Bailey and Mary Street Diary
1890-1892


Bailey and Mary Jane Purcell
INITIAL EXPLANATORY REMARKS
This is a transcription of a diary started on January 1, 1890 by Bailey and Mary
Jane Purcell Street and ending on December 31, 1892. Bailey and Mary are farming
and living in Winneshiek County, Iowa. They live about a mile from Newburg
Township, Fillmore County, Minnesota, and trade in the village of Mabel, which
is located in that
township. They live about a mile from Spring Grove Township, Houston County,
Minnesota, and trade in the crossroads of Newhouse, a railroad depot in that
township. They live in Iowa, a mile from the Iowa-Minnesota state boundary line.
Much of this diary concerns interactions with Winneshiek County residents, many
related to them. They live about 16 miles north of Decorah, the Winneshiek County
seat. The small village of Hesper is less than two miles away, in Hesper
Township, and is the center of their business and church activity. They are
members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) Meeting there.
The diary itself is in relatively good condition, with both covers intact, but
some pages loose. The pages are yellowed and the ink is faded in some places.
The diary measures 7 1/2 inches in width by 12 1/2 inches in length. It is about
1/2 inch in
thickness The hard cover is a worn and mottled light brown. The pages are lined
horizontally with blue lines and there is a vertical red line on each page, that
is approximately an inch from the page border. A sample photo-copied page shown
at the end of the diary transcription shows the actual handwriting of the
authors. This comes after the transcription and with the every-name index, maps,
photographs, and other items included in this booklet. The original pages in the
diary are numbered from 1 through page 181.
This diary is currently in the possession of the transcriber, Keith Street, a
great-grandson of Bailey and Mary Jane Street. It came to him from his father,
Guilford Street, and grandfather, Oscar Street. This diary was transcribed and
indexed during
August and September of 2003, for the pleasure and benefit of relatives and
others interested in pioneer life in Iowa and Minnesota and/or in genealogy. It
is possible to order copies from Keith Street at his 2003 address, which is 325
Franklin St., Wapello, Iowa 52653-1515. A previous Bailey Street diary,
beginning in 1880, has already been transcribed. Since I am now 76 years of age
and in failing health, no future guarantees of the availability of copies of
these transcriptions may be made. Approximately 30 copies of this transcribed
diary have been distributed in the spring of 2004.
Bailey Street was a son of Aaron and Elizabeth Clark Street. Bailey’s mother,
Elizabeth, sisters Mary (Mrs. Bennett Haines) and Eunice (Mrs. Ezra King) and
brothers David, Lindley and John are mentioned several times in this diary.
Another six brothers and sisters of Bailey had died as infants or young
children. Mary Street Haines eventually settled at Maddock, North Dakota. Eunice
Street King settled at Muscatine, Iowa; David and Lindley at Moose Lake,
Minnesota; brother John in Northfield, Minnesota. Some of the descendants of
these siblings of Bailey still reside in those localities, while the rest are
widely scattered throughout the United States.
Bailey was born in 1844 in Henry County, Iowa. When he was about 5, his family moved to
Dewitt County, Illinois, where his father, Aaron, operated a grist mill. When
Bailey was about 8, the family lived in Cedar County, Iowa, but shortly moved to
Winneshiek County, Iowa, where Aaron purchased or rented a small mill on Canoe
Creek. The mill burned and the family moved for a few months to Louisiana, where
they lived on the banks of the Mississippi River and cut and sold cord wood to
Mississippi River steamers. Bailey’s sister Mary became quite proficient with an
axe, as did Bailey. By 1856 the family had moved back to Winneshiek County,
Iowa, in Hesper and Highland Townships. During the 1860s the Aaron Street family moved to a
Quaker community in Jasper County, Missouri, near where the family of Mary Jane
Purcell was living. This is presumably where Bailey and Mary first met. Both
families were probably driven to Kansas during the Civil War, as Jasper County,
Missouri, became decidedly unhealthy for foes of slavery. Bailey was married in
1868 in Jasper County, Missouri, where his wife, Mary Jane Purcell, had been
raised. Rosella and Oscar were born in Jasper County, Missouri, near the small
town of Alba.
Bailey’s father, Aaron, died the day before Oscar was born, but I have never
been able to pinpoint the place of Aaron’s death, whether in Kansas or Oklahoma.
Aaron was operating a small store for the Little Osage Indian tribe when he
contracted cholera. He died at age 60. At the time of Aaron’s death, David was
19, Lindley was 17 and John
was 15. Aaron’s widow, Elizabeth, with the three boys, initially returned to
Jasper County, Missouri, where her father still lived, but soon moved to
Winneshiek County, Iowa, settling in Highland Township in the early 1870s,
living with or close to her daughter, Mary Street Haines.
Bailey and his wife, Mary, with infants Rose and Oscar and with Mary’s brother,
George Duncan Purcell, caught the Western fever and moved to Hillsboro, Oregon,
in the middle 1870s. They took a train out, boarding it in Kansas. George
records events in his diary. Oscar and George primarily cut cord wood by hand,
with saw and axe, while in Oregon. For more than a year George lived with them.
Son John was born in Oregon in 1875, shortly before Bailey and family became
disillusioned and returned to their familiar haunts near Winneshiek County. They
took the long way home, first taking
a train down the Pacific Coast to San Francisco, where George remained for
several months. I once heard a story that Bailey taught a term of school in
California, and that Lou Hoover, wife of President Herbert Hoover, was one of
his students. This seems not to be true. Bailey and Mary then returned to the
Hesper area, in Houston County, Minnesota, where Bailey started teaching in a
Minnesota township school. Twins Alfred and Albert and son George were born
while the family lived in Houston County, Minnesota, and both Albert and George
died while they were living there.
The family’s
economic situation improved greatly after the return from Oregon. The present
diary starts seven years after the previously transcribed 1880-1883 diary ended.
Bailey's family raises most of what they eat. Mary is in poor health quite a bit
of the
time. Bailey no longer teaches school and is buying a 10-acre farm that he is
busily improving. He is a truck farmer, raising commercial quantities of
strawberries, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries, blackberries and currants,
while also processing and selling honey produced by his many hives of bees. He
raises sugar cane, from which he makes molasses, and raises pop corn and broom
corn. He makes and sells brooms. These are the same kinds of activities that
Oscar pursued during his life, and passed on to his own children. Oscar and Rose
no longer attend school on a regular basis. Both work at home on occasion, but
for the last year of this diary coverage they primarily work and live with other
employers.
Bailey and Mary are both 46 when this diary begins. Their only daughter,
Rosella, is 20. Oldest son, Oscar, is 18; second son, John, is 14; son Alfred is
10. Albert, twin to Alfred, and youngest son, George, are both deceased. Bailey
and Mary’s
daughter, Rose, later settles near Ivanhoe, Minnesota, as the farm wife of Stone
Tweten. Oscar lives as a truck farmer near Hesper, Winneshiek County, Iowa. John
becomes a school superintendent, teaches in several Iowa towns, and ends up
living in Des Moines, Iowa, as the Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction
for the state of Iowa. For many years Alfred teaches Industrial Arts in a
technical high school in Cleveland, Ohio, where he finally settles. All moved
for a while to the Maddock, North Dakota, area. The descendants of Bailey and
Mary Jane are widely scattered, as are
their diaries.
To me, this diary is fascinating to read. I become immersed in it. Bailey died
10 years before I was born, and Mary died about six years before Bailey did.
Because of the diary, however, I can connect with them and feel that I know
them. I hope the same applies to those who read this transcription. Read and
enjoy. Read slowly. Use your imagination to picture them making soap for the
family wash, carrying water into the house in the middle of the winter, heating
that water on top of a wood stove, scrubbing the clothes on a scrub board,
wringing the water out by hand, hanging the clothes to dry outside on a clothes
line, ironing with an iron heated on the stove, etc.
I explain some things in parentheses in the transcription itself, but have
restricted this to only a few entries. An every-name index is attached to the
end of this transcription booklet, and may give a fuller explanation of some
relationships. This is
the second of several diaries of Bailey and Mary that I am in the process of
transcribing, but this diary does not chronologically follow the first diary
transcribed. This diary begins seven years after the 1883 end of the first diary
transcribed. The status of Bailey and Mary in the community has changed, as well
as their economic situation. They are now recognized as community and church
leaders. They do much more visitation with neighbors and relatives. They are
leading members in the Hesper Quaker Meeting and are faithful attenders at the
regular Sunday and Thursday meetings held in Hesper. Mary is provoked with
daughter Rose when Rose prefers going to picnics with girlfriends on Sunday mornings rather than going to Meeting.
See the index at the bottom to learn more about those named in the diary. We have added photos of many of the people named in the diaries. The photos might be the only ones we have and are not age appropriate to the time of the diary.

The Streets about 1885;
front row: Bailey,
Alfred and Mary; back row: Rose, John
and Oscar
BEGINNING OF 1890 DIARY TRANSCRIPTION
Sunday, January 5, 1890--Sleeted most all day yesterday and last night and has
sleeted a good part of today. We have quite a heavy sleet now. It is dangerous
to walk out. None of us went to Meeting. Too slick for colts.
Monday, January 6, 1890--3 b. Quite cold. Bailey went to Hesper to see about
getting the colts shod. Everything is covered with ice. I am still very poorly.
Tuesday, January 7, 1890--3 a. Some warmer. The ice is melting in the sun a
little. Bailey took the colts up and got shod. Sam fell down as they went up. I
feel very poorly, but am able to be up and around yet. Oscar is quite poorly
today. He did not go to school.
Wednesday, January 8, 1890--A beautiful day, except high winds from west and NW,
but in spite of cold winds the ice melted enough so that we could get our cows
to Swainson’s spring. Oscar seemed better today, but not well enough for school.
I still feel very poorly. I think I am a little better. Bailey went to Hesper.
Thursday, January 9, 1890--A beautiful day. Bailey went to Meeting and took E.
Johnson’s and Mary Haines. I was left here all alone. I felt quite a little
better til about ten o’clock, when I was taken worse, and was so bad when Bailey
got home that he went for a Dr.
Skip to Thursday, January 16, 1890--20 b. I have been too sick to keep record
the past week. I am better now, but not well. We have all had influenza. Did not
hurt the children much. Bailey was quite poorly 3 or 4 days. I was sick over two
weeks with it, quite poorly part of the time. Last Sunday it snowed all day and
part of the night. The men think there is eight inches of snow. It has turned
cold, too, so winter has come. This is the coldest morning we have had. I think 4
below is
the coldest til this morning, when it reached 20 below. This is a still bright
day. Bailey went to Ogden Casterton’s this morning. The children have taken the
team to school all this week. E. Pearson was here awhile Tuesday.
Friday, January 17, 1890--5 a. This is a bright clear winter day. Bailey and
I have been quite poorly today. Bennett Haines was here quite a while this
forenoon. He is still quite poorly. So is Mary Haines. The children all go to
school.
Saturday, January 18, 1890--2 a. Nice day. Bailey went to meeting. The boys
hauled up wood, hay and straw. Rose washed. A. & J. churned. I got dinner, the
first kitchen work I have done for some time. I have been quite comfortable
today. We all are better.
Sunday, January 19, 1890--5 a. Nice day. Oscar went to Meeting. Zeno preached.
We are not quite so well as yesterday.
Monday, January 20, 1890--5 b. Quite clear or cold but a nice clear winter day
but little wind. Alfred did not go to school today. We are having his boots
mended. Bailey went to L. Talbert’s and Bennett’s in forenoon. In afternoon he
went to Hesper and got A’s boots and Will Antrim’s mare for the children to
take them to school. We all are better today.

Will
and Josie Antrim and children Fred and Vinnie
Tuesday, January 21, 1890--15 b. Very cold. High wind from west and a little
while from south west. Children took W. Antrim’s mare today and Bailey has
commenced hauling with our team. He expects to haul manure from Hesper in
forenoon and wood in afternoon. We don’t feel quite so well today.
Wednesday, January 22, 1890--25 b. Cloudy. Mercury went up 29 degrees in 6
hours. Bailey hauled two loads of manure from Hesper today. I had sick headache
all last night and all day today.
Thursday, January 23, 1890--2 a. Clear and cold. Mercury has dropped since
morning to seven below and a big wind from NW. B. Haines was here awhile today.
He says Dessie got home last Tuesday. Bailey hauled 3 loads of manure from
Hesper. I have been very weak today. I had not eaten anything for 38 hours til
this morning. Benny (?) and Sarah Newcomer have another boy, born yesterday
morning. They are all getting along nicely.
Friday, January 24, 1890--Cold day. Towards evening it was almost a blizzard,
but not near as cold as in the morning. Bailey fixed the windows and door so we
will be warmer in the house. Bailey hauled some wood this afternoon.
Saturday, January 25, 1890--Very pleasant day. Mercury up to 40 a. and but
little wind. Clear most of the day. Today is the first I have been out of doors
for several weeks. Bailey took me out for a ride today. We called at F.
Newcomer’s & L. Johnson’s. We all seem better.
Sunday, January 26, 1890--Pleasant day. Cloudy part of the day. Bailey went to
Meeting. Oscar does not seem so well. He is hoarse again. Pliny Chase and F.
Fuller took dinner here today. B. Haines folks were here awhile in afternoon.
Monday, January 27, 1890--16 a. Nice day. Bailey hauled 3 loads of manure from
Hesper. Then him and I went to I. Fawcett’s a few moments to see the sick folks.
They all have the la grippe. Rose has gone there to help them a few days.

