Victoria “Tory” Middagh (1861-1934)
1887 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers

Collins' Scribbling Diary for 1887
1887 Torie had her 26th birthday during this year.
Showing a Week at an Opening.
Victoria Jamieson's diary
Married in 1891

London and Glasgow:
WILLIAM COLLINS, SONS, & CO., Limited.
MEMORANDA FROM 1886

MEMORANDA FROM 1886.
JANUARY 1887.
1 Saturday (1-364) New Year's Day. Bank Holiday in Scotland.
This is a cold stormy day Frank and I are spending the day at Mr Bowers had a turkey dinner
enjoyed myself very well Miss Loncks came to spend the evening Mr Payne was here for
dinner
The day spring from on high hath visited us
2 Sunday (2-363)
We went to the Dominion Church heard Mr. Carson preach had a very nice sermon. I must
be about my Father's business

3 Monday (3-362)
It has been very stormy to-day the roads are very bad. We went for a drive to the City Miss
Bower and I
Thou art my beloved Son
4 Tuesday (4-361)
We drove in to the City Frank, Ira, Sarah, and Ettie and I I had some photos taken had lots of
fun while we were there got home about dark the two Miss Websters came to spend the
evening had quite a pleasant time
Man shall not live by bread alone
5 Wednesday (5-360)
Went to the City again to-day my Photos weren’t good so I had them taken again we drove
around through the City went to see the water works we spent a very pleasant afternoon
At thy word I will let down the net
6 Thursday (6-359)
We were at Mr Swertfagers to-day for dinner and drove home in the afternoon it was
storming most all the way. We had practice at our place that night for our missionary
meeting. Mr Gilroy and sister were here and Peter Fraser and Electa Sam V and Clark
Bathwill and Miss Scoville and Mr B{cut off} Minne and Nellie are here have been here since
Christmas. I got a letter from Lucy to-day. and one from Miss Rose
Love ye your enemies and do good
7 Friday (7-358)
It is pretty cold to-day Sam was over to practice a little tonight
Her sins which are many are forgiven
8 Saturday (8-357)

Charles & Min went down to Winchester to-day and took Min and Nell home they were
beginning to get homesick. Charles is going to Morrisburg Mother is writing to William to-day
Fear not. believe only
9 Sunday (9-356)
Went to Church to-day heard Mr Robertson preach he and Mr. McArthur changed pulpits Mr
VanAllens and us went together. Mother is not very well tonight has cold chills
Let him deny himself and take up his cross
10 Monday (10-355)
Mother is no better to-day has been in bed all day has a very severe headache we were to
have practice here tonight but we could'nt on account of Mother being sick I hope she will
soon be better Ezra and Min went down to the Grange to practice for the missionary meeting
in the Presbyterian Church. Charles went down to South Morriston I have been working
initials in Sam's and Ezra's caps. Mr Simser was down to pay the rent for the place he has
from Lucy. I sent a letter to Bell and one to Carrie to-day
The harvest truly is great. but the laborers are few
11 Tuesday (11-354)
This has been a very fine day almost too nice to stay in the house but it has turned out
stormy tonight we went down to missionary meeting Sam and Ezra and I there was only a
few there the speakers were Mr Conley and Mr Furgeson Mr Shaw was chairman
Mother is a good deal better to-day although not able to sit up much.
Tim Workman was working for Charles to-day in the woods and a limb fell down him and hurt
him pretty bad cut his head and hurt his shoulder. the Musical Convention started to-day
How much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
12 Wednesday (12-353)

It is storming yet to-day but it is a great deal warmer Charles has just gone to the Office I
sent for my photos Mr Ferguson and Sam Van Allen called here to-day. the boys began to
cut ice to-day. sent a letter to Lucy
All these things shall be added
13 Thursday (13-352)
It has been very cold to-day but Sam and I did'nt mind it much as we drove down to Alex
Hyndmans for a visit Amanda Smith and here mother were here while we were gone I was
very sorry that I was away. we just got home after they had started. Charles and Ezra are
cutting ice to-day again Ezra and Min have gone down to missionary meeting tonight in the
Presbyterian Church Sam VanAllen started for Beachburg to-day
Strive to enter in at the strait gate
14 Friday (14-351)
This is a very stormy day has been storming all day and blowing the roads will be blocked.
there was to be a concert in Kemptville to-night but i dont think any person can get there as it
is so rough it seems to bad for I think it would have been pretty good the Convention lasted
four days and was to end tonight with a concert. Jim Clark was here for dinner Sam is down
to Aleck Hydmans to-day. I dont know when he will be home.
Go out into the highways and hedges
15 Saturday (15-350)
Our folk was sawing wood to-day Jim Clark was sawing for us they finished tonight Alick and
Tibbie came up this afternoon and the children they had a hard time getting through as the
roads are so bad
My Son was dead and is alive again
16 Sunday (16-349)
This is a lovely day but the roads are very bad we did'nt get out to Church in the morning but
Eck Christie called for us to go to the Baptist Church in the evening and Sam and I went with
them but there was no preaching. this is Ezras last Sunday at home it dont seem possible
Frank and Jake and Leib Christie were here to-day

17 Monday (17-348)
This is a very stormy day not very pleasant to be out. the boys have just gone to Kemptville
to take Ezra out to the station oh how hard it was to part with him our dear brother but we
part with the hope of meeting him again. my dear Mother feels so bad to have him go. it was
a sad parting it was harder to part with her then all the rest. what love can be compared with
a Mothers love. but I hope we will all meet here on earth again. and God grant that we will all
meet in Heaven where there is no more parting, it seems good that he is not going among
strangers he is going to be right with my brother Will and wife and Lucy I know they will be
glad to see him.
Where are the nine?
18 Tuesday (18-347)
We went up to the The Convention started to-day it is such a stormy day we could'nt go.
Prof[illegible} Beal is holding the Convention
Suffer little children to come unto me.
19 Wednesday (19-346)
We went to the Convention this afternoon Sam and Min and Frank and I I staid up for tea
and Sam came up in the evening Jake got us each a ticket and Frank joined too Annie
Coleman came home with us
The Son of Man is come to seek and to save
20 Thursday (20-345)
Sam and Annie Coleman and Frank and I went up to the Convention to-day took our lunch
and did'nt come home till after evening service we had a splendid time. Annie came home
with us again
Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken
21 Friday (21-344)
We went again this morning to the Convention the four of us took our lunch we have three
sessions each day. I think he is a splendid teacher I dont like to miss one session I intended

staying till after the concert but John McKinder and his mother came up to our place and he
and Charles went up to the Church in the afternoon and I came home with them and he and I
went up to the concert we all had to sing that attended the Convention we got along pretty
sang over twenty pieces
Until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled
22 Saturday (22-343)
John and his mother went away this afternoon. it is raining to-day, Charles has gone back to
Kirkwoods to-day to an Auction
This cup is the new testament in my blood
23 Sunday (23-342)
It has been raining nearly all day but Sam and I went up to the Baptist Church the had Song
Service there Mr Beal was there
Father, into they hands I commend my spirit
24 Monday (24-341)
This has been a stormy day we washed to-day had a large washing. Mrs VanAllen was over
this afternoon for a visit Frank came up in the evening and Rob Beggs was here
Ought not Christ to have suffered these things
25 Tuesday (25-340)
Charles and I went to Kemptville to-day it was pleasant when we started but before we got
far it began to storm and stormed all the way there We came home with Alick Clark
Ye shall be witnesses unto me
26 Wednesday (26-339)
This has been a very cold day but pleasant Min and I went back to Martha Smiths to a
quilting bee Frank took his Mother and us back in the cutter and Charles came after us.
Annie Clark and Martha and Mary Jane Brown were up here for a visit Mother had them all to
herself they were gone home before we got home

