Text
David Allan (1808-1895)
1863 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive Volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL 1863
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR 1860.
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
New York:
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY
KIGGINS & KELLOGG,
Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers and Blank Book Manufacturers,
123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET,
BETWEEN JOHN AND FULTON.
{Blank page)
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
{Blank page}
{Transcriber's note - in every header the diarist edits them to the correct date}
January, THURSDAY, 1st 1863
The year has ushered in with most splendid weather The sun shining out clear and beautiful quite
calm and the cold in the morning only about the freezing point, the ice on the Dam is strong enough
and crouded with skaiters. of all ages and sexes.
FRIDAY, 2d
The same fine weather prevails, and the roads are hard and smooth.
SATURDAY, 3d
The weather is not so fine as it was yesterday was dull, I went down to Puslinch to see about clear
boards and square timber It began to rain in the afternoon, and made the roads quite heavy, that
were very fine in the morning
January, MONDAY, 5th 1863
The day is dry but blowing cold went out to the farm, the men are at work cutting up all the old laying
cedar and other logs and under-brush
TUESDAY, 6th
The weather is still mild and little or no frost more than to harden the roads during the night, which
soften during the day.
WEDNESDAY, 7th
{No entry}
January, THURSDAY, 8th 1863
{No entry}
Friday, 9th
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 10th
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 12th 186{3}
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 13th
Some more snow fell to day which with what fell yesterday enabled a light sleigh or cutter to slip
along. The annual meeting of the Bible Society was held this evening in St Andrews Church
WEDNESDAY, 14th
The weather to day has been quite wet and rainy, and melting all the snow that fell yesterday
January, THURSDAY, 15th 186{3}
It froze harder last night than for some nights past, but the most of the snow gone it Began however
in the afternoon and snowed heavy. I have just got the new toe and brass for for the upright shaft of
the old Mill (but now a new one) the toe is 3¾ 1/16 inches in diameter which is 1¼ inches larger than
than the old one. I was present both at the steeling and temporing of it myself, and likewise cast the
Brass, which is quite hard & good. The teams went down to Morriston to day for some dry square
pine timber. It has been snowing heavy all afternoon, and will be hard for the teams to get home.
Board day in Bank
FRIDAY, 16th
There is considerable frost snow this morning and must have fallen during the night. At 7 this
morning the glass was 10° below zero.
Saturday, 17th
Rather of any thing milder this morning
January, MONDAY, 19th 186{3}
Much milder this morning and during the middle of the day there was a slight thaw
TUESDAY, 20th
No thaw but a cold raw wind and very dull threatning a fall of snow or rain. We are getting on well
with the Water Wheel the greater part of the Buckets are in their place
WEDNESDAY, 21st
Went down to Galt this morning and returned by evening train, At the Foundry setting a/c in full to
date. R Wallace informed me he sold 1000 Bhls {bushels} No 1 spring wheat flour to be delivered
F.O.B in Hamilton at $4.15 Blain is treating now with a Montreal House for $4.20 and thinks he will
get it. The snow has improved the roads but I am afraid it is not going to last, as there is a slight
thaw. The upright shaft and spurs wheel and level pinion are in their place
January, THURSDAY, 22d 186{3}
Very mild this morning and thawing and continued so all day, so that it begins to tell on the roads
seriously. Mr N Higginbotham very ill, yet,
FRIDAY, 23
It still continues mild but the snow is not melting as fast as it did yesterday. Measuring and deciding
about the upright shafts. Higginbotham rather better to day
SATURDAY, 24th
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 26th 186{3}
It has been quite soft to day and little else than waggons and Buggies going. It however began to
snow in the evening. This is the Anneversary of Burns Birth day Dinner was or rather Supper at 8
was given at Grants Saloon to the Canadian Bard, Alex r McLaughlan - on his return from Scotland
TUESDAY, 27
Snowing hard this morning yet soft yet Mrs A & I went down to Mr Idingtons in Waterloo. and found
the sleighing tolerably good for a light conveyance. It snowed all the fore part of the day
February, WEDNESDAY, 28th
It froze pritty hard during the night and there is no thaw to day - this evening a Dinner to Hon A. J
Ferguson, to welcome his return from Scotland
Thursday 29th
Fine morning and moderate frost Board day, the President of the Bank Mr Simpson was here
Friday 30th
Moderate frost and no additional snow.