Isaac and Nell Fawcett and children Bessie, Lillian and Ralph
Tuesday, January 28, 1890--A lovely day, melting the snow considerable. Bailey
hauled three loads from Hesper and some cord wood from Swainson. I still very
weak.
Wednesday, January 29, 1890--Nice day. Bailey hauled three loads from Hesper. B.
Haines family were all here last evening to visit. Burritt & Desway came too. I
feel some better today. We went to see I. Fawcett’s awhile. They are all sick.



Bennett Haines and two of his sons, Burritt and Desway
Thursday, January 30, 1890--3 a. Warm day. Sleighing about all gone. We went to
Meeting today. Water is running. We went to see I. Fawcett’s this afternoon.
They are better.
Friday, January 31, 1890--Pleasant day. Children took our team to school today.
Bailey walked up to Hesper. He got Oscar a pair of boots.
Saturday, February 1, 1890--Quite cool, sharp wind from south. Bailey went to Riceford to mill. John went to Hesper in the evening. He got two sacks of
buckwheat flour and one of white flour. Rosa has a bad sick headache.
Sunday, February 2, 1890--Warm, cloudy, and misted some, so none of us, except
Oscar, went to Meeting. There will be no school this coming week.
Monday, February 3, 1890--Cloudy. Misted some. Melted all day and all night.
Seems like spring. Men got up two loads of wood. Rose is sick. Pliny is sick.
Tuesday, February 4, 1890--42 a. Cloudy and rainy in forenoon. Nice and clear in
afternoon. Rose has been setting a quilt of mine together today, one she gave
me. I am working at my carpet rags all the time I can. Bailey went to Hesper
today. Rose is better. Warm, melting. Bees were out lively today. They have flew
every month this winter.
Wednesday, February 5, 1890--Bailey and Oscar cut wood in the timber in
forenoon. Bailey went to I. Fawcett’s and F. Newcomer’s in afternoon. Rose and
Oscar have diphtheria, but not severe.
Thursday, February 6, 1890--A lovely day, clear. Bailey went to Meeting. Oscar
is better. Rose is most well.
Friday, February 7, 1890--Snowed a little last night. We all, except Oscar and
John, went to Will Casterton’s a visiting today. Had a pleasant visit. Rose
staid there tonight as expects to visit at G. Fawcett’s tomorrow.


Will and Hilda Casterton
Saturday, February 8, 1890--Some colder, froze up. John and I ironed a big
ironing. Did all the seventh day work, only churning. Oscar did that. Bailey
fixed up the harness and him and Oscar sawed and chopped some wood here.
Sunday, February 9, 1890--Cloudy, snowed some last night. Cold, chilly wind from
southeast. Bailey went to Meeting. I don’t feel very well today. Oscar still
keeps very hoarse.
Monday, February 10, 1890--Nice day. Warm. Mercury most up to 40 a. School
commenced again today. Eliston teaches this week. Pliny is not well enough yet.
Bailey helped Mose Oren take cattle to Mabel. Oscar has gone to Hesper to attend
a mass meeting to see about the saloon.
Tuesday, February 11, 1890--30 a. Quite warm when we first got up, but the wind
changed to the NW and it is getting colder.
Wednesday, February 12, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I visited at B. Haines today.
Desy is at home. We had prayer meeting here last night. There were several here.
Ezra Pearson and wife staid all night with us.
Thursday, February 13, 1890--A lovely day. Mercury got up to about 40 a. Clara
Johnson was here visiting today. Lou and Birdie came by in the evening. They had
been to Linn Talberts. Bailey hauled from Hesper in forenoon and wood and hay in
afternoon. Alfred came home sick this evening.
Friday, February 14, 1890--30 a. Nice day. Bailey hauled one load from Hesper,
and Alfred was so poorly he quit and staid in house til in afternoon, then he
went to see Dr. Strong about him.
Saturday, February 15, 1890--48 a. Nice day, very warm. Bailey went to Monthly
Meeting. Alfred is a great deal better. The fever seems subdued. We set up with
him last night. Oscar is helping Will Johnson saw wood. John has gone hunting
with Haines’ boys and the Fuller’s. I am alone with Alfred.
Sunday, February 16, 1890--Nice warm day. Alfred is so much better that I left
him with John while we all went to Meeting. Had a splendid sermon by E. Pearson.
Elijah and Loo Johnson came home with us from Meeting and staid til night.
Monday, February 17, 1890--Cloudy and foggy all day. Warm. Alfred is about well.
I am taking cold and feel poorly. Bailey hauled one load from Hesper. Since then
he has been fixing his corn.
Tuesday, February 18, 1890--2 b. Cold and windy. Clear. I washed some today and
mopped. Bailey has a visitor, Vain Fulgum. (?)
Wednesday, February 19, 1890--Cold and cloudy, wind NE. Bailey hauled one load
from Hesper, then he had a visitor, Mr. Pendegast. Snowed some this afternoon.
Mercury 17 a.
Thursday, February 20, 1890--Cold, high wind from NW. We did not
go to Meeting. Bailey sorted broom corn. I cut carpet rags. Wallace Sinclair
spent the evening.
Friday, February 21, 1890--11 b. Cold, but moderated some towards noon. Mary
Haines and I visited at L. Talbert’s today. Bailey took us down and Bennett went
after us. Bailey sold his pigs today to B. Haines.
Saturday, February 22, 1890--17 a. Warmer. Bailey was gone all day locating
school houses. Oscar and John hauled some hay, straw and wood. Rose washed a
large washing.
Sunday, February 23, 1890--Quite cold. Bailey and I went to Meeting. Heard a
good sermon by Mrs. Emma Coffin. Linn Talbert’s children were here in the
afternoon.
Monday, February 24, 1890--More pleasant. John staid at home and helped Bailey
haul straw.
Tuesday, February 25, 1890--Cool and cloudy in the morning and commenced
storming before noon. Had quite a snow storm and blizzard. We had a rag bee at
Will Johnson’s today.
Wednesday, February 26, 1890--4 b. We had quite a snow. Bailey put up his broom
machine today. Children took the team to school today. Children spent the
evening at L. Talbert’s.
Thursday, February 27, 1890--3 a. We went to Meeting. Bailey took the children
to school and went after them. E. Johnson’s went to Meeting with us. We have got
rid of the saloon at Hesper.
Friday, February 28, 1890--4 a. A regular blizzard. Linn Talbert’s horse was
sick last night. I took the children to school and brought them home in the
evening. Pa was down to Talbert’s til about noon. The wind went down about nine.
Saturday, March 1, 1890--15 b. Clear and cold. George and Abby Shallock spent
the day here today. Oscar did not go to school today. L. Talbert got home
tonight.
Sunday, March 2, 1890--10 b. Clear and cloudy by turns. Pliny Chase staid all
night with us last night. Mother and Father went to meeting. John Street. (He
wrote entry.)
Monday, March 3, 1890--4 a. Pleasant day. Snowed a little. Bailey and Oscar
attended school meeting. Rose visited in Hesper. I did up some baking. John
helped me.
Tuesday, March 4, 1890--10 b. Quite cold. Clear most of the day. Oscar took the
children to school, then he staid at home. He is very hoarse. Him and Bailey
made brooms in afternoon. Bailey worked at brooms most all day.
Wednesday, March 5, 1890--10 b. Clear and cold. Not much wind. It is north.
Bailey, Dess Haines and all our boys went to Decorah. Got each of the boys a
suit of clothes. Bailey came home sick, was sick all night. Lucretia visited
with me today.
Thursday, March 6, 1890--8 b. Clear, and cold wind SE. Oscar and I went to
Meeting. Bailey was too poorly to go. Lou and Elijah and Bird went with us to
Meeting.
Friday, March 7, 1890--A beautiful day. Snow melted some. Bailey visited the
school and Amos, Lucretia and I visited with Rebecky Earle and Mary Painter. Had
a pleasant visit. Isaac Fawcett’s came to see us today.



Rebecca Earle Amos Earle Mary Painter
Saturday, March 8, 1890--A lovely day. Bailey worked around home. Oscar helped
L. Talbert take off cattle this forenoon. Rose washed today. Billy and Sophia
took supper here.
Sunday, March 9, 1890--We all went to Meeting today. Rose staid up til night
meeting. Zeno preached.
Monday, March 10, 1890--Damp, drizzly. Bailey went to school meeting. Oscar
staid home.
Tuesday, March 11, 1890--Rained a little this morning. Cleared off towards noon.
The rest of the day very nice. Bailey went to Hesper in forenoon. Oscar sawed
wood.
Wednesday, March 12, 1890--Clear and warm. Mercury up to 52 a. Bailey and Oscar
made brooms and took the balance of our bees out for an airing. Found one stand
dead and another mostly dead. All the rest are all right.
Thursday, March 13, 1890--Clear and cold. We went to Meeting. Ezra came home
today and those Evangelists came too.
Friday, March 14, 1890--15 a. Quite a blizzard, so we did not go to F.
Newcomer’s. This is the last day of school. Charley Camp was here yesterday a
while.

Charley Camp
Saturday, March 15, 1890--6 b. Clear, and cold wind NW. None of us did much
today. I baked a little and Rose ironed her clothes and Bailey’s white shirt.
Men hauled very little load of hay home. Too windy for that. John and Al. spent
the day at B. Haines. P. Chase was here awhile.
Sunday, March 16, 1890--We all went to Meeting. I staid up. I went to Stella’s
and got dinner and staid all night. Em Coffin & Miss Wold, ministers, are having
meetings.

Stella Haines
Camp
Monday, March 17, 1890--Nice day. I staid in town all day. I called on several
folks today and took dinner with J. Antrim’s and supper at Stella Camp’s. Came
home after Meeting.
Tuesday, March 18, 1890--Nice in forenoon. Somewhat blizzardy towards night.
Bailey, Oscar and all went to Mabel to hear John P. St. John lecture on the twin
robbers, the saloon and the tariff. I took the sick headache about the time it
was over and was very sick all the way home and all night.
Wednesday, March 19, 1890--A beautiful day. I am better today, but not well. I
ate a little at dinner. None of us did much but visit with Bennett this
forenoon, except grind axes. Bailey went to 2 o’clock meeting and the boys cut
some wood in the timber this afternoon. I sent Florence Meader a setting of
eggs.
Thursday, March 20, 1890--Nice warm day. Muddy. I have been sick all day. Bailey
and Oscar made brooms in forenoon. In afternoon Bailey went to Meeting. The boys
worked in the timber. Rose made her other new dress and several aprons. She gave
me an apron. I have been sick all day. Have not been able to sit up much.
Friday, March 21, 1890--Nice warm day. Bailey and Oscar made brooms in forenoon.
In afternoon Bailey went to Meeting and the boys worked in timber. Rose ironed
and I baked light bread. I am better today, but my cough is bad. Bailey and
Oscar went to Meeting last night and tonight. Oscar has went every night this
week.
Saturday, March 22, 1890--Bailey, Oscar and I went to Monthly Meeting. Mrs. Emma
Coffin preached. We had a good meeting. John and I did our baking after we got
home.
Sunday, March 23, 1890--All of us that is at home went to Meeting. Had a good
sermon by Emma Coffin. Oscar went to night meeting. F. Fuller took dinner with
us.
Monday, March 24, 1890--Rained a little last night and this forenoon. I was sick
last night, pukeing and purging. Am very weak today, hardly able to be up any.
Men made brooms and went to B. Haines’ after a load of corn.
Tuesday, March 25, 1890--Cold and blustery. Rose came home today and Nettie
Fawcett came home with her and staid all day. She has a nice baby. Men finished
making brooms today.

Nettie
Casterton Fawcett

Elizabeth
Clark Street, Bailey's mother
Thursday, March 27, 1890--Cold and a terrible wind in the afternoon. It was
almost a hurricane, with snow. We are cutting carpet rags. Men cut wood in
forenoon. In afternoon they hauled a few loads of manure out, but it is too
stormy.
Friday, March 28, 1890--Pleasant. Oscar took Mother home this morning. Bailey
went to Hesper.
Saturday, March 29, 1890--Pleasant at home, but cold riding. Bailey and Oscar
went to Decorah today. We cut carpet rags and baked today.
Sunday, March 30, 1890--Very nice day. I was too poorly to go to Meeting. Oscar
and John went.
Monday, March 31, 1890--Clear nice day. Men cut wood and hauled hay and corn
home. Rose washed in forenoon and we cut carpet rags in afternoon.
Tuesday, April 1, 1890--A lovely day. All the men except Oscar cut wood. He
hauled. We cut rags and colored rags.
Wednesday, April 2, 1890--Nice day. Boys went to B. Haines to an egg eating.
Rose went in afternoon. Bailey hauled three loads of wood.
Thursday, April 3, 1890--Cloudy and rainy. Rained some last night. Men did not
do much today. We finished cutting our carpet rags today.
Friday, April 4, 1890--Nice clear day. Bailey fixed a floor in the horse stable.
Oscar had headache. John helped me. Rose went to Amos Earle’s to help Rebecca a
few days.
Saturday, April 5, 1890--Bright and clear in the morning, but clouded up between
ten and eleven. Bailey went to Spring Grove. Oscar put his bees on their summer
stands.
Sunday, April 6, 1890--Cloudy and clear by turns. We all went to Meeting. Went
to Elijah’s for dinner. John came home. Rose and Oscar and Alfred went to B.
Haines for dinner. Rained most all last night, also a hard shower this eve.
Monday, April 7, 1890--Cloudy with high wind from SE. Sprinkled some. Bailey
chored around some. Oscar helped at Amos Earle’s. Rose is working at Amos
Earle’s. John and I washed today. Alfred mopped. The old cow dropped a calf
today.
Tuesday, April 8, 1890--Cloudy. Rained in evening. Bailey went to Pendegast
today. Oscar went to Hesper.
Wednesday, April 9, 1890--Clear and cloudy by turns. Cooler. Rained a good part
of last night moderately. Men cut up some wood at home today. John and I ironed.
Thursday, April 10, 1890--Nice day. Boys cut wood at home. Bailey went to Hesper
in the afternoon. John and Alfred papered the kitchen.
Friday, April 11, 1890--A beautiful day. Men cut some wood at home, then cut out
wood in red raspberry. We had a rag bee here today. Got about half my rags
sewed. Had a good time.
Saturday, April 12, 1890--Cloudy. I had headache all day. Rose staid at home
today. Men cut out wood of red raspberrys. Grace & Burr Talbert and Eddie &
Willie Haines were here this evening.
Sunday, April 13, 1890--Rained today, so none of us went to Meeting. Oscar will
work for Jack Darrington this week.
Monday, April 14, 1890--A beautiful day. John and I washed. Bailey was away in
forenoon trying to sell our cows. In afternoon him and John went to B. Haines to
get some oats.
Tuesday, April 15, 1890--A nice day. Men cut out wood in red raspberrys most of
the day. They got a load of hay from I. Fawcett’s. I was over to B. Haines in
afternoon. Dessie took the impression of my mouth. We all went to Newhouse this
forenoon and got the men shirts and myself two calico dresses, but one of them
is gingham.
Wednesday, April 16, 1890--A lovely day. Grass and gooseberries are getting
quite green. Bailey hauled two loads of manure from Hesper and some from our
barn. Planted potatoes & peas today.
Thursday, April 17, 1890--Bailey went to Mabel in forenoon and in afternoon he
hauled wood from Swainson’s. Nice day.
Friday, April 18, 1890--Nice day. Bailey did various chores. Him and John moved
the wire at Hogan’s fence. I went to see Aunt Mary Painter. She fell and is in a
critical condition. Isaac Fawcett bought our old cow for 20 dollars.
Saturday, April 19, 1890--Nice day. Some cooler. Bailey, John and I went to
Monthly Meeting. Ezra Pearson is to sit head of our Meeting now. Bailey and I
went to Billy Sinclair’s and paid up our interest. The children went to
missionary meeting.
Sunday, April 20, 1890--Nice day. We all went to Meeting. Staid to school. Rose
and Oscar went to Methodist Meeting.
Monday, April 21, 1890--The men plowed. Rose went to visit Hesper School. Nice
day.
Tuesday, April 22, 1890--Rained a little last night, but not much. Men harrowed
and put out apple trees. Cloudy.
Wednesday, April 23, 1890--Quite cold. We finished putting out our orchard out
north. John worked this forenoon for J. Swainson.
Thursday, April 24, 1890--Nice, only cold. Men plowed in forenoon and took up
all our apple trees and healed them in. We ironed. Bailey went to Hesper in the
evening. He took some apples to Burt’s. Our first chickens hatched today. Mrs.
Osgood was buried today.
Friday, April 25, 1890--Nice day. John harrowed our new raspberry ground. Bailey
smoothed the patches and took up some of our healed-in apple trees for G.
Fawcett, also some raspberry plants, and in afternoon we gardened some. Planted
some peas, potatoes, radishes, lettuce, beets and onions.
Saturday, April 26, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Quarterly Meeting
today. Had a good
meeting. Dr. Slack preached. Bert and Rose Shattock came home with us. We found
Will and
Lizzie Casterton here when we got home. They were after apple trees and Susie
Talbert and her
children were here ready to go to the woods after wild rose flowers.
Sunday, April 27, 1890--Nice day. We all went to Meeting. Dr. Slack preached a
splendid sermon to the young folks. Him and Ezra was here awhile in the
afternoon. So was a lot of young folks.
Monday, April 28, 1890--Cool and cloudy. Men smoothed and marked out the
raspberry land and did other work around home. John and I washed. Rose went this
morning to work a while again for Rebecca Earle. The children all went to Easter
Services last evening at the Methodists.
Tuesday, April 29, 1890--A lovely day. We got our plants from A. M. Purdy. Are
not well pleased with them. The men are putting them out today. I took my
gingham dress over to Birdie this afternoon. She is going to cut and fit it for
me.
Wednesday, April 30, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Decorah today. We went
to John I. Taveners and got L. Talbert a sitting of turkey eggs and ourselves a
sitting of P. Rock eggs. Then we went up town and did some trading. Got hundred
lbs. of flour and Rose a hat & then we went to John L. Stevens and got dinner.
Then we went to Elwick’s and got some raspberry plants. Did not have time to get
the strawberry plants, so he will send them Friday. We got 1,150 raspberry and
1,000 strawberry plants. I also got some flower roots.

Caroline
Fawcett
and John Isaac Tavener married and
had seven children. It is assumed these are
the youngest, Arthur and Laura
Thursday, May 1, 1890--Very dry. High wind. Men are putting out raspberry
plants. I have been busy indoors, only John and I put out our flower roots. Loo
Johnson and Lucretia Talbert were here awhile today.
Friday, May 2, 1890--Men finished putting out raspberry plants. Boys had a
ratting late in afternoon and Bailey went to Hesper and got our strawberry
plants. Mr. mail carrier brought them up for us from Elwick’s.
Saturday, May 3, 1890--Men put out over 1,000 strawberry plants today and
planted some potatoes in the sod. Alfred and I trimmed strawb. plants.
Sunday, May 4, 1890--Cloudy and cold. Rained some. We all only went to Meeting
except John. He has sore eyes. L. & Mary Chase came home with us and took
dinner. Then we all went to see Aunt Mary Painter. She is quite low.
Monday, May 5, 1890--Cold. Everything froze stiff and snowing some. Oscar is
plowing ground for our cane patch. John went to Hesper in forenoon to get some
soap. His eyes are sore.
Tuesday, May 6, 1890--Rained and snowed quite a lot today. Cold. Oscar finished
plowing and harrowing the cane patch and Bailey marked it off. Bailey took up
part of our grape vines today.
Wednesday, May 7, 1890--Very cold. The ground froze some. Bailey and Oscar went
to Amos Earle’s and got another bushel of Beauty H. potatoes to plant. Then they
planted a lot of potatoes and began to plant our cane patch. Billy Sinclair and
wife were here to get apple trees and black berries.
Thursday, May 8, 1890--Nice day. Bailey went to Meeting. Oscar helped me wash in
forenoon. John’s eyes are better. We got medicine from Strong for them. He has
erysipelas in them. In afternoon men cut out wood in raspberrys. I went to E.
Johnson’s and got my dress.
Friday, May 9, 1890--Cloudy. Rained most all day, a good gentle rain. I and
Oscar ironed. Wallace Sinclair was here after more apple trees for Billy.
Saturday, May 10, 1890--Nice day. Men cut out old wood in the oldest black
raspberry patch and united two stands of bees. I did my Saturday’s work.
Sunday, May 11, 1890--We all went to meeting and Sabbath School. Lillie & Grace
Haines and Agnes Battey came home with us. Late in the afternoon we went to see
Aunt Mary Painter. She is very low. We took Rose and Agnes back to Amos Earle’s.
Oscar went up to evening meeting.

Agnes Battey
Monday, May 12, 1890--Commenced raining before day awhile this morning. Men put
out raspberry plants, mostly red ones. Jut Cely (?) and Mr. Bacon got 200
raspberry plants today.
Tuesday, May 13, 1890--Men finished up putting out raspberry plants today, and
in afternoon Oscar plowed the ground for broom corn and Bailey and John finished
raking the ground for our other patch of strawberrys.
Wednesday, May 14, 1890--I have wrote from memory and have made a blunder. What
I wrote above for afternoon should have been in today’s work, and Tuesday
afternoon and Wednesday forenoon the men planted cane and popcorn.
Thursday, May 15, 1890--Early in the morning the men harrowed and smoothed and
marked off the broom corn land. Then the boys went to planting and Bailey and I
went to Meeting. In afternoon Bailey smoothed more garden land for tomatoes, and
after the boys finished planting broom corn, they and Bailey plowed and smoothed
land in raspberry patch. In afternoon I visited at L. Talbert’s.
Friday, May 16, 1890--Very high wind from SW til about 3 o’clock, then from NW.
Men got strawberry plants at B. Haines and put them out. It is warmer this eve.
We have been having very cold weather all this month for the time year. The
ground has froze some several nights and frost almost every night.
Saturday, May 17, 1890--Bailey and John hauled straw in forenoon, and Oscar
helped Jack Darrington take cattle to Mabel in afternoon. Bailey and Oscar
hauled straw and John raked the new strawberry bed. Ezra and Anna Pearson took
supper with us and their little girl was with them. They have taken her to
raise.
Sunday, May 18, 1890--Cold yet so that we still wear our winter dresses to
meeting, and heavy shawls. We had another splendid sermon from Louisa Painter.
We all took dinner at B. Haines.
Monday, May 19, 1890--Quite cold wind. North. John and I washed. Men got more
strawberry plants and fixed up some grape trellises.
Tuesday, May 20, 1890--Clear and cloudy by turns, some pleasanter in the
forenoon. Bailey tied up grave vines and Oscar & John put out more strawberrys.
In afternoon Bailey and Oscar plowed the raspberrys, grapes and strawberrys and
John raked the strawberrys.
Wednesday, May 21, 1890--Cloudy and cold. Rained most all night and part of
today. Men did not do much. John visited the school in afternoon. O. went to
Hesper. Bailey went to B. Haines.
Thursday, May 22, 1890--Rained considerable part of today. Bailey went to Hesper
in afternoon and Oscar to Newhouse. Rose came home this evening to fix for
picnic.
Friday, May 23, 1890--A lovely day. Cleared off. Warm. Rose is fixing for John’s
Birthday picnic. Mary A. Darrington came home with Alfred from school to picnic.
Bailey went to Mabel. He took some Snyder blackberry roots to B. Hall’s and got
some Ancient Brittons. He also got 500 berry boxes from D. Taber.
Saturday, May 24, 1890--Cloudy. Rained til most ten, then cleared off. Bailey
went to Monthly Meeting in the afternoon. Him and I went to E. Johnson’s and B.
Haines awhile. It rained in the morning so the children could not have their
picnic, so they went to B. Haines and spent the day.
Sunday, May 25, 1890--Cloudy and clear by turns. Rained some. We all went to
Meeting and Sabbath School. Had another good sermon by Louisa Round. We went to
see Aunt Mary Painter late this afternoon. Found her suffering a great deal.