He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear
27 Thursday (27-338)
Peter Fraser was here this evening a little while
Such as I have give I thee
28 Friday (28-337)
This has been a very nice day but stormed a little in the afternoon. Mrs VanAllen and Min
and I went up to Mr Blairs for a visit and Sam and I went over to Mr VanAllens in the evening
We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard
29 Saturday (29-336)
This has been a very pleasant day Sam and I went down to Alick Hyndmans I staid all night
Alick and Libbie and I went down to Lucretia Hyndmans to spend the evening Mr Graham
was there
Rejoicing that they were counted worthy
30 Sunday (30-335)
We went to Church to the Presbyterian Mr Cameron preached
Men of honest report full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom
31 Monday (31-334)
This has been a very nice day we washed this forenoon and I went over to Mr VanAllens to
twist some yarn staid there for tea
Sam got home from Beachburg to-day
Lord lay not this sin to their charge
Feb 1 Tuesday (32-333)

This has been a very pleasant day. Mrs Smith and Mrs Fraser were here for dinner went
over to Mr VanAllens for tea Mother went over with them the first she has been out this
winter.
Aunt Cloe came here tonight Mr Camel brought her from the Station we did not know her at
first when Mother came home she knew her right away. Alick Hyndman is helping Charles
draw logs out to Kemptville
He was led as a sheep to the slaughter
2 Wednesday (33-332) Candlemas. Scotch Quarter Day.
This has been a very rough day we were dissapointed in going to Winchester there was two
loads of us intended going about forty going down to the skating rink Frank was over here
this afternoon to see if we were going but we will have to put it off till another day when it will
be pleasanter
I am Jesus whom thou persecuted

February 1887.
3 Thursday (34-331)
This has been a very fine day nice and warm
I got a letter from Annie B{illegible}
God is no respecter of persons
4 Friday (35-330)
Went to Winchester to-day two loads of us there was Jim Beggs and Bob Alick Clark Will Jim
Mattie Annie Mary Jane Brown Andrew Christie Lib Hattie Beach Sam and I Frank Van Allen
Jacke Martha McCargan John Charles and Miss Bobbie Hyndman Rob Bryne Joe Bower
Minnie Carrol Carrie Carnel Esther Hyndman Jennie Dougall Clark Balkwill Lizzie
Ag[illegible} Mr Barrington Jennie Black Cassie Miss Justice. we all had our tea at the Bowen
House when we got down there and then went to the skating rink staid there till half past ten
then went over to the tobogan slide I went down the slide four times then we all came back
had oysters and started for home about half past four in the morning

A good man and full of the Holy Ghost
5 Saturday (36-329)
I feel pretty sleepy to-day after being up nearly all night I went down to Uncle Alicks a little
while this afternoon. John Workman was buried to-day I got a letter from Aunt Abbie to-day
Prayer was made without ceasing for him
6 Sunday (37-328)
Went down to Hallville to Church to-day Mr. Conly preached. Sam went out to Kemptville to
hear Miss Scott speak tonight
By Him all that believe are justified from all things
7 Monday (38-327)
Charles and Sam went to Kemptville to-day. Frank V was over here this morning.
8 Tuesday (39-326)
It has been raining nearly all day but Sid Shaw and his wife and Amelia Gurnsey were here
for dinner. Sam went over to Mr. Van Allens tonight Frank was over here to-day a little while
9 Wednesday (40-325)
Sam went to Kemptville to-day and Charles and Frank and Sam and Jake are amusing
themselves skating this afternoon.
10 Thursday (41-324)
Mr Froons has an auction to-day Min and Mrs Van Allen went back to Mrs Frasers to-day,
Sam Van Allen and I went down to Van Camp Church they are having revival meetings there
now
11 Friday (43-323)
This has been a very stormy day. Charles went up to the office Mother got a letter from
Leney

12 Saturday (43-322)
The roads are blocked up to-day with the storm yesterday. Charles is helping Mr. VanAllens
saw wood to-day
13 Sunday (44-321)
This has been a beatiful day but the roads are bad Sam and Min and I went down to the
Presbyterian Church this morning and Sam and I went down to Uncle Alecks this afternoon
and went down to Church with them in the evening
14 Monday (45-320)
This has been a lovely day Sam went to Prescott to-day had Miss Scott for company on the
train he got back tonight
15 Tuesday (46-319)
This has been a stormy forenoon but it cleared off nicely this afternoon and Sam Van Allen
and I went down to Van Camps Church this afternoon to meeting and went to Mr Roses for
tea and then came back for evening service they are having good meetings there
16 Wednesday (47-318)
Sam and I went to Winchester to-day staid at Willie Hyndmans all night found them all well
17 Thursday (48-317)
This has been a lovely day Sam and I left Willie's this afternoon and went to Mr McKuchers
for tea and staid all night went to the skating rink in the evening I did'nt put on the skates but
Sam did
18 Friday (49-316)
It is pretty stormy to-day so rough the they wouldn't let us start for home before dinner so
John went out after Jane and we all went to the rink in the afternoon Sam and John and I put
on the skates Nan Pelton went with us she was stopping at Mr Mercills we had a very nice
time we started home after tea. Andrew Christie was at the rink too.
19 Saturday (50-315)

Sam and I went to Kemptville to-day although I didn't feel very well I was sick nearly all night
last night I went to see Georgie Mills she is real poorly not able to do anything scarcely he
has to do the work we call'd at Martins coming home
20 Sunday (51-314)
This is a very pleasant day Sam and Min and I went down to the Presbyterian Church. Alfred
Tomkins and Ben came here in the afternoon and Cassie and Jennie Black were all here for
tea this is Sams last night at home for awhile
21 Monday (52-313)
Sam started for California to-day it was hard to part with him but I hope we will all meet
again. Mr and Mrs Froon and Nannie came here this afternoon and Ambrose Swardfager
and Millie they all spent the evening here and Ambrose and Millie staid all night and we went
over to Mr Van Allens the next day for dinner
22 Tuesday (53-312)
This is election day and there is quite a lot of drive on the road Frank went to Morrisburg today Charles and Andrew Christie went to Kemptville to night
23 Wednesday (54-311)
This has been a lovely day Min and I went over to prayermeeting to night
24 Thursday (55-310)
This has been a dreadful stormy day and very rough but we started out in it Charles took Mrs
VanAllen and Cassie and Martha McCargar and Min and I over to Mr Froons to a quilting bee
and we went over to Mrs Frasers in the evening to practice singing for the concert
25 Friday (56-309)
This has been a very pleasant day Mother and Aunt Chloe went down to Mr Christies to
spend the afternoon Jake VanAllen and I went up to the Baptist Church in the evening Mr
Kelly preached
26 Saturday (57-308)

We had singing practice here tonight. Anderson Cumming and Edith and Ed Gilroy
and Minnie Alethia Peter Fraser and Eleeta and Sam VanAllen and Jake and Cassie were
here and Mr and Mrs Pelton
sent a letter to Bell
27 Sunday (58-307)
This has been a terrible stormy day it has been blowing all day we didnt get to Church
28 Monday (59-306)
The wind is still blowing the roads are blocked up we were to have practice tonight at Mr
Frasers to night but I guess we wont be able to get through
wrote a letter to Annie Beach
March 1 Tuesday (60-305)
(Attached note: Mar 1/87 Sam, Annie & Torie fall out of back seat of a sleigh twice!) We went
back to Mr Frasers to practice tonight the roads were very bad. Sam VanAllen went down
after Annie Shaver this afternoon and brought her up here she is to be organist at the
Concert. Sam and Annie and I sat on the back seat and we fell out going back there was no
back to the seat and it wasnt hard to fall out and coming home we done the same thing but
we we werent hurt much I hurt my head a little
2 Wednesday (61-304)
Mattie Clark and Annie were up here this afternoon we had prayermeeting here tonight there
was quite a number here

