Diary of Elizabeth Mc
Clelland Blaisdell
1871 - Springvale, Humboldt Co, Iowa
Page 1
_ JANUARY 1871 _
________________
Sun Jan 01 - We went to church in the morning and also in the evening.
After breakfast I carried down the cross, my New Year present, and showed it to
Mr. Safford's folks. Wished them a happy New Year.
Mon Jan 02
- I washed today and ironed in the evening.
Tue Jan 03 - I baked today and moped. Miss Safford was up in the evening.
Fri Jan 06 - I did not feel well when I got up. Did up the dishes but
George moped. Was taken very sick at 1:00 and was sick 'till 5:00. Went to bed
at 9:00 but was taken worse at mid-night and had to get up then. Did not go to
bed 'till nearly 5:00 again.
Sat Jan 07 - George got up after 9:00. Got breakfast started, then did
his chores and came back and finished breakfast. I did not dress myself. George
helped me to bind a quilt. Sarah came up and baked for me in the eve. Henry and
Ella were here too.
(Note: Henry S. and Sarah A. (Blaisdell) Cadett.
Sarah was George W. Blaisdell's sister.
Ella was the fourteen year old daughter of Henry S. Cadett by his first wife).
Sun Jan 08 - I felt much better. I dressed me today. George helped me
again today. I got supper - washed the dishes. Will was in a few minutes in the
evening.
Mon Jan 09 - I worked around all day. In the afternoon I tried out the
lard and made fried cakes and doughnuts. I was very tired and George got supper.
George bought another bedstead today. Will came tonight.
Tue Jan 10 - We got up early. George and Will went after coal. I washed,
blacked the stove, and ironed some today. Mrs. Harran (?) was in here a while
this afternoon. George got home early. We went to meeting.
Wed Jan 11 - I finished ironing, also baked some. I sewed in the
afternoon.
Mon Jan 23 - I washed today.
Tue Jan 24 - I did not iron today. I baked some. In the afternoon I
sewed. Mrs. Safford and Mrs. Williamson were up here. Mrs. W. said she would
stitch my dress for me.
Wed Jan 25 - I ironed today. Did not iron the starched clothes. Mr. Smith
called in the afternoon - staid quite a while. Mrs. Safford came up in the
afternoon. I sewed. I also blacked the stove in the forenoon. Went to meeting.
Thu Jan 26 - I ironed the starched clothes and did some baking. We went
to church in the evening. Heard a very (?) sermon preached. Meeting in the hall.
Before church, I played on the organ some.
Fri Jan 27 - I did not bake any today. I sewed. We did not go to church.
Will went up to Mr. Mile's Sociable. We tried to persuade him not to go, but to
no account.
Sat Jan 28 - I did up my Saturday's work. Did not get any dinner. George
went wolf hunting and Will went off visiting. Did not get through in time to go
to meeting. George so tired when he came home we did not go to meeting.
Sun Jan 29 - We went to church in the forenoon. Sarah called in a few
minutes in the P.M. We went to church in the evening. Mr. Smith preached his
last sermon. Sorry he is going away.
Mon Jan 30 - I did not wash today. I sewed on my dress. In the evening I
began a pair of pillow cases. Made one all but the trimming being sewed on.
Tue Jan 31 - I washed today. George got Mr. Cavitt's cutter and made some
sausage. We tried some and it tasted splendid. I made two bags to put it in.
Finished the pillow case.
_________________
_ FEBRUARY 1871 _
_________________
Wed Feb 01 - I baked today, also ironed some. Mrs. Safford was up here in
the afternoon. I cut the lining to the waist of my dress. I ironed in the
evening.
Thu Feb 02 - I ironed this forenoon and baked in the afternoon. I made a
large pork cake and a pan of fried cakes. Mrs. Safford was up here today in the
afternoon.
"This is an old recipe for spice
cake made with salt pork and raisins. It's baked in a tube pan and contains no
eggs or dairy." Original recipe yield: 1 - 10 inch tube pan.
Fri Feb 03 - I ironed the shirts
today. Ironing dribbled along all week. Mrs. Safford made a pork cake. Got four
letters from home. George and I went riding in the
afternoon.
Sat Feb 04 - I cleaned all the woodwork in the kitchen, moped and baked.
I felt like a ---. I don't know what I am sure. I was so "dumpish" and feverish.
I was down to Mrs. Safford's in the afternoon.
Sun Feb 05 - We got up in good season, but did not go to church. It
snowed this morning. Read in "The Life of Christ." Did not go to church in the
evening. Wrote to Pa.
Mon Feb 06 - Rather late when we got up. Nevertheless I washed. George
moped. He would not let me. I ironed nearly all the clothes in the evening. Went
down street today. (?)
Tue Feb 07 - I finished ironing this morning. I mended in the afternoon.
Will left today. Henry ate dinner with us. Had eggs for dinner. George went off
and did not get back very early.
Wed Feb 08 - Got up early. George and Henry went to The Fort. It stormed
hard and was very cold a while after they started. Got as far as Deer Creek and
came home. I had oysters for dinner. Baked today.
Thu Feb 09 - It was very pleasant today. I sewed on my dress. Mrs.
Safford and I went to Mrs. Harran's a little while. I began fixing my plaid
dress tonight. Henry here a short time this evening.
Fri Feb 10 - I finished my dress this forenoon. Mrs. Webster came today.
Stopped at Mrs. Safford's. George and I attended Annie Pinney's funeral. She
looked very natural. Spent the evening at Henry's.
Annie Pinney would have been 10 years old in 1871
Sat Feb 11 - I felt rather mean today. Did up the Saturday's work and
after I got through I had to lay down. I fixed my green dress today. Mr. Brewer
was up here in the afternoon. Sent him my music book.
Sun Feb 12 - We did not go to church - bell did not ring 'till very late.
Thought there was no church. Went down to Mr. Safford's in the evening and staid
'till past eight. Went to bed quite late.
Mon Feb 13 - I did not wash today. I moped and sewed. I sewed on my
dress. I began writing to Mary today night, but Henry came up and I did not get
any more written.
Tue Feb 14 - I felt very mean today. George went off rabbit hunting and
did not get back 'till dark. Locked the door and lay abed all day. Ella came up
and spent the evening. I had a very high fever tonight.
Wed Feb 15 - George got breakfast. I was so weak, I could scarcely move.
