William Sunter (1831-1917)
1895 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
8 297
[Printed] CALENDAR, 1894
minnies death
[Printed} COLLINS' SCRIBBLING DIARY
FOR
1895
Showing Seven Days to a Page
This Diary may be Ruled Faint or with Cash Columns.
No. 42.
London and Glasgow:
WILLIAM COLLINS, SONS, & CO. Limited.
Entered at Stationers' Hall.
[Mathematical calculations].
[Printed] MEMORANDA FROM 1893 5
Johny got for seed oats
first time 19 Bushels & 6 lbs
2d time 6Bushels & 8 lbs
also 3 Bushels peas
B lbs
25 14
paid back 21 22
3 26
Paid back
John Campbell 1st time 3 Bushels 2 lbs
2d time John Campbell 2 Bushels 17 lbs
self 1 st time 2 Bushels 10 lbs
self 2d time 2 Bushels 12
self 3d time 2 Bushels 0
self 4th time, Friday 23rd
Aug. 2 Bushels 0
self 5th time, Friday 30 Aug. 1 Bushel 31
self 6th time 3 Bushels 24
self 7th time 19 [28]
self 7th time black oats 1 28
21 22
JANUARY 1895
Dec 31 Monday Fine day, but very cold. Johny and Robert Morton went together to the
nomination. Johny thought perhaps I might have gone to the nomination but I did not care to go.
I have been doing up some fixing round the stables to keep the cold out, boarded up where the
water trough stood.
2 1 Tuesday A little squally to day and some snow showers. Johny helped me at the laying of
the blocks in the stable this afternoon, we had quite a job in levelling up the ground, as it is
frozen. Maggie drove down to Rockwood to meet her mother this afternoon, who went down to
Georgetown a week ago yesterday. I was kept late at the chores this ev'g on account of working
at the stables. [Margin] laying the blocks in stable this afternoon
3 2 Wednesday Continues wintry. I shifted the pea straw in the bay mow so as to bare the
barley straw for use for the cattle. I was anxious to get the stable done but so much other
choring prevents me, Johnny has been at Mutries to day threshing. [Margin] changing straw in
mow to day. Johnny at Mutries threshing
4 3 Thursday Raw, cold south wind to day – we have just heard about Bella being laid up with a
sore throat and Mother and I drove down to see her to day, we found her in bed and not much
better the doctor say it is Tonsilitis I did all the cleaning out and feeding before going away and
– Maggie had the most of the work done at night. [Margin] Margaret and I drove down to
McKenzies - Bella laid up
5 4 Friday A very cold day. I hustled up with the work this forenoon and, attended the funeral of
Jessie Duff, which was to leave the house at 1 oclock for Acton. it was past 2 however before
they started, and I returned home without going any further. I wedged up the greater part of the
blocking in stalls after returning. James Clark died this morning [Margin] Funeral of Jessie Duff.
James Clark died this A.M.
6 5 Saturday Another very cold day. I was early astir this morning and cleaned out all the
stables and fed up. so as to get off to Guelph in fair time. I took 14 lbs butter to Fieldings got
16cts per lb for it, got 2 lbs broken biscuits. 10cts a dollar in Cash and Credit on the account for
$1.14. I got a pair of shirts $1.00 Bird seed, 25cts. Saw Mr. Hobson, made arrangements for
renewal of papers. and the interest to be reduced to 5 per cent after June. [Margin] Guelph
business bought this Diary for 10ct to day.
7 6 Sunday Quite a mild change of weather . some snow fell last night but it has greatly gone to
day. Maggie went twice to Everton to day. Colin Mc
Millan came with her Johny attended the
funeral of James Clark this P.M it has taken up quite a large share of my time to do the chores
to day, got word of Maggie Robertson's death at Oakville last night. [Margin] James Clarks
funeral. Maggie Robertson died last night.
JANUARY 1895
8 7 Monday Slight frost again last night and the roads are rather icy. Johny and I prepared a
small load of cedar 2 foot wood for the school, just as I was going to start I lost my balance by
sitting on a bunch of hay on a rounded load and, falling on my head was considerably hurt. I
drove across from the school to the centre and paid the taxes. I borrowed ten dollars from Hugh
Black for this week. Willie loaned us 20 dollars, he is away to Guelph to day. quite an
excitement over the election, I did not go, Johny went. [Margin] took a small load of cedar to the
school about a cord 12 feet long 2½ feet high or a little more - borrowed for the taxes
9 8 Tuesday A very nice winter's day, windy I helped Johny this afternoon to cut straw and had
the team there, as we worked a little late it kept me very busy to work up my chores at night.
Robert Morton and Johny Burnett were also helping. [Margin] cutting straw at Johny's
10 9 Wednesday A beautiful day. Willie called to day while on his way to Guelph, he is about
starting business in Guelph and intends soon to move his things. Maggie and Minnie went down
to McKenzies with Fred and Cutter, and staying all night. Joseph Holmes Came along this
afternoon and I sold the steer to him for $44.00 he paid me $2.00 on him and I have to deliver
him tomorrow [Margin] sold steer to Holmes for $44.00
1111 Friday Another very fine day. I have been quite busy choring and cleaning up the stables I
also repaired a boot for Johny, patched both upper & sole. Bella Hindley was awhile here she
had a horse & cutter. I drove over to Samuel Tovells on business, paid 22 dollars on note.
[Margin] Friday 11th. these days {operative} according to the dates in the margin.
12 10 Thursday
Rather stormy to day, the wind has been blowing from the east, and considerable snow has
fallen. Johny & I took the steer down to Acton. led him down about ½ a mile below No
5 side
road and Johny got up to me with his mare and cutter, and I then drove over to see about the
horse and afterwards to Acton. we had our dinner at Agnews after delivering the steer. great fire
again at Toronto tonight. the girls came home tonight from Eden [Margin] Thursday 10th wrong.
transcribed
13 12 Saturday
A very fine day. John Mc
Kenzie drove up with his team & a cutter and took home his sleigh and
cutter, he loaded both cutters on the sleigh, his rack also being here, Margaret went to Guelph
to day along with Lizzie they went with "Nettie" & cutter, Robert Jestin took a load of house
effects for Willie to Guelph. it took up all my time attending to these outside folks & my chores. I
drove over to S. Tovells paid 22 dollars to him. Thos. Tolton & the girls paid us a visit this
evening along with Mr
Mc
Queen of Peel {T.qa}
14 13 Sunday Very stormy to day, a good deal of snow has fallen and it has drifted
considerably Maggie did not venture to Everton and Minnie has to stay at home these whate'r
befalls. the sore on her foot gives her a good deal of pain and discomfort. Thos. Tolton & the
girls I have had a busy day choring
JANUARY 1895
15 14 Monday A very wintry day, there was a good deal of snow fell last night. and the wind to
day has been drifting it up considerably, it has also been rather cold Willie was down awhile to
day packing and fixing up some of his effects. I have not been able to do much more than
attend to the chores to day, hitched up the horses to get sand but failed, got a double stall
ready. [Margin] Sanded a double stall for the cattle - Willie is fixing up for moving
16 15 Tuesday Quite a snowy, wintry day. the frost has slackened off some. I wedged up and
sanded the 2nd
double stall in stable, this forenoon. and drove up to Mc
Williams gravel pit and
shovelled off about a wheelbarrow load of sand from the side of the bank and finished up the
other stall with it, Colin Mc
Millan paid us a visit to day. took back a boring bit to Robt. Mc
Williams
and paid him $10.00 on the note he holds against me [Margin] Minnie's foot continues sore -
paid $10.00 to Robert Mc
Williams on note.
17 16 Wednesday Another wintry day, the snow has been deepening this last day or two. I put
in a stansill for the new cow, our heifer calved this morning. Willie took another load away, or at
least John Campbell did for him, Willie took in Jeenie and Miss Mc
Dougal this morning, I hauled
up 4 loads of stove wood. 1 before dinner and 3 afternoon. sent a card to Alex Mc
Gregor. and a
letter to Ewart. [Margin] heifer calved this morning - drawing stove wood.
18 17 Thursday Continues Wintry, but only moderately cold, the snow is keeping and a little
additional comes at times. I have been very busy to day. did up all my chores and drew up 4
loads of wood from the bush, finishing up all the circular cut wood. I paid Johny $1.64 to day,
which settles for my share of the taxes, which amounts to each of us $18.36. Webbs girls &
Geo. Abbott paid us a visit this evening [Margin] Settled with Johny for my share of taxes.
finished drawing wood from Bush.
19 18 Friday Quite a heavy snow storm. I have spent what time I had over my chores fixing up
the cattle stables and got them tied up Margaret helped me put in the stanchions &c. I drove
down our sleigh to Webbs and borrowed theirs for the wood drawing. I took the 50 lb borrowed
Salt also 87 lbs coal. I owed them 300.
20 19 Saturday Finer to day but the roads are heavy from the heavy fall of snow, Dr
Dryden
says there were nine inches fell. I have had quite a busy day choring & fixing up preparatory to
wood drawing next week, I drove down to Mc
Kenzies and got their Charlie horse. took "King"
down to Abbotts and got him sharped all round, one new shoe, had all the 3 home in coming
back. Fred in cutter, & Charlie and King.
21 0 Sunday Some more signs of snow again, or it may be thaw, there is quite a heavy
covering of snow on the ground now. Maggie drove to meeting this forenoon but did not go in
the evening I have been busy at my chores and had to move some turnips as I found them
heating
JANUARY 1895
22 21 Monday A very wet day. The rain fell almost incessantly all day. I repaired a boot for
Johny and also my own, taking off the heel and putting on a new piece of upper on the back,
Maggie and her mother had all the chores mostly done by the time I returned home.
23 22 Tuesday A very blow and stormy day. I drove to Guelph however with my first load of
wood to Goudys. I met in with Willie at Guelph and he prevailed on me to go to his place to feed
my horses and get dinner
24 23 Wednesday Continues stormy and Cold, the wind blows so hard that the track fills up
some and makes it hard travelling for the horses. I took my second load of wood to Goudys,
they complain of the quality of the wood and he docked me because of it, I think he docked to
the full amount of the defective wood, and got that for nothing. [Margin] 5 cuts of defective wood
is made much of by Goudy
24 25 Thursday Cold, but finer weather, the roads got filled in so last night that I was afraid to
venture to Guelph. I spent much of the day fixing up the chores and fixings so as to be easier for
the women folks. I loaded up my load ready for Guelph drove down for the mail this afternoon
taking Minnie with me .
25 26 Friday Much finer to day, a good deal of fresh snow is on the roads but there has been a
great traffick on them to day which has beaten the tracks up good. I took the last of the
hardwood to day. I had a few words again with Goudy re the quality of the wood. got dinner
again at Willies. Johny took in a load of wood for him, R.J. Kerr took a load of hay for him
[Margin] paid Willie 20 dollars for Johny - also five dollars to get me a quarter of Beef - and 24
dollars to lift the note for dead mare
26 27 Saturday An awfuly stormy day. The wind has piled up the snow in big drifts and those
who ventured out on the roads with loads had to unload and return. Willie came out last night to
take his organ to Guelph but had to go home without it. I fixed up things so as to feed the pigs in
the cattle shed, and took out the pump to fix it.
27 28 Sunday A continuation of this terrible weather, the snow is piled up in high unsightly
heaps, no one here has ventured out. I have had to spend a good deal of time in trying to make
the animals comfortable, heaps of snow everywhere abound to make things uncomfortable .
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 1895
29 28 Monday Moderately cold to day, the Sun has been bright and the day fine. the roads are
completely blocked and every body most that can handle a shovel is out shovelling snow, it is
seldom that the town line has been so badly blocked, I help shovel along with the rest and the
road is now open although heavy
29 30 Tuesday Weather moderate. I thought of trying to take a load of cedar to Guelph to day
but feared to face the heavy roads, the Mc
Williams took in two ventured it but the work for the
horses was hard, took a load of cedar wood down as far as Heffernan's and unloaded it, and 3
bags chop. got a bag of shorts. paid 85 cts for all. [Margin] 3 bags chop & 1 bag shorts 85 cts
p'd
30 31 Wednesday Cold to day, I took in a load of cedar wood to Goudy's. taking about ½ of
what was at Heffernan's, Johny helped me unload my load at the yard, the roads were a little
heavy. and it was rather a cold job teaming. the women did up all the chores nicely, I had my
dinner, as usual, at Willies,
31 Feb. 1 Thursday Continues cold, I drove another load of cedar wood to Guelph to day taking
away the balance of what was left at Heffernans, there is a great amount of wood going into
Guelph these days, and the pitch holes that are being worked out makes it hard work for the
teams and hard on the sleighs
Feb. 1 2 Friday Cold increasing, this has been a very cold day. if it was not that the seat was on
the side of the load providing shelter for the driver it would have been hard to bear, the work at
home was nicely done up while I was away. the team works first rate. the horses agreeing and
working together finely [Margin] Willie took in his organ to day, he came out last night
2 3 Saturday A very cold day. I went however to Guelph again. I am anxious to get done with
the wood drawing. this is the last load but one, and I am very well pleased to get through with it.
I had dinner as usual at Willies and had a very cold drive home John Mc
Kenzie drove up Bella &
children this afternoon. Bella is staying awhile [Margin] got a small ¼ of Beef costing $2.48 -
Willie got it for us and it is good
3 4 Sunday Finer to day, but continues very cold. Bella and the 2 girls drove the cutter to
Everton meeting this forenoon, the girls went again in the evening, Walter Mc
Williams driving
them down, it has taken up a good deal of my time making the stock comfortable at home.
FEBRUARY 1895
4 5 Monday Another cold day. I attended the first meeting of the Board of Health for the year,
Minnie accompanied me over to see the Doctor, he found her lung conjested and said she
should not have been out, I hurried home again and loaded up for Guelph tomorrow, putting on
a row of stove wood for Willie [Margin] took the sow from the young pigs. they are over 6 weeks
old. "Board of Health"
5 6 Tuesday The cold has been intense to day. I took the last of the cedar wood to Goudys it
measures, I think, nearly 8 cords, but Mr Goudy is bound to dock it on account of quality to 7
cords. I was awfully cold in driving home. I bought the coal for Webbs that I owed them, 215 lbs
got over weight.
6 7 Wednesday Another terribly cold day the frost is about as severe as yesterday. I hear it has
been 33 degrees below zero. the coldest for many years. I took home Webb's sleigh and the
coal I owed him, it is now all paid up. I then drove down to Mc
Kenzies with the horse, was very
cold in returning home, got some medicine for Minnie at the doctors
7 8 Thursday Cold to day about as great as ever. Johny took in 3 fat hogs to Guelph he sold to
Simpson, they weighed 660 lbs, at 4¢ per lb I had quite a job with the well & cistern pumps. the
lean holes got frozen and I had to chop and clear off the platforms to get at them. had a busy
day fixing it up and it has been terribly cold. Minnie is some better [Margin] Johny paid me 20
dollars back that I paid Willie for him - taxes
8 9 Friday One of the stormiest days I ever experienced. the wind has blown a hurricane and
the cold very great, the snow is drifting up and blocking the lanes &c. from the papers we find
this terrible cold snap is very general, at Toronto 21 below zero is registered and as low as 33 in
other parts of Ontario I got the pump at the Barn going again. Walter Mc
Williams helped me with
it, it has kept me busy keeping stock &c right
9 10 Saturday Continues stormy, the wind has been very strong and has drifted up the snow so
as to block up the surroundings very inconveniently. I have not been able to attend to much
more than to keep the stock right and make them as comfortable as possible, the extreme cold
has in some degree given way to day, I may say, for the first for quite a long time
11 Sunday High wind yet drifting the snow into inconvenient piles, our land is completely
blocked up. The cold has moderated quite perceptebly. the turnips are somewhat frozen in the
house and we are looking for moderate weather to make things right again.
FEBRUARY 1895
12 11 Monday A cold day, although when it is compared with some of last weeks weather it
seems moderate I got so much out of patience with the water trough being out at the house
pump that I moved it into the shed to day we fixed the pump so well that it works fine, no thanks
to Grant for it. he has put us to lots of trouble promising to come and fix it, but never doing it.
helped Johny over with 2 loads of pea straw [Margin] Walter Mc
Williams at the mill and got 2
bags chopped for us - borrowed our sleigh
12 13 Tuesday Another cold day, but a great improvement on last week. I went down to
Rockwood this afternoon. got some more medicine for Minnie. Called to see the Stewart Boys,
they are improving. got 36 lbs of good brown sugar at Passmores for a dollar, also some
oatmeal, and a lb of cheese 14¢ and lost it out of the cutter on coming home. the stage came
from Guelph to day. first since Friday last [Margin] Willie came out from Guelph to day. he
stayed here all night - Letter from Holyoke - all well and doing well.
13 14 Wednesday Weather moderating although to day has been raw and cold. I attended
Mc
Dermotts Sale this afternoon, bought nothing, bid on a cultivator. Cattle sold very cheap. Mr
Dunbar gave us a flying visit this morning, he got his paper in the interest of taxing for road
making instead of statute labour. I feel the change of water trough a great accomodation. hear
of damage done to potatoes from frost, our seem right.
14 15 Thursday Weather improved, the cold has moderated so that it is now quite pleasant. I
hurried up with the chores and got things fixed up so as not to be bothered when our company
gathers tonight. I drove down to Everton for the mail and met Joe Mc
Intosh coming up. There
was quite a company at night and Joe was the soul of it. it was 2 in the morning before it broke
up. Joe sang a lot of songs, there were the Webbs, Mortons, both Mc
Williams, Geo Abbott,
Johny & Lizzie.
15 16 Friday A very fine day, clear sunshine and moderately cold. I hitched up the cutter and
drove Bella over to Willie Suttons, and drove round by Ospringe. we had dinner and soon
afterwards came away home again, calling at Uncle Duncans where we took up Joe again who
had gone there on a visit while we were at Suttons.
16 17 Saturday Another very fine day, although the air is cold the sun has had great influence.
Johny & Lizzie were at Guelph in the cutter. Joe Mc
Intosh drove Bella & children down home in
the cutter, he brought back with him two dollars worth of sugar. 72 lbs, same as I got the other
day. we had quite a party at Webbs this ev'g. I drove the double team down to Guelph road to
give Minnie an airing, and left her at Webbs and brought her home at night [Margin] Johny at
Guelph I fed up his stock. Bella & her children away home - got 2 dollars worth sugar.
17 18 Sunday Fine weather, clear sunshine and not very cold. Joe Mc
Intosh and Maggie went
to Everton meeting this forenoon, they intended going again in the evening but did not go. I did
not go off the place the chores kept me busy a good part of the day. Minnie has to keep close to
the house.
FEBRUARY 1895
18 19 Monday Temperature quite moderate, inclined to blow this afternoon, had a blizzard of
snow & wind toward evening, but it soon calmed down again. I helped Johny with the team to
cut straw. Joe took my place to drive after the first run, he drove down to David Robertsons this
evening. I got every thing well attended to as Joe took my place while I did it. Minnie is not quite
so well [Margin] Cutting straw at Johny's - Blizzard - Joe McIntosh down to D. Robertson
19 20 Tuesday A moderately fine day Joe took the horse and cutter to David Robertsons last
night and just returned this evening I intended going to the doctors to day but could not as the
horse & cutter was away. I have been choring & splitting wood &c.