March 1887
3 Thursday (62-303)
This has been a very pleasant day we had practice here tonight Annie Shaver went home
with Electa Fraser. Miss Gilroy staid with me all night
4 Friday (63-302)

We all went down to Hallville this afternoon to have a practice in the Church took our lunch
with us we had a very good Concert the entertainment was good but there wasnt many there
only made fifteen dollars
5 Saturday (64-301)
Mr Hyndman and Libbie and Jasper were here this afternoon
6 Sunday (65-300)
This has been a very stormy day but Charles and I went up to the Baptist Church this
afternoon Frank was over here a little while this evening
7 Monday (66-299)
We have done a large washing to-day. Jim Clark was here tonight
wrote a letter to John
8 Tuesday (67-298)
This is a lovely day Charles went to Kemptville he took Aunt Chloe out to the Station she was
going to Ottawa. Min went up to Joe Clarks
9 Wednesday (68-297)
This has been a very pleasant day we had company tonight Mrs Pelton Haskal and Dewey
and Miss Dixon and Elija Lockwood Lib Christie and Cassie and Frank were here Mrs Smith
has a young daughter
10 Thursday (69-296)
Min and I drove over to Mr VanAllens to-day I took my bird over and we came back to Mr
Smiths for dinner we had a very nice visit Jimmie Ballwill was there. Sid Shaw and his wife
were here when we were gone
I got a letter from Lucy one from Carrie Wileck and from Tib Armstrong tonight
11 Friday (70-295)

This has been a lovely day Charles went to Winchester to-day went as far a Mr Shavers with
him Annie was alone I had a very nice visit she and I went over to Mr Pienders for a call
12 Saturday (71-294)
Charles went out to Town to-day for lumber. I got a letter from Lillie Christie. my first letter
from her I must answer it soon
13 Sunday (72-293)
Went up to the Baptist Church with Frank this morning Mother and I went down to Hallville
Church this afternoon and Peter Fraser and I went down to South Mountain tonight Mr.
Conley is holding revival service there now
14 Monday (73-292)
This is another nice day Charles took a load of us up to Mr Peltons tonight Elija Lockwood
Lib Christie and Andrew Frank and Cassie and Min and I we had a very nice time it was after
one Oclock when we got home
15 Tuesday (74-291)
This is another fine day Mr Martins have an auction to-day Charles went to it. I went down to
Uncle Alicks for a visit
16 Wednesday (75-290)
Charles took Mother down to Alick Hyndmans to-day she is going to stay awhile
17 Thursday (76-289)
This has been a fine day Robert Hyndman was here Charles went to Kemptville this
afternoon
18 Friday (77-288)
Another nice day
19 Saturday (78-287)

Charles and I went to Kemptville to-day I got trimming for my dress Jim Clark was here this
evening
20 Sunday (79-286)
Charles and Min and I went up to the Baptist Church there was five immersed among the
number was S. Meyer Mr Coleman the Church was well filled
21 Monday (80-285)
Min and I washed to-day Charles went to Kemptville
22 Tuesday (81-284)
This has been a stormy day Mr Latunnel was here this morning for hay. Mr Beach was here
to let us know that the factory wouldnt go on at Peltons corners and John Grant and and Mr
Scott were here tonight to get our cows for their factory. Charles went to Kemptville to-day
Sold Jessie to a Mr Adams got $100 I felt sorry to see her going away
23 Wednesday (82-283)
Alex Hyndman came up after me this morning they had a small party had a turkey dinner had
a very pleasant day
24 Thursday (83-282)
I staid at Mr Hyndmans all night helped Tibbie make a silk jacket to-day she and Alex and
Mother and I went over to prayermeeting and I came home with Sam VanAllen it rained on
our road home
25 Friday (84-281) Lady Day.
We were invited to a quilting bee to-day at Joe Clarks I went there was quite a number there
ladies and the gentlemen came in the {scribbled out} I feel very tired to night
26 Saturday (85-280)
I was over to Mrs Van Allens to-day a little while to see Mrs Smith it has been quite a
pleasant day
27 Sunday (86-279)

Charles and I went down to Hallville Church this afternoon and Frank and I went down to
South Mountain to Church tonight. Mr Hyndman died last night
28 Monday (87-278)
Frank and I were out on a begging turn to-day we are trying to get Miss Fraser a present for
her services as organist in the Methodist Church we went all around we had a very stormy
day for it and bad roads but we done pretty well we got $7.25 we havent made up our minds
what we will get yet we had our dinner at Mr Guests
29 Tuesday (88-277)
This is a very rough day the roads are drifted full again Mr William Hyndman was buried today they buried him right by the house they would have such a hard time getting through to
the graveyard Charles and Sam VanAllen went to the funeral together
30 Wednesday (89-276)
This is a very rough day the snow is blowing the roads are completely filled up and it is very
cold too it dont seem much like spring
31 Thursday (90-275)
Min and I went down to Mr Christies this afternoon to visit Eliza Backwood is visiting there
now Charles came down for us in the evening we came home on the crust the snow was so
deep we walked right over the fences it seemed rather strange
wrote a letter to Kate
April 1 Friday (91-274)
Frank and I went to Kemptville to get the present for Miss Fraser we got an album at six
dollars it is a very nice one we called at S. Mills going out to see George she is very much
better then she was a while ago when we were driving out of there we upset both went out
and the robes to I dont think they saw us upset but they came to the door after we were out
and had a good laugh at us and when we were turning in our own yard we upset again
everything went out of the cutter but we werent hurt at all
2 Saturday (92-273) Parties residing abroad should now order this Diary for 1888.

This has been a very pleasant day it has been thawing all day Charles went to Kemptville today
3 Sunday (93-272)
I went down to Church to-day with Mr VanAllens Mr Aude preached there was no organist
there. Sam and Cassie were over here this afternoon

April 1887
4 Monday (94-271)
Mr Shaver and Annie Came up here this forenoon and stopped for dinner and then wanted
me to go around with them to get up a music class we went as far as Mr Colemans and it
rained so hard we turned around and came home George Balkwill came here to-day to work.
I started to make my dress to-day
I sent a letter to Lillie Christie and one to Kate to-day
5 Tuesday (95-270)
Eliza Lockwood came up here this morning and staid nearly all day. and Mr and Mrs
Cameron called they are a very nice couple
6 Wednesday (96-269)
I was over to Mrs VanAllens a little while this afternoon Sam and Cass and I went up to Mrs
McCargars tonight to prayermeeting there wasnt very many there
Charles and George tapped to-day
7 Thursday (97-268)
They had a cheese meeting of this street here tonight Mr Scott and Thomson are the men
that are buidling the factory but I guess they intend sending the milk to Rose
8 Friday (98-267) Good Friday. Bank Holiday.
Charles and I went to Kemptville to-day. I called at Mrs Martins they are very comfortable
Annie Coleman rode home with us Frank and Sam were here a little while tonight. Annie &
Mother were there visiting to-day. we had a letter from Lucy tonight

9 Saturday (99-266)
This is a regular spring day the roads are getting bad. Charles is boiling to-day in the bush
they had a nice lot of syrup
10 Sunday (100-265)
The roads are very bad to-day we didnt get to Church at all Sam V was here this evening
11 Monday (101-264) Bank Holiday in England and Ireland.
The boys are boiling to-day Mr Mctavish and Rose were here to-day and Hugh Martin came
here this afternoon we boiled some sugar tonight and had lots of taffy we have plenty of
snow for it it is hard to get around in the bush
12 Tuesday (102-263)
It froze some last night this looks like a sap day although the boys are not in the bush
Charles and Frank and Cass went to Kemptville Charles took eight gallons of syrup and got
$1.25 per Gallon I called on Mrs Woods to-day the little girl came home with me and staid for
tea we heard that John Black started for Cal to-day Robbie is very sick there they dont
expect him to get better the train went down to-day the first for a good while it had a
passenger car attached the first that has been on this road
13 Wednesday (103-262)
14 Thursday (104-261)
Charles has been boiling to-day. Mrs Woods and little girl were here this evening and Jim
Clark the roads are very bad about impossible to get around bare ground in some places and
lots of snow other places
15 Friday (105-260)
It has been raining to-day Joe Clark and Mollie and Berton were here and spent the
afternoon he is a stirring little fellow he sang quite a few tunes for us they looked again today had a nice lot of syrup
16 Saturday (106-259)

Cassie came here to-day staid all night. Emma Wood and Lizzie were most of the afternoon
they are not very backward girls
17 Sunday (107-258)
This is a lovely day but the roads are so bad we cannot go to Church Charles walked down
to the stone Church
18 Monday (108-257)
They are boiling in the bush to-day Mattie & Annie & Bell Wilson were here this afternoon
and Cass and Mr Christie & Jim & Will and Jimmie Beggs came up in the evening we boiled
some sugar had a very pleasant time
19 Tuesday (109-256)
They are boiling to-day Cass is here yet she is making a lawn dress. I am making over my
black cashmere
20 Wednesday (110-255)
This has been a lovely day Cassie and I went down to Dick Beggs walked down the railroad
we saw the young daughter Mac McIntyre and Mary Anne Cumming were married tonight
had one wedding
21 Thursday (111-254)
Charles and Cass went to Kemptville to-day he took 18 gal of syrup and got $1.25 per Gal
for it
22 Friday (112-253)
Charles and Jim Clark went down to West Winchester the flood was high this spring it came
right up to Jim Middaghs doorstep
got a letter from Lucy
23 Saturday (113-252)
Jim Clark was up here to-day got 2 Gal of syrup. Cass just left here to-day she went down to
Mr Christies I finished my dress to-day

24 Sunday (114-251)
This has been a nice day but very bad roads I didnt get to Church Sam V was over here this
afternoon
25 Monday (115-250)
We have been washing blankets to-day. Charles & Min went to Kemptville to-day. Cass was
here for tea
I sent a letter to Lucy to-day
26 Tuesday (116-249)
They are working on the railroad to-day they are putting gravel on just in front of our place
there is a lot of men
27 Wednesday (117-248)
I went back to Eck Christies to-day for a visit staid all day had a nice visit with Maggie she
has a very stirring boy
Hugh Cleland and Miss Kerr were married tonight
28 Thursday (118-247)
Mother & I drove back to see Mrs Cumming to-day she is very poorly I dont think she will live
any time Edith has the measles
Sent a letter to Sam & Lib Armstrong
29 Friday (119-246)
It has been a wet day rained nearly all day
30 Saturday (120-245)
Sid Shaw and his wife were here and spent the afternoon
May 1 Sunday (121-244)

Mrs VanAllen and Sam and Mother and I went down to South Mountain to Quarterly Meeting
to-day stopped at Mr Gilroys for dinner

May 1887
2 Monday (122-243) Bank Holiday in Scotland.
We washed the buckets to-day and Min and I went down to Uncle Alex this afternoon we all
went down to see Alexs new house he has a very nice house everything handy about it
3 Tuesday (123-242)
Charles went to Kemptville to-day Mother went up to Mr Colemans and Mr Blairs. Mrs Wood
was down here for a visit. Lizzie was down after she came home from school. I gave her a
hat to wear to Sunday School she felt very proud of it
4 Wednesday (124-241)
Mr Shaver and Anne were here to-day and wanted me to go back to Mr Cummings she is
getting up a music class she got six scholars we were over to Mr VanAllens to prayermeeting
tonight there wasnt very many there
5 Thursday (125-240)
Tommie Holmes was here for dinner to-day it has been a lovely day
6 Friday (126-239)
We made garden to-day and I made a flower bed didnt sow many flowers though
7 Saturday (127-238)
Charles and I went to Kemptville to-day I got a hat at Miss Courtenays
8 Sunday (128-237)
We went down to Hallville Church tonight I intended playing but was too late they had sang
twice when we got there Mr. Penly is preaching on the Lords Prayer now
9 Monday (129-236)

This has been a lovely day Sade Smith was over here this afternoon had the baby with her
she has a real nice little baby
10 Tuesday (130-235)
I walked down to Mr Hyndmans to-day they were busy cleaning house I helped her paper a
room
11 Wednesday (131-234)
I came home from Tibbies to-day. Mr Hyndman bought one part of the way home they are
very busy in springs work it is nice weather for it
12 Thursday (132-233)
Mr Conley had a meeting in the school house tonight to organize the sabbath school it will
begin next Sunday we are having lovely weather
13 Friday (133-232)
Mother went down to see Mrs Beggs to-day
14 Saturday (134-231)
This has been a lovely day Charlie Hyndman walked up here this afternoon
15 Sunday (135-230) WHITSUNDAY. Scotch Quarter Day.
Mother and I drove down to Hallville to church to-day Mr Conely called for me but we were
getting ready to go with our own rig. I presided at the organ for the first time in Church to-day
got along all right this was our first day for sunday school this year I was put in as a teacher
16 Monday (136-229)
Annie Shaver came up to-day to start her music class I took a lesson this afternoon she
walked home tonight
17 Tuesday (137-228)
We washed to-day Charles went to Winchester to-day on the train and walked all the way
home Willie VanAllen was married to night at eight oclock had a large wedding

18 Wednesday (138-227)
I was down to Uncle Alexs a little while this afternoon they are busy cleaning house
19 Thursday (139-226)
Mother went back to Mrs Balkwills and Mrs Smiths this to-day and Mrs Cameron and Tibbie
were here this afternoon. Mother was very sorry she was away she thinks a great deal of Mrs
Cameron she is a very nice woman
20 Friday (140-225)
This is nice weather we are having but very dry we havent had only one little shower since
the snow went off. Mrs Woods was down here tonight
21 Saturday (141-224)
22 Sunday (142-223)
I went to Sabbath School this forenoon and down to church this afternoon Arthur Mills
preached he done well there was a good many there
23 Monday (143-222)
Annie Shaver was up to-day to give us our lessons I took Ligels March
24 Tuesday (144-221)
The boys were planting potatoes to-day May Ising was Alex Gibson and May Irong were
married tonight it rained most of the day
25 Wednesday (145-220)
Sid Shaw and Alma were here this evening we had a little rain to-day
26 Thursday (146-219)
Got a letter from Maggie to-day
27 Friday (147-218)
This is my birthday

it has been raining most of the day I didnt get a ducking for some thing new I have been at
him all day
28 Saturday (148-217)
Min and I went up to the graveyard to-day and around to Sid Shaws we were pretty tired
when we got there Sid brought us home they want me to go out to Prescott with
them this next week I think I will go if nothing happens
I got a letter from Belle to-day
29 Sunday (149-216)
Min and I went down to Church this morning I went to Sunday School this afternoon it has
been a pleasant day there was no preaching at Hallville to-day
30 Monday (150-215) Bank Holiday in England and Ireland.
Jim Middagh and Vick came up this morning went home tonight Annie Shaver was up to-day
to give us our lessons I went back after my bird and brought it home I was glad to get it home
again this is the last lesson Annie is going to give she didnt get a large enough class
31 Tuesday (151-214)
John Parker came up here tonight to stay all night and go to the fair
June 1 Wednesday (152-213)
This is fair day but it rained all forenoon Charles and George went out this afternoon it
cleared off John Parker was here for tea

June 1887
2 Thursday (153-212)
I intended to go to Prescott to-day with Sid Shaw and Alma they were going to drive on and
wanted me to go with them but one of their horses got sick and they couldnt go. we had
heavy rain to-day
Sent a letter to Maggie and one to Jennie Milhan

3 Friday (154-211)
Charles started to tear down the woodshed to-day he first tore down enough to get around
the house to move it Mother and I went down to Mrs Blacks this afternoon to see Bobbie and
his mother they first got home from California monday they went to visit Will which they were
there so we heard all the news from there Maggie Christie was here a little while this evening
4 Saturday (155-210)
This has been a very pleasant day the boys are drawing sand now for the house
5 Sunday (156-209)
I went to Sunday school this afternoon went down to Church tonight Mother & Frank and I
came home together and Sam and Mother
6 Monday (157-208)
Uncle Alex is sick I went down this evening to see him he is some better. Mary Jane Brown
is there sewing
7 Tuesday (158-207)
Martha and Mary Jane were here tonight called for me to go over to VanAllens with them. Mr
Guest came up this morning and they have started to move the house they have it off the
foundation to-day
8 Wednesday (159-206)
They finished moving the house to-day it seems strange to have it turned around it makes
quite a mess they had nice days to move it it took seven men Mrs VanAllen and Sade and
Mrs Woods were here this afternoon to see them moving the house
9 Thursday (160-205)
This is a fine day Clark Balkwill is here to-day Mr Blair has a ploughing bee this afternoon
George went Mrs Loncks and Mrs VanAllen were here this afternoon Mrs Loncks staid all
night Charles and Clark Balkwill went to Ottawa to-day to get lumber for the house
12 Sunday (163-202)

We all went to Church this morning Frank and I went to Heckston in the evening
13 Monday (164-201)
The mason came to-day to build up the cellar wall. Sam VanAllen and I went down to Mr
Armstrongs this afternoon
14 Tuesday (165-200)
Alma and I went to Prescott to-day on the train her sister met us at the station
15 Wednesday (166-199)
I got a letter from Lucy to-day
16 Thursday (167-198)
Mother and Mrs VanAllen went up to Mr Frantser and Mr Colemans to-day
17 Friday (168-197)
Charles went to Town and Mother went up to the graveyard
18 Saturday (169-196)
Got a letter from Ezra to-day Mother and Min went to Kemptville to-day
19 Sunday (170-195)
Went to Church in Prescott to-day
20 Monday (171-194)
Mr Canning and Sid Shaw were here for dinner
21 Tuesday (172-193)
I just got home from Prescott to-night I made quite a long visit we went to an excursion
yesterday up to Kingston in the boat it was just grand we had about five hours to stay we
visited the penitentiary there is about six hundred prisoners there mostly young men they
were busy at all kinds of work Robert Parker and wife and sisters were here to-day. I got a
new dress at Kingston

22 Wednesday (173-192)
commenced my dress to-day Alex and Tibbie were up tonight the strawberries are ripe now
we have quite a few
23 Thursday (174-191)
finished my dress to-day had to work pretty steady at it to get it done I wanted to finish it to
wear to the social at Mrs VanAllens tomorrow night Clark Balkwill and Robbie came tonight
I got a letter from Maggie tonight
24 Friday (175-190) Midsummer Day.
I was baking all forenoon for the social and went over to help make sandwiches this
afternoon, it rained this afternoon I thought there wouldnt be any person at those but there
was over a hundred there we made $17 it was only 15 cts we made enough to pay for our
library
the Carpenters commenced to work at the house to-day
25 Saturday (176-189)
I had to go over to Mr VanAllens and help pack the dishes this morning Martha was there
too. Mother and Min went down to Alex Hyndmans this afternoon
26 Sunday (177-188)
I went to Church this morning Mr Conley talked to the sabbath school this morning had a
review he intends doing that every three months
27 Monday (178-187)
We started mothers dress to-day this has been a warm day I have a cold
28 Tuesday (179-186)
We finished the dress to-day and we washed
Campmeeting starts to-day

29 Wednesday (180-185)
Mother and I went up to Campmeeting to-day. Mother staid. I drove home alone
30 Thursday (181-184)
Min and I went down to Tibbies to-day she was busy baking for the picnic I made two lemon
pie for her to take we went over to prayermeeting this evening went over to Mr Camerons a
little while before prayermeeting I got very hoarse while I was sitting there I wouldnt speak
above a whisper I thought I was going to be laid up for the picnic
July 1 Friday (182-183)
My cold is not much better to-day but I went to the picnic there was a great many there had
quite a nice time
2 Saturday (182-182)
Mother just got home from Campmeeting. we had some rain to-day the roads were very
dusty
3 Sunday (184-181)
I didnt go to Campmeeting to-day I have only been up once I had to bad a cold to go to-day

July 1887
Wrote a letter to Mother

October 16 x

“

“

“ “

“

“

26 x

“

“

“ “

“

Nov. 2 x

“

“

“ “

“

Nov. 9 x

“

“

“ “

“

Nov. 16 x

“

“

“ “

“

Nov. 23 x
Dec. 1 x
Dec. 7 x
Dec. 14 x

Dec. 21 x
Dec 29
4 Monday (185-180)
Wrote to Sally.

Oct 22 answer Nov 24 another

Wrote to Tibbie.

Oct 22d x Nov 11th x Dec x

Wrote to Lucy.

Nov 7th x Dec

Wrote to Ezra.

Nov 8th

Wrote to Min.

Nov 17th answer 26th/23d Dec

Wrote to Mattie Clark

Nov 15th got answer Dec 14th

Wrote to Edith Cumming

18th got answer 25th

Got a letter from Nellie H

Dec 9th ans Dec 14

Wrote to Walda Johnson got an answer
got a letter from Sam VanAllen
Got a letter from Maggie to-day
Got a letter from Sam VanAllen

Dec 7th ans 23d Dec

Got a letter from Joe Fulton

Nov 24th answered it

5 Tuesday (186-179)
6 Wednesday (187-178)
Mother and Mrs VanAllen went out to Morrisburg to-day for a visit
got a letter from Minnie Hyndman Dec 30th
7 Thursday (188-177)
They have been moving the house up to the new one to-day we are going to have a picnic
tomorrow back on the rideau I intend going
8 Friday (189-176)

We went to the picnic to-day and have a very nice time we were out on the water a good
deal I enjoyed that very much there was about twenty five or thirty there
9 Saturday (190-175)
I feel pretty sleepy to day and tired after my trip yesterday. Tib Armstrong and Louise and
Rob Beggs came up here tonight Tib staid all night
10 Sunday (191-174)
Tib and I went down to Church at Hallville this morning and up to sunday school this
afternoon Frank was over here this evening
11 Monday (192-173)
We washed this forenoon and went to pick berries this afternoon I was nearly tired out.
Mother and Mrs VanAllen got home tonight Frank and I went down to Uncle Alicks tonight
got a letter from Annie Beach and one from John wanting me to come there to make them a
visit
12 Tuesday (193-172)
Sade Smith and Min and I went picking berries to-day Mattie and Annie Clark and Maine
Brown were here tonight and Sam VanAllen and Martha McCargar and Sarah
13 Wednesday (194-171)
This is another hot day the boys are drawing in hay there was a man here to-day to get the
job of painting the house his name is Holdenfelt he is to come in about two weeks
14 Thursday (195-170)
Sam VanAllen and his mother and I went down to Hallville tonight Mr Conely had a meeting
there Annie Coleman died to-day after a short illness will be buried saturday
15 Friday (196-169)
16 Saturday (197-168)