Mr. Keittervill called this morning. In the afternoon I cut out my overskirt and
sewed on it. Had to go to bed. Had the doctor. Attacked with a fever.
Thu Feb 16 - The doctor called again this morning. Felt no better. George
had to stay at home all day. Doctor called again in the evening. Did not have a
great deal of fever. Today Lincoln was six years old.
(Note: Abraham Lincoln Mc Clelland - her step brother).
Fri Feb 17 - I felt some better today. Mrs. Safford came up and stayed
awhile. I sat up long enough to have my bed made.
Sat Feb 18 - Today the doctor called. I told him I was about well. He
gave me some advice and then left. I sat up a little while tonight.
Sun Feb 19 - I felt better today. Sat up and took dinner. Johnnie and May
ate with us. Henry and Sarah came up. Also Mr. and Mrs. Safford. Henry and Ella
spent the evening. Cut the cake tonight.
Mon Feb 20 - I got up and dressed me today. I sewed nearly all day. I
went to bed at dark. Felt quite tired. Mrs. Libbie Walters called this
afternoon.
Tue Feb 21 - Got up and dressed me. Got breakfast. Did not do anything
but get our meals and do up the work. Did not feel much like sewing. I made
biscuit for supper.
Wed Feb 22 - Arose quite late. Tried to sew some today but did not make
much out. I lay down and took a knap in the afternoon. Felt miserable when I got
up.
Thu Feb 23 - I made bread today and a couple of pies. I felt so miserable
in the P.M., I could scarcely move. When the thunder shower came up I felt still
worse. It rained very hard tonight. Went to bed early.
Fri Feb 24 - I did not get up at all today. I felt very bad. George had
to stay at home nearly all day. Did not feel any better when night came.
Sat Feb 25 - Felt no better. Ella came up and did up the work. George
called the doctor again today. He was surprised to see me abed again. He changed
my medicine.
Sun Feb 26 - Very pleasant today. Sarah came up before church. Will
called. Ella came up in the P.M. and stayed a little while. Mr. Safford's folks
spent the evening.
Mon Feb 27 - I felt not better today. Ella did not let me know we (she)
washed. Mrs. Williamson and Mrs. S. were here this afternoon. I sat up a little
while tonight. Henry came up and spent the evening.
Tue Feb 28 - George went out to the farm today. The wind blew very hard.
He went and exchanged horses with a man and brought him home. Likes him better
than he does Fan. Ella staid with me today.
_ MARCH 1871 _
______________
Wed Mar 01 - George went off to work about 8:00, and Ella did not come
until 10:00. George traded horses today. The man being satisfied, I felt some
better. Ella came back and staid all night.
Thu Mar 02 - This morning George went to The Fort early. Will did not go.
It was late when George got home as he waited three and one half hours for Will.
Sat up and ate supper. Ella went home. Sarah spent the P.M.
Fri Mar 03 - Ella came again today. I got up and sat up a while. Ellen
Hewlett and Mrs. Harran called. I lay on the loung all day. Felt better but had
a sick headache in the afternoon.
Sat Mar 04 - I was getting breakfast when Ella came. After breakfast I
dressed me and had a short ride. I felt very tired when I got back. I went to
bed and staid there the rest of the day. Frank Safford came home today. Mrs. W.
and Mrs. S. were here this P.M.
Sun Mar 05 - I got up and ate breakfast and sat a while then went to bed.
After a while I fell asleep and slept a long time. Sarah came after I woke up.
Henry, Frank and Johnnie came up after I got up. Staid quite a while.
Mon Mar 06 - Got up this morning quite early. Dressed me and got
breakfast. George went to Algona after lumber. Henry did the chores tonight.
Ella came up and staid with me all night. Della (?) came up and we played
dominoes.
Tue Mar 07 - Got up in good season. It was a beautiful morning. Got
breakfast. Ella went home about 9:00 after helping me to do my work. Sarah, Mrs.
S., F. Welsh, and E. Mc Kitrick called. George came home soon after dark.
Wed Mar 08 - Got up about daylight. Had breakfast ready a long time
before George came. I had my work all done when he came. It was cloudy nearly
all day. Mr. and Mrs. Harran came up and spent the evening.
Thu Mar 09 - Very stormy and blustering. So much so, George did not try
to go to Algona. It cleared off and was very pleasant towards night. Will called
in the afternoon.
Fri Mar 10 - Got up in good season. George and Will went to Algona. I
baked four loaves of bread and three lemon pies today. I had a letter from Mary
and Lincoln. Ella staid with me tonight. Ate supper at Henry's.
Sat Mar 11 - Blacked the stove before I built a fire today. Ella went
home after breakfast. Spent the afternoon at Mrs. Safford's. George got home
about 5:00, sooner than I expected.
Sun Mar 12 - Intended to go to church, but was very stiff with scrubbing
so hard yesterday. I went with George when he did his chores and then we walked
down to the river.
Mon Mar 13 - Got up in good season. Did not wash as George was going
away. I went up to Mr. Simmons' with George. Very windy. I sewed on my black
dress today.
Tue Mar 14 - Got up in good season. George went to The Fort today. Got
back about dark. I did not sew much in the P.M. Went to bed and slept quite a
while. George brought me apples and maple sugar.
Wed Mar 15 - George went over to Mr. Berkhimer’s with some lumber, then
when he came back he and Frank drew water from the stone quarry to wash with. I
sewed on my dress today.
Thu Mar 16 - George went out to the farm today. I did some washing. I was
very tired when I got through. Did not do anything else all day. George got back
early.
Fri Mar 17 - Today Henry went with George out to the farm. I ironed. I
went down to Henry's after dinner and stayed a while. House full all the while.
Mr. Leland's concert was tonight.
Sat Mar 18 - Today George went to The Fort for Mr. Winnie. I was down to
Mrs. Safford's a little while in the P.M. George came home earlier than I
expected. I did not finish my dress as I read in the evening.
Sun Mar 19 - We did not get up very early this morning. We did not go to
church. The wind blew very hard in the forenoon. We went down to Henry's in the
evening.
Mon Mar 20 - I did not wash today. Did not on account of windy weather.
George went out to the farm. I finished my dress. G. came home early. Put on the
boiler and washed half of my clothes tonight. Will was here in the evening.