Louisa Painter Round,
daughter of Mary and Thomas Painter
Monday, May 26, 1890--Quite cool. Clear. We, Bailey, O. and I, went to Newhouse
this morning. John did the washing. Men got some lumber. Robert and Ann Benedict
took dinner here and staid part of the afternoon. Then they went to see Aunt
Mary Painter. Oscar hauled one load of wood. Then those boys put out the
blackberries we got of Hall. Then Bailey and Oscar put out a row of Glendale’s
strawberry plants.
Tuesday, May 27, 1890--The men hoed blackberries in forenoon. In afternoon it
rained several showers. When not raining we planted flowers and garden stuff,
also sweet corn and pumpkins. Some warmer.
Wednesday, May 28, 1890--Quite warm. Things grow today. Bailey went to Newhouse
and got some lumber to fix shop. We went to Newhouse Monday and got some ship
lap lumber to fix shop, but concluded to keep that to fix the house. They have
been fixing the shop today. It is now ready to work in. I have been quite poorly
today. Have had headache for several days. John went to Hesper this afternoon.
Thursday, May 29, 1890--Nice warm day. Bailey went to Meeting. I was too weak to
go. Robert Benedict was here today and got 12 apple trees and a few currant
bushes. Boys hoed. Rained quite a shower today.
Friday, May 30, 1890--Nice warm day. I was visiting at B. Haines today. Men put
out more strawberry plants and hoed old strawberry bed and cultivated the new
beds.
Saturday, May 31, 1890--Men worked at hoeing old strawberry bed til noon. Then
Bailey went to Mabel and I went to Hesper. I got me a new dress. It cost 65 cts.
per yd. The two oldest boys staid at home hoeing. The young folks went to
missionary meeting tonight.
Sunday, June 1, 1890--We all, except John, went to Meeting. He staid at home to
watch the bees. We heard a splendid sermon by E. G. Pearson. Eddie & Willie
Haines came home with the boys.
Monday, June 2, 1890--Clear til most eleven, then we had a hard rain and it
rained a good part of the afternoon. Bailey went to Spring Grove today to see
Berge. We traded our heifer to Will Johnson for an old buggy. Got it home today.
I have been poorly today.
Tuesday, June 3, 1890--Cloudy til noon, then the sun came out hot. Men worked on
the road some this forenoon, and in afternoon Bailey went to Mabel and the boys
hoed. This morning the men worked at bee hives while it was wet. Rose came home
this morning.
Wednesday, June 4, 1890--Rainy. Men worked at bee hives. Bailey got our berry
boxes yesterday. Rose and I went to B. Haines this afternoon. Got my blue dress
cut.
Thursday, June 5, 1890--Bailey and I went to Meeting. Had a splendid Bible
lesson by E. G. Pearson. Began raining before meeting was out and rained the
rest of the day. Boys worked at berry baskets. Bailey made crates.
Friday, June 6, 1890--Cool and cloudy. Rained a little early this morning.
Bailey went to Hesper. He finished our buggy. Then they plowed and hoed. The
ground is too wet to work good. It has rained every day this week, except
Monday.
Saturday, June 7, 1890--A lovely day. Men fixed fence and put our cows in our
own pasture. Rose went to John Pendergast’s and Bailey went to Mabel and I to
Hesper late in afternoon. I went to Dr. Strong’s for medicine.
Sunday, June 8, 1890--Nice day. Four of us went to Meeting. John staid up to
attend Methodist meeting, it being Children’s Day. Oscar went up after we got
home.
Monday, June 9, 1890--Cool and cloudy, threatens rain. Men are plowing and
hoeing. The census man was here today. I have been poorly ever since Saturday.
John nipped raspberry plants.
Tuesday, June 10, 1890--Cloudy. Misted some. We had a real hard soaking rain
yesterday afternoon. It was the hardest rain we have had for several years, I
think. Bailey and John went to John Pendergast’s this afternoon. Oscar went to
Hesper. G. B. Lewis sent the money back that we sent for bee supplies. We got it
today. He could not fill the order.
Wednesday, June 11, 1890--A beautiful day. Bailey and I went to Brickner’s today
to get some bee supplies. We got 100 sections and 4 supers and some foundation
comb. Boys staid at home. Birdie started for Mason City today.
Thursday, June 12, 1890--Nice day, quite warm. Bailey and I went to Meeting. Men
cultivated our patches today and hoed some. I found three ripe strawberries
today (Crescents). Black raspberries in full bloom and have been for a week or
more. The red raspberries are just beginning to bloom a little.
Friday, June 13, 1890--Cloudy and rained most all the forenoon. Men finished
making berry boxes and then worked at hoeing in afternoon, all only Oscar. He
had colic. I picked a nice lot of gooseberries to make pies and sauce.
Saturday, June 14, 1890--Cloudy. Rained a good part of today. Bailey worked at
beehives. I did my baking. Oscar and John went to Hesper. L. Talbert’s boys were
here today.
Skip to Monday, June 16, 1890--Bailey went to Mabel. He got some buckwheat to
sow. Rose washed. The boys worked at home. Cloudy, sprinkled a little. Rose and
I picked a lot of gooseberries in afternoon.
Tuesday, June 17, 1890--Nice day. Had our first mess of strawberries today. Men
worked at cane patch. Rose ironed and we canned some gooseberries.
Wednesday, June 18, 1890--Nice day. Quite warm in forenoon. Men cultivated and
hoed fruit and garden. Loo and Clara Johnson were both here awhile today. We
picked a lot more gooseberries.
Thursday, June 19, 1890--Cloudy and cool. Men cleaned out cane patch. The
teacher, Josie Shipley, came home with Alfred this evening to stay all night.
Bailey and I went to Hesper this evening. He got himself and boys shoes. I
engaged two sittings of eggs from M. Cameron and one of Florence Meader.
Friday, June 20, 1890--Cloudy, cool and rainy. Rained most all night last night.
Oscar had to take Miss Shipley to her school today. Alfred is not well enough to
go. We have canned 27 qts. of gooseberries. Rose & Oscar went to L. Chase’s.
Saturday, June 21, 1890--Nice in forenoon, but cloudy. Late in the afternoon we
had a very hard rain. Boys picked over a case of strawberries today. We, Bailey
and I, went to Monthly Meeting. Judson Bly and Isaiah Davidson were at our
meeting today.
Sunday, June 22, 1890--Nice clear day. Warm. Part of us went to Meeting. Ezra
preached a big sermon. Chase’s young folks and Lizzie Haines came home with us
to dinner. In the afternoon Eddie & Willie Haines, Frank & Everett Fuller, G.
Talbert and Will Casterton’s family and Prudie all were here. We have sold 60
qts.
Monday, June 23, 1890--Cloudy and warm this morning. Bailey and I went to
Newhouse and got us one hundred lbs. of sugar and the same amount for B. Haines.
The boys picked strawberries while we were gone, and Rose washed. Loo Johnson
was here to get some goose berries. Oscar took off about three cases of
strawberries and sold them at Hesper and Mabel for 10 cts. per qt.
Tuesday, June 24, 1890--Clear and very hot. We had the hardest rain last night
we have had for a good many years, also a great deal of wind and thunder and
lightning, but I was nearly crazy with headache, so I could not enjoy the storm
much. Men opened the ditches this forenoon and Bailey went to Hesper in
afternoon and the boys went to I. Fawcett’s to buy corn and to Swainson’s for
cord wood.
Wednesday, June 25, 1890--96 a. Nice and warm. Bees swarmed today. The old black
stand, a large swarm. Men picked over three cases of strawberries today and sold
them to O. Casterton, F. Darrington & Pete Newhouse. I spent the afternoon at B.
Haines. Rose put screens on the windows today. Bailey came over to B. Haines and
took supper with us. I bought 2 lbs. of butter of Loo Johnson. The rain storm
Monday night did a great deal of damage.
Thursday, June 26, 1890--96 a. Nice clear day. Very hot. Bailey and I went to
Meeting. He came home with headache and after dinner he got his leg hurt with
pump handle and then he had a hard chill. Boys hoed some.
Friday, June 27, 1890--96 a. Nice day. Children went to School Picnic at F.
Darrington’s. Bailey put up screen doors today. Loo came again this morning and
got more gooseberries. Rose did not come home. The boys report a good time.
Saturday, June 28, 1890--Nice day, only very warm. I have hardly been able to be
up today. Have been up very little this afternoon. I had to be this forenoon to
do my baking. Men picked about 60 qts. of strawberries and sold them. Rained a
hard shower this morning.

Nell Casterton Fawcett
Friday, August 15, 1890--Nice day. Bailey worked for I. Fawcett in forenoon. In
afternoon Bailey and Oscar helped J. Darrington thrash. Rose went to B. Haines
to sew and visit.
Monday, September 8, 1890--Nice day. We washed. Bailey helped fix the meeting
house stove pipes in forenoon. In afternoon he hauled some wood and straw. Boys
hoed strawberrys. I was down to I. Fawcetts awhile this afternoon.
Tuesday, September 9, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and the boys cut corn fodder. I
ironed. Alfred has a bad cold. Drove Sam to the field.
Monday, September 15, 1890--We all went to Decorah to see Barnum’s Show today,
except Oscar. He saw it four years ago. The show of animals was good, but we
think the circus poor. Rained some today.
Monday, November 17, 1890--Rained most all night and til noon today. We washed
in
forenoon. Oscar cut some wood. Alfred churned. Late in the afternoon the boys
(Oscar and
Alfred) went to Newhouse to meet Bailey at the Depot. They got home about 7. We
were glad to
welcome him home.
Sunday, December 14, 1890--28 a. Nice warm day. We all except Alfred went to
Meeting.
Agnes Battey staid all night here last night. Miss Decker came home with us from
meeting.
When we got home we found Charley Newcomer and Will Camp here.
Friday, January 2, 1891--6 a. Nice day. Ground froze. The boys cleaned the
school house. The young folks came here this evening to surprise Rose. She is 21
today. They staid til one o’clock.
Monday, February 8, 1892--16 a. Stormy in forenoon. We washed in forenoon. In
afternoon
Bailey hauled wood. We all only Oscar went to evening meeting.
Saturday, February 20, 1892--Bailey and I went to M. Meeting today. I staid up
til evening
meeting. So did Lou Johnson. We went to Sam Osgoods and got dinner and staid til
after
5 o’clock. Then we went to F. Newcomers awhile & to Mr. Nelsons and Lydia Cooks.
Had good
meetings. Saturday, March 12, 1892--12 a. Nice day. Water run lively. I did my baking up
in forenoon
and went to Hesper to hear Mr. Hector lecture at 2 o’clock on Prohibition. It
was splendid. Jay
Bowerman and Charley Newcomer were here to dinner and staid all day. In
afternoon Bennett’s
boys and Everett Fuller came. We left them and our boys here, and while we were
gone Everett
got his arm put out of joint at the elbow, and the bone the Dr. says is
fractured. Him and Jay
Saturday, August 16, 1890--Sprinkled some, then turned cold. Boys picked
berries. Rose ironed. I baked. Bailey went to mill in forenoon. Oscar went to
see horse dr. in afternoon. Our horse seems better.
Sunday, August 17, 1890--Nice day, only cold. We went to Meeting. Oscar staid
with the horse. Had a splendid sermon by E. Pearson from Isaiah, 4th chap., 1st
verse, put thine house in order.
Monday, August 18, 1890--Nice day. Rose came home today and Hilda Casterton came
with her. She got some berries. Men helped J. Darrington thrash. Boys picked
berries in forenoon. In afternoon John and I went to Hesper. He took the berries
and sold them. Bailey helped E. Johnson thrash tonight.
Tuesday, August 19, 1890--Bailey worked at home. Oscar went to L. Chase’s Sunday
to begin work Monday. He expects to stay all the week. John and I take care of
Sam.
Thursday, August 21, 1890--Clear and cloudy by turns. Bailey went to mill at
Riceford and came home by way of J. Pendergasts. I went with Loo & Elijah
Johnson to Newhouse. Lucretia and Grace Talbert were here this afternoon. Boys
picked berries today. I canned them.
Friday, August 22, 1890--I finished my ironing and did my baking. Bailey helped
Billy Sinclair thrash this afternoon. The horse Dr. was here this afternoon and
opened a place on the joint of Sam.
Saturday, August 23, 1890--Cold and cloudy. Rained in afternoon. Keeps cold all
the time. Bailey, John and I went to Monthly Meeting. Frankie Johnson had
another sun stroke yesterday. He is very low.
Sunday, August 24, 1890--Cloudy. Rained a little most all the time today. I did
not go to Meeting. F. Johnson is better.
Monday, August 25, 1890--Nice day. John and I washed. B & A hoed. Rained a nice
rain last night.
Tuesday, August 26, 1890--Nice day. John took Oscar as far as Hawks on his way
to L. Chase’s. Bailey went this afternoon to help thrash at Billy Sinclairs.
Lucretia Talbert spent the day with me. Their family all went to picnic on Bear
Creek. It was in honor to Mr. Olivers.
Wednesday, August 27, 1890--Nice day. I canned a lot more blackberries and
apples. Bailey helped B. S. thrash again. Did not get home til nine o’clock.
This has been a sad day to me.
Thursday, August 28, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Meeting. John and A.
went to Sinclairs this morning to see Rose. Mrs. Sinclair and Rose was here
awhile. Rose went on to see Nell.
Friday, August 29, 1890--Nice day. This is Bailey’s birthday. He is 46 years
old. I baked him a birthday cake. We all went to E. Johnsons last evening to a
sociable. John and Alfred have gone to Bluffton today to picnic given by the
Missionary Society.
Saturday, August 30, 1890--Nice day. Mother Street was here today visiting.
Oscar and John helped Will Johnsons thrash. Bailey’s side is hurting him some
today, but not so much as yesterday. Lucretia and Grace Talbert were here this
afternoon.
Sunday, August 31, 1890--We all that are at home went to Meeting, then went to
B. Haines. Dessie leaves home tomorrow for Decorah. Chase’s young folks and
Laura Burt took dinner at Haines’s.
Monday, September 1, 1890--Nice day. Warm. I have been poorly since Sat. with
bowel complaint. Boys helped thrash at Will Johnsons til ten o’clock, then the
men fixed up stable. Clara Johnson and children spent the afternoon here.
Tuesday, September 2, 1890--Nice day. Quite warm. We washed in forenoon. Bailey
and Oscar went to Mabel in afternoon. I was at L. Talberts a little while this
afternoon.
Wednesday, September 3, 1890--Rained a good part of today, just a little. I
ironed. Men did various things. Bailey worked at fixing buggy box.
Thursday, September 4, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Meeting and I went
with Mary Haines to Newhouse. Bailey finished fixing buggy box. I have 6 qts. of
tomatoes canned.
Friday, September 5, 1890--Nice day. This my birthday. We all went to Decorah.
Got each of the menfolk a suit of clothes. I got a hand satchel for a birthday
present and Bailey got a collar button for his birthday present. We stopped at
J. Stevens awhile.
Saturday, September 6, 1890--Clear and very hot. Rained some last night. Bailey
finished fixing an axle for his wagon. I made 2 gallons of Duchess apple sauce
today and did my baking. Alfred and John helped me some.
Sunday, September 7, 1890--Rained almost all the forenoon so we did not go to
Meeting, only Oscar. He wore his rubber coat and went on horseback. I wrote to
Eva Cather today and Bailey wrote to George Purcell.

Eva Cather George Purcell
Wednesday, September 10, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I attended Fair at Decorah
today. Saw a good many nice things. Boys and Rose are going tomorrow. Boys staid
at home to see to things today. We went to the Fair with Bill Burges. He took
Fawcett’s team.
Thursday, September 11, 1890--Nice day. The children all went to the Fair. They
report a good time. We, Bailey and I, went to Meeting and I went to see Clara
Johnson in afternoon.
Friday, September 12, 1890--Rained a little this morning, but not enough to
amount to anything. Men cut up corn in forenoon. In afternoon they husked some
popcorn. I prepared and canned 26 qts. of tomatoes today.
Saturday, September 13, 1890--Nice day. Quite cold last night and awhile this
morning. Quite a bit of frost. It nipped our tomatoes and squash and melon vines
some. Did not hurt corn on high land. Men cut corn today. Alfred dug some
potatoes. I did a lot of baking for our dinners the day of Barnum’s Show.
Sunday, September 14, 1890--Nice day. We all went to Meeting. Francis Fuller
came home with Oscar. Bailey and I went down to I. Fawcetts awhile this
afternoon. Roe Whites were there. There was all B. Haines children and Rose and
Agnes Battey. Also Nellie Pendergast, Ella Nelson, Pete Nelson, and Tom Allen
here this afternoon.
Monroe and Rebecca White
Tuesday, September 16, 1890--Nice day. We washed. Men gathered pumpkins,
pulled beans and some other work around the stable. John and I, when we got
through washing, went to E. Johnsons and picked up a sack of crabapples, then on
to B. Haines and gathered a sack of hops and some sage.
Wednesday, September 17, 1890--Nice most of the day. I ironed. Men covered tips
of raspberry canes and hoed.
Thursday, September 18, 1890--Nice in forenoon. Men hauled up a lot of topped
fodder from B. Haines. In afternoon they thrashed some beans and got the rest
into shop. I went with Lou Johnson to M. Orens to meet with the Ladies Aid
Society. It began to rain between 3 and 4 o’clock and rained very hard til after
dark. Bailey came after Lou and I in the rain. Oscar had sick headache.
Friday, September 19, 1890--Nice day, only cold in the morning. Men cut and
hauled cane home today. There was a little frost this morning. It did no damage.
I did all my baking. Tomorrow is Mon. Meeting.
Saturday, September 20, 1890--Nice day. We all, except Alfred, went to Mon.
Meeting. He staid at home to watch the grapes. Susie Talbert was here awhile
this afternoon.
Sunday, September 21, 1890--Nice day. Bailey, Oscar and I went to Meeting. Rose
and Grace Talbert were here today.
Monday, September 22, 1890--Nice day. John and I washed. John did about all of
it. I fixed some sweet corn today and canned some crabapples. We churned. Bailey
and the boys gathered a load of grapes this forenoon and this afternoon they
took them to Mabel. Sold most of them for 6 cts. per lb. and some at 7 cts. and
some at 5 cts. per lb. They took 168 lbs.
Tuesday, September 23, 1890--Lovely day. Menfolks gathered over 100 lbs. of
grapes and took them to Burr Oak. Got 5 cts. per lb. Bailey and the boys
stripped cane the rest of the day. I ironed, baked light bread and put out a
batch of sweet corn to dry. I then went to E. Johnsons to get some crabapples
for sweet pickles.
Wednesday, September 24, 1890--Nice day, except high wind. I went to a quilting
at Em Orens. I went with E. Johnsons. Had a good time and got a good lot of
quilting done. Men worked at cane.
Thursday, September 25, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Meeting. Boys hoed
and tipped raspberrys. Bailey is making a hay rack. I went to L. Talberts a
while this afternoon. So did Loo.
Friday, September 26, 1890--Nice day. I made my sweet pickles today. Nell and
Rose was here awhile this afternoon, and Frank Darrington and wife were here
awhile this forenoon. They all wanted grapes.
Saturday, September 27, 1890--Nice day but quite cold. Menfolks picked the rest
of our grapes this forenoon. Men tipped raspberrys and dug and got in some
potatoes, also got in squashes. I picked my ripe peppers and green tomatoes.
Sunday, September 28, 1890--Nice day. We all went to Meeting and went to Bennett
Haines for dinner. Desway was there. Mark Haines leaves for Highland today.
Expects to start for home Monday. Ezra and Anna are at home.
Monday, September 29, 1890--Nice day. We had quite a frost for two nights, but
my flowers are not killed. John and I washed this forenoon and him and Alfred
dug potatoes in afternoon. Bailey and Oscar hauled logs for kitchen. Cal Roe
(Rowe) had a sale today.
Tuesday, September 30, 1890--A beautiful day. Quite warm. I ironed and did
several other things. Bailey and Oscar helped J. Swainson thrash today. John
helped til noon. Afternoon John and Alfred dug potatoes. This is Grace Talbert’s
birthday. She is going to have a party.
Wednesday, October 1, 1890--Nice day. The menfolks all helped B. W. Haines
thrash and I helped Mary cook for them. So did Stella.
Thursday, October 2, 1890--Cloudy. Men got through thrashing at noon today. I
went to Elijah Johnsons this afternoon to meet with Aid Society.
Friday, October 3, 1890--Cloudy. Sprinkled some. We had our missionary rag bee
at B. W. Haines today. Did not get near done. Bailey is making a batch of sorgum
today. Roe White made a batch of plum sauce today.
Saturday, October 4, 1890--Rained some last night. Nice today. Menfolks made a
batch of molasses in forenoon and we made a batch of sauce this afternoon, all
for Will Casterton.
Sunday, October 5, 1890--Nice day, but cloudy part of the time. We all went to
Meeting. Had a splendid sermon by E. Pearson. Mary Haines is sick. She was taken
yesterday morning.
Monday, October 6, 1890--Cloudy. Bailey worked some at taking roof off our
kitchen. In afternoon the two older boys helped Billy Sinclair thrash. Charley
Camp came here today.
Tuesday, October 7, 1890--Nice day. Rained last night, a bad time for us. Men
finished taking our kitchen down today. I made pickle lillie besides moving out
of kitchen. I am quite tired. Charley Camp brought another load of the well
drill today.
Wednesday, October 8, 1890--Cloudy, looks like rain. It rained some last night.
This forenoon men worked at cellar for bees. This afternoon Bailey and Oscar
hauled some hay home from Ed Torsens. The drillers commenced drilling here today
at 20 minutes past 2 o’clock. The boys got me some wild crabs.
Thursday, October 9, 1890--Rained most all day, part of the time quite hard. Men
hauled a load of hay home from E. Torsens. The drillers went down about 2 feet
today. Had to quit on account of rain. They are 14 feet deep now. Bailey went to
Meeting. I am having quite a poorly spell with stomach. John washed today.
Friday, October 10, 1890--Nice day. Men worked at cellar. I am better. Drillers
drilled in afternoon nine feet. Mary Haines was here this afternoon. Anna
Copeman came here to visit. Rose came up awhile this afternoon and took Anna
down with her.
Saturday, October 11, 1890--Rained all day. Very muddy. Men had to stick to the
house. George Cater went home. They could not drill. Towards evening it quit
raining a while and Edda Haines came over and brought us some sweet potatoes and
took home a Langhang rooster.
Sunday, October 12, 1890--It rained most all night last night and today a large
share of the time, so we did not get to Meeting. Fuller and Milt Chase were here
awhile today. So was the neighbor’s wife. Very muddy.
Monday, October 13, 1890--Rained all last night. Quit this forenoon and Bailey
has gone to work at kitchen. Boys drawed the water out of bee cellar. Anna
Copeman came here today.
Tuesday, October 14, 1890--Nice day, except high wind. Bailey and Oscar worked
on kitchen most of today, only Bailey went to Newhouse and got some lumber and
shingles. The drillers are at work. George has a bad toothache. I am not well
today. Anna Copeman left today.
Wednesday, October 15, 1890--Men worked at kitchen and drilling, only Oscar made
a batch of molasses. I ironed. I went to see Nell Fawcett awhile this afternoon.
Thursday, October 16, 1890--Nice day. Estella Camp visited here today. The
drillers went over 20 feet today and 27 feet yesterday. They found a little
water at about fifty or fifty-five feet, but not enough. This is Oscar’s
birthday.
Friday, October 17, 1890--Nice day. Froze a little last night. Bailey, Oscar and
the other boys worked on house, only when John had to drive for drillers.
Saturday, October 18, 1890--Rained some last night and til noon today. Bailey
worked about 2
hours in the rain last night to keep water out of the kitchen cellar, and til
noon today. Clara
Johnson stopped here a while yesterday as she went home from Mother Streets. She
said
Mother had been quite poorly in forenoon, but that she was much better in
afternoon.
Sunday, October 19, 1890--Nice day. We all went to meeting and Sabbath School,
then
Bennett & Mary Haines. Bailey and I went to Charley Camps for dinner and then we
all and
Charley’s went to see old man Camp. Mother and Grace went too. The boys and Rose
went
home with B. Haines’ children.
Monday, October 20, 1890--Nice day. Drillers did not come today. Men worked at
kitchen
and Oscar went out east of here and bought some corn. Then he went to Newhouse
to get some
lime, but could not get any, and in the evening him and John went to Mabel, but
could not get
any there.
Tuesday, October 21, 1890--A nice day, not clear all the time. Drillers are
here. Bailey and
Oscar worked at kitchen only. Oscar and John got a load of sand. I ironed. Clara
sent me two
heads of cabbage.
Wednesday, October 22, 1890--Nice day. Bailey worked at kitchen and Oscar and
John helped
M. Oren thrash. Drillers were here. I did baking and my general housework. We
borrowed
several lbs. of pork of I. Fawcett today.
Thursday, October 23, 1890--A lovely day. All the boys helped I. Fawcett thrash
today.
Bailey worked at home til noon, then went to Mabel. The drillers are here.
Friday, October 24, 1890--Nice day. Some cloudy in afternoon. Drillers are here.
Bailey and
I went to Select Meeting this afternoon. I. Wooton and Philip Slack were at
Meeting.
Saturday, October 25, 1890--Cloudy and rained part of the day. We all except
Alfred went
to Quarterly Meeting. Had a splendid sermon by I. Wooton. Had a long business
meeting.
Sunday, October 26, 1890--Nice day. I had sick headache last night and today, so
could not
go to Meeting. Wooton preached a powerful sermon. I was some better in
afternoon, so went to
the lecture on our church. I was not able to attend evening meeting.
Monday, October 27, 1890--Nice day. I was very sick awhile this morning. Mr. Bly
and
wife stayed all night here. Had pleasant visit with them.
Tuesday, October 28, 1890--Cloudy and some rainy. I am better today. Bailey
worked at
house and Oscar helped part of the time. The boys husked a small load of corn at
E. Johnsons,
then John and Alfred gathered our rutabagas.
Wednesday, October 29, 1890--Cloudy and cold. Spit snow a little. Bailey and
Oscar
worked at kitchen. John and I washed. We moved back into the kitchen and seems
so nice to
have more room. I have headache some today.
Thursday, October 30, 1890--Cloudy and some cold. Menfolks worked at kitchen. I
had
headache in forenoon. I fixed up things a little. We did not go to Meeting. I
spent the afternoon
at Nell’s.
Friday, October 31, 1890--20 a. Cloudy and cold. Men cleared off chips and fixed
banking
around kitchen and steps, also plastered some and fixed stables some. John and
Alfred got in
my flower roots. John also helped me iron. I baked bread. John McMullen broke
his leg
yesterday. E. Pearson lost his mare night before last. We slept in our new
bedroom last night.
Saturday, November 1, 1890--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Newhouse in
afternoon. We
got some bed ticken and stuff for comforter and some other things. We took up 7
dozen eggs.
Got 16 cts. per doz. for them.
Sunday, November 2, 1890--Rather cold, cloudy. We all went to Meeting and back
to the
lecture in afternoon. It was given by Levina Benedict on the W.C.T.U. and the
home and retreat.
It was good.
Monday, November 3, 1890--Cloudy and snowed a very little. Bailey and Oscar put
down
part of our grapes and our new blackberries. John and I washed. The drillers
came back about 3
o’clock today. Got ready to begin drilling again in the morning.
Tuesday, November 4, 1890--A lovely day. Men gathered corn at E. Johnsons.
Alfred
drove for the drillers. I did a lot of baking. Mary Haines was here in
afternoon.
Wednesday, November 5, 1890--A beautiful day. Men husked at Johnsons. Alfred
drove for
drillers. I tried to rest up a little but was too busy to rest much.
Thursday, November 6, 1890--Quite a blustery day. Misted some. Chilly. Men
husked at
Johnsons. Alfred drove for drillers. Stella Camp visited here today. Rose and
Ralph Fawcett was
here a while last evening.
Friday, November 7, 1890--Pleasant day, cloudy part of the time. Men husked at
E. Johnsons.
Alfred drove for drillers. They are near 200 feet deep now, and no water yet. We
feel pretty
blue about it, but I trust we will be cared for. I am tired.
Saturday, November 8, 1890--This has been a very stormy day, disagreeable to be
out. Men
husked in forenoon. Finished at E. Johnson’s. Men had to stay in afternoon. I
have been
resting up a bit today. Snowed today quite hard. Rose got a letter from Lillie.
I got one from
Jim’s wife.
Sunday, November 9, 1890--Cold and mostly cloudy. We all except Alfred went to
Meeting.
Then we took dinner with E. Johnsons. Oscar staid up to F. Newcomers and went to
song
service and in the evening him and Charley went to Mabel to Meeting. John took
Birdie to song
service and in the evening he took Rose, Birdie and Lizzie up to Prayer Meeting.
Al went too
in evening.
Monday, November 10, 1890--Clear and nice. Melted the snow some. John and I
washed
in forenoon. I was nearly sick all day. Bailey went to Hesper and B. Benedicts
in forenoon and
to B. Haines in afternoon. Oscar chopped up some wood here at home. Eddie Haines
spent
this evening here. Alfred went to Will Johnson’s this afternoon.
Tuesday, November 11, 1890--Menfolks put down grape vines in forenoon. They
finished
that. In afternoon they husked out some fodder and hauled it home.
Wednesday, November 12, 1890--Bailey started for Wisconsin this morning. John
took him
up to Newhouse. In afternoon the boys hauled fodder home. I ironed some today.
Rose came
home today sick.
Thursday, November 13, 1890--Nice day. I went to Meeting with E. Johnsons and
staid up
til evening to E. G. Pearson’s donation party. I did not get to go to the rag
bee yesterday. Boys
hauled fodder today. Rose went up with me to visit Hesper School. She is better.
Friday, November 14, 1890--Nice day. Children all went up to missionary meeting
last
night. Boys hauled fodder today. Rose went back to Fawcetts today. Lucretia
Talbert was here
today. Charley Morgan shot Bob Fulton and another man a few days ago, while
drinking and
gambling.
Saturday, November 15, 1890--Rained some last night. Very muddy, so the boys
could not haul fodder. They chopped a lot of wood and then went out awhile and killed 4
rabbits.
Sunday, November 16, 1890--Cloudy and foggy. We all that are home went to
Meeting. Rose
came and went with us. Francis Fuller & Charley Newcomer came home with the boys
and Eddie and Willie came over after dinner.


Charley Newcomer, Ed Haines and Will Haines
Tuesday, November 18, 1890--Nice day. The drillers got here in time this
afternoon to put in
about an hour’s work. Bailey and Oscar hauled fodder. No, John helped Bailey.
Oscar was sick.
Wednesday, November 19, 1890--Nice day, clear and warm. Bailey and Oscar hauled
our
last load of fodder this morning. The drillers worked this forenoon. Then they
broke their jars
and had to quit. Bailey went to Mabel this afternoon. Boys worked on road to
haul our wood
home.
Thursday, November 20, 1890--Nice day. Mother visited here today. Bailey went to
Hesper
and got one load of manure. When he got as far back as Swainsons, one of his
wagon tires
broke. He took the wheel to Hesper this afternoon to get it fixed. Boys worked
at blackberries
some.
Friday, November 21, 1890--Nice day. Some cooler. Boys finished putting down
blackberries.
Bailey went to Ogden Casterton’s to get some money in forenoon. In afternoon he
went to
Hesper and got his wheel and took Mother home.
Saturday, November 22, 1890--Nice day. Ground froze a little last night. We all
except Oscar
went to Monthly Meeting. A preacher from Kansas, Smith by name, was at our
meeting and
preached. Alfred went home with Roe Whites.
Sunday, November 23, 1890--Nice day. We all went to Meeting. After meeting I
went to stay
with Anna Pearson while Ezra went to Mabel to preach. I also staid with her
while he went to
evening meeting. The children staid up.
Monday, November 24, 1890--A lovely day. Rose washed. Men got a team of B. W.
Haines
and hauled wood. John chored around home.
Tuesday, November 25, 1890--Rose ironed. I went to B. W. Haines to visit with
Mother.
Bailey hauled some stumps and manure. Boys started to school. Nice day.
Wednesday, November 26, 1890--Nice day. Bailey butchered a pig. I did some
baking for
Thanksgiving. Rose went to G. Fawcetts yesterday.
Thursday, November 27, 1890--Nice day. We all except Rose went to Meeting, both
in
forenoon and afternoon. Bennett’s and us took our dinners with us and went to C.
Camp’s to
eat it.
Friday, November 28, 1890--Nice day. We took Mother to Decorah to start to Ezra
Kings.
We got a new bedstead, also a pair of horse blankets.
Saturday, November 29, 1890--Nice day. Bailey hauled manure and hay and straw. I
did my
baking and tried out some lard. There was school today.
Sunday, November 30, 1890--Cloudy and cool. We went to Meeting. Bennett’s family
was
here this afternoon. Desway and Nettie Newcomer were here.
Monday, December 1, 1890--Clear part of forenoon. Cloudy and spitting snow in
the
afternoon. The drillers got here about eleven this forenoon and began to drill
about half past
one. The children are at school. Rose has not come home yet.
Tuesday, December 2, 1890--9 a. Cloudy. Drillers got to work early and worked
til noon.
Then it snowed so hard they quit and went home. Bailey worked at kitchen bedroom
doors.
Wednesday, December 3, 1890--6 a. Cloudy and stormy. Drillers did not come.
Lillie
Casterton and Prudie Reed were here visiting today. Had a good visit. Bailey
visited with us
most of the time. He put two of Oscar’s stands of bees in chaff. The bees now
are all in winter
quarters.
Thursday, December 4, 1890--1 a. Cloudy. Bailey went to Meeting. The drillers
are here, so
I could not go. Began to snow awhile before noon and snowed until sometime in
the night, so
they only drilled in the forenoon.
Friday, December 5, 1890--8 a. Cloudy most of the time. Mr. Coffeen visited the
school
yesterday. He also lectured last evening at the schoolhouse to the scholars and
parents. The two
older boys went.
Saturday, December 6, 1890--13 a. Clear and cold. Bailey and I worked at fixing
up our
spare bedroom. John helped. Alfred chored around and helped some. Oscar and
Bennett’s boys
and Charley Newcomer all went off on a hunt.
Sunday, December 7, 1890--1 b. Clear and cold. We all except Oscar went to
Meeting. Rose
has not come home yet. Bailey and I went home with Ezra Pearson and staid til
evening.
Monday, December 8, 1890--6 a. Nice clear day. Drillers are here today. They
found water,
but not enough. Rose came home this evening. Bailey went to Hesper, then drove
for the
drillers.
Tuesday, December 9, 1890--24 a. Wind south. We went to the funeral of Sid
Hubble’s
wife. Brother Traman preached the sermon, a splendid sermon, too. In afternoon I
went to B.
Haines to make a bed tick.
Wednesday, December 10, 1890--32 a. Nice clear day. Men worked all day trying to
get
the rope out of our well. Yesterday while Bailey and the boys were drawing
water, the rope
broke and dropped back in the well.
Thursday, December 11, 1890--Cold and cloudy. I went to Meeting. Bailey had to
stay at
home to help get the rope out of the well. It is still in the well. I walked up
to Hesper to
Meeting and came back with E. Johnsons. Children went to missionary society.
Friday, December 12, 1890--Nice day. Men got the rope out of well late in
afternoon
yesterday and they began to drill again about 11 o’clock today. Rose and I did a
big ironing
this forenoon and in the afternoon we and John went to Newhouse.
Saturday, December 13, 1890--22 a. Cold wind from SW. The teacher, Miss May
Decker,
came home with the children last evening and went with them to the teacher’s
meeting at
Hesper today. We all went up this evening to the entertainment. Had a pleasant
and, I trust, a
profitable time.

May Decker
Monday, December 15, 1890--22 a. Nice day. Bailey fixed for drawing water from
our well.
We have plenty of water but a hard way of getting it. I went to Susie Talberts
this afternoon to
do some sewing. I made three pillow ticks and did some other sewing.
Tuesday, December 16, 1890--26 a. Nice in forenoon, blustery in afternoon.
Bailey made a
drum for drawing water, then went to B. Haines and got some lime. Rose washed. I
put house
finish on the kitchen. The teacher came home with the children and went with
them to the
Endeavor.
Wednesday, December 17, 1890--16 a. Nice day. Bailey made a spout to run water
into a tub
and did some other chores. Bailey visited with Billy Sinclair quite awhile. Him
and wife took
dinner here.
Thursday, December 18, 1890--29 a. Nice day. Bailey plastered overhead in
kitchen. We
ironed in forenoon. In afternoon I went to Hesper to meet with W.C.T.U. Had a
good meeting.
Thomas Wilson died yst. morning at 5 o’clock.
Friday, December 19, 1890--29 a. Cloudy in the morning but it soon cleared off
and a
lovely day it was, warm and bright. Bailey was plastering the kitchen. I did my
baking. Rose
went to visit the school.
Saturday, December 20, 1890--36 a. Nice day. We went to Monthly Meeting. Boys
killed 2
rabbits and got up wood to do over Sunday. Bailey finished plastering.
Sunday, December 21, 1890--36 a. Nice day. We all went to Meeting. Took our
dinners and
did not come back til after the funeral at 2 o’clock. Mr. Ridley preached the
funeral sermon.
Monday, December 22, 1890--Nice day. Bailey went to see Monroe this forenoon and
to
B. Haines in afternoon. Rose washed. B’s hogs are dying with cholera.
Tuesday, December 23, 1890--16 a. Quite cold, high wind from NW. Bailey helped
Will
Johnson saw wood. Rose, Oscar and myself went to G. Fawcetts to their wooden
wedding. John
and Alfred went to B. Haines.
Wednesday, December 24, 1890--6 a. Cold and cloudy. Snowed some, not enough to
cover
the ground. Bailey helped Will Johnson saw wood til noon.
Thursday, December 25, 1890--Clear and cold. Bailey and I went to Meeting, then
to B.
Haines to dinner. The children went from home to Bennett’s. Charley Camps were
there too.
Mary Haines took sick just before dinner. We all went to Hesper last evening to
a Christmas
tree. Had a nice time. The trees were very pretty and loaded with presents.
Friday, December 26, 1890--28 a. Heavy wind from SW. Bailey took our chickens to
Mabel and sold them. Got 5 cts. per lb. Mary Haines was very sick all last
night. Is some better
today.
Saturday, December 27, 1890--6 a. Clear, cold. High wind from NW. Bailey went to
Riceford
to mill. He got a sack of meal and 50 lbs. of buckwheat flour and 50 lbs. nice
middlings. He
suffered a good deal with cold. Lucretia Talbert and Grace visited here this
afternoon.
Sunday, December 28, 1890--16 a. Nice day. Wind S. We went to Meeting. Ezra
preached a
good sermon. Eddie & Lizzie Haines, also E. Fuller were here this afternoon.
Monday, December 29, 1890--20 a. A lovely day. Rose washed. Men cut wood.
Clouded up
towards night. Rose and I went to I. Fawcetts this afternoon to sew some.
Tuesday, December 30, 1890--30 a. A lovely day, quite warm. Boys helped B.
Haines saw
wood. Bailey chored around home. We ironed and did various things.
Wednesday, December 31, 1890--39 a. Cloudy and misting. The boys helped B.
Haines saw
wood. Bailey and Rose whitewashed the kitchen overhead. Rose and I put our
comfort in the
frames and in the evening B. Haines’ children, Birdie Johnson and B. Burgess and
E. Fuller
came in and helped our children tack it.
Thursday, January 1, 1891--33 a. Rained most all night and was still raining
this morning,
but soon quit and began to snow. The girls could not go home last night. Oscar
took them
home this morning. Prudie Reid came here this afternoon.
Prudie
Reid (married Henry Casterton)
Saturday, January 3, 1891--6 a. Nice day. Bailey is sick abed today. He has
grippe, I guess. We did not do much. I went with Lizzie Casterton to B. Haines
to see about her teeth. We were not gone long.
Sunday, January 4, 1891--12 a. Nice day. All of us except Bailey and Alfred went
to
Meeting. Prudie and Agnes went with us. We had a splendid sermon.
Monday, January 5, 1891--15 a. Nice day. Children commenced school again today.
Bailey
fixed up the stables today. Rose washed this forenoon and we quilted this
afternoon. Rose went
this eve to J. Darringtons to work a few days. Bennett was here today.
Tuesday, January 6, 1891--18 a. Nice day. I had a sick headache all day and
still have it
tonight. Bailey chopped wood at home.
Wednesday, January 7, 1891--15 a. Nice day. Bailey and I feel some better. We
went to E. G.
Pearson’s hauling bee. We all had a nice time, and they got up a big lot of
wood. There was a
liquor trial today in Hesper.
Thursday, January 8, 1891--9 a. Nice day. Bailey and I went to Meeting, and we
and Elijah
and Loo went to Frank Newcomers for dinner. Then Loo and I went to meet with the
Ladies Aid.
Friday, January 9, 1891--19 a. Nice day. Clear. Melted some. Bailey hauling
manure from
Hesper. I ironed in the forenoon, then helped John with his paper for the
Literary. Then quilted
some.
Saturday, January 10, 1891--17 a. Nice day. Melting some. Cloudy part of the
time. Bailey
hauled one load from Hesper and one load of wood from timber. Oscar went to
Bersee’s and L.
Talberts. John went to I. Fawcetts and got me a piece of meat for greaser for
griddle pan. This
afternoon the boys hauled a load from Hesper and Bailey chopped wood at home. We
all went
to the Literary last evening.
Sunday, January 11, 1891--20 a. Nice clear day. Pa, Oscar and I went to Meeting.
Mother
staid at home with Alfred. He was quite sick last night. Charlie Newcomer was
here this
afternoon. Rose got home tonight.
Monday, January 12, 1891--24 a. Cloudy and spit snow all day. Turned cold in the
evening.
Alfred is better but did not go to school. Pa and Ma went to Roe Whites tonight.
They will
start to Highland tomorrow.
Tuesday, January 13, 1891--9 a. Nice day. Wind SW. Roe Whites and Bailey and I
went to
Highland today. Did not get cold.
Wednesday, January 14, 1891--Wind NW til about 2 o’clock, then turned to the SW.
We
were at Highland Preparative Meeting today. We find the friends here in better
condition than
we expected, though not all that we could desire.
Thursday, January 15, 1891--Cloudy and cold in the morning, but cleared off nice
towards
evening. Bailey went to meeting. Nettie Fawcett came here to visit, so I could
not go.
Friday, January 16, 1891--9 a. Cloudy and spitting snow most all day. The Aid
Society had
a Bee at J. Antrims to sew for Kenyons. We did considerable sewing and got suits
for the two
older boys.
Saturday, January 17, 1891--13 a. Lovely day. Mercury up to 34. Oscar took our
hogs to
Prosper. Got 3 cts. per lb. for them. John went with B. Haines folks to Decorah.
I was down to
J. Fawcetts a while today. Bailey fixed a pen for our little pigs that W. O.
Casterton gave us.
Sunday, January 18, 1891--23 a. Very nice warm day. We are having a Jan. thaw.
We and
the boys went to Meeting and Sabbath School. Rose has not been home since
Thursday. Ezra
Pearson’s brother is here now. Anna keeps poorly.
Monday, January 19, 1891--21 a. A beautiful day. Boys all went to school. Bailey
hauled
from Hesper in forenoon and in afternoon he hauled grubs. I fixed up John’s
coat.
Tuesday, January 20, 1891--30 a. Warm and cloudy. Mercury up to 40 at noon.
Bailey hauled
from Hesper in forenoon and grubs in afternoon. I was at Nell Fawcetts awhile.
Grace Casterton
was there.
Wednesday, January 21, 1891--29 a. Cloudy and snowed most all day. Pleasant. We,
Bailey
and I, went and took Bennett & Mary Haines to L. Chases to visit. Elijah and Lou
Johnson
went too. We all had a pleasant visit. E. G. Pearson and brother stopped there
awhile. They
were on their way to Bluffton & Cresco.
Thursday, January 22, 1891--23 a. Cloudy and spit snow most all day. Bailey and
I washed
in forenoon. I took cold, and it first settled in my cheek, then went to my
throat. Miss Decker
staid here tonight. She and the boys went to Endeavor meeting.
Friday, January 23, 1891--20 a. Cloudy. I had quite a spell. My face swelled up
first, then it
went to my throat, and that was terrible sore, but this morning I seem all
right. Bailey and I
went to Select Meeting today.
Saturday, January 24, 1891--3 a. Nice day, some colder. Bailey, John and myself
went to
Monthly Meeting. We took the ministry away from Aaron Davidson and Zeno Battey.
Then
Zeno resigned his right of membership with us. Our Elders now are Moses Gove, A.
Hawks,
Bailey G. Street, Lydia Cook, Deborah Hawks and Mary Haines.
Sunday, January 25, 1891--22 a. Nice day. Mostly cloudy. We all except Oscar
went to
Meeting. He is not well. Bailey and I went to B. Haines for dinner, and all
their children and
Flora Cameron came here. Mr. Bly preached for us yesterday and today. He
preached a splendid
sermon today. Oscar is better this eve.
Monday, January 26, 1891--21 a. Nice pleasant day. Dessie was home yesterday.
Rose came
home yesterday. She washed today. Bailey went this forenoon to see about getting
some more
wood.
Tuesday, January 27, 1891--Nice clear day. All of us boys went to school. Pa
hauled two
loads of manure in forenoon. Pa and Ma went to Billy Sinclairs to spend the
evening. Rose went
this eve to work for Dilwin Miles.
Wednesday, January 28, 1891--28 a. Cloudy and snowed most all day and is still
snowing
this eve. Bailey went to Newhouse this forenoon and got a new rope for our well.
He took up 5
dozen eggs. Got 18 cts. per dozen. Got rope for 12 1/2 cts. per lb.
Thursday, January 29, 1891--Cloudy and snowed some. We now have about 8 inches
of
snow. Bailey and I went to Meeting. Miss Decker came home with the children.
Friday, January 30, 1891--10 a. Beautiful day. Mercury up to 35 before 10
o’clock. Wind
south. Alfred came home sick last eve. He is quite poorly today. The children
and teacher and
Grace Talbert all went to Endeavor last eve. I ironed today.
Saturday, January 31, 1891--30 a. Pleasant. Snowed more last night. Cloudy
today. Bailey
hauled one load wood in forenoon. In afternoon O. & J. went to Newhouse and got
each a new
pair of overshoes. Ezra and Anna Pearson were here visiting today. They took
dinner with us.
Monday, February 1, 1891--10 a. Cleared off nice, only cold. We all except
Alfred went to
Meeting. Ezra preached a good sermon. We brought Nellie Pearson home with us
today. We all
went to the Medal contest last evening. The speakers all did well. Oscar Street
took the medal.
Monday, February 2, 1891--3 b. Last night was the coldest we have had this
winter. Mercury
went down to 4 below, but it has been going up all day til it reached 19, then
the wind got back
to the NW and at dark it is 4 below zero.
Tuesday, February 3, 1891--27 b. Very cold. High wind from SW in forenoon and
mercury
come up to 21. Then the wind turned to the NW and mercury began to go down. Will
Johnson
was here awhile. Too cold to work outdoors.
Wednesday, February 4, 1891--30 b. Very cold in forenoon. A heavy wind from SW.
A good
deal warmer by noon, 6 b. Bailey took the children to school. Nellie Pearson is
going to school
from here now. Alfred is still too poorly to go. I ironed and baked light bread
today.
Thursday, February 4, 1892--29 a. Pleasant day but cloudy. Sprinkled snow a
little. We
went to Meeting today again. Bailey came home and I staid up and attended Union.
I took
dinner with Kate Antrim. We all attended evening meeting.
Friday, February 5, 1892--18 a. A lovely day. Clear. Bailey and I attended
Meeting at ten. J. Coleman preached a good sermon on sowing. We all went to evening meeting.
Saturday, February 6, 1892--27 a. Cloudy all day. Spit snow a little. John
helped me in
forenoon. Bailey went to see Amos Earle. O. & J. cut up some wood here. Alfred
went to L.
Talberts today to visit with Frank Johnson’s boys. In aft. Bailey hauled 2 loads
of wood from
timber and John sawed wood at schoolhouse. Oscar sawed some there this forenoon.
Sunday, February 7, 1892--27 a. Cloudy. Spit some snow today. Snowed two or
three inches
last night. We went to Meeting in the sled. Mr. Parker preached. Mr. Coleman is
sick. We all
went to evening meeting and took Lou & Flo. Mr. Parker preached.
Eli
Parker
Tuesday, February 9, 1892--10 b. Quite cold. Clear and but little wind. Bailey
and I went to
Meeting at 10. We all except Oscar went to evening meeting. We do have such
splendid
meetings. We took up 5 doz. eggs at 20 cts. per dozen.
Wednesday, February 10, 1892--23 a. Pleasant. Cloudy. Snow is melting some.
Bailey and I
went to Meeting at 10. We all went to evening (meeting). Had a good meeting.
Thursday, February 11, 1892--5 a. Quite a cold blustery day. Bailey and I and
Lou & Birdie
went to Meeting. Had pretty fair meeting. E. Johnson took off his hogs. We took
dinner there
so Bailey could help Elijah load up his hogs.
Friday, February 12, 1892--Zero. Cloudy. More pleasant. Bailey and I went to
Meeting. Had
a tolerable good meeting. I got each of the older boys a white shirt and Alfred
a box of collars.
Saturday, February 13, 1892--29 a. Pleasant day. Mostly cloudy. Boys cut wood at
home this
forenoon and Bailey went to B. Haines. Alfred helped me iron. In the afternoon
Bailey went to
O. Castertons to pay off interest. Oscar went East to visit a school. A. went to
Talberts. John
helped me.
Sunday, February 14, 1892--12 a. Cold. Heavy NW wind. Bailey and I went to
Meeting. Had
a good meeting. Joseph Coleman preached. The house was full. We all except Oscar
went to
evening meeting.
Monday, February 15, 1892--20 b. Quite cold. Clear. We washed in forenoon. In
afternoon
Bailey went to O. Castertons. Alfred was not well enough to go to school. He
professed
conversion last evening at meeting. So did E. Fuller.
Tuesday, February 16, 1892--9 b. Not so cold as yesterday. Bailey and I went to
ten o’clock
Meeting and all of us to evening meeting. Had good meetings.
Wednesday, February 17, 1892--27 a. Quite warm. Sleighing most gone. Bailey and
I went
to ten o’clock Meeting and all only Oscar to evening meeting.
Thursday, February 18, 1892--14 a. Some colder. Wind NE. Cloudy. Bailey and I
went to
ten o’clock Meeting. Had a wonderful good meeting. God was with us in power.
Joseph
Coleman came home with us for dinner. The Insurance Agent took dinner with us
too. We all
went to Endeavor and evening meeting. The battle between God’s children and
Satan is raging
hot. Aunt Deborah Hawks fell in getting out of the buggy and hurt her arm badly.
Friday, February 19, 1892--14 a. Cloudy. Snowed a little last night. We did not
go to ten
o’clock Meeting. I had to iron and bake light bread and Bailey went to look for
feed. We all
went to Meeting this evening. Had a good meeting. Willie Haines & John Smelsley
both
professed conversion this evening.
Will
Haines
Sunday, February 21, 1892--22 a. Cloudy and warm. We had to take to the buggy
again. We
all went to morning Meeting. Mrs. Marrige preached about our individual
influence. Our
Meeting House was well filled. Rose & Hilda came and went to meeting with us.
None of us
went this evening. The boys went to Mabel to hear another colored man preach. O.
& J. went to
Canton to hear him lecture last evening.
Monday, February 22, 1892--34 a. Cloudy and foggy. We washed this forenoon. In
the
afternoon Bailey went to B. Haines. The boys went to evening meeting and to
school exercises
afterwards. I have a bad cold.
Tuesday, February 23, 1892--32 a. Cloudy and foggy. Bailey and I went to ten
o’clock
Meeting and I staid up til evening meeting and attended Mothers Meeting at three
o’clock. It
was a good meeting. Mary Haines, Lou Johnson and I took dinner at J. Antrims.
Wednesday, February 24, 1892--33 a. Cloudy. Snowed a little last night and
today. Bailey
went to Hervey Battey’s sale today. He bought some corn, a clock, a map & some
jars. Oscar
did not go to school today. He is not well. Bailey also got 8 saucers at sale,
also several other
small things. I have a cold.
Thursday, February 25, 1892--32 a. Nice day. I went to Meeting. Bailey went to
Hervey
Battey’s after corn. It cost 35 cts. per bushel. I staid up til evening to
attend the Temperance
Lecture by Rachel Marrige. It was good. Lou Johnson and I took dinner at
Parkers.
Friday, February 26, 1892--Clear nice day. Bailey brought home 2 loads of corn
from Batteys.
I ironed. I set two hens today. I was over to see Big John’s baby. It is a girl.
Saturday, February 27, 1892--28 a. Pleasant. Bailey and Oscar hauled a load of
flax straw
and a load of cane stalks to cover crib and covered it. John cut and sawed wood
most of today.
The other boys helped him some when not busy at other things. Alfred helped me
some about
Sat. work.
Sunday, February 28, 1892--28 a. Pleasant, cloudy and snowed some. We all went
to Meeting
and Oscar went to evening meeting.
Monday, February 29, 1892--30 a. Pleasant. Cloudy. Snowed an inch or so last
night. We
washed today. H. Battey and Ruby were here awhile today. So was Linn T.
Tuesday, March 1, 1892--14 a. A beautiful day. Bailey hauled 3 loads from
Hesper. He got
our buggy tire mended, also Alfred’s boots half-soled. I did various things.
Wednesday, March 2, 1892--Cloudy. Bailey hauled one load from Hesper. Bailey
fixed his
buggy wheel today. Miss Decker came home with the children this evening, and
Lizzie and
Eddie Haines came over to spend the evening.
Thursday, March 3, 1892--32 a. Cloudy. Bailey and I went to Meeting. The boys
went
to Endeavor and Joseph Coleman came home with the children. He starts home
tomorrow.
Rained some today.
Friday, March 4, 1892--32 a. Cloudy. We started to Decorah between 6 and 7
o’clock to
take Joseph Coleman. Snowed last night. Bailey got him an overcoat. Paid 6
dollars for it. I got
me a coat. Paid 5 dols. I got me a pair of shoes for 1.25; John a pair of shoes
for 2.00; Alfred
1.15. I got Oscar a stiff hat. Paid 1.25. Got me a footstone for 35 cts. I got
Rose an apron, black
sateen. I got 2 yds. bleach muslin, 8 cts. per yd.; paper 10 cts; breast pin 50
cts.; rubbers 40 cts.
Saturday, March 5, 1892--26 a. Nice clear day. I ironed and baked and the boys
sawed a
little stove wood. Bailey went to Hesper. Mr. Parker was here awhile this
afternoon. We sent
for Green’s paper today.
Sunday, March 6, 1892--26 a. Nice day. We all went to Meeting and then we all
went to B. W.
Haines for dinner. Mr. Cammack and wife went there too. So did C. and E. Camp.
We had a
pleasant time.
Monday, March 7, 1892--21 a. Nice clear day. We washed in forenoon and in
afternoon
Bailey went to school meeting. They elected L.Talbert for Director.
Tuesday, March 8, 1892--27 a. Warm day. Mercury got up to 43. I ironed. Bailey
hauled two
loads of manure from Hesper on to Pike’s Peak and one load home. We spent the
evening at
Castertons.
Wednesday, March 9, 1892--26 a. Quite a blizzard from the NW. Snowing and
blowing.
Charley Camp and Stella came down to visit. It stormed so they had to stay all
night. Started
order for seeds today.
Thursday, March 10, 1892--2 a. High wind from NW, but not so bad a day as
yesterday.
Charley Camps went home about eleven o’clock today. We had a good visit with
them. We
did not go to Meeting. I have a bad cold. So has Oscar.
Friday, March 11, 1892--Bailey went to Bob Fulton’s sale this forenoon. Clear
but not cold.
Nell & Nettie Fawcett were here visiting. Had Bessie and their two little tots
with them. We had
a pleasant time together. Bailey went to Hesper in afternoon.
were scuffling and fell. Dr. Worth set it.
Sunday, March 13, 1892--17 a. Quite a cold day. Froze up and rough. I did not go
to Meeting.
I have headache. B. Haines family all came here to dinner, but Mother did not
come, as we
expected. Dr. Worth was here again today to see Everett’s arm. Boys except
Alfred went to night
meeting at Norwegian church. So did Lizzie Haines.
Monday, March 14, 1892--7 a. Quite cold. Clear. Bailey went to School Meeting. I
was not
well enough to do much. Susie Talbert was here awhile this afternoon. Alfred did
not go to
school today.
Tuesday, March 15, 1892--5 a. Quite cold. Wind NW. Clear. We did not do anything
today.
Bailey is not well. Neither am I. Oscar went to a sale NE of here at Liens. John
visited the school
east of here this afternoon. Al was at Linn’s awhile. Everett is better. Bill
Berg, E. Haines and
Fuller were here last eve.
Wednesday, March 16, 1892--Zero. Nice clear day. Quite cold, but little wind.
Bailey and I
washed in forenoon. Oscar went to Hesper and got Sam’s front shoes fixed and
John and Alfred
sawed and split cord wood at home. In afternoon they all went to timber.
Thursday, March 17, 1892--Zero. Clear and cloudy by turns. Quite cold wind NW.
Bailey
and I went to Preparative Meeting. Got home half past two. Boys finished cutting
our wood down
in Bursee’s woods this afternoon. Bailey & Oscar went to the half-acre SW of
here to chop, and
John and Alfred hauled cord wood from Swainsons.
Friday, March 18, 1892--11 a. Clear and nice. Quite cold in the morning, but got
very
pleasant up in the day. Bailey hauled wood from Bursee’s timber. Oscar and
Alfred chopped
in timber in forenoon. In afternoon Oscar helped L.Talbert take his fat cattle
to Mabel. John
helped Will Casterton saw wood today. I feel very poorly.
Saturday, March 19, 1892--8 a. Mostly clear. High wind from NW. Quite cold.
Bailey went
to M. Meeting today. It was so blustery and I have a bad cold, so I did not go.
Bailey and Oscar
both have bad colds. The boys, O. & J., cut wood in the timber. I got my crayon
portrait
today. I would not give five cents for it. It don’t look like me at all.
Sunday, March 20, 1892--20 a. Nice day. We all except Oscar went to Meeting and
then to
B. Haines for dinner. Dessie and Nettie were there. Also Charley and Stella Camp
and Charley
Newcomer. Oscar went to Mabel to evening meeting. Hector preached.
Monday, March 21, 1892--11 a. Very bright early this morning but soon clouded
up. Raw
wind from south. The menfolk put their bees out this morning. I guess they will
put them back
this evening. They wintered well. We washed. Bailey got up 2 loads of wood. Boys
chopped in
timber. This afternoon Bailey went to Hesper to get the horse’s shoes sharpened.
No more
school this term. Mae Decker is sick.
Tuesday, March 22, 1892--22 a. Warmer. We had quite a blizzard last evening and
night.
About an inch of snow, but it is melting today. Bailey and Oscar sprouted
potatoes this forenoon
and John and Alfred shelled some corn to take to mill this afternoon. O. & J.
went to the timber
to cut wood. I am not well. Had sick headache last night, so I could not go to
Hector’s lecture.
The boys went. Set a hen.
Wednesday, March 23, 1892--15 a. A beautiful day. Clear and pleasant. Bailey and
I took a
sack of corn to McMillen to get ground. Then we went to Roe Whites and spent the
day.
Prudie Reid got married today. We called at Joseph Hawks a while. It was between
7 & 8 o’clock
when we got home. We left E. Fuller alone. The boys chopped in timber. Alfred
went with us.
He staid all night there.
Thursday, March 24, 1892--27 a. A lovely day. Oscar hauled one load of wood.
Then they
chopped here the rest of the day. It was too muddy to haul. Alfred got home
between 1 & 2
o’clock. None of us went to Meeting. Bailey and I went to see May D. & Em Oren.
Friday, March 25, 1892--28 a. Nice day. Seems like spring. A robin sang us a
song this
morning from the top of our weather vane. Men cut wood here today. They put the
bees out for
a fly. We set a hen today.
Saturday, March 26, 1892--28 a. Cloudy most of the time. We went to L.Talberts
to a dinner
given in honor of Lucretia’s birthday. She is 78 years old. We had a nice time.
Men finished
cutting what wood was here, and Oscar went to Newhouse and got him a pair of
rubbers.
Bailey took dinner at Linns. The two boys went to F. Newcomers this evening to a
birthday
party for Frank. They report a good time.
Sunday, March 27, 1892--30 a. A lovely day. Alfred and I did not go to Meeting.
Our buggy
is broke. Those that went report a good meeting. John staid up.
Monday, March 28, 1892--27 a. Nice day. A little cooler, but very pleasant.
Bailey and I
washed this forenoon and the boys cut cord wood in our timber. In the afternoon
Bailey went
to Mabel. The boys all piled brush awhile, then Oscar & Grace Talbert went to M.
Orens to
give Mae Decker a Bible from her pupils, and Alfred quit to play with Burr and
Willard Talbert,
so John was left alone. E. Fuller is still here.
Tuesday, March 29, 1892--32 a. Warm day. High wind from south. Bailey and John &
Everett went to a sale east of here at Kjomme. B. got a molasses keg for 35 cts.
Oscar burned
brush in forenoon. In afternoon he cut a cord of wood at timber. Sowed my
tomatoes today.
Wednesday, March 30, 1892--Rainy last night and today, but little water fell.
Boys cut cord
wood in forenoon. Bailey fixed up his grindstone. They did not work in
afternoon. Too rainy.
Thursday, March 31, 1892--Warm day. Bailey went to Meeting. There was a minister
there
from Ohio named Jacob Baker. He preached a good sermon. I was not well enough to
go. Oscar
chopped all day down in the timber, and John most of the day, too. Alfred helped
me.
Friday, April 1, 1892--52 a. Quite warm. Showery most of the day. Bailey and
John went to
Meeting. The boys chopped 2 cords of wood this aftenoon. Everett went to Amos
Earles to visit
with Eugene.
Saturday, April 2, 1892--39 a. Some cooler. Bailey and Oscar went to Newhouse
this
forenoon (so did Alfred) and this afternoon Bailey & Oscar went to Mabel. They
were looking
for a buggy, but concluded to get our old buggy fixed up. John staid at home
with me this
afternoon. Al went to L. Talberts. Everett Fuller came back this afternoon.
Sunday, April 3, 1892--Cloudy and showery towards evening. We all and Everett
went to
Meeting. Heard J. Baker preach a good sermon. Mother Street was at meeting. She
came to
Hesper on the stage Friday. She is well. Bailey & I went over awhile this
afternoon to see her.
Everett went home with Francis today after meeting.
Monday, April 4, 1892--Cloudy and rainy part of today. Cleared off about noon
until
evening, then it rained a little more. After dinner Bailey and I went to Hesper,
he to take the
buggy up, I to see Mary Cameron. The boys worked in timber this afternoon. In
forenoon
John and I washed and the others washed off the buggy wheels and got them ready
to take to
the shop.
Tuesday, April 5, 1892--Cloudy all day. Wind NW. Some cool. The boys worked in
timber
cutting posts til noon. David and Alfred spread manure awhile, then Bailey went
to Earles. H. W.
Johnson to see about hay this afternoon. He went and got a half ton from W.
Johnson. Boys
moved some corn from stable loft to crib. Then they took up our blackberries and
cut out some
wood in red raspberry patch.
Wednesday, April 6, 1892--A lovely day. Clear. Men grubbed today. They got Uncle
Russell
Tabor’s machine. A. & I ironed. E. Fuller came back here today, this afternoon.
My tomatoes
are up and have been several days. E. Darrington gets married today.
Thursday, April 7, 1892--Nice day. Bailey and I went to Meeting. Also E. Fuller.
I staid up
to the Union, then came home with Lou and Elijah Johnson. Boys grubbed all day
and Bailey
helped them in afternoon.
Friday, April 8, 1892--Quite cold this morning, freezing some. Menfolks are
grubbing. I
went to L. Talberts awhile this afternoon and Susie and I came up to Johns
awhile.
Saturday, April 9, 1892--17 a. Cool. Ground froze hard. Quite a wind from NW.
Men worked
this forenoon with overcoats & mittens on, cutting out wood in old raspberry
patch. This
afternoon Bailey and Oscar grubbed & John went to B. Haines and F. Newcomers to
take saw
home and get some harrow teeth. Alfred staid in the house. He has a bad cough.
Oscar’s cold
or grippe still holds onto him but don’t stop him from work. We all have colds.
Sunday, April 10, 1892--17 a. Nice day. Cold. We all went to Meeting. Mr.
Westgate
preached a good sermon. B. Haines & family and Mother came home with us and
staid til
evening.
Monday, April 11, 1892--24 a. Some warmer. A nice day. John and I washed in
forenoon.
Bailey and Oscar grubbed a while, then they broke both chains and Oscar took
them to Hesper
and got them mended. Then he went out east of here and got a load of oats for
Jim Cameron.
Bailey and the other boys grubbed the rest of the day.
Tuesday, April 12, 1892--28 a. Quite warm. Men grubbed, all but one of them, and
they
hauled wood. I went to E. Johnsons this afternoon to get Bird to cut my gingham
dress for me,
the one Lizzie Casterton gave me. I ironed in forenoon. I am not well.
Wednesday, April 13, 1892--38 a. Cloudy and the wind is chilly. Men grubbed this
forenoon,
only Bailey had to go to Hesper to transfer the Preparative Meeting property
over to the
Monthly Meeting. In the afternoon Bailey and John grubbed til about the middle
of the afternoon
and Oscar hauled wood. Then it began to snow, and we had quite a hard blizzard,
only not very
cold wind to NE.
Thursday, April 14, 1892--33 a. Nice day overhead. Snow melted a good deal, but
some is
left yet. Bailey and I went to Preparative Meeting today. Was our last one. We
laid down the
Preparative Meeting today. Had a good meeting. Oscar worked awhile this morning.
He finished
cutting out old wood in this old red rasp. patch. Bailey went this afternoon to
see John O.
Johnsons, also to see B. Haines.
Friday, April 15, 1892--Nice bright day. Pleasant. Most of the snow melted
today. Men
grubbed. Lou and Birdie Johnson were here today (this afternoon) and Birdie fit
my dress and
almost made it. Lou helped her. She basted. We had a pleasant time together.
Saturday, April 16, 1892--40 a. Nice day. Heavy wind from SE. All the menfolks
grubbed in
forenoon. After dinner Bailey and I went to W. O. Castertons to see Rose about
helping me
clean house. When we got home, Oscar went to hauling posts and Bailey & John to
grubbing.
Alfred went to hunt flowers.
Sunday, April 17, 1892--42 a. Nice day. Bailey & Oscar went to Meeting. Oscar
broke the
axle of our wagon yesterday, so I could not go, and John had a cold sore on his
mouth and
Alfred said he was not well.
Monday, April 18, 1892--32 a. Nice day. We washed today. Bailey did various
things. He
looked for a team to brake up our grub land and fixed our wagon and set 2 hens.
Grubbed quite
a bit. Oscar helped me awhile, then went to Ogdens to get a plow. This afternoon
he went to
see Ford Worth. He is not well. John and Alfred hauled off grubs.
Tuesday, April 19, 1892--30 a. Nice day. Men tried to break our grub land today
but could
not. Did not have help enough. Oscar is sick this afternoon. Bailey went to see
Dr. Cady. He got
some medicine for Oscar and some headache medicine for me.
Wednesday, April 20, 1892--33 a. Cloudy, chilly east wind. Bailey hauled one
load of
manure from Hesper and John one load. Then Bailey and Al mulched some of the
blackberries.
John carried out and burned raspberry brush. Alfred churned two churnings, which
made 5 lb.
of butter. Got cream of Haines. Paid 16 cts. per lb. In afternoon Bailey went to
L. Talberts
and got some plum trees and they put them out. Then he plowed a small patch in
the garden
and we planted some peas. We were expecting to plant onions and some other
things, but Mr.
Parker and family came here and took supper with us. Oscar is poisoned with ivy.
I think he is
better.
Thursday, April 21, 1892--33 a. Everything is white with snow. It is two or
three inches
deep, but will soon melt if it keeps as warm as it is. It began to rain last
evening and rained til
past midnight. Then it turned to snow. Bailey fixed up his harrow today. B.
Haines was here
this afternoon. John went to Hesper today to canvass for a book, The Life of
Spurgeon. We sold
ten grape vines to Will Aiken today.
Friday, April 22, 1892--38 a. Nice clear warm day. Snow is all gone. Bailey went
to Mabel
this forenoon and got some lumber and our trees from Budd. We aren’t very well
pleased with
them. John helped L. Talbert get and put out some maple trees at school house.
Oscar isn’t so
well today.
Saturday, April 23, 1892--40 a. Nice day. Bailey, John and I went to Meeting.
Had a good
meeting. Oscar is better. We planted onions, radishes, beets and potatoes today.
Ruddy White
came home with us. Got a bottle of sarsaparilla.
Sunday, April 24, 1892--33 a. Nice day, but quite cool. All only Oscar went to
Meeting. He
was not able. When we got home we found Rose, Hilda and Myrtle here. They and
the boys
went out east for a ride. Lizzie Haines and Flora Miles were here awhile this
afternoon. Mr.
Westgate preached today.
Monday, April 25, 1892--30 a. Quite cold. The ground froze some. Bailey, John
and Eddie
Haines are breaking our grub land. Oscar & Alfred started for school today. I
sold W. Goram
two settings of eggs today. The men had to quit breaking at noon today on
account of rain. Rose
came home today. She is going to help clean house. She is washing today.
Tuesday, April 26, 1892--Cool and cloudy. Men are breaking grub land. Eddie is