Saturday 31st
Sharper frost this morning, but little or no snow on the roads, except at the sides
February, Monday 2d 1863
{No entry}
Tuesday 3d
{No entry}
Wednesday 4th
Board day in bank.
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February ,
THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}}
February, THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}
Board day
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February,
WEDNESDAY, {18th}}
WEDNESDAY, {18th}
Very sharp cold day, good roads and a great quantity of grain in
February, THURSDAY, {19th} 186{3}
Has been a cold day, good sleighing and a considerable quantity of wheat in the market. Rev
Kenneth McLennan of Paisley here. Board day in Bank.
FRIDAY, {20th}
{No entry}
SATURDAY, {21st}
Not due in Hamilton on Monday
[Transcriber's note - No entries between February, MONDAY, 23rd 1863 and March TUESDAY, 31st
1863}
{April} WEDNESDAY, 1st {1863}
Cold freezing day, the ground was bare of snow yet there was a considerable number of cattle at the
Fair, And the prices were much improved when compared to the one last month
April THURSDAY, 2d 1863
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 3d
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 4th
{No entry}
April, MONDAY, 6th 1863
This has been a very different day from what yesterday was it began to snow heavy this morning
and continued all day and in a great measure melted away, whereas yesterday was a fine clear
pleasant day of Sunshine
TUESDAY, 7th
This has been another day of sleet and snow which is melting fast, have the 3 horse teams and the
Oxen at the Rocks hauling the firewood out of the chopping on to the roadside to be out of the way
in burning the brush in the spring. Let the water on the big Mill New water wheel. the stone pinions
were in geer and all went smooth and well.
WEDNESDAY, 8th
{No entry}
April, THURSDAY, 9th 1863
This has been a very fine day, but the roads are getting deep and muddy as the frost goes out. Peter
Idington was here to day, went out to the freight station with him. A.B. Stewarts sale of furniture to
day. I wrote to Hart & Munson of Utica NY. about another of Mattisons Flour packers.
[Transcriber's note - No entries between April, FRIDAY, 10th 1863 and April WEDNESDAY, 22d
1863}
April, THURSDAY 23d 186{3}
have obliged to discontinue here so as to begin the month of May on the proper day of the week.
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May, FRIDAY, 1st 1863}
May, FRIDAY 1st May
Began to chopp Corn in the (large Mill) to day at a fine rate. Had quite an alarm yesterday about the
outer gudgeon of the new water wheel being allowed to run dry untill it was so hot as to change its
colour it tore up the brass and also made the surface of the gudgeon (which was had been polished
with Emery) rough and quite pock-pitted. we cooled it down with sulphur and water, and then after
cleaning it well, and had got it quite cool put on fresh oil & tallow and smoothed the surface with a
fine file, it then appeared to work tolerably well But fear it will have to be turned again to make it as
perfect as it was. It is fine weather
SATURDAY, 2d
There is some appearance of rain to day. I feel heavy and have a slight headache
Note due tomorrow
Meeting of committee on Printing ½ past 7.
May MONDAY, 4th 18{63}
{No entry}
May, TUESDAY 5th
Began to chop Corn with the Old Mill (or large Mill) regularly
WEDNESDAY {6TH}
{No entry}
{7 blank pages}
May, THURSDAY 28, 18{63}
{No entry}
Friday 29
Have got the Eight acre field next the Glebe sown with Oats this day, and partly harrowed
Saturday 30
considerable rain fell this forenoon, and part of the afternoon The cone for the new packing machine
was finished to day, and the most of the geering filled up for it. The fitting up of the upper part begun
The shafting is progressing as fast as can be done, the Bran Bolt casing is finished
May, Sabbath 31 18{63}
June, MONDAY 1 1863
This has been a {throng} day, this being our annual meeting of the Wellington Mutual Fire Assurance
Co. when I was again re elected a Director, Had also a meeting of the Building Society The weather
is raw and cold to day Have got the 8 acre field fenced and finished this afternoon.
Tuesday 2
Intend leaving for Hamilton this morning
{Transcriber's note - no entries, except for day and date, after the above date up to June, TUESDAY,
23d 18{63}}
{Blank page}
Letters to write or answer
Horsburgh
Mrs Robertson Chatham (of 13th Feb) see Kingsmill
John Burnes, {---}
Treasurer of Goderich. A.M Ross
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
1863 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive Volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL 1863
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR 1860.