Tue Mar 21 - We got up in good season. I had the washing all out by 10:00
and indoors a little after 11:00. I wrote to Mary and Lincoln. G. and H. went
after a load of hay. After G. got Jim shod. We went down to the Fork's.
Wed Mar 22 - I ironed this forenoon and sewed in the afternoon. I went
down to Henry's and spent the afternoon. Ella was alone. I stayed to supper.
Ella came up home with me. G. went to The Fort and got home in good season.
Thu Mar 23 - George went out on the farm today and set the sills. He got
home in good season. Lizzie Pinney was buried today. Sarah and Ella called this
afternoon. Mrs. Safford was up here today.
Fri Mar 24 - George went out on the farm today. Mr. Berkhimer went with
him. I went down to Henry's to have Mrs. Weaver do some stitching for me. Staid
to supper. Sarah came home with me. Henry came up shortly after G. came home
at 8:00.
Sat Mar 25 - George went out on the farm again. I cleaned all the
woodwork in the kitchen today. I pressed my dress. Sarah came up for me to play
croquet. I played two games. George did not get back until 9:00.
Sun Mar 26 - We did not get up until 9:00. I had to work very fast to get
the work done up in time to go to church. I trembled all over before we started.
I had to leave church before the sermon was over. Went down to Henry's. Went to
the Mon. Temperance lecture.
Mon Mar 27 - I did not wash. Had no water. George went out to the farm. I
carried a letter to the Post Office and called at Henry's. I had to stop to
dinner. Sarah and I went gathering stones in the afternoon. We called at Mr.
Pinney's. G. came back in good season.
Tue Mar 28 - George went out to the farm again today. I made bread for
Mrs. Safford. Carried it down after noon. Spent the afternoon with her. Mrs.
Amaden called there in the P.M.
Wed Mar 29 - George went to the farm. I went over to Mrs. Harran's. Got
her candle moles (?) and ran some candles. I went down and stayed with Mrs.
Safford in the afternoon. Became acquainted with Mrs. Lindsley. Quite late when
George
returned.
Thu Mar 30 - I went out on the prairie with George today. Visited at Mrs.
Springer's. They finished the house today. I like it very much. I helped George
some with his work. We got home before dark.
Fri Mar 31 - Today George took a load out with him. I made bread and
washed a few things today. I went down to the P.O. (Post Office). No news from
home. I ran over to Henry's and stayed longer than I intended. Mrs. Webster
called today.
_ APRIL 1871 _
______________
Sat Apr 01 - It was a beautiful day. Sarah, George, and I went over to
Fred Webster's. We had an excellent visit. Never enjoyed a better. George shot
three ducks. Gave Mrs.
W. one. Picked them in the evening.
Sun Apr 02 - Did not go to church. Very windy all day. Just as I had
dinner nearly ready Mr. Bushnell's barn took fire. Burned a span of horses, two
set harnesses, and one hundred
and fifty bushels corn.
Mon Apr 03 - I went down to Mr. Harkness' to get Mother B. a dress. Had
none. I took old Jim and the wagon, and Mrs. C., Mrs. W. and went up to Dakota.
Got a dress there. Henry
and George tore down the stable today.
Tue Apr 04 - Today I went with George to drive the team while he led the
cow. It was very warm. We got stuck in a slough. Had to unload and leave part.
Left the cow at Hanabeck's. Did not get home 'till 11:00. Helped George to put
up a sort of stable and put the cow in. Mr. S. went back with him and helped him
to bring the rest of the load and the cow. It
was dark when they got back.
Wed Apr 05 - Today Mrs. C. came and helped me pack. Will took a load for
us. We got through packing at noon. Ate dinner at Henry's. Got to our farm about
3:00. Did not get
the stove set up. It was very warm today.
Thu Apr 06 - This morning George went over to Mr. Springer's and got some
pipe and we set up the stove. I helped George
to fix his stable some today. He covered it.
Fri Apr 07 - Today George went to Springvale. I tried to straighten up
things but the wind blew so I could not. I hung the buffalo robe up to the back
door and put the chest against it. Went over to Mr. Springer's before dusk and
staid till George came.
Sat Apr 08 - I was going to have things slicked up here, but the wind
began blowing so I could do nothing. O the wind
blew very very hard. It blew all night too.
Sun Apr 09 - It was much pleasanter than it was yesterday. The dog killed
a hen today. I forgot to say I moped the
floor this morning. We had dinner about 5:00.
Mon Apr 10 - It stormed today. Snow was quite deep when we got up. George
lathed between the bedroom and kitchen today.
I sewed. Was very chilly nearly all day.
Tue Apr 11 - This morning it rained. When George went out to do his
chores he found a little calf in the barn. It was so
cold I did not go out to see it.
Wed Apr 12 - It was much pleasanter today. I went out and saw our little
calf. She is very pretty indeed. She looks
almost exactly like Fanny.
Thu Apr 13 - Today George went to Springvale. I washed. It rained just as
I hung out the clothes. It then was pleasant - remained so the rest of the day.
G. came home early, Brought the calf (?). Had letters from Mother, Cal, Nancy,
Jeanie, Lincoln, and Tirza.
Fri Apr 14 - George got up at 3:00. I got up and got his breakfast. He
started at 4:30 to get a load of coal. I went back to bed and slept till 8:00.
Mrs. Hornbeck and her sister called - also Mrs. Springer. I made a little butter
today.
Sat Apr 15 - George set out the trees he brought with him. He set out the
strawberry plants and sowed some sage seed. He broke a furrow to set out some
poplars he brought. I cleaned the lower sash of the windows. I moped the floor
after dark. It rained today.
Sun Apr 16 - It was very foggy this morning but cleared off and was a
splendid day. Will did not come by 11:30 so we went over the prairie five or six
miles. Found 35 pieces of
conillion (?), 15 of which is ribbon (?).
Mon Apr 17 - I did not wash today. George started to work on Henry's this
morning about 7:00. He brought home some curlew (?) eggs. Had them for dinner.
Will and Al, with Johnny and Charley Gilman were here quite a while after
dinner. G.
Began work on Henry's place.
Tue Apr 18 - George went to work again on Henry's place. Came home for
dinner. It is quite a ways to go to work and
come home to dinner.
Wed Apr 19 - It rained today so George could not work outdoors, so he mad
and hung a door for the bedroom. It
looks some different now.