20 21 Wednesday Although clear, yet it has been rather raw and cold. I was up early and did
up my chores before breakfast and accompanied Johny to Robert Morton's straw cutting, we got
along well and did a good day's work, and brought back the horse power to Johny's. Our women
folks and Joe did up the chores this ev'g
21 22 Thursday A very stormy day, the roads are filling up badly again. The stage ran through
to Guelph and back, I did not expect that it could have done so. Joe and I have been fixing up
the stables some, and doing up the chores. this is really terrible weather & it is most difficult to
drive about as the lanes &c are filled up.
22 23 Friday Weather better again, but the roads are badly blocked up. I accompanied the gang
of neighbors down to Heffernans, we shovelled the drifts on the town line, and drove through
Robert Talbot's fields to Heffernans Corner. The gravel road is now so badly blocked that the
fields have to be taken for the most part, we got the mail this forenoon. [Margin] drove to
Rockwood this P.M. for medicine for Minnie the roads are terrible - we notice Peter Mahan has
met a serious accident
23 24 Saturday A tolerably fine day. Geo Mc
William took a load of stove wood to Willie at
Guelph to day. Walter took a load of wood to Geo. Marshall. Johny took a load of cedar to
Goudys, they found the roads very heavy. Johny upset once. Joe drove down to Everton this
P.M. he helped me fix up round the stables & the chores this A.M. I half soled a boot for Johny
Burnett to day. Colin Mc
Millan is ill at present
24 25 Sunday A fine day, but frosty and rather cold this forenoon. Margaret & I drove down to
Hefferman this forenoon to see Colin Mc
Millan who is very sick. after coming back Maggie & her
Mother drove up to see the Duffields as some of them were complaining. I wrote a letter to
Meaford Maggie & her Uncle Joe drove to Everton. [Margin] we hear that Peter Mahan is dead
FEBRUARY - MARCH 1895
25 26 Monday A fine day but rather cold. the Sun is begining to have more effect. I have had all
the chores on my hands to day, as Joe has been enjoying himself over at Johny's &c. Margaret
and I drove down to see Colin this evening, he is a very sick man. Johny Campbell came to day
and is nursing him, they had to turn out and shovel the roads again to day.
26 27 Tuesday A beautiful day, but cold frosty air Joe rode down to Acton with Walter
Mc
Williams and went to Georgetown. I did up my chores early and prepared to clean up our
wheat, but just as we were at it, Samuel Tovel came along and spent several hours with us, so
we quit it, he had dinner with us. the girls drove down to the Corner this P.M. Colin is not so
well. Alice & Ada Webb visited us [Margin] young light roan heifer to Johny's Bull to day
27 28 Wednesday A very fine day. much milder and this afternoon the snow started to thaw off
rather rapidly. Margaret & I cleaned up the wheat this A.M. and I intended bagging up some for
chop but having lost time hunting more bags &c I gave up the idea and instead we cleaned up
the flax. Johny drove a load of cedar to Guelph. Colin Mc
Millan still keeps very poorly, not any
better
Feb 28 March 1 Thursday Continues to thaw rapidly the snow has gone very fast and the
roads where the snow is deep is very bad to travel on as the horses break through I took the
wheat grist to the mill and also 3 bags of barley chop. they desired me to leave the wheat grist
till tomorrow afternoon, but I got the chop home with me, paid the chop 15¢. Colin Mc
Millan is a
little better this evening.
March 2 1 Friday Continued soft last night and up till noon to day. the snow has gone a great
deal during the thaw. this afternoon it has turned colder and hard frost evening. I drove down to
the mill for the grist. the 6 bags wheat weighed 14 bushels & 20 lbs. they changed 7 bushels of
fall wheat for the wild goose charging a quarter extra. there was 485 lbs flour outcome. they
kept 100 out I owed, so that I had 385 home, 3 bags shorts 2 bran. paid $1.65 for grist [Margin]
Colin Mc
Millan is some better I paid him the full balance of his wages to day. $6.50
2 3 Saturday The frost has dried up the ground again and it is very icy, but better getting about.
Margaret helped me to clean up the peas to day, and I put them in the hogshead 19½ Bushels
by measure. there were also over two bushels split peas for grinding. I threshed the flax tailings
and cleaned all of it up. there will, I think be about 2 bushels of it. [Margin] "old white sow at
Robt. Mc
Williams Berkshire Pig"
3 4 Sunday Softer in the early part of the day but got up colder later on. I have been pretty
close at home, only going down to Mortons with young sow Maggie went to meeting this
forenoon, and we had a visit of Mr & Mrs Webb this afternoon. Maggie went with them down
and intended going again to meeting with the young folks. Minnie's fever is high to day. Mother
is not well to day. [Margin] "young white sow taken to Mortons to day."
MARCH 1895
4 5 Monday A very stormy & cold day the wind has blown the falling snow into all the cranies
the Toltons have chopped for Mc
Williams and they borrowed our "King" horse for the occasion. I
helped Johny clean up 7 bags of grain for chopping. we afterwards cleaned up 40 Bushels of
our black oats and put them in the granary
5 6 Tuesday Very frosty and cold, this morning the thermometer, I heard, registered 11 below
zero. I wrote a letter for Holyoke and Johny mailed it this morning when he went to Everton with
his chop. I drove to Rockwood and sent the doctor, who was coming up to see Mrs Jonathan
Lovel, to see Minnie. I then drove down and had tea at Mc
Kenzies. Minnie is not yet over the
effects of conjestion [Margin] Willie drove out from Guelph to day. I sent the money to pay the
Forester note - Southdown ewe had a lamb
6 7 Wednesday A very fine day, milder and, with the exception of a few blustering snow clouds,
it was a nice clear day. Johny took in his last load of wood to Goudy to day. I have been clearing
out the upper cattle stable for the sheep, the little Southdown had a lamb the other day, and the
rest I bought with her from Henry Duffield may all soon be lambing. I was rather sick last night
but some better to day
7 8 Thursday A little raw and cold to day but not an unpleasant day. Johny & I brought over our
4 sheep (Duffield purchase) and put them in the upper cattle stable Johny also helped me to
clean up the balance of the black oats making 96 bushels in all, put in the bin in granary. the tail
ends after, cleaned up 4 bags more. I drove down to see the doctor this afternoon. Minnie's
temperature is hight 104. the doctor thinks he may have to see her if not better
8 9 Friday Milder to day, but inclined to snow some, became colder in the evening. at times it
was quite stormy through the day. Joseph Mc
Intosh came along again this morning. he was all
night at Uncle Duncan. he helped me fix up the railroad door and started the other oat pile
cleaning, put through 25 bushels. Minnie, we think, is a little better. went down to see Johny
Currie about helping us prepare fire wood. he says he will do what he can [Margin] another
Duffield Ewe had a lamb this morning
9 10 Saturday A very fine forenoon and we expected a fine day, all through in this we were
dissapointed as it blew up very rough afternoon. a good deal of snow fell and was drifted about.
I attended the funeral of Old Mr Sharp. he was buried at Everton. the funeral was largely
attended. Joe and I cleaned through 120 bushels of oats and put them in a granary bin. there is
yet some to clean. Johny & Lizzie are at Guelph to day. Minnie not much better [Margin] Old Mr
Sharp buried to day - cleaned up 120 Bushels "Banner " oats
10 11 Sunday A fine day, sunshine and cold moderate. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & Bella Webb
paid us a visit to day. Willie & Jeenie took a run out from Guelph. they drove up to Mimosa and
called here on their way back they drove home during the time of the total eclipse of the moon
Joe and Maggie drove down to night meeting at Everton. [Margin] John Mc
Kenzie paid me
$12.00 - $6.00 for self to pay A.O.U.W. and the other 6 to pay note off A. Mc
Gregor
MARCH 1895
11 12 Monday Temperature moderate, and fairly fine. John Mc
Kenzie, Bella & the family with
Bella Webb paid us a visit to day. he paid me money as I have it recorded yesterday. Joe is
sharping the crosscut saw to day. Louis Black & Mrs Mc
Kinnon drove up to day to see Minnie.
Mrs Webb also was up the greater part of the afternoon
12 13 Tuesday A very fine day. John Currie has helped me saw up timber in the wood to day
for firewood Joe was out with us this afternoon, we cut up some beeches and 4 basswood saw
logs, & 2 hemlocks we took the team down this afternoon to break the roads. it has kept us busy
to attend the stock and work in the Bush. Joe went to Everton this P.M.
13 14 Wednesday Fine day although frosty & cold. John Currie is laid up unwell to day. John
Smallhorn came on at noon to day to work at the wood John has made arrangements with his
brother Richard to work in his time with me for the rent of $12.00. Joe & John Smallhorn cut in
the woods together this P.M. while I took a grist of chop to Everton 8 bags oats, and 4 bags
mixed grain (Barley peas & oats for cattle & hogs
14 15 Thursday Continues fine weather, cold and frosty at nights. John Smallhorn and I have
been cutting up a large beech. while John Currie drew up 3 or 4 loads of log lengths and placed
them on a skid way at the yard. we helped him load.
15 16 Friday Very cold last night, the frost is very kean this morning, but it has been a very fine
pleasant day. John Currie & John Smallhorn with myself were at the wood this forenoon. they
cut at Jestins this afternoon for Smallhorn. I drove up to Scotts and paid the note for the harrows
$4.75. we had quite a lot of visitors, Uncle Duncan, Jamie Abbott, Mary & George Misses Tovell
and others.
16 17 Saturday Another cold day, but very pleasant we are having a wonderful cold time for
such a late time of the year. I drove to Guelph to day, got the loan of 30 dollars from Willie, I
paid him the 35¢ he gave to the Bank Manager. got a pair over shoes $1.00. Willie bought me
an axe & handle 85¢ - sold turnips to Shultz 11¢ Currie & Smallhorn working in Bush. brought
up 2 loads logs. Dr. up to see Minnie Willie Abbott removed shoe, paid 10¢. Sent 6 dollars to A.
Mc
Gregor interest for Jno Mc
Kenzie [Margin] Guelph. 30 dollars from Willie - a new axe & handle
- got things at Willies {pepper} ½ lb. 1 lb cheese 10¢ stove {--} matches - excitement over the
{Handershott competition}
17 18 Sunday A fine day, a little cold as usual. Maggie drove to meeting this forenoon. Grace
Nelson accompanied her home and Maggie drove her back again at night Joe went down to
Everton last night and is visiting at Blacks this afternoon. I have been kept pretty close at work
to day fixing up the stock. visitors to day
MARCH 1895
18 19 Monday Fine day. John Currie and John Smallhorn have been helping at the bush. Joe
also helped us, we cut down a couple of cedar trees to make school wood, one was lodged
against another tree but we cut it and hauled it down with the team. the road to the bush is
getting bare in the fields
19 20 Tuesday Fine day. I drove over to Erin this forenoon and paid Gib. Mc
Arthur for the horse
$41.00. After returning I hitched up Fred and drove to Rockwood for Auntie Kate. "Frank" took
sick after I returned with him from Erin and I gave him a doze of salt and soda, also afterwards a
doze of saltpetre & turpentine. he got better Joe has been at Robt. Mc
WIlliams sawing for me
20 21 Wednesday Another fine day. I took down a cord of cedar wood to the school to day, and
hurried back to take Kate Moore and Joe Mc
Intosh to the 6 oclock train. we made it by hard
scratching
21 22 Thursday Very fine day, the sun has been very hot and burnt my face rather badly. John
Smallhorn and I prepared 2 loads of turnips this A.M. Charlie Duffield also brought his team and
worked at them from about ten oclock afterwards in the afternoon. Walter Mc
William and Johny
helped us prepare other 2 loads, so we started off with our 4 loads making 142 Bushels. the
roads were very bad, we got them off shortly after 6 oclock [Margin] Dr Dreyden up to see
Minnie to day,
22 23 Friday Continues hot in the sun I took down another load of turnips this forenoon John
Smallhorn helped me root them and then rode down home. Casino made the mistake of not
giving me a proper ticket for the weights and I had to go back again with it before the 6 oclock
train. I had in all 169½ Bushels
23 24 Saturday A little colder to day, but the snow has melted very much for all. I drove to
Guelph to see about the business with Mr Hobson, but he was at Toronto, fixed it so that it can
be done in a week. I settled with D. L. Shultz, he gave me a check for $18.60. 11¢ per bushel.
had dinner at Willie's, his business seems increasing. the roads are very bad and near the city
very bare. the snow banks in many places are as high as ever.
24 25 Sunday Very soft, the snow is going fast to day. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella drove up to
see Minnie. poor Minnie does not seem to get much better. the fever keeps up very high at
times which shows the disease is still there. have had to attend closely to home and outside
wants
MARCH - APRIL 1895
25 26 Monday Very soft the snow has melted very much to day. I have had a busy day -
uncovering potatoes, and doing up the chores also half soled a pair of Boots for Isaac Theaker's
boy. Minnie is much about the same had a good many visitors to see her to day.
26 27 Tuesday Frozen up last night and to day. I have had a very busy day, doing up the
chores, and split up a load of cedar stove wood for the school, and took it down, after returning
home I split up and loaded the most of another load.
27 28 Wednesday Very stormy to day, quite a snow storm in the afternoon. I was up early and
did up the chores and helped Johny at the sawing machine, he got along very well, had 11
hands all told. Robt. Jestin, Coffey, Mc
Williams (Geo.) Robt. Mc
Williams, John Burnett, Robt
Morton, Jamie Duffield, Isaac Theaker, Geo Abbott.
28 29 Thursday A fine day but very wintry for So late a day of the year. I hurried up this
morning and finished up the splitting of the cedar wood for the school and drew it down to the
school house. there is fully more than the 4 cords in all. this P.M. I bagged up 8 bags mixed
grain, ½ bushel peas, 3 barley & over 1 oats. got them home with me. bought a ton of chopped
wheat 20 dollars a ton. got a week to take it home
29 30 Friday Wintry & cold to day but not unpleasant I have been very busy to day. Cleaning
out stables &c ½ soled a boot for Johny Burnett, and took over 10 9 bags of chop to the pig
house. I had to dig my way in to the house through the high snow drifts. Dr. Dryden came to see
Minnie to day. he says she is some better. had a good many visitors to day [Margin] shoe
mending - chopped stuff for the pigs - Dr. Dryden visits Minnie
30 31 Saturday Continues Cold & wintry, although very pleasant. Johny & Lizzie drove to
Guelph market to day with the democrat. I accompanied them. Robt Morton also took the
wagon. they are the first wheels, that we know of, on the town line since the sleighing. Johny got
$1.50 a bag for 3 bags apples (nor. spys) 75¢ for bag of potatoes. 15¢ for eggs, 16¢ for Butter.
Willie got 6 lbs I had transferred mortgage to day to Elizabeth Loghrin. Mc
Lean's Bill is $9.05.
the roads are bad for the wheels on account of the deep drifts. [Margin] Guelph Market.
Business - bad roads - Johny sold Bull to Alex. White {4¢} and the rise
31 April 1 Sunday Fine day, but keeps up wintry I have been about home all day, with the
exception that Mother and I drove the cutter up to Duffields to see Mary who has lately been
taken down quite sick. Maggie went to Everton meeting at night. Walter Mc
Williams drove the
horse & cutter.
APRIL 1895
1 2 Monday Rain and ice storm to day, or at least last night. Johny & I each took a team this
afternoon and loaded up the 6 small logs (4 Bass and 2 hemlock) Johny took his to Everton, but
I had to stay and clean up the oats for Fen. Avrey. he got 17 Bushels and he brought 6 Bushels
"Lakefield peas. 75¢ per Bushel. he paid me $2.50 between the lots. the season keeps
remarkably late
2 3 Tuesday Quite a glit of ice on the ground this morning. I took the logs to Everton, and
brought home 1,595 lbs of ground wheat, paying ten dollars on it. Cleaned up the Barley and
bagged it and emptied the meal into the bin the barley was in. [Margin] Horton paid me for the
cedar wood $5.00 - Cleaned Barley
3 4 Wednesday Continues Cold, the snow however is slowly going, the late ice storm has left
some shreds of it yet. have been looking up a man to day. Geo. Duffield and Geo. Anderson,
did not deal with either, was over at Ospringe to see Anderson may yet deal with Duffield.
4 5 Thursday Fine day. we filled 4 bed ticks to day with oat straw, Colin Mc
Millan paid us a visit
to day. I hitched up the horse to Johny's buggie this afternoon and drove down to Rockwood to
see the doctor and I waited at Stewarts till he returned from Guelph at 7 oclock. being a little late
when I went back to the doctors, he had just gone again. I was displeased & dissapointed
5 6 Friday Another fine day, but threatening rain. we drew over the horse power so as to cut
straw soon Johny took over the fanning mill. I bagged up 3 bags of Northern Spy apples and 3
bags potatoes for Guelph to morrow. Mr & Mrs John Webb paid us a visit this afternoon.
6 7 Saturday A very wet night and the first half of this forenoon, I made ready to go to Guelph
but on account of the rain abandoned the idea, we could have gone however after all as it
ceased raining about nine oclock.
7 8 Sunday Continues murky and unpleasant, very damp and foggy. we all kept the house
pretty closely to day. I have been kept busy trying to make all the animals comfortable.
APRIL 1895
8 9 Monday Weather becoming less wintry and the indications are favourable for the early
opening up of spring, it would not be early - however even if it was now upon us, I have not yet
secured my help for the summer and I am negotiating and looking out, it is a great matter of
Concern to me now that I am alone.
9 10 Tuesday Weather taking up again and getting more pleasant. Minnie does not improve as
we would like and the doctor displeased me by not staying till he saw me last Thursday, doctors,
like every other class of people get careless at times when it is of the greatest importance that
they should be attentive & careful.
10 11 Wednesday A fine day. John Smallhorn came to help us and I set him to sort the turnips
and throw them back from the potatoe pile. Margaret and I drove to Guelph to day. 3 bags
apples (Nor. Spys) and 4 bags potatoes $1.75 for the apples 70¢ for potatoes. Butter 16¢ Eggs
14¢.
11 12 Thursday A very fine day, but threatens rain this afternoon. John Smallhorn has had a
nasty job among the frozen potatoes, the south west end of the turnip house is not well
protected outside and quite a thickness of the pile is lost. I have been round asking a few hands
for sawing tomorrow found the Toltons sawing for themselves with the machine
12 13 Friday Fine this forenoon, but came on rain between 3 & 4 oclock, we had 3 saws going
pretty steady until 5 oclock, the last 2 hours we sawed at the bush, we had Robt Morton, Johny
Burnett, Geo. Abbott, Walter Mc
Williams, John Coffey, Geo. Duffield, John Smallhorn, Johny
Sunter & myself. the work went on well and it was a pity the rain came to stop us. I hired Geo.
Duffield for 7 months at 16 dollars per month, gets his washing done here, he gets every other
Sunday
13 14 Saturday A fine day after the rain of yesterday David Tolton came to day to help us cut
wood. John Smallhorn and I sawed mostly together and David split it up. they finished up a
number of logs at the last and let me do up the chores. I drove Smallhorn home this evening
Geo. Loree gave up the keys of Mrs Peavoys house to day.
14 15 Sunday Fine this morning but got up cold and not very pleasant as the day wore on.
Maggie drove alone to Everton meeting and Colin Mc
Millan came back with her, the doctor got a
call to James Douglas to see one of their children and he called to see Minnie he says she is
improving but very slowly.
APRIL 1895
15 16 Monday Weather cool and fine. Geo. Duffield started to work this morning. he split up the
balance of the unsplit wood in the woodhouse and made a start on the outside pile. [Margin]
Geo. Duffield started to work this morning
16 17 Tuesday The weather is improving and things now look as spring may at last come upon
us. John Smallhorn was clearing up the last of the frozen potatoes, and piled the stove wood for
George as he split it.
17 18 Wednesday The weather has turned fine, a little frost at night. John Smallhorn helped me
this forenoon to load up 12 bags of black Joanatte oats for chopping. and he went home with
me when I drove to the mill. George has been splitting up the stove wood, George took a load of
turnips to the pig house. I took over there more than a load. I pulp and boil them & mix meal in
them. [Margin] Sold the pigs to Henry Duffield for 5 cents per lb and the rise - likely to go in
about a month.
18 19 Thursday A very fine day, the ground is drying up very fast. George finished the splitting
of the stove wood this evening, he had to work very steady at it in order to get it done. I piled the
most of it, & unloaded the chop stuff and took home the bags after shaking them. we loaded up
the balance of the Mangolds the wagon in the Barn, went for Smallhorn this evening. [Margin]
Wm Mc
Cullough has started this P.M. to prune the orchard he works till Saturday night for
$2.00.
19 20 Friday A very fine, warm & sunshiny day. George started the plow this morning and it has
gone well. George had to stop about 3 oclock P.M. and, with Johny, attended John Mc
Tavish's
barn raising. I sold the "George" horse to James Ramshaw, backed by Wm Anderson. John
Smallhorn and I have been cutting some cedar culls into stove wood. unloaded the mangolds
this morning at pig pen [Margin] Sold the George horse - Barn raising John McTavish
20 21 Saturday Weather quite warm and the sun out clear & fine. George has plowed all day at
the sod. John Smallhorn & I have been sawing up some summer wood. I drove to Rockwood to
see the doctor and gave Wm Mc
Cullough a ride home. Minnie not been so well this week and
we wished the doctor to know it, he thinks she has had the Grippe and gave me more medicine.
John Smallhorn went home
21 22 Sunday A very fine day. George and Maggie attended the meeting twice to day. Willie
drove out from Guelph to see Minnie he has a new top buggie Johny Currie & wife and others
have been visiting. I walked down to Webbs in the evening and got caught in a heavy rain that
came on
APRIL 1895
22 23 Monday A fine day after the rain of last night. Johny had to go to Guelph to day to be a
witness against Thorp for Contravention of the By Laws governing the Sales (market) of the
City. I plowed with his team in the sod along with George. I gave up the keys of Mrs Peavoys
house to Fred Peavoy, and stipulated that it was rented only by the quarter (3 months) he to pay
the taxes and do the road work [Margin] rented Mrs Peavoys house for 2 dollars per month
taxes to be paid and road work done. Geo. Duffield witnessed the agreement - Wm Loree
secured the rent.
23 24 Tuesday Another very fine day. George has, with "King" cleared off the stones from the 2
fields to the west, behind the orchard, took over turnips to boil and other chores. I have plowed
all day at the sod with "Frank & Fred". I have to boil turnips for the pigs & also pulp them. it
makes a lot of work, but we think it will pay.
24 25 Wednesday Another beautiful day, threatened rain but did not come. Mary Stewart & her
mother drove up from Rockwood to see Minnie. I finished the sod field by noon to day. George
finished up the stoning with "King" and manured and gang plowed the onion bed, by noon,
afternoon he cultivated with the new Cultivator, the wheat land in front field we also took in a
load of turnips for the pigs.
25 26 Thursday Continues fine weather for seeding. Johny has had the use of "Fred" to help
his team to cultivate he finds the new cultivator to make rather heavy work for his team on his
hard land. George sowed the wheat and harrowed it after the drill. Eddie and Netty Abbott came
up on a visit to day. I drove to Everton for the mail in the evening taking them home. Johny got
done early with "Fred" . so I took him home
26 27 Friday Beautiful weather, some indications of change but they always wear off without
result. George rolled and cultivated the sod for the peas this forenoon. sowed them this
afternoon. I have on hand the boiling every day of pulped turnips with the meal for the pigs.
have been very unwell for some days, having much inward pain, have taken some pills
(morrisons) to try and remove it.
27 28 Saturday Splendid weather for seeding, cool and drying. George has harrowed the pea
land after the seeder and partly rolled it before dinner. he cultivated the back field opposite in
the afternoon. he worked Fred at it. Johny also worked him a while this forenoon.
28 29 Sunday Weather continues dry & cool, just the kind of weather we are now in need of.
Willie & wife & Colin Campbell drove out from Guelph. They called as they returned from
Mimosa. Willie also called as he drove past in the morning George & Maggie drove twice to
Everton today. I did up the chores. Minnie kept her bed to day. [Margin] light roan heifer to Bull
to night
APRIL - MAY 1895
29 30 Monday Beautiful day, warmer this afternoon than has been prevailing, the grass is
growing greener on account of the heat. A cool wind, however, generally prevails. George has
sowed the west ½ of the back field to the north this A.M. Afternoon he harrowed & rolled it, all to
about ½ an hour's work. I have boiled 2 batches for the pigs. I took out the partition giving them
all the room, the 2 Mrs Abbotts paid us a visit this P.M. [Margin] I sent a card each to Bella and
Auntie Kate. a letter each to Bro. Alex - to Alex. Holyoke and $5.00 to Erin A.O.U.W.
30 MAY 1 Tuesday Rather hotter to day than usual, things are begining to be rather dry.
George took out some manure to the Rhubarb bed and dug it in. I rolled the wheat land the
while and he & I spent afterwards until dinner time on the pea land rolling & picking stones. I
boiled a pot of feed for the pigs afternoon and raked up the yard. George cultivated the 5½ acre
field to the left of the lane. Women folks cleaning up cellar. I took Minnie again for a drive.
[Margin] a travelling man fixed our Clock to day
1 2 Wednesday Much cooler to day, and continues dry. George has cultivated the back field,
but one on the south side of lane and sowed and harrowed it in. we put in "Banner oats". I laid
off the Kitchen garden by shovelling out the 2 long walks. Maggie & her mother sowed quite a
few onions. I filled up a load of turnips and George drew them to the pig house. took straw also.
we turned out last years calves yesterday.
2 3 Thursday Warmer to day, in fact a little too warm for comfort. George cultivated and sowed
the remainder of the back, north of lane field to Joanette oats. the east end and the old boggy
bit in the middle were rather wet, but not so bad on the whole. I drove Minnie down as far as
Uncle Duncan's to day.
3 4 Friday Another very warm day. I have been choring round this forenoon, boiling pig feed &c.
fished about a couple of hours and got 5 nice fish for Minnie, 3 trouts. I harrowed this afternoon
what George sowed yesterday George cultivated the north front field this A.M. we cleaned up 5
bags Bavarian oats and then he went off to Hugh Black's Barn raising. Dr. Dryden called to see
Minnie to day. he says she is much better [Margin] Minnie walked down to Mc
Williams to day.
got Fred shod all round (reset) by Wm Abbott. not pd.
4 5 Saturday An extremely hot day. Margaret & I have been to Guelph to day with Fred &
Buggy, we had 40 doz. eggs, and 22 lbs, 30 doz at 9¢ - 10 doz 10¢. Butter at 15¢. we were at
Willie's to dinner there are fears we have seen the highest market past for potatoes. 60¢ was
paid to day. George finished sowing & harrowing the front north field. took afterwards 2 loads of
pruned stuff out of orchard yet another load to take away before we plow the orchard [Margin]
horses very warm to day hottest day of the season
5 6 Sunday Another hot day. Sunshine and splendid growing weather, but rain would now be
very acceptable, the trees are leafing out extremely fast since yesterday morning, we have been
at home all day Maggie & George have both been twice at Everton. Tina Mc
Kinnon is again very
sick, poor girl, she is very delicate
MAY 1895
6 7 Monday Another extremely hot day, until about 3 P.M. when the air became cooler, it was
thought local thunder showers was the cause. I have had a busy choring day. George took the
last load of prunings to the back of the place, and we took a load of straw for the pigs. George
afterwards plowed about ⅔ of the orchard. George Williams paid us a visit to day, he is very
poorly. Tina Mc
Kinnon is also very poorly. Minnie improves very slowly
7 8 Tuesday Continues hot, a little rain fell from the thunder clouds which are passing around.
George plowed the balance of the orchard and harrowed and partly rolled it. we wish to make a
fine seed bed for the barley. I drove to Everton this afternoon and Minnie accompanied me, on
account of the appearance of rain I drove rather fast and she felt wearied. Thos. Tolton & Hanah
called awhile this evening [Margin] Keep fishing about every morning for Minnie - Johny got 3
Bushels peas for seed
8 9 Wednesday Another hot day. George finished up the sowing to day. the barley in the
orchard. I prepared a floor in the turnip house and pulled down the potatoe pile, they are
growing badly. the market for them has gone badly back and left us, as well as many others, in
a bad plight. they were 70¢ a bag a couple of weeks ago, and now down to 40¢.
9 10 Thursday Terribly hot to day in the sun. George has been rolling to day and sowed the
barley yesterday Charles Socket came along for us to sign the note for the Cultivator $33.00
payable on the 1st April 1897. I dug the flower bed this forenoon in garden, boiling pig feed.
George helped awhile at sprouting the potatoes, and hauled over a load of turnips to the pig
house. I threw them out at the window of turnip house
10 11 Friday Another steaming hot day. vegitation has made wonderful progress up to this time.
the leaf is out in full bloom plum & apple blossom coming out. George has been helping Johny
to plow up the far end of the corner field that missed the seeding down
11 12 Saturday The long, hot & dry spell has been broken to day, this morning a heavy thunder
cloud passed over us and heavy rain fell, again in the afternoon another also came and the
temperature fell very low. I drove to Guelph for the ¼ Bbl beer for Minnie but failed to get it. got
2 bottles till the other can be had in a few days. Johny delivered his bull in Rockwood, he
weighed 1680 lbs. at 4¢ & 2 dollars over, $69.20. I had a very cold ride home from Guelph.
Minnie is rather poorly. [Margin] Johny got 212 lbs oats for seed.
12 13 Sunday A great change in the temperature. quite a freeze last night, I am afraid damage
will result to the tender grain and fruit blossoms, it has been quite cold all day. Maggie and
George have been twice at Everton meeting to day. John Webb paid us quite a long visit this
afternoon.
MAY 1895
13 14 Monday Awfully hard frost last night nothing, I fear, but great damage must follow such a
freeze, our rhubarb bed that was rank & grand is mown right down, all the leaves of the beech
trees are completely blackened. George & I have been sprouting the potatoes in the turnip
house to day, we cleaned up the house some and laid another floor [Margin] oats badly frozen -
terrible frost.
14 15 Tuesday A very rough day, quite a snowy time all day. John Smallhorn and George & I
have been sprouting potatoes all day. we sort them as we go along. the potatoes have kept well
but they are growing rather bad.
15 16 Wednesday Weather a little better to day - not much, if any, frost last night. George &
Smallhorn have been at the potatoes again all day. I took down 15 bags black oats to chop, they
weighed within 60 lbs of 40 Bls. I hauled the 6 logs in to the mill this morning while they
chopped the grist, and I went back for the lumber in the afternoon. 525 feet - Willie drove out to
see Minnie and brought the Bbl Beer. [Margin] paid Mr Horton all up, except the lumber - got
295 lbs more meal
16 17 Thursday A fine day. George has plowed quite a piece of the potatoe land to day and
drilled up for the mangolds, he and I sowed them after I got the old turnip drill and grooved them
out John Smallhorn and I have been sprouting at the potatoes.
17 18 Friday Another fine day. I got the balance (6 rows) of the mangolds sown and then rolled
them down with our own turnip drill, sowing at same time a sprinkling of turnip seed. I then wrote
a letter to Mrs Peavoy and from Rockwood sent her the twelve dollars by "Express order", by a
letter from her I learn that she & her Sister Mrs Stewart intend to start to Oklahoma, where Alex
is, on the 21st.
18 19 Saturday A very wet and dissagreeable day outside, the rain started early in the forenoon
and kept at it all day afterwards, the temperature has been moderate and the rain will probably
do much good in bringing round the frozen grain. John Smallhorn and George & I have been
sprouting at the potatoes the most of the day. Lizzie was at Guelph to day. I drove Smallhorn
home this ev'g also Jamie Abbott
19 20 Sunday Rained all last night and awhile this morning, it cleared up early however. John &
Bella came up, with the children, from Eden, it is quite awhile since they were up before. John
says the frost has cut their grain rather badly. we hear bad accounts from Luther and other
places. Mr Baker, Howard Tolton & wife, and others were here to day.
MAY 1895
20 21 Monday Cold and frosty both night and day. George got away with the hogs about 8
oclock this A.M. they weighed 1680, the nine nearly 187 each . = $84.00. I took 82 as Duffield is
meeting a bad market. I bought 5 dollars worth sugar - 3 dollars 28 to the dollar, & 2 granulated
20 lbs to the dollar. (at Passmores) - didn't get back home till about 4 P.M. paid Stout 12 dollars
as interest on the note of Alex's. [Margin] Rockwood with hogs - bought sugar - took white heifer
to Mc
William's Bull.
22 22 Tuesday Wednesday - made mistake in placing this day. Frost again, but milder than
has prevailed steadily for going on two weeks. John Smallhorn and I have been sprouting
potatoes all day. George has been plowing the potatoe land that he covered with dung
yesterday. Dr Dryden & Geo. Stewart came to see Minnie to day. John Rossell & wife & 2 little
girls visited here to day.
21 23 Cold Tuesday Heavy frost again last night the ground was hard this morning. George
has been drawing out manure on the potatoe ground and spreading it as he goes. I wrote 2
letters this morning 1 to Holyoke and 1 to Joe Mc
Intosh and mailed them. paid up Horton in full,
and got a bag of flour which was booked for $2.25 got Frank shoes set all round at Abbotts.
paid. also the old a/c. & the dollar of Johnys [Margin] cold and frosty.
23 24 Thursday Cool air but much milder than has prevailed for some time. I drove to Guelph
with 20 bags potatoes also took our No. 7 plow and got it fixed at Gowdy's. it always ran too
deep. we plowed Willie's patch of ground. got 50¢ per bag for potatoes. paid Willie $15.00 - he
has now received $25.00 in cash of the $30.00 I borrowed from him, he got 3 bags potatoes for
which he did not pay. got King shod all round 75¢. George split and piled some stove wood in
the back, and dug in the garden. [Margin] Guelph - just heard of the Calamity of young George
Black's drowning - got shirts & collars for Smallhorn $1.10
24 25 Friday Continues mild, the weather has taken a favourable change. I have been helping
George to fill manure and sprouting potatoes when he was out at the field Minnie had a short
drive for the first since the cold spell set in. we had a lot of visitors to day, Jackson's, Toltons
from Guelph. Bessie Tolton & her Companions. Colin Campbell & Jeenie. Hindley girls &c. we
have the shed pretty well cleared of manure.
25 26 Saturday Another very fine day, warm & pleasant. George has plowed about 1½ acres of
the turnip and potatoe land although we were delayed a long time after dinner washing the
sheep. I finished up the sprouting of the potatoes to day. I drove Maggie to Everton this evening
for practice at music to take the place of Mary Black who is unfitted on account of the drowning
of her brother in Algomd, they sing at the S.S. Convention next Monday
26 27 Sunday Considerable rain has fallen to day and the temperature has fallen so as to be
quite cool. George has been away to day, he went down to see Mr James Bercham who has
been quite poorly of late. Minnie is yet very poorly but, I fancy she is gaining a little strength, as
she walks up & down stairs without help. Joe Mc
Intosh came here last night and is with us to
day.
MAY - JUNE 18945
27 28 Monday Rather cold to day, some frost last night. I drove Joe part of the way to
Rockwood this morning. he intends going up to Guelph from Georgetown this evening, as he
has engaged to go to work there. Maggie came down to the S.S. convention to sing in the Choir
to day and in the evening Willie drove out from Guelph this morning for Hattie Cutting and went
back after dinner.
28 29 Tuesday Much milder to day, although there was a little frost this morning. I took in 30
bags potatoes to Guelph to day, got 50¢ per bag, for 21 bags. and 45¢ for the balance. Willie
got 2 bags, for which he did not pay. I got 50¢ oatmeal from Willie. Cultivated Willie's piece of
ground. George has been fixing up the fences to day, he put out the calves to pasture in the
orchard. Minnie seems a little better. [Margin] white cow calved this A.M.
29 30 Wednesday A very warm day. George drew out manure this forenoon and plowed this
afternoon. there is yet about 2¼ acres uncovered and but little manure on hand, we will cover
what we can and put hungarian in what is left. I filled up 31 bags potatoes for Guelph. paid Robt.
Mc
Williams $58.00 which lifted the note and paid him all up for the sow &c. he allowed me 75¢
off.
30 31 Thursday A scorching hot day. I started for Guelph this morning at 6 oclock getting in in
good shape about half past nine. met a dull market for potatoes. Charles Socket took a bag in
my going in. Sold 8 bags more for 45¢ per bag, and the balance to {E----} for 40¢. Willie paid me
for the two bags he got from me on Tuesday. I got 2 bushels seed corn, and ½ a bushel
hungarian grass seed. Willie got it for me 5¢ cheaper. [Margin] Guelph with a load of potatoes.
31June 1 Friday Another steaming hot day. George has finished drawing out the manure there
were four loads out of the pig yard. I shore the 7 sheep and then drove off to meet Brother Alex,
when getting to Erin, I was wired to go on to Caledon as they failed to connect. I met him about
3 miles this side of Caladon a rig he hired brought him that far, it was near 12 oclock before we
got home [Margin] paid A.O.U.W. a {senit} for self & Jno McKenzie
June 1 2 Saturday Continues hot and windy George has plowed in the manure and a part of
the land for hungarian grass. I hitched up and drove over to Toltons with Brother Alex. Thomas
hitched to the democrat and we drove up to Rossells, calling to see the Monument Thos has
erected for Bella, it is very nice, we had tea at Rossells and a nice visit at both the old & young
people.
2 3 Sunday Continues hot, it is 92 in the shade. George & Maggie were at meeting this
forenoon. Brother Alex remained at home with us with the exception of visiting over at Johny's
this forenoon and Webbs in the afternoon they are getting got Minnie off to Guelph with Willie so
as to have teeth extracted
JUNE 1895
3 4 Monday A very hot day again, George finished the plowing in the turnip field to day,
hungarian &c. I took Brother Alex to Guelph to day, when getting there I went with Minnie to
Parker's the dentist and she had 3 teeth pulled, paid him a dollar, she stood it very well,
considering her weakly condition. I went to Galt per G.T.R. 85¢ return ticket. Alex went by
C.P.R. met at Cousin Willies shortly after six P.M.
4 5 Tuesday Continues hot & sultry. I was up at ½ past four A.M. and saw Alex off for home on
the C.P.R. at 6 A.M. I took a stroll round Galt and through the Gouldin & McCulloch shops.
starting for Guelph at about 11 oclock, and getting to Guelph at dinner time Minnie returned
home with me. George cut potatoes to day for planting, we are warned out to the roads for
Thursday
5 6 Wednesday Quite a rain this forenoon. George and I cut potatoes for seed this forenoon
while it rained, between dinner and supper we put in the feed corn. I dropped it and George
plowed it in. after tea I sowed the hungarian grass seed, ½ a Bushel and seven pounds on a
little over an acre and half. George made the wagon ready for road work tomorrow. [Margin]
"Forester Cow to Mc
Williams to day."
6 7 Thursday Turned cold last night, this morning there was quite a change George & I have
been at the road work to day. I drove the team and George was in the pit. brought 9 loads of
gravel from Loree's to the road near Macks. 4 forenoon and 5 afternoon. had dinner at Loree's.
the principal part of the work is done below Macks. they are rounding up the middle of the road
from the sides and putting on more gravel.
7 8 Friday A very fine day, cooler than the past few days, George and I have planted between 5
& 6 bags of potatoes to day, also sowed 4 rows of beans. I can pretty nearly plant as fast as
George can plow them in. I drove to Everton in the evening & brought up Nellie & Eddie Abbott
to keep Minnie Company tomorrow while Maggie & her mother are at Guelph tomorrow.
8 9 Saturday Rather hot day again. Maggie and her Mother drove Fred to Guelph to day,
starting by about 6 oclock they were there about ½ past 8. Sold their butter 43 lbs for 14¢ and
the Eggs 11¢ 37 doz. came to about $11.00. Geo. & I have been busy at the potatoe planting
we planted the rest of the 16 bags. Minnie got along very well Nellie Abbott kept her Company
all day. Eddie went out shooting at the bush. Maggie & her Mother returned in good time
[Margin] James Black's Baby Boy died this morning
9 10 Sunday Another warm day, we are now wishing for rain, the wind is now very drying and
frequent rains are necessary to keep the ground moist, crops seem to be doing fairly well. John
Mc
Kenzie, Bella & children paid us a visit to day. Henry Dunbar paid us a visit this evening
JUNE 1895
10 11 Monday A very hot day. George and I cut potatoes this forenoon 10 or 11 bags and
planted in the afternoon. Maggie and her mother attended the funeral of James Black's child.
Hugh Black's folks got word this morning of the finding of poor George's body and being on the
way down, if it arrives by the ten A.M. train tomorrow, they will bury at ½ past 3 P.M. [Margin]
George Black's body found - to be buried tomorrow
11 12 Tuesday Continues hot & dry. we are wishing for rain. Maggie drove to Everton this
morning to learn about the funeral of Geo. Black, and found they were to bury in the afternoon.
Geo. and I planted the potatoes all to 3 bags this A.M. Maggie & her Mother & I went, in the
buggy, to the funeral, there was a large attendance, the body was too unsightly to view George
finished the potatoes all to 2 bags which he cut.
12 13 Wednesday Breezy & sultry to day, George & I finished planting the potatoes at 9 A.M. I
helped Johny to cut up to dinner time. George afterwards cultivated and rolled the turnip ground.
I hoed in the onion bed, it is very dirty Mrs Duncan Robertson, Oakville and Mrs. Joe Hindley
paid us a visit and had tea with us. Johny finished planting his potatoes at 5 P.M. Minnie seems
improving, but very slowly
13 14 Thursday Hot & dry. George has plowed in the turnip land, we are working it up pretty
fine. I hoed in the onions this forenoon, Afternoon I took the buggie down to Willie Abbotts and
had 2 of the tiers set. I helped him by taking them off and other help. afterwards brought home
the mail and gave Smallhorn a ride up as far as Mortons.
14 15 Friday Continues dry and hot in the Sun. George plowed in turnip land to day and nearly
finished this evening. at noon he & I plowed up some of our garden patch that had gone to
weeds. he also helped Johny out with some stones that were on his turnip land I finished up the
hoeing the onions and afterwards spent a long time fixing up the shattered buggie top
15 16 Saturday Warm sunshine, but cool air. dry. George has plowed out the turnip land and
fixed up the roller which had gone wrong in the staves of one drum. he harrowed and rolled the
turnip land. I got the buggie top fixed and placed on and drove Minnie & her Mother to
Rockwood. The Dr. ex'm'd her and says she is some better, we did not think so from
appearances. I sent away the $3.00 for Releif Settlement. got post Office order cashed $12.00.
[Margin] drove to Rockwood. had tea at Stewarts - settled for Releif claim - got plaster and
whiskey for Minnie
16 17 Sunday A very fine day, but dry, rain is anxiously looked for. the hay is beyond help but
the other crops would be immensely benefited by rain Maggie & George have been twice at
Everton meeting Willie drove out from Guelph to see Minnie and brought her some tasty bites.
Minnie had a short drive out as far as the upper side road.
JUNE 1895
17 18 Monday
Another dry, hot day. George drilled up enough of the turnip land for me to sow - a pound & 1/2
of "Thorpe's improved Am'n Shipping Swede" - Willie is to send out 15 lbs "Elephant " seed by
the stage (which came this ev'g) - George picked the meadow to day, and afterwards drew rails
and fixed fences till night. we were back in the bush fixing up against Maiken's cattle. {in
margin}Sowed a part of the turnips. picked the meadow - fixing fence -
18 19 Tuesday Continues dry & hot in the sun, the thermometer shows 85 in the shade. George
finished the drilling of the turnips this forenoon amd I sowed the Elephant seed I also sowed
Johny's Elephant seed this afternoon behind his barn. 2½ lbs on about 2 acres. George drew
the rest of the rails for the pig corner of the meadow and scuffled the mangols, spudded thistles
&c. [Margin] finished sowing the turnips - Johny sowed a part of his also. Scuffled mangolds
19 20 Wednesday Not much change in the weather other than it is somewhat overcast and
there is likely rain somewhere about, there is none here however and we are looking anxiously
for it. George has been hoeing the mangolds.
20 21 Thursday No rain yet here although it is looking some like it. the wind is from the east.
George harrowed the potatoes this morning
2122 Friday Cleared up again and no rain here, there are accounts of heavy rain near by, we
need rain in the worst way. George has been helping Robert Morton at his field drain digging. I
have bagged up 20 bags of potatoes. we have kept our potatoes too long, the market has gone
to pot. I drove to Rockwood and got $100.00 remittance by Express from Alex.
22 23 Saturday Continues dry & warm. O we are anxiously looking for a break in this dry spell. I
started for Guelph with 20 bags of potatoes. by about 6.30. arriving there about 9.30. Sold my
load for 37¢ per {bag} some got 45¢ by selling in bag lots. I paid 100 dollars took a receipt to
Miss Loghrin until getting the papers next week. had my dinner at Willies. Bella & John
Mc
Kenzie were there. George finished hoeing the mangolds, and cleared out the branches out
of the orchard out on to the lane. cutting thistles &c. [Margin] Guelph - sold 20 bags potatoes
23 24 Sunday Dry & dusty and high wind Maggie & Minnie and I drove down to Mc
Kenzies
Minnie remained there, when we got there, they had gone to Thomy Webbs and I drove down
for them. John's crops are in a bad condition for want of rain. terrible brush fire over by Reed's.
started from Robt. Mc
Williams [Margin] "sow pigged to day." 10 pigs. there was another dead
one.
JUNE JULY 1895
24 25 Monday The welcome rain came this morning and kept falling moderately for an hour or
two, it cleared up too soon again however, and we had no more after about 9 oclock. George & I
helped Johny to get the beaver meadow fenced. I drew the rails & stakes, and the others made
and pointed the stakes & drove the most of them. the rain will start the turnips likely.
25 26 Tuesday A very fine day. things seem much freshened up with the rain of yesterday.
George has helped Johny all day at his beaver meadow fence. I have been mending shoes the
most of the day. ½ soled two pair for Maggie and rep'd a pair for her Mother, also sewed up a
lot of rips on a pair of Georges. got 50 Cabbage plants from Janet Abbott this ev'g
26 27 Wednesday Thundery and hot this A.M. with a very heavy rain. I took the buggy down to
Wm. Abbotts this A.M. and had the other 2 tires set. I paid him a dollar & half for the whole job
of the tires setting and fixing the draw knife shank. loaded up 30 bags oats for Guelph tomorrow
John Fielding buried to day at Guelph.
27 28 Thursday Fine day after the rain. I drove to Guelph with 30 bags of oats, was in in fair
time sold to James Ryan 27 bags. = 60 bushels @ 37½ per bushel. = $22.40 Willie got the
other 3 bags. George has been cutting thistles to day.
28 29 Friday Fine day, considerable rain fell this afternoon. George & I picked and bagged 24
bags potatoes. After dinner we pulled up the pump out of the well and took it apart. the water
has had a bad taste & smell. we found nothing however and put it back again. we loaded up the
load this evening.
29 30 Saturday A very fine day. I was up early this morning and started for Guelph with my load
at 6.10 arrived at Guelph at 9.10. sold 21 bags potatoes to a teamster for 33¢ per bag. and 3
bags to Willie at same price. Maggie & her mother were also in with Fred & buggie their eggs &
butter were over ten dollars. 41 lbs butter & 29 dozen eggs. the former 15 & 16¢ per lb and
latter 14¢. I got a ¼ barrell ale for Mr. Webb. 100 lbs stuff to kill potato bugs. p'd Penfold $1.65
old a/c. Geo. underbrushed around the back watering place
30 July 1 Sunday Very warm and sultry this A.M. turned cooler after dinner which leads one to
think there has been rain near by. Margaret & I drove down to Eden this morning and returned
with Minnie in the evening John's crops have improved since getting the rain this last week.
Minnie has not gained greatly while away on account of having some poorly spells.
JULY 1895
1 2 Monday Dominion day. Very fine weather, but dry. we could put up with a shower every
day these times. I offered George a holiday to day, but he did not accept. he and I have started
to turnpike the back lane. we plow up the ditch on each side and scraping it into the middle of
the road. Maggie went to the presbyterian social to night at Ospringe. George also went alone in
our buggie. she with Mc
Williams [Margin] started to turnpike the back lane. Ospringe Social.
2 3 Tuesday Another fine day. George and I had an ugly job cleaning out our well, the water
lately has been tasting & smelling badly, we had difficulty in getting the pump out as we lifted
bodily out the well, it being too firm together to take apart while in the well, we poured out a little
over 8 feet of water and had all completed about 3 P.M. the balance of the day we put in at
turnpiking [Margin] The turnips are making their appearance - we have been anxious on account
of the dry weather
3 4 Wednesday Dry & warm, we are longing for rain again. George and I with the team have
been all day at the turnpiking again. we plowed the second time and had it all cleaned out about
4 P.M. we then went down to Webbs for the Gale Harrow to level it, but afterward took the new
cultivator, and then harrowed & stoned it. Annie Sunter and Nolly Lundy visited Minnie. Annie
goes to Meaford Friday next [Margin] visitors Minnie not quite so well - finished the turnpiking of
lane to the foot of the hills
4 5 Thursday Signs of rain but none came to day has been dry and warm. there is a great
outcry for rain the crops are suffering badly. Mr Dunbar Called this morning and we drove
together to the Everton Cemetery and, along with many others, we assisted to smooth and
dress it up. levelling the graves and straightening the slabs was the principal work. George has
scuffled the corn and mangolds, also hoed all the corn, had dinner at Mary's along with Shaw
[Margin] Everton Cemetery fixing with a Bee - corn & mangolds scuffled & hoed.
5 6 Friday This terrible drouth still continues the want of rain is now being severely felt. the
crops will now be short in any event but rain now would greatly assist in restoring what will
otherwise be destroyed. George is away on an excursion to Brantford. I have cleaning and fixing
up the buggie preparatory to painting it. Minnie is not so well these days. seems to have caught
cold and cannot get rid of it. [Margin] S.S. Excursion to Brantford George there
6 7 Saturday Rather dull to day and appearances that ordinarily precede rain, but in this dry
spell all signs fail. George picked the stones from the back lane where turnpiked and rolled
before dinner, afternoon he borrowed his father's scuffler and scuffled all our potatoe patch 3½
acres. I took the buggie apart and cleaned & sandpapered it and put on a coat of paint on the
gear and shaft and a part of the rest. Johny & Lizzie went to Guelph to day. George & Mary
came up to day
7 8 Sunday One of the hottest days of the season, the mercury stood at 93 or 94 in the shade,
Oh for rain. I took a walk down to Webb's this forenoon. Willie came down from Mimosa before
tea with John Campbell, and Jennie & Colin came along about 11 oclock P.M. and they all left
for Guelph at 11.30. Joe Mc
Intosh is back again at Guelph and going out to work again [Margin]
Johny & Lizzie went to Everton meeting and Maggie went with them. She returned with Mortons
while the others went to James Blakeley
JULY 1895
8 9 Monday
A very hot day, and sultry. quite a number of thunder showers have passed around this
afternoon and a little rain fell here but nothing of consequence. we sorted and washed the
remainder of our potatoes, the salting process makes a good many of them rot by eating into
the eyes. I half soled a boot and sewed rips for Johny and he worked for me the while. we have
been painting the buggie this P.M. George has hoed and also repairing the hay rack. [Margin]
sorting and washing potatoes - painting Buggie - repairing rack.
9 10 Tuesday A wonderful drop in the temperature it has been a cold day throughout and very
windy. I fear the rain has passed off again, we hear of fine showers at Guelph and other places.
George spent this forenoon fixing up the hay rack and some other chores. I finished, with
Margaret's help, the painting of the buggie. 2 coats we also ground our scythe and the mowing
machine knife, which took some time to do. George hoeing potatoes. [Margin] took the colt to
Webbs to pasture - fixing the hay rack hoeing potatoes and painting the Buggie
10 11 Wednesday Much warmer to day again - George and I have been hoeing the potatoes to
day, a good deal of my time was taken up by finishing up the painting of the buggie and putting
it together George also cut round our hay field, 9 rounds after supper. Johny cut what was worth
while in his back hay field next our pea field. Willie & John Campbell are about starting to build a
fence tomorrow on the 5th line Erin Campbell's property. [Margin] hoeing the potatoes putting
the buggie together - started to cut the meadow
11 12 Thursday Warm and close again to day. George cut quite a piece of our grass to day,
and we started to take in and gather Johny's hay before dinner. we intended to gather some of
ours, but a shower came and stopt us. Mary Tovell visited us to day, also Mrs David Stewart
and Mary. [Margin] visitors - cut some of our grass to day. - helped Johny some at his hay
12 13 Friday Threatened rain this forenoon but did not come on till after dinner. Johny helped
us cock up our hay this morning and we had it done by about 10 oclock, George and him then
went to Dan. Talbot's barn raising. they did not quite finish it and were late in getting home.
Charlie Alton got badly hurt by having a plate fall on him. quite a wet afternoon [Margin] haying -
Dan. Talbot Barn raising - Charlie Alton got hurt at it.
13 14 Saturday A very fine day after the rain I started off for Guelph about 7 oclock this morning
with the team and Democrat. had 6 bags potatoes. got 45¢ a bag. Willie got one of them. (for
which he paid) I paid Willie $1.50 to balance accounts. there is a misunderstanding. he says he
paid me for the potatoes he received when I paid him the cash I owed him, I thought not and I
see this diary upholds me. he should give me the $1.50 back. [Margin] Guelph with team &
democrat - 6 bags potatoes - light roan heifer to Mc
William's Bull to day.
1415 Sunday A very fine day. George drove Maggie to Everton meeting this forenoon. Joseph
Mc
Intosh paid us a visit, he rode out with Willie & Jeenie who went over to Mc
Millans on the 5th
line Erin, to see Mrs Mc
Millan who has had her leg broken with the kick of a cow. Margaret & I
drove down with Joe to Uncle Duncans and met Willie & Jeenie on their way home.
{Duplicate scan of #029}
{Overlay on page #030. The overlay is not in William's handwriting.}
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wiser
I would rather be a door-Akeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of
wickedness
JULY 1895
15 16 Monday Fine day, George was early up this morning and cut nearly all the remainder of
the grass in the meadow field, we got on after breakfast and put up the house fork, and drew in
2 loads before dinner - afternoon we drew in the balance, 5 loads, making 7 loads in all. I raked
together what George cut this morning 2 loads, and they did without me for a load or two on
unloading [Margin] took in our hay to day 7 loads - both cutting & raking
16 17 Tuesday Another fine day. George and I have been at the turnips, he scuffled some and
we have started to thin them. I received a telephone message to go down to Georgetown this
evening on business, to Moores, so I went down on the 6 oclock - Maggie driving me to
Rockwood. [Margin] went to Georgetown this evening on a call by Telephone - started to thin
the turnips
17 18 Wednesday A very fine day, not too hot - I have had a busy day, investigating into James
Moores business about his pasture, and found that he has had peacable possession of it for
over 10 years. Mr Barber, his neighbour has bought it and put his cow in this morning. James
claims the ground by virtue of the law of limitation. so we don't know yet how it may end - Mr
James Early accompanied me in some of my rounds, returned home this evening [Margin]
Maggie & Rae Sunter were at Bella's to day, & called at Rockwood for my arrival on the train
they left Minnie at Hugh Blacks and we called round for her. George helped Johny at his hay.
18 19 Thursday Continues fine weather, more rain would do much good. George and I have
been thinning the turnips to day. Minnie & her mother with Cousin Rachel Sunter were visiting at
Everton. I drove Maggie and her over to Toltons this evening, leaving Rae there, they are
planning to go to the Model Farm, Guelph tomorrow. [Margin] thinning the turnips - visiting
round with Rachel Sunter
19 20 Friday Very dull this morning and looked like rain, we had a little in the afternoon but
there was much more around Rockwood & Guelph. Maggie went to the Model Farm in company
of her Cousins Rachel Sunter and David Tolton. there were other 2 buggie loads with them.
Judson Tolton and 2 Kerr girls, & Kenneth Mc
Dougal with Alice Tolton. George scuffled the
potatoes to day, and we thinned some turnips also. [Margin] scuffling the potatoes - turnips - 3
rigs to the Model Farm.
20 21 Saturday A very close and hot day. I went to Guelph to day, getting a ride with John
Coffey in his democrat, he carried in the screen door which we changed for a larger one and
brought it back - I was looking after Moore's business and having some advice relative to it from
Mc
Millan the lawyer. he can't give a decided opinion until he sees the titles, but, in the meantime
says they should hold on to the property. George has been at the turnips, cutting some fence
corners and took in the product. [Margin] Guelph on Moore's business - George cutting fence
corners and taking it in. cleaned rails from line
21 22 Sunday Continues dry & hot, the land is getting very dry around here again, rain has
been falling otherwhere around us, but scarce here, only the least here to day. Maggie and
Minnie have been at Everton meeting to day, this is the first for Minnie in a very long time. we
had a long letter from Alex. Holyoke which came to hand to day. I had a long look for our 4
calves in Maiken swamp. [Margin] Letter from Alex. Holyoke - Minnie at Everton meeting.
JULY 1895
22 23 Monday Dry & hot. George finished the scuffling of the turnips this morning and forenoon
we had 72 drills to thin this morning. they are fine plants. I worked at them all day with George in
the evening I drove down to Everton for some shorts for the sow, got 50 lbs mixed bran &
shorts, paid 45¢ for it. [Margin] scuffling & hoeing the turnips - shorts at Everton
23 24 Tuesday Continues the same dry weather we hear there have been fine rains down at
John Mc
Kenzies - George & I went over the potatoe patch this morning and dusted on the bug
killer where there were any bugs - this is the first time and there was but a small percentage
requiring to be touched. Minnie & her mother visited at Duffields this afternoon. hoeing the
turnips. I half soled a boot for Ruth Mc
[Margin] dusting the potatoes this A.M. for Bugs -
mending shoe
24 25 Wednesday Somewhat sultry and looking like rain but none fell. I drove by Rockwood to
Guelph to meet Auntie Kate on the 10.05 A.M. James was with her and they both went on and I
drove on. we went to Field & Mc
Millans, and Field took notes of their case. Willie had 19, I think
to dinner. Abbotts & their friends and our folks. Joe was off work for the afternoon. James
Abbott took sick and rode home with me. Kate & James & Mabel went home on the 10 P.M.
train - A. O. U. W. [Margin] Guelph on Moores business - George finished the turnip hoeing.
started to take up the stones on stony acre - Minnie & Maggie drove to Everton
25 26 Thursday Another dull day but still no rain of any account here, there was a shower
passed round. sent five dollars to pay double dues & assints for self & John Mc
Kenzie. I half
soled a boot for Rob't Mc
Williams and put heels on Maggie Marshalls. 50¢ paid. George and I
have been taking up stones on stony acre. Willie was here to day from Guelph. I gave him back
$1.50 which he paid me to day, that was disputed, 50¢ for interest on the loan of the 30 dollars
and the dollar to pay off the Gowdy note which still stands. [Margin] working at the stony acre -
mending shoes - Willie from Guelph got butter from his mother and Mrs Jestin
26 27 Friday Continues dull but dry & close, George and I have been working at the stony acre,
tearing up stones with the team, we dig around them some and then hitch on the stone hook
which generally makes them so as we can hitch the chain - it is a handy device.
2728 Saturday a very fine rain started before bed time last night and this morning it was raining
which it continued less or more till noon when it ceased, it has been the best rain since seeding.
Margaret & myself started for Guelph after a heavy shower at 7.30. we took about the usual 2
hours to drive in, sold the butter at 17¢ some of the eggs at 12¢ and the rest at 10¢ I bought a
spade at Richardson's $1.00 a hat at Franks $1.00 got other articles of dry goods.
28 29 Sunday Fine day after the rain, a little cooler which, I would think, will be favourable for
filling the grain. Maggie & George drove to Everton meeting this forenoon. Minnie has not been
so well to day and her mother have stayed about home all day. I took a walk towards evening to
see the colt at Webbs. we had a few visitors in the evening. [Margin] land freshened up with the
rain of yesterday.
JULY - AUGUST 1895
29 30 Monday A fine day, but there seems a change on hand, the glass is up to the top and
sultry looking clouds are hanging round, and showers in the evening. George moulded up the
potatoes and plowed the head lands, and afterwards scuffled some turnips. I took the young
pigs from the sow this forenoon and did up some chores. I helped Johny hoe turnips and turn
barley this P.M. [Margin] moulded up the potatoes - weaned the pigs - hoeing turnips for Johny
30 31 Tuesday A heavy rain last night. and to day the wind has been blowing strong and quite
cold especially in the afternoon when it was much too cold for comfort. Johny helped George
and I to take out the large stones this A.M. from the stony acre, and we helped him single
turnips in the afternoon. I just did 4 drills. and after supper did the chores and drove down to
Everton. got 100 of flour, did not pay for it. got a card from Eli Gollop that they were visiting Erin
& Eramosa and to look out for them. [Margin] Flour at the mill. - stoning at home and thinning
turnips at Johny's. - card from Gollops.
31 Aug 1 Wednesday This has been a very cold and very windy day. George thinned turnips
for Johny all forenoon and a short time after dinner. I also worked awhile at the same. The
Gollops & Dr. & Mrs Webster & Mrs Jas. Miller came to visit us at about 3 oclock. P.M. (all the
Gollop family excepting Ben. & Robie) they spent a very pleasant time with us, and after tea,
started off for home at about 6 oclock - the Dr. had a quiet talk with Minnie, he says her trouble
is with her stomach & bowels and he fears Dr. Dryden has overlooked that. Mrs. Black (M.
{Jans}) Kansas City, was with the company [Margin] thinned turnips this forenoon at Johny's -
Johny and George pulled up stones on stony acre afternoon. - Gollops and Dr. & Mrs Webster
visit us.
Aug. 2 Thursday Friday Much warmer to day, very smokey as if there were fires abounding in
the country around. George and I have been working among fire & smoke clearing up the
ground around the watering place behind. we had to replace the fence between Johny's and
ourselves and have made quite a riddance of much of the rubbish around there. had a visit of
George Williams, Miss Anderson & Miss Agnes Tovel. Minnie not very well. [Margin] clearing up
the land round the watering place - and burned piles behind Jestins. - visitors
Aug 2 1 3 Friday Thursday A fine day, threatening, but kept dry. Vin Mc
Cullough drove over to
see Minnie and stayed till evening. George and I helped Johny in with his barley. I raked it up for
him. I drove over to Altons for the binder twine this evening, taking round Mrs Morton to their
own gate, who was visiting also. [Margin] visitors. binder twine - helping Johny in with his barley
-
3 4 Saturday Warm to day. the sun has a red appearance these days, but it is cloudy also.
George has scuffled the turnips to day. and I hoed 20 drills the second time. George also hoed
some. I had a good deal of choring round to day and started off for Rockwood shortly after 5
oclock P.M. taking Minnie to Everton where she remained all night. Dr. Webster writes that he
did not know that Dr. Dryden had Minnie on hand at the present, and would rather not suggest
any change in treatment with the Dr. I took back the picture of Margaret to Stansons - it is not
considered a good likeness [Margin] scuffling turnips second time and hoeing them - Rockwood
- letter from Dr. Webster.
4 5 Sunday A very fine day, dry & warm with a nice breeze blowing. Maggie and her mother
went to Everton and with Minnie at Mary's met the rest of the freinds from Eden & Guelph. Willie
and Jeenie made us a call before returning home. George and I had our dinner alone by
ourselves. I have been writing a letter to Alex. Holyoke. and one to Alex Mc
Gregor. [Margin]
alone at home this P.M. - Forestor cow away again.
August 1895
5 6 Monday Another very warm day. George cut the barley in the orchard, he was done with it
early in the afternoon and after that he pulled some peas with the scythe, opening up the ends
so that the horse rake can work. I hoed at the turnips. the Mrs Abbott & Jamie & their 2 Meaford
visitors were here to day. I drove them home at night [Margin] hoeing turnips - cut Barley with
the mower - visitors - "white sow away to day."
6 7 Tuesday Threatning rain, but very little falls - there was a small shower or two. George and I
fixed up the horse rake this morning, and also pulled up the pump and I fixed the sucker, and
we pulled some peas - they did not work extra well, and the little moisture from the showers
made them worse. we quit them all together at supper time. Uncle Thomas Tolton & Mary
Stephens visited us this P.M. Johny & Lizzie went to Rockwood Woolen Mill. They got some
medicine for Minnie from Webster & Dryden [Margin] started to pull the peas with horse rake -
visitors - medicine from Rockwood
7 8 Wednesday Continues fine, there was thunder last night and a little shower early this
morning, but it cleared up to be fine all day. George drew up 2 loads of wood from the brush this
morning, and we pulled some peas till dinner time between then & supper time I raked the
barley in the orchard and George cocked it up. Johny helped him awhile, the pigs became so
uncontrollable that we had to shut them up till we got the stubble ready. [Margin] Bella and the
children with Miss Ramsay paid us a visit to day - drawing home wood - cocked up the barley -
pulling peas
8 9 Thursday Very hot & sultry. George and I pulled peas with the scythe when until about 4
o'clock P.M. when we took in a load of barley before supper and Johny helped us take in the
remaining 3 loads after supper, 4 loads in all, not bad for this year, out of the orchard 2¾ acres.
Robert Mc
Williams got the loan of the rake and I could not get it raked. [Margin] pulling peas
with the scythe - hauled in the barley - 4 loads.
9 10 Friday Rain through the night. and this forenoon considerable rain fell. I could have wished
we had hauled in what peas was ready yesterday, instead of pulling more. I dont like rain to
come on peas when they are ready to go in to the barn. we were fixing up the canvas of the
binder to day, and George was clearing out the cattle stable between dinner & supper. after tea
he fired up the brush heaps in swamp. I had a big hunt for the cows in swamp to night. [Margin]
Rain - fixing up the binder - clearing out cattle stable - firing up brush in swamp.
10 11 Saturday John Campbell paid me a dollar & 5¢ for oats. A very sultry, warm and close
day signs of rain, but dry to day. George wheeled out the manure out of the cattle stable this
A.M. hoed among the turnips before dinner & supper, got the cows in swamp after tea, very
hard to find - drew in the barley rakings when he returned. I helped Johny fix up the binder this
A.M. we ground the sections and the knife and put them on again. I raked the barley stubble
and I drove to Everton for pig feed p'd a dollar. Minnie went with me [Margin] fixing up the binder
hoeing turnips drawing the barley rakings - Everton for low grade {floor} for pigs - Paid a dollar
11 12 Sunday Warm and close again to day. Maggie drove to Everton meeting alone. I wrote a
letter to Brother Alex. Meaford, and gave it to Dr. Dryden to mail it tomorrow morning on the
train - I drove to Rockwood to see the doctor about Minnie, he gave me a few more directions,
we think her stomach is slightly better [Margin] wrote letter to Meaford - Dr. Dryden Rockwood
AUGUST 1895
12 13 Monday Cleared up to a fine day, warm this A.M. but cleared off cool & fine with high
wind this afternoon - George worked with his axe clearing up the brush to watering place this
A.M. we turned the peas after dinner and when done cut some more with the scythe. I helped
Johny awhile putting up a fence at his barn, were called on by Emerson & Dan Tolton before
leaving for Manitoba tomorrow morning, also Alfred Duffield [Margin] underbrushing - turning
peas. cutting peas also - visitors before going to Manitoba - picking apples
13 14 Tuesday Continues fine, our peas have been so wet we are anxious to get them ready
for hauling in - Johny has made the first cutting with the binder in his oat field below his barn.
George has helped him by stooking up, he has over the half of the field cut. I have been fixing
the brush fence between Maikers & us. they put out our young cattle on the other line. [Margin]
started the Cutting with the Binder - fixing the brush fence
1415 Wednesday Fine weather. Johny helped George to finish cutting the peas and turned
them before dinner, while I went to Everton to get a bit of hoop iron to put on the binder.
Afternoon we all went at drawing in the peas, took in 6 loads - they are in fairly dry condition but
very dirty. George and I went over the most of the potatoes. shaking the powder on them before
breakfast. [Margin] this A. M. finished cutting the peas - hauled in 6 loads afternoon - dusted the
potatoes before breakfast
15 16 Thursday A very fine harvest day, although warm, in the peas by taking the last 2 loads
this morning. Johny finished cutting his oat field at between 3 & 4 oclock P.M. they started our
back field before supper and had quite a piece done before night - I scuffled some and have
been firing up some at the swamp - it is getting pretty well cleared up. Minnie & Maggie drove to
Everton this ev'g. Mother got a letter from Alex. containing ten dollars, this mail. [Margin]
finished taking in the peas. - turning in the swamp - cutting the oats at both places. - letter from
Holyoke.
16 17 Friday Quite warm to day, and the wind has been blowing very fresh from the east. the
fire in the swamp has broken out and ran over considerable ground, fanned by the east wind.
Johny has cut our 6 acre field of oats, and started the front field this evening. I have scuffled
some turnips and drove down to Rockwood this evening and got the money order cash and got
some medicine for Minnie. paid 50¢ for it. and also $4.50 on old a/c.
17 18 Saturday very close and warm to day. Margaret and myself drove to Guelph to day. Sold
over eight dollars worth butter & eggs. 20¢ for butter 10¢ for eggs, got a suit of clothes for five
dollars ($5.00) changed my hat and gave 75¢ extra. costing now $1.75 - Margaret & I had
dinner at Willies. met Janet Abbott & her 2 nieces Nettie & Jennie from Meaford. we were
caught by a terrible thunder storm & rain shortly after starting home. took shelter at frog pond in
Hood's shed. it damped our swamp fires, which was acceptable. they had it hard at home
18 19 Sunday A very fine day after the heavy rain and thunder storm of last night. George &
Maggie drove to Everton meeting this forenoon. Willie drove out from Guelph - Colin Campbell
and Joe Mc
Intosh accompanied him. Joe & Willie returned home between 5 & 6 oclock. Minnie
does not improve much, if any, these days.
AUGUST 1895
19 20 Monday Favourable weather for drying up the stooks after the heavy rain of Saturday
evening. Cool and airy. George and Johny have been cutting with the binder. Johny finished
cutting his spring wheat this forenoon and then came and cut ours afternoon, and also cut some
in the black oats, they are the last we have to cut and they are green enough to leave for a little.
I drove to Rockwood & Eden this eve'g. Bella's girl has been sick. [Margin] Bella's baby has
been sick but is better - a drive to Rockwood and Eden - we have begun to feed the corn to the
cows.
20 21 Tuesday A very fine day, until about 4 P.M. when we were visited by a heavy thunder
storm & rain - George and Johny have been cutting peas with the scythe in quarry field. we took
off the load of peas that has been on the wagon some time. I have washered and washed the
buggie to day, and hoed among the turnips - Minnie does not improve any, her stomach is very
weak [Margin] quite a thunder & rain storm this P.M. - cutting peas at Johny's
21 22 Wednesday The air is cool and drying, we took the rack off the wagon this morning and
put on the box, and I drove to Rockwood this forenoon and brought home 16 bushels lime. paid
2 dollars for it. George and Johny have been cutting peas all day in the quarry field with the
scythe. I helped them when I came back from Rockwood. Mr Baker visited this P.M. [Margin]
Rockwood for lime - cutting peas in quarry field - Johny's sow pigged this morning
2223 Thursday Fine drying day. frost last night - Johny & George cut and shocked the last of
our grain (Black oats) this forenoon, they were so thick a crop and heavy in wet part that I had to
turn in and help shock. we drew at Johny's peas afternoon. I helped at taking in 3 loads before
supper, they took in 3 afterwards. Margaret & I drove down to Rockwood expecting to see
Mc
Kenzies at the doctor with the child, they had been there in morning [Margin] Rockwood -
shorts for Pigs at Rock'd 60¢ - finished cutting our grain - drawing peas - sent card each to
Holyoke & Meaford
23 24 Friday Very close and warm to day, looked like rain this morning but these appearances
dissappeared through the day, they came on again in the evening - John Smallhorn threshed
peas to day - nearly 8 bushels. Johny had George helping him draw in his oats & wheat, 8 acres
of oats and all his wheat ( acre). Mrs Mc
Kenzie visited us to day. I helped some in Johny's mow
in drawing in, drove down John in the evening. Minnie, although out of bed, has not been at all
well to day [Margin] drawing in oats and wheat at Johny's -Threshing peas Smallhorn
24 25 Saturday Quite a fall of rain last night and this morning. it has stopped the hauling in
which I was laying out for. Lizzie went to Guelph to day, and, as it rained Johny accompanied
her. Butter 22¢ to day, and eggs 11¢. Geo. & I chored round this forenoon. Geo. cleaned out
more particularly the cattle stable, so as to get to work in it with its fittings. I mended up King's
horse collar. Geo. gang plowed afternoon in pea field. I hoed in the turnips. Minnie has kept her
bed to day. She feels very weak. [Margin] rain stops drawing in. - Johny & Lizzie to Guelph. -
gang plowing - choring - mending the harness
25 26 Sunday A very fine day, clear sunshine and breezy, making it a good drying day. Bessie
Tolton and Juston paid us a visit this morning and brought some river trout their father caught
for Minnie. I walked over there this forenoon and had dinner with them. I returned home by way
of Dunbars and had a nice visit and tea with them. Bella & John were up to day, their baby is
very unwell. other visiters to day [Margin] walked over to Toltons & Dunbars - Maggie twice to
Everton - Bella & John up their Baby sick - other visitors
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1895
26 27 Monday A very close warm day. we have been drawing in oats and the wheat. 3 loads of
wheat and 9 loads of oats. we have moved Minnie down stairs to day to the spare bed room,
had quite a few visitors, had word of Bella's baby being very poorly and that the doctor is very
uneasy about it. [Margin] moved Minnie down stairs
27 28 Tuesday A very fine day, but close and warm - Mrs Webb and Margaret had decided to
drive together down to Eden, but as I was hitching up Auntie Kate came along from
Georgetown. Mrs Webb & I then drove down afternoon. from there I drove Bella & the baby up
to the doctors and she accompanied the doctor up to Guelph on the train to see Dr. Howitt, the
doctors agree there is serious danger of brain trouble which will take a few days yet to develop.
Mrs Webb and I were late in getting back home after seeing Bella return on the ten oclock P.M.
train. [Margin] Bella's baby very sick.
28 29 Wednesday An extremely hot and close day, which finished up with a terrible thunder
and rain storm at about 8 oclock P.M. Johny with George's help took in 6 loads of his peas, they
pulled 3 loads of them with the scythe and finished them up. they also took in the raking of our
wheat that I raked this morning. Mr & Mrs David Stewart visited us to day, also Willie from
Guelph - Auntie Kate accompanied the Stewarts to the train. I mended a pair Boots for Willie
Mc
Williams. drove to Everton for a Bag of flour. (not paid) Bessie Tolton & Kenneth Mc
Dougal
here to night [Margin] sent away 4 dollars for John Mc
Kenzie & self A.O.U.W. a special assm't
added this month
29 30 Thursday A fine day after the terrible thunder & rain storm of last night. Johny tried to cut
his beaver meadow oats to day, but it was too soft, he then cut the corner field high piece. I got
a bag of mixed peas & oats chopped for the heifer at the mill and started to feed it to her, had
my hames staple renewed at Abbotts, paid 10¢. oiled Rich. Mc
Williams Cart this P.M. for riding
to Georgetown tomorrow to see Dr. Webster
30 31 Friday A very fine day. I started to Georgetown this A.M. at 7.30. arrived at Georgetown
11.30. rested awhile at Ballinafad. Saw Dr. Webster, he gave me some medicine for Minnie but
did not consider he could do any good by going up to see her - had dinner at Auntie Kates and
tea at 5 oclock before starting for home again, got home again between 9 & 10 oclock. Minnie is
better satisfied to have me go down to see Webster. She is very weak.
31 Sept 1 Saturday Very cool but a fine drying day as the wind has been quite high & strong.
Johny has been cutting at his oats the most of the day, and nearly completed the corner field
next to Lorees. they are mostly a heavy crop. I have gone over the most of the Elephant turnips,
taking out the doubles and cutting away any thistles. George plowed awhile in the morning.
Minnie about the same.
Sep 1 2 Sunday Another very fine drying day, high wind & cool. Johny drove to Eden taking
along Lizzie & his mother. Mr & Mrs Webb have been here the most of the day. we have been
agreeably apprized of the betterness of Bella's baby. the doctor says it is not brain trouble it
has, but a low fever, and it will likely soon get well again.
SEPTEMBER 1895
2 3 Monday A very fine day. the grain has been drying nicely to day. I turned down all the
stooks of the black oats, they were damp and mucky in the buts of the sheaves where the soil
had washed down on them. Johny finished his cutting at about 3 P.M. and we hauled in 4 loads
of the oats - there are yet 2 small loads of them. George Williams and Uncle Duncan paid us a
visit to day, having dinner with us. Janet & G.A. Abbott also visited us this afternoon and I drove
them home in the ev'g. also Jamie & his Cousin visited this ev'g [Margin] Johny done cutting. -
laying down oat stooks and hauling them in. - visitors. Geo Williams Uncle Duncan Janet & G.A.
Abbott Mary Tovel
3 4Tuesday A very fine harvest day, we finished harvesting by taking in the last 2 loads of oats
this A.M. George plowed this afternoon with Fred & King. I took Frank to the shop and had his
front shoes reset. (Pd W. Abbott) I also took 2 bags of oats and had them chopped for him.
Mary Tovel was with us all last night and I gave her a ride part of the way home this evening.
Minnie seems a little better to day. Mary & George came up this evening. Mary stays awhile.
Sent a card each to Auntie Kate & Willie. [Margin] finished the harvest. - Everton mill. - getting a
number of things for Minnie
4 5 Wednesday A warm day and clear this forenoon. Clouds however gathered afternoon and
rain fell for a good while. George cut the hungarian grass this A.M. he plowed the balance of the
time in the pea land. I finished hoeing in the turnips the last time. Mr Coffey took word to Willie
about Minnie, poor thing! She is no better but rather seems to be getting weaker as time
passes. [Margin] cut the hungarian Grass.
5 6 Thursday A fine day after the rain, but very close and warm. Maggie and I drove down to
Mc
Kenzies to day, little Maggie is not well yet but the doctor has decided that her trouble is not
what they so much feared. I sent a letter to Alex Mc
Gregor containing four dollars ($4.00) for
Thos. Tolton, got a pint of Whiskey for Minnie. She is very weak to day.
6 7 Friday Continues warm and close. George plowed in the north front field this forenoon -
afternoon he helped Johny in with several loads of oats. I raked the hungarian this afternoon
and cocked it all up after tea. I had to hurry as the cows had to be brought home besides.
Minnie has been rather prostrated to day.
7 8 Saturday Another extremely close and hot day. it looked sultry & thundery this forenoon and
after dinner a terrible rain & thunder storm passed over us. the strong wind with it bent over our
corn rather bad. George finished plowing the north front field yesterday and has spent the day in
the front field below the lane. Minnie has been easier to day, and some brighter.
8 9 Sunday Cooler to day, after the storm yesterday it became much cooler, we have had quite
a lot of visitors. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & children. the little Baby (Maggie) is getting better.
Willie drove out with his Auntie Margaret. George & Mary. and a lot of others. Minnie has
continued fairly bright to day.
SEPTEMBER 1895
9 10 Monday A fine day. we made a start to take in the hungarian, and got in a load, a shower
coming however made us quit. received a telegram from Ewart, that he expected to arrive in
Guelph at 3 P.M. I drove in and met him coming on the Stage at Walter Wests, he arrived on the
noon train. Willie & his Auntie Margaret drove in to Guelph this morning. Ewart got his dinner
there before coming out.
10 11 Tuesday A very hot day. I turned over the hay cocks of the hungarian and we took them
in after dinner - 2 loads (3 loads in all) we then helped Johny finish up the hauling in of his oats
after he came back from the funeral of Charles Oakes. I repaired a shoe for John Webb to day,
we had to use the lantern at the 2 last loads for Johny - Robert Morton gave us a lift after dark
11 12 Wednesday Very close and hot to day, the thermometer registered 92 degrees (before
dinner) and after dinner 94. George has gang plowed all day and the horses stood the heat well,
as there has been a good breeze. Minnie has felt the heat very badly, we moved her bed into
the room where she could get the good of the ventilation, poor thing, she is getting very weak
now. I brought home the colt to day from Webbs. Everton tonight. Mary came up with Ewart & I
[Margin] John Rossell & Bella {visited} to day. - Colt from Webbs.
12 13 Thursday Some rain last night with thunder & lightning, to day it has been warm,
although not so close and hot as yesterday. Minnie has been very poorly and weak to day. She
wrote a few words on paper to day. George attended Richd Mc
Williams threshing all day. I took
Forester Cow to Mark Sutton's place. I fenced round the tomatoes and did up other cleaning,
cutting grass & weeds in garden &c - was anxious to run the team but could not get time.
[Margin] "Forestor Cow taken to Mark Sutton"
13 14 Friday A very fine day. George has harrowed to day and the horses have stood the work
well. I fixed up Frank's sweat pad and it saves his sore shoulder. George has harrowed both
front fields and the part of the pea land. Poor Minnie is very low these days. Mrs Mc
Laughlin
(Lizzie Usherwood) lost her little daughter yesterday, took ill in the morning and was dead at
night.
14 15 Saturday Fine day for working the team - there has been a good breeze. George has
been at Robert Morton's threshing to day. I harrowed the pea land twice, excepting a piece
George had done once. I also did some in oat field east of it. Ewart & I drove over to Thos.
Toltons and I had some business done for Alex. Mc
Gregor. we called for a block of ice at
Dunbars and brought it by the side road [Margin] Minnie suffers considerable pain these days.
15 16 Sunday Heavy frost last night, to day it has been cool. the frost has told on the corn &c.
although not very much, quite a number of visitors to day. among them Uncle John Robertson
and wife, Willie & Jeenie drove out from Guelph. I wrote a letter to Alex Mc
Gregor & a card to
Bro. Alex. Ewart wrote to Alex. Holyoke. Willie mails the lot at Guelph.
{Overlay in William's handwriting. Appears to be a rough draft.}
As Chairman of your Board of health, I beg leave to submit the following report. It is a matter of
congratulations that the work and care {prevailing} upon your Board has been exceptionally light
this year, only two meetings during the term have been held. You will notice, by referring to our
Medical H.O. report that Typhoid fever has been some what prevalent in the Township, no
doubt as Merins stated, largely owing to the decreased water supply following the long drought.
the he useful valuable hints and directions thrown out he said in that report, for meeting such
emergencies should be carefully acted upon, as, no doubt, the public health might be much
improved thereby. I present to you the report of our Medical Health officer, showing the work
done by him during the year. The expenses of the Board for the year have been twenty dollars,
and two dollars for the use of the room for meeting in, making twenty two dollars in all which I
trust your honourable Body will provide for
{Reverse side of overlay - blank}
SEPTEMBER 1895
16 17 Monday This morning & forenoon was very dull and threatning an oncome of rain, it
cleared up fine afternoon however. I fixed up the Box stall for the little pigs and got them in at
noon. George cut the corn to day, the dew is so great these nights that everything is soaked in
the morning - he did about ⅔ of it to day, it is a heavy crop.
17 18 Tuesday A very fine day. George gang plowed this morning till about ten oclock when I
took it from him and he went to his father's threshing. Joe Dunbar & James Mc
Lean threshed for
him and cleaned them out and were done in fair time although they were so late in starting. I
borrowed 2 bags oats from Duffields (which weighed with the bags 155 lbs) took them to the mill
with 2 bags peas, did not get my grist, got 100 flour (not pd.) 83 lbs shorts 75¢ pd. [Margin] dull
& murky this morning and a storm of thunder & lightning and rain last night - got King shod in
front by Wm Loree. Paid.
18 19 Wednesday Another fine day, although it was murky in the morning. I have gang plowed
this day, and drove down for the grist in the evening, took another bag of peas to chop and paid
for all, 35¢. George attended John Webb's threshing to day, they were done in good time, they
say the grain turned out well. Minnie has been very weak and suffered a good deal from pain.
Mrs Dr. Dryden & Mrs David Stewart visited here yesterday [Margin] "took white cow to
Mc
Williams for first time" yesterday
19 20 Thursday Very warm to day, especially in the afternoon. George gang plowed this
forenoon, I plowed in the afternoon while George finished the cutting of the corn. Minnie has
been feeling a little stronger and easier to day. Mary, Bella & Maggie with their mother are
always around and near her - Mrs Baker called up to day, also Mrs Hindley & Kitty Robertson.
20 21 Friday A clear fine day, and extremely hot especially in the middle of the day - George
Duffield & Jerry Mc
Dermott drove down to Mc
Kenzies and helped him at his threshing. I gang
plowed while I could to day and nearly finished up after dinner Ewart & I drove over the buggie
to Albert Toltons and got a couple of blocks of ice. Minnie fairly easy to day but very weak. Mr &
Mrs Baker & children took a run up to day and stayed awhile.
21 22 Saturday An extremely hot day, the sun is scorching hot. the thermometer running up to
about 90º in the shade. George finished the gang plowing in a little while this morning and
harrowed till noon. I tied up 2 rows of the corn before dinner and George and I tied and set up
the whole of it this afternoon.
22 23 Sunday Another very hot day, the thermometer standing at 90 in the shade. Willie & Joe
Mc
Intosh drove out to see Minnie to day. Joe says there is a terrible change wrought on her
appearance since he was out before to see her. John Mc
Kenzie & George Loree were here, and
a great many Callers in the evening. I had all the chores to do this evening, George hardly ever
is on hand on Sunday evenings.
SEPTEMBER 1895
23 24 Monday A very fine day, much cooler than yesterday - George finished the harrowing of
all the gang plowing, which makes us now ready to go on with the second plowing which
George started to do, we also plowed up 2 rows of potatoes which I picked & bagged (about 6
bags) I boiled about 3 bags at a boiling to night and mixed it with meal and mean to put up the
pigs tomorrow. I also butchered a sheep this evening. George helping me. Minnie has been
fairly easy to day but very weak. [Margin] finished gang plowing and started 2nd plowing -
started the fattening pigs on boiled potatoes & meal - killed a sheep
24 25 Tuesday Very warm to day. the wind high and it is very drying . George has been at
Robert Mc
Williams threshing, they did not get started until fully ten oclock after leaving Robt.
Jestins. Ewart & I drove over to Albert Toltons David Robertsons and got some ice. we have
asked the hands for our threshing tomorrow. I put up the pigs to fatten. and after dinner cleaned
out the granary and otherwise prepared the barn for threshing. I also plowed 7 rounds in the pea
land A.M. & same P.M. [Margin] Minnie very poorly - preparing the barn for threshing - went for
ice to day
25 26 Wednesday Weather continues dry and a high wind prevails. George was with Robt.
Mc
Williams till done threshing (about 10 A.M.) and we got started in a little over 1/2 an hour.
they threshed very well to day, but they were too late in getting started to get through in the day.
I boiled another pot of potatoes, and mixed it up for the pigs. Ewart drove to Everton to the mail
and brought up the Abbotts. our hands were Thomas Tolton & team. John Webb, {illegible}.
Jamie Duffield. Robt. Morton. Isaac Theaker. John Burnett. Geo. Mc
William. John Sunter &
team. John Smallhorn. John Coffey. Geo. Duffield. Self and threshers. [Margin] Threshing at
home - afternoon Mc
Williams - boiling for the pigs
26 27 Thursday Quite a heavy thunder storm last night and considerable rain fell. the horse
walk this morning was very mucky and worked up rather bad during the 2 hours threshing. the
threshers were finished here about 9.30 this morning and made immediately off to Isaac
Theaker and cleaned him out before night. I plowed the greater of the time after threshing
excepting that I remained late about the house on account of Minnie having a bad weak spell.
Ewart telephoned to Willie and he came out in about an hour [Margin] thunder and lightning last
night. Willie hears that Alex. Mc
Intosh Paisley Block lost his Barn last night - Isaac Theaker
threshing - Willie from Guelph - shot a skunk
27 28 Friday A fine day, I have had a very busy day keeping the plow going and doing up the
chores. George has attended Coffey's threshing to day, they finished it up this evening, it was
late before I got out to my plowing but I hurried up the team and turned over more than an acre.
I think Minnie is somewhat easier to day again and rallies wonderful after having such bad
spells [Margin] Coffey's threshing - George there - I plowed - Minnie easier.
28 29 Saturday A fine day for outside work. Cool and bracing. George has plowed all day, he
left the pea land in the afternoon and went to the black oat stubble. he plowed 2 rows of
potatoes up at the in the morning for me, and I picked & bagged them. (6 bags) and I boiled 3
bags this afternoon. pulled 2 rows of beans, and attended to the chores. Mrs D'd. Stewart &
daughter Mary, Wm Tovell & wife. Thos. Tolton & others were visiting Minnie - Colin Mc
Millan
also this evening.
29 30 Sunday A cold day. Willie & Jeenie drove out from Guelph to see Minnie, they had a cold
drive. they had a new beast (mare) that he bought a day or two ago. Minnie is very weak to day.
She refuses any nourishment now, almost entirely, and under those Circumstances she cannot
stand it long. A good many people visited to see and enquire after her. [Margin] Willie & Jeenie
drove from Guelph to day. - many visitors
OCTOBER 1895
Sep. 30 1 Monday Rather a blustery kind of day and pretty cold. some rain clouds have passed
over. one had considerable snow in it. George has plowed all day. I have been doing up some
other work that has fallen behind, pulled the balance of the beans and the onions, boiled a pot
of potatoes and mixed it with chopped stuff for the pigs. Minnie is now very low. Some one is
constantly by her bedside. [Margin] pulling beans and onions & other chores. - Minnie very low.
Oct 1 2 Tuesday A little fall of rain last night, and this has been a fine day although at times a
little squally and cold. George plowed up to about 11 oclock A.M. and then plowed out 2 rows of
potatoes with the potatoe digger, and other 2 rows after dinner, making 12 bags in all. I boiled 3
bags to day. Minnie has had a bad day and night in the past, we sent for Dr. Mc
Cullogh for her
mother, who took a very bad shaking turn last night, and again this evening for Minnie [Margin]
taking up potatoes for p pigs. 24 bags in all to date - the Dr. gave morphine to Minnie and she is
easier
2 3 Wednesday A very fine day. poor Minnie passed away this morning at 5 minutes before 8
oclock. She passed a fair night. the doctor releived her last night and she felt the better for it
until the end came. George was out plowing when she died and we brought him home for the
day. Thomas Tolton went over with me to Erin and I got the coffin & shell from C. Overland and
he also brings the hearse. it will cost less than what I paid Mitchell. I telegraphed to Brother
Alex. and he answered "Sorry Cannot Come". Telegraphed to Alex. Holyoke, from Everton, his
answer was "meet myself and family. Guelph Friday noon. I wrote a notice to the 4 school
sections, and about a dozen different parties by card. poor Minnie left a few lines appointing her
pall bearers, and the Hymns she wished sung at her funeral, and wrote it in as firm a hand as
when in health, although it was done only a few days ago. George Duffield boiled 2 pots
potatoes to day, and looked after things generally. Ewart & Johny also did their part. [Margin]
Minnie died this morning at about 8 oclock. - Thomas Tolton and I drove to Erin for Coffin &c.
3 4 Thursday A very fine day, we borrowed Henry Duffield's Democrat to day, and Ewart and I
started for Guelph to meet Alex. & his wife & children. we got to the G.T.R. Station at 11.45 and
the train had just arrived. we met Willie & Jeenie & his Aunt Margaret coming out to our place
and they turned back, as Margaret wanted some things in the city and wished Jeenie to chose
them. after getting lunch we all started home and arrived here before dark. Willie & Jeenie went
to Mimosa - Johny & George Loree & Geo. Duffield dug the grave to day. They put down boards
on the grass to receive the earth. [Margin] Met Alex and wife & children at Guelph - Johny and
Geo Loree dug the grave
4 5 Friday Another beautiful day. I drove down to Rockwood to meet the Moores from
Georgetown, on getting there found Cousin Willie Marshall & Jessie at the station just as I had
met John Mc
Kenzie with the democrat going to our place. I called him back and he took them on
with him. I then waited on the train and brought up Mr & Mrs Garbut, Johny Gollop, Auntie Kate,
and James Moore and Mabel. Grace Ann Abbott rode down with me to assist Robert Royces
folks who have also lost their only daughter and who is being buried at the same hour at
Everton. both funerals met at the same time. there were, I believe, about 100 rigs at Minnie's
funeral. and instead of starting at 2, it was about 3 when we lifted. it was said when the
procession reached the tree below Amos Theaker's gate they were still coming out at our gate.
poor Ewart started for Holyoke from her grave, going in with Colin Campbell and his Uncle Joe
Mc
Intosh. Johny & Alex drove the Georgetown & Norval freinds to the 10 P.M. train. they were
late in getting back. [Margin] Funeral to day of our dear Minnie - also Robert Royce's daughter -
freinds from a distance
5 6 Saturday Very fine day, George and I cleaned up 7 bags of mixed grain for chop, and ten
bags oats and took them to the mill in the afternoon, got them home again 85¢ paid while
waiting for the grist George and I cleaned up and moved the earth from the grave plot. Mr
Abbott fixed our whipple tree rings, and the hame of light harness. [Margin] chopped stuff at
Everton - fixed up the grave plot. - fixings at Blacksmith shop
6 7 Sunday
Beautiful day. Bella, Jessie Marshall & Maggie drove to Everton Meeting this forenoon, in the
evening we hitched up the double team to the democrat and drove down again to Everton
Meeting. Mother & I also went with them. [Margin] all at Everton meeting at night - 3 girls also
forenoon
OCTOBER 1895
7 8 Monday Rather a damp and dissagreeable day. I took Jessie Marshall to the stage this
morning and paid her fare to Guelph rather than drive there, as the horses have been run
around a good deal lately. George and I have drawn a load of sand, he drew 2 loads of gravel
alone, boiling potatoes these days and mixing with chopped stuff. Thomas Tolton and Alex were
hunting to day. [Margin] Jessie Marshall away home - Thos. Tolton and Alex hunting - boiling
potatoes for the pigs
8 9 Tuesday Very cold to day. I had to hurry with taking up 6 bags of potatoes this forenoon so
as to take Bella down home this afternoon. we left here at 3 oclock and returned between 8 & 9.
it was a cold drive. mailed matter for Alex at Rockwood - George has plowed all day. Wm Tindal
and Alex have been hunting all day. [Margin] drove Bella to Home. - Willie Tindal & Alex
hunting.
9 10 Wednesday A fine day. George finished plowing the ground the black oats grew on. he
plowed up 3 rows of potatoes and I filled up 7 full bags. George started to plow the north front
field. I also pulled the last of the beans. Willie Tindal and Alex have been hunting to day. the
children have been enjoying themselves hugely since being amongst us. George and I took in
the half of the corn this evening. [Margin] digging & bagging potatoes - taking in the feed corn.
10 11 Thursday Continues fine weather. George has plowed in front field to day - we took in the
other load of corn this morning and stood the whole in the hay mow on swing beam. boiled
potatoes to day, Alex in company of Strickland Duffield, Harry and Robt. Jestin have had quite a
day's hunting. Alex got 4 hares to day. 3 each of the 2 last days. [Margin] Strickl'd Duffield &
Henry & Alex & Jestin hunting to day
11 12 Friday A very wet day. Rockwood show has had its old luck dished up to it again -
George has plowed a little on each end of the day, and drew in 2 loads of stones when the rain
stopped a little. we worked some in the stables preparing for grouting and building the manger
walls. Alex and Maggie drove down to Rockwood Show afternoon. it was a good show but on
account of the rain few people attended it. [Margin] bad day for Rock'd Show. - Alex & Maggie
went there afternoon - drawing stones for manger bottoms.
12 13 Saturday Rain again this morning and the forenoon was rather drizzly & dissagreeable. it
cleared up afternoon however and it became fairly fine. Mother went to Guelph with Lizzie to
day. and sold butter & eggs. 20¢ for Butter - 15 & 16 for eggs. we worked at the cattle stable
this forenoon and drew up 2 loads of stones for building manger bottoms - Johny built the half of
them in a couple of hours or so.
13 14 Sunday A beautiful day. Sunshine and warm. we hitched up the team to the democrat
(Fred & King) and Alex & wife & children and Mother & I drove down to Mc
Kenzies - got there
about noon and spent a very pleasant time. after tea we started for home arriving shortly after
dark. Maggie went with Johny & Lizzie to meeting
OCTOBER 1895
14 15 Monday A very fine day. George plowed all day and finished the front field north. he
plowed up 4 rows of potatoes with the digger in the morning - I did some grouting and apple
picking before picking up the potatoes. 10 bags. George helped me finish them and drew them
in afterwards - we are pulping them just now instead of boiling as an experiment
15 16 Tuesday A fine day, wind a little fresh. George went to Johny's threshing. Alex and his
mother drove down to Everton calling for awhile at Uncle Duncan's. I repaired Maggie's shoes,
and half soled one of my own. I also had all the chores to day. I pulped up 5 bags potatoes for
the pigs, they do not relish them that way so well as being boiled
16 17 Wednesday Another fine day. it was dull and threatning in the morning but improved as
the day wore on. towards evening however it rained quite heavy for awhile. I drove Alex. and his
family to Guelph and they went off on the 10.13 train, Maggie & her mother were along too. they
had considerable shopping to do. we were at Willie's for dinner and put up the horses there. we
hear the reports of the Calamity in Iowa, many sick and 5 deaths
17 18 Thursday Very windy and colder. George has plowed in the south front field to day until
about 5 oclock, when he hitched to the waggon and drew in 2 big loads of mangolds that I
pulled up and prepared for drawing in. I repaired a pair of shoes for Alice Webb (40¢) half soled
and sewed rips. Mother has boiled and washed a feather bed to day - they are cleaning things
up and going to move the cooking stove in house
18 19 Friday A windy day, but very pleasant, sunshine and clear bracing air, and not cold -
George plowed this forenoon in the south front field, quit a little early to help move the stove, we
put the heater in the sitting room, and placed the cooking stove in its place. After dinner we
finished picking the apples in large orchard (5 barrells) we then pulled 2 loads of mangels and
drew them in. Maggie and her mother have had a busy day fixing & cleaning up.
19 20 Saturday Blustery and cold to day with some snow showers. George has nearly finished
plowing the south front field. he did a good part of the corn patch this afternoon. Maggie and her
mother drove the buggie to Guelph to day, bringing along Miss Cockburn with them who intends
sewing a few days next week. I pulled the balance of the mangels this A.M. 2 loads and we
drew them in before night, during blustery showers.
20 21 Sunday Quite a little fall of snow last night to day has all the appearance of winter -
Maggie drove to Everton meeting by herself. Willie and Colin Campbell & Jeenie drove out from
Guelph. Coming to Everton Willie drove up for dinner. George Loree & Mary accompanied him.
they rode back when Willie went home. Jeenie remains at Mimosa for a few days.
OCTOBER 1895
21 22 Monday The heaviest frost of the season last night, the water in basins and pails around
the outside of the house was in solid ice. I cannot remember of ever seeing so hard a frost so
early in the season - Johny came and finished building the balance of the manger bottoms and
George and I have been fixing up the potato bin in turnip house, grouting &c. they both plowed
some afternoon.
22 23 Tuesday A very fine day, not very cold George and I have been taking up potatoes to
day, we took up 14 rows rather more than 2 wagon loads. Johny has been working at his too.
they seem to be a better crop than ours - 4 rows make a wagon load, his rows are longer than
ours. Margaret & I went down (last night) to Webbs to see his stuff he intends to show to day.
the mangolds are very large. [Margin] started to take up our potatoes
23 24 Wednesday Very dull this morning and the ground was considerably frozen, as the day
advanced it became milder although it may be termed a cold day throughout George and I took
up 14 rows of potatoes again to day - over 2 loads - I had some delay after dinner with the cow,
and the horses getting out. Robt Jestin brought us a load Barrell of Cement from Guelph this
evening [Margin] "Forester cow again at Mc
Williams to day" - Maggie went to Erin Show with
Mary & Jim Dunbar
24 25 Thursday Cool, but pleasant, heavy frost last night, and the ground was very hard this
morning. we made a start as early as possible to take up the potatoes. Maggie helped us and
we took up and housed 25 rows. three loads. Johny & Lizzie are busy drawing in their potatoes
also
25 26 Friday Not so frosty last night, and we had little difficulty in getting on with the potatoe
digging. Maggie has again helped us pick to day. we took up 22 rows and we had more
potatoes than yesterday, 4 loads to day. Miss Cockburn went to work for Maggie Patterson at
Robt Mc
Williams after dinner to day.
26 27 Saturday A very fine day. much milder than most any day this week and little or no frost
last night. Maggie has helped us again to day and we finished taking the potatoes up all except
a few earlys, and the harrowing of the whole patch, we bagged up 6 bags potatoes and I took
them down this evening to John Smallhorn, Miss Cockburn accompanied me. She went to visit
Wm. Everts
27 28 Sunday Weather very fine up to about 2 oclock P.M. Mother & I attended the funeral of
old Mark Sutton, one oclock was the hour for lifting, but it was past 2 before they did, we only
went to the house. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & children with Mrs Mc
Kenzie & Mrs Lang called on
their way home and had tea. Willie & Jeenie were also out. Willie returned after tea.
OCT - NOV. 1895
28 29 Monday A very cold and blustery day. George and I started at the turnips on the
mangolds patch, we topped them as fast as we could and harrowed them out and it was late
before we finished taking in 7 loads. they were large and the loads were large. there were a few
left for tomorrow
29 30 Tuesday Hard frost last night and the ground was hard this morning. George and I have
been working at the turnips but could do much better if the weather was more favourable. I think
we took in 7 loads after topping & harrowing out. we bagged 12 bags of oats & peas for
chopping and George took them to Everton afternoon.
30 31 Wednesday Rather heavy frost last night and the ground was hard this morning. we
topped again to day and harrowed and hauled in. we have to night 20 loads of turnips in all in
the root house. Margaret helped us load up this afternoon. Miss Cockburn came again this
morning at 10 A.M. to make Maggie's coat.
31 Nov. 1 Thursday Frost again last night and this has been a raw cold day, some cold rain
afternoon. Margaret again helped us some to day to load turnips in the field, we have 29 loads
in this evening. I drove Miss Cockburn home after 4.30 P.M. to Dodsworths. I called at Everton
for the mail and was cold & chilly on account of the rain [Margin] Sent a five dollar Bill for self
and John Mc
Kenzie - A.O.U.W.
Nov 1 2 Friday Raw and cold to day. George and I have again been at the turnips to day and
have finished them up all to the shippers, we took in a few of them to make up our last load, 41
now in all, and full loads. some of them quite highly rounded up. we are feeding pulped potatoes
& meal to the pigs now
2 3 Saturday Heavy frost again last night and every thing outside is frozen - George plowed
awhile this forenoon, he afterwards hitched to the harrows, after first taking up a few rows of
early potatoes with the digger, and harrowed the potatoe ground, and picked the potatoes, there
were quite a lot frozen but we were not too particular about them as they are all for the pigs,
excepting about a bushel we bagged of the earlys for seed.
3 4 Sunday A fine day and warm, although there was frost, as usual again this morning. Maggie
drove Fred & buggie to meeting this forenoon, and, with her mother drove there again at night.
George Mc
Williams accompanying them. the cattle burst and broke the gate to the turnip
ground. I had to fix it up, as we wish to save the shipping turnips from maltreatment. [Margin]
wrote to Holyoke to day along with Maggie
NOVEMBER 1895
4 5 Monday A very fine day, quite a treat for these times. there was little or no frost last night.
George and I have been pulling and trimming our shipping turnips. we find it slow work and we
are going to take Smallhorn's advice and harrow them out, excepting that we will also plow
them. Smallhorn would have been helping us only that he has a lame back. we pulled about one
third of the patch and left off to top between 3 & 4 oclock
5 6 Tuesday Another beautiful day, warm sunshine and no frost. we were at the topping of the
remainder of the shippers early this morning. George then hooked on and plowed them out and
ran the harrow over them, taking in five loads before dinner, we then finished taking them in this
afternoon, having eleven loads after dinner, 16 loads of shippers in all, making 57 loads all told
of turnips and 6 loads of mangolds.
6 7 Wednesday Continues beautiful weather, bright sunshine and very warm to day. George
has plowed all day. he thinks he turned over an acre and half to day. before starting to plow this
morning we hauled in the potatoe tops and bedded the pigs with them. I seperated the pigs to
day, put the 3 for our own use in the 3rd of the pens, and feeding them peas. fixing up and
preparing for plastering in cattle stables.
7 8 Thursday A very fine day, warm and pleasant looks much like indian summer. George has
plowed all day. he says he went over the same quantity of ground as yesterday. I have been
working in the cattle stables, plastering manger walls and water liming 2 double stalls. I have yet
a lot to do there grouting and levelling ground &c. Maggie and her mother were away to Everton
visiting after doing up their cleaning &c.
8 9 Friday Fine weather this forenoon and George plowed until dinner time. the rain came on
after dinner however and it was the most of the time dissagreeable and wet. Johny & some
others of the neighbours plowed thr{ough} it but it must have been dissagreeable. George and I
worked at the cattle stable. George drew a large flat stone from the field and placed it on the
door way of stable
9 10 Saturday Rain has continued all day - and it is quite cold this evening ice is forming as the
rain falls. George and I have again been at the cattle stables, grouting &c. Johny has been
working also at them. got up the mangers and George and I, at night, plastered with water lime
the manger bottoms.
10 11 Sunday Quite wintry this morning and it remained so all day. the ground is white with a
little fall of snow. Maggie went to meeting this forenoon, George drove her there. I drove her and
Mother down again this evening to hear Mr Mc
Intyre address the "Chosen Freinds" he seemed
to be somewhat at a loss how to address them. he did not like the idea of the society being a
substitute for the church in the matter of exemplifying the virtue of true charity
NOVEMBER 1895
11 12 Monday The ground was quite hard the most of the day from the hard frost of last night -
some of the neighbours were plowing in the afternoon. Johny helped us a little while in the
forenoon to finish up the manger bottoms George and I have been cleaning out the end under
the old feed room, and grouting some, also in the evening plastered the manger bottoms with
water lime. this afternoon we took the team to the swamp and brought up 7 cedar posts for
cattle stable. we had a hard job getting them [Margin] working in cattle stable. - swamp for posts
- ground too hard for plowing
12 13 Tuesday Frost last night, but to day has been very fine. it was hard when George started
to plow this morning but it soon became better and he plowed all day, nearly finishing the third
field back, south side of lane. I have been busy in the cattle stables, the grouting and and wall
plastering is nearly completed. George and I worked till about ten oclock this evening hanging
the upper half door at the well &c.
13 14 Wednesday Splendid fall weather. I have had quite a job attending to the pigs &c. and
doing what I could in the stables. George finished up the plowing in the 3rd field back and
started to finish up the back field where the peas were.
14 15 Thursday A very fine day. George finished up the back field plowing and started in the
orchard - I drove to Rockwood with Margaret after dinner with the wool. the price has lately gone
up and we got 24 cents for ours. we had 33 lbs, after deducting 2½ lbs for matted fleice. = 7.92
- we took it all in goods. stuff for a pair pants for myself. ticking horse blanket. stocking yarn &c.
15 16 Friday A fine day. George has plowed in the orchard and nearly completed it. Charlie
came this afternoon and helped him plow quite a bit with his team and plow. I drove over to the
Centre Inn & attended a meeting of the Board of Health. we have put up the light roan heifer to
fatten for Christmas.
16 17 Saturday A little colder but quite pleasant. Margaret & I started for Guelph this A.M. at 7
oclock. we arrived at 9 A.M. market slow but we sold principally out before noon, butter & eggs
about alike 18¢ - we had about 8 dollars worth. some fowls. chicken 33¢ per pair. drove up to
Willies & had dinner. a large market and a great many people in town. George finished plowing
and took out some manure on the garden and plowed it in.
17 18 Sunday A very pleasant day, mild and summer like, no frost, and the {----} for cattle is as
good as in summer. Maggie and George went to meeting this forenoon, George Loree and Mary
drove up about the same time they came home from meeting - I took a walk down to Webbs
{illegible} this forenoon, had not seen them for sometime back. Willie drove out from Guelph he
is staying all night.
NOVEMBER 1895
18 19 Monday Most beautiful weather for the time of the year. George has drawn stones to day
to fill up the ground at the head of the stable next the the barn. I helped him till dinner time,
when I had to make ready to go to Erin Village. I took over 2 bags of onions and sold them to C.
Overland at a dollar a bag, taking 3 dollars worth of sugar. Henry Dunbar paid me a dollar for
one bag he got and I spent it on sugar, attended the Lodge meeting, where we had the matter of
change of Hall discussed
19 20 Tuesday A very dull day, and the wind has been from the east. Came on rain about 4
oclock. George and I have been drawing and laying the stones at the barn end of cattle stables
and finished the job, also drew 2 loads of soil from the top of hill on the road. Johny is threshing
at Joe Hindleys to day. we also drew and laid a load of stones in front of the water trough in
shed, making a good improvement [Margin] Johny at Joe Hindley threshing to day.
20 21 Wednesday Cold and frosty to day, the ground is pretty well hardened up, there is a
sprinkling of snow to night. George and I have had a busy day in the cattle stable - we levelled
the soil on the stones we drew yesterday and laid it all over with grout. I helped mix it, and
pumelled and trowelled it while George wheeled it on. I drove to Everton this evening and got
the mail, also 2 lights and putty for pig house window - 8 x10 10¢ - 15 for pair - [Margin] Johny
at Joe Hindleys threshing a part of to day again - Alfred Duffield for Johny at Richard Mc
Williams
threshing this P.M.
21 22 Thursday Another very cold day. the cold has been steady until night, when it somewhat
relaxed. George and I have again been working in the cattle stables, we moved the lime out of
the cattle stall to get the cows all in, and we barked the stall posts and cut grooves in 5 of them.
we are anxious to have the stables ready for the cattle as they seem to feel the cold severely
Johny was at Richd. Mc
Williams threshing awhile this forenoon. [Margin] Thanksgiving Day.
22 23 Friday Continues cold and wintry. Johny has helped us at the cattle stables to day, we
finished up all the posts and got them all in and quite a number of the stalls lined up
23 24 Saturday Quite a change in the weather, a very rough morning sleet, ice and rain. Johny
went to Guelph as it was so rough. Lizzie did not care to go alone to market. George and I have
been doing up some of the work in the cattle stables. Johny also helped after coming back from
Guelph. we also killed a pig and dressed it after night, some of its mates had hurt it and made it
very lame
24 25 Sunday Quite a fall of snow and there is some slipping to day. this has been a pleasant
day. Mother & I drove up to Mrs Rozzell's funeral, which was timed for one oclock. there was a
large turn out. we did not go any further than the house and hurried back home to find Bella &
John Mc
Kenzie with the children. they started for home after early tea.
NOV. - DEC. 1895
25 26 Monday Snow and hail this forenoon but turned to rain afternoon. Johny and George
worked some in the cattle stables. I took 8 bags oats and peas for chop, and bought 4 planks
and about 80 feet inch. $1.00. and 40¢ for chop. paid. got another bag of flour. not paid.
[Margin] old white sow pigged to night. 13 pigs 1 dead. - 100 flour at the mill - Lumber & chop
also
26 27 Tuesday Awfully high wind this forenoon, and heavy rain through the night. the wind blew
down Johny's wood shed and old kitchen and instead of being at the cattle stables we had all to
go in the afternoon and rig up a part of the wrecked building. Willie drove out to night. Johny had
Robert Morton, Robert Mc
Williams, Johny Burnett, Geo. & Alfred Duffield and myself all helping
him to put up the building [Margin] terrible high wind doing damage - helping to rig up the wreck
at Johnys - Willie out from Guelph
27 28 Wednesday A little bit cold but a very pleasant day. the ground is once more bare and
hard. Maggie and Ruth Mc
Williams have been collecting to day for the Bible Society. George
drew in the stove wood from the yard to the wood house, and fixing up the shed openings the
balance of the time. I helped Johny at his kitchen fixing a little while and sharped the hand and
cross cut saws. Willie drove off to Guelph this evening again. he was cutting wood at Uncle
Duncans, had John Campbell & Alf. Duffield [Margin] broke out the teeth of little pigs 3 more
dead only 9 living - sent 15 dollars with Willie to pay Henry Duffields note for the sheep - owe
him a dollar
28 29 Thursday A very fine and very pleasant day - these are also very fine nights, clear
moonshine and not cold. George and I have been choring around considerable and have also
cut some cedar blocks for the stable floor, we took down the team and wagon and brought
home a load. Johny helps us at night to do up some of the work of the stable fixings. Maggie
and her mother drove to Everton this afternoon and brought home the mail [Margin] made a
bass wood trough for feeding the Turkeys. - cutting cedar blocks for cattle stables.
29 30 Friday Another very fine mild day, although dull and overcast the most of the day -
George and I have been sawing cedar blocks for the stables we think there is about enough to
lay the floor for the cattle stands. Johny went to mill to day and we let him have the wagon so
we drove old "Frank" to the bush to the buggie. Mary was up to day getting some garment dyed.
we do a little fixing in the stables almost every night now. [Margin] cutting cedar blocks in
swamp - Mary up from Everton
30 Dec. 1 Saturday Frosty last night and some snow covered the ground. towards evening it
softened in some. George & I spent this forenoon getting out some cedar sticks for the cattle
stables and brought them home, with a load of blocks before dinner. after noon Johny helped us
and we cleared out the most of the rubbish and hewed and layed down one of the sticks, also
layed the blocks in the 2 double, and single stalls, we also brought a load of sand and the
balance of the blocks. anxious these times [Margin] working to get the cattle stables done
Dec. 1 2 Sunday A very dull day, which threatned an oncome of some kind, it held off (pretty
much) however till night when snow began to fall, a little rain which froze as it {illegible} fell in
the afternoon. Maggie & George drove to meeting this forenoon - I have been, with Margaret, at
home all day, with the exception that I took a walk down to see John Webb who is complaining
now from a bad back
DECEMBER 1895
2 3 Monday Quite a fall of snow last night and considerable has fallen to day, rather blowy and
stormy along with the snow fall. I hurried over to the Council meeting this forenoon and returned
home between one & two oclock. I gave in my report on the B. of H. and received 22 dollars - I
then paid 4 dollars each to Hugh Black & John Rea. 2 to Mr Argo for Mr Auld and 2 to Mc
Cann
for the room. & 4 to myself leaving in my hands 6 dollars for the doctor. Johny was helping at
the stables. we all turned in when I returned [Margin] Willie out from Guelph this evening -
Council meeting, went over about B.O.H. business
3 4 Tuesday Finer to day and the sleighing is good - Willie has drawn 3 loads of wood from
Mc
Kinnons and took the last one to Guelph with Johny's team, he left his own team at Johny's. I
made an effort to get a sleigh so as to bring down a load for him but failed. I sold the hogs to Mr
Simpson for $4.50 per 100. more if going dressed. also the heifer for $34.00 to be delivered a
week from next Thursday. Johny has helped us some at the stables to day. we are nearly done
- I drove over to Thos. Toltons this ev'g. he will kill our pigs tomorrow. Everton to night
4 5 Wednesday Moderate weather. it is quite wintry however. George and I this forenoon were
fixing round and prepared for killing the pigs this afternoon. Thos. Tolton & Alice came along
before dinner and in the afternoon we killed the 7 pigs. Willie took in a load of wood to Guelph. I
took "King" down and helped him over the newly gravelled part of the road. Mrs Webb helped
Mother this afternoon cleaning the insides of pigs. Johny, George & I with Thos. killed them
5 6 Thursday Cold to day, and frosty, quite wintry. George and I have been again fixing round
the stables some, we hauled over the meal box, the scalding trough and all the Carcases,
placed the trough & Box in the stables. George and I took the team to the bush and cut a good
part of a load of wood out of a dry maple tree and brought it home.
6 7 Friday Cold and frosty but a very fine winter's day. Maggie and I started for Guelph this
morning about 7.30, with the 5 hogs. they weighed 814 lbs after deductions. I made them weigh
last night 838 on our scales. 824 in Guelph. I got 4.55 for them. I delivered the 2 empty Beer
kegs to Holliday. got a Ba'll of salt. paid Willie $2.05 for salt and the dollar I owed him on the
note he paid. $15.90.
7 8 Saturday Frosty & cold, but a very fine winter's day. George & I have started to cut wood in
the bush. we cut up some down maple timber, while we were in the bush, Isaac & Amos
Theaker came along while hunting, they chopped down our large elm stub, and got 2 large
Racoons lodged in it. they dispatched both. Mother and I are driving down to Mc
Kenzies this
evening. [Margin] I paid Dr. Dryden six dollars for the work of B. O. Health
8 9 Sunday Another cold day. we have spent last night at Bellas, Wm Sutton, wife and 2
children also spent the night there. we enjoyed our visit very much, but being so cold we could
not venture out of the house we did not wait for tea, but left there about 4 oclock calling at
Everton on our way home, getting a little warm at Abbotts. found everything right at home on our
return.
DECEMBER 1895
9 10 Monday A fine winter's day, John Smallhorn came up this morning and helped George and
I all day to cut wood in the bush. I hauled 6 loads of dry wood home, some dry and some green.
this is from memory which may be a little at fault. John Smallhorn has come to help us. this
being his first day.
10 11 Tuesday Continues fine weather for cutting wood in the bush, the three of us have been
busy. I help and cut and haul home too. I took a grist of 8 bags peas & oats and had them
chopped. took our 5 sheep to Toltons to be with Howards ram. brought their ram lamb for
Johny, who was over with me, the 2 Mrs Abbotts visiting. I drove them home to night.
11 12 Wednesday Rather a stormy day and very cold. Maggie and her mother drove over to
Toltons to see Dan, who has been taken down with Pleurisy, he is some better. Geo. & John & I
have been at the wood to day. I think I brought home 5 loads to day, 2 forenoon & 3 afternoon -
we manage so that we all ride to and from the bush.
12 13 Thursday Another very cold day, the frost was very kean last night. George and I were
up in good time this morning and got all the chores done up and loaded up the heifer ourselves,
she was very quiet and we had no trouble with her, we unloaded her in the market yard. Mr
Simpson paid me the thirty two dollars which made the 34 with the 2 he previously gave me, he
said he sold her for $31.00 I gave him 50¢ back to help him out. we had dinner at Willies and we
had an awful cold drive home. George had his nose frozen. John Smallhorn rode up from the
Corner with us this evening [Margin] Mrs Webb took a bad turn this evening and Geo. Abbott
drove up for Margaret
13 14 Friday Quite a wintry day although not so cold as yesterday. the three of us have been
working in the bush all day. and I have drawn home 5 loads of wood as well as helped to cut
some. the timber has been very hard we suppose from frost. John Smallhorn helped Johny this
evening to clean up a grist of chopped stuff. Webbs killed their pigs to day and Margaret helped
clean the insides.
14 15 Saturday Milder to day. the frost has slackened up very much. the three of us have
worked in the bush this forenoon, we took "Frank" & cutter. we cut down a fine large maple and
cut 3 logs for stone boats out of it, the balance for stove wood. I half soled, patched & heeled a
boot for Geo. Abbott, he paid me 40¢ for the job. Geo. & John spent the afternoon at the big
maple and did not finish it. I drove Smallhorn home this evening, and got the mail. [Margin] John
Smallhorn has put in 5 days work this week.
15 16 Sunday Much milder to day, inclined to thaw. I drove Maggie to meeting this morning she
got in with Webbs and rode with them from the grave yard. I wrote a letter to Brother Alex.
Meaford, also one to Mrs Alex. Mc
Gregor, sending 25 dollars in it. I had all the chores to do
myself as Geroge was absent. I dont feel the chores so burdensome since the stables are fixed.
DECEMBER 1895
16 17 Monday A very fine day, very mild and pleasant until near night when it became colder
and cast up like an approaching storm. I mailed the letters I wrote yesterday, this afternoon
George and I cut the top of the large maple tree we took the stone boat logs off and brought a
load of wood home. I paid George twenty two dollars ($22.00) on his wages. I just owe him now
the neat 100. [Margin] paid George 22 dollars
17 18 Tuesday The mild weather continues and the snow will soon go if it does not freeze up.
George lost the cross cut saw set and we had quite a hunt for it as also the logging chain, found
neither. George went home afternoon, his father is killing hogs. Mr Dunbar paid us a visit this
P.M. I conveyed him home a piece of the road. he offers me an old horse for nothing that he
says is a good one, and think would answer me for my work
18 19 Wednesday Quite a thaw the snow is going very fast. George has been around to day
and went to the bush with me and helped up with 2 loads of wood. we found both the chain &
saw set on the "stony acre". we were pleased to find them. George went home to night thinking
he might go to Guelph tomorrow. he says if he does not get work he may help me do the chores
now & again.
19 20 Thursday Quite a rainful last night, and to day it has thawed and rained some. I did up
the chores as quickly as I could this morning and afterwards drove over in the buggie to
Dunbars and brought home "Bret" the old grey horse Mr Dunbar offered me in a present. after
dinner I drove Maggie & Ruth Mc
Williams to Everton. Maggie is helping prepare for the S. S.
Social this evening. George drove down Mother in the evening. I keep the house alone
20 21 Friday A very fine day, the snow has almost completely gone. from appearances it is not
unreasonable to look for plowing weather and opportunity for it, if this weather continues any
length of time. we have done little more than attended to the chores. George is here also, he
threshed out the beans. Mr Webb & Mrs also Mr & Mrs Mc
Williams came this afternoon to hear
Joe rehearsing for the Concert to night. we left our house empty and all went to the Concert at
Mutries school house. there was a large gathering, and the concert a success. Willie drove Joe
& Mrs {blank} here [Margin] got Henry Duffield to shoot "Frank" this morning. he has been a
good horse but his usefulness had gone.
21 22 Saturday A very wet afternoon, the morning was fine but it soon became overcast -
although the rain held off tlll afternoon, Maggie accompanied Mc
Williams to Guelph to see the
sights for Christmas, it was a foolish act as it was terribly wet and dissagreeable. I half soled a
boot for George Abbott and did up the chores which amount of work kept me pretty busy all day.
we hear that Dan. Sinclair died last night, he took ill in the morning [Margin] Death of Dan.
Sinclair -
22 23 Sunday Cleared up last night and there has been no rain to day. there has been a great
deal of rain. and I should think the wells will now be of service in giving more water. we have all
been at home to day, as the ground is all in a plash. I have all the chores to myself to do.
George went yesterday to Guelph and has not returned here yet.
DECEMBER 1895
23 24 Monday Dull this forenoon, and Johny expected to be cutting straw to day. he is just
about as well pleased they did not start at it as considerable rain fell this afternoon and it was
very dissagreeable. I hitched up and drove to Everton for him this evening. I paid Geo. Marshall
a dollar to pay for daily News, Toronto. I have been doiong the chores myself. George has not
looked near since Friday night
24 25 Tuesday A little frost last night, but it became softer and considerable rain fell this
afternoon we are getting a lot of rain these times. Albert Tolton came to Johny's before dinner
with his straw cutter, they cut some in the afternoon, enough to run him on with cut stuff, but had
to quit on account of the rain. I repaired a pair of shoes for Mother, and helped Johny besides
the chores
25 26 Wednesday Christmas Day. this has been a mild, beautiful day, rather dull to be sure, but
there were a few blinks of sunshine - a good deal of my time to day was taken up by doing the
chores. I however found time to sharpen Johny's hand saw, and I helped him perhaps a couple
of hours in the afternoon to saw off some large limbs off his apple trees on the old orchard over
by. [Margin] I am reading Boswell's Johnston these times and delighted
26 27 Thursday Blustery and rainy to day. in the evening it turned to snow - I had to hurry up
with the chores this morning so as to attend the school meeting which was held to day on
account of yesterday being Christmas. there was quite a large meeting. I was appointed Auditor
again for next year. I mailed 2 dollars off to Weld, London for payment of Farmer's Advocate.
Also mailed a letter to John Turney Chicago. I drove to Everton for the mail after doing the
chores. Stormy. [Margin] Ewart sent five dollars each to Maggie and his mother as a Christmas
Box.
27 28 Friday Fine day. I was pretty busy to day doing the chores, and had to hitch up our team
awhile before dinner and in the afternoon to the Chopper. David Tolton brought it this morning
expecting Albert was to cut the straw this forenoon, they chopped 50 bags this afternoon, 12
bags for us, 10 for Robert Morton and the balance for Robert Mc
Williams and Johny.
28 29 Saturday Another very fine day. we were astir early this morning and I got Maggie and
her mother off to Guelph with Fred & buggie. they had Butter and Eggs. 18 & 19 for the butter
17 for eggs. Maggie got a watch to day from Pringle, giving Auntie's old gold watch and Eye
glass as part pay on it, (eight dollars) paid other seven for the watch - $15 in all. I emptied the
meal and did up the chores to day. John Webb came along afternoon and spent the evening as
well
29 30 Sunday Very fine this forenoon, became duller and not so pleasant afternoon. have been
reading some, but the chores kept me pretty close at work, as we were rather late in getting up
and started to work, John Mc
Kenzie & Bella with little Willie drove up to day. he paid me 2
dollars to pay this months double single and Releif Call assmnt. A.O.U.W. he is 15 days back.
the times are very hard and he feels them bad.
DECEMBER 1895 January 1896
30 31 Monday Colder to day, and some more snow has fallen which makes the sleigh run
again, before bed time it became softer and it rained quite heavy. I drove the horses this
afternoon at Johny's cutting straw, they finished the swing beam mow, there is a nice lot. I drove
down to Everton this evening and got the mail. the "Star" has come to hand instead of the
News.
31 Tuesday
A terrible cold and stormy day. the snow has been falling at times fast but the wind is piling it up
in unsightly piles and drifts. I have had a busy day keeping the stock comfortable, we have to
clean them out more frequently as there is no bedding, and I have 3 lots of cattle to let out for
watering.
January 1st Wednesday New years day. Weather cold & stormy - the wind has been high all
day, and the snow drifting. I have been very busy choring, and while Johnny mended the
wheelbarrow I repaired his boots, half soled one of them and patched and sewed rips in the
other. I also half soled a pair for Maggie. the wind is down to night and the moon is clear and full
& beautiful.
2nd Thursday Not very cold, but very windy. the snow drifts considerably. George Duffield
helped me clean up our wheat, fully 20 bushels by measure in the hogshed all cleaned. and 11
bags, weighing 25 bushels & 45 lbs. to Hortop. he allowed me 56¢ for it. it tested about 63 lbs to
the Bushel. it paid the bill $11.90 & I got 133 lbs flour. & 25 lbs Farina. the Concert to night of
Reid Brothers at our school house [Margin] called on by Murray Acton with note for horse paid
20 dollars 50¢ which is endorsed on note $16.00 remaining not in a hurry settlement
3rd Friday Continues wintry, there is a little slipping again but there is more snow needed to
make good sleighing. As I found our turnips at the middle window gave signs of being hot, I
went at it and moved a lot this afternoon, they were dirty in front and under the window and they
are rotting considerably I must get to the bottom of the hot part.
4th Saturday Very cold last night and this morning and the frost has kept very kean all day. the
chores take up a good part of my time. I had, however, another spell at the turnips, the shippers
are all on top, and the hot ones are underneath, so it is quite a job to get the shippers disposed
of so as to get the others removed. Johny was at Guelph to day with our Cutter [Margin] fixed a
shoe for Ada Webb
5th Sunday Another very cold day. Maggie drove to meeting this forenoon, and Johny & Lizzie
afternoon. Mother & I have kept at home all day. it has taken up a great deal of my time to make
the stock tolerably comfortable through the cold.
JANUARY 1896
6th Monday A very cold day, and stormy after doing up the chores Johny and I drove up to
Oustic to vote for the deputy Reeve and the Council. John Red is Reeve by acclamation Dan.
Talbot & Scott were for deputy, Dan is in by 107 majority. Willie is out from Guelph to night he
sleeps here, but his team is at Johny's.
7th Tuesday Rather stormy again to day. I have not done much more than attend to the chores
- Henry Duffield spent awhile with us and was helping me awhile cleaning out the stables &c.
Willie drove up to Mimosa this forenoon and returning had dinner with us, he filled a bed tick
with oat straw.
8th Wednesday Somewhat slackened off the great cold and frost, and some snow has fallen to
day. I hurried up with my chores this forenoon so as to have things in good shape for leaving. I
put on the stock rack and drove over to Toltons for our 5 sheep. after returning home Margaret
and I drove down to see Mrs James Millar, who is quite ill. Dr. Webster was to see her to day -
[Margin] Mrs Bella Miller is ill with the Grip - she is considered dangerous
9th Thursday The frost has given way considerably to day, and although it is quite wintry, still
the slackening off of the extreme cold is very acceptable. Johny helped me after dinner to load
on the butt of the maple tree I cut for stone boats. we had to make two bunks for the logs. I took
the log down to the mill and had to hustle so as to get home for the chores. the sleighing is good
now [Margin] considerable snow fell last night
10th Friday Rather milder to day. colder & raw at night. I took to Everton this forenoon the other
2 stone boat logs. Johny helped me on with them this morning. Margaret & Lizzie drove down to
Millars, Lizzie returned alone, as Mother staid there on account of the very low condition of Mrs
Millar, her death is looked upon as likely to happen at any time. Johny & I drove down this
evening and saw her as she lay, her breathing was terribly laboured.
11th Saturday Wintry and cold, the sleighing is very fine now. Mrs Millar died last night after we
left, about 12 oclock. I drove down for her this evening but she did not come home with me, but
waited for the coffin coming, and Johny called for her as he came home from Everton. agreed to
deliver 2 loads of turnips at Rockwood on Tuesday next to O Connor. Wm Mc
Cullough bought
them
12th Sunday Fine winter weather but colder than has lately prevailed. I have been at home all
day Maggie was at Everton twice. Mother & I spent awhile this evening at Webbs. George &
Mary paid us a visit this afternoon
Monday 13th A cold day. I took the horses to the Willie Abbots shop this morning and had 3
new shoes and one removed and sharped in front, they are barefoot behind. We all attended
the burial of Mrs Millar. it took place at 1 oclock. there was a large funeral. Johny read the ritual
of the Chozen freinds at the grave. Mr Fowlie spoke at the disciple church Willie was out from
Guelph.
Tuesday 14th Milder to day, but yet wintry. George Abbott and Johny & I trimmed 2 loads of
turnips this forenoon and George with Webbs team and myself took them to Rockwood this
afternoon. I had 55 bushels lacking 5 lbs - George had 41 lacking 5 lbs. making in all 96 bushels
lacking 10 lbs. I am getting 10¢ per Bushel.
Wednesday 15th Continues milder, and the weather to day has been very fine. I was early out
of bed this morning and George Duffield and I took the box off the sleigh and fixed up the rack
and loaded on over a cord of dry cord wood of Willies, and George drove it to Guelph for him
with our team. George was a little late in getting back, but I had every thing in readiness for him,
and had all chores done
Thursday 16th Very fine day, just enough of cold to keep the snow. and the sleighing is good -
we had a letter from Ewart this evening. also one from Uncle Alex. Meaford. All well at both
places. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & little Willie called on us this afternoon - the Kitchins brought up
2 cattle to Suttons for John on their sleigh - Wm Mc
Cullough wants me to take a load or two of
turnips tomorrow [Margin] Mc
Cullough paid me $9.60 for the 2 loads of turnips
Friday 17th A beautiful day, mild and pleasant. George Duffield took down to Rockwood a load
of turnips (57 Bushels) he helped me to trim them. I trimmed some for Johny to take tomorrow
and did up all my chores besides - Johny & Lizzie have been over at Mutries this P.M. I have
been helping to kill the geese to day and preparing for Guelph tomorrow. Am getting Duffields
light Bobs
Saturday 18th
{No further entries}
(94)
(account in earlier diary)
1895 John Mc
Kenzie A.O.U.W. account paid six dollars on March 10th for arrears. 1895
1 Geo Williams
Barin Mutrie
Alex Sunter
James Moore
Wm Sunter
Eli Gollop
Alex Mc
Gregor
Wm Marshall
H Garbut
{Mathematical calculation}
34 ) 1433 (42
136
73
68
5
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