Text
David Allan (1808-1895)
1866 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL, 1866.
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 1866. LAW TERMS. BANK HOLIDAYS. TABLE OF
STAMP DUTIES. RATES OF POSTAGE
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1866.
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
January. THURSDAY 18. 1866.
{No entry}
FRIDAY 19.
The weather is mild to day and the little sleighing there has been wearing away, there
has been a great many teams in town to day with pork and wheat. The level cogged
wheel that drives the smutt machine was stripped of its coggs this morning and so
crushed the collar of the laying shaft up against the bush or plumer block so as to burn it
to a red heat and regularly char it to coal, and have set to work to put in an new set of
coggs and a bush with 2 inches wider bearing say 6 inches instead of four.
SATURDAY 20.
At six this morning it was quite wet and rainey and had been blowing very hard all night,
about 9 it began to freeze, and made the roads as slippey as glass, and together with
the high wind makes very cold. The coggs (a set of which were ready on hand) are now
fitted and keyed in, are now being turned (4 pm) The rain last night has helped the
water sufficient to enable us to drive 2 run of stones
January. MONDAY 22. 1866.
This has been a much milder day. Got the smutt machine wheel finished this evening
and ready to start about 8, Oclock
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a pleasant day. Peter Idington here. Allen of Arthur was here this
afternoon and I agreed to sell him the Mc
Guire lot for $800 he to pay me $200 about the
first week in March and 5 years to pay the balance with Interest.
WEDNESDAY 24.
This has been a somewhat colder day yet a great deal more wheat came than did
yesterday. There seems to be a greater quantity demand for it in other parts below.
{Printed page} Newspaper cutting
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May. TUESDAY 8. 1866}
TUESDAY 8.
We are repairing the gate posts leading into the mill yard, and have raised the arch two
feet higher than it was
WEDNESDAY 9.
Fine weather, but too dry. Have begun to clear out remainder of the timbers in the wheel
ark preparitory to building the walls for the steam engine.
{Blank page}
FRIDAY 11.
Warm weather, and the ground exceedingly dry, and no moisture to start the fall wheat
which suffered so much from the unprotected state it was in all winter for want of
sufficient snow
SATURDAY 12.
Fine weather to day. Mr Saunders & Mr Lemon to compare the a/c against the cattle
yard, so as to lessen the labour of the Arbitrator, every appearance of rain
May. MONDAY 14. 1866.
This is a cold morning and considerable frost caused by the very copious rains that fell
during Saturday night and yesterday morning which left large pools on the roads filled
with water. William is still confined to bed with a rhumatic attack. Old Miss Hewatt died
this afternoon
TUESDAY 15.
A clear but not a warm day. Began our Arbitration this morning in Hewars case for
Balance due me for cattle yard. William was rather better to day & has able to attend at
the examination
WEDNESDAY 16.
Weather to day much the same as yesterday. Continued the Arbitration to day untill 6
pm. and stands adjourned till this day week.
FRIDAY 18.
Fine weather, agreed to pay Ingles 3¢ a lb towards the cost of the Engine shaft if it is
ordered from Detroit for if made there to order it will cost them 10¢ a pound here, which
they think too high, and feel rather enclined to wait the arrival of iron of the size from
England, which I do not, and therefore bear my share of the extra price so as not to
delay the work.
SATURDAY 19.
Very warm fine weather. Higinbotham returned home this forenoon at 9.50 only ten
minutes after his son was born. Old Swan the Dutchman engaged to burn a pit of pure
maple charcoal and deliver them here at 10¢ per Bushel. The men are out in the bush
getting out a large oak beam for end of shaft for engine
TUESDAY 22.
Fine weather but cold
WEDNESDAY 23.
Cold this morning. There was a slight flurry of snow but it went soon of, and turned into
sleet.
May. THURSDAY 24. 1866.
Hard frost during the night and morning the ground was quite at 4 Oclock. it has
destroyed a good many delicate flowrs. This being the Queens Birth day all work is
suspended, and the weather being fine all the games foot and boat races are going on,
and closed with an Illumination fireworks and a large bonefire. A melancholly accident
happened at Galt this day the large Russian cannon went off when charging and 2 men
were killed on the spot and some others wounded by splinters of the ramrod
FRIDAY 25.
This is a fine warm day it looked very much like as if we were going to have a great
shower of rain in the morning but only a few drops fell and through the forenoon it
cleared up and all appearance of it passed off
SATURDAY 26.
Frost this morning again, have been putting a plank edging from the Battery to the big
stone to confine the gravel of the walk. The rain is seeming to come this afternoon,
about finishing the planting of the potatoes next the Glebe, have planted about two
acres this year. Also diging out the foundation for altering the gable of the granery
preparatory to building it all up this summer.
May. MONDAY 28. 1866.
We had a great deal of rain during the whole day yesterday, with little or no interuption.
And it has continued all last night, and now and then, a shower this morning
June. FRIDAY 1.
Fine weather. But very startling news that the Finians have crossed over to Fort Erie
from about Black Rock between 1500 & 2000 strong and are throwing up earthworks
with all possible speed. The following troops have left Toronto. William is still improving
but has a great difficulty in walking
SATURDAY 2.
This is another beautifull morning and making for a very warm day. The news this
morning is that our men attacked the Finians at a place Ridgeway east of Port Colborne
{blank} miles but as they advanced they found themselves outnumbered and had to fall
back on the Welland Canal. William is much better to day & gone to Mr Alexanders.
Again we hear that our troops rallied and drove the Finians before them
June. MONDAY 4. 1866.
This is somewhat of a wet morning, and do not feel well yet, having been much
disturbed last night and this morning with my bowels and have kept the house the most
of the day. We have been much put about both yesterday and to day with very exciting
intelligence about the Finians. Later account say that about 800 of the Finians made
their escape in scows tugged by propellers from Buffalo who took them back to that city,
and that the US steamer detained another scow with the commander Col O'Neal on
board & holds them now as prisoners. P. Idington & wife here
TUESDAY 5.