Thu Apr 20 - George made me a cake board today. It rained so George could
not work today. He tried to keep still but could scarcely manage it. We read
some to pay (?) away time.
I wrote to Jeanie and Tirza tonight. George wrote to Mother.
Fri Apr 21 - We did not go to town today as it was very windy and cold. I
had a very severe headache but it passed off in
the P.M. John Springer was over quite a while this forenoon.
Sat Apr 22 - George would not go to town today because I could not. I had
to bake and do up my Saturday's work. Got
through in good season. Was quite cool today yet.
Sun Apr 23 - We gave up looking for Henry's folks but they came about
1:00. Mr. Clarke, Henry's brother, came with
them. They staid until 5:00. Will brought them out.
Mon Apr 24 - I did not wash today. I sewed the most the time. George went
over to Henry's to work. It rained
tonight very hard.
Tue Apr 25 - It rained again today. I churned today. Had quite a chunk of
butter and it was so hard I could not work
it with the ladle.
Wed Apr 26 - Road pretty muddy. We went to Springvale. Got there about
2:30. Carried in some butter. There was six pounds. Got 18 cents a pound. Got it
in seeds and
groceries. It rained again tonight.
Thu Apr 27 - George could not work out of doors as it rained, so he made
and hung the buttery door. Looks different with
both doors hung.
Fri Apr 28 - Mr. Springer went after wood today. It looked
foggy nearly all day.
Sat Apr 29 - Today Mr. Springer came back but he did not bring our mail
as he forgot it. They had company come and
stay over night.
Sun Apr 30 - We went to church at Springvale today. Mr. Coffin preached.
Stayed at Henry's 'till after dinner. Got home in good season. Looked quite
stormy when we came home.
Did not get our mail.
_ MAY 1871 _
____________
Mon May 01 - I did three weeks washing today. Got through before dinner.
I got the clothes partly out when it began raining so I had to bring them in,
but finally got them dried
before dark.
Tue May 02 - I churned today, also ironed. Quite cool. A splendid time to
make butter. I had about four or five
pounds. It rained today and at night also.
Wed May 03 - It rained nearly all day and all night. I worked over the
butter this morning. George made and hung the pantry door. We went over to Mr.
Springer's and bought
some tobacco.
Thu May 04 - For a wonder it did not rain today, although it
was very cloudy all the while. George went to Springvale.
Fri May 05 - I churned again today. Had quite a lot again. George started
for the coal bank (?) at 5:30. Did not get
home till nearly 9:00. Roads very muddy.
Sat May 06 - Today was a beautiful day. The prettiest since we moved.
Mrs. Springer rode down to S. (Springvale ?) with George and I. I carried down
eight pounds of butter I made
this week besides leaving some for our own use.
Sun May 07 - We did not go to church today. The horses had a rest. We
went over to Mr. Springer's towards evening.
Staid about an hour or so.
Mon May 08 - Today George went up to Rice's and planted corn. He walked
there and home to dinner and back again. He put the horses in the stable at noon
so after I had my work done
up, I hitched up old Jim and went after him.
Tue May 09 - Today I ironed and made bread. George marked Mr. Springer's
corn land in the forenoon and in the afternoon John brought over the oxen for G.
to break with. I dropped
potatoes for him, on the breaking.
Wed May 10 - John brought over the oxen again today and helped George to
strike out a line to the end of his field. Then he went home and G. broke all
day alone. He kept the
oxen over here tonight.
Thu May 11 - I went to Springvale today with old Jim. Started about 6:00
and got back at 1:00. Had a severe
headache all the rest of the day. George broke today.
Fri May 12 - I stirred up some emptying (?) and made some
bread today. George broke again today.
Sat May 13 - I baked and scrubbed today all (day). Took out the windows.
Had bread and milk for dinner. George broke
today again.
Sun May 14 - We expected Henry's folks out today but they did not come.
Mr. and Mrs. Harran came about 1:00 and stayed until 5:00. Mrs. Springer was
over and stayed an hour or so today. George shot two cranes and took the eggs.
John took
one of the eggs.
Mon May 15 - I went to Springvale today. Mrs. Springer and Johnny went
with me. We ate dinner at Mr. Harran's. It rained some when we were coming home.
Did not get home till
4:00. Rained hard when I unharnessed.
Tue May 16 - I did not feel like washing so did not. I sewed most of the
day. George broke considerable today. I went
around once with him.
Wed May 17 - I washed today. Fred Foster came out to see us with Henry.
He looks natural. After they went away, I went out and drove the cattle for
George. He finished breaking
today.
Thu May 18 - I finished the rest of the washing and moped this morning.
George went up to Henry's and finished
planting Rice's corn and planted some sorghum.
Fri May 19 - It sprinkled this morning and looked likely to rain. George
finished laying the wall under the house, began digging a well at 10:30. Had
water at noon. I helped to
stone it up. I ironed today.
Sat May 20 - I did up my Saturday's work today, rather this forenoon. The
wind blew so hard George couldn't finish
planting sorghum today.
Sun May 21 - Got up about 6:00. Was lazy all day. Went out and caught the
goslings and shut them up. Mr. S., John, and
Johnny were over here towards night.
Mon May 22 - I washed, put the white clothes on the grass to bleach. Mr.
Williamson came just as I was finishing. I gave
him some dinner. George came home to dinner.
Tue May 23 - Had breakfast this morning at 5:30. I took Jimmie and went
to town. Got a letter from home. Staid at Henry's to dinner. Started for home
about 2:00. George
planted corn today.
Wed May 24 - We ate breakfast at 5:00. Mr. W. walked to his work today. I
churned. Mr. Van Velser
came out to see the little
wagon today, but did not buy it. George planted
corn today.
Thu May 25 - (several lines written and crossed out). I looked at the
date and made a mistake. George put his horses ahead of Springer's cattle and
they broke two acres for
Springer.
Fri May 26 - Today they went up to Henry's place and broke. It was very
pleasant. I churned and rinsed the clothes and
hung them up. George did not get home so early tonight.
Sat May 27 - Mr. Springer went to town today with Jimmy and the light
wagon. Henry and Sarah came back with him and stayed all night. They broke up on
Henry's place again
today. It rained this afternoon. Had radishes for supper.
Sun May 28 - We got up at 5:00. Did not have breakfast very early. Sarah
and I went over the breaking when the work was done up. Mr. Springer took the
horses and went after their
heifer. They went home with him.
Mon May 29 - I washed today. Had through by 10:00. George broke in the
afternoon. I helped to strike out a line. Dropped one row of potatoes. Ironed
while the bread was
baking. Sprinkled the rest of the clothes.
Tue May 30 - Today I am twenty-two. It does not seem as if I were so old.
George gave me Bessie for a present. George and John went up and finished five
acres for Henry today. We had radishes again today. I finished ironing. Did up
my
tucked suit and white skirt.
Wed May 31 - Today George and John broke over to Mr. Springer's. I
finished my quilt this afternoon and darned
some socks for George.
______________
_ JUNE 1871 _
______________
Thu Jun 01 - They broke over on Mr. Springer's again today. I began
footing an old pair of socks this afternoon. Sewed
and knit nearly all day.
Fri Jun 02 - I cleaned all the windows today. They broke over on Mr.
Springer's again today. It was very warm at noon. I began fixing my white dress
but concluded I could
not wear it this summer so gave up the idea.
Sat Jun 03 - George went over to Mr. Van Dyne's (?) early this morning. I
worked over a lot of butter and packed it. He did not get home 'till 9:00. We
then had breakfast and at 11:00 he went to Springvale. Brought home two kittens
and
some hens.
Sun Jun 04 - Got up at 5:00. Did not feel very smart. Mr. Safford's folks
came at nearly noon. I was bar(e)foot when they came. We had dinner at 3:00.
They went home at 4:00.
We took a ride. Found a young crane. So we have two.
Mon Jun 05 - Arose at 4:00. Had breakfast before 5:00. I did not wash
today. It was very warm this forenoon. It rained. Splendid in the afternoon.
They could not break
at all in the P.M. G. set out some cabbage and tomatoes.
Tue Jun 06 - I washed today but did not have the gumption of a louse. I
did not get through very early. Had to lay the clothes on the grass as the cow
was staked with the clothes line. George nearly fainted away with his boil
tonight. George churned this morning. Still breaking at Mr.
Springer's.
Wed Jun 07 - I did up my work then went over to Mr. Springer's to get
some yeast. I stayed to dinner. Had green peas. Henry came after George to help
them survey his land.
He did not get home 'till nearly dark.
Thu Jun 08 - They finished breaking at Mr. S. today and came over and
broke part of the P.M. on our garden. It rained this afternoon. I made bread and
yeast today. The bread
tastes good.
Fri Jun 09 - I churned today. I cleaned the windows today and I did not
as I cleaned them last week and they were not dirty (?). I churned and then
wrote to Mary and Lincoln. They finished the garden and broke on our west line.
We had
a hard thunder shower tonight. George's boil very bad.
Sat Jun 10 - Old Mr. Springer took the horses and went after a load of
wood. He brought us some. He forgot to bring our mail. They finished that piece
they were breaking. I rinsed
the towels and ironed them. George's boil no better.
Sun Jun 11 - We did not get up as early as usual this morning. Did not
have breakfast 'till 8:00. George went over to Mr. Springer's a little while. We
were alone today all day. We went to look for some strawberries but found
none. Boil no better.
Mon Jun 12 - I did not wash today. I baked bread and yeast biscuit and a
pie. George and John went up on Henry's place to break. I nearly made a wrapper
out of an old old dress.
I guess it will wear two or three weeks. Boil no better.
Tue Jun 13 - George and John went up to H. breaking again today. They
came home at 4:30. The plow out of rig. (?) His boil pained him so he could
scarcely walk. I cut out
another wrapper today.
Wed Jun 14 - George went to Springvale today to get his plow fixed. I
finished my wrapper and wore it over to Mr. Springer's. Stayed until I saw
George coming. His boil was
very much worse.
Thu Jun 15 - George could scarcely walk today. I did the chores all but
milking. He milked. They did not try to
break today. Mrs. Springer sent us some peas today.
Fri Jun 16 - George no better than yesterday. Could not sit up much. I
brought the cow up to the house for him to milk, then when I took her back,
staked her in another place. I
churned today before breakfast. I cleaned the windows today.
Sat Jun 17 - George's boil broke this morning and was much better. He
milked the cow and I staked her today. He did not limp much of any today. He
killed one of the hens tonight. I made bread and biscuits and began writing to
mother. Ten months today since we were married.
Sun Jun 18 - We did not get up 'till 6:00. After breakfast I finished
mother's letter. George went down to Henry's this forenoon and got his boots. He
got home about 2:00. We had chicken for dinner. It was very warm today. We had a
hard
thunder shower tonight and some hail.
Mon Jun 19 - George and John went up to Henry's breaking again today. I
washed and put the clothes on the grass. I got my work done up in good season.
In the afternoon I
sewed.
Tue Jun 20 - George and John broke up on Henry's again today.
Thu Jun 22 - Today it looked very much like rain when they went off
breaking. They came back and broke on Mr. Null's as it rained. They had to stop
about 10:00 as it rained. It
was pleasant in the afternoon.
Fri Jun 23 - It was cloudy again today, so they did not go up to Henry's
but broke on Mr. Null's. I sewed nearly all day.
It rained some today. Brother George eighteen years old.
Sat Jun 24 - It looked like rain this morning so John did not go
breaking. George went over there after their spade and he dug out the hatchway.
George set a hen over to Mr.
Springer's. He went hunting before supper. I churned today.
Sun Jun 25 - We thought perhaps Henry's folks would come up today but
they did not. Towards evening George went over to
Mr. Springer's to set another hen.
Mon Jun 26 - I made some brown bread. Had good luck. It was quite warm
today. I did not wash. Mrs. Springer and Johnny came over about 10:00 and stayed
until after 12:00. I sewed most of the time today. They finished breaking on
Henry's
today.
Tue Jun 27 - I began sewing today at 7:00. They broke on Mr. Null's
today, so George was at home to dinner. They did not work in the afternoon. John
took the horses and went to town. I had a letter from Jeanie and Tirza. George
dug a little in the cellar. Henry and Mr. Powell (?) were out here
this afternoon.
Wed Jun 28 - The horses did not work this forenoon. I churned. Had quite
a large piece of butter. It was warm today. They broke on Mr. Null's. I sewed
nearly all day. I
made more brown bread.
Thu Jun 29 - They broke on Mr. Null's again today. At night George came
home some earlier as he was so hungry he could
not stand it. I cut over some six pair of stocking.
Fri Jun 30 - I sewed the most of the time. George and John finished
breaking on Mr. Null's at 4:30. George set out stakes on his west end to begin
breaking on tomorrow. Mrs.
S. sent me over some nice beets.
_ JULY 1871 _
______________
Sat Jul 01 - I churned. Had quite a good sized piece of butter. They
broke this forenoon on our land. It rained at noon. George dug in the cellar in
the afternoon. Put down the pork barrel tonight. Sister Jeanie fourteen years
old
today. I baked white and brown bread.
Sun Jul 02 - We did not get up 'till 6:00. We went up to Henry's place
and got some new potatoes. Henry, Sarah, Ella, and Brewer were out here today.
We went over to Mr.
Springer's after George did his chores.
Mon Jul 03 - I did not wash. I put over the sage and boiled it. They
broke on our place again today; but had to quit at 2:30 as the lays were dull.
George stuffed up all the cracks so the mosquitoes could not get in. We killed
fifty tonight.
I wrote to Cal and Nancy. Made a pie for dinner.
Tue Jul 04 - Hurrah for the "Fourth of July." George lay over for one day
but his toe was pretty hard up. I guess that is the reason. I sewed in the
afternoon. Had no luck with brown bread today. Made a pie for dinner but had to
eat
it for supper.
Wed Jul 05 - They did not break today as John went after a load of wood.
I sewed today, nearly all day. George hoed
the sorghum.
Thu Jul 06 - They did not break today as John stayed all night. I washed
and put the clothes on the grass. George
finished hoeing the sorghum.
Fri Jul 07 - They broke on our place today. I sewed nearly
all day. I finished my sewing and got some new.
Sat Jul 08 - They broke all day today. I did up my
Saturday's work and baked.
Sun Jul 09 - Mr. Springer's folks went off with Jimmie. We were alone
today. Towards evening we went out to the onion patch and pulled up a lot of the
weeds. Brother Tommy is
sixteen years old today.
Mon Jul 10 - Mr. Springer's folks did not get back until noon. George and
John finished up breaking today and I am
very glad of it.
Tue Jul 11 - Today George went to mowing. He mowed until I went after him
at noon, and then from 1:00 until 4:00. He
then raked until dark. I did all the chores I could.
Wed Jul 12 - John helped George to stack today. Old Mr.
Springer fixed the rake.
Thu Jul 13 - This morning George killed the rooster. I had a terrible
time picking him. He was so lousy I had to change my clothes afterward. Mrs.
Harran, Sarah, and Ella came to
see us. Ella staid to spend a few days.
Fri Jul 14 - George and John stacked in the afternoon. Ella and I went
after potatoes in the forenoon. Had mush and milk for dinner. John ate supper
with us. Ella and I did all the
chores but milk.
Sat Jul 15 - George mowed and raked enough to top out his second stack
today. They stacked in the afternoon. Ella and
I got our work done up in very good season.
Sun Jul 16 - We were alone today, that is no one came (from) Springvale.
Ella felt rather lonely, not being us(ed) to be(ing) away from church. The
Hewlett’s went past here. We
went over to Mr. Springer's towards evening.
Mon Jul 17 - George went to mow for Mr. Springer today, but had to stop
and go to S. He started about 11:00. Mr. Jones came to see Ella today. He took
her out riding. It rained
quite hard. George did not get back 'till nearly dark.
Tue Jul 18 - I intended to wash today but did not feel like it. George
harvested for old Mr. S. in the forenoon and raked and cocked (?) in the
afternoon. Ella and I went over
and got some beans.
Wed Jul 19 - Today George mowed for Mr. Springer's folks, or I mean in
the forenoon. He raked in the afternoon. I washed the colored clothes today.
Ella and I took Jimmie and went
after potatoes.
Thu Jul 20 - Today old Mr. Springer took the horses and went after a load
of wood. Ella gave him her letter to take home. George worked over there in the
hay field again today. Ella
and I took ... (?).
Fri Jul 21 - George helped John to stack today. Mrs. Springer came over
after some pork. She got seven and a half pounds. Mr. Springer came back today.
Brought Ella some-
thing.
Sat Jul 22 - When Ella could stay, George did not go to town as they were
very busy. George helped Mr. Springer's folks
to harvest today.
Sun Jul 23 - By the time we got our work done today, there were some men
came to see G. Ella had a ride on old Jim today. Had a lunch for dinner. Ella
and I took Jimmie and
went riding.
Mon Jul 24 - It looked likely to rain, so I did not wash. George helped
me to cut out some horse blankets. Ella made one, and I the other. We had a very
bad thunder shower a
little after noon.
Tue Jul 25 - I washed today. Ella helped me. We did not get through until
afternoon. I washed Jimmie's old blanket. Ella and I took Jimmie and went after
potatoes. I put the old blanket on him. George rode home with us. He harvested
over to Mr. Springer's.
Wed Jul 26 - George helped Mr. Springer's folks again today. We did not
iron a great deal. In the afternoon we lay down to take a nap, but was awakened
by Mr. Treller (?) rapping at
the door.
Thu Jul 27 - We finished the ironing today. I finished Jimmie's blanket
all up today. George still harvesting at
Mr. Springer's.
Fri Jul 28 - After I got my work done up I started to bake, but thought I
would wait until tomorrow. I went down to the lake to get some water and do the
cleaning, but I lost my balance and fell in backwards. Ella helped me to get
out. It rained hard today. I had to go to bed after I got my
clothes changed.
Sat Jul 29 - I had a dreadful headache and could scarcely get round
today. I went to bed. Ella did the cleaning in the A.M. I did the baking in the
P.M. Mrs S. came over, brought a handsome bouquet. Mrs. Safford and Sarah came
after Ella. Mrs. S(pringer). got some more pork today. John helped
George in the P.M.
Sun Jul 30 - We were all alone today again. George and I read nearly all
day. It was very warm today. After George got the chores done, we rode up to
Henry's place and got some potatoes. Did not get back 'till after dark. Ella was
fifteen years old today.
Mon Jul 31 - George thought I had better not wash today. I got my work
and moping done about 8:00. Sat and sewed until 11:00. John helped George
harvest today, so they were both
here to dinner and supper.
________________
_ AUGUST 1871 _
________________
Tue Aug 01 - They finished up there before noon. In the P.M. George took
up the rake and raked over his wheat field and brought what he got home to the
chickens. He brought home
some green corn from Mr. Springer's.
Wed Aug 02 - Today George went to Springvale. John went with him. I was
alone again all day. He did not get home 'till
dark when there was a terrible wind and some rain.
Thu Aug 03 - George took his team and went over to Mr. Springer's and
helped them to stack. I was alone all day
today. It rained tonight.
Fri Aug 04 - Today Mr. S. and John traded their cattle off for horses. I
washed a few things, and did all the cleaning. We had young ducks for dinner.
George did not work today. I went with him after potatoes about 4:00. Did not
get back
'till 7:00.
Sat Aug 05 - I baked and ironed today, also did some mending. My work got
terribly behind somehow. George was gone all day
today helping Mr. Springer's folks to stake.
Sun Aug 06 - Henry and Sarah and Mr. And Mrs. Williams were here today.
Mr. and Mrs. Springer came over this morning and
stayed quite a while.
...
Mon Aug 14 - I did not wash today. George began mowing again. He mowed
for Mr. Springer. George raked and cocked (?) up in the afternoon. John went to
town today. There was
no mail but a paper.
Tue Aug 15 - George began mowing again this morning but some part of the
mower broke and he had to go to Springvale to get
it mended.
Wed Aug 16 - He began mowing again today but the same thing broke again -
so he had to start off to Springvale. We had prairie chicken for breakfast
today. It was very good. I
got my slippers today.
Thu Aug 17 - Just one year ago today since we were married, and a very
happy year it has been. I hope the years that are to follow may prove the same.
I had the cholera morbus today so George nearly got dinner. We had prairie
chicken for
dinner. G. mowed today.
Fri Aug 18 - George helped John to stack today so he did not come home to
dinner. I cooked the chickens today. I did my cleaning today. Did not get all
finished 'till just after
noon.
Sat Aug 19 - I baked today. Made a chicken pie with those chickens and
made some pumpkin pies, the first we have had. We expected Henry's folks up
today to stay all night, but
they did not come. One year ago ...
Sun Aug 20 - It was very pleasant today. We ate watermelons
nearly all day. We were alone all day again.
Mon Aug 21 - I did not wash. Put the boiler on nearly full of sweet corn
to dry (?). Mr. and Mrs. Cadett and Mrs. Weaver were here a short time this
afternoon. It rained
tonight.
Tue Aug 22 - It rained some this morning. After it stopped, I sat the
table out doors and spread the corn on it. It rained about 2:00 and George
brought it in. George mowed in
the P.M. and some in the A.M.
Wed Aug 23
- When we got up this morning, the corn smelled
as sour as could be. George fed it to the hens. I felt very
sorry to lose it. George mowed again today.
...
Sat Aug 26 - Today George went to Springvale. He carried down five dozen
of eggs and seventeen watermelons. He got
home in good season.
Sun Aug 27 - We were alone today until after noon when John and the two
little boys came over. John brought us some
tomatoes and a splendid bouquet of garden flowers.
Mon Aug 28 - It rained the greater part of the day. I sewed all day. G.
made a stove bolt. Just before supper, Mr.
Brewer came. He is going to plow for Henry.
Tue Aug 29 - I baked some for Mr. Brewer's dinner. I washed. George
helped me. It was so windy, I could not hang out the
clothes. We did not have supper 'till nearly dark.
Wed Aug 30 - Mr. Brewer went out to work about 7:00. George mowed some
today. It was so windy, I could not hang out the
clothes. Had supper at dark.
Thu Aug 31 - It is just one year today since we left Brandon. George
raked with Jimmie in the forenoon. And as the cattle gave out, B. went to town
with Jim. I got the clothes dried
this forenoon. I brought them in at noon.
__________________
_ SEPTEMBER 1871 _
__________________
Fri Sep 01 - Mr. Brewer left this morning. He can do nothing with the
cattle. John helped George to stack today. One year ago today we left Mr.
Harmon's for Iowa. Stopped at Sun
Prairie that night.
Sat Sep 02 - George did not go to town today as John brought our mail
when he was down. One year ago tonight, we stayed
at Dayton, a very sandy town.
Sun Sep 03 - We went over to Mr. Springer's a little before noon and
stayed 'till nearly chore time. By the day, one year ago we were at Riverside -
but by the date we got there
at night and stayed over Sunday.
Mon Sep 04 - I did not wash today. Did not have wood enough. I sewed the
most of the time today. Mrs. Springer came over after dinner and stayed a little
while. The men worked on
the road today.
Tue Sep 05 - George worked on the road this forenoon, and did not get
home 'till quite a while after dinner time. Henry, Rev. Harran, and Will Sang
were here to dinner. It began
raining just after dinner and rained all afternoon.
Wed Sep 06 - Today George went to notify the men in the district to work
on the road. He broke some five furrows in the P.M. We had baked winter squash
for Supper. George
plowed out some turtles just hatching.
Thu Sep 07 - Today George went after sand over to the Sizara. (?) Carlo
caught a badger. George killed him and brought him home and took off his hide.
He plowed in the garden in
the P.M.
Fri Sep 08 - It was quite windy today, so George did not go after sand -
but plowed again. He finished the garden and
plowed some on the west side of the house.
...
Sun Sep 10 - Today a flock of brant (?) lit in the lake. George went over
to Mr. Springer's and got some shot and shot three at one shot. He gave John
one, and sent one down to
Henry's by John.
Mon Sep 11 - I did not wash today. George went to the Fort. He did not
get back until 9:00. He brought a load of coal and half a thousand of lath. John
went after the sorghum
grinder today.
Tue Sep 12 - We did not get up this morning 'till 8:00. George was very
tired and he overslept himself. He built Mr.
Springer's arch for them this afternoon.
...
Sat Sep 16 - Today when George came home, he brought me the
news of my dear dear grandmother's death.
Note: Jane Dick died 10 Sep 1871 at Brandon, WI.
...
Sat Sep 23 - Today George went to Springvale. I expected Sarah and Mrs.
Harran today. After 1:00 Henry, Sarah, and Ella came. They brought me a package
Ma sent by Mrs. H. and also a letter from Pa containing the particulars of
Grandma's
death.
Sun Sep 24 - Today John came over while we were eating breakfast. After I
got the work done up, we went up to Henry's place and drove off the cranes.
Henry came about
dark and Tipp with him.
Mon Sep 25 - George drew his corn home today from Mr. Rollins' place.
Henry took the team and drew home a load of
corn tonight.
Note: Ella married S. E. Rollins, 26 Oct 1875.
Tue Sep 26 - Henry came down with a load of corn just as I was getting
dinner. He said he brought Mr. Brewer with him to help him. He carried his
dinner to him. We had boiled
dinner today.
Wed Sep 27 - We had breakfast at 7:00. Mr. Brewer carried his dinner. We
did not have supper until after dark. Henry
helped George to break some sod to make a sod stable.
Thu Sep 28 - George lathed in doors a little while this morning until the
dew went off, so he could work at his
stable. We did not have supper until dark tonight.
Fri Sep 29 - Had breakfast in good season. George lathed a short time
again this morning. Henry was just about sick the first load he brought down
today. Had supper a little early
tonight.
Sat Sep 30 - John brought our mail today. George had a letter from Rich.
He is going to be married tomorrow. Henry finished his corn. George took them
part way home. I had to
chase away seventeen horses after they were gone.
_ OCTOBER 1871 _
________________
Sun Oct 01 - It rained some today. If it rained in Wis. Rich is going to have a
showery bride. I hope it did not rain if there is anything in it. George thinks
he would
like to be there today.
...
Mon Oct 09 - Today was George's birthday. I washed but could
not ...
...
Note: This concludes the daily diary entries. Two days later, Wed
Oct 11, EMB gave birth to her first child - Jessie
Maude Blaisdell.
The entries that follow were found in the back of the diary: recipes, accounts,
and notes. It appears to be in a
different handwriting.
Cream Pies:
1 large tablespoon butter
3 of sugar
2 of flour
2 eggs
a little more than 1 pt of milk. Beat sugar and butter to a cream. Beat eggs
well, add milk,
stir in the flour.
Cream Pie:
1 cup cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 egg
Cracker Pie: 2 large crackers pour over 1 cup boiling. When soft, add 1
teaspoonful tartaric acid. 1 teacup sugar, spice to taste.
Mix thoroughly.
Cracker Pudding: Take 2 qts sour milk, put in a pan over a kettle of
boiling water and when hot stir in 5 well beaten eggs. Then have ready a dozen
crackers split and ready buttered (?). Drop in
with a handful of raisins, flavor with lemon.
Cocoanut Pie: Soak 1 cup cocoanut a few hours before baking in 1/3 cup of
milk. When ready to bake take two tablespoonsful of flour, mix with 3/4 cup milk
or water. Place on the stove and stir 'till it thickens. Add butter the size of
a walnut. When cool, add a little salt, the yolks of two eggs, sweeten to taste.
Add the cocoanut, beating well. Fill the crust and
bake.
Cocoanut Cake:
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup milk
2 Tablespoonsful melted butter Mix together. 3 cups flour, 2 teaspoonsful baking
powder.
Bake in sheets.
Filling:
1 egg
1/2 pt milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 Tablespoonful cornstarch
Scald together. Make thick with grated cocoanut or 2/3 cup
of dessicated cocoanut soaked in the milk.
Everlasting F Cake:
2 cupsful brown sugar
1 cupful butter
2 eggs
1 cupful water
2 cupsful chopped raisins
1 teaspoon of soda in water
1 nutmeg
1 Tablespoon each of cinnamon and cloves
------------------------------------------------------------
In Memory of Tommy
We shall meet, but we shall miss him
There will be one vacant chair
We shall linger to caress him
While we breathe an evening prayer.
Note: Assumption this refers to Thomas Mc Clelland, b. 9 JUL 1855, d. 25 OCT
1872. Tommy would have been a half brother. James Mc Clelland was the father of
Tommy and Elizabeth Mc Clelland Blaisdell; his second wife, Barbara Dickie was
Tommy's mother.
My Correspondents
Father(1), Mother(2), Grandma(3), Brothers(4,5,6)
and Sisters(7,8)
(9) Miss Tirza S. Moore - Fairwater, Wis
(10) Miss Lizzie Patterson - Brandon, Wis - died June 9th
(11) Mrs. A. J. Harmon - Waupun, Wis
(12) Mrs. A. Johnson - Waupun, Wis
(13) Mrs. C. W. Pinkerton - Ladoga, Wis
(14) Miss Janet Dickie - Baraboo, Wis
(15) Miss Jennie D. Henry - Anchorage (?), Wis
(16) Miss Emma S. Singenfetter - Clayton, NY
(17) Miss Tillie E. Post - Knoxville, Tenn
(18) Mrs. Moses Blaisdell - Urbana, Kan
(19) Miss Emma (?) Tower - Spring Valley, Minn
(20) Miss Agnes Davidson - Milwaukee, Wis
Cash Account
received paid
01/10 for coal 2.50
02/06 for sugar 2.00
stove polish .10
02/10 camphor and peppermint .80
02/11 apples and lemon .20
03/02 for coal 2.50
04/14 for coal 1.40
04/26 for butter 1.10
for groceries 1.10
05/05 for coal 1.50
05/06 for butter 1.00
for groceries 1.00
05/15 for groceries 1.50
05/27 for soap .12 1/2
06/10 for sugar .50
06/27 for groceries 1.20
07 B. H. Smith 10.00
--?--
8 cows
07/17 For groceries
2 colts
4 horses
1 bugey
08/02 for groceries 1.70
Cash account for September
G. C. Greg
8 horses
3 cows
3 two year olds
2 year
4 hogs 1.50
1 bugey
Beginning housekeeping - Nov. 21st 1870
Flour 11.81
1/2 cwt meal .50
1/2 cwt flour 1.25
1 hog 266 lbs 15.96
5 gal. sorghum 3.75
fresh meat 1.50
1 bu turnip .25
2 bu potatoes 1.00
1/1 bu beets .37 1/2
groceries 3.50
spices .43
12 bu apples 1.20
1 can sardines .35
2 cans oysters 1.15
crackers .25
2 table cloths 2.50
6 towels 1.20
1 milk pot .50
2 pr drawers 2.50
bonnet 4.00
alpaca dress 9.50
calico dress and balmorel 3.25 (?)
Tennyson's poems 1.00
raisins .30
1 bu potatoes .70