Charles and Min and I were at the funeral to-day it was quite a wet forenoon but cleared off
in the afternoon
17 Sunday (198-167)
This has been a wet day I didn't get to Church or sabbath school Sam VanAllen was here for
tea
18 Monday (199-166)
We washed this forenoon and went picking berries this afternoon
19 Tuesday (200-165)
This is a very hot day to warm for comfort there is a social tonight at James Shaws
20 Wednesday (201-164)
We went to the Social there was a good many there they made twenty dollars we had a good
time too, twas a very fine night I feel a little tired to-day on a count of being out so late last
night
21 Thursday (202-163)
Mother and I went down to Winchester this afternoon started after tea got there before dark
22 Friday (203-162)
Mother staid at Willies and Nellie came home with me it was dark when we got home I dont
know how long Nell will stay
23 Saturday (204-161)
24 Sunday (205-160)
I have been at home all day to-day it has been quite wet Nellie and George and I went to
Church this forenoon and Nell and I went to Sabbath School
25 Monday (206-159)
26 Tuesday (207-158)

27 Wednesday (208-157)
28 Thursday (209-156)
Mrs McTavish and Annie Clark were here this afternoon and Martha Smith and Sade we are
having very dry weather
29 Friday (210-155)
Charles and Min went to Kemptville to-day I got company for dinner. Mrs Coleman and Mrs
Blair were here they got home from Town when I had dinner ready and Min went over to Mrs
VanAllens with them for tea
30 Saturday (211-154)
Sade and I went to Kemptville this afternoon drove ourselves twas after dark when we got
home
31 Sunday (212-153)
Min and Nell and I went down to the Presbyterian Church this morning. Nellie and I went to
sunday school this afternoon and Frank and I went to Hallville to Church tonight

August 1887
1 Monday (213-152) Lammas. Bank Holiday. Scotch Quarter Day.
We washed to-day Mr Nordenfeldt came here tonight
2 Tuesday (214-151)
He started to paint the house to-day. Miss McTavish and Annie & Mattie were here to spend
the evening
3 Wednesday (215-150)
Annie & Mattie & I went down to Mr McTavishes this afternoon we took Maggie home it has
been very warm to-day
4 Thursday (216-149)

Mattie & I went picking long blackberries to-day we didnt get very many they seem to be
dried up on the bushes we have such dry weather I just got enough to make one half gallon
can and I was just tired out
5 Friday (217-148)
There is a circus in town to-day Charles went out
6 Saturday (218-147)
We had a nice rain last night every thing looks fresh to-day we needed rain very badly.
Charles took Nellie home to-day and the painter went too he got through with the first coat. I
am lonesome without mother I will be glad when she comes
7 Sunday (219-146)
I went to Hallville Church this morning and Sunday school this afternoon
8 Monday (220-145)
I was just getting ready to wash this morning when Annie Clark came along and wanted me
to go and pick blackberries again to-day I went and got about the same as I
did yesterday the other day I was there there was about as many pickers as berries
9 Tuesday (221-144)
I picked some plums to-day and made them in preserves the plums are not extra good this
year
10 Wednesday (222-143)
11 Thursday (223-142)
Sam VanAllen and I went down to Hallville to Church tonight Mr Conley preached
12 Friday (224-141)
Tommie Holmes and his boy came up to put up the cave sprouts to-day and Jim Griffin came
to build the chimneys we had lots of men
13 Saturday (225-140)

Holmes finished his job to-day the Mason has to come back Monday
14 Sunday (226-139)
Min and I drove down to Church this morning Frank was over here this afternoon
15 Monday (227-138)
Sam VanAllen was helping Charles draw in this forenoon and Jake and Mr Woods and
Luther helped him this afternoon
16 Tuesday (228-137)
Tim Workman is building a stack here to-day
Mother isnt home yet I am very lonesome for her
17 Wednesday (229-136)
Jake VanAllen went after Sade to-day. Maud came back with them
18 Thursday (230-135)
19 Friday (231-134)
20 Saturday (232-133)
21 Sunday (233-132)
I went down to church with VanAllens at Hallville and to Sunday School this afternoon
stopped at VanAllens for tea
22 Monday (234-131)
Mattie and Annie came up and called for me to go over to VanAllens with them
23 Tuesday (235-130)
Maud and Sade were over here this afternoon for a visit there is to be a picnic in McCargers
bush Thursday afternoon
24 Wednesday (236-129)

Willie Campbell and Jennie Dougall get married this evening quite a large wedding it rained
quite a lot to-day
25 Thursday (237-128)
The picnic came off this afternoon there was quite a few there we had a very good time
26 Friday (238-127)
Mr Mordenfeldt came upon the train to-day to paint the house he has part of it painted
27 Saturday (239-126)
Mother came home on the train to-day Charles met her at the station I was awful glad to see
her I got lonesome without her she was gone over five weeks
28 Sunday (240-125)
I went down to Church tonight with Frank V Mr. Conly was preaching when we got there
29 Monday (241-124)
30 Tuesday (242-123)
31 Wednesday (243-122)

September 1887
1 Thursday (244-121)
2 Friday (245-120)
Mother is not very well to-day but I hope she will feel better tomorrow
3 Saturday (246-119)
Mother is no better to-day she has been in bed all day and the Carpenters made such a
noise hammering she can scarcely stand it
4 Sunday (247-118)

I went down to Church tonight Mr. VanAllens Mr. Nordenfeldt went too Mother and I went
down to Church this morning although Mother is not very well yet I took her to Mr.Hyndooey
and she is going to stay there a week out of the noise
5 Monday (248-117)
This has been a very nice day snowed just a little
6 Tuesday (249-116)
This has been another nice day the washwoman was here and washed it snowed a little today
7 Wednesday (250-115)
This has been a pleasant day Mrs Chamberlin was in this morning and afternoon to get me
to address a letter for Mrs Vanec she was here this evening held thy baby a long time she is
quite a nurse Flora comes down for dinner now
Wrote to Mother tonight
8 Thursday (251-114)
I had a sleigh ride to-day the first since I been here it seemed so nice I enjoyed it even so
much Mr & Mrs Chamberlin took me the sleighing is not very good though Mrs Vance came
over and staid with them while we were gone
9 Friday (252-113)
There is sleighs and buggies both on the streets now it is very icy
Tuesday this is a stormy day John was invited out to supper tonight at the proprietors house
tonight he had all the foremen of the prison there
10 Saturday (253-112)
Got a letter from Mother to-day and one from Min
Sunday John and the children and I went to sabbath school subject was society (a pleasant
day)

Monday Mrs Hall and her daughter called here to-day they are very nice invited me one to
call on them John took Charlie down street and got his hair cut
11 Sunday (254-111)
Mother and I went down by I went down to Church with VanAllens tonight Mr Vandenfeldt
went too Minnie Casselman is visiting there now
12 Monday (255-110)
Mother and I went down on the 6 o'clock train tonight to Winchester Sally and Nell met us at
the station
13 Tuesday (256-109)
Willie and Sally and I went back to the fair this morning took some things back
14 Wednesday (257-108) I staid at Forths all night and went up to the fair ground next day I
got first prize on a mat I took and first on a pair of stockings and second on a pair of socks. I
came home from the fair with Peter Fraser we stopped at Mr Boses for tea Mr. Nordenfeldt
got through painting the house to-day and went down to the fair with Charles but he has to
come back to paint the verandah
15 Thursday (258-107)
Min And Mrs VanAllen went back to Mrs Balkwills this forenoon and to Eck Christies this
afternoon
16 Friday (259-106)
Min went up to Ted Shaws this afternoon
17 Saturday (260-105)
18 Sunday (261-104)
Went down to church
19 Monday (262-103)
20 Tuesday (263-102)

21 Wednesday (264-101)
$1.25 - satchel .80 - dress and apron 90 - for Mins dress and mine 45 - for navy blue 2.00 for shoes 30 - for stamps 15 - for paper 25 - pills 50 - 1/2 yd felt 63 - 1/2 - plush
22 Thursday (265-100)
23 Friday (266-99)
24 Saturday (267-98)
25 Sunday (268-97)
Went down to Mr. Camerons Church this morning to Sabbath school this afternoon
26 Monday (269-96)
Tests of love
(1) Willingness to renew an engagement if it be supposed to be broken off.
(2) Unforced tending to form a resolution never to belong to another. we must make a
distinction between fancy & love
(3) The transmutation of selfishness into delight in self sacrifice for the person we love
(4) The interchange of eyes in many morals. the changing of the eyes is a proof of the
existence of a supreme affection but it must be an interchange in many moods
27 Tuesday (270-95)
(5) The opinion of friends who know the whole case. Unwise parented interference is to be
denounced; but wise is of course is to be praised
(6) The effect of absence, revelry and time
(7) The advice of science as to mental and physical adaptation
(8) A knowledge of what position in life one wishes or is likely to fill or a choice of occupation
Choose your place in life before you choose a wife

(9) Assent of the other powerful passions until you have chosen your occupation there is no
knowing what your most powerful passions may be
28 Wednesday (271-94)
(10) Opportunity to know the worst of each other. How long one must wait for such an
opportunity in the present evil world. Let circumstances decide but let the experience of
George Herbert in marrying after an acquaintance of three days tell us how long it would be
necessary to wait in a natural way that is in a conscientious world.
Love is not love which alters when it atteration finds. Love surfeits not lust like a glutton dies.
There is a solemnity in the undying force of virtuous passions. When a supreme affection is
given us we are to take it as a divine sign that God intends a certain course in life for us.
29 Thursday (272-93) Michaelmas Day
•

The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests
but the bee-lover has no home.

•

Those words were sacred - be careful of wresting them
from the inspired original.

How shall I blazen here with proper vividness the infamy of a mistaken social pride which will
not marry until it can equal the display of some parent who has had a life in which to
accumulate a fortune.
Science has sometimes affirmed that a man to whom to whom a supreme affection has been
sent is married it is taught by some that the whole physical form is changed by a supreme
affection
30 Friday (273-92) Love which is susceptible of withdrawal is not love. Genuine love is
possible only to the conscientious or regenerate
Marriage is the doubling of our duties and the halving of our rights
Oct. 1 Saturday (274-91) Published this day, this diary for 1888. May be ordered of all
Booksellers and Stationers.
2 Sunday (275-90)

October 1887

3 Monday (276-89)
4 Tuesday (277-88)
5 Wednesday (278-87)
[Pages for October 6-12 missing]
13 Thursday (286-79)
Started for Jackson to-day went down to Winchester on the 5 o'clock train and went out to
Willies and he and Sally took me back to the station and I started at midnight I felt rather
lonely starting it was hard to bid mother goodbye
14 Friday (287-78)
I got in Toronto this morning about half past eight changed cars there and got in St Thomas
12.30 had to wait there about two hours got in Detroit about eight I think had to wait there
nearly an hour but it was a nice place to wait the nicest station I ever saw it was just grand lit
with electric lights I arrived in Jackson about 10.40 John was there to meet me
15 Saturday (288-77)
John got off to his work this morning before I seen him he has to be there by seven and I
was pretty tired and slept pretty late but we had lots to talk about tonight
16 Sunday (289-76)
I wrote to Mother to-day We didnt go to Church to-day we went out walking this afternoon
This is a fine city but some of them dont seem to regard the sabbath as they should now
there was a lecture here tonight courtship and marriage just think of it on sunday
17 Monday (290-75)
Flora and the children and I went down street to-day I bought a gingham dress 10 yds at 6
3/4 cts and an apron 2 1/4 yds at the same price the wash woman was here and washed today
18 Tuesday (291-74)

The children and I went down street to-day Flora had me get gingham for Charlie dresses. I
wheel the baby in her carriage and Charlie walks with me
19 Wednesday (292-73)
I have been making my dress to-day and apron
20 Thursday (293-72)
I ironed for Flora to-day
21 Friday (294-71)
John took me down to the Opera house tonight the play was Muggs Landing it was splendid
we both enjoyed it very much
Mrs. Stacey and her daughter called this evening
22 Saturday (295-70)
Wrote to Sally and Tib to-day took them to the office
The children and I were down street to day I got a penknife 25 cts
23 Sunday (296-69)
It has been raining all day to-day just cleared off tonight for John and I do go to Church they
didn't have {illegible} they had their Harvest Festival for the Sabbath school twas in the
Unitarian Church that is where John and Flora go to Church
24 Monday (297-68)
This is a nice morning after the rain. I like it here very much it is very pleasant John has lots
of questions to ask me about home
25 Tuesday (298-67)
John and I went down street tonight we were in a crockery store it was the loveliest store I
ever saw you wouldn't know what half of the things were for it was just grand
26 Wednesday (299-66)

Got a letter from Mother this morning, answered it this afternoon I was very much pleased to
get it
I ironed to-day we are having lovely weather here now but cold the ground froze hard last
night
27 Thursday (300-65)
This has been a lovely day I intended to go down street to-day but Mrs Stacey came to
spend the afternoon and I did not go will put it off till tomorrow
28 Friday (301-64)
I went down street this forenoon had a little shopping to do for Flora and this afternoon
Charlie and Florence and I went to the prison John to us to come and ask to see him and
they would send for him and he took us all around and I tell you its a sight worth seeing I
could put in a whole day there and then not see all there is over 700 prisoners there and to
see them making shoes and brooms and farming implements it is quite a sight Charlie staid
and came home with his papa and Florence and I came home I was almost tired out when I
got home walking so much I would just like to go again
29 Saturday (302-63)
This has been another lovely day John and I went to the Opera house again tonight the play
was Our Irish Visitors it was splendid there was a great many there the Opera House was
packed full
30 Sunday (303-62) John and I went to the Unitarian Church this morning and he came
home and got the children for sabbath school Charlie goes in a class
31 Monday (304-61)
John and I went down street tonight he took me to the building where the electric lights come
from that is quite a sight
Nov. 1 Tuesday (305-60)
I went down street this forenoon got some yarn to knit Charlie some stockings I was over Mr
Chamberlains a few moments I set up Charlies stockings this afternoon

2 Wednesday (306-59)
I was down street again to-day Mrs Elliot and Mrs Fontaine called here this evening. I ironed
to-day
I got a letter from Mother to-day was very glad to hear from her. She wrote that John
Thomson was killed with a horse.
I answered her letter to-day

November 1887
3 Thursday (307-58)
I went down town this forenoon took Florence with me I got a package of letter paper and
envelopes 30 cts at the bazaar
John and I went to Mr Tinders to a social that had a very large house they had a nice supper
they had scalloped oysters and cold beef celery brown bread with biscuit iced jelly cake and
jelly we had a very good time they seemed all strangers to me although they seemed friendly
4 Friday (308-57)
This is Tibbies birthday it is a beautiful day. Florence and I went down street to-day
5 Saturday (309-56)
This is another lovely day we are having beautiful weather here if it only continues so Sam
VanAllen sent me my Bible notes got them to-day
6 Sunday (310-55) John and I went to Church to-day and he came home and got the
children and we went to sabbath school this afternoon we went to the cemetary that is lovely
7 Monday (311-54)
I wrote to Lucy this afternoon
8 Tuesday (312-53)
Florence and I went down to the depot to see Mrs Tom Thumb and her husband Count Magri
we saw him he walked up ahead of us all the way but she came in her little carriage

I received the bible notes from Sam to-day write to Ezra to-day
9 Wednesday (313-52)
Got a letter from Mother was ever so glad to hear from her
I wrote to Mother to-day
10 Thursday (314-51)
Flora and the children and I went over to Mrs Chamberlains to-day Flora played some and
we had a little sing I enjoyed it very much it seemed like home Flora sings alto
11 Friday (315-50) Martinmas. Scotch Quarter Day.
Florence and I went down street to-day done some trading for Flora and I got Min and I each
a dress 6 3/4 yds for each evst 91 cts I did not get Heathers to-day
I wrote to TIbbie to-day
12 Saturday (316-49)
13 Sunday (317-48)
John and I went to the Unitarian Church this morning and sabbath school and we went to the
First Methodist Church this evening it is the largest Church in the City and the largest
congregation
14 Monday (318-47)
15 Tuesday (319-46)
16 Wednesday (320-45)
17 Thursday (321-44)
18 Friday (322-43)
19 Saturday (323-42)
20 Sunday (324-41)

21 Monday (325-40)
Went down street to-day Got a letter from Mother to-day saying that Tibbie had a young
daughter the 15th of Nov
baby - Esther Elizabeth
22 Tuesday (326-39)
Flora and I went went up to Mr Staceys and the children this afternoon I went down to mail a
letter to Mother Clark
went down street to-day was invited to Mr Chamberlains tonight to a candy pull had a nice
time
23 Wednesday (327-38)
Got a letter from Mother to-day answered it this afternoon. Floras nurse was here this
afternoon and Mrs Chamberlain was here most of the afternoon and Mrs Stacey called. Mrs
Chamberlain has been taking a dancing lesson she invited us in to see her dressed as Topsy
wrote a letter to Mother to-day
24 Thursday (328-37)
Wrote to Min to-day John and I went to an entertainment in the Unitarian Church they acted
a play called the Bonafide travellers twas very good but not very suitable in a church
To-day is thanksgiving
got letter from Mother and Sally and Eva Fulton
25 Friday (329-36)
Flora got sick this morning about three oclock and John went after nurse but the baby wasnt
here till next morning about two oclock the Doctor was here three times this forenoon and
John went after him tonight about nine oclock and he staid till after the baby was born she
took chloroform
Got a letter from Edith Cumming to-day

[Attached Note:] this would be the birth of John Flora's 3rd child
26 Saturday (330-35)
Flora is real smart and baby too the Dr called here to-day
I don't feel well at all I think it is a bilious attack
I wrote to Mother and Mrs Pronty and Mrs Pendleton to-day
got a letter from Min to-day
27 Sunday (331-34)
I feel a little better to-day but not much. Dr was here to-day I didn't go to Church to-day John
went in the morning
28 Monday (332-33)
The wash woman came this evening about eight oclock and washed she got done by dinner
time and had her dinner here she charged one dollar I thought that was pretty good pay for
half a day
the Dr was here again to-day Flora is doing nicely
29 Tuesday (333-32)
I ironed to-day had lots to do but didnt finish, the Doctor was here to-day
the baby is real cross
Nurse didnt get much sleep with her
30 Wednesday (334-31)
I have been ironing again to-day Dr was here to-day Wrote to Floras Mother to-day Got
John Thomson is dead

December 1887
1 Thursday (335-30)

Got a letter from Mother to-day Answered it was glad to hear from her the Doctor was here
to-day
2 Friday (336-29)
It is snowing to-day the Dr was here at noon Flora seems to be getting along nicely I have
got altogether better own the children keep me quite busy they are so stirring
3 Saturday (337-28)
This has been a wet day rather lonesome
4 Sunday (338-27)
It has been raining to-day I didn't go to Church John and Children went to sabbath school the
Doctor was here to-day
5 Monday (339-26)
6 Tuesday (340-25)
The wash woman was here to-day I went to meeting to the Unitarian Church
this afternoon evening they have Conference here this year it lasts three days
7 Wednesday (341-24)
The Doctor was here to-day I ironed all forenoon Flossie and I went down street this
afternoon got a nice card in the Bazaar the stores are lovely now
Got a letter from Mother and one from Sam VanAllen and my bible notes
8 Thursday (342-23)
I ironed all forenoon to-day and some this afternoon I feel pretty tired this afternoon.
I went to Conference tonight with Mr and Mrs Chamberlin they had a reception after the
service in the new parlors we had our tea there it was very nice and they had served tarts
9 Friday (343-22)
Flora is getting along nicely Mrs Chamberlin went away to-day to travel with a show

Got a letter from Nell to-day
10 Saturday (344-21)
It has been raining to-day got a letter from Wilda Johnson to-day
11 Sunday (345-20)
I didn't go to Church to-day Miss Beebe and I went to Church for a walk this evening to her
rooms on Trail St. Flora took her dinner down stairs to-day John carried her down and up
12 Monday (346-19)
The Church fair commenced tonight John went he bought an apron for Flora Nurse and I are
going tomorrow I was down street this afternoon got some yarn for a cap
13 Tuesday (347-18)
14 Wednesday (348-17)
John and I got a letter from Mother I answered it to-day also got one from Mattie Clark and
one from Mrs Chamberlin sent one to Nellie
Neil McIntyre wife is dead
15 Thursday (349-16)
Mrs Mrs Barber called here I was down street to-day Mrs Lane and another lady called also
16 Friday (350-15)
Mrs Elliot and Mrs Tricker called to-day
17 Saturday (351-14)
Flora is not so well to-day the Doctor was here to-day she has a fever
18 Sunday (352-13)
The Dr was here to-day Miss Beebe and the children and I went to the Baptist Sunday
school to-day and she and I went to Young peoples prayer meeting and preaching tonight

19 Monday (353-12)
Miss Beebe went to Chicago to-day she go a telegram from her brother it seems rather
lonesome without her Flora is in bed yet I will have to take care of her and the baby even I
dont know how I will get along
I had to undress the baby tonight I got along pretty well for the first Flora is in bed yet
20 Tuesday (354-11)
the washwoman was here to-day we had quite a number of callers to-day Miss Stacey called
to have me go down street with her tonight but I couldnot go very well I am kept pretty busy
taking care of Flora and the children besides the house work
Got a letter from Maggie to-day
the baby was real good last night slept all
John gave me a beatiful plush album for a xmas present I think a great deal of it it just suits
me
[Attached note: Would this be the maroon plush album which we have?]
21 Wednesday (355-10)
Flora got an oil painting from her sister Baby is real good
I wrote to Mother to-day
22 Thursday (356-9)
Miss Stacy and I went down town tonight there is lots of nice things to see now
23 Friday (357-8)
Wrote to Min and Sam V to-day
got a letter from Mother tonight
24 Saturday (358-7)

John and I went down street tonight to get somethings to put in the childrens stockings the
stores were crowded so you could scarcily get through they have sixty in the bazaar
25 Sunday (359-6) Christmas Day.
this is a lovely not sleighing through The children were awfully pleased with what Santa
Claus bought them Flora and I got a wood basket I went to the First Baptist Church tonight
26 Monday (360-5) Bank Holiday in England and Ireland.
John had a holiday to-day it seemed good to have him at home I was at home all day
thought of Mother a good many times
27 Tuesday (361-4)
The wash woman was here to-day Mr & Mrs Chamberlin went away to-day left the house in
our charge Flora dont gain much
I fell down stairs with the baby in my arms didnt get hurt
28 Wednesday (362-3)
The Dr was here to-day we have had quite a number of callers lately
29 Thursday (363-2)
John and I went down street tonight to see the markets they have them all decorated they
are worth going to see they had a hog weighed 868 pounds and a pair of steers one of them
2 360 lb and the other not quite so much
wrote to Mother to-day
30 Friday (364-1)
The Dr was here to-day Flora is gaining slowly
Mrs Willie was here for tea tonight
got a letter from Mother Tibbie and Min
31 Saturday (365)

Mr and Mrs Chamberlin came home to-day I prepared a turkey for dinner tomorrow

Sunday I didn't go to Church to-day we had a turkey for dinner I prepared it it was splendid

Mrs Willie and Mrs Vance were here this evening
For more information on Victoria “Tory” Middagh, check out the “Meet the Diarists”
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca