (we will see.) Good Bye for the present
W. T. Smith
[following in Amelia’s handwriting]
Monday 29 - We are now having the coldest weather we have had this winter. Sunday was very stormy last night was the coldest night we have had.
February 1872
Feb 1st Thrs - we were at a dinner party at Mr Sorriders today, a very nice dinner. Met with Mrs Wood, Mrs Olmstead, and numbers of others for the first time. Mr Peake, and J. Mclaughlin brought a load of coal, and corn for Tmp. Eugene has the chicken pox, is not able to attend school.
...Feb 28 - The weather is very warm, and pleasant. ... number came from Manson today to attend court. Freburger and Seth Thomas spent the evening here.
Thurs, 29 - visited the school this afternoon with a number of other ladies. Some People from Ma... staying with us.
March 1872
Wed, 6th - visited at Mr Stevensons today went over to Mrs Hutchinsons this evening to sing.
Thurs 7th - Storming this evening to bad to attend singing school
Friday 8 - been snowing and storming all day
Sat 9th - pleasant day went sleighriding this afternoon. Mr and Mrs St...son Mrs Fox and Mrs Hutchison
Sun 10th - Tommy was attacted with the croup last night he has been very bad all day. the Doctor has been in to see him twice seems better this evening
Mon 11 - Aleck ... Root brought a load of corn down to day. Tommy has had a high fever all day.
Wed 13 - Tommy is better to day, poor little fellow he had a hard time taking “nasty medis” he was first getting over the “chitten fox” as he called it. he was quite sick with it. It came out very badly.
Sat. 16th - Tomp went up to Manson today. Time seems long when he is away.
Tues 19th - Tomp and Mr Stevenson came home today. Tommy expressed the feellings of us all when he said “me glad to see you Papa” We were all glad to see him come back.
Fri 22nd - This is the anniversary of our wedding day. Six years of happy wedded life has flown. The last day of Genes first term of school, was treated to candy.
Monday 25th - Thompson and Lewis Fox started this morning for Pomeroy. Lewis to bring down a load of Lumber for our new house that we propose building. Tomp intends going to Fort Dodge tomorrow with J Van Horne to make a draw on the Bank. Also to get Doors and Windows Lime etc
Wed 27th - Tomp came home today with five teams loaded with Lumber. Lewis broke his wagon just as he had started from Pomeroy. had to go back for it today. Mr. Morse is to bring down the remaining load. The cost of hauling $36.00
April 1872
April 9th Tues - Miss Shore went home today down on business. Mr. Alder commenced cor... work on our house
11th Thurs - Pleasant today. but very windy Mrs. Hanson called this morning. Mrs. Olmstead and Miss ... here this afternoon, went down to our lot to help choose a building place. Tomp commenced digging a cellar.
Thurs 2... – Mr. Freburger stopping with over night. I am getting ready to go to Manson. the first chance I can get to ride ...
May 1872
[following in WT Smith handwriting]
Memorandum by W. T. Smith
May 4 - Amelia and the children gone to the north part of county with Mr. Joslyn. I painted awhile, in the afternoon planted some Early Rose Potatoes Peas & Lettuce Loafed in the stores till bed time Cause why -- Amelia not at home
Sunday May 5 - attended S S at half past 10. had to take charge of A E Stevensons class. S. S. better attended than usual sung awhile after dismission L F Danforth came home & took dinner with us Alzina gave us a very good dinner. Went & heard a Rev Bradshire preach at 4 PM came home read, done chores etc seems as though something was missing about the house
Monday 6 - Alzina started the fire this morning. Set out a bed of Onions, sowed some seed, planted two maple trees in front of the [page torn] Commenced lathing my house, worked awhile in [page torn] attended preaching tonight. Our heifer had a fine calf this morning
Tuesday 7 - Quite a time milking “Pet” today had to tie her legs together to keep her from kicking. busy in my house today nailing on lath Mr. Pick from Webster Co here this evening to buy a piece of School land situated in Greenfield Tp
Wednesday 8 – Mr. Peck having to stay in town helped me in lathing also L Fox helped awhile Rained very hard this afternoon. Mr. Peck slept with me tonight
Thursday 9 - Lathing today
Friday 10 - Raining nearly all day
Saturday 11 - Worked in the Office awhile finished lathing my house. bought a new hat today attended preaching tonight wrote a letter Stonebraker
Sunday 12 - At S. S. A very good attendance. Preaching at 11 by Elder Russell at 3 PM by Elder Bunch. F. E Stevenson with us for dinner. I begin to long for Amelia Eugene and Tommie to come home
Monday 13th - Running around this morning trying to find a horse to go up North with found a 4 yr old colt this evening which I intend to hitch in with one of Mr Stevensons and go up to Manson tomorrow the Lord willing Mr Snyders house burned down today
Tuesday 14 - Started for Manson about 8 Oclock. got to Mr. Greggs about noon it raining pretty hard [page torn] to P F Coxs where I found Amelia & the boys who were as glad to see me as I was to see them
[page torn] 15 - Went up to Alecks where I took dinner Amelia & the children visiting at Mr Clays Went to Manson with some Wheat & Potatoes recd $18.40 for my load. Came to Jesses this evening
Thursday 16 - Rained very hard this morning so we visited at Mr Greggs staid at Jesses all night
Friday 17 - Came home to Lake City today Very glad to get back again
Saturday 18 - In the Office
Sunday 19 - At S. S. and preaching by Revs McDaniels and Gee A Singing Association formed today
Monday 20 - Took my colt to pasture this morning
Tuesday 21 - R Baldwin plastering my house. I mixed and carried all the mortar which was pretty hard work
Wednesday 22 - Plastering
Thurs 23 - Working in the Office part of the day
Friday 24 - “ “ “ “ Planted some sweet corn, Beets , Beans etc this evening
Sat 25 - Louis Fox Eugene Tommy and I went down to Oxenfords Mill this morning Planted some Potatoes in the evening
W. T. Smith
Presented by Fl... Made my first Semi Annual Settlement as County Treasurer with the Board of Supervisors at their meeting this 1st week in June. Finished my new house and moved into it this month. The children very loth to leave Mr. and Mrs. Fox
July 1872
The 4th appropriately celebrated here at Lake City. A large table set in Court House square. Speeches by Messers Fitch, Russell, Hutchinson, Danforth and others, Father, Sister Florinda & others here from Manson. I made a trip up to Fort Dodge stopping over night at brother Jesses, Father Jack went out to Maple Valley to visit Will and Ruth Condron
August 1872
Spent most of this month in the Office making out delinquent Tax list etc. The weather part of the time extremely hot. On the 21st of this month I made my first visit to Des Moines, Capt Fitch and I representing our county in the State Convention. Had a very pleasant time visited Capital Hill. the new State House now being built, County Court House, New water fountain etc. Also saw many of the public men of the State. Ex Govs Merrill and Gue, M M Walden, Col Trunbull, Jno A Kassoro and a host of Senators Representatvies etc
Came home via D. V. R. R. to Grand Junction and E and N W RR to Glidden where Mr Fitches team met us.
Brought home some nice Peaches and Apples. Amelia and the children spent several days up in the North part of the County this month.
September 1872
Brother and Siter Hamilton stopped with us the night of the 1st. Board of Supervisors in session the 1st week of the month. Quite a number of men here from the North part of County
Thursday 5th - At prayer meeting this evening only three persons present. My prayer is that God may so work upon the hearts of his people that we may see his work revived even here in Lake City
Friday 6th - In the Office today
Saturday 7th - Went out to Mr. McCullochs for some Tomatoes. Mr. Morse brought home 4 tons of hay today. A Show in town tonight. Not a great many attended it (so I heard) Rained this evening
Sunday 8th - S.S. this morning. Our school attended a Concert at the Haynon School House at 3 PM. A large crowd in attendance and a very pleasant time
Monday 8th - Shut up my pigs this morning. In the Office posting my books in the afternoon
Tuesday 10th – F. E. Stevenson County Auditor and S. T Hutchison P M both gone to Cedar Rapids to attend the State Fair so I am kept pretty close at the Office
Wednesday 11th - Father Jack came in this morning from Maple Valley
Thursday 12th - Attended Prayer Meeting this evening. Nine persons present which was very encouraging - a good meeting. Mr Judge rose and asked the prayers of the Church
Friday 13th - Brought my colt home from the pasture today. one of its legs badly swollen
Sat 14th – Mr. Stevenson came home this morning
Sunday 15 - At S. S. in the morning Elder Burch preached a funeral sermon on the death of a child of Wm Clark. Rev Clifton a Methodist preacher filled the afternoon appointment.
Monday 16th - Dug my early Rose potatoes today
Tuesday 17th - Working in the office
Wednesday 18th – Mr. Jackson Orr and John F Duncombe candidates for Congress from this Dist met this afternoon joint discussion here in Lake City. A large crowd in attendance & very good speaking
19 Frost this morning County Fair 18th 19th and 20th
Thursday 19th - In company with Mr. C H Clark I left this morning for Fort Dodge to attend the first session of the North West Conference of the M. E. Church. took the train at Pomeroy arrived at Ft. Dodge at noon Dinner at the Fort Dodge house. Spent the afternoon in talking with ministers with whom I had been acquainted and getting acquainted with others. Moved my boarding place to Bro Evans’s. A Mr. Button of Vermont preached this evening. his text was “this Man shall be blessed in his deed”
Friday 20th - Attended the session of Conference in the forenoon. Bishop Andrews presiding. In the afternoon made the acquaintance of Messrs Meseney Thos Sargent Head & Bashring Mr. Hudson G R Pearsons W E Sawyer and Wilson Lumpkin who are nearly all Real Estate Agents. Mrs. Ward gave an eloquent lecture this evening in behalf of the Womans foreign Missionary Society of the M E. Church.
Sat 21st - Spent the day attending Conference, Business etc Dr. Reed of Upper Iowa Conference preached in the evening Text “I am the vine ye are the branches”
Sunday 22nd - Visited old Mr. Platte this morning 85 yrs of age. Attended the Love feast at 9 1/2 AM . Preaching by the Bishop at 10 1/2. Text “He saved others himself he cannot save” The Bishop preached a splendid sermon to a large audience after the sermon a class of Ministers were ordained as deacons. Brother Hamilton Bro Winters, Brown and Clifton were of the number. Took dinner with Mr. Fre... Father Jack and I
Preaching at 3 PM by Dr Reed after which the ordination of Elders was attended to Bros Beems and Corswell were of the number. Dr Eddy gave a lecture this evening representing the Missionary cause. It was a very eloquent address and was well received. the house filled to overflowing The Bishop made some remarks to the Ministers after which the appointments were read. the hymn commencing “ and let our bodies part to different climes repair” was sung and Conference adjourned.
Monday 23rd- Having to stay in town all day I went out to Mr. Blains & took dinner with them. very glad to see me.
came in and took the train for Manson where we (Brother Whitefield who is appointed to our Circuit this year) and I arrived at 5 1/2 PM took supper with Mr. Freeburger. went to Bro Clays where we staid all night
Tuesday 24th - Came out to Pomeroy where we had to remain all day and night. This evening very cold & stormy
Wednesday 25th - Hired Mr. Mowry to take us and a load of lumber down to Lake City where we arrived about noon. Found a loving wife and two boys awful glad to see me. Thank God for Home & family. Brother Whitfield stopped with us. I spent the afternoon attending to business in the Office.
Thursday 26th - Pretty busy today. At Prayer Meeting this evening Had a good meeting eight persons present.
Friday 27th - Brother Whitfield went out to visit some of the brethren this morning. Our prayer is that he may be useful among us and that God may build up his church
Saturday 28th - Raining a little this morning. Our caucus to send delegates to County Convention held this afternoon. Delegates H W Sprague J D McVay Geo Sacrider ...F Hobbs T B Hotchkiss. Township Ticket Clerk H W Sprague Assessor J M Toliver. Trustees S T Davison J H Bradt and Geo Sacrider Constables Wm E Olmstead and D M Brown Justices W C Sheppard and J Mc Clure. very busy in the Office this evening.
Sunday 29th - S. S this morning Elder Russell preached at 11 AM Bro Whitfield preached at 3 PM to a large audience text “for I will not put on hold my peace til Aions righteousness appear etc
Monday 30th - At home most of today. building a Cow stall Henry Sprague met with an accident by the running away of his horse while hitched to a Sulky rake throwing Henry off & breaking his knee cap. The Official Members of the Church met this evening
October 1872
Tuesday 1st - Working about home today - a very pleasant day
Wednesday 2nd - Making my September Report and answering letters. An old gentleman lectures tonight on “Babylon”
Thursday 3rd - A Campbellite preacher by name of Roach preached tonight
4th and 5th - In the Office.
Sunday 6th - At S. S and preaching by Bro Roach
Monday 7th - Sale of lands for taxes today the bidding very spirited and brisk sold all advertised except the land owned by American Emigrant Co (as an Injunction was served forbidding the sale of those.
Tuesday 8th - John Scotts child died this morning
Wednesday 9th - Attended the funeral of Scotts child today very cold
10th 11 & 12th - Busy making Certificates of Tax purchases
Sunday 13th - Bro Whitfield preached this morning. Elder Roach afternoon & evening Miss Mary Bishop rose for the prayers of the church today
Monday 14th – Mr. Yates down to make some arrangements for counsel in the suit pending between the County and American Emigrant Company
15 16 17 18 and 19 - Busy in the Office this week except one day which I spent helping Bro Whitfield fix up the Parsonage. Bro & Sister W stopping with us
Sunday 20th - At S. S No preaching in town today. Singing at 2 PM. A very warm day
Monday 21st - This morning I butchered a pig about noon. the Teachers began to come in to attend the Institute which is in session this week
Tuesday 22nd - Bro Whitfield took charge or became Conductor of the Institute untill noon today Prof Scilly of Des Moines arrived where he took charge
Wednesday 23rd - Very busy in the Office Most of the time. tonight Bro Whitfield lectured to the Institute Subject the Darwin Theory versus the Bible theory
Thursday 24th - Lecture by the Proffessor tonight also Essays by Miss Davison and Miss Shove
Friday 25th - Attended the Institute this afternoon to hear the examination of teachers A Sociable tonight
Saturday 25th - The Institute adjourned at noon today . Elder McDaniels preached in town tonight
Sunday 27th - But few out to S. S. today Elder Russell preached at 11 O’Clock AM
Monday 28th - Brother Whitfield and wife gone to housekeeping today at the Parsonage
Tuesday 29th - Raining nearly all day
Wednesday 30th - A cold disagreeable day
Thursday 31st - Sent my two calves and colt up to Bro Jesses today. Not feeling very well today. Attended Prayer Meeting tonight only six persons present.
November 1872
Friday 1st - Busy in the Office most of the day
Sat 2nd - Recd a letter from Ruth and Will Condron
Sunday 3rd - Closed our Sabbath School today to meet the 1st Sunday in April. Preaching by Elder McDaniel this forenoon, at night by Bro Whitfield subject Baptism
Monday 4th - In the office
5th 6 7 8 and 9th - Working around home some this week fixing up Stable Corn Crib etc
Sunday 10th - Preaching by Bro W this forenoon. Barney father Jack and other Jurymen came down today to attend court. Mary Davis came this evening to work for us. Bro and Sister Whitfield and Mr. Hakes here this eveing had a sociable sing.
Monday 11th - A good many strangers here as the Board meets, Court in session etc.
Tuesday 12th - The Judge failing to come Barney and I at work banking up my house. Mr. Jack had a singing at the School house thes evening
Wednesday 13th - The Judge on hands Court adjourned this evening. A very cold day some of the Jurors went home this afternoon
Thursday 14th - Snowing this morning, storming nearly all day. A Small prayer Meeting tonight. Mr. Jack pretty sick tonight
Friday 15th - Very Cold this morning
Saturday 16th - In the Office
Sunday 17 - No preaching untill evening when Bro W preached subject Baptism - a cold night
18th 19th & 20th - Weather very cold and stromy
Thursday 21st - Carried One Hundred weight of flour from Dr Stewarts over to the Parsonage (to apply on D... quarterage)
Friday 22nd - Working in the Office
Saturday 23rd - Our 1st Quarterly Meeting commenced today. Elder Williams presiding, had to hold our Meeting today in the Court House. held Quarterly Conference immediately after preaching. Estimated Bro Whitfields salary at $500 for the year. Prayer Meeting tonight at the School House
Sunday 24th - Love Feast, Preaching & Sacrament today. Collection for the Elder amt $14.25 Miss Mary Bishop Joined on probation Mrs. Sibley by letter. Preaching tonight.
Monday 25th - Father Jack started for Maple Valley today. I in company with E H Knox and Elder Williams started for Manson. Bro Williams lectured at the Manson School House this evening. I went home with Father where I staid all night
Tuesday 26 - Visited Alecks Barneys & Clays Came from Manson out to Pomeroy this evening. Staid at Lackies all night
Wednesday 27th - Came Home on the Stage today - a very cold ride
Thursday 28th - Thanksgiving services at the School House. Bros Whitfield and Russell officiating. After preaching our family and bro Clows repaired to the Parsonage where we enjoyed a very fine Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey etc Prayer Meeting tonight
Friday 29th - A very cold morning. Worked in the Office today
Saturday 30th - In the Office
December 1872
Sunday 1st - Elder McDaniel preached at 11 O’Clock AM Bro Whitfield at night
Monday 2nd - Commenced a Union Prayer Meeting evenings to continue during the week.
Tuesday 3rd - Butchered three hogs today myself as hands were scarce pretty hard work
Wednesday 4th - Making Sausage & finishing up butchering
Thursday 5th - Made my monthly Report etc
Friday 6th - Working in the Office etc attended Prayer meeting at the School House after which I went to the Sociable at Mrs. Tabors
Saty 7th - Busy in the Office most of the day
Sunday 8th - Bro Whitfield preached a very good sermon today. I went with him down to Haynon School House. staid with him to Class Meeting - very Cold -
Monday 9th - Had prayer meeting at M.r Townsends this evening
Tuesday 10th - “ “ “ F. E. Stevenson “ “
Wednesday 11th - This evening about 9 Oclock Amelia presented me with a fine large boy weighing 12 lbs. Had quite a time getting a Doctor finally got Mrs. Whitfield and Mrs. Tubbs
Thursday 12th - At Prayer Meeting only four persons present viz Bro and Sister Whitfield Father Bosley and myself
13 & 14th - In the Office
Sunday 15th - At preaching tonight - a cold day
Monday 16th - A Meeting tonight to take measures to have a Supper on Christmas. Decided to have an Oyster Supper & festival appointed committees etc Late when I got home wife said so I should say it was late
Tuesday 17th - Heavy Mail today. Singing tonight
Wed 18th – Mr. Clark & Mr. Bacon here for dinner
18 to 25th - Busy in the Office most of the time.
Christmas - Making preparations for the Festival tonight. About Noon Alzina Fox who had been sick for some time died.
Des Moines Iowa
Aug 21st 1872
At the Festival the Christmas tree the Supper and everything connected with the affair was splendid. About 10 Oclock Dr Stewart & Mr. Tomlinson got into a fight and threw the whole thing into confusion