There has been considerable rain during the night and this forenoon. Had to attend
Court to day and was fined by the Mayor & Petterson in the Sum of $20. and $2.10 for
costs, for not removing the dung from cattle yards within the time ordered. Considerable
excitement about Montreal and Cornwall, and Prescot, 2 cars seized by the US Marshall
with ammunition & stores on board were taken by the Finians
WEDNESDAY 6.
This has been a wet day at least frequent showers. This was the Monthly fair day.
William was a good deal better to day & attended a short time in the Office & went to
Fishers Mills in the afternoon by cars
June. THURSDAY 7. 1866.
Very fine morning, I went down to Toronto to attend the Synod, Mrs A accompanying
me. Notwithstanding the excitement and the number of Ministers absent, they will
continue their sittings and finish the business of the court. It began yesterday.
FRIDAY 8.
In Toronto. the weather fine
SATURDAY 9.
Fine all day
TUESDAY 12.
Raised
WEDNESDAY 13.
This has been somewhat of a sultry day a good of thunder & rain during last night and a
heavy shower at noon. Our Presbytery is in Session to day was only a short time there,
as I had a case in our quarter sessions now sitting, against William Maxwell for
defrauding me in cordwood - but from some doubts in the minds of the jury they thought
his brother was the guilty most gilty, and set him free. Raised
June. THURSDAY 14. 1866.
Fine weather, shipped a 100 Bhls of No
2 flour to Montreal. Went down to Fishers Mills
this afternoon
{Blank page}
SATURDAY 23.
Fine warm weather, & a good deal of wheat came in. John Stewart of Eramosa left $300
on loan @ 7 per cent for annum, if over a month. Took out of the large steam box
(prepared for steaming all the planks for the new still and mash tun) the first charge and
found it much lighter than when it went in, after being in about 4 days
June. MONDAY 25. 1866
This has been a very hot day, but cooled down in the evening after a light thunder
shower. The news from Europe to day is still more warlike
WEDNESDAY 27.
Fine weather, This has been an exciting day in whisky, about ½ past twelve Oclock Mr
Romain came down to inform me that he had a Telegram from Ottawa that, Parliament
had raised the Duty on whisky from 30¢ to 60¢ and is now in full force, so up it went at
once to 65¢ for gall
SATURDAY 30.
Fine weather, I went down to Brampton this morning to see what agreement Mr Haggart
had about pumping water for the Grand Trunk Company, and found that he had
proposed some alterations in the one they had sent up for his signature, but as yet it
had not been completed nor did he think that he would do so for some time untill he saw
how it would work
July. MONDAY 2. 1866.
This is another fine day, and find that William is rather considered better to day, both
Herod & Hewitt examined him to day, and found nothing wrong with his inside
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.}
July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.
This has been the first dry day that we have had for a week
FRIDAY 20.
This has been a fine moderately warm day and have been leading all the hay that could
be got dry. The Grand Trunk companys men have been working hard all day in laying
the remainder of the pipes past the mill gate and down into the race & along the bottom.
William came home from his trip to Sault-St Mary this evening by Toronto & is much
better in health
SATURDAY 21.
We had a very fine forenoon, but in the afternoon it rained very heavy. Kept the mill
standing all day to enable the workmen to finish the pipes but they could not do it for
want of a bend.
July. MONDAY 23. 1866.
We had a tremendous storm of wind & rain yesterday afternoon a little after five oclock
& it blew down a great many ornamental trees & some fruit trees, the roof of the G J.
Engine house for about ¼ of it was lifted and the slates & sheeting thrown to the
ground, the G. Western's long wood shed was totally destroyed, and many Barns lost
their roofs and a great deal of fencing blown down, Our Church roof also was to some
extent damaged & slates removed, This has been a fine dry day though at times it was
very sultry
{Blank page}
July. MONDAY 30. 1866.
Fine dry wether and have begun to scaffold for the raising of my Son William's roof so
as to admit of another story being built on it - by cutting holes in the walls under the
plate for incerting 4 beams under the same, and the plate bound to these by irons to
prevent the roof from spreading, and thick planks checked along on the top of these
beams under the rafters so as to carry them all up equal without in any way breaking
the roof.
TUESDAY 31.
The Atlantic Cable is now complete.
August. WEDNESDAY 1.
This has been fine weather. but warm for out door work. Have got ready all the eight
screws and have begun to raise it.
August. THURSDAY 2. 1866.
Rather wet this morning but better about noon have been very busey for the most of the
day finishing the raising of the roof of Wms
house for the present to the height of 6 feet
from the floor to the under side of plate and is resting on tressels on one side and on 4
post on the other.
FRIDAY 3.
Very fine morning and Mrs A & I went down to Toronto so see William & little David, go
off in the steam boat "Banshee" to Montreal at ½ past 2 PM, and after that had too little
time to do any business of consiquence and returned left on our return at 3.45. P.M, it
rained heavy the whole way, and even after 8 oclock, but not quite so heavy.
SATURDAY 4.
Very wet morning and had rained heavy during the night. The masons could not begin
work till about 10 Oclock, and the weather has been dry since and the work on the
house progressing very well. The Steam Engine is also far advanced, and may be ready
to bring down the end of next week, the Boiler fire Box and the main shell is put together
but not riveted yet
August. MONDAY 6. 1866.
This has been a very fine cool bracing day - and have been getting on well with building.
I have determined to day the exact height of the lying shaft of the Steam Engine and the
main level wheel is now being keyed on its place. Tomorrow is to be kept as a Holly day
in Town and the works will be standing still
{Blank page}
August. MONDAY 13. 1866.
Rainey weather still continues and appears to have been raining all night. It rained
during part of the forenoon yesterday and then in the evening and very few in Church.
This morning we raised the roof as high as it will require and they have got the Lintals
on the windows, and the work is progressing well. though slow and expensive, Mr A L
Argo from Stratford called, an agent in Town to day selling breach loading Pistols &
Riffles
TUESDAY 14.
This is another dull misty morning with fine drizzling rain which continued to about 10
oclock. Our Riffle Company are is again called out to the Niagara frontier for 8 days.
The afternoon has been more settled but very sultry & close, and not unlike rain,
WEDNESDAY 15.
We have had dry weather to day. Considerable enquirey is now making for a better
supply of wheat the new comes in so sparingly that those who require it must bid up for
it. I bought to day nearly 600 bushels from Thos Easterbrook a $1.25 bills 100 Bush of
Jas Dow a $1.26 silver, a car load at St Marys $1.20 there
August. THURSDAY 16. 1866.
This has been one of the dryest days we have had for some time, it continued very cool
for the most of the day. I got the roof set down on its proper place on the walls of
Williams house, Bot 162 Bushels of fall wheat of Geo Balkwell at $1.30 bills
FRIDAY 17.
This has been a charming day sufficiently warm getting on well with the house the
gables are about built up to the top. Flour has gone up in Montreal within the last day or
two about 50¢. Our RIffle Company left here by the G. W. Railway for the
neighbourhood of Drumondville. I am getting the foundation walls built to day for to rest
the beam on that carries the inner end of the fly wheel shaft
SATURDAY 18.
This has been a fine warm day and have got on very well with the house this week, and
also with the preparations for the Engine. Was up at the Peoples Mill this afternoon and
found Mr Goldie busey supperintending his men clearing out old walls & pointing up the
bottom of main ones with water lime, and were dressing the beams full length across
the building 14 X 13 of excellent pine from near Hespeller, delivered here for $12 per
100 feet running measure for what is 12 X 12 & over.
August. MONDAY 20. 1866.
Fine weather, there had been during Saturday night and Sunday morning. and a heavy
shower fell during yesterday afternoon between 3 & 4 oclock. But this day has been fine
dry weather I have 2 masons working at foundation for Engine also 3 at the granery
walls.
TUESDAY 21.
This is another fine day, men hard at work getting in the wheat on the Waterloo road the
last of the peas was got in on Saturday from the back of the hill. This is the day for the
Great Finian Pick Nick at Black Rock, but from all we hear, there is no disturbance
SATURDAY 25.
This has been a fine day, our Guelph Riffle Company returned this day at noon from
Thorald. I have got on well with the foundation for the Engine and have got the beams
laid on the wall
August. MONDAY 27. 1866.
This has been a fine dry day & have got in all the oats on the upper field on hill, have
got the side all ready for the Engine and expect to get it down tomorrow. The water in
the river is getting very light & there is much need of the Engine
August. THURSDAY 30. 1866.
This has been fine working weather with a slight shower in the forenoon, there is much
need of it so far as the river is concerned as it is very low, and we had to stop this
afternoon for want of it. We the Steam Engine planted on its seat this afternoon it is a
pritty heavy affair to handle
FRIDAY 31.
Very scarce of water, and consiquently of flour and had this afternoon to go to
Armstrongs Mill in Eramosa to try to buy some but could not I then went to Edin Mills
and bot 200 bags from Hortop they also are scarce of water and wheat also. There is no
old wheat to be got
September. SATURDAY 1.
This has been a warm day and some few drops of rain fell but not enough to stop work
or do any good in helping to fill the dam. We have been boring the holes and getting the
bolts in to screw down the Engine to the frame The mason work for the bed of the boiler
is far advanced as well as the foundation walls of the Boiler House. The Engine for Mr
Argo of Stratford & made by Robertson & Mair was put on the cars to day, and went of
before I went out to see it, it is about the same power as mine. Mr Massie here, told me
that it is generally talked of in Montreal that Galts financial Bill will do a great deal of
harm among business men as all the Banks will curtail their Discounts, and that the Bk
.
of Montreal has done that already
WEDNESDAY 5.
This has been a fine day and warm, and have got well on with the building, the ash pit
and other foundation for the Engine Boiler is ready and it is being set on its place. The
fly wheel is troublesome to get true. Anders Anderson a suede came here from my
sisters in Illinois, this afternoon on his way home to Sweden to see his Parents
September. THURSDAY 6. 1866.
This is a fine warm day,
FRIDAY 7.
This is a dull morning, it began to rain about ½ past 8 oclock, and got quite heavy at ¼
to 9. and the men left of work. I went out with Mr Anderson to the G. W. Station in time
for the cars at 7.05. a m & shortly before the rain began he went to see the Niagara
Falls & then to New York where he takes the steamer for Liverpool thence to Hull,
where he gets the steam packet to Gothenburg
SATURDAY 8.
This is a fine working day, the rain yesterday has had a good effect on the river and
enables us to grind with two run of stones.
September. MONDAY 10. 1866.
This has been a fine working day, I began to prepare for building a stone foundation for
sheep house on the farm and adjoining the new Barn 24 X 48 with pig house, &c below.
TUESDAY 11.
It has rained some through the night, and this morning the clouds are heavy and a
drizzling rain is falling, the masons & stonecutters did not begin nor could they do any
thing to day for rain one the name of Spratt was here from Toronto in quest of bag flour,
but went home by the 10 oclock train, It now rains heavy ¼ to nine, this night
FRIDAY 14.
This has been rather a dull day at least after one oclock it became very dark and by two
oclock began to blow a complete gale and heavy rain. it blew about 15 feet of roofing of
the market shed. The men were stoped from working this afternoon.
SATURDAY 15.
There was strong frost this morning and has injured some garden stuffs. Several
companies left here this morning at 10 oclock for Thorald. The men, that is the masons
did not work any this forenoon, and only 2 of them in the afternoon. One Boiler Maker
has been working at the distillery boiler to day and are getting on slowly with it. {Rugles}
their master went off with the Guelph Artillery to Thorald
September. MONDAY 17. 1866.
This has been a partly cloudy day, it rained through the night and slightly this morning.
Yesterday it rained in the morning and also in the evening, and was cold all day the
Church was rather thinly filled. Only three masons are working at the Engine house to
day and 2 labourers. Old Mr Dunbar and his son Wm called here to day on their way
home from Buffalo. We are were engaged this afternoon preparing beaters for the
merchant bolts & are pulling them on to night
TUESDAY 18.
This is rather a more pleasant forenoon than we had lately. Three gentlemen from St
John's N.B called here to day soliciting consignments of flour.
WEDNESDAY 19.
There was not much rain of consiquence to day got the funnel from the Engine Boiler
put into the chimney, and is now in readiness for the fire
September. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
This has been another very wet day. The masons did not work an hour to day for the
rain, but one boiler maker and two helpers came this afternoon. The steam pipes for the
Engine are about finished and expect to have the boiler filled and steam up tomorrow.
My son William and little David came home from his travels, Mr & Mrs Alexander
likewise returned from Montreal by the same conveyance they report having had wet
weather all the time they have been gone
FRIDAY 21.
This has been a dry day and the masons worked from, one Oclock. We got the Steam
Engine started this afternoon and appeared so far to work fine & smooth. But the
geering for driving the pump will require some alternation, I got 17 feet of 4 inch pipe to
drive it
SATURDAY 22.
This has been a dry day and clear, there was very strong frost this morning, even ice at
the Mill door step I saw. Our volunteers came home to day at ½ past one. We had the
Engine going again this afternoon and grinding with one run of stones
TUESDAY 25.
This has been an extrordinary wet day it rained even on
September. THURSDAY 27. 1866.
Went down this morning to the Exhibition in Toronto the weather was fine and the
ground very much dried up, compared with what it had been the two previous days
TUESDAY 2.
This is another fine day, a great deal of wheat in the market, and the prices quite stiff
1.43 to 1.45 and even $1.50 paid for large sound midgeproof. One George Patterson
called here with John Gray and wanted a situation as Packer and of any other work
outdoor when, indoor work is done, He is to begin on Thursday at $12 per month &
Board,
{Blank page}
October. MONDAY 8. 1866.
We have now fine weather. I was arroused from my bed yesterday by two of the Engine
drivers of the Grand Trunk wanting me to start the mill or the Steam Engine to pump
water for them as their tenders were dry, and they could go no farther. I peremtorally
declined doing any thing of the kind having filled the Tanks on Saturday night and all
having leaked out being quite untight
SATURDAY 13.
Goodman finished the excavation for the hot air furnace under the Church
TUESDAY 16.
This has been a charming day. The masons are still busey building in the Distillery
Boiler and the carpenters are about finished with the roof of Engine Boiler house. John
& Eliza Allan left for Toleda at ½ past 5 this afternoon the Train was over 2 hours late,
he is to return after seeing her safe away from that Town on her way to Illinois. Great
fire in Quebec on Sunday from 18,000 to 20,000 people rendered houseless
WEDNESDAY 17.
A splendid day again
SATURDAY 20.
Fine weather to day, we got the Boiler in the distillery finished to day and put on the fire
October. MONDAY 22. 1866.
The weather has been dry to day but cold, and clearly shows that Autumn has begun.
We are very busey taking up our potatoes and find the yeald very good, the chili's
especially are sound, but the kidneys are doubtful and we are laying them in small
heaps to try them. Have begun to day to lath the roof of the Engine House
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a coldish day, Wm went down to Toronto this morning to attend the
Review of the Troops there, had a Mr Greenough here from, Boston wanting flour. I
went out to Arthur Hogge's sale of Thorough bred cattle, & was in want of a Ram and
bid as high as $60 for a fine one & did not get it. I went afterwards to Joseph
Parkinson's & bought a this years ram lamb for $18, which will answer every purpose for
this year. I am advised strongly not to mix the Cotswolds with the Leicesters Ewes, but
rather to improve from a.
{5 blank pages}
WEDNESDAY 14.
We did not start the distillery to day as I am going to put in large pipe on the crown of
the new mouth peice attached to the large boiler, the two bottom pipes for supplying it
with water, only does so when at a low temperature but as soon as steam is generated
it expells the water and the crown gets red hot and has cracked the plate, A ¾ pipe was
placed on the top to convey the steam as it was formed to the large boiler, but that did
not help it at all. We have had some splended weather of late but it now threatens to
break up this evening with a light rain,
November. THURSDAY 15. 1866.
Wet morning, worked late last night to finish the joints of a new pipe 3½ inches diameter
I have been connecting the new mouth peice with the large boiler
{4 blank pages}
{December} TUESDAY 4.
Very wet morning, I went down to Toronto & returned in the evening, called on Cameron
& Mr Mc
hall about suit in Chancery against John Mc
Atee
{2 blank pages}
FRIDAY 14.
Hard frost down to near zero. The Grand Trunk men are making very little progress in
laying the wooden pipes for overflow water, the ground is every day getting harder,
SATURDAY 15.
This has been a fine winter day clear with sunshine, but the frost was very keen in the
morning only 2 above zero. Mr Brunel the Revenue, or rather the Excise Inspector was
down this morning. It appears that Halladys distillery is standing still the Chippawa was
going for a short time & is again stopped, the one at Coburg is not going. The Kingston
one (Mortons) is still working finishing up some contracts, & will then stop they are
working at a loss, the one at Prescott is again working & in fine order & has a fine
improvement in their lock up at the mouth of the worm,
TUESDAY 18.
A good deal of snow fell during the night but not enough to make good sleighing
WEDNESDAY 19.
Moderate day but yet the ground is frozen pretty deep, the Grand Trunk workmen are
making very slow progress in laying the wooden pipes
December. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
Very cold this morning at 7 a.m the Thermometer stood 8º below zero, very little wind.
The workmen are not working at the drain to day. I got Stevens to build in a grate in
Williams, Parlour to day
{5 blank pages}
{Printed page} PRICE LIST OF BURGOYNE, BURBRIDGES, CYRIAX & FARRIES
{Blank page}
{3 printed pages} NEW COMMENTS UPON A QUESTION OF THE DAY.
For more information on David Allan, check out the “Meet the Diarists” page
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1866 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL, 1866.
{Printed page} CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 1866. LAW TERMS. BANK HOLIDAYS. TABLE OF
STAMP DUTIES. RATES OF POSTAGE
{Printed page} DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1866.
TORONTO:
PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS,
MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.
January. THURSDAY 18. 1866.
{No entry}
FRIDAY 19.
The weather is mild to day and the little sleighing there has been wearing away, there
has been a great many teams in town to day with pork and wheat. The level cogged
wheel that drives the smutt machine was stripped of its coggs this morning and so
crushed the collar of the laying shaft up against the bush or plumer block so as to burn it
to a red heat and regularly char it to coal, and have set to work to put in an new set of
coggs and a bush with 2 inches wider bearing say 6 inches instead of four.
SATURDAY 20.
At six this morning it was quite wet and rainey and had been blowing very hard all night,
about 9 it began to freeze, and made the roads as slippey as glass, and together with
the high wind makes very cold. The coggs (a set of which were ready on hand) are now
fitted and keyed in, are now being turned (4 pm) The rain last night has helped the
water sufficient to enable us to drive 2 run of stones
January. MONDAY 22. 1866.
This has been a much milder day. Got the smutt machine wheel finished this evening
and ready to start about 8, Oclock
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a pleasant day. Peter Idington here. Allen of Arthur was here this
afternoon and I agreed to sell him the Mc
Guire lot for $800 he to pay me $200 about the
first week in March and 5 years to pay the balance with Interest.
WEDNESDAY 24.
This has been a somewhat colder day yet a great deal more wheat came than did
yesterday. There seems to be a greater quantity demand for it in other parts below.
{Printed page} Newspaper cutting
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until May. TUESDAY 8. 1866}
TUESDAY 8.
We are repairing the gate posts leading into the mill yard, and have raised the arch two
feet higher than it was
WEDNESDAY 9.
Fine weather, but too dry. Have begun to clear out remainder of the timbers in the wheel
ark preparitory to building the walls for the steam engine.
{Blank page}
FRIDAY 11.
Warm weather, and the ground exceedingly dry, and no moisture to start the fall wheat
which suffered so much from the unprotected state it was in all winter for want of
sufficient snow
SATURDAY 12.
Fine weather to day. Mr Saunders & Mr Lemon to compare the a/c against the cattle
yard, so as to lessen the labour of the Arbitrator, every appearance of rain
May. MONDAY 14. 1866.
This is a cold morning and considerable frost caused by the very copious rains that fell
during Saturday night and yesterday morning which left large pools on the roads filled
with water. William is still confined to bed with a rhumatic attack. Old Miss Hewatt died
this afternoon
TUESDAY 15.
A clear but not a warm day. Began our Arbitration this morning in Hewars case for
Balance due me for cattle yard. William was rather better to day & has able to attend at
the examination
WEDNESDAY 16.
Weather to day much the same as yesterday. Continued the Arbitration to day untill 6
pm. and stands adjourned till this day week.
FRIDAY 18.
Fine weather, agreed to pay Ingles 3¢ a lb towards the cost of the Engine shaft if it is
ordered from Detroit for if made there to order it will cost them 10¢ a pound here, which
they think too high, and feel rather enclined to wait the arrival of iron of the size from
England, which I do not, and therefore bear my share of the extra price so as not to
delay the work.
SATURDAY 19.
Very warm fine weather. Higinbotham returned home this forenoon at 9.50 only ten
minutes after his son was born. Old Swan the Dutchman engaged to burn a pit of pure
maple charcoal and deliver them here at 10¢ per Bushel. The men are out in the bush
getting out a large oak beam for end of shaft for engine
TUESDAY 22.
Fine weather but cold
WEDNESDAY 23.
Cold this morning. There was a slight flurry of snow but it went soon of, and turned into
sleet.
May. THURSDAY 24. 1866.
Hard frost during the night and morning the ground was quite at 4 Oclock. it has
destroyed a good many delicate flowrs. This being the Queens Birth day all work is
suspended, and the weather being fine all the games foot and boat races are going on,
and closed with an Illumination fireworks and a large bonefire. A melancholly accident
happened at Galt this day the large Russian cannon went off when charging and 2 men
were killed on the spot and some others wounded by splinters of the ramrod
FRIDAY 25.
This is a fine warm day it looked very much like as if we were going to have a great
shower of rain in the morning but only a few drops fell and through the forenoon it
cleared up and all appearance of it passed off
SATURDAY 26.
Frost this morning again, have been putting a plank edging from the Battery to the big
stone to confine the gravel of the walk. The rain is seeming to come this afternoon,
about finishing the planting of the potatoes next the Glebe, have planted about two
acres this year. Also diging out the foundation for altering the gable of the granery
preparatory to building it all up this summer.
May. MONDAY 28. 1866.
We had a great deal of rain during the whole day yesterday, with little or no interuption.
And it has continued all last night, and now and then, a shower this morning
June. FRIDAY 1.
Fine weather. But very startling news that the Finians have crossed over to Fort Erie
from about Black Rock between 1500 & 2000 strong and are throwing up earthworks
with all possible speed. The following troops have left Toronto. William is still improving
but has a great difficulty in walking
SATURDAY 2.
This is another beautifull morning and making for a very warm day. The news this
morning is that our men attacked the Finians at a place Ridgeway east of Port Colborne
{blank} miles but as they advanced they found themselves outnumbered and had to fall
back on the Welland Canal. William is much better to day & gone to Mr Alexanders.
Again we hear that our troops rallied and drove the Finians before them
June. MONDAY 4. 1866.
This is somewhat of a wet morning, and do not feel well yet, having been much
disturbed last night and this morning with my bowels and have kept the house the most
of the day. We have been much put about both yesterday and to day with very exciting
intelligence about the Finians. Later account say that about 800 of the Finians made
their escape in scows tugged by propellers from Buffalo who took them back to that city,
and that the US steamer detained another scow with the commander Col O'Neal on
board & holds them now as prisoners. P. Idington & wife here
TUESDAY 5.
There has been considerable rain during the night and this forenoon. Had to attend
Court to day and was fined by the Mayor & Petterson in the Sum of $20. and $2.10 for
costs, for not removing the dung from cattle yards within the time ordered. Considerable
excitement about Montreal and Cornwall, and Prescot, 2 cars seized by the US Marshall
with ammunition & stores on board were taken by the Finians
WEDNESDAY 6.
This has been a wet day at least frequent showers. This was the Monthly fair day.
William was a good deal better to day & attended a short time in the Office & went to
Fishers Mills in the afternoon by cars
June. THURSDAY 7. 1866.
Very fine morning, I went down to Toronto to attend the Synod, Mrs A accompanying
me. Notwithstanding the excitement and the number of Ministers absent, they will
continue their sittings and finish the business of the court. It began yesterday.
FRIDAY 8.
In Toronto. the weather fine
SATURDAY 9.
Fine all day
TUESDAY 12.
Raised
WEDNESDAY 13.
This has been somewhat of a sultry day a good of thunder & rain during last night and a
heavy shower at noon. Our Presbytery is in Session to day was only a short time there,
as I had a case in our quarter sessions now sitting, against William Maxwell for
defrauding me in cordwood - but from some doubts in the minds of the jury they thought
his brother was the guilty most gilty, and set him free. Raised
June. THURSDAY 14. 1866.
Fine weather, shipped a 100 Bhls of No
2 flour to Montreal. Went down to Fishers Mills
this afternoon
{Blank page}
SATURDAY 23.
Fine warm weather, & a good deal of wheat came in. John Stewart of Eramosa left $300
on loan @ 7 per cent for annum, if over a month. Took out of the large steam box
(prepared for steaming all the planks for the new still and mash tun) the first charge and
found it much lighter than when it went in, after being in about 4 days
June. MONDAY 25. 1866
This has been a very hot day, but cooled down in the evening after a light thunder
shower. The news from Europe to day is still more warlike
WEDNESDAY 27.
Fine weather, This has been an exciting day in whisky, about ½ past twelve Oclock Mr
Romain came down to inform me that he had a Telegram from Ottawa that, Parliament
had raised the Duty on whisky from 30¢ to 60¢ and is now in full force, so up it went at
once to 65¢ for gall
SATURDAY 30.
Fine weather, I went down to Brampton this morning to see what agreement Mr Haggart
had about pumping water for the Grand Trunk Company, and found that he had
proposed some alterations in the one they had sent up for his signature, but as yet it
had not been completed nor did he think that he would do so for some time untill he saw
how it would work
July. MONDAY 2. 1866.
This is another fine day, and find that William is rather considered better to day, both
Herod & Hewitt examined him to day, and found nothing wrong with his inside
{Transcriber's note - no entries after the above date until July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.}
July. THURSDAY 19. 1866.
This has been the first dry day that we have had for a week
FRIDAY 20.
This has been a fine moderately warm day and have been leading all the hay that could
be got dry. The Grand Trunk companys men have been working hard all day in laying
the remainder of the pipes past the mill gate and down into the race & along the bottom.
William came home from his trip to Sault-St Mary this evening by Toronto & is much
better in health
SATURDAY 21.
We had a very fine forenoon, but in the afternoon it rained very heavy. Kept the mill
standing all day to enable the workmen to finish the pipes but they could not do it for
want of a bend.
July. MONDAY 23. 1866.
We had a tremendous storm of wind & rain yesterday afternoon a little after five oclock
& it blew down a great many ornamental trees & some fruit trees, the roof of the G J.
Engine house for about ¼ of it was lifted and the slates & sheeting thrown to the
ground, the G. Western's long wood shed was totally destroyed, and many Barns lost
their roofs and a great deal of fencing blown down, Our Church roof also was to some
extent damaged & slates removed, This has been a fine dry day though at times it was
very sultry
{Blank page}
July. MONDAY 30. 1866.
Fine dry wether and have begun to scaffold for the raising of my Son William's roof so
as to admit of another story being built on it - by cutting holes in the walls under the
plate for incerting 4 beams under the same, and the plate bound to these by irons to
prevent the roof from spreading, and thick planks checked along on the top of these
beams under the rafters so as to carry them all up equal without in any way breaking
the roof.
TUESDAY 31.
The Atlantic Cable is now complete.
August. WEDNESDAY 1.
This has been fine weather. but warm for out door work. Have got ready all the eight
screws and have begun to raise it.
August. THURSDAY 2. 1866.
Rather wet this morning but better about noon have been very busey for the most of the
day finishing the raising of the roof of Wms
house for the present to the height of 6 feet
from the floor to the under side of plate and is resting on tressels on one side and on 4
post on the other.
FRIDAY 3.
Very fine morning and Mrs A & I went down to Toronto so see William & little David, go
off in the steam boat "Banshee" to Montreal at ½ past 2 PM, and after that had too little
time to do any business of consiquence and returned left on our return at 3.45. P.M, it
rained heavy the whole way, and even after 8 oclock, but not quite so heavy.
SATURDAY 4.
Very wet morning and had rained heavy during the night. The masons could not begin
work till about 10 Oclock, and the weather has been dry since and the work on the
house progressing very well. The Steam Engine is also far advanced, and may be ready
to bring down the end of next week, the Boiler fire Box and the main shell is put together
but not riveted yet
August. MONDAY 6. 1866.
This has been a very fine cool bracing day - and have been getting on well with building.
I have determined to day the exact height of the lying shaft of the Steam Engine and the
main level wheel is now being keyed on its place. Tomorrow is to be kept as a Holly day
in Town and the works will be standing still
{Blank page}
August. MONDAY 13. 1866.
Rainey weather still continues and appears to have been raining all night. It rained
during part of the forenoon yesterday and then in the evening and very few in Church.
This morning we raised the roof as high as it will require and they have got the Lintals
on the windows, and the work is progressing well. though slow and expensive, Mr A L
Argo from Stratford called, an agent in Town to day selling breach loading Pistols &
Riffles
TUESDAY 14.
This is another dull misty morning with fine drizzling rain which continued to about 10
oclock. Our Riffle Company are is again called out to the Niagara frontier for 8 days.
The afternoon has been more settled but very sultry & close, and not unlike rain,
WEDNESDAY 15.
We have had dry weather to day. Considerable enquirey is now making for a better
supply of wheat the new comes in so sparingly that those who require it must bid up for
it. I bought to day nearly 600 bushels from Thos Easterbrook a $1.25 bills 100 Bush of
Jas Dow a $1.26 silver, a car load at St Marys $1.20 there
August. THURSDAY 16. 1866.
This has been one of the dryest days we have had for some time, it continued very cool
for the most of the day. I got the roof set down on its proper place on the walls of
Williams house, Bot 162 Bushels of fall wheat of Geo Balkwell at $1.30 bills
FRIDAY 17.
This has been a charming day sufficiently warm getting on well with the house the
gables are about built up to the top. Flour has gone up in Montreal within the last day or
two about 50¢. Our RIffle Company left here by the G. W. Railway for the
neighbourhood of Drumondville. I am getting the foundation walls built to day for to rest
the beam on that carries the inner end of the fly wheel shaft
SATURDAY 18.
This has been a fine warm day and have got on very well with the house this week, and
also with the preparations for the Engine. Was up at the Peoples Mill this afternoon and
found Mr Goldie busey supperintending his men clearing out old walls & pointing up the
bottom of main ones with water lime, and were dressing the beams full length across
the building 14 X 13 of excellent pine from near Hespeller, delivered here for $12 per
100 feet running measure for what is 12 X 12 & over.
August. MONDAY 20. 1866.
Fine weather, there had been during Saturday night and Sunday morning. and a heavy
shower fell during yesterday afternoon between 3 & 4 oclock. But this day has been fine
dry weather I have 2 masons working at foundation for Engine also 3 at the granery
walls.
TUESDAY 21.
This is another fine day, men hard at work getting in the wheat on the Waterloo road the
last of the peas was got in on Saturday from the back of the hill. This is the day for the
Great Finian Pick Nick at Black Rock, but from all we hear, there is no disturbance
SATURDAY 25.
This has been a fine day, our Guelph Riffle Company returned this day at noon from
Thorald. I have got on well with the foundation for the Engine and have got the beams
laid on the wall
August. MONDAY 27. 1866.
This has been a fine dry day & have got in all the oats on the upper field on hill, have
got the side all ready for the Engine and expect to get it down tomorrow. The water in
the river is getting very light & there is much need of the Engine
August. THURSDAY 30. 1866.
This has been fine working weather with a slight shower in the forenoon, there is much
need of it so far as the river is concerned as it is very low, and we had to stop this
afternoon for want of it. We the Steam Engine planted on its seat this afternoon it is a
pritty heavy affair to handle
FRIDAY 31.
Very scarce of water, and consiquently of flour and had this afternoon to go to
Armstrongs Mill in Eramosa to try to buy some but could not I then went to Edin Mills
and bot 200 bags from Hortop they also are scarce of water and wheat also. There is no
old wheat to be got
September. SATURDAY 1.
This has been a warm day and some few drops of rain fell but not enough to stop work
or do any good in helping to fill the dam. We have been boring the holes and getting the
bolts in to screw down the Engine to the frame The mason work for the bed of the boiler
is far advanced as well as the foundation walls of the Boiler House. The Engine for Mr
Argo of Stratford & made by Robertson & Mair was put on the cars to day, and went of
before I went out to see it, it is about the same power as mine. Mr Massie here, told me
that it is generally talked of in Montreal that Galts financial Bill will do a great deal of
harm among business men as all the Banks will curtail their Discounts, and that the Bk
.
of Montreal has done that already
WEDNESDAY 5.
This has been a fine day and warm, and have got well on with the building, the ash pit
and other foundation for the Engine Boiler is ready and it is being set on its place. The
fly wheel is troublesome to get true. Anders Anderson a suede came here from my
sisters in Illinois, this afternoon on his way home to Sweden to see his Parents
September. THURSDAY 6. 1866.
This is a fine warm day,
FRIDAY 7.
This is a dull morning, it began to rain about ½ past 8 oclock, and got quite heavy at ¼
to 9. and the men left of work. I went out with Mr Anderson to the G. W. Station in time
for the cars at 7.05. a m & shortly before the rain began he went to see the Niagara
Falls & then to New York where he takes the steamer for Liverpool thence to Hull,
where he gets the steam packet to Gothenburg
SATURDAY 8.
This is a fine working day, the rain yesterday has had a good effect on the river and
enables us to grind with two run of stones.
September. MONDAY 10. 1866.
This has been a fine working day, I began to prepare for building a stone foundation for
sheep house on the farm and adjoining the new Barn 24 X 48 with pig house, &c below.
TUESDAY 11.
It has rained some through the night, and this morning the clouds are heavy and a
drizzling rain is falling, the masons & stonecutters did not begin nor could they do any
thing to day for rain one the name of Spratt was here from Toronto in quest of bag flour,
but went home by the 10 oclock train, It now rains heavy ¼ to nine, this night
FRIDAY 14.
This has been rather a dull day at least after one oclock it became very dark and by two
oclock began to blow a complete gale and heavy rain. it blew about 15 feet of roofing of
the market shed. The men were stoped from working this afternoon.
SATURDAY 15.
There was strong frost this morning and has injured some garden stuffs. Several
companies left here this morning at 10 oclock for Thorald. The men, that is the masons
did not work any this forenoon, and only 2 of them in the afternoon. One Boiler Maker
has been working at the distillery boiler to day and are getting on slowly with it. {Rugles}
their master went off with the Guelph Artillery to Thorald
September. MONDAY 17. 1866.
This has been a partly cloudy day, it rained through the night and slightly this morning.
Yesterday it rained in the morning and also in the evening, and was cold all day the
Church was rather thinly filled. Only three masons are working at the Engine house to
day and 2 labourers. Old Mr Dunbar and his son Wm called here to day on their way
home from Buffalo. We are were engaged this afternoon preparing beaters for the
merchant bolts & are pulling them on to night
TUESDAY 18.
This is rather a more pleasant forenoon than we had lately. Three gentlemen from St
John's N.B called here to day soliciting consignments of flour.
WEDNESDAY 19.
There was not much rain of consiquence to day got the funnel from the Engine Boiler
put into the chimney, and is now in readiness for the fire
September. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
This has been another very wet day. The masons did not work an hour to day for the
rain, but one boiler maker and two helpers came this afternoon. The steam pipes for the
Engine are about finished and expect to have the boiler filled and steam up tomorrow.
My son William and little David came home from his travels, Mr & Mrs Alexander
likewise returned from Montreal by the same conveyance they report having had wet
weather all the time they have been gone
FRIDAY 21.
This has been a dry day and the masons worked from, one Oclock. We got the Steam
Engine started this afternoon and appeared so far to work fine & smooth. But the
geering for driving the pump will require some alternation, I got 17 feet of 4 inch pipe to
drive it
SATURDAY 22.
This has been a dry day and clear, there was very strong frost this morning, even ice at
the Mill door step I saw. Our volunteers came home to day at ½ past one. We had the
Engine going again this afternoon and grinding with one run of stones
TUESDAY 25.
This has been an extrordinary wet day it rained even on
September. THURSDAY 27. 1866.
Went down this morning to the Exhibition in Toronto the weather was fine and the
ground very much dried up, compared with what it had been the two previous days
TUESDAY 2.
This is another fine day, a great deal of wheat in the market, and the prices quite stiff
1.43 to 1.45 and even $1.50 paid for large sound midgeproof. One George Patterson
called here with John Gray and wanted a situation as Packer and of any other work
outdoor when, indoor work is done, He is to begin on Thursday at $12 per month &
Board,
{Blank page}
October. MONDAY 8. 1866.
We have now fine weather. I was arroused from my bed yesterday by two of the Engine
drivers of the Grand Trunk wanting me to start the mill or the Steam Engine to pump
water for them as their tenders were dry, and they could go no farther. I peremtorally
declined doing any thing of the kind having filled the Tanks on Saturday night and all
having leaked out being quite untight
SATURDAY 13.
Goodman finished the excavation for the hot air furnace under the Church
TUESDAY 16.
This has been a charming day. The masons are still busey building in the Distillery
Boiler and the carpenters are about finished with the roof of Engine Boiler house. John
& Eliza Allan left for Toleda at ½ past 5 this afternoon the Train was over 2 hours late,
he is to return after seeing her safe away from that Town on her way to Illinois. Great
fire in Quebec on Sunday from 18,000 to 20,000 people rendered houseless
WEDNESDAY 17.
A splendid day again
SATURDAY 20.
Fine weather to day, we got the Boiler in the distillery finished to day and put on the fire
October. MONDAY 22. 1866.
The weather has been dry to day but cold, and clearly shows that Autumn has begun.
We are very busey taking up our potatoes and find the yeald very good, the chili's
especially are sound, but the kidneys are doubtful and we are laying them in small
heaps to try them. Have begun to day to lath the roof of the Engine House
TUESDAY 23.
This has been a coldish day, Wm went down to Toronto this morning to attend the
Review of the Troops there, had a Mr Greenough here from, Boston wanting flour. I
went out to Arthur Hogge's sale of Thorough bred cattle, & was in want of a Ram and
bid as high as $60 for a fine one & did not get it. I went afterwards to Joseph
Parkinson's & bought a this years ram lamb for $18, which will answer every purpose for
this year. I am advised strongly not to mix the Cotswolds with the Leicesters Ewes, but
rather to improve from a.
{5 blank pages}
WEDNESDAY 14.
We did not start the distillery to day as I am going to put in large pipe on the crown of
the new mouth peice attached to the large boiler, the two bottom pipes for supplying it
with water, only does so when at a low temperature but as soon as steam is generated
it expells the water and the crown gets red hot and has cracked the plate, A ¾ pipe was
placed on the top to convey the steam as it was formed to the large boiler, but that did
not help it at all. We have had some splended weather of late but it now threatens to
break up this evening with a light rain,
November. THURSDAY 15. 1866.
Wet morning, worked late last night to finish the joints of a new pipe 3½ inches diameter
I have been connecting the new mouth peice with the large boiler
{4 blank pages}
{December} TUESDAY 4.
Very wet morning, I went down to Toronto & returned in the evening, called on Cameron
& Mr Mc
hall about suit in Chancery against John Mc
Atee
{2 blank pages}
FRIDAY 14.
Hard frost down to near zero. The Grand Trunk men are making very little progress in
laying the wooden pipes for overflow water, the ground is every day getting harder,
SATURDAY 15.
This has been a fine winter day clear with sunshine, but the frost was very keen in the
morning only 2 above zero. Mr Brunel the Revenue, or rather the Excise Inspector was
down this morning. It appears that Halladys distillery is standing still the Chippawa was
going for a short time & is again stopped, the one at Coburg is not going. The Kingston
one (Mortons) is still working finishing up some contracts, & will then stop they are
working at a loss, the one at Prescott is again working & in fine order & has a fine
improvement in their lock up at the mouth of the worm,
TUESDAY 18.
A good deal of snow fell during the night but not enough to make good sleighing
WEDNESDAY 19.
Moderate day but yet the ground is frozen pretty deep, the Grand Trunk workmen are
making very slow progress in laying the wooden pipes
December. THURSDAY 20. 1866.
Very cold this morning at 7 a.m the Thermometer stood 8º below zero, very little wind.
The workmen are not working at the drain to day. I got Stevens to build in a grate in
Williams, Parlour to day
{5 blank pages}
{Printed page} PRICE LIST OF BURGOYNE, BURBRIDGES, CYRIAX & FARRIES
{Blank page}
{3 printed pages} NEW COMMENTS UPON A QUESTION OF THE DAY.
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