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
New York:
PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY
KIGGINS & KELLOGG,
Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers and Blank Book Manufacturers,
123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET,
BETWEEN JOHN AND FULTON.
{Blank page)
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1860.
{Blank page}
{Transcriber's note - in every header the diarist edits them to the correct date}
January, THURSDAY, 1st 1863
The year has ushered in with most splendid weather The sun shining out clear and beautiful quite
calm and the cold in the morning only about the freezing point, the ice on the Dam is strong enough
and crouded with skaiters. of all ages and sexes.
FRIDAY, 2d
The same fine weather prevails, and the roads are hard and smooth.
SATURDAY, 3d
The weather is not so fine as it was yesterday was dull, I went down to Puslinch to see about clear
boards and square timber It began to rain in the afternoon, and made the roads quite heavy, that
were very fine in the morning
January, MONDAY, 5th 1863
The day is dry but blowing cold went out to the farm, the men are at work cutting up all the old laying
cedar and other logs and under-brush
TUESDAY, 6th
The weather is still mild and little or no frost more than to harden the roads during the night, which
soften during the day.
WEDNESDAY, 7th
{No entry}
January, THURSDAY, 8th 1863
{No entry}
Friday, 9th
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 10th
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 12th 186{3}
{No entry}
TUESDAY, 13th
Some more snow fell to day which with what fell yesterday enabled a light sleigh or cutter to slip
along. The annual meeting of the Bible Society was held this evening in St Andrews Church
WEDNESDAY, 14th
The weather to day has been quite wet and rainy, and melting all the snow that fell yesterday
January, THURSDAY, 15th 186{3}
It froze harder last night than for some nights past, but the most of the snow gone it Began however
in the afternoon and snowed heavy. I have just got the new toe and brass for for the upright shaft of
the old Mill (but now a new one) the toe is 3¾ 1/16 inches in diameter which is 1¼ inches larger than
than the old one. I was present both at the steeling and temporing of it myself, and likewise cast the
Brass, which is quite hard & good. The teams went down to Morriston to day for some dry square
pine timber. It has been snowing heavy all afternoon, and will be hard for the teams to get home.
Board day in Bank
FRIDAY, 16th
There is considerable frost snow this morning and must have fallen during the night. At 7 this
morning the glass was 10° below zero.
Saturday, 17th
Rather of any thing milder this morning
January, MONDAY, 19th 186{3}
Much milder this morning and during the middle of the day there was a slight thaw
TUESDAY, 20th
No thaw but a cold raw wind and very dull threatning a fall of snow or rain. We are getting on well
with the Water Wheel the greater part of the Buckets are in their place
WEDNESDAY, 21st
Went down to Galt this morning and returned by evening train, At the Foundry setting a/c in full to
date. R Wallace informed me he sold 1000 Bhls {bushels} No 1 spring wheat flour to be delivered
F.O.B in Hamilton at $4.15 Blain is treating now with a Montreal House for $4.20 and thinks he will
get it. The snow has improved the roads but I am afraid it is not going to last, as there is a slight
thaw. The upright shaft and spurs wheel and level pinion are in their place
January, THURSDAY, 22d 186{3}
Very mild this morning and thawing and continued so all day, so that it begins to tell on the roads
seriously. Mr N Higginbotham very ill, yet,
FRIDAY, 23
It still continues mild but the snow is not melting as fast as it did yesterday. Measuring and deciding
about the upright shafts. Higginbotham rather better to day
SATURDAY, 24th
{No entry}
January, MONDAY, 26th 186{3}
It has been quite soft to day and little else than waggons and Buggies going. It however began to
snow in the evening. This is the Anneversary of Burns Birth day Dinner was or rather Supper at 8
was given at Grants Saloon to the Canadian Bard, Alex r McLaughlan - on his return from Scotland
TUESDAY, 27
Snowing hard this morning yet soft yet Mrs A & I went down to Mr Idingtons in Waterloo. and found
the sleighing tolerably good for a light conveyance. It snowed all the fore part of the day
February, WEDNESDAY, 28th
It froze pritty hard during the night and there is no thaw to day - this evening a Dinner to Hon A. J
Ferguson, to welcome his return from Scotland
Thursday 29th
Fine morning and moderate frost Board day, the President of the Bank Mr Simpson was here
Friday 30th
Moderate frost and no additional snow.
Saturday 31st
Sharper frost this morning, but little or no snow on the roads, except at the sides
February, Monday 2d 1863
{No entry}
Tuesday 3d
{No entry}
Wednesday 4th
Board day in bank.
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February ,
THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}}
February, THURSDAY, 12th 186{3}
Board day
{Transcriber's note - no entries, apart from day and date, after the above date until February,
WEDNESDAY, {18th}}
WEDNESDAY, {18th}
Very sharp cold day, good roads and a great quantity of grain in
February, THURSDAY, {19th} 186{3}
Has been a cold day, good sleighing and a considerable quantity of wheat in the market. Rev
Kenneth McLennan of Paisley here. Board day in Bank.
FRIDAY, {20th}
{No entry}
SATURDAY, {21st}
Not due in Hamilton on Monday
[Transcriber's note - No entries between February, MONDAY, 23rd 1863 and March TUESDAY, 31st
1863}
{April} WEDNESDAY, 1st {1863}
Cold freezing day, the ground was bare of snow yet there was a considerable number of cattle at the
Fair, And the prices were much improved when compared to the one last month
April THURSDAY, 2d 1863
{No entry}
FRIDAY, 3d
{No entry}
SATURDAY, 4th
{No entry}
April, MONDAY, 6th 1863
This has been a very different day from what yesterday was it began to snow heavy this morning
and continued all day and in a great measure melted away, whereas yesterday was a fine clear
pleasant day of Sunshine
TUESDAY, 7th
This has been another day of sleet and snow which is melting fast, have the 3 horse teams and the
Oxen at the Rocks hauling the firewood out of the chopping on to the roadside to be out of the way
in burning the brush in the spring. Let the water on the big Mill New water wheel. the stone pinions
were in geer and all went smooth and well.
WEDNESDAY, 8th
{No entry}
April, THURSDAY, 9th 1863
This has been a very fine day, but the roads are getting deep and muddy as the frost goes out. Peter
Idington was here to day, went out to the freight station with him. A.B. Stewarts sale of furniture to
day. I wrote to Hart & Munson of Utica NY. about another of Mattisons Flour packers.
[Transcriber's note - No entries between April, FRIDAY, 10th 1863 and April WEDNESDAY, 22d
1863}
April, THURSDAY 23d 186{3}
have obliged to discontinue here so as to begin the month of May on the proper day of the week.
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May, FRIDAY, 1st 1863}
May, FRIDAY 1st May
Began to chopp Corn in the (large Mill) to day at a fine rate. Had quite an alarm yesterday about the
outer gudgeon of the new water wheel being allowed to run dry untill it was so hot as to change its
colour it tore up the brass and also made the surface of the gudgeon (which was had been polished
with Emery) rough and quite pock-pitted. we cooled it down with sulphur and water, and then after
cleaning it well, and had got it quite cool put on fresh oil & tallow and smoothed the surface with a
fine file, it then appeared to work tolerably well But fear it will have to be turned again to make it as
perfect as it was. It is fine weather
SATURDAY, 2d
There is some appearance of rain to day. I feel heavy and have a slight headache
Note due tomorrow
Meeting of committee on Printing ½ past 7.
May MONDAY, 4th 18{63}
{No entry}
May, TUESDAY 5th
Began to chop Corn with the Old Mill (or large Mill) regularly
WEDNESDAY {6TH}
{No entry}
{7 blank pages}
May, THURSDAY 28, 18{63}
{No entry}
Friday 29
Have got the Eight acre field next the Glebe sown with Oats this day, and partly harrowed
Saturday 30
considerable rain fell this forenoon, and part of the afternoon The cone for the new packing machine
was finished to day, and the most of the geering filled up for it. The fitting up of the upper part begun
The shafting is progressing as fast as can be done, the Bran Bolt casing is finished
May, Sabbath 31 18{63}
June, MONDAY 1 1863
This has been a {throng} day, this being our annual meeting of the Wellington Mutual Fire Assurance
Co. when I was again re elected a Director, Had also a meeting of the Building Society The weather
is raw and cold to day Have got the 8 acre field fenced and finished this afternoon.
Tuesday 2
Intend leaving for Hamilton this morning
{Transcriber's note - no entries, except for day and date, after the above date up to June, TUESDAY,
23d 18{63}}
{Blank page}
Letters to write or answer
Horsburgh
Mrs Robertson Chatham (of 13th Feb) see Kingsmill
John Burnes, {---}
Treasurer of Goderich. A.M Ross
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca
