William Sunter (1831-1917)
1898 Diary
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DAILY JOURNAL 1898
1898
{This is the inside of the cover and contains a 1893 full year calendar and 1894 for the
months January to April}
DAILY {hand written signature} Mr William Sunter JOURNAL
FOR
1898.
TORONTO: PUBLISHED BY BROWN BROTHERS, MANUFACTURING
STATIONERS.
{This page provides typed written information with the following headings: Eclipses,
1893 Fixed and Movable Festivals, &C. Bank Holidays Terms and Sittings of Courts List
of Sundays in 1893 Interest Tables Valuable Information for Business Men Value of
foreign coins}
JANUARY MONDAY 3 1898
A very fine winter day, frosty and cold but only moderately. Johny and I drove up to
Oustic in the afternoon and voted for the old Council, the Reeve & deputy went in by
acclammation. Sorry, however to learn that Dougald Mc
Gregor has been run out. John
Dickieson, A. Mc
Nab, and Noah Sunley have been elected. Willie drove out from Guelph
this evening he is staying all night with us, Maggie has visited at William Theakers this
afternoon. I paid John Mc
Kenzie ten dollars on the note he holds against me for the
cow, he is paying his half yearly rent to Alexr
Mc
Kinnon. {Margin} Voting at Oustic - paid
to John Mc
Kenzie ten dollars.
TUESDAY 4
A fine winter day, rather cold. Margaret and I drove to Guelph to day, leaving home
about ten oclock and getting in about noon, we did some business before driving down
to Willies, where we afterwards went and fed our horse (Fred) and had our dinners. I
settled up in full with Penfolds for the paint &c. for the house $16.29. Mother purchased
some dry goods. I got my watch fixed from lapping on hair spring at Savages, he did not
charge anything, getting my spectacles changed at Pringles, we heard while in Guelph
of a terrible catastrophe which happened at London last night. The City Hall floor,
second flat, gave away and precipitated a house full of people to the flat below, and
some to the cellar, killing some 28 outright, and maiming between 150 and 200, it is an
awful calamity. {Margin} Guelph shopping - terrible accident at London last night. -
Electors congregated in City Hall smash through the floor and many killed and injured -
Settlement full for pair
WEDNESDAY 5
A fine day, softened in considerably, besides doing up the ordinary work, we bagged up
2 bags of peas for Johny (234 lbs) the balance of what I owed him, and also 290 lbs
including bags, for John Webb, which I borrowed from him. I hitched up the team and
took them all home after dinner after which I drove up to the saw mill, Gow & Mc
Lean's
to get some beach plank for making pig troughs. They had not the lumber I expected
and as it was not very suitable and they offered to prepare some for me I came home
without any. Bella and the children rode down with me and remained for the evening
when John & James Green drove down for them. They had their colt hitched to the
sleigh. David Webb and Eddie Abbott are here to night visiting they are staying all night
JANUARY THURSDAY 6 1898
A very fine day, almost mild enough to melt the snow but it does not thaw much, if any. I
have had the most of the cattle & stock to attend to to day, the Boys and Ewart have
had quite a bit of sport to day. Ewart hitched up the colt (Maude) and drove down to
Everton for the mail the boys went with him and did not return. Willie called in about 8
oclock P.M. on his way to Guelph he has cut the axles of eleven rigs (I think) since he
left here on Tuesday morning last. we have had a hard job to teach the calves to drink,
but they have come in pretty well at last, the youngest one was not so troublesome but
the oldest was very bad.
FRIDAY 7
A very fine day, beautiful sunshine which is making the snow some scarcer. I have had
a very busy day. Ewart was up early this morning and did the most of the feeding
himself before breakfast he then went over to Johnys to help him so that they could get
away to Guelph. Johny and him started off for Guelph about 8.30, and returned by way
of Rockwood so as to pay the taxes, $34-odds he paid the whole excepting five dollars
that I gave him, Mrs Peavoys also $1.04. Johny has sold his hogs to Simpson to be
delivered next Wednesday, it was from Simpson he got the money to pay the taxes.
there is quite a surprise party at Bellas to night, Ewart & Maggie are there, they are
mostly the Everton young people. I half soled Maggie's shoes to day, and repaired her
Mothers. I have had all the care of the stock on me besides and watered Johny's young
cattle, by tying and untying. {Margin} Johny and Ewart at Guelph to day. Called by
Rockwood to pay taxes - repairing shoes to day - and all the choring to do.
SATURDAY 8
Continues fine weather. Ewart had a bad night in the past from Neuralgia in his face.
Maggie and him were very late at Mc
Kenzies party. I have had the most of the choring
on my hands in consequence. I have been working at our cutter some fixing stuffing of
the back and putting on the plush rim round the edge of seat. Ewart helped me. John
Webb and Mistress paid us a visit this afternoon and evening, they remained with us till
about ten oclock, we played awhile at the new "Star" Cards that Ewart bought lately.
Sunday 9
Another fine day, the weather this week has been uncommonly fine the winter is getting
along, and time passing away in the midst of pleasant weather. Ewart & Maggie have
been twice at Everton, Mother & I drove down to see the Robertsons, they wish me to
write their father's obituary for publication in Mercury.
JANUARY MONDAY 10 1898
A fine day, and mild, really we are having extraordinary weather for the middle of winter.
Ewart and I bagged up 16 bags of the mixed grain out of the No. 1 Bin, and cleaned it
out. Ewart took it to the mill afternoon starting away pretty sharp after getting an early
dinner. he returned with the grist and was home in fair time, we paid 80¢ for the
chopping. I have been busy drafting out an obituary of Uncle Duncan this afternoon and
Ewart and Maggie drove down after night to singing school and mailed the letter to the
Mercury office.
TUESDAY 11
A raw east wind blows to day and a change in the weather seems impending. we
emptied the 24 bags of chopped stuff into the bins to day, filling the 3 feed bins in the
passage in front of the cattle and putting the balance into the No. 4 bin in the granary.
we changed the pulper from the passage into the turnip house, it is much handier.
Johny & Ewart hitched up our team to the sleigh and put Robert Mc
Williams stock rack
on to it so as to be ready for tomorrow morning to start early for Guelph with Johny's
pigs. I got 2 planks (cedar) 12 feet long, 2½ thick, 10 inches wide, and 2 15 inches wide,
also 2 10 feet long, 10 inches wide, for making a floor for a pen to keep the sows in the
cattle stable.
WEDNESDAY 12
Raining this morning a little when we got up, which increased as the day wore on. I was
astir early this morning and went over to Johny's right away to help him with his pigs. he
had things fairly well forward and we loaded up and was off to Guelph at about ½ past
seven. the hogs rode splendidly and the roads were much better for the sleigh than we
expected, the rain seemed to draw out the frost and made a glit of ice on the surface
and the sleigh slipped finely. the ten hogs weighed 2175 lbs @ $4.85 made $105.46 we
had a dissagreeable ride home in the rain and arrived back shortly after dark. I was very
sorry to find, when I came home, that my spectacles were not in my coat pocket as I
expected. I had the glasses changed at Pringles and thought to get them all right in my
pocket but, I must have missed the pocket when thinking there were going into it and
thereby slipped onto the ground. quite a heavy storm of thunder and lightning this
evening. there is a bright fire down by Everton and may be a building burning
JANUARY THURSDAY 13 1898
Cleared up to day and things have dried up considerably as there is some little frost
again. Ewart and I have been busy fixing up things around and gathering together the
lumber necessary for building, in the cattle stable, a couple of pens for the 2 sows which
are getting near their time for pigging. we put in all the posts (6 or 7) and nailed on
some of the lumber. I was anxious to get it as nearly completed as possible so that we
could get the sows into them by Saturday. which I hope to be able to get done then after
getting through with the threshing at Robert Mortons which, I expect, will take till
Saturday noon. we were very sorry to learn this morning that Wm. Jackson's barn and
buildings adjoining and nearly all the contents were burnt last night they were struck by
the lightning. there were 8 head of cattle burnt, all his horses (4) and some 16 head of
cattle, and sheep & hogs were saved. his stock is being distributed and cared for by
neighbours. Mrs Mc
Williams and her neice Mrs Rea have been visiting here to day.
{Margin} Jersey cow had a calf this morning
FRIDAY 14
A little dull to day, but mild, although sufficiently cold to keep the ground hard and clean.
I rose a little earlier than usual and helped with our feeding before getting breakfast and
going to the threshing at Robert Mortons they started to thresh at sharp 8 oclock, just as
I was rising the hill towards the Barn the horses started to go round. I helped in the
straw all day, and they put through a pretty good quantity. they did not rush the
threshing but moved along very steadily and never stopped, but when moving the
seperator forward on the floor. Ewart has had all the work and care of the place to day
while I was away. Johny was at the threshing with his team.
SATURDAY 15
Quite a little fall of snow last night and some fell to day. we continued the threshing till
we finished it up at a little before 12 oclock to day. Robert kept on the machine to do
some chopping this afternoon. I offered to stay and help him at that this afternoon, but I
was glad he did not need me as I wished to finish up get the 2 pig pens completed in
the cattle stable and get the sows into them which Ewart and I did after I returned home.
I requested the Mc
Williams, who were to Guelph to day, to enquire at Pringles about my
spectacles, and failing there to enquire also at Dr. Drydens, and the Central Hotel. they
failed to hear of them. they called at the wrong hotel however, so that we have yet a
chance (although small) of hearing of them at the Central. I paid six dollars to Ed. Tovell
as interest on the note against me. {Margin} paid Ed. Tovell six dollars as interest
Sunday 16
Wintry but only moderately cold, the sleighing is on again although it is very thin.
Maggie and Mary came back to dinner from Church. Ewart did not go in the forenoon
but he drove down with Mary & Maggie in the evening. Mother and I stayed at home all
day.
JANUARY MONDAY 17 1898
A fine winter day, the snow is not wasting but it has not been very cold, at night the frost
is keaner, I hung up the pork to dry to day. I also fixed up the gutter in the cattle stable
this forenoon, it had got badly out of condition for sometime past. our young white sow
pigged last night and had the bad luck of losing the half of her litter. She had eight, that
number would have done very well for her first litter but for the half of them to be lying
dead was too much altogether. I am now sorry that I did not stay up with her until she
had her pigs, in which case they might have been saved. I think they likely strayed away
from her in the pen and got chilled, the 4 that is left seem hearty. Willie drove out from
Guelph. he & I skidded the balance of his barn logs this afternoon, Johny killed a pig
this afternoon. {Margin} sleighing again - hung up the pork to dry. - young white sow
pigged - fixing up cattle stable - Willie out from Guelph - I helped him skid his logs.
TUESDAY 18
A very misty day, the hoar frost is showing on all exposures. it is mild too and, I think,
we may expect a change of some kind soon. in addition to the ordinary chores I had an
extra cleaning out of the pig pen, and splitting some wood in the wood shed. Ewart was
not much around to day, until after dinner that he made a little sleigh for Millie Mc
Kenzie.
Bella was here with the two children the most of the day. Ewart was skating forenoon
and then Maggie and he went off with the Mc
Williams to a party held at Mr Mc
Williams.
Margaret and I drove to Everton after tea and took some things to the Smallhorns. Mrs
S. has been very poorly for a long time and we took a few dainties as well as some plain
food for them. I got the loan of Shakespears works for a reading. I sent away a letter to
Brother Alex. Meaford. {Margin} Hoar frost - Bella and her little family visiting here -
Margaret & I drove to Everton this evening at Smallhorns - extra chores to day
WEDNESDAY 19
One of the most beautiful days of the season, bright sunshine and mild, the snow, in the
shade, has not wasted much, but in the sunshine it has gone with a rush. we hear that a
storm is raging in the northwest and that we may expect a storm soon. I hitched up the
horses & sleigh and drove up to Gow & Mc
Lean's saw mill taking Mother to Bella's
where she stayed all day. I bought from Gow red beach lumber for making pig troughs.
7 pieces, 2 inch planks, 6 inches wide and 3 planks 14 inches wide, 168 feet = 168¢.
paid. I stopt at Mc
Kenzies and had dinner on my way home. Johny & I brought over the
horse power on the stone boat with our team. Ewart drove to Everton with the colt and
cutter this afternoon. I drove up for Mother after night Uncle Thomas was there and I
stopt awhile to have a chat. he had come to meet Emerson who was working in Albert's
place at the Mill. {Margin} "Pet Day" - Gow & Mc
Lean's saw mill to day got 168 feet paid
$1.68 - Margaret visited at Mc
Kenzies - brought over horse power in order to cut straw
JANUARY THURSDAY 20 1898
Raining almost incessantly the entire long day. I had intended to cut straw to day, but
we could not as much as get the horse power set on account of the wet. Ewart and I
had rather an unpleasant job fixing the eve troughs in the cattle shed, the brackets gave
way and 2 lengths came down on us, and in getting them righted again we got pretty
wet. John Mc
Kenzie drove to Everton with chopped stuff. Bella also went with him to do
some trading, they brought the mail for us. the four of our household have spent the
evening at John Webbs, we had a pleasant time in social chat, and part of the time in
playing the "Star Cards" 2 parties. {Margin} long heavy rain - unpleasant job fixing the
water spout on eves of shed - at John Webbs on an evening visit.
FRIDAY 21
Froze up again last night, and we have once more we have dry footing but it is terribly
icy and dangerous to travel over. we set about getting ready for cutting straw. and were
hindered badly by not being to find the nuckle for the cutting Box. Ewart remembered
that Colin took it off so he had to ride down to the Corner to see him, he had laid it away
in a nail keg in the shop, after getting every thing (about 3 oclock) the straw wound
round the rollers so that we thought we would have to quit but we put through a little hay
which seemed to clean the rollers and we had not much trouble afterwards and ran till a
quarter past 5. the corn cutting seemed to make the rollers sticky. John Mc
Kenzie's folks
and ours at home and many others are having a social spree at the Jestin domicile this
night.
SATURDAY 22
A fine winter's day, mild and pleasant, only that it is very icy for getting around. Margaret
& I started for Guelph at about ½ past seven this morning, we took "King" & the cutter,
we were 2 hours & twenty minutes in going in. King is not the best of our horses for the
road but he was sharper shod than the others. this is the first long drive we have given
him since having the abscess - we had 26 lbs butter, sold a quantity of it at 17¢ per lb,
the balance of 16¢. I had a hunt to try and find my spex. but made nothing of it. so I
bought another pair from Henry at 50¢ he said $1.50 was the usual price but he would
take that for them. we had our dinner at Willies, and dealt some with him we met
Emerson Tolton & the doctor this morning as we drove down the line. Judson has taken
ill and they were concerned about him. paid six dollars to Ed. Tovell as interest on the
note he holds against me. {Margin} Six dollars paid to Ed. Tovell.
Sunday 23
A very rough night in the past, windy and rainy and snowy. it makes it better footing
however and better for driving on. Ewart & Maggie went to meeting this forenoon,
Margaret & I drove over to see Jud. Tolton, he is a sick boy, and gives cause for alarm.
his trouble is Pneumonia and the doctor thinks he is in a critical state.
JANUARY MONDAY 24 1898
A fine day. the recent rain and snow falls have covered up the most of the icy roads and
a new cover of icy snow has made excellent sleighing. after chores being done Ewart
and I drove down to Everton with the colt (Maude) and cutter. She drove finely. I sent
away a card to Robert Barber, Guelph, telling him that John Mc
Kenzie accepted his offer
of $5.10 for the pigs, to be delivered a week from next Wednesday. I got 2 Gallons coal
oil at Geo. Marshalls. John Webb was up on a visit this afternoon, he offers me a load of
oat straw for feed only stipulating to give back a load of manure. Judson Tolton is not
any better to day, he had a bad time last night, quite dilerious. Ewart & Maggie are at
singing school this evening. I curried down the cattle to day, they seem to be very itchy,
likely lice on them. Coal oil and soap is recommended and I mean to buy it.
TUESDAY 25
Quite windy and snowy which makes it dissagreeable to be driving out in. Judson Tolton
is very bad these days, his case is a very serious one, and if a check is not given to the
onward course of the disease I fear there may be bad consequences, the doctor seems
to hold out fair hopes, although he allows the case to be serious. Margaret and I drove
over to see him this afternoon he is very restless and so delirious that it very difficult to
keep him quiet, he is all the time raving about being away from home and he wants to
return. Johny was to attend Sam Allens sale this afternoon, it is a very bad day for an
auction sale.
WEDNESDAY 26
Calmer and pleasanter to day, and the fall of snow, although small, has made excellent
sleighing. Ewart and I made the sleigh ready, putting on the hay rack and we went down
to Webb's and brought a nice load of oat straw. John invited me to get another load on
the same terms if I required it. I thanked him and accepted. if the weather is fine we will
likely go for the other tomorrow. Willie drove out from Guelph to day. he left his cutter at
Robert Jestins and got Robert's light Bobs. during the moving time, he took Annie
Abbott with him to help them at their moving. no improvement in Judson Toltons
condition. he is very delirious and difficult of management. John Dickieson received
injuries last night at Rockwood from which he died through the night. his mother and he
were coming home from Sam. Allens sale last night when his horse ran away when
opposite Livingston's house and spilt them out at the railway crosing. John was left lying
partly on the track and the cars took off his arm, and otherwise hurt him, he was taken
on the train to Guelph where he died in the hospital. Mrs Dickieson is also hurt.
JANUARY THURSDAY 27 1898
A fine day, although colder and frostier, we are having, so far, one of the finest winters
that I remember of. Ewart and I brought another load of straw from John Webbs. John
did not show up to day he is suffering from a pain in his neck, he thinks he got cold
yesterday. Judson Tolton became worse this afternoon and they drove down for the
doctor, he seemed to be a little better in the fore part of the day. Margaret & I drove over
there and Albert was just starting for the doctor as we arrived. After the doctor saw him
he said he would like to have another doctor brought, so I drove to Everton and
telephoned to Dr. Mc
Kinnon, who soon responded. I phoned at 7.20. he said he would
start in half an hour he got to our place about 9.30. and I accompanied him over.
{Margin} Dr. Mc
Kinnon telephoned for to Guelph to come to see Judson Tolton. - the
doctor called this way and I accompanied him over.
FRIDAY 28
Rather a cold and frosty day, but pleasant for winter weather. I rode over home this
morning along with Albert as he drove the doctor to Everton, we were all night at
Toltons. Judson had a bad night, I rode over last night with Dr. Mc
Kinnon, but as he had
to go on to Erin Village I could not get back. poor Judson took a worse turn soon after
we left and died about 11 oclock, A.M. they drove over for Mother, and I soon followed.
his father, poor Man is feeling the blow very hard. Archie Stephens and Henry has been
there nearly all the time of his sickness and is a great comfort to them. they wrote cards
and telegraphed to many of the freinds. Dr. Mc
Cullough stayed over the night and Albert
drove him to Everton this morning and I also got a ride home with them. {Margin} Johny
returned 696 lbs of oats to day - Judson Tolton died this forenoon.
SATURDAY 29
Cold and frosty. I have had the stock mostly on hand to day. Ewart drove to Everton and
had awhile skating we hitched up our cutter at night and Maggie and her Mother and I
rode over to Toltons. Ewart hitched up Fred to Mc
Williams cutter and he and George
also drove over, there was a large gathering of freinds and acquaintances there. we
stayed awhile and then returned home. Bessie came to day from Mount Forest. and
Mary from Barrie. Wm. Tolton. Senr
. was at Thomas' to day {Margin} not doing anything
of consequence - have been over at Toltons
Sunday 30
Keanest frost of the season last night. our thermometor registered 16 below zero. we
did up all the feeding and other work a little early this forenoon so as to be promptly on
hand for the funeral at 2 oclock. Willie drove out from Guelph with his wife, Colin &
Annie Sunter accompanied him. George Loree and Mary also was here and Maggie
rode with them. Ewart rode with Johny & Lizzie. there was a very large funeral think
there must have been about 150 rigs. and so many people that the church building
could not accomodate them. Andrew Tolton & wife were there. Ben. also and Edward &
wife. Dan Mc
Millan & family. Bella Mc
Kenzie rode back with me from the grave to
Toltons. Ewart returned sooner than I did and got the greater part of the work done up
before we arrived. Willie and his company and Geo. Loree & Mary were with us to tea.
{Margin} Funeral of Judson Tolton - large gathering of freinds.
JANUARY MONDAY 31 1898
Very cold, although more moderate than yesterday, the wind has been high and has
drifted in the snow into the tracks on the road. the sleighing is fine now, only that it is a
little heavy on account of filling in of the track. I drove over to the Centre Inn to meet the
other members of the Board of Health, we organized again for the year's work. Mr Auld
is the member that was reappointed for the next three years. I was chosen Chairman
again for this year. our old white sow pigged this morning and had very bad luck, she
had some six or seven pigs and all dead excepting one and that one feeble. John
Mc
Kenzie got word to day of the sale of the place, so he will have to look out another
place again. it is very unpleasant and discourageing for them.
February TUESDAY 1
A very cold day, the wind has been high and the snow drifting. Willie drove out from
Guelph this afternoon he brought Annie Abbott home, she has been helping them to
move into their new premises. the old sow is left all alone in her glory again. the
weakling pig has gone the way of the rest of the litter. I dont remember of having quite
such bad luck before. we dont undertake much more work than attending to the wants
of the stock in this untoward weather. the thermometer ranges away down some
degrees below zero, and when the wind keeps high it is very dissagreeably cold.
{Margin} Willie out from Guelph brought home Annie Abbot - Old sow lost all her litter
bad luck.
February WEDNESDAY 2
Continues cold and stormy, which increased as the day advanced. Ewart and I got our
usual chores done up as early as possible and made ready for cutting straw. John
Mc
Kenzie & family drove down this morning. John helped us at the cutting all day. we
got along fairly well but I felt very cold while driving on the horse power. young Johny
Smith was attending the home and stock of Mc
Kenzies. it was a cold looking operation
to see them start off for home with the children. we are now letting the cows out of the
stable, for water, twice a day.
February THURSDAY 3 1898
Another very cold day, the wind has been very high and the roads and surroundings are
getting drifted up. Johny drove over in Erin to Barne's for his seed peas, twenty bushels
which he pays 60¢ per bushel for, he was lucky in getting them at that price as we hear
of the price rising considerably higher. I have been cleaning up the barn and cleaning &
bedding pigs &c., and also have done some harness repairing. I drove down to Everton
for the mail, the roads are quite heavy from the continual drifting of the snow. the
thermometer has been recording about 4 below zero, which, with the high wind, makes
it very cold.
FRIDAY 4
Continues cold, but not so severe as we have had in the past number of days. I have
rather a bad cold, I suppose from being exposed in the cold while driving the horses on
the horse power. I had however to go at it again. we moved the horse power over to
Johnys place to day and got it all ready for work after dinner. we cut just about 2 hours,
from 3 to 5, and did very well for the time. the roads are drifting up rather badly the
winds have been high and the snow dry. we hear that Allison swung for his crime this
morning at Berlin, he was quite callous and indifferent the minister (Rev. Atkinson) takes
credit for making a repentant of him, and ready to wear the Crown, what a Burlesque on
the vaunted Christianity of the age. {Margin} cutting straw this afternoon at Johnys -
Allison the Galt Murderer was hanged this A.M.
SATURDAY 5
Windy to day and considerable drifting of snow. Ewart drove to Everton and got the
papers containing the account of the execution of Allison. I had the choring pretty much
to see after. Ewart wrenched his back yesterday and is feeling it sore. in drawing over
the horse power on the stone boat, it slipped off and Johny and he had a hard job
getting it loaded again. the 4 of us drove over to Toltons to spend the evening. we took
the team and sleigh. the road over there was much blocked in places with drifts. the
side road was opened out but hard to get through, and we drove through Tolton's fields,
the lane was partially filled. {Margin} Johny took a grist of chop to the Mill to day - all
went over to Toltons on a visit this evening.
Sunday 6
Fine to day. Ewart & Maggie have been at Everton as usual, but Mother and I have kept
the place also as usual.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 7 1898
A fine day, turned much milder than what has been prevailing. Ewart and I bagged up
17 bags mixed grain for chop, and after dinner Ewart drove it to Everton mill for
chopping. he was a little late in returning home with it. a number of teams were in ahead
of him and he said there was quite a stock of bags to chop after he left. Willie and Mr
Wideman drove out from Guelph to see Willies horse. Willie says the horse suits Mr
Wideman but he wants to exchange another for him and pay the difference. Willie
offered to deal that way but there is 20 dollars between them.
TUESDAY 8
Turned soft and very mild, towards evening it rained some. Ewart drove Fred in to
Guelph to day. Johny and Willie were at him yesterday to go in to day to get his name
registered so as to enable him to vote, he had his trip for nothing however, as it only
applied to those living in the city, he should have seen after it some time ago when it
was attended to in the country. I have had a very busy day at home all alone and having
a good deal of work on hand. Margaret and I drove over to R. J. Kerrs to tell him about
taking his hogs to Guelph on Thursday. took the card that Simpson sent. we spent a
very pleasant evening with them. there is a wonderful change wrought on the house
since I was in it before. John Mc
Kenzie down to night getting our sleighs & rack for his
pigs.
WEDNESDAY 9
Still keeps quite soft, and rain fell awhile this morning and a little drizzle up to eleven
oclock. I was astir a little early and fed the horses & pigs, so as to have Doc ready when
John came down with his load. Johny helped us to load our pig on the sleigh with the
rest. John Mc
Kenzie had 6 and they weighed the 1000 lbs our sow weighed 220. Barber
paid the $57.10 without a word to John = $51.00. I took a fancy for a little sow soon to
have pigs that was unloading to Barber, he offered me to exchange at the same price
per lb. so I agreed. the little sow weighed 165 lbs. so there was $2.75 coming to me. he
was making a mistake in giving me $3.75 but I corrected him. I bought ½ an ounce each
of the stuff for No. 2 pills, 35¢ from A. B. Petrie, best quality. John and I went to Willies
for dinner, and fed our horses. Willie drove out to our place coming by Rockwood, and
lifted a note for John Mc
Kenzie and paid his taxes
FEBRUARY THURSDAY 10 1898
Very mild but damp and inclined to rain betimes. Willie and Ewart was early up and
prepared their teams and sleighs for getting off for Guelph with their loads of logs from
Geo. Copelands. they started from here about ½ past eight, and John Mc
Kenzie was in
waiting at Copelands quite awhile. they did not get loaded up till about 11 oclock and
took them till about 3 oclock to get in with their loads. the roads they say were getting
very bare of snow especially in coming home about 5 oclock. Willie drove Johny's team,
Ewart drove ours, and Johny Mc
Kenzie his own. it was a good move for Willie to get the
timber in to day, he came back to night his horse & cutter being here. I have had a very
busy day. cleaning out the frozen stuff out of the pig pens and doing up the other work.
they were late in returning from Guelph. I took the Forester cow down to Mc
Williams to
night. {Margin} Willie gets 3 loads of the barn logs taken to Guelph to day. - Sleighing
going off very fast. - "Forester" cow taken to Mc
Williams to night
FRIDAY 11
Continues mild and thawing off the snow very fast, there will very soon be nothing but
the bare ground everywhere if this thaw continues. Ewart and I to day took down the
two loads of manure I owed him as pay for the 2 loads of oat straw he gave us. we took
one before dinner the other after dinner and we spread them on the field he is manuring
out of his own shed. Mr and Mrs Webb paid us a visit this evening. John Mc
Kenzie and
Bella were here this evening awhile. we bagged up 4 bags of potatoes. "Erin Wonders".
and a bag of apples "Tolman Sweets" for Guelph tomorrow the ground is in a plash at
present and without good foot wear one is sure to have wet feet and colds are very
prevalent just now. I have been troubled that way for some time.
SATURDAY 12
Quite soft this morning, and looks like rain. we made ready for Guelph and were off
about 7.40. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella came down and joined us. we had the democrat. we
sold our 4 bags potatoes at 65¢ per bag, the bag apples 75¢. Margaret had 35 lbs
butter, 17 & 18¢ mostly 18. Bella had 8 lbs, sold at 17¢ also a few eggs. John Mc
Kenzie
was looking after the old Cutting farm, and got some encouragement to expect it
reasonably. I took my horses to Willies and had my dinner there, the others did not go
down. we called at the General Hospital, where Bella & her Mother and John Mc
Kenzie
went in to see Mrs Mc
Carter. I stayed with the horses. turned quite cold towards evening
and I was cold on arriving home.
Sunday 13
Froze up last night, to day it has been softer although raw and cold. Ewart & Maggie
have been twice at Everton meeting to day. I and Mother have had the house pretty
much to ourselves all day.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 14 1898
Froze again last night, and to day it has been as much as a bargain to be much below
the freezing point. really this has been an extraordinary mild winter, there was a little
snow last night but the wind was high and blown it about. I have been busy to day.
finished splitting the stove wood in wood house shortly after dinner we took the calves
out of their stall and laid a floor of boards on a slant in order to keep them drier. they
have been very hard to keep any way dry. Ewart and Maggie drove down to singing
school this evening. Henry Duffield was with us quite a spell this evening, he was
looking at the young mare to night, he thinks she will likely get all right pretty soon, he
advises gargling her with Electric oil, a couple of tea spoonfuls, or so, in a little water.
{Margin} splitting our stove wood in wood house - fixing up stall for calves - singing
school - Henry Duffield here to night
TUESDAY 15
A very stormy day, the wind has been very high and there was quite a fall of snow
through the night which has been well drifted into nooks and corners. There had also
been considerable snow falling to day. it has not been at all cold the most of the day,
but this evening it has got quite a bit colder. Ewart and I moved the heating stove into
the little kitchen and after getting on a good fire we brought in the double team harness
and washed and oiled them up. they have got hardened by wet and exposure and
needing oil badly. I also have started to repair them in places. I have been rubbing the
young mare's throat with turpentine & coal & coon oil, she cannot swallow water very
well it runs back out of her nostrils again. Ewart and Johny drove down to Rockwood
this evening. E.F.B. Johnston is to be there speaking in the interest of Mutrie and the
reform party. they expect a good turn out. but the weather is against them. {Margin} very
stormy day, wind and snow - cleaning and oiling the team harness. - Ewart and Johny
away to Rockwood this evening to hear the political speaking
WEDNESDAY 16
Windy last night and cold. wind fell this morning and it has been a fine day, but frosty
and cold. John Webb has cut his stove wood with the circular to day. I was asked to
help, also asked to Willie Theaker's sawing Bee. I went to Webb's this morning, but, as
he had lots of help, he gave both Johny and myself leave to quit. Ewart went to the bee
in the afternoon. Johny also went to it. I attended to the chores and also worked some
at the double harness, oiled them over the second time. I think I shall oil them yet again.
the thermometer shows 2 degrees below to day. Maggie and Ewart were at Willie
Theaker's Social party this evening
FEBRUARY THURSDAY 17 1898
Cold moderated, and a fine winter's day. Ewart complains of a weak back and I have to
put in to any heavy work in consequence. after getting the chores done up I went at the
harness again, am keeping the room warm and have gone over all the harness again
with oil, and repaired them by stitching them where required, there is a lot of work to do
on them. Ewart drove to Everton this afternoon, and brought home the mail matter.
among it there is a letter from Brother Alex. Meaford he tells me he has got back the
Agency for the C.P.R. and he thinks it has come to stay this time. I am very glad to hear
of it as it is quite a revenue to them, he tells me Wm. Jestin is very poorly, and thinks he
may be in his grave in a month or so.
FRIDAY 18
Temperature milder and rain has fallen although it soon takes the form of ice, a soft turn
however is the rule, but it is getting colder again to night. I have been making long
heavy sewing threads for repairing the rips of our harness tugs, and have sewed some
up although there are long seams yet to put in. Ewart drove to Everton this afternoon to
see if these promised visitors were coming this evening, but he found they had
abandoned it for the present and are looking forward to it after the elections. Maggie
and her Mother have been very busy for some days fixing and cleaning up the house
and other things. {Margin} took the "Forester" cow again to night to Mc
Williams -
repairing the harness - Ewart to Everton
SATURDAY 19
Frozen up again, and the ground is clean and hard once more. Johny & Lizzie drove the
cutter to Guelph to day, they returned early. we saw James & Maggie Blakely, they tell
us that Mrs Doherty is dead and is to be buried tomorrow. Thomas Croft, of Manitoba,
was with them. I have finished the repairing of the double harness to day. John Webb,
also Henry Duffield, paid us quite a visit this afternoon. Harry was inveighing against the
utility of party politics, and condemned it in unmeasured terms. I was trying to say
something in its favour, but got gobbled up for my pains.
Sunday 20
Rather an unpleasant day, rain falling and ice forming the wind was very high last night.
Ewart & Maggie twice to Everton to day. Bella & John, children & Mrs Mc
Kenzie paid us
a visit this forenoon. they left for home after tea.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 21 1898
Quite a fall of snow last night, and it has snowed less or more all day, the wind has
been from the east and drifting up the snow considerably. I fear the roads will be
blocked some. I have been repairing my old felt boots, they leak badly and we want to
be working in the bush soon to get out our year's wood. we think King is taking the
distemper the same as the colt. I hope we will have a team left to do what work we have
to do. I put the sow out from the 3 little pigs yesterday. I am afraid they will starve, they
dont take to the milk drinking and I put the sow back to them this evening. we all drove
down to Webbs this evening and spent a pleasant time Alice & John Campbell drove to
Everton singing school. Ewart was afraid to venture on account of the roads. {Margin}
Snow fall roads filled up. - "King" taking the distemper - visiting at Jno Webbs - repairing
Boots
TUESDAY 22
Snowing again to day more or less nearly all the time. I finished repairing my felt boots
to day, and also filed the saw all before dinner, after noon I drove the horses on the
horse power at Johnys, cutting straw. Ewart also helped, we had to put on "Fred" with
"Doc", as King has a cough and seems unwell with the distemper. the roads are badly
blocked up on the town line. at least they are very heavy for travelling on, John
Mc
Kenzie drove in to Guelph with a load of oats about over 50 Bushels, he got 33½¢
per bushel. he drove round by the other line, he says he could not have taken his load
down the town line. I have had quite a job getting the three sucking pigs to drink milk
they have started this evening however and hope to see them drink all right soon. John
left his check, on Geo. Williams for me to try & remit through it tomorrow. {Margin}
cutting straw at Johny's - John Mc
Kenzie at Guelph with a load of oats got 33½ per
Bushel
WEDNESDAY 23
Moderately cold and inclined to be snowing a little pretty steadily the most of the time.
quite a while over extra chores. I drove down to Everton this P.M. and made a
remittance of twenty dollars & 75¢ to Colin Mc
Kinnon. Holstein, Marshall would not
accept of Geo. William's check of Guelph, so I gave him thirteen dollars, and will pay the
balance to George as soon as we get the check cashed 12¢ is the charge for over 20
and up to 30 dollars.
FEBRUARY THURSDAY 24 1898
A fine day, although snowing away now and again. there has lately been quite a
quantity of snow falling and the roads in consequence have been heavy. John Mc
Kenzie
and Bella and children drove down in the cutter before dinner to day. John helped me
down at the bush to cut down some timber and Ewart drew it home, (3 times) the
breaking of the road was a heavy job and we put little timber on. John drove away in a
hurry after tea to attend a party at Beatties. Ewart also went there. I drove down to
Everton after getting through with the chores to hear the political spouting. Maggie and
her mother were there also, we all three rode home in the cutter. Maggie helped Mary to
day, preparing supper for the speakers. John Webb's team and our sleigh was to
Guelph with Webbs hogs to day. John Campbell brought me 3 bags corn. 40¢ per B =
$2.70. John Campbell got the check against Geo. Williams cashed to day. {Margin} Paid
Mr Marshall this evening, before attending the meeting seven dollars & 87¢ the balance
of remittance to Colin Mc
Kinnon Holstein.
FRIDAY 25
Rather a cold raw day, the snow has been falling as usual. Ewart brought a load of ice
from Everton this afternoon 14 blocks & the roads were heavy. we had to cut out the
saw dust, which had become hard and frozen in order to receive the ice. Johny and I
together attended the funeral of Peter Mc
Gregor, there was quite a large number of
people gathered at the house it was very comfortless however, as there was no fire to
be reached by a large proportion of the people we did not go to the grave yard, most of
those who went walked there. I had the chores to attend to after coming home so had to
put off as little time as possible. {Margin} Funeral of Peter Mc
Gregor - drawing ice
SATURDAY 26
A fine day, just about enough of frost to keep the snow and little more. Ewart has drawn
3 loads of ice to day, like yesterday 14 blocks and 2 of 16 each. he had Johnys Jeenie
mare for the 2 loads after dinner as he saved Fred for Rockwood skating rink at night.
he attended a concert instead however. I packed all the ice myself, filling up the inter
slices with snow, of course I had the most of the other chores to do, although Ewart
helped me in the morning and some after returning with the last load. John Mc
Kenzie
has been at Guelph to day with a load of oats, he thinks he may yet get the Cutting
farm, his offer is being, he thinks, favourably looked upon. {Margin} Ewart drawing ice.
we have now 4 loads 60 block in all
Sunday 27
Fine day. Ewart & Maggie went to Everton this forenoon. Maggie stayed till evening
when Ewart brought her home again Mr and Mrs Robert Morton & Boys paid us a visit
this afternoon
FEBRUARY MONDAY 28 1898
{Maths calculations} A very fine clear sunshiny day, and not very frosty. the weather is
about all that could be desired for these election times. Ewart drew up the last load of
ice this forenoon, 16 blocks, and paid for 76 blocks, $1.14. Johny Smith came along
before dinner to work half a month at the rate of $6.50 a month. he helped me to pack
the ice and we covered it with saw dust. Johny spent some time to find out how the
work had to be done, he seems to be a very smart and willing boy to work. {Margin}
Ewart finished drawing ice - paid Symonds $1.14 for ice - John Smith engaged to work
for ½ a month
March TUESDAY 1
Beautiful day, clear sunshine and cold very moderate, just a splendid day for Winter and
not possible to be better for such business as the polling for the election of legislators.
we got our skid ways laid in the yard for holding the fire wood logs this forenoon, after
dinner awhile Ewart drove up to Oustic with Fred and cutter. we were there just about ½
an hour before the poll closed, and I noted the numbers down as the returning officer
read them out. 77 majority for Mutrie. 65 Hortop. 3 Anderson - I drove home again with
Johnys mare, and Ewart & Johny drove on to Guelph with Fred. I drove afterwards
down to Everton to hear the returns. Mutrie 428 majority, the Governm't is not well
sustained being too nearly balanced. John Mc
Kenzie & I walked over the Cutting place
this forenoon to see it. Willie was with us last night and drove home this morning.
{Margin} Ewart took our own white sow over to Kerr's - Excitement to day all over the
Country - the elections prove the old Gov't has not been well sustained. Johny & Ewart
to Guelph this Ev'g
MARCH WEDNESDAY 2
A very fine day. Sunshiny and pleasant. the snow has melted considerably in the middle
of the day from the heat of the sun. Ewart was late before getting home from Guelph.
they had their suppers at Willies at one oclock last night. Ewart hauled home 5 loads of
beach logs for firewood with Fred and "Doc". Johny Smith and I cut them and helped
load on to the sleighs, we cannot haul a very big load at a time as there are some soft
places where the sleighs cut through rather badly. I would like to stick at the drawing till
we have enough as the snow may soon be taken away. {Margin} Johny Smith and I
cutting and Ewart hauling as we cut and help load - ground soft and scarce of snow.
MARCH THURSDAY 3 1898
A beautiful day. Johny & Ewart cut all the logs that were on one of the skid ways before
11 oclock this forenoon. I could not find our old windlass, so I had to bore holes in
another one, we got every thing ready for killing and hanging up the cow and Henry
Duffield came along after dinner and butchered her. started about 12 oclock and had it
all done up about 5 - she is nice looking beef and I hope it will be good and tender so
that people who buy it will have satisfaction with it. John Mc
Kenzie was at Guelph to
day, and has bargained for the Cutting place - he paid $100.00 down and got a
duplicate of the agreement. {Margin} Johny Smith and Ewart sawing the logs on the skid
way - butchered the old white cow this afternoon. Henry Duffield the butcher - John
Mc
Kenzie purchased the Cutting farm to day in Guelph
FRIDAY 4
Another beautiful day, the sun came out pretty hot to day and has taken away quite a bit
of snow - Henry Duffield came down this morning and cut down the beef carcase, it
weighed in all 530 lbs, we keep one of the hind quarters 150 lbs. I sold 105 lbs of the
other hind quarter to Wm. Maikens @ 6¢ - $6.25 - a piece to Hoskins 75¢, a piece to
Mc
Callum $1.65. one to Abbotts $1.05. John Mc
Kenzie got one of the fronts 110 lbs for
$5.00. John Webb 43 at 5¢ $2.15. Ewart & Johny sawed this forenoon, and drew up 2
loads of logs afternoon - I bagged up 11 bags potatoes for Guelph tomorrow. Bella is
staying all night with us intending to go to Guelph with us tomorrow. little Maggie is also
staying and will keep her Auntie Maggie company tomorrow {Margin} Henry Duffield
helped us to cut up the beef. I took it out and sold it - Ewart and Johny Smith sawing
and hauling home logs. I bagged up 11 bags of Potatoes for Guelph tomorrow
SATURDAY 5
A very fine day, bright sunshine, the frost was kean last night and it was about eleven
oclock before the sun had effect on the roads. we were astir early this morning and got
loaded up and off for Guelph between 7 & 8. the roads were fairly good for the sleigh
the most of the way, it was a little tough in odd places. I sold the potatoes (11 bags) at
65¢ per bag. 68 lbs dried apples to Millman @ 4½ per lb. Bella had also nearly as
much. 35 lbs butter @ 16½ . Bella sold hers to Millman at 16¢. sold the Beef hide at 7¢
60 lbs. we drove to Willies for dinner - the Boys sawed up all the logs that were hauled,
and John Mc
Kenzie drove down for Bella after having been at the mill with chop - the
Wisharts were there to day to visit, but, no doubt, were dissapointed
Sunday 6
A most beautiful day, warm sunshine which is melting the snow very fast. Ewart drove
his mother down to see Mrs Peavoy. she is now very low. Margaret took some of the
best whiskey down for her and it was lucky as the Dr. was there and prescribed it for
her. Ewart, Johny & Maggie drove down again to Everton meeting this - Mother & I
visited at Webbs this evening
MARCH MONDAY 7 1898
Some frost last night which hardened up the surface of the ground this morning, but the
sun coming out bright soon melted the snow and made everything very slushy. the boys
and I went to the bush this morning and brought up one load of logs before dinner. I
went with them after dinner and we brought home two more loads. William Barber &
John Weatherston drove down where we were working and went through to the other
line, they charged me seven dollars & fifty cents for my threshing, which, I think is a very
moderate charge, and I sent it down with Ewart this evening to Everton, when they went
to singing school, he paid it to John Weatherston. {Margin} Ewart and John Smith
helping me to cut & draw timber for firewood - Settled with Wm. Barber and John
Weatherston for threshing
TUESDAY 8
A little frost again last night which dried up the ground and surroundings in the morning.
the day opened out warm however, and soon the snow melted and had everything in a
plash again. the Boys and I took the team to the bush this morning and were loading up
when John Mc
Kenzie came along too with his team. John Smith and I stayed in the
bush and cut up the timber while Ewart and John Mc
Kenzie drew the logs up home. they
took 2 loads each in the forenoon and the same afternoon. Mrs John Harris Peavoy
died about 8 oclock this morning. they drove up for Margaret to do down and dress and
lay her out. after getting the coffin they came up for her again in the evening to put the
corpse in the coffin. {Margin} drawing from the bush with 2 teams to day - John
Mc
Kenzie helping us. - Death of Mrs J. H. Peavoy this morning - Margaret helping them.
WEDNESDAY 9
Another very warm day. the snow has gone off at a rapid rate to day. John Mc
Kenzie
brought down their old cooking stove to set up in the old Cutting house. I went with him
and we set it up, also the pipes before we took lunch. John also drove, before
unhitching, to see Jacky Miller about the stables &c. we took our lunch in Mrs Cutting's
house, and then went to the swamp and cut quite a nice lot of poles for firewood - if the
swamp does not break up soon John will get a lot of stuff for firewood. the Boys have
been cutting up the logs at home to day and doing the chores. Mrs Gale and her Sister
Mary Ann paid our folks a visit this afternoon, her son that was lately hurt, but who is
getting better, drove them here. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie and I working at the Cutting
farm to day - Mrs Gale and her sister visiting to day. - Ewart and Johny cutting logs.
MARCH THURSDAY 10 1898
Soft again to day. John Mc
Kenzie and George Cutting came along with the team and
took our bobsleigh to the Cutting swamp this morning. I let Johny Smith go along with
them and they got along well, with what John and I cut yesterday they got out 8 loads
and John drew it all to the house taking one load to old Mrs Cutting. Margaret and I
went to the funeral of Mrs J. H. Peavoy which was set for 2 oclock P.M. but, perhaps
was nearly an hour late in lifting. there were 36 rigs in all, our old democrat carried the
corpse to Everton Cemetery. Ewart had all the chores to look after at night, as we were
a little late in getting home from the funeral. I got an empty syrup barrel from Mc
Callum
for 25¢ for putting our beef in pickle and tied it on behind the buggie. {Margin} Funeral of
Mrs John Harris Peavoy - John Mc
Kenzie at Cutting farm hauling firewood out of the
swamp - syrup barrell.
FRIDAY 11
Continues soft and looking much like rain, it did rain a little this afternoon but did not last
long enough to make it very unpleasant. it is very soft underfoot however, which makes
it abundantly dissagreeable - this is the day of Thomas Tolton's Auction Sale of Stock
and implements and as the hour set for commencing was 12 oclock, we had our dinner
shortly after 11 and then set out with the Span and Sleigh, the sleighing was about gone
so we had a tough ride over. John Webb rode with us. Hull from Erin was Auctioneer
and started to sell about one oclock. he sold lively and things in general brought fair
prices. I regretted letting the binder go for $26.00. Cows from 40 to 50 dollars, young
cattle also good prices. I got a couple of hoes and stable scrapes & potatoe fork 45¢.
Thos. told me the book keeper estimated the amount to be between 15 & 1800 dollars.
John Mc
Kenzie bought a plow for $3.00. John Mc
Kenzie sent George Cutting to help us
at the wood to day. Johny Smith and he sawed some but split most of the time. {Margin}
Thos. Tolton's Auction Sale of stock an Implements - went off very well. - Mother
attending at a birth this evening at William Tindalls a daughter, all doing well. - the snow
is nearly all gone and we had a hard pull for the big horses with the sleigh over to the
sale.
SATURDAY 12
Another soft day, and rained considerably this forenoon. Johny drove the democrat to
Guelph taking 3 bags potatoes & 3 bags dried apples. he had to go down to Willie
Peavoys for the democrat which was rather a hardship, people borrowing an article
should be prompt in returning them. Ewart and Johny cut logs this afternoon, we were
working in the barn during the rain. I drove "Doc" in the buggie to Everton this afternoon
and brought the mail. I got the king bolt in the buggie repaired and settled up with Willie
Abbott. he billed me with $1.35 for work - I reminded him that he was still owing for
taxes on Mrs Peavoys house that he told me to pay for him. he disputed it however, and
I compromised with charging him 50¢ instead of $1.16. so I paid him 85¢ as a
settlement. Johny got 60¢ a bag for his potatoes to day. he says the roads were bad.
{Margin} Rain to day - Johny to Guelph with the democrat. he had potatoes and other
things. - cutting logs - settlement with Willie Abbott. - buggie fixed.
Sunday 13
Heavy fall of rain last night. and everything is in a plash to day. the wind blew strongly
from the south east this morning and veered round to the west, it then became much
colder. the temperature falling 20 degrees from 52 to 32 - the young folks did not go to
Everton this forenoon, but they hitched up Doc and drove down in the evening. Fred is
bad with the distemper
MARCH MONDAY 14 1898
Froze up last night, although not very hard, still it had the effect of drying up the ground
very nicely. Johny Smith and I cut up quite a nice lot of timber this afternoon, we will
likely finish up the cutting in the yard tomorrow forenoon. Ewart split up some while we
were sawing. John Webb paid us a nice visit to day and had his dinner with us, he is a
freindly neighbour. John Mc
Kenzie and George Cutting drove down to the old Cutting
farm this afternoon they would have been there longer, only that their stables at home
are flooded and they have had quite a job making things passable. the three young folks
are all away to the Everton Singing School this evening. {Margin} cutting firewood in the
yard - John Webb visiting. - the 3 young folks at singing school this evening.
TUESDAY 15
Frosty night but gets quite soft through the day. we were working at the wood in the
yard. in the middle of the afternoon we took the axe and saw and went back to the elm
tree near the watering place and cut it down and cut it up into saw logs, getting done in
time to do up our night chores. being very close to other two trees (black ash) we had
some difficulty in getting it sawed down, we chopped a little with the axe so as to give
room for the saw to work.
WEDNESDAY 16
A most beautiful day, bright sunshine and warm. the snow is now going off with a rush
and every step one takes is in water and slush. it has all the appearance of the soon
coming of spring. Ewart and I helped Johny to cut straw this forenoon. Robert
Mc
Williams also helped him. Johny Smith was splitting wood this forenoon - Ewart
helped to cut wood afternoon. I hitched "Doc" to the buggie afternoon and drove to
Rockwood to get some lime for John Mc
Kenzie - there was none however until Friday
next. I called at Crofts on my return and attended their Auction Sale, there was a very
great crowd there. I bought a pair of shearling ewes, expected to lamb soon, for $10.50
each and gave my note for $21.00 payable in a years time.
MARCH THURSDAY 17 1898
Another very fine day, a little frost at night but soon melts off when the sun rises. Johny
Smith and I have been sawing this forenoon - Ewart drove down this morning for the
Robertson girls. Grace was at Everton, but Sarah and Kitty came up and spent the day.
we broke the road down our snowdrifted lane and brought up the 3 elm logs we cut for
saw logs. I began to fear the trouble of getting them to the mill would more than cover
the profit of taking them there. Ewart drove Sarah and Kitty home again at night and
brought the mail from Everton. I made a rack to be put on the democrat for bringing
home the sheep tomorrow.
FRIDAY 18
Quite a warm and pleasant day, it has had all the look of spring weather, the snow is
nearly all gone and water and slush cheifly abound. I started for Rockwood about nine
oclock this morning, Henry Duffield rode down with me, he wished to see about the sale
of turnips, but we both thought it better to let the matter rest a little yet as the road in
places is very bad. I bought 2 bushels of lime for John Mc
Kenzie and brought up ten
cents worth for Hoskins, the blacksmith. we called at Crofts for the 2 ewes I purchased
at the sale, we soon had them loaded and brought them safely home, arriving at a
quarter past 2. we then had dinner. Ewart & Johny Smith have been splitting at the
wood this forenoon, and cut up the skidway &c. this afternoon. we prepared a grist of
chop for tomorrow. I promised to go with John Mc
Kenzie tomorrow, and Ewart will have
to go to the mill as well as do the chores.
SATURDAY 19
Weather much the same as has prevailed for some time, a little foggy & damp this
morning but it cleared up to be fine. John Mc
Kenzie and George Cutting, Junr. were
driving down to the Cutting place, and I went along with them to help fix up the old
house. I did considerable plastering and made a new recess up stairs for the stove pipe
to enter the chimney, we had a very busy day, John fixed the chimney outside and
patched the shingling. I think the old house can be made tolerably comfortable by
having some work and a little expense put upon it. Ewart took 13 bags of chop to the
mill to day. 5 bags oats for the horses, and 8 bags mixed grain for the cattle & hogs.
Johny Smith has worked with our Johny to day
Sunday 20th
Weather continues soft and warm, we have mud and slush now in earnest. Maggie &
Ewart went to meeting this forenoon and Maggie remained with Mary over night. She is
laid up with inflammatory Rheumatism. Margaret & I visited at Webbs this evening. Mrs
Webb is poorly
MARCH MONDAY 21 1898
Very foggy this morning and looked as if we might have a rainy day, it kept up very well
however. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella drove down in the buggy to work at the old house
again. I went with them so as to finish the job I had on hand on Saturday - we had a
very busy day, it is so late before getting there and we cannot stay any longer than
about ½ half past five, which makes it but a short day and the roads are also very bad
which does not mend matters - our little sow had 5 pigs this morning when we went out
to the stable, there are few enough and I hope she will lose none of them. George
Cutting did not come to hand to day. Maggie returned home to night with Ewart from the
singing school. Ewart rode to Everton this morning to mail a card to Mr Simpson to see
when to ship our sow. George Marshall was to Guelph and he brought back word that
he wants her on Thursday {Margin} down with John Mc
Kenzie and Bella fixing up the old
house - little white sow (the Guelph purchase) has 5 pigs this morning
TUESDAY 22
Misty and damp this morning and there has been no sunshine all day, a little rain fell in
the forenoon. Bella had her mother to day helping her to clean and whitewash the old
house, Johny & George Cutting were also there. Ewart & I have been splitting wood this
afternoon. I am putting down the straw somewhat liberally now it has all the appearance
of being an early spring and we will have to get some more tramped in for manure.
Ewart & I brought home some snow in 2 barrels and covered them with saw dust, they
think it too early to break on our store of ice. Mrs Webb is very poorly these times, her
case is causing all of us uneasiness, the doctor is treating her, and is concerned about
her.
WEDNESDAY 23
Quite a change in the temperature. the frost hardened up the ground like iron this
morning. John Mc
Kenzie was down in good time this morning, (sharp seven) he had a
grist for the Everton mill of chopped stuff and had the fat pig along. he helped load up
our old sow, and her together and I started off to Guelph with them about 8 oclock
reaching Guelph 15 minutes before 12. our sow weighed 380 lbs. 3.25 and Johnys
weighed 190 lbs. 4.70 - ours was $12.35 and John's $8.93. I bought 5 bags corn, 40¢
per bushel, and 50 lbs oil cake $1.35 per 100 in all $5.35. I had my dinner at David
Toltons. David has met a severe accident by being peirced with a harrow pin. he fell on
it on his seat and made a wound 4 inches deep. he is now going round but perhaps he
may be too soon in moving round. Ewart has had the chores to do himself and also had
to help Johny cut straw this afternoon.
MARCH THURSDAY 24 1898
Much finer than yesterday, warm and spring like. The remarks of yesterday, applies to
this day as being a day or two behind in recording occurrances - I forgot the day. this is
the day I took the pigs to Guelph and all else applies. Maggie and her mother helped
Bella to day to clean and otherwise fix up her house. I called at Everton on my way
home and brought home the mail matter. Mrs Webb continues to be very poorly, she
does not get well this time so quickly as she has been in the habit of doing.
FRIDAY 25
Another very fine day. Ewart has been splitting at the stove wood, and I have also
helped some. we cut up the stringers of the skid way for the logs and clearing off all the
straggling stuff around the pile. our pile of stove wood begins to look more like a pile to
begin the winter with, but we will have to hunt up stuff to burn on summer. the doctor
has been up to see Mrs Webb, he considers her case sufficiently serious as to cause
uneasiness, if not alarm. the doctor was looking at our Maude colt with a view of
purchase. he would have liked her better broke. I sharped and set our crosscut saw for
Ewart's use tomorrow at Robt. Mc
Williams bee. John Mc
Kenzie took down a load of hay
to day, and he & George went to a sawing bee at Bapties in the afternoon.
SATURDAY 26
A fine day. Maggie and her Mother drove to Guelph to day with "Doc" & the Buggie.
they had 38 lbs of butter, 4 lbs @ 19¢ the rest at 18¢ = $6.90. the roads, although bad
in places, were not so bad generally. Ewart attended Robert Mc
Williams sawing bee,
they got along very well. I was all alone at home and had considerable fixing around in
addition to the usual chores. Johny was at Guelph to day with potatoes, he got 60¢ per
bag from Millman. I paid Johny Smith four dollars which paid him in full.
Sunday 27
A rainy day, dismal and unpleasant, every thing is a plash. I drove twice up to
Mc
Kenzies to day. Bella came down with me the first time and she forgot the key for
their house below and I went back for it. they did not go to Everton to day. Margaret is at
Webbs all day and staying on all night. Mrs Webb is in a critical state. I was down till
11.30 P.M.
MARCH MONDAY 28 1898
Continued to rain less or more up to noon to day. the land is full of water and the roads
are very muddy. they are not as deep however as usual at this time of the year. the frost
and snow left earlier than usual which is the cause. Johny intended to saw with the
circular to day and John Mutrie brought over the saw early this morning, they did not
saw however on account of the wet. Johny put in a new cross piece in the horse power
to day and I helped him awhile. Maggie and Bella drove down to the old Cutting house
and worked at papering all day. John Mc
Kenzie lost his sheep for a few days past and
found them at Leanord Mc
Doyals to day.
TUESDAY 29
Frosty last night and the ground was pretty well hardened up this morning. Johny made
ready to saw this forenoon, and got his job done afternoon, they finished the sawing
early and put in the time until night at splitting it up. Ewart was there with the team, and
helped to split after the sawing. Maggie and Bella finished the papering to day. they had
Fred and our buggie both days. I should have gone to Rockwood this afternoon to meet
a gentleman in the interest of fruit culture, tree spraying &c. but could not have the rig
conveniently. I had all the chores on hand myself on account of Ewart being away. Mary
is again poorly. Maggie and I drove down there, but Nelly Robertson was there and we
came back. Margaret is staying all night with Mrs Webb. She is very poorly yet, but is
better than she has been. {Margin} the second Ewe I bought at Crofts had 2 lambs to
night. - Maggie and Bella finished papering - Mary again poorly. - Margaret staying with
Mrs Webb at night - sent 6 dollars for J Mc
Kenzie to A Mc
Gregor - sent away a letter to
Meaford
WEDNESDAY 30
Hard frost last night, and the ground is very hard this morning, and kept hard in the
shade all day. the morning came out fine and bright, but afterwards it became overcast
and the air was cold throughout. Ewart went to Everton Mill this forenoon he had 14
bags to chop, 10 mixed and 4 of corn. we got one bag returned from Johny weighing
142 lbs. the 2 he borrowed weighed 264 lbs. which leaves 120 lbs to get back yet.
Ewart & Johny went to Riddocks Sale afternoon. I did not go. I split up some wood as
well as do the chores. have not been very well for some days. paid for chopping & one
bag shorts $1.20.
MARCH THURSDAY 31 1898
Hard frost again last night, and this morning the ground was quite hard, the sun
however as the day advanced, softened up the hard lumps. John Mc
Kenzie moved his
household effects, as well as some other of his personal property to day. 2 loads of hay
by Geo. Rossell & John Mc
Kenzie, large load of house effects by Wm. Sutton, organ &
sewing machine &c. in democrat by John Sunter. mixed loads, Barrells grain &c. by
John Green and Colin Mc
Millan for Wm. Usherwood. our team had a load of oats and
box of hens driven by Ewart. I got home a little late for dinner, the rest went on down to
the Cutting farm where Bella was ahead preparing dinner, 2 of the company went back
for the cattle. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie moved from the Mc
Kinnon place to the Cutting
farm
April FRIDAY 1
Hard frost again last night and as usual the ground is like iron. it remained colder to day
and of course the hardness continued longer. Ewart and I drove up with the team and
waggon for the pigs (2 sows & 2 younger pigs) Ewart brought them here and waited
dinner. John took a load of oats and R. J. Kerr also took a load of oats for him. they
drove on down and I drove down the pigs after dinner. Ewart driving down the sheep
which I brought down this far. we returned home as soon as we got unloaded and also
helped to build a fence round the front of barn & stable, forming a yard convenient to the
pump. John has quite a job ahead of him to get things righted. {Margin} again helping
John Mc
Kenzie to move his stuff down to his new home.
APRIL SATURDAY 2
A cold blustery day, some snow showers flying and the wind high, the ground is hard
from the frost of last night. Johny and I with Ewart brought over the horse power and
cutting Box, and set it before dinner. John Mc
Kenzie came with his team and got a load
of turnips. he helped us cut straw this afternoon. we quit a little early so as to let John
get home with the turnips and do his chores. Johny wanted to sharp the circular saw, he
has to saw at John Mutries on Monday. we got along fairly well cutting. Willie was out
from Guelph this evening he takes his horse from Johny's
Sunday 3
Quite wintry, a little snow falls from passing showers. Ewart & Maggie attended meeting
at Everton this forenoon. I drove "Doc" & buggie to Mc
Kenzies, taking Mother and
leaving her there while John Mc
Kenzie and I attended the funeral of Mrs Alex. Carr. She
has been an invalid for a long time and has been rather an eccentric person, being a
heavy handful to her husband. I hear James Currie has gone wrong in his mind and has
had to be cared for by the authorities, he has been considered dangerous to be at large.
APRIL MONDAY 4 1898
Quite a windy day, frosty and cold, and the ground hard frozen. Ewart and I have
started again to split the stove wood in the yard, we would like to finish it up during this
cold spell because there is so much very tough splitting especially one elm tree that
stood near the watering place. Johny took over the circular saw this morning to John
Mutries and they cut up all his stuff by noon. Johny was home early and is preparing a
load of oats for Guelph tomorrow. Ewart rode down to Everton this evening and he
mailed a card I sent to Alexander Mc
Gregor to inform him I would be at Rockwood to
meet him on Friday.
TUESDAY 5
Another nights hard frost and the ground as hard as ever. I fear this will go hard with the
fall wheat, as it does not thaw much through the day however it may not do so much
harm. Ewart & I have been splitting at the stove wood. the elm is extremely "eaty"
although straight in the grain, it is hard work on my arms that are weak through
rheumatism. John Webb was up to day awhile. Mrs Webb is improving but the doctor
orders that she be kept quiet and none but those attending to be allowed in with her.
Thomas Tolton also paid us a visit to day, he had dinner with us, he is going to Guelph
on business and intends stopping with freinds on the way.
WEDNESDAY 6
Frost continues very hard at night, and although the sun seems to melt the flurries of
snow that have fallen still I notice the thermometer records 2 below freezing point. the
roads and the land are drying up finely and, I should think that if warm weather was to
set in the field operations would go on rapidly. Ewart drew up 3 jags of stove wood from
near the watering place, and I finished the splitting of the stove wood at the home yard
this forenoon and started to fix the house door that was lately broken. Bella came up
with John as he was going up to Goves saw mill for a load of lumber, he got a cheap
load, about 600 feet of 2nd class hemlock inch for $2.50. Ewart drove down to see
Mary, who has been, and is yet quite sick and took Maggie and his Mother along. Joe
Martinoni is reported sick nigh to death. the doctors, I believe, have performed an
operation upon him
APRIL THURSDAY 7 1898
Frost at night but the cold seems to be giving way. I have been doing up the chores.
Ewart went down to John Mc
Kenzies this forenoon and helped him to clean up his barn
and put away the chaff that blocks up all his doors &c. Alex. Mc
Phail had an Auction
Sale to day and John Mc
Kenzie attended it in the afternoon. a terrible trajedy took place,
in old Mr Mc
Phail laying violent hands on himself, he first tried to hang himself by letting
the trap door in the barn door on his neck and was preparing to hang by it when his Son
Alex. caught him, failing on that, he then cut his throat and though he did not finish
himself it is thought he cannot live, poor Man, he got terribly despondent on account of
the place being offered for sale.
FRIDAY 8
A very fine day. the land is drying up very fast and it has all appearance of the opening
of spring. I got ready to start for Rockwood without having had much of a hand with
anything else. I was late enough too in getting off as the train time is 9.59. I was there in
time however, only having an hour & ¼ although there were only Mr & Mrs Mc
Gregor. I
thought they would be crowded in the buggie so took the democrat and we had a nice
drive home. Alex looks thinner and paler, but his eye has not got much worse looking
than it was years ago. we hear Joe Martinoni has succumbed to his trouble, he has had
a very hard time with great suffering. he is to be buried on Sunday at 2 P.M. at Everton
Cemetery. Wm Mc
Cullough came to night and ordered out our turnips. Joe Mc
Intosh
drove up to day with his horse & buggie.
SATURDAY 9
A beautiful day. warm and balmy. spring is at hand now to all appearance. the land is
drying up very fast. Joe Mc
Intosh helped Ewart & I to load up and sort a load of turnips
this forenoon, and Ewart took them down to Rockwood. there were 47 bushels, as they
are spotted with rot he would just as soon not take any more so I stopped. Alex.
Mc
Gregor has been having a walk back on the place. they seem to be enjoying
themselves pretty well.
Sunday 10th
Another beautiful day. warm and spring like. Maggie and Ewart Joe went to Everton this
forenoon. I hitched up the horses to the democrat and we drove down to John
Mc
Kenzies and after getting dinner we drove over to Coingsly to the funeral. there was
quite a Workmans parade, and a very large turnout we left the procession at Ospringe
and came home calling to see how Mrs Webb was doing, she seems to improve slowly.
{Margin} Funeral of Joe Martinoni this afternoon.
APRIL MONDAY 11 1898
The grand weather still continues, it is warm and dry and the ground will very soon be in
fine condition to work. we would have been at work in the field to day had it not been
that Mr & Mrs Mc
Gregor are going away this evening and we have to drive them to
Rockwood for the 6 oclock P.M. train. As Mary has been very poorly her mother rode
down with us and I called for her in coming home. drove her to the corner below the
Cemetery, and I might have gone all the way, as the train was 25 minutes behind time.
Mr Mc
Gregor and I walked down to see David Stewart until the train came. the
Mc
Williams, George Loree and others were drawing turnips to day. we hear John
Mc
Phail is sinking, poor man, he did the deed all too well.
TUESDAY 12
Splendid weather. Ewart and I did our first field work to day, with the stone boat we
drew all forenoon at the large stones and built them into the stone dyke. afternoon we
drew off the smaller ones with the wagon, and have taken about the half of the terrible
patch on the stony acre. we think we shall cultivate and sow what we have made ready
to morrow, and take another turn at it to finish cleaning up the piece. the neighbours are
sowing all around us. the land is in many places in excellent condition for the seed.
WEDNESDAY 13
Continues fine weather. Ewart cultivated the south back field to day. he had it done
about 3 oclock and afterwards sowed 4 bags oats on it. we had to rig up the seed drill
for broad casting and clean up the oats which took up some time. I curried the cattle
and sprinkled insect powder on them to day. we hear John Mc
Phail is dead and is to be
buried on Friday afternoon, so has ended the sad tragedy. Johny was at the mill this
forenoon and brought the word. Margaret walked down to see Mrs Webb this afternoon.
She seems to improve, although slowly. Maggie & Ewart drove down to Everton this
evening. {Margin} first sowing done to day
APRIL THURSDAY 14 1898
As fine seeding weather as could be imagined the land is getting in fine condition and
nothing but work is wanted to ensure a good prospect for an excellent spring seeding.
Ewart finished the sowing of the back field and rolled all the fall wheat and and then the
the oats in the back South field. I harrowed it all with "King" and the iron harrows, it is
perhaps, too heavy a job alone for him, but we are anxious to get along and he seems
good for it. we got word from the Mc
Gregor's of their safe arrival home and found all
right, only that freinds from London and elsewhere had been there in their absence
causing mutual dissapointment
FRIDAY 15
Continues fine seeding weather, if people dont get along this spring it is not for the want
of good opportunity. Ewart plowed a piece of the sod this forenoon, and cultivated the
front north field in the afternoon, the land is drying up very fast, and even the fields that
have usualy been too wet for working two weeks after this, are getting quite fit to work. I
attended the funeral of John Mc
Phail this afternoon. it was given out for one oclock, but
it was about 3 before they lifted. Bella & Mrs Mc
Kenzie were there, they walked over.
they rode in the procession with me. Mrs Mc
Kenzie getting out at the Concession line in
passing. Bella went with me to Everton. Mary is some better.
SATURDAY 16
The grand warm & dry weather still continues, it will not be long before we are in need
of rain, it would help the fall wheat much. Ewart and I have had a very busy day. Ewart
cultivated the 3 acre patch in front below the house, and sowed it as well as the north
front of 4½ acres, which we sowed in wheat. one bag of Harrison wheat I got from
Henry Duffield, and the balance in our own Goose wheat, all the oats are Houdan.
Sunday 17
Weather much the same as has been prevailing excepting that a change seems
impending, this evening rain began to fall. we had a visit from Mrs Duffield, Henry
coming along afterwards. John Webb also paid us a short visit this afternoon. Ewart &
Maggie drove to meeting this forenoon, not at night. {Margin} visitors - Ewart & Maggie
to Everton forenoon
APRIL MONDAY 18 1898
A fine day, cooler than some of the past but pleasant, grand weather for plowing. Ewart
has plowed all day at the sod. he makes a very good job for one who not done much at
it. I have let the 4 young cattle out of the stables & shed and have thrown a lot of the
rotten turnips out of the turnip house by the window and they have been eating among
them. there are a good many going to waste. I went to Everton this afternoon in the
buggie and took 2 bags mixed grain for chop. brought back 3 bags. had 20¢ worth
shorts on top of one of the bags. got buggie circle fixed 20¢ and skimmer point for plow,
15¢ = 35¢ paid. left 35 lbs Hungarian seed with Marshall to sell. got 12 lbs clover @
$4.00 80¢. 40 lbs timothy @ $2.00 = $1.67 = $2.47 (paid) also got plow lines & snaps
25¢ which Maggie & her mother paid for at night when down dealing. they had butter
and had other dealings. {Margin} our women folks have started their house cleaning to
day. - Horace Tovell paid for 38 lbs dried pork $3.42. this evening to our folks.
TUESDAY 19
A very rainy day, so much so that we never hitched the plow or did any work in the field.
a cold east wind has prevailed and it has been a thoroughly dissagreeable day
throughout. we have kept all the stock indoors all day, excepting that the pigs broke out
awhile. I had a while fixing them up again. Ewart & I had a job of finishing up of the
clipping of "Doc". I held him - twitched and foot strapped up - while Ewart clipped. Ewart
and Maggie are away this evening to an invited party at Mortons. we were cleaning up
the peas among other of our chores. {Margin} a very wet & dissagreeable day. - Horse
clipping - Mortons party this evening.
WEDNESDAY 20
Another dissagreeable day. Maggie and Ewart did not get back from Mortons till one
oclock last night, they say it was terribly dark, they had a pleasant time. Mrs Morton did
all in her power to make the company comfortable and happy. Ewart plowed this
forenoon at the sod but found it so unpleasant that he did not go out this afternoon, the
snow showers melted on him while at work and was wetting. he went to John
Mc
Kenzies this afternoon to clip one of his horses, he clipt the old mare and he says she
had a very thick and heavy coat of hair, she became so warm the other day while at
work that she was just about played out. I am kept very busy doing up the chores these
times especially when there is other work on hand beside. Geo. Duffield brought up the
mail among them the "Twice a week Advocate" I notice the news is very warlike.
APRIL THURSDAY 21 1898
A fine day. Ewart has plowed all day at the sod. he says the land works fine, the rain
has made it a little damp and more friable, he plowed, he says, about an acre and half. I
cleaned up 2 bags more of peas. we have now 9 bags up which I think will be enough to
sow our 7 acres of sod. I also bagged up 2 bags of mixed oats & peas for chop (over 2
of oats and one of peas) and took it to Everton in the buggie. was about exactly 2 hours
away. went off at 4 and back at six. have been cleaning out the pigs and other chores
besides the regular work. I see by the papers the United States have sent their
ultimatum to Spain and given them till Saturday next to reply to it. they demand that
Spain evacuate Cuba and Cuban Waters. Margaret is at Webbs this evening to stay all
night with Mrs Webb.
FRIDAY 22
A steady days rain, not very heavy but very constant and very dissagreeable to be
exposed to. we have not been doing anything in the field and the seeding gets quite a
set back by this weather. the newspapers are giving great prominence to the warlike
rumours. the likely hood is that war will soon be declared. the United States are likely to
have the sympathy of the Civilized world in their intervention in behalf of the oppressed
and suffering Cubans, otherwise war, only under such circumstances is to be
deprecated. Margaret was all night with Mrs Webb, who keeps very poorly yet. she is
some better this day or two back. Bella and the children were with us quite awhile to
day. I had a look at the fall wheat to day. it seems to be pretty much all living and gives
promise of going on, although not of advanced growth.
SATURDAY 23
Keeps dull and cloudy, but the rain has ceased. Ewart plowed this forenoon, it kept me
busy doing up all the chores. only that I went down with Ewart in the afternoon and we
drew off a lot of the big stones with the stone boat and built them in the fence. the land
is drying up again. Ewart and I think we can clear the piece we intend to sow in a day
and put the seed in. there was a terrible crop of stones on the ground. it is rather
amusing to hear Johny making light of the job of clearing the stones off, when he durst
not face it himself for fully thirty years.
Sunday 24
A fine day. Ewart & Maggie drove to Everton meeting this morning. Maggie remained till
late at night. Ewart returned for dinner, and did not go back to Everton, but went off with
one of the Duffield Boys. the two elderly folks had to look after this place and do the
most of the work. we took a walk in the evening to see Mrs Webb. She is some better.
{Margin} "Jersey Cow" to Mc
William's this evening - war news
APRIL MONDAY 25 1898
A very fine day, the land is drying up again, there is not much growth yet, during the
recent rains it was also rather cold. Ewart and I have had a very busy day clearing the
"stony acre" of the crop of stones that were thrown up with the last plowing. I was
thinking we must have taken off nearly if not quite a score of stone boat loads and about
8 wagon loads, there is yet another load of small ones for the wagon when we will be
ready to sow it, which we purpose doing tomorrow. both Ewart & I are tired of these
awful stones, we have now about 20 rods of stone dyke from them. Ewart has driven
down to Everton to hear the war news. {Margin} drawing off stones from the stony acre
and building a dyke with them - interested in the war news.
TUESDAY 26
Another fine day, the weather is something remarkable. Ewart & I went back together to
the "stony acre" and we took off the balance of the stones - a good load - and I sowed a
bag of oats by hand on it. Ewart cultivated the ground after I sowed it. we then left it and
Ewart plowed in the sod till dinner time. and afterwards put in the afternoon at the
plowing. I drove down to Hugh Blacks this afternoon to see the spraying operation on
his orchard trees. there was quite a crowd there and quite an interest taken in the work.
all information was very courtiously given. I took down 2 bags of mixed peas & oats and
had them chopped while down at Blacks.
WEDNESDAY 27
Continues splendid weather. Ewart has had a steady days plowing at the sod and
finished it up to the small head land the other side of the pig house. he thinks he plowed
fully an acre and a half to day. Margaret & I attended the funeral of Mrs Neil Mc
Phail this
afternoon. it was given out for 2 oclock, but it was about 3 before they lifted. we went
down to Everton after the funeral and I had to hasten home so as to do up the feeding
and general work
APRIL THURSDAY 28 1898
Weather continues very fine. never saw better seeding time. Ewart plowed the head
land this morning and then rolled all the fields, afterwards cultivating about four acres.
we are having things in good shape for finishing up the seeding this week. Bella has
been with us the most of the day. Ewart drove her home in the evening. Henry Duffield
brought up the mail this afternoon, we are all much interested in the war news these
times they are very exciting times. it is given out that the "Grand Old Man" - Mr
Gladstone is no more, there will be a general mourning at his departure.
FRIDAY 29
Had the appearance of an oncome this morning, but it cleared off early to a fine day
again. Ewart finished the rolling cultivating of the sod this forenoon and sowed it with the
seed drill afternoon. I harrowed with "King" ahead of the cultivator seeder, and did a
small piece over after the seeder the second time. we have this evening all the seed
grain in the ground and would have been done, but for the finishing of harrowing and
rolling we are much earlier than usual and the team is fine and strong and in good
condition & spirits. Dr Mc
Cullough and our Mary paid us a visit this evening. I had no
time to chat, as all the work had to be attended to and things went crooked some. and
to mend matters the Forester cow chocked on a piece of mangel, causing us
annoyance and uneasiness. the piece remained in her gullet all the time, but we kept
her from bloating by the "gag". {Margin} Finished up the grain sowing to day, only a little
harrowing to do after the drill. - Mary and Dr Mc
Cullough visiting - cow chocked
SATURDAY 30
Fine day. Ewart finished the harrowing of the peas this morning and then rolled the
south patch of oats in front field. afterwards spent the balance of the day picking the
stones off the pea land. I helped awhile. we got it about half done, we wish to have it
clear enough to run the pea harvester over it, should we think to do so. Johny & Lizzie
were at Guelph, got 70¢ per bag for potatoes, 80¢ however was paid. have had some
extra choring to day. the women folks are getting pretty well through house cleaning. the
piece of Mangold did not leave the cow's gullet till this morning. Johny went to mill after
returning from Guelph. took 2 bags peas & oats for us. {Margin} finished harrowing the
peas this morning - rolling and picking stones. - Johny to Guelph - also to mill when
returning
Sunday May 1
A fine day although threatning a change. at night rain began to fall. Ewart & Maggie
drove to Everton meeting this forenoon their Mother rode with them to Webbs where
she remained till the evening keeping Mrs Webb company. John came and spent the
afternoon with me. we had a walk back on the fall wheat and he went round with me
when doing up the stock. {Margin} Margaret - visiting Mrs Webb. John spent the time
with me. - Ewart & Maggie to meeting
MAY MONDAY 2 1898
Quite a fall of rain last night but cleared up this morning and we had a fine warm day
afterwards. Ewart & I finished picking the stones off the pea ground this forenoon, we
took the stones to the watering place. Ewart drew out 3 small loads of dung and spread
it on the ground for early potatoes, just below the strawberries, and he plowed it in with
the single horse (King). Maggie and her Mother helped me clean up the balance of the
wheat (goose) 7 bushels & 10 lbs, and also bagged up 5 bags of peas & oats for
chopping, and took them to the mill leaving here about ½ past 3. I sent a letter to C.
Overland containing four dollars in paym't of John Mc
Kenzie & self Assmts & dues for
April, being so very busy last week I overlooked sending it then. I met the stage driver
when I was going to Everton and gave him 5¢ to take it to Overland. I got home 215 lbs
flour and the bran & shorts, and 25¢ rolled oat meal, and paid for all. 70¢ wheat grist,
25¢ chopping and the meal $1.20. Account of the first Naval battle at the Phillipines.
{Margin} stoning - took out manure and plowed it in for early potatoes - flour grist and
chopping at Everton - sent four dollars for our assm'ts & dues for last month there was
an overplus paid last time of 50¢.
TUESDAY 3
A fine growing day. there has not been much sunshine and, in consequence, it has not
been very drying. Ewart & I took the team back to the stony acre and and harrowed the
land (it was only cultivated in) and took off 2 loads of small stones, it looks well now. the
back field of oats is nice and green now, and the fall wheat has very much improved
since Sunday that I was down there. I sowed nearly a pailful of barley in a bare spot in
the upper corner. Atwell gave us the first bid on our cattle to day that we have had at all.
40 dollars apiece and take them away next Monday. Henry Duffield sold his to day to
Scott. 4 @ 4½ per lb and 2 @ 4¢. I got 6 bags of potatoes from J. Webb, bargained for
them some time ago at 50¢ per bag. {Margin} finished picking stones and harrowing
stony acre - sowed a little barley on fall wheat miss. - bid for the fat cattle - got 6 bags
potatoes from J. Webb
WEDNESDAY 4
Cool at night with some frost, the days are fine however although not bright, and the
land dries but slowly. we thought to get our rolling done on our pea land but it is too
damp and soggy, when Ewart tried it the land stuck to the roller and made quite a
coating of earth on it, we loaded up a smallish load of turnips this morning on our wagon
and, along with the plow Ewart took it to John Mc
Kenzie and plowed for him to day.
Geo. Mc
Williams also plowed for him to day. I drove to Everton this evening for the Mail
and and gave Maggie and her Mother a ride to Webbs in passing. I called round by
Mc
Kenzies to see how they were getting along and told Ewart he had better stay
tomorrow and help John. Andrew Baptie is there to night saying he is going to help him
tomorrow.
MAY THURSDAY 5 1898
Fine day, the land is drying up considerably to day. I have had extra chores on hand in
cleaning out &c. and have also started to prepare the potatoes for market. I got about 5
bags for market, and about one picked out for seed and put in a bin in the granary.
Ewart came home this evening and says they got along very well at Mc
Kenzies. John
has a hard job in preparing for the seed on account of so many stones being on the
land, he has been hauling them off while the others have been plowing. I am much
troubled these times with inward pain, expect it may result from indigestion, as it is, it
causes me much uneasiness. I emptied the 6 bags of Webbs potatoes into a granary
bin, (Empire State)
FRIDAY 6
Cool nights, but fine weather through the day and warm sunshine. Ewart and I have had
to hurry up to day to prepare our load of potatoes for Guelph tomorrow. Mother also
helped us afternoon we bagged up 18 additional bags to day, making 23 bags in all, and
about 4 bags of picked seed put in a granary bin. our potatoes in the turnip house have
been growing very badly and the sprouting of them makes the work of bagging
longsome and tedious. those of them lying nearest the turnips were the worst having
sprouts on them about 6 inches long - many of them at least.
SATURDAY 7
A beautiful day. we were up by sharp 5 this morning and I got off for Guelph about 6.
Maggie & her Mother came after me with Fred & the buggie, passing me on the road
beyond Coughlins place. I sold to Mc
Crea for 70¢ per bag. 23 bags = $16.10. the
women folks sold their 38½ doz eggs mostly to Millman for 9¢ cash. 36 lbs butter to
other parties @ 15¢ per lb - there was a very large crowd on the market, and had the
effect of lowering the price some. potatoes have been bringing 80¢ through the week. I
left for home before 4 oclock and was home before the women. Fredy Jestin rode home
with me. saw Willie to day, he put some bolts in our buggie when in Guelph, the circle
had rattled them loose and and had become quite dangerous. {Margin} Guelph Market
with Buggie and lumber wagon - Potatoes 23 bags. Butter & Eggs. - Fred Jestin rode
home with me.
Sunday 8
Weather continues very fine. Sunshine and warm. Ewart & Maggie drove to Everton this
forenoon where Mr Baker is again holding forth, he has lately returned from the States.
John Mc
Kenzie, Bella & the children have been with us this afternoon.{Margin} Mr Baker
talks of leaving Everton for the States. - John Mc
Kenzie and family.
MAY MONDAY 9 1898
A fine growing day. the grain begins to show green in the fields now. Ewart rolled the
balance of the pea land this forenoon and afterwards the orchard and a great part of the
grass field behind the orchard. I have been very busy doing up the chores, and fixed the
railway door by the shed at the barn. have had a job attending a sick lamb lately, but it
died to day. it was one of the twins (a ewe lamb) from one of the ewes I bought at Crofts
Sale. I paid George Duffield 15 dollars to day on the note he holds against me. ($15.00)
I promised to pay him soon other 5 on the principal and the three dollars also as
interest, that will leave just 30 dollars more to pay on the note. Johny borrowed a pail (½
Bushel) of peas 34 lbs to sow to day.
TUESDAY 10
A fine forenoon, but turned to rain afternoon, it is a good rain however as it keeps fairly
warm and the growth will be pushed instead of kept back. Ewart and I picked off two
loads of small stones from the front field (north) (in wheat) and were expecting to get it
rolled after getting another load picked. the rain came on however and stopt us. we got
a funeral notice of the death of Cousin Wm. Ewart, Meaford. he is to be buried this
afternoon. George Hodgson a young man from Guelph was buried this afternoon at
Everton also, the family used to live out here the father used to rent Peter Stewart's
farm. he was a very worthy young man I believe, and an excellent scholar, he was a
school teacher and well up in his proffesion.
TUESDAY 10
A fine day after the rain the growth should now be fairly good, there has been so much
cool weather however that vegetation is not very forward. Ewart & I fixed up both
waggons for drawing out the manure. we think of getting some help to fork the manure. I
am troubled with a pain in my stomach and we think I had better not attempt to work
much at the manure handling as it might make me worse. likely we will get George
Duffield to help us. they think it likely one of the Boys can come.
MAY THURSDAY 12 1898
Fine weather, keeps dry and a little warmer, it has been cool at night lately and a little
white frost. we dont think however that the frost has been so bad as to do any particular
harm. in fact we have not noticed any thing at all cut. the growth has not been rapid so
far, but it may be expected that a good root is forming which will ensure more rapid
growth when the weather sets in warmer.
FRIDAY 13
Weather very fine but not very warm. Ewart has been away all day helping to jack up
Isaac Theaker's Barn. they had a hard day's work and finished the job all but placing the
mud sill which is to be done tomorrow morning. I had all the chores to do and besides. I
drilled up the land for the mangolds and sowed them. after that I took 2 bags of peas &
oats to the mill to get chopped. it kept me very busy but I got it all done. I went to see
the doctor about the pain that annoys me so much, he thinks it is indigestion and he
gave me a little powder in a box with directions to take (after eating) as much as would
lie on a 5¢ piece and wash it down with a little milk or water
SATURDAY 14
Continues fine weather. Ewart drove Lizzie into Guelph to day, with Johny's buggie and
our Fred, and I have again been left alone. besides doing the chores, I finished picking
the small stones off the north front field, and rolled it. Maggie drove the team while I
sowed about a barrell of salt on the west portion of the field, about 8 rods wide next the
orchard.
Sunday 15
Fine day, warmer than usual. Ewart stayed at home to day, and in consequence I had it
a little easier than ordinarily. George Loree rode up from Meeting with Maggie and
remained till evening. Margaret & I walked up to Henry Duffields in the evening
MAY MONDAY 16 1898
A fine day. we expected to start drawing out the dung to day, but Charlie Duffield went
to help Isaac Theaker to day to prepare for the masons who are building the foundation
of his barn, and George cannot come till he is at home, we expect him tomorrow
however. Ewart & I worked at preparing preparing the potatoes for market until dinner
time. afternoon Ewart cultivated, harrowed & rolled the corn ground and also rolled the
oats on stony acre corner {Margin} harrowing and rolling the corn ground and stony
acre.
TUESDAY 17
Another fine day. George Duffield has been with us to day helping to draw out the
manure George filled the loads and Ewart drew them out, 25 loads to day. I have had
quite an extra time cleaning out all the places, pigs, calves & cattle and bedding them all
up, took a lot of pea straw for the pigs porch. I took 2 bags chop again this evening on
the buggie had to hurry up as all the chore work devolved on me. Bella has been here
helping Maggie and her mother at the house cleaning. John drove for her this evening
as little Maggie has taken sick, otherwise she was to have remained, if she gets better
to night she intends coming back in the morning. {Margin} George Duffield and Ewart
drawing out the manure - House cleaning Bella helping - 2 bags chop with the buggy
WEDNESDAY 18
Continues fine weather, a little warmer to day and looks to night as if a change is
impending. George Duffield has again helped us to draw out manure, they have again
to day, I beleive, taken out the same as yesterday (25 loads) Bella came back to day to
help house clean Maggie has not recovered from her sickness, still her mother thought
there was perhaps nothing serious. Mr & Mrs John Webb paid us a visit to day. Mrs
Webb receives benefit from being out in the open air and visiting around, this is the third
visit out since her long sickness, she was one day at her Brother Joseph's and another
at Williams {Margin} George Duffield helping to take out the manure - Mr & Mrs John
Webb visiting us.
MAY THURSDAY 19 1898
A very heavy rain this morning early, and quite a heavy thunder storm. we hear of
damage done by the lightning. the storm abated after breakfast time but the land is so
wet that we did not think it right to draw the manure and cut up the lane. Geo. Duffield
came along but we did not go to work. I went at the potatoe picking and sprouting, and
Margaret helped me in the afternoon. I also built the fence between the pig house and
sheep pen. Ewart drove to Guelph and had his mouth fixed at Stirton the dentist, he got
3 teeth extracted and is preparing a plate which is to cost ten dollars. {Margin} Thunder
storm - Ewart drove to Guelph to get his teeth pulled.
FRIDAY 20
The weather has taken up again and to day things are drying up. George Duffield came
this morning and Ewart and him finished drawing out on the turnip land by dinner time
(before) they then spread in the field until dinner time. Ewart hitched on the horses to
the plow after dinner and George spread the manure, before nightfall I got Ewart to
drive down for Morton's wagon and George and I filled up 16 bags of potatoes for
Guelph tomorrow, and loaded them in the barn. I have had all the chores on my hands
to day besides making ready for Guelph. {Margin} drawing out the manure on turnip
land - bagging 16 bags potatoes for Guelph tomorrow
SATURDAY 21
A fine day. I started for Guelph this morning about ½ past six and arrived in Guelph
about nine oclock. had 16 bags potatoes of our own and 5 bags for Johny. we found
potatoes down in price from 65 to 80. last Wednesday they were 90. I sold to Carter for
70¢ and took them mostly up in corn @ 47¢ per Bushel. I got seed corn. some of the
Longfellow variety, which, they say, is valuable for cobbing in the fall and makes good
hog feed. 5 lbs of that and ½ bushel of white for silo. we think will plant our patch (about
¾ of an acre) Ewart has plowed at the potatoe land and had Johny's Nettie to mate with
Fred. I joined with Henry Duffield for 9 lbs turnip seed at Hewer's for $1.00 - 4½ lbs
each for 50¢ best mixed varieties {Margin} Load of Potatoes at Guelph - bought feed &
seed corn & turnip seed
Sunday 22
A beautiful day, splendid growing weather. Ewart & Maggie at Everton this forenoon.
Margaret & I drove down to Mc
Kenzies with "Doc", had dinner & tea with them. we had a
walk over their place to day the crops seem to be doing fairly well. Johny Weatherstons
driving house was struck by lightning and burned about noon to day. {Margin} Johny
Weatherstons drive house burned. 20 tons hay & a horse and other things consumed
MAY MONDAY 23 1898
A fine balmy day, growth at the present time must be very rapid. I drove to Everton this
morning with Fred & buggie and got 2 bags chopped at the mill. also mailed a letter for
Johny containing $8.50 to the "London Fire In'ce Co", London. after returning Ewart & I
drove the 3 young cattle down to John Mc
Kenzie's pasture we had considerable trouble
to get them there, they turned 2 or 3 times on us and made for home. we washed the
sheep, along with John Mc
Kenzies & Joe Handleys, and were bothered with Geo.
Rozzel & Rufus Robertson (with theirs) coming in on us while at work and delayed us.
Ewart plowed this afternoon, he has the potatoe land nearly all plowed. {Margin} young
dark roan cow to Mc
Williams Bull this A.M. - young red heifer calved. She is now a cow
TUESDAY 24
A very fine growing day, warm and close. Ewart is away to day enjoying himself on the
24th. he drove to Guelph. I have had all the chores on hand, I also fixed up the fence
protecting the fall wheat, there were some deficient parts of it. I let the cows into that
part of the pasture to day. they seem to have a longing for home as they did not care to
go away for very long, and am just as well pleased, as the fence in places has become
weak in parts through the winter and I havent time yet to see after it. {Margin} divided up
our seed with Henry Duffield that we bought at Guelph last Sat. and I paid him for my
share amounting to 95¢ also paid him for the 2 bushels seed wheat $1.75
WEDNESDAY 25
Another warm day, the crops are improving very fast in appearance now. my forenoon
was taken up with the ordinary chores and I walked over to Kerr's with the little sow.
afternoon I spread manure ahead of the plow. Bella is up to day, she is getting help to
fix her dress. John Mc
Kenzie drove up to Johny Lorees place to get some of Mc
Kinnons
lumber for his kitchen floor. Ewart has been plowing at the turnip land, he has had
Johny's Nettie mare, as Johny had Doc to day to Guelph he took in a load of potatoes.
Robert Jestin lost one of his horses (Dave). Ewart drove Bella home at night. Johny got
75¢ for his potatoes to day, and had to pedal them, they were 90¢ a week ago to day.
{Margin} "the young sow (Barbers) was taken over to R. J. Kerrs today"
MAY THURSDAY 26 1898
Continues fine and fair weather, we have been very busy at the turnip land plowing and
spreading the manure. Ewart took turns in spreading the manure and I plowed the
while, it kept us busy, as we have so many chores yet on hand. we are troubled a good
deal with our young cow that has come in, her udder is considerably inflammed, and
there is no milk from one of the teats, it causes much more work and annoyance.
FRIDAY 27
Weather continues very fine. we have again been working at the turnip land. got all the
manure spread this forenoon and Ewart finished the plowing shortly after dinner. he
afterwards harrowed over all the ground. Wood & Ellis came this afternoon to see the
cattle they offered the same as Atwell, 40 dollars apiece, but I would not let them go for
that. perhaps I should have closed with them because the markets keep very low but
one hardly knows what to do.
SATURDAY 28
Weather much the same as has been prevailing for some time. Ewart got the loan of
Johny's buggy and he drove his mother with her quota of butter & eggs to Guelph. she
had nearly 50 dozen of eggs and {blank} butter. Ewart got his new plate with his upper
teeth to day from Dr Stinton. they were late in returning home as they had two buggies
with the horse. Willie purchased a buggy from Will. Waller who, in turn, purchased it
from a party with the view of it suiting us. I think it is a cheap rig. 25 dollars is the price.
{Margin} Ewart and his mother to Guelph to day - he gets his new set of teeth. - Willie
gets a buggy for which we buy
Sunday 29
Another beautiful day. Ewart & Maggie have the first ride in the new rig by going twice to
Everton. their mother rode down in the evening with them to Webbs. John Webb was
visiting us awhile this afternoon. I wrote a letter to Brother Alexander, Meaford.
MAY MONDAY 30 1898
A very fine day, the weather is superb. I drove to Everton this morning and was in time
to catch the mail so as to send off a letter to Brother Alexander Meaford. I also had 2
bags for chopping, and got a bag of shorts, for want of change I owe 35¢ on the deal.
Ewart & I, on my return, went at the corn ground and sowed the corn while Ewart
plowed it in, it took us all our time to get it done. I sowed it thinner than we have been in
the habit of doing, on the old patch I had half a bushel of the white ensilage corn, and 5
lbs of the Longfellow, which I sowed very thin. it is valued for producing corn in the ear
which makes good pig feed in the fall. Willie came along from Guelph this evening and
is staying all night.
TUESDAY 31
Continues fine, dry and warm. the land is getting a little dry, and the roads dusty. we
helped Johny away with his load of hogs this morning, he sold to Simpson, Guelph. we
loaned him our team. he had 10 hogs which weighed 1755 lbs, and the old sow which
weighed 420 lbs. the sow became restive and troublesome on the road and did some
damage to Robert Mc
Williams rack. Ewart harrowed and rolled the corn ground and
afterwards he and I started the potatoe planting, we planted the 6 bags of John Webb's
kind (Empire State) and nearly finished them. Mother cut them all. Uncle Thomas Tolton
and Alice are staying with us all night, they are on their way to Guelph. Thomas and I
took a drive to Everton and came home by way of Mc
Kenzies. John & Willie Usherwood
were practicing playing the violin together for tomorrows event at Guelph when Bella is
to be married at Toltons, to Colin Kitchen of Nassagaweya.
June WEDNESDAY 1
A beautiful day, warm and dry, a shower would do good now. Ewart and I have been
again at the potatoe planting. I drop while Ewart plows them in. we had 3 full bags of
cuts which Mother cut yesterday. she cut the balance to day, of what we selected out of
the stock we sold at Guelph. they are the "Peerless Savoy". we would have had the
most of the planting done had I not been delayed by Holmes coming about buying the
fat cattle. I sold him the cattle for $164.00 he paid me two dollars in hand. they have to
be delivered next Monday perhaps. failing that they are expected to go away the
following Wednesday or Thursday. we have Bellas children Willie & Maggie on account
of them being at the wedding this P.M. {Margin} Bella Mc
Kenzie and Colin Kitchen
married this afternoon at David Tolton's Guelph. - sold the 4 fat cattle to Holmes of
Acton. $164.00
JUNE THURSDAY 2 1898
Another very hot day, the sun comes down scorchingly. I have been planting again at
the potatoes. to day I planted our own kind the "Peerless Savoy" and a couple of pails
of "Cups". the 3 last rows are Cups only that the middle row has some "peerless" which
extend from the lane half way along to the stone pile, we finished up the planting in
about 2 hours after dinner. Ewart harrowed & rolled the ground afterwards. I got the
sheep in about 5 oclock and shore 4 of them. they begin to swelter rather badly in this
hot spell with their fleeces on. Joe Atwell came along to try and buy the cattle this
forenoon, but he was a day too late. I thought when he was here before that he said he
would be back in about two weeks, but he says now that it was a few weeks. there may
have been a mistake, he was lately in the neighbourhood however and he ought to have
called if he wanted the cattle. {Margin} finished planting the potatoes.
FRIDAY 3
Continues very hot weather, things are drying up fast now, and rain would do good.
crops are looking well at the present time and it would be a pity to see them hurt by a
protracted drouth. I finished the sheep shearing this forenoon and painted an S on them
lambs and all with red paint, as we put them on the road at times it is well to have them
marked. Ewart and I got an axe apiece and fixed the brush fence by the fall wheat this
afternoon. Ewart has been oiling the single harness, and burning off caterpillars from
the apple trees. I fired the brush pile this evening of apple tree prunings, and remained
with it till about burned down.
SATURDAY 4
Dry, hot & dusty. rain now would be very welcome. our folks are picknicking with a large
company over at "Stanley Park" to day, and Mother & I are left alone to look after things.
there are quite a lot of chores yet on hand. the pigs, fat cattle & horses all under cover
to be fed and cleaned out. the fat cattle will soon be off hand however. Johny & Lizzie
are away to the picknick with the rest, also John Mc
Kenzie & Bella. Johny paid me to
day $120.00 on account. {Margin} Johny paid $120.00
Sunday 5
Continues hot & dry. Ewart & Maggie to Everton. I take a walk with Henry Duffield over
his place, and had tea with them. when I returned home Johny and Bella with Mrs
Mc
Kenzie and the newly wedded couple, Colin Kitching & wife were there, and had tea
and a nice visit from them.
JUNE MONDAY 6 1898
A very fine day, cool and overcast in the morning up to about nine oclock (or perhaps
eight) when the sun shone out again and it became warm and closer. I rose at about 2
oclock this morning and roused Ewart and after getting the cattle ready and our
breakfast taken we started off for Acton with the cattle at about a quarter past three.
they drove down very nicely and we reached Acton about 7 oclock. I gave Holmes 50¢
out of the $164.00 as the weight of the steers did not come up to what I laid them at,
4100. their weight was 4070. Ewart & I returned home by about 11 oclock. Richd
Symott
had 11 head down 2 hours ahead of us. Ewart started to plow the turnip land the
second time.
TUESDAY 7
Another fine day, continues warm. as I wished to go to Guelph on business, Margaret
accompanied me in the buggy, we left home shortly before 10, and reached Guelph a
little before noon. we had a basket of eggs which we sold to Millman at 9¢ cash. before
unhitching I drove to Miss Loghrins and paid $75.00 the interest for this last year on the
mortgage. also got 3 fifty dollar notes so as to remit to Alex. Mc
Gregor by registered
letter. we drove round by Rockwood, home, and paid 12 dollars to Eli Stont, interest on
note. Ewart has been plowing the turnip land
WEDNESDAY 8
Continues warm and sultry, a heavy shower went the round to day. I drove up to
Thomas Cox and bought from him an old driving cart for 2 dollars, to break the colt with.
the shafts are weak and require repairing. I also called at the mill to see about shingles.
they had very few on hand but may soon have them. we will have to watch our
opportunity as, it seems, they can't keep them. people when they come will take them
away. Ewart has the turnip land harrowed & rolled ready for drilling up.
JUNE THURSDAY 9 1898
Fine warm weather, we would be much the better of some rain, there have been
showers around but we have had very little, but what little has come serves to freshen
up the crops. I went to Everton this forenoon to get the cart shafts repaired, as there
were others ahead of me with a good deal of work I had a long wait, and it was about 4
oclock before I got back home. I had my dinner with the Robertson girls. Ewart
commenced to drill up for the turnips and quit early so as to take a drive out of the colt.
he got along nicely with her and drove to Everton for the mail. Willie came along this
evening and is staying all night, he intends working on his way home tomorrow.
FRIDAY 10
A fine, warm, growing day for the crops, there have showers around but none of any
consequence have lately visited our parts. we would be much the better of some rain.
Ewart has drilled up the turnip land and finished up about 5 oclock. I harnessed up Fred
in the plow harness between 3 & 4 oclock and went over to Johnys drive house for the
turnip sower to find it was not there. John Webb had used it yesterday and did not bring
it back. I went down to Webbs to see about it, they had done with it last night but
thought there was no hurry required in bringing it home. Johny let them have it without
thinking of us. Campbell brought it home, but it was so near supper time that we took
supper first and it was about 6 oclock before sowing. I sowed 76 drills out of 104.
leaving 28 to do. Ewart had bad luck while hitching up the colt to the cart, in starting,
she twisted around and fell on the shafts breaking them off short.
SATURDAY 11
Great rain last night with thunder and lightning and to day it has been showery. it is nice
and warm and the growth must be very rapid. I have been picking out the eatable
potatoes in the root house and putting them into the granary. Hugh Black called this
afternoon to escape a shower and had tea with us. John Webb also paid us a visit, he &
I went up to Duffields to see Mrs Harriet Parks who is now there visiting. she has got (of
course) much older looking. she says it is 29 years since she was in this
neighbourhood. we have not been able to get on the land to day, it is soaking. Miss
Currie has undergone an operation for appendicitis and unfortunately not very
successful. her condition is considered critical.
Sunday 12
A beautiful growing day, lots of moisture now and very warm. Ewart & Maggie twice to
Everton. Margaret & I walked up in the evening to see Mrs Parks, she is not very well.
Wm. Jestin is to be buried to day at one oclock P.M.
JUNE MONDAY 13 1898
Showery to day and very unsettled, there has been very little sunshine and the air very
close, it must be great growing weather, the land is very wet from recent rains. I see the
Mc
Dermott road work beat are on to work to day. they have turnpiked from about Robert
Jestins gate to the top of the hill. Ewart & I took the team up to the saw mill this
afternoon. I got about 500 feet of 2nd class lumber for which he chrgd. me $2.50, and
2½ square 2d class shingles $1.25 = $3.75. which I paid. I drove to Everton on my
return and ordered from Robertson a new pair of shafts for the cart. he sends to Guelph
for them tomorrow. Mary accompanied me back home. there is no acknowledgement of
the receipt of the money from Alex. Mc
Gregor, and I think it should have been to hand.
brought home the cattle from John Mc
Kenzies this forenoon {Margin} Lumber & shingles
from the saw mill Mc
Lean & Gow. - ordered a new pair of shafts for cart. - Mary up with
me.
TUESDAY 14
Cleared up to day and it is fine and clear, became very cold in the evening and wind
high, hope it may not freeze, although it is cold enough to make us fear frost. the land is
rather soft to work on. I scuffled the mangolds but it was too wet to make a good job, we
were going to hoe them but it rather clamy. the weeds are getting so strong however
that we will soon have to hoe them. we sowed the balance of the turnip drills (28) before
supper. Robert Morton got the drill after we were done, he intended sowing his after tea.
{Margin} Ewart got 530 lbs oats which settles up all old scores with the oats that Johny
borrowed.
WEDNESDAY 15
Quite cool all day and was cold last night, but we could not see any frost this morning. I
cut the burrs around the grass fields to the north of the lane, and the front field (spring
wheat) also the thistles round the latter. Ewart gathered up a lot of broken wood around
the place for burning, he drove to Everton this evening for the cart. Robertson has put in
a new pair of shafts. the cart is much improved thereby. I had quite a job repairing the
brush fence the cattle got into the fall wheat.
JUNE THURSDAY 16 1898
A very fine day. Margaret & I drove to Rockwood this forenoon with the horse & buggy.
we took the wool to the factory, the 8 fleeces weighed 55 lbs and there was no dockage.
we took up six dollars and some cents worth of goods, and cash for the balance. they
allowed 18¼¢ as the larger portion was taken in goods, 18¢ half cash & half trade, 19
all trade. we called round by Mc
Kenzies in coming home and got 4 lbs of butter and paid
52¢ for it. Mother wishes to allow them the same as she gets for hers at the creamery.
FRIDAY 17
A fine summer day, bright sunshine and pleasant. the crops are looking well, and the
papers say the general outlook for the farmers of Canada is good. Ewart hoed all the
mangolds to day. I drove up to the saw mill this morning and got 5½ squares of 2nd
class shingles, for which I paid him $2.75. they are taken away as fast as they make
them. I got the last bunch of 2d class. when I returned I went at the burr cutting in the
bush, there are not nearly so many as last year but they are now getting ripe and
require to be cut.
SATURDAY 18
A very fine growing day, warm, and became very sultry & hot afternoon. there was a
thunder cloud and a nice shower passed over about 4 oclock P.M. Johny & Walt Loree
have been putting in a part of their statute labour of their Beats to day. Ewart & I put in
our work. Ewart drove our team and I was shovelling in the sides of the road after the
plow and spreading the gravel. there were 6 teams on the Eramosa side and 4 Erin. and
they fixed quite a long piece of road. it seems to be a good plan, plowing the sides and
throwing it into the centre and then covering with a coating of gravel. Ewart has been
making ready this evening for starting out early next Monday morning to draw gravel
with Robert Morton and George Mc
Williams.
Sunday 19
Cooler to day and clear. the weather looks more settled. Ewart & Maggie were at
Everton meeting this forenoon, and again in the evening when their Mother
accompanied them. Ewart also drove over to Ospringe after dinner. I have kept the
house the most of the day being very tired from yesterday's work.
JUNE MONDAY 20 1898
Very fine weather, it was overcast a part of the day & a little rain fell but nothing of
consequence. Johny has finished up the road work to day. Ewart started off early this
morning to his job with Robert Morton & Geo. Mc
Williams, they are laying the gravel on
the road fronting Charles Sockets, and get the gravel down on Hodgkinsons pit. I have
been preparing for taking our pigs to Guelph tomorrow, fixing up our own old rack and
fitting up Johny's wagon. I got the loan of 73 lbs of corn from John Webb to feed to the
fat pigs. I ran clean out of feed for them and had to get that much to finish them up.
TUESDAY 21
Quite cool this morning and pleasant. I was early astir this morning and got away with
the hogs about 7 oclock, arriving at Guelph about ten. although we had some trouble
and delay in getting them loaded, they were no trouble afterwards. the seven weighed
1140 lbs, which at $4.90 made $55.86. I bought a sack of land plaster, a bag of
chopped corn, 2 bags whole feed corn, & one lb Paris green = $4.35. I paid Jenni the
twenty five dollars & twenty five cents to give to Willie to pay for the buggy to William
Waller. Willie drove down to "Strabane" to day. it was a pity I did not catch him in time to
send the money with him. I had Johny's mare Jeenie & our Fred for a team to day and
they drove finely together. Johny went to the Wool factory this afternoon, and Everton
Mill forenoon. with the absence of his mare he did these chores. Nettie has not foaled
yet and he has been looking for it about a month. {Margin} Guelph with the 7 fat pigs
they weighed 1140 lbs @ $4.90 = $55.86 - paid $25.00 & 25¢ to Jeni for the buggy
WEDNESDAY 22
Another cool day and very pleasant. things are growing now very rapidly. I pulled a lot of
the milk weed out of the fall wheat this forenoon also finished pulling the "oxeye daisy"
before dinner. I then went round the south front field with the scythe and cut all the burrs
around the fence corners and thistles among the grain, and grass & weeds among the
raspberries. I weighed up 73 lbs corn and took it to Webbs this evening, I borrowed that
amount on Monday. Maggie and I rode down to Everton in the buggie and drove to
Mc
Kenzies before returning home. Maggie got some butter from Bella. I told John
Mc
Kenzie I had sold Simpson his 2 pigs, if he chose to take it, for 5 cents per lb.
delivered in two weeks.
JUNE THURSDAY 23 1898
A pleasant and beautiful day, clear sunshine and moderately cool. our old white sow
had nine pigs (this morning) and they seem to be all doing well. the 114 days were up
last night. I fixed up the pen tight so as to keep them all right till they grow big enough to
take care of themselves. Bella and her children, Mrs Mc
Kenzie & Christina Mc
Carter
were here to day Bella got away a pail of strawberries. I hitched up Fred and scuffled
the corn, going twice on each row and scuffling as near the corn as possible so as to
save hoeing, it has made a good job. Ewart got through to night with his work on the
road with Geo. Mc
William and Robert Morton. he says they got along very well and the
horses stood the work fairly well. they each took 7 loads the 2 first days and 8 loads the
2 last and, they think, there may be more than 1½ yds to each load. the pit is about ½ a
mile in on Hodgkinsons place and taken in front of Charles Sockets. {Margin} oldest
white sow pigged last night. 9 in all and all doing well so far. - Bella & Mrs Mc
Kenzie
here getting strawberries. - Ewart done working on the road - scuffling the corn.
FRIDAY 24
A very close and sultry day, the heat, at times, has been excessive. Ewart has hoed the
corn patch to day. it was not very hard to do as I was particular to scuffle very close to
the corn, going twice on each row. he was done early and off to a garden party at David
Jacksons. Maggie and her Mother have been hoeing and otherwise cleaning the house
garden & potatoes. I have had the scythe around cutting up thistles & burrs & burdocks,
which are abounding too plentifully, also been pulling up remnants of milkweed in the
fall wheat behind, near the bush. Ella Rogers, in company of Ruth Mc
Williams paid us a
visit to day. she is her father's image, and seems a very nice and very well mannered
young woman. {Margin} Ewart hoed the corn patch - cutting burrs, thistles &c. - Ella
Rogers and Ruth Mc
Williams visiting.
SATURDAY 25
Very heavy rain last night and showery this forenoon. this has been a very timely rain as
the late drying winds had the land quite dry again, it has been cooler this afternoon and
the air clearer. I notice our potatoes are showing nicely in the rows now, I had a fear
they were not in good condition being so long in showing up. we planted them too deep,
which, I think, is partly the cause. I have been mending harness & shoes to day during
the wet spell. I paid R. J. Kerr $1.50 for 2 sows to his hog. he let me off free for the old
sow that I took first as her litter all died. Robert is reasonable in his charges, and
considerate under bad luck. {Margin} Rain, it will do good - repairing harness and
shoes. - paid R. J. Kerr one dollar & half
Sunday 26
Fine day, cool and pleasant. Ewart & Maggie drove twice to Everton. Mr Baker
preached his farewell sermon this evening. Mr & Mrs David Robertson & Willie & Jeenie
from Guelph were visiting and had dinner & tea with us and, I expect, all went to hear
the sermon. {Margin} visitors. Mr Baker's farewell sermon
JUNE MONDAY 27 1898
Quite a fall of rain in the early part of last night and this day has been rather unsettled.
showers coming up now and again and making the land too wet to work on. we would
have liked to get on to clean our potatoes as the turnips are getting weedy and they are
growing nearly large enough to hoe. Ewart hooked up the colt this forenoon to the cart
and she went off very well. he took her down to Hoskins, where Willie Abbott works and
had her shod, he paid for it as we are not running an account there. I am almost unfitted
for any work from a lame back that came on me yesterday after undergoing a thorough
washing, think I got cold, have been repairing harness some. Ewart took down the
young roan cow to Mc
Williams, she was there five weeks ago, sorry she had to go back.
Willie & Colin Campbell were here this forenoon, Colin has a patent spray for the
potatoes. {Margin} rain - training the colt. - Willie and Colin Campbell - the folks Mother
too at Everton to night at a presentation to Mr Baker - Mr Dunbar with us to night. -
"Young roan cow away to day".
TUESDAY 28
A very fine day. dry, clear & warm. I have been scuffling the potatoes to day and have
worked under pain and difficulty my back is not much better but I am so anxious to be
getting along with the work. I have done 56 or 58 rows and gone over them twice going
very close on the left hand side of drill first on each side, and the scuffler is sure to meet
and cut all for certain. Colin Campbell called on his way to Guelph and tells us that
Frank Simonds has shot himself and his body was found to day on the rocks at Everton.
Ewart has been helping John Mc
Kenzie to day to gather firewood at Harry Tovills that
Harry will burn up if not taken away right off. there was an inquest held over the body of
Frank Simonds this ev'g and also the burial of the corpse at a late hour, the body was
badly decomposed and had a very offensive odour. the jury found a verdict of shooting
by his own hand.
WEDNESDAY 29
Another warm close day. I finished scuffling our potatoes this forenoon, and set up the
potatoes at the house patch. Ewart has hoed at the potatoes the most of the day. I
joined him this afternoon and we have 26 rows done this evening, there are yet 46 rows
to do. I am hardly able to work yet but try to do something. there is some improvement
however. Margaret and I drove down to Everton this evening, she had some trading at
the store to make. I went over to Cuttings to see about the rent for Mrs Peavoy. they
have made a good job of the fence round the house & premises. they claim 2 dollars for
it which, I think, is reasonable. I paid $4.50 to Janet Abbott for interest. Mary
accompanied us home. she is going to help dressmake. there has been great
excitement over the suicide of Frank Simonds in Everton.
JUNE THURSDAY 30 1898
A very sultry warm day, thunder clouds loomed up this afternoon and towards evening
some heavy thunder & lightning prevailed. we hear of some damage done, Mr Adsett
next farm to Josiah Stewart had a mare & colt killed, also hear of another case in Erin.
Ewart and I finished the potatoe hoeing excepting 13 rows, they were a little too wet in
the forenoon but were better in the afternoon till the rain came on. I hitched up the horse
and buggie and drove Mary home this evening. there is talk of rust having come on the
fall wheat. I have been looking at ours but can find none on the stalk although there is
some on the leaf. I have pulled quite a quantity more of "oxeye daisy" at a noon spell to
day.
July Dominion Day FRIDAY 1
An extremely hot & sultry day. it has been very close and little or no breeze. Ewart & I
finished hoeing the potatoes this forenoon, and I scuffled the turnips afterwards 40 odd
rows, there are yet 60 odd to do. Ewart felt the heat very much and was almost bushed
with it. I continued on at the scuffling although it was very hard to stick at it with my lame
back. there are thunder clouds passing around which, no doubt, are emptying
themselves in other parts.
JULY SATURDAY 2
Another very hot & sultry day. there is however a little breeze to day. I drove to Guelph
in the buggy this morning. Bella accompanied me from Heffernans Corner. John
Mc
Kenzie took in some oats, potatoes & wool. our Johny paid me twenty dollars to day,
and I loaned J. Mc
Kenzie $30.00 to pay off his $80.00 note at the Bank. and John
afterwards borrowed at the Bank 25 dollars again, giving his note at six months, and I
endorsed it. John then paid me $20.00 back, so that ten is all that stands now. John
sold his 2 pigs to Simpson at $5.10 for Monday next. I expected to get our buggy fixed
up to day but only got it partially done, they were so busy. I bought 3 bags whole corn
and one bag chopped $3.72 paid at Thorps. 25¢ also for oatmeal. Ewart hoed 18 rows
turnips to day. exciting war news to day. {Margin} Johny paid $20.00 to day
Sunday 3
Terribly hot and sultry again to day. considerable thunder and rain. Ewart & Maggie
went off this morning to Mc
Kenzies. Ewart came back to dinner but Maggie did not
return. They have extra services to day at Ospringe, the anniversary of their opening.
JULY MONDAY 4 1898
Dry and warm. this must be good weather for filling the fall wheat which is now at the
stage requiring such weather. people were afraid of rust but it keeps off pretty well, the
leaf being the only part affected. Ewart & I have been thinning the turnips to day, we did
over 30 rows to day. Ewart intends taking in the excursion to Toronto and he has been
hustling so as to allow of going. Richard Mc
Williams has had an operation on his lip, at
Guelph. the doctors cut out some growth, he seems to be getting along all right
{Margin} "young red cow to Mc
Williams this morning"
TUESDAY 5
Continues dry and hot. Ewart went off on the excursion this morning early. he was very
late in returning home. he met an accident, in falling in the hatchway in the steamer, he
hurt his face rather badly. I took over the old cupboard this morning to Mc
Kenzies, and
got the 3 bags of corn that John brought for me from Guelph. I took them to Everton and
had 2 of them ground. I also brought home the 2 packages twine I left there, one for our
Johny and one for myself. I gave my note for 8 dollars payable 1st Oct next. Johny will
have to pay me for the half of it. Lorees got 12 sheep worried last night with dogs. they
have quite a job nursing them. we hear George Coughlin is dead, he died {Margin}
Ewart away on the excursion and got hurt. - got 100 lbs flour from Horton $2.40 paid for
it. - Binder twine. - Lorees sheep worried.
WEDNESDAY 6
Dry and hot, a good many have started haying and this is good weather for it. Ewart has
been thinning the turnips. I commenced and hoed a little while, when it was thought I'd
better scuffle, so I hitched on "King" and scuffled them all to about a dozen rows. I cut
our lawn with the lawn mower this forenoon, the grass was too long and it was hard to
cut. it would not be so bad only our mower is now old and not nearly so good as the
later makes.
JULY THURSDAY 7 1898
Sultry and hot. the dust is plentiful again which is but a short time since rain to get so
dry. Margaret and I made ready and got away about 8 oclock to attend the funeral which
leaves Coughlin's house at nine oclock we were there a little before nine and it was just
as well as they started for Guelph shortly after, we did not go on, but returned home.
called at Loree's to enquire about their sheep that were worried the other night, they
were out in the field so we did not see them. Mrs Loree was away from home, the men
were tedding out their hay they had cut lately. they have only 10 rows of their turnips to
thin, and their potatoes are all done up. Ewart has been thinning turnips all day. I hoed 5
rows this afternoon, they are all done now to 13 rows. bad news about the Spaniards to
night, Cervera (admiral) is taken prisoner and all his fleet destroyed. {Margin} Funeral of
Geo. Coughlin to day.
FRIDAY 8
Very close and warm this forenoon and some signs of rain, at dinner time there came
up a very heavy rain which, this evening, we have found to be very partial. it is said the
dust was not laid in some parts of the Guelph road while at other parts farther east from
Ospringe the rain had torn up the road. I finished the scuffling of the turnips this
forenoon, also scuffled the mangolds and some of the potatoes. Ewart thinned at the
turnips and finished them all to four rows. he went out after the rain but the land was too
cloggy to work. we did some choring around. I took off 2 doors and rehung them.
Margaret was visiting at Jestins this afternoon.
SATURDAY 9
Cool last night (and white frost) and kept it up in measure all day. Ewart finished the
turnip thinning this forenoon and hoed all the mangolds the second time this afternoon.
Margaret & I got ready for Georgetown this morning and called at Mc
Kenzies for little
Maggie who went along with us. we reached Auntie Kates about 3 oclock and found
them all pretty well. they were partly looking for us. Joe hitched up his mare & buggy
and drove me round some. I bought 13 white Geraniums (at Roes) for 25¢ to put on the
graves up here. we had a fine drive down with Fred and our new buggie.
Georgetown Sunday 10
A pleasant day. Cool and dry. the fall wheat down here is most all ready for cutting.
some have begun. Joe & I took a drive to Norval this forenoon. we returned to Kates for
dinner. we visited the Cemetery in company of Garbet and another young man who has
some charge there. they promised to get stakes at the 4 corners of our plot. we started
for home about 5 oclock reaching Mc
Kenzies about 8 getting tea there and making
home about 9 {Margin} Frost to injure in many places last night
JULY MONDAY 11 1898
Quite a stiff frost this morning, it had a bad look at this time of the year when every thing
is green and luxuriant we have not seen any damage to any of our crops or garden stuff
although we hear of damage in other places. Ewart has gone over the potatoe patch
with the paris green put on with the new sprayer he started between 9 & 10 oclock and
quit about 5. Johny & Lizzie returned this morning from the Paisley Block - they report
the young lad Mc
Intosh as being very badly hurt from the accident through the horses
running away with the mower. one of his legs is broken in two places and he has
received other injuries as well. Johny brought home a new knife for the mower and a
new head for the old knife.
TUESDAY 12
Cool last night again but noticed no frost. Ewart cut the greater part of the orchard grass
this afternoon. I cut some round the fences. and had a hard job in cutting down the
rubbish at this end of the orchard. there was a lot of very stout burdocks and a thicket of
small plum undergrowth.
WEDNESDAY 13
A little milder at night and warmer through the day. Ewart finished cutting in the orchard
and commenced to cut in the large field beyond the orchard. the pitman of the machine
broke and caused us delay and annoyance. I paid Colin Campbell $1.50 for our sprayer
to day. he called in the afternoon on his way to Guelph. I finished cutting with the scythe
in the orchard, and in the afternoon Ewart raked it up with Fred. and he and I cocked it
up before night.
JULY THURSDAY 14 1898
A warm day, the sun has shone out very hot at times, and the ground soon becomes
parched in consequence. Ewart had bad luck again with the mower, the pitman broke
again after cutting round 3 or 4 times, it is really very discouraging when breaks are so
frequent. I cut round 3 sides of the big field behind the orchard this forenoon. I raked up
the hay in the orchard field, and it, with 3 loads out of the orchard made 5 loads taken in
this afternoon. we had George Duffield helping us this afternoon. Maggie took the
pitman down to Hoskins and he welded it.
FRIDAY 15
Very hot to day, especially awhile after dinner the night was warm. Ewart finished
cutting the hay to day between 4 & 5 oclock. I raked up what was left in the orchard and
we hauled it in, a small jag. I then raked up what Ewart cut this forenoon in the field and
we cocked it up before night we hope for a dry day tomorrow when we expect to finish
haying. we have engaged George Duffield to help us. we have just heard to day that
young David Mc
Gregor died yesterday morning and is being buried this afternoon, we
were late in learning of it and had not time to make arrangements to attend the funeral.
SATURDAY 16
Very hot to day, and everything is being parched. we have been very busy to day
finishing up the haying, George Duffield helped us all day. I raked it up ahead of the
loaders and we hauled it in pretty quickly. we put up the hay fork in the barn, which put
off quite awhile in the morning. we have now 14 loads of good hay in the barn beside a
jag of rakings. we had one of Henry Duffields team to mate "Doc" to draw in and "King"
we used for raking and on the hay fork. Maggie and her mother went to Guelph to day.
they had 23½ doz. eggs 10¢ per doz. and 18 baskets rasp berries, 6¢ per basket. Johny
is helping Robert Mc
Williams to draw in and stack hay on the swamp farm. Johny had
his help yesterday
Sunday 17
Very hot to day, looks as if rain was near, sultry & thundry looking. Ewart & Maggie
were at meeting this forenoon, and Ewart away driving at night.
JULY MONDAY 18 1898
Extremely hot to day, the sun's hot blinks after dinner time were too much for any one to
be exposed to. I scuffled what was left of the potatoes (there were only a few done
before) this forenoon. Ewart hoed among them all day. Afternoon I half soled and
otherwise repaired a pair of shoes for Geo. Duffield, and after tea I took "King" and old
buggie to Everton going by way of Mc
Kenzies. I had a look at John's crops which are
very good in the back fields. Ewart gave me money to pay John for the oats I borrowed
of him. and I paid John $1.25 for the 4½ Bushels. Mc
Kenzie's cows are drying up for
want of pasture and they have to discontinue to supply us with butter. I got a bag of
bran and a bag shorts. paid 85¢. got Hoskins to put on 2 new shoes on front for King.
paid him one dollar for that and pitman repairing 3 times. Willie & Mrs Cawthrie are with
us to night. Jeenie & Colin are over at the 5th line Erin this evening. they are aberrying
at their Uncle Colin's. had a card from Bro. Alex. Meaford this evening, have a letter
written to send to him in the morning.
TUESDAY 19
Sultry & hot to day which culminated in a copious thunder shower at about one oclock.
we were much in need of rain I suppose however those working in their hay would
rather have been without it. Johny had started to draw in his and was caught. I hoed 8
rows of potatoes, 4 before the rain and 4 afterwards. and also did up some other
chores. sharped & set the buck saw - and cut up some wood &c. Ewart & his mother
drove into Guelph to day. they had 28 boxes of raspberries. sold at 7¢ per box. the rain
extended from here to Guelph and beyond. we think it has been some heavier here than
in some other places. Ewart was getting his teeth plate repaired and left them with
Stirton who made them. he got them damaged by the fall he sustained while on the S.
S. Excursion to Toronto. I paid John Webb three dollars to day for the 6 bags potatoes I
got from him for seed.
WEDNESDAY 20
Another hot day, extremely so in the middle of the day. Ewart and I have hoed in the
potatoe patch all day up to 5 oclock P.M. we did some 26 rows, leaving only 4 to do.
they were very dirty with thistles & june grass which lately have become very stout and
hard to hoe. the rain yesterday softened the ground some. Maggie drove down to
Everton with Fred and buggie and brought up Lucy Robertson and her son Bert on a
visit poor Bert is very poorly and there are fears he is going as his sister went with
Consumption. Robert Jestin cut his fall wheat to day, and Webb and Duffield have cut
theirs Johny is hauling in his hay this afternoon.
JULY THURSDAY 21 1898
Continues close and warm, a shower again would be a very welcome visitor, the ground
and all green things are being parched. Ewart & I have been working in the potatoe
patch to day. we have been taking turns at paris greening the tops and moulding them
we finished them up by supper time. I drove to Everton after supper and got the mail. I
went to see Thom Cutting about the rent of Mrs Peavoys house but they had not
returned home from the other farm. Bella & children has been with us this afternoon
also Jeenie and, Willie at night. Jeenie has been picking some berries for preserving.
Johny has a gang helping him to finish up his haying. Henry Duffield and his son Charlie
are helping him, they are building a stack, and have it nearly completed.
FRIDAY 22
Close, dry & hot, we are wishing for a refreshing rain. Johny has got very badly behind
with his work and his turnips not being thinned yet Ewart and I went along to help him.
Robert Jestin and Albert Heffernan also were helping him, in the forenoon Johny had
Robert Mc
Williams helping him to top off his haystack and draw one load in that stood
by the side of the stack. after that he set me to scuffle the turnips with the Gale harrow
which I did before dinner and after dinner and after working at the turnips awhile he set
me at paris greening his potatoes. I got fully the third of the patch done before night. he
got a fine lot of his turnips thinned, all the long rows are done they shorten up now very
fast. Jeenie & Willie and Colin Campbell all started for Guelph this morning, they were
here all night.
SATURDAY 23
The awfully hot weather still continues, the heat in the middle of the day is almost
unbearable. we started the binder to day. Johny drove it and Ewart set up after him, it is
in the fall wheat in the field behind Jestins. I was with them to get it started, and we had
some fixing to do on the machine first. I half soled a pair of Maggies shoes after dinner
and then paris greened the balance of Johnys potatoes that I left over yesterday. I also
set up about the half of his fall wheat that Robert Morton cut for him this morning.
Sunday 24
Hot & dry. Ewart & Maggie attended Everton meeting twice to day. morning & evening.
Geo. Black has spoken to them to day. I took a walk with Henry Duffield this forenoon,
to the back of our place, round by Jestins and home by way around Duffields place too.
JULY MONDAY 25 1898
Hot & close to day again. Johny started to cut the balance of the fall wheat this morning
and Ewart was setting it up when we all were stopt by a shower coming up, it did not
last very long and after dinner we resumed work and finished it up. I took the scythe and
cut around the trees & stumps in the field, also a little patch by the wet patch in the
middle of the south end of the field which was rough & inconvenient to cut with the
binder. I drove to Everton this evening and got a little chopped stuff for the pigs at the
mill, paid 35¢. Thomas Cutting paid me four dollars for rent of the house. I gave him a
receipt for $10.00 being the full am't of cash he has paid since occupying the house, the
cost of the fence, $2.00 makes payment in full of ½ years rent, commencing 17th
December 1897 {Margin} Dr Mc
Cullough and James & Nettie Abbott on a visit this
evening. Joe Mc
Intosh also came up to day. - four dollars from Thos. Cutting for rent,
which makes $10.00 in cash and $2.00 for fence = $12.00 making rent in full for six
months.
TUESDAY 26
Another very hot day, this is a very long heated term, and we are needing rain,
everything is drying up very much. I scuffled all the turnips and mangolds to day by
supper time. the flies were very bad on "King", but I put the net on him after dinner and
he went much better. Ewart hoed up to about 4 oclock when he took Fred over to
Ospringe and got him shod all round, 2 new shoes behind and front reset, paid his
charge 80¢. I drove to Mc
Kenzies after tea to fix up the old pump that John took over
yesterday. Maggie and her Uncle Joe were away at Harry Tovells picking berries to day.
{Margin} Received a Letter from Brother Alex Meaford
WEDNESDAY 27
Still very dry & hot, a little appearance of rain this evening. Ewart & I have been hoeing
in the turnips to day again, and finished them up to about 18 rows. the land is getting
very dry & hard where it was wet in the spring. Ewart & Maggie are away to a "Garden
Party" held at Dan. Talbots place this evening. John Ellis got his dinner with us to day.
he offered me 26 dollars for the Mc
Kenzie cow and was telling me of a couple of milk
cows that he thought I might be able to purchase. I told him I might deal with him
provided he could get another cow to suit us. Johny & Lizzie are away to the Paisley
Block this evening
JULY THURSDAY 28 1898
Continues hot, close & sultry. some showers around but nothing comes our way. on
account of the rain indications I thought we had better take in the fall wheat and as Joe
was away visiting at Mc
Kenzies Ewart drove down after dinner to get him to come and
help us in with it, he also got one of the new shoes nailed on again that Fred pulled off
in the stable, he had to to go to Ospringe where he had them put on the other day. we
took in 4 loads of wheat after 3 oclock, it seems in good condition, although I meant it to
stand out till Saturday if we could have trusted to the weather. Ewart & I finished hoeing
the turnips before dinner and also hoed over the half of the mangolds. Mr & Mrs John
Webb are visiting here this afternoon.
FRIDAY 29
Weather continues hot & dry, there are some indications of rain but not any falls and we
are parched we took in the balance of the fall wheat this morning, there was a very
slight shower early but it soon dried off and we got the wheat in in good condition. Ewart
finished the hoeing of the mangolds while Joe and I drew in the wheat. Maggie & her
Mother and Ewart & Joe went to the Everton S. S. Picnic this afternoon and I remained
at home to look after the place. I cut some stray patches of wheat and barley in the fall
wheat field and I intend to rake it with the rest of the stubble gleanings.
SATURDAY 30
Very dull to day, and threatning rain, a little fell but not enough to be of any
consequence. we are very much in need of a liberal fall of rain as everything is parched,
and the grain is ripening up altogether too fast. Ewart and I hitched up the team to the
wagon and drove up to the saw mill and got a load of 2nd Class inch lumber. Mr Gow
computed there was just about 300 feet that he would charge me for, and he gave me a
quantity of short elm boards gratis, or rather to make up for a dificiency on my other
load. I paid him $1.50, a cheap load. Johny & I fixed up the butter of the binder. Ewart
got "Doc" shod at Hoskins, 2 new shoes and 2 reset paid 70¢. he also got a bag of
shorts. paid 65¢. {Margin} Sent five dollars to Erin for John Mc
Kenzie & myself assmt. &
dues. A.O. U. W. 50¢ over plus stands against next month - Saw mill.
Sunday 31
Weather much the same as has prevailed so long, not quite, however, so hot. Maggie &
Ewart have attended twice at Everton. Margaret & I have kept pretty close at home
excepting that we visited at Webbs in the evening.
August MONDAY 1 1898
A fine harvest day, although it has been overcast at times & threatning rain, we would
be very glad to have some rain as everything is very dry. Johny has cut some of the
oats in his south corner field, the binder has bothered us again, one of the packers
broke and hindered us very badly. I think we shall have to get another machine soon, it
is very annoying to be delayed in this way. I raked the fall wheat stubble and Ewart
helped me take it in during the delay in cutting. Mr & Mrs Bryant paid us a visit to day.
they are cheerful and seem happy the old gentleman is getting stiffer and it is hard for
him to get around. I drove over to Erin Lodge this evening in company of Henry Dunbar,
calling to have a talk with Mrs Martinoni about her trouble with her policy, we arranged
to meet at her house next Friday evening to have the matter talked over. H.R. Smith,
Master Robt. Wood, Mr Dunbar & I are to meet.
AUGUST TUESDAY 2
Continues hot & dry as ever, in some parts of the country they are suffering for want of
rain worse even than we are, but we are needing rain bad enough. I am afraid the roots
will hardly ever get over the effects of the heat and drouth if the needed rain does not
soon come. Johny finished up the cutting of his south corner field of oats by tea time to
day. Ewart & I shocked them up for him. after tea we brought the machine over here
and cut round the spring wheat which is in the north front field, above the house. as the
goose wheat seemed to be rather green we quit that and cut out the Harrison piece next
the orchard. the straw is very short of the latter and the head small. I cannot think it is a
desirable variety to keep growing, but we shall see how it yields.
WEDNESDAY 3
This awfuly dry weather still holds sway, and we look with longing eyes at the clouds but
to no avail. Johny has worked the binder in our back fields of oats to day, we had it all
cut and shocked by supper time, it is not as heavy a crop as it at one time gave promise
of, and the very hot & dry weather have brought about a premature ripening. after
supper Johny drove into the Harrison spring wheat and cut it down. Ewart & I shocked it
up. Ewart left a little before night and I finished the shocking. Ewart drove the Eden
Webb girls to Everton from John Webbs place.
AUGUST THURSDAY 4 1898
Weather keeps up the same character, the parching drouth still prevails and high winds
only serve to make matters worse. for watering the stock we are entirely dependent on
the wells, it is to be hoped they will continue their supply or I dont know what we would
do. Johny has driven the binder in our 3 acre patch of oats in front field below the
house. it is a very heavy crop and it took him till about 3 oclock to cut, afterwards he cut
an acre of his own that was ripe. I drove to Rockwood after about 3 oclock and
examined the slaughter house there (Keoughs) matters were not in first class shape
there, and he acknowledged that he did not always attend to the boiling of the blood as
he had been directed. I got Mr Black to accompany me there and also see things. Mr
Keough claims that the Guelph butchers are not asked to cook the blood, and says that
Cap. Clark told him so. I mean to see him. {Margin} "Rockwood Slaughter house
inspection." - cutting our 3 acre patch of oats in front field. - sent ten dollars to Mrs
Peavoy by Express - Johny also cut an acre of his own - Johny's mare sick this evening.
FRIDAY 5
Very high wind to day, and the drouth the same as ever. Johny's young mare showed
signs of pain last night, and it still continues, he is anxious about her, and, as I have to
meet with Mr Wood & Smith at Mrs Martinonis, we concluded that I should drive over
first to Brisbane and see Mr Ashley. on telling him how she was affected he thought it
would be better for him to go over and I said he had better. when I returned home he
had been treating her and was remaining all night. I met Mr Wood & Smith at Mrs
Martinonis as arranged for - Mr Dunbar did not appear, but she had asked David
Matheson who was also present. Mr Wood and myself had succeeded in getting her
consent to give up the policy, so that the money could be paid over to the Executors
before Mr Smith arrived (he was late) so that the matter will now be at rest, as far as the
Workmen are concerned.
SATURDAY 6
Still no break in this protracted drouth. there is now no water in our watering place at the
river. our horses and cattle made a breach into our back field of oats which are in shock
and made a bad mess of them. we drew in 3 loads of them that were knocked about
and set up the balance. Mr Ashley remained over night at Johny's and until after dinner
with the sick mare. he thinks she will get all right, but she is yet very uneasy and shows
signs of being sick. Johny cut the oats in his orchard with the cradle and the binder.
Ewart shocked them up. I had a big job regulating things after the messing up with the
stock raid. (horses & cattle)
Sunday 7
The same dry weather still prevails. Ewart & Maggie were twice at Everton to day. John
Mc
Kenzie & Bella paid us a visit this afternoon. Mother & I kept home close - there was
a little shower at Everton but nothing of consequence here
AUGUST MONDAY 8 1898
Good harvest weather but we would all be well pleased to see a good rain in the midst
of harvest. Ewart attended John Mc
Kenzie's threshing this A. M. he says they got along
very well with the threshing. Jim Mc
Lean & his men helped John in with 15 loads of oats
and barley on Saturday, and they are threshing it this forenoon. the little shower made
things a little damp & Johny & I rigged & fixed up the binder somewhat this forenoon.
after dinner we cut and stoocked the balance of the spring wheat, we finished it about 4
oclock and Johny & Ewart then went over bye and cut & shocked an acre of oats, we
also pulled about 2 rods of peas for threshing next Wednesday. I took our oldest white
sow over to Kerrs to day and left her there. Fred and Maggie Garbut, from Norval, paid
us a short visit to day. {Margin} Ewart at John Mc
Kenzies threshing - Johny cutting here
and at home. - pulled peas for threshing - Fred and Maggie Garbut visit us.
TUESDAY 9
Fine day again, but of course too dry. Ewart attended John Webbs threshing this
forenoon. we took in a load of oats this afternoon, and afterwards went to Johnys and
cut and stoocked at his oats behind his barn. he quit in time to take in another load of
oats before dark. I drove to Everton this forenoon and got the crank of the knotter fixed
at Hoskins. Mary came up with me & I had to wait a good while for her. she is coming
up to help Maggie with some sewing. {Margin} "oldest white sow to Kerrs" - took knotter
crank to repair - Mary came up with me.
WEDNESDAY 10
Another dry day. Ewart and I finished drawing in the oats in the back field that the stock
has messed about so badly. we also drew in 2 loads of peas before the machine came
along, it was about 2.40 before we started to thresh, they ran very steadily and got it all
through in fair time, we took our tea about 5 oclock, so there was not much time off. the
oats turned out very poorly, that field is so dry that when a protracted drouth sets in it
inevitably suffers. the oats are good in quality however, our fall wheat also yeilded very
poorly. 60 odd bushels. {Margin} drawing in the oats that the stock messed about -
threshed this afternoon oats & fall wheat and 2 loads peas
AUGUST THURSDAY 11 1898
Weather much the same, somewhat overcast this evening and lightning is shining
around, no rain however. Johny has finished cutting his oats in the field below his barn.
Ewart and I have been stoocking up for him, my right shoulder has been very painful to
day so much so, that I could hardly do any work without suffering much pain. Johny and
Ewart went down to the corner oat field to cut and in hitching up, the Jeenie mare kicked
Ewart on the leg and completely laid him up, so now we are both nearly "hors de
combat" - John gave her a great trouncing but it is too late in the day to reform her.
Johny and I drew in the rakings out of the back field of oats. there was quite a jag on
account of the messing of the stoocks. {Margin} Johny cutting his oats and Ewart & I
have stoocked - almost laid up with pain in right shoulder - Jeenie mare kicked Ewart on
the leg and laid him up.
FRIDAY 12
A little rain fell last night and there was great thunder and lightning, the rain was very
slight here however, not much more than to lay the dust. we here that farther north there
has been a good rain. Ewart and I have been laid up pretty much all day. Johny has
finished cutting with the binder and had to set it up himself afterwards. Ewart and I drew
in 2 loads of oats in the evening, hands are very hard to get in the meantime. the
harvest has come in very suddenly, a great bulk of the oats were very green up to this
time but the heat and drouth have burned them up so as to prematurely ripen them,
roots must be suffering badly.
SATURDAY 13
The same parching weather still prevails, other parts around however are getting
showers when we are left out. Ewart and I have had a busy day drawing in. we took in 5
loads of oats out of the south front field, which makes 7 loads from barely 3 acres. we
also took 4 loads of wheat from the north front field 2 small loads of the Harrison, and 3
of goose. the goose seems to be much the better crop. the sheaves are heavier by a
third on the scales. Maggie helped us in the mow, we put it in the west half of the bay
mow. {Margin} Ewart & I drawing in wheat & oats. Maggie helped us in the mow.
Sunday 14
A very little rain to day, a heavy shower went around but we only got the tail of it. Ewart
& Maggie were twice at Everton meeting to day. Margaret & I paid a visit to Webbs this
evening. Webbs & Robt. Mc
Williams have found some of their sheep worried to day. I
rode up with John Mc
Kenzie and got his stray cattle at the saw mill. {Margin} "Sheep
worried"
AUGUST MONDAY 15 1898
No change in the weather, there are signs of rain at times and local showers fall here
and there but nothing or at least nothing to do any good falls here. Ewart and I have
drawn in the last 2 loads of sheaves to day, the goose wheat. Ewart horse raked the oat
patch also the wheat field and we brought all into the barn. Maggie helped us to mow it
away - excepting one load that Keough the butcher helped us off with. I sold the
Mc
Kenzie Cow to Keough for $27.50. he paid me $1.50 on her and wishes her taken to
Rockwood on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning next. Johny is rigging up the
pea harvester to day. Joe Hindley's attachment on our mower. I got the privelege of
using it also from Joe. the wind has been strong and high to day, making it very
inconvenient for loading grain in the fields. {Margin} dry, hot weather still prevails. -
horse raked spring wheat field and oat patch - and drew it in. - sold the Mc
Kenzie cow to
Keough for $27.50 got $1.50 in hand.
TUESDAY 16
The great drouth still prevails, although thunder clouds and other signs of rain present
themselves. Ewart and I went into the peas with the horse rake and pulled quite a piece
of the peas, it makes a fair looking job but, as the crop is very fine, we are advised to
wait and put on the pea harvester. Johny thinks he will haul in his oats tomorrow and, if
so, we can get the harvester. Johny has been quite sick last night but he is better to
day. the wind was so high this afternoon that Johny quit cutting his peas. Lizzie drives
the horses and Johny throws off the bunches. they say it is rather a hard job to do. our
folks stopped giving the cream to day to the creamery, the driver told them to day that
14¢ was what they were paying for this month and we thought it too little. butter is worth
in Guelph market from 18 to 20¢ per lb. {Margin} pulled some of the peas with the horse
rake. - Johny cuts some of his with Joe Hindley's harvester - stopped giving the cream
to the creamery.
WEDNESDAY 17
Dry & hot as ever, really this is terrible weather, nothing that passes over the ground but
what are in clouds of dust. we have a great charge these times in seeing that all the
stock gets water as well as attending to our harvest. we have run the pea harvester to
day, it makes very good work, although it shells considerable. the high wind however
which prevails is largely the cause, the pea bundles blow about and while the machine
is at work the wind prevents the peas from rolling into wads as they ought. we finished
ours to day. Maggie drove the horses and Ewart and I took them back, it was too much
for one to do and do it right. {Margin} dry and dusty. - cutting peas with the pea
harvester. - high wind makes cutting dissagreeable - Maggie driving the horses
AUGUST THURSDAY 18 1898
Weather much the same as has so long prevailed, dry, hot and dusty. Oh, but we look
with longing eyes for the needed rain. we have had the help of George Duffield to day in
taking in the peas. we have done very well in taking in 12 loads into the barn, excepting
one load, that we put into the bay mow they all went into the swing beam mow. we put
some more of the hay out of that mow over the horse stable, which made us some more
room for the peas. Maggie led the horse (King) while hauling up with the horse fork.
Johny & Lizzie have been cutting their peas to day until about 4 oclock P.M. that Henry
Duffield came along and helped them to draw in some. {Margin} terrible drouth
continues - took 12 loads of peas in to day. - drawing in to the swing beam mow with
horse and horse fork
FRIDAY 19
The terrible drouth still holds sway, there is considerable dampness in the early morning
from heavy dews, how much good results from this it may be hard to say but certain it is
that we are at present suffering badly for want of rain. the turnips & potatoes retain their
color remarkably well, but for all that there can be no other conclusion than that they
both are suffering. George Duffield helped us this forenoon to draw in the peas, we took
in five loads before dinner, and then Ewart went, as well as George, to Duffield's
threshing. I went to the back fields, before breakfast, to get the cows, but could not find
them in the clearing. I also went after breakfast but returned home without them.
afternoon I again went over to the other line to Maikens & Symotts, and found them in
our own clearing on my way home. I suppose they must have been in the swamp in
search of water on my first looking after them. {Margin} Jersey heifer 3 weeks from this -
Hauling in peas this forenoon. George Duffield helping us. - Henry Duffield threshing,
Ewart there - I had a hunt for our cows, missed a milking this morning - after a long
search found them in our clearing. - Saw an animal like a Lynx this morning
SATURDAY 20
Dry & hot as ever. we were busy at the hauling in of the remnant of the peas this
forenoon. George Duffield helped us - we took in 6 loads, 5 before dinner and one after.
there is, I think, 15 loads in the swing beam mow, and 8 in the bay, and 2 threshed,
making 25 in all. I paid George Duffield $1.50 and owe him yet a dollar. his boots
repairing 50¢ making $3.00 for 3 days work. Maggie and her Mother drove to Guelph to
day. they had butter & eggs. nine oclock before they returned home. I was getting
uneasy, but they were all right. I helped Johny at his pea hauling. he had quite a
number helping. Robert & his Son, Jinnie & team forenoon, Robt. himself afternoon, &
Robt Mc
Williams & team. Wm. Tindal & Walter Mc
Hues all day - he finished his peas but
has a lot of oats yet. {Margin} we finished harvest to day. - Maggie & her Mother at
Guelph to day - paid cash to Geo. Duffield - Johny has a band drawing in his peas
Sunday 21
No change in the weather. Ewart & Maggie at Everton Meeting this forenoon, also at
night with their Mother accompanying when David Mitchell, who is visiting from Meaford,
was baptized. I walked down to Webbs evening. John Mc
Kenzie, Bella & children visited
here this afternoon {Margin} David Mitchell baptized to day - our folks all down. Perrins
met an accident with the team
{Transcriber's note - Monday and Tuesday entries in reverse order.}
AUGUST TUESDAY 23 1898
Weather much as usual, so far as we are concerned, there has been, however, a heavy
thunder storm around to the south of us, but no rain of any consequence fell here. after
the clouds passed off in the evening there were great and continuous flashes of
lightning which may betoken another approaching storm. we need rain woefully bad. I
repaired Ewarts shoes to day, and Ewart and I set the tires of the cart and buggy with
boiling oil. the wind was quite high and there was some sprinkling of rain so that we did
the work in the wood house. I paid Johny five dollars this evening, when he paid me the
last money. I promised to give him back this amount if he needed it. Mr Keough was
round to day. we bought 50¢ worth of beef from him and paid for it. I thought to let it
stand and settle for it when he paid for the cow, but found that he left the money 26
dollars with Mr Mc
Callum last Friday, so paid for the meat. we got the cash this evening
at Mc
Callums. {Margin} thunder clouds passing round - shoe mending also harness
fixing and repairing - Keough paid for the cow $26.00 - meat from him
MONDAY 22 TUESDAY 22 23
As dry as ever. Oh, but we are greatly in need of moisture. dust and thirst and drouth
prevail. Ewart and the team have been at Johnys all day. Johny has had quite a force at
work taking in his oats, having these 2 days to record at once I mistook the one day's
events, as amended, for the other. Johny got his oats all in the barn to day so has
finished up his harvest. he had Wm. Tindal, John Campbell (Webbs man) and Robie
Mutrie, besides Ewart helping him. David Mitchell and wife and Nettie Abbott paid us a
visit to day. they intend leaving for home next Thursday. David has been in rather poor
health and is trying this trip for benefit, he does not feel much, if any, better however.
Johny & Lizzie drove down to see about the Pearins this evening. they seem to think
they are doing as well as might be expected, but the 3 women are rather badly hurt. Mrs
Pearin, Junr. and Emila have both fractured bones at the ankles and Lizzie lies at Duffs
in a precarious state, while just little more than starting for Ospringe meeting, the horses
took fright at an upraised parasol, and the lines breaking ran away. {Margin} Johny had
on a strong force and finished harvest. - David Mitchell and wife visiting us. - Pearins in
a bad way from a run away accident on Sunday
WEDNESDAY 24
Heavy thunder storm last night. Considerable rain also fell although not as much as we
would like. throughout the day it remained dull and threatning an oncome of rain but it
did not materialize. I arranged the sheep and lambs differently again and got them
separated. I had them done before but the ewes showed signs of inflammed udders and
I thought it best to put the lambs with them again. I drove Maggie & her mother over to
Mc
Kenzies. they were picking a pail of chock cherries and I intended helping John to
pull peas but they were too damp we thought. there was a little rain falling now & then.
Ewart has been helping all day at Morton's threshing. I drove over to Coningsby this
evening being again requested to meet at Martinonis on the same business as last time.
we were unsuccessful in settling matters. the 2 Executors were there and Mr Wood. Mr
Smith, Mr Medley and myself. they had a letter from Peterson telling them they should
pay over to Mrs Martinoni herself {Margin} I paid Johny 5 dollars that I promised on his
last payment to me if he required it. - Separated the sheep & lambs the 2nd time - drove
Maggie & her mother to Mc
Kenzies to pick chock cherries - also drove over to
Martinonis
AUGUST THURSDAY 25 1898
Very dull and damp this morning, it cleared up about nine oclock however and the
remainder of the day was fine. I got things fixed up and started to plow in the back fall
wheat stubble before dinner. after dinner I thought it would be right for me to go and
help Mc
Kenzies at their peas this afternoon, so hitched on to the sulkey rake thinking
that perhaps it might do better than the revolving rake, we did not use it for the peas but
Bella raked the barley stubble with it, and I put back the wads for John. I came home
with the rake by way of Usherwoods fields. Ewart has attended Mortons threshing again
to day. we have begun to put the sheep in at night, the dogs were at work again last
night, and worried some lambs at Webbs rape field, some of Robert Mc
Williams and
some of his own also some of R. J. Kerrs, Isaac Theakers & John Coffees. Isaac shot at
the 2 dogs but have not killed them as we know.
FRIDAY 26
Dull and a little rainy this morning, but not enough of rain fell to be of much good. John
Mc
Kenzie & Bella and the children came along this morning, it was so damp that he
could not work at his peas. we made up his stone boat out of the planks I gave him, and
afterwards went to the saw mill to find his 2 heifers that again strayed away. we walked
over to the other line before dinner and found that James Symott had turned them out of
his place last Wednesday. we found them up at the saw mill and drove them down here
and he took his young steer along home with them. Ewart has plowed in the fall wheat
stubble to day. he finds it very dry and hard. Margaret & I intended to go to Everton this
afternoon and visit at Abbotts in company of Mr & Mrs David Mitchell who intend starting
for Meaford on Sunday next, but, on account of looking up the cattle &c. we could not
make it out. frost last night.
SATURDAY 27
Weather again clear and fine. very cool at night. Ewart plowed in the fall wheat stubble
but had to quit early in the afternoon on account of the sole plate of the plow breaking
up. the land in the wet part has become very hard. I got a new sole plate & share this
evening at Robt. Talbots. Margaret & I drove to Everton and had tea at Abbotts in
company of Mr & Mrs David Mitchell. I got 50 lbs flour at the mill which I owe for, along
with the last 50 lbs. also got 25¢ oatmeal for which I paid. fixed & set saw to day and
sawed up stuff in wood house. received a card from A. Mc
Gregor from Creemore. he
states Patullos house has been burned up. they were fast asleep when the fire was well
underway and aroused by Zella Patullo calling, Fire! Fire! they lost pretty heavily but are
somewhat insured. {Margin} visiting at Everton Abbotts & Mr & Mrs David Mitchell - got
flour & oatmeal at the mill. - card from A. Mc
Gregor giving the account of Patullos fire at
Creemore
Sunday 28th
Dry & warm. Ewart & Maggie twice to Everton. Willie visited us to day - Janie came at
night. she is going to remain to make a dress for Margaret. Colin Campbell goes to
Guelph this evening and takes Willie with him. John Dickieson of 4th line Eramosa died
to day. {Margin} John Dickieson died to day
AUGUST MONDAY 29 1898
Dry weather still continues although this morning looked threatning. we started to take
out the manure for the fall wheat this morning. Johny is also drawing his out. Johny & I
went over to John Mc
Kenzies after dinner to help draw in his peas, we put our team on
Johnys wagon & rack, and Ewart used Johnys team. there were 3 teams at work at
Mc
Kenzies, and although late before getting started we were done in good time. there
was good help. Bapties boy, David Robertson, Geo. Loree, Colin Mc
Millan & team for
Usherwood. our Johny & myself & Herman Tovell. there were 7 loads of peas. Ewart got
out quite a few loads of manure {Margin} taking out manure - helping John Mc
Kenzie to
haul in his peas. - he had other help also.
TUESDAY 30
The same dry weather still prevails. we are weary waiting for succour. the Sun retires at
night however with the same red glow. Ewart & I have been at the manure all day. we
got the pig yard cleaned out the sheep house pretty nearly done. I helped load and
spread some during the time of unloading. received a letter from Brother Alex. he
intends coming this way on the end of the week or first of next, he sent me a season
ticket for the show. Ewart hitched up the colt to the cart and she is getting so well
broken in that Ewart thinks of putting her to the buggy. John Dickiesons funeral took
place to day. I did not know of it, nor of his death, and I would have liked to have
attended. {Margin} Funeral of John Dickieson this afternoon - drawing out manure -
Received a letter from Meaford
WEDNESDAY 31
No change in the weather. I wrote 2 cards, one to Brother Alex. Meaford, and one to
Alex. Mc
Gregor, Carlton West, and drove to Everton to mail them. I am making
arrangements for going to Toronto Exhibition and meeting Alex. at Mc
Gregors. we
finished the manure spreading and commenced to plow it in for fall wheat sowing. the
land is very dry and it seems a risky operation seeding under present circumstances.
We had a pleasant visit from Mr & Mrs Morgan Crewson also Mr & Mrs John Webb who
accompanied them. they staid till after tea. Morgan, although yet a very heavy man is
not quite so heavy as he has been he speaks of being only about between 240 and 250
lbs. and that, he says, is much lighter than his wont. {Margin} wrote cards to Brother
Alex. also Alex. Mc
Gregor - visited by Mr & Mrs Morgan Crewson and Mr and Mrs Jno
Webb - Morgan Crewson weight 240 to 250 lbs
September THURSDAY 1 1898
Weather much the same as has prevailed we keep wishing and hoping for a break in
this terribly dry spell but, as yet there seems none in sight, the thermometor registers
from 90 to 97 in the shade these days, and everything so very dry besides. Ewart has
been plowing in the manure a portion of the land at the bottom of the field is springy and
that has become very hard and dry, I fear we will not be able to make a very good seed
bed and, certainly until rain falls, the seed will never start. Colin Campbell drove up to
Mimosa for his mother to day. Jeenie & Colin intended driving to Guelph to day, but they
have decided to stay till tomorrow. I have a heavy job pumping water for all the stock
these days, the pumps are not in good shape and a great deal of water is needed. Colin
Mc
Millan, mother in law & wife & boy 5th line Erin, called as they returned from the mill.
he wanted to take Mrs Cawthra with them {Margin} 90 to 97 degrees in the shade these
days - plowing for the fall wheat. - Colin Campbell drove to Mimosa for his mother -
heavy job pumping for the stock these days
SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 2
Another blistering hot day and no rain. I hitched to the buggy this morning and drove
Colin & Jeenie to Guelph. I got the two front tires of the buggy set, there was a spoke in
each of them loose and rattling. paid a dollar to Penfold for it. I also got a pad for the
driving harness and some straps &c. and a piece of harness leather costing in all $1.75.
also bought cotton cloth & binding for horse sheets, and other sundries $1.03. Colin
sent out a basket of tomatoes in a present. Ewart finished the plowing and started to
harrow to day. there are many people sowing their fall wheat, I suppose we will have to
follow suit though I cant see very much use in it either. the land is as dry as dust
generally. it is wonderful, however to see vegitation under these circumstances. Henry
Duffield tells me that the fall wheat they sowed is showing all along the drills. I notice
also in the back fall wheat stubble the wheat growing that has been turned over with the
plow {Margin} drove to Guelph to day with Colin Campbell & Jeenie. - got 2 wheels
(front) set. - bought sundries - got notice from Brother Alex. that he will not be down
tomorrow
SATURDAY 3
The same dry & scorching weather, the heat is as great as ever. Ewart has had a busy
day, he harrowed and rolled the fall wheat land twice before sowing with the seeder.
and after sowing with the drill he harrowed it again but had not time to roll it. the seed
bed has been much improved by this continual working but the doing of it was very
dissagreeable work on account of the high wind and consequent dust. John Webb, I
hear, is at Guelph to day getting the writings drawn between himself and Thos. Wilson
of Knatchbul, concluding the sale of the farm. I cannot get on with much work other than
attending to the stock &c. on account of the scarcity of water. I cleaned 7 bushels of
wheat and it took {blank} to sow it. {Margin} sowed the fall wheat to day. - John Webb
has sold out and is in Guelph to day getting the writings drawn. - scarcity of water. -
Johnys colt injured to day from a gore.
Sunday 4
Quite a threatning for rain, but after all it blew greatly off in high wind. it seems as if we
cant get rain. I walked down to Webbs and found they have really sold out. Mary
accompanied Ewart & Maggie up from meeting. Willie also drove out from Guelph, and
had Jamie & Jessie Marshall with him they all returned to Guelph again in the evening.
Mrs Cawthra is still with us. John Campbell is unwell and she is uneasy. {Margin} Willie
out from Guelph. Jessie and Jamie Marshall - colt to buggy first time
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 5 1898
A welcome shower fell upon us this forenoon, the only fault we had to it was that it did
not rain long enough it will freshen up things however and, as the weather is broken
perhaps we may soon have rain again. there has not been enough to raise the river so
that the cattle can get drink. this afternoon Ewart finished the harrowing and rolling of
the fall wheat, and afterwards plowed the headlands of the root field. this rain will help
the turnips and may the potatoes too. the tops of the latter are getting partially brown.
we cleaned and bagged up our fall wheat for Johny 583 lbs, bags included. I also
cleaned up the barn and made a road from the barn to the horse stable passage
through the chaff. John Mc
Kenzie & family were here this evening. {Margin} welcome
rain. - finished harrowing & rolling the fall wheat - young red cow to {Mc
Millin} - cleaning
up the barn &c. - Johny got 583 lbs fall wheat - John Mc
Kenzie - Johny also got 77 lbs
and 88 lbs of oats.
TUESDAY 6
Heavy rain again this morning and hoped it would continue but weather fine after the
rain. it is a pity it cleared up again so soon but now that the spell is partially broken it
may be we will get more soon again. Ewart and I cleaned up the barn floor by putting
through the peas and oat chaff that has been gathering through the mill. Ewart started
to plow the fall wheat stubble. this morning the weather looked so unsettled and raining
some that we were a little undecided whether to start for Toronto, however it cleared up
soon enough to make us decide to start and Ewart drove us down with "Doc" & the
buggy. we were met at the station by Mr A. Mc
Gregor and escorted to his house.
{Margin} sent 3 dollars by stage driver to pay A.O.U.W. for Mc
Kenzie and myself. I
expected to have to meet Brother Alex. at Erin last week and laid out to pay it then,
hence the delay.
WEDNESDAY 7
Carlton. A beautiful day, but much cooler than has prevailed all last week. Margaret & I
had a fine nights rest after the bustle of getting down here yesterday and we feel fresh
and rested. after dinner (early) Mrs Mc
Gregor accompanied Margaret & I to the
Exhibition. we took the street cars which took us there in about an hour, and we were on
the grounds from about one oclock till after 5 P.M. or perhaps 6. we first went through
the palace, and I afterwards, alone, went through a good many of the stock sheds,
seeing the different breeds of cattle, horses &c. also examined some of the agricultural
machinery. after that our company met again and at 4.30 and we were present when
the quick firing guns were fired off at the boat on the lake and which was expected to be
blown up but did not materialize. there was a great crowd there, and we returned to
Carlton taking the street cars at Yonge Street and by transfer (at 5¢ fare) to the
"Peacock" Hotel, Dundas Street.
SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 8 1898
Most beautiful weather, the dust is now thoroughly laid and the wind is cool and
pleasant. I got a card from Brother Alex. last night saying to meet him at the Union
Station at 10 A.M. I accordingly was on hand at that hour, but, as he came on the
G.T.R. instead of the C.P.R as I expected, I missed him. I walked to Earsonans shop
however, and found him about noon. we then walked back to Yonge Street, and after
going around doing some business, we finally took the street cars for the Junction
again, arriving at Mc
Gregors before dark we did not visit the Exhibition. Margaret and
Mrs Mc
Gregor had just returned a short time before from the city. There Margaret had
made purchases at Eatons. Wm. Patullo joined us shortly after our getting there and we
had a pleasant time.
FRIDAY 9
Quite cool and pleasant this morning. we were astir a little early on account of Brother
Alex. having to meet the 7.30 train for Guelph. after getting breakfast Mr Mc
Gregor,
Patullo and myself accompanied Alex to the Railway Station and sent him off for
Guelph. we then returned to the house and had a pleasant time chatting &c. and got
early dinner so as to meet the 1.15 P.M. train for the west. Mr Patullo went off towards
the City and we got off for the train, young Joseph Mc
Gregor accompanying us to stay
awhile at our place for the good of his health. we arrived at Rockwood shortly after 3
oclock but there was nobody to meet us and we stayed there till the next train came in
at 7 oclock. Ewart then met us with the horse & buggy. the 4 of us then piled in with our
1 heavy valise which made a heavy load. we drove easy however and got home all
right.
SATURDAY 10
The temperature has become much cooler now and it is a pleasant change . Brother
Alex & I have been taking a little ride round after looking about the fields awhile, we
drove round by Everton, calling first at Webbs and then going to Bellas for tea, then to
Everton for the mail and called at Mary's, the Robertson girls and the Abbotts. in the
forenoon we went to Duffields. Alex notes a great change among the people, they are
getting so much older looking and many gone who used to be around. Ewart plowed
this forenoon. he thought to finish plowing the fall wheat stubble to day but he had to go
to Coffey's threshing this afternoon. Mc
Lean's Steamer is threshing for him.
Sunday 11
A very fine day. Ewart & Maggie were at Everton this A.M. the members were voting to
day at Everton & Mimosa as to keeping on Mr Seyton. I understand the vote was
favourable. I drove Alex. up to Orton this afternoon, calling to see Mrs Rafferty. I had tea
at Archie Stephens and parted with Alex.
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 12 1898
A fine day. everything is dry again, and we long for rain. it is a pity we do not get a
soaker. the river is as dry as ever and we have the same trouble in getting the water for
the stock, the pumps work hard and it is no easy job to keep plenty of water for all the
animals. Ewart went to Coffey's threshing this forenoon and finished plowing the fall
wheat stubble behind Jestins place. I attended Robert Mc
Williams threshing. Wm.
Barber & John Weatherston are threshing for him. they threshed all day. they have to
come back again as Robert had not room in his granary for the grain on account of
having his old wheat yet on hand. Mr and Mrs Webb paid us a visit this afternoon. our
smallest white sow (Barbers) pigged this evening, she has eight pigs living, one was
killed by one of our other young pigs which is inclined to be ravenous. {Margin} 2
threshing on hand John Coffey and Robt. Mc
Williams - finished plowing the fall wheat
stubble.
TUESDAY 13
Continues fine, but dry and warm. Ewart has plowed in the south front field. he has
found it very dry and hard plowing. the flies trouble the horses a good deal. I have been
busy to day fixing up the pig pen for putting up our pigs. they are going back now on
account of the stubbles getting bare of grain, we had the pea land rather thickly strewn
with peas but they have got well licked up now. {Margin} Johny got 79 lbs oats
WEDNESDAY 14
No change in the weather, but appearances seen to indicate a change. Geo. Marshall
tells me that the papers speak of the probabilities being for unsettled weather, hope it
may be true and that much rain will fall, it is seldom that so great a drouth afflicts the
country so late in the season. Ewart has been at John Webbs threshing with the team
all day. I made a rack for the stone boat and Josie Mc
Gregor and I have drawn in some
of the stove wood to the wood house we also drove the cattle twice to Johnys watering
place, our wells are getting low and we dont like to be too hard on them. I put up the
hogs to fatten, there are 2 of the youngest litter for fattening that have taken to killing
chickens by wholesale, the nasty brutes deliberately tear them to pieces.
SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 15 1898
A very welcome rain fell this forenoon. I think it is the best shower that has fallen for a
long time, although it is very far short of being sufficient for the great want that now
exists. Ewart was again at Webbs with the team this forenoon, he got home about 11
oclock, they were delayed some with the heavy shower. Josie and I have drawn in with
Fred and the stone boat quite a bit of the stove wood this afternoon. this is the day that
Hammond of Bracebridge, the wife murderer, is to be hung the word has not come
forward yet of the event having taken place but, no doubt, it has come off.
FRIDAY 16
Very fine day. cooler and much more pleasant than when roasted up for days as we
have been in the past. we have just got a rest from the regular pumping of water that we
have for a long time now had to do. I hope more rain will soon follow otherwise our
pumping will have to be resumed again. Ewart finished up the plowing of the south front
field at about 3 or 4 oclock P.M. and commenced plowing in the pea land afterwards. he
and Maggie hitched up the horse & buggie and drove over to Mc
Kenzies after night.
{Margin} Johny got 76 lbs oats in own admission - we did not know of it.
SATURDAY 17
A little warmer turn, and looks somewhat unsettled in the weather. I have piled up the
stove wood in the wood house that was drawn yesterday and drawn in some fresh loads
to day. Josie gave me some help although it looks rather too much like work for him
after doing it some time. Ewart has plowed in the pea field all day, although the sheets
are on the horses they are tormented with the flies and it makes them unsteady at their
work. Josie and I took a drive up to the saw mill this afternoon. I wished to see if I could
get some 2nd class lumber. I think there will be some available next week. we were
called on by an old neighbour, Eugene Wright, now of Chicago, this evening.
Sunday 18
A fine day. Ewart, Maggie & Josie rode twice to Everton meeting to day. Margaret & I
took a walk down to Webbs in the evening. we kept pretty close to the house all day.
SEPTEMBER MONDAY {19} 1898
{Transcriber's note - for the next two pages William does not cross out the typed date
and handwrite in the correct date.}
A very fine day. cool, but pleasant, it is an agreeable change to have the air some
cooler than what has prevailed for such a long time in August & September. Ewart has
plowed all day in pea land. I have been the afternoon at the stove wood drawing in. the
pile has become quite small now outside. I repaired Ewart's shoes this forenoon and did
up some other chores. John Webb was good enough to come and offer to take in our
lambs into his rape and I accepted, with thanks, we re-marked them and took them right
down before dinner, it was very kind of him. the water has begun to run in our creek but
has not reached our watering place yet. we sold our apples to day to Millman for $1.00
& $1.25 fall and winter respectively. Minnie Tovell paid us a visit to day. {Margin}
drawing the stove wood to the wood house - put the lambs into John Webbs rape field -
sold the apples to Millman
TUESDAY {20}
The dry, cool weather still prevails. I sincerely wish this terrible drouth would get broken
up. the great heat that has prevailed with the high winds also have been the cause of
drying up everything. we tried the driving of our cattle through to Johny's watering place
but it is difficult to get along with them as they get mixed up with his cattle. we therefore
now take them to the Town line bridge, which is less stagnant now since the rain of last
Thursday. Ewart finished up the plowing of the pea land and commenced to plow in the
back field (south) we intend putting it in root &c. next year, and will only plow it once this
fall. {Margin} Johny got 79 lbs of oats this morning - Jersey cow & red heifer (Black) to
Mc
Williams to day
WEDNESDAY {21}
A very fine day, cool forenoon but warmer afternoon. I attended a clearing bee at
Richard Mc
Williams swamp to day. there was quite a gathering of the neighbours
especially in the afternoon, and they got a very good job done. the swamps now are
pretty dry. Robert Mc
William's team was drawing stumps and logs all day also one of
Richards teams, and R. J. Kerr with his grey horse. Ewart was harrowing to day at what
is to be plowed again, there is yet a good piece of the back field yet to do. {Margin}
attended a "Bee" at Richd. Mc
Williams swamp. - harrowing the land that has to be
plowed again
SEPTEMBER THURSDAY {22} 1898
Dull this morning and looked as if rain or some change in the weather was impending.
Ewart and I just had time to get one load of stones off the fall wheat ground before
dinner, and after dinner the rain came on, although it fell lightly still it was enough to
make it unpleasant if work be exposed to it. Ewart finished the harrowing of the plowed
land by between 10 & 11 oclock when he and I met to begin the stoning of the fall wheat
land. before that, I drew in with Fred and the stone boat wheeled in with the
wheelbarrow all the chips and small pieces of the stove wood off the ground where the
pile of wood stood. there is a goodly pile and will boil the kettle quite a time. we cleaned
up 5 bags of fall wheat for a grist. it weighs 11 bushels & 10 lbs { Margin} welcome rain.
- cleared the yard of the wood chips - finished harrowing - cleaning up wheat for grist
FRIDAY {23}
Quite a heavy rain last night. this is about the first rain of any consequence since the
drouth set in in July. I went down to the watering place this morning and there is plenty
of water now, it never was so long dry before that I remember of. it must be between 6
and 8 weeks since we had water for the stock in our watering place. I took the grist of
wheat to the mill this forenoon, also 2 bags peas & oats for chop, 244 lbs. I paid the 150
lbs flour we lately got at the mill out of the grist, and brought 258 lbs flour home, which
makes 408 lbs out of 11 bushels & 10 lbs wheat, which is 37 lbs to the bushel. there
was 30 lbs short of the weight in the whole output, but Will exchanged 2 bushels
Manitoba wheat, which costs them 90¢ per bushel, to improve the quality of the flour,
which accounts for the shortness in weight. Ewart plowed this afternoon, and I drove
Josie Mc
Gregor down to Rockwood Six oclock train which was a half hour late. I had a
dissagreeable drive home as it rained all the way, and part of the way down also.
{Margin} took grist to Everton Mill. 11 bushels wheat and some chopped stuff. - took
Josie Mc
Gregor to the train this evening - plowing this afternoon - quite a rain fall last
night and this afternoon
SATURDAY (24}
Dull and unpromising looking this morning, but although there was little or no sunshine it
held up all day. Maggie and her Mother drove Fred & buggie to Guelph to day. they had
22 lbs butter & 8 doz. eggs. 19¢ for 2 lbs butter. the remainder at 17¢ eggs 16½ per
doz. Ewart attended Isaac Theaker's threshing to day. I had all the chores on my hands
myself to day, and I plowed over ¾ of an acre besides, in the back (south field) field. the
stony acre is somewhat rough on account of under stones but it is wonderfully changed
to the better after all. I was much shocked to learn of the death, after they came home,
of Andrew Tolton. he died last night about 11 oclock, and had hardly been an hour in
bed, when he expired. Mrs Tolton heard him making some unnatural gurgling, and tried
to wake him, but he had gone to the sleep that knows no waking. he had not been
complaining, but, on the contrary, had considered himself particularly well in health.
{Margin} Maggie and her Mother to Guelph to day to market. - Butter and Eggs. -
"Andrew Tolton died last night."
Sunday 24
A pleasant day. the sun came out shining nicely which felt good after the gloomy spell.
Ewart & Maggie drove to Everton this forenoon and Ewart came home alone, and then
drove off for all day again. Maggie returned at night. Margaret & I were alone all day
excepting that we took a walk to Webbs awhile in the afternoon. {Margin} Ewart &
Maggie to Everton this forenoon. Ewart then away all day. Margaret & I all day at home
excepting awhile at Webbs
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 26 1898
A very fine day but very high wind, which is not a good thing for the apple crop, as much
of the fruit is being blown off the trees. Ewart went to the finishing up of Isaac Theaker's
threshing and he returned home between 10 & 11 oclock A.M. I did up the chores and
plowed till Ewart came home, when he took the plow. I then chored round the place all
afternoon, cleaning out the pig pen, and wheeled on the barrow no less than 5 big loads
of cow manure that had gathered where they were being fed with corn. there is plenty of
water now in the watering place so there is no trouble on that score. I drove down to
Everton after tea, accompanied by Maggie and her Mother, to hear Mr Glassford and
the Baptist Minister of Guelph lecture on Prohibition, they were both good speakers.
Ewart stayed at home and it was fortunate he did, because his Uncle Thomas and
Hanah Stephens came along with horse & buggie to stay all night. they are on their way
to the funeral tomorrow. {Margin} old Mr Rossel was buried to day. - Uncle Thomas is
here to night and was a pall bearer at the funeral. he is on his way to Guelph to be
present at his brother Andrews burial to morrow - Threshing at Isaac Theakers - Lecture
on Prohibition - cut some corn and drew it in.
TUESDAY 27
Cool air, but a very fine day, bright sunshine and pleasant. Ewart has plowed all day
excepting that he had to do all the chores at night. Margaret & I drove to Guelph after
getting dinner, which was about 12.30. the funeral hour was 3 oclock and we reached
Guelph about 2.30. there was quite a large gathering soon after we arrived, a Mr Laird
to whom Edward Tolton introduced me, spoke on the occasion. his theme was the
nature of Death that comes upon all men, and the resurrection of those who die in
Christ. he spoke in glowing terms of the Character of Andrew Tolton their deceased
brother. they lifted just about 4 oclock and a large procession drove to the Union
Cemetery. we had tea at Willies, where John Mc
Kenzie, Bella & children met Margaret &
I. we left for home at 8.30 and arrived home about 11 oclock. A Mr Clay, a grocery man
of Guelph committed suicide yesterday by shooting himself in the mouth with a revolver.
WEDNESDAY 28
A very fine day, a little warmer, the temperature seems to be tending to the warmer turn.
Ewart drove in to Guelph to day with Fred and buggy. he wishes to order a suit of
clothes at R.E. Nelson's. I plowed all forenoon, after doing the chores, in the south back
field, there will be another good half days plowing to do to finish it. after dinner I cut a
quantity of corn for the horses and drew it to the barn and started up to the saw mill at
about 4 oclock and got a load of cull lumber for the sheep house building. there was, Mr
Gow, thought about 700 feet but he gave it to me for 3 dollars as he thought that
perhaps the quality was not up to the last load.
SEPTEMBER THURSDAY 29 1898
Continues very fine weather, the sun shines out clear and the nights also are beautiful
as there has been clear and splendid shining of the moon. Ewart finished plowing the
south back field by dinner time. afternoon he began the drawing off the stones on the
fall wheat ground and took off four loads. John Mc
Kenzie and I drove up to Oustic and
recorded our votes for Prohibition, on the way up we called at Mc
Cutcheons and
measured the wood that John cut for him. Mc
Cutcheon had it piled too high for to pass
as 4 feet, he allowed it to be called 4½ feet high on the shorter pile, so that the longer
one was allowed to pass at 4 feet high, as they were both high he need not have stuck
at giving him his measure but he is a very kean man I reckon. {Margin} I paid the binder
twine to day getting our note cancelled ($8.00.)
FRIDAY 30
A fine day. weather warmer than in the past while. Ewart and I have been taking off the
stones on the fall wheat ground. I did not feel extra well as it was rather hot round in that
sheltered nook. we finished the job up by about 5 oclock, taking off nine loads to day
which makes 14 loads after the plowing. I have made a mess of my page by lifting my
ink bottle by the cork.
October SATURDAY 1
Another beautiful day. Ewart plowed this forenoon in the fall wheat land, we have
commenced our second plowing there. afternoon he drove to Guelph with "Fred &
buggie to get his coat fitted. Maggie went in with Lizzie this morning. she returned with
Ewart. she had 5 lbs butter. & 7½ doz eggs. 18¢ and 16¢ respectively. I have been busy
fixing up the pig pen to day changing the yard so as both doors open out to the end
yard. I had 3 posts to take out and plant again and the board fence to build again with
new stretchers. Johny helped me a little while so as to let me away to get King shod all
round I had it done at Hoskins. reset the old shoes 40¢ unpaid.
Sunday 2
Beautiful weather, but rain would be welcome. I had not much rest this forenoon trying
to make the pigs comfortable. Geo. Loree & Mary visited us this afternoon also Mr
Seytone to tea. Ewart & Maggie were at Everton twice to day
OCTOBER MONDAY 3 1898
A very hot day, quite warm & close enough for July. Johny took a load of apples (23
barrells) 3 for us and 20 for himself, he had our team and Ewart plowed with Johnys
team. they were very warm and not very steady, Ewart would much rather have our own
team, the young mare is too quick for old Jeenie. Maggie has been at Everton all day
helping Mary & Bella to make a dress for the latter. I have had a busy day with the
chores and carrying bedding for the pigs, also pulled 8 rows of mangolds and took the
leaves all off so they are ready for loading. Johny paid me four dollars as his share of
the note for the binder twine. Geo. Mc
Williams was along with Johny with a load of
apples (25 Barrells) and his rack broke down, they had to unload all the Barrells and
load them up again making a lot of trouble.
TUESDAY 4
Quite a change in the weather, from the hot, sultry spell that has prevailed some time
we now have it cooler and quite dull and lowering. a light rain has been falling a good
part of the day, not enough to keep people indoors but enough to make it somewhat
dissagreeable to do outdoor work. Ewart has been plowing the most of the day. he had
to quit awhile before dinner on account of the rain being a little heavier. I began to take
up the mangolds but the tops became so wet as to make it too dissagreeable work to
continue at. I repaired Maggie's shoes and sewed up a tug on Duffields Single harness.
WEDNESDAY 5
Dull this morning and a little rain fell about six oclock. the clouds cleared off about 10
oclock and we had sunshine the most of the day afterwards. Ewart ploughed all
forenoon and after dinner he plowed again till ½ past 2, when he brought up the plow
and we hitched to the wagon, and drew in the mangolds there were about 5½ loads well
filled up but no {shekings} on the wagon. I pulled and topped the balance while Ewart
drove up the loads and unloaded them. I pulled about 9 rows and helped to fill the
wagon it was late before I started out and I did some repairing to a tug for their single
harness (Duffields) shoe of Johny's
OCTOBER THURSDAY 6 1898
Heavy frost last night but not the killer that we had earlier in the season that cut off our
potatoe tops so badly. I do not notice any particular damage through it. I cut down all
our corn this afternoon lest we should get another frost that would spoil it. our women
are picking the snow apples to day, they have been falling off rather badly on account of
the high winds prevailing. Ewart has been plowing in the fall wheat land. Barber and
Weatherston have had a break down with their threshing machine at Wm. Theakers and
we will all be delayed accordingly. Johny expects to thresh tomorrow afternoon and
Monday forenoon. Webb's sale in the afternoon interferes.
FRIDAY 7
Not so frosty as last night and this day throughout has been some warmer than
yesterday. Ewart has plowed all day again in the 25 acre corner, (fall wheat ground) he
thinks he will be pretty well through it tomorrow. we sold our young mare (Maude) this
forenoon, to Mr Leeson of Brampton, for 90 dollars. I think I should have held her at 100
as I at first intended as he was but a very short time in concluding to take her, and he
said different times that he liked her. I prepared the barrels in the orchard, 4 of them, got
them at Richd. Mc
Williams and helped them some to pick apples. Colin Campbell and
his Mother called this afternoon, they staid to tea and fed their horse before driving to
Guelph. {Margin} I borrowed 137 lbs peas from R. Morton and 275 previous making now
412 lbs altogether. Bags included
SATURDAY 8
Fair weather. Johny has thrashed to day after dinner Ewart plowed this forenoon and
helped at the threshing afternoon. Maggie and her Mother were at the apples to day.
{Margin} Johny got 84 lbs oats
OCTOBER MONDAY 10 1898
A fine day. Ewart plowed this forenoon attended Johny's threshing this forenoon but,
like the rest of us went to the sale in the afternoon. I walked down after dinner to John
Webb's sale, it was said to start at one oclock, but it was 2 oclock before they began. I
was installed as Clerk, right away, I objected on account of not being able to hear well
and distinctly, but they would not take no for an answer, so I had to do it with Dougald
Robertson helping me to finish up the business at night, in drawing notes, making up
accounts &c. I bought a cow for $37.75, and a Robe $2.00, 2 loads of hay $7.25 -
altogether $47.00 due in a year.
TUESDAY 11
A very rainy day. Johny got his threshing done about 10 oclock this forenoon and the
rain was on before he was done. they then moved the machine here and the men hung
round awhile thinking we might thresh but eventually they left as they concluded it was
too wet to thresh on account of the horse walk even it partially cleared up. this is the
evening of the gathering at Webb's to make the presentation of the easy chairs and an
address. a fine gathering was present about 8 oclock P.M. with their baskets. Dr.
Mc
Cullough was voted chairman, John Sunter read the address John Hindley replied,
and otherwise, through the evening, entertained the meeting. several said a few words
and musical recitations made up a pleasant programme until one oclock in the morning
WEDNESDAY 12
Rockwood Show day. fine weather for a wonder. after all the rain the surroundings were
very mucky, but the land soon dried up very much. I hitched up the horse and buggy
and Maggie and her Mother and I drove down to the show after dinner. there was a
good attendance considering the dull morning. I heard them say there were $215.05
taken at the gate. 15¢ admission. we had tea at David Stewarts before starting for
home. John Mc
Kenzie & family were there also Willie from Guelph.
OCTOBER THURSDAY 13 1898
Another rainy day, it is astonishing how easy it seems to rain this week. we did our
threshing to day and a very dissagreeable job it was. the horse walk broke up rather
badly but the other work went on very well. I think we have about 150 or 160 bushels of
peas, about 70 or 80 of wheat and perhaps 150 of oats. I paid the threshers 9 dollars for
the whole threshing, it was a bare day & half, but they thresh charge 7 dollars a day this
season, and I think they are reasonable with us.
FRIDAY 14
A very rainy forenoon, and now and again rain in the afternoon, a very bad day for Erin
Show. Ewart drove over to it but Maggie did not go. they say there was no rain at the
Exhibition after a heavy shower about noon, they are all well bedraggled however, and
mired up. Margaret & I drove over to Edward Toltons this forenoon, we found Mrs Tolton
in a sort of Comatose state, and did not speak, her 2 sisters Mrs Reid of Georgetown,
and Mrs Dick near Ashgrove were there. Ewart drove over to Erin Show this afternoon
taking "Fred" and the bugggy after we returned from Toltons. we had "Doc" down there
so Ewart had a fresh horse. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella were at the show, and Colin
Campbell and Jeenie from Guelph. they were keener than I would be, it was a long
drive in bad weather.
SATURDAY 15
Cold last night and cooler to day. the sky however, has got clear of much of the murky
clouds that has prevailed now for the greater part of the week, and the water abounding
every where is now getting a chance to soak away. Ewart has attended Richd.
Mc
Williams threshing all day. I would have liked to see the plow going, but there are too
many things out of order so that I could not undertake to plow. I levelled down the horse
walk which had got terribly cut up by the threshing during the rain. I also hauled the corn
together and piled it against the fence, brought over the fanning mill from Johnys to
clean up the muddle in the barn, sewed up rippings in little Willies shoes &c. we had
another call from the horse buyer giving vent to his dissatisfaction.
Sunday 16
Beautiful day. warm sunshine and very pleasant. Ewart & Maggie were at Everton twice
to day. Margaret and I drove down to see Mrs Edward Tolton, the doctor was there, he
says she is in a critical state, although there are no additional bad symptoms she is
getting weaker on account of not being able to take nourishment
OCTOBER MONDAY 17 1898
A very fine fall day, moderately cool forenoon, but it became colder afternoon and quite
cold at night. Ewart attended Richd. Mc
Williams threshing to day. they finished up about
4 oclock P.M. and Ewart helped a little while to pick apples. Maggie and her Mother
have been picking quite awhile to day. Wm. Tindal and I have been cutting the timber
required to put up our Sheep pen. I also hauled it out of the bush into the clearing by
"Doc", and we brought home on the wagon all the posts excepting one that is on the
lane, we have eight posts, 13 girts 18 feet long, and 13 rafters, and a 36 foot plate.
TUESDAY 18
Rather dull this forenoon, and it broke out to be a very wet afternoon. Robert Jestin
threshed till between 3 & 4 oclock, when they quit. Johny was there and ran down at
noon and hauled in his apples that were barreled in the orchard. we also drew in 10
barrels when it showed for a protracted rain. I wrote the report of Webb's address &
presentation last night, and mailed it this morning to Guelph to be inserted in the
Mercury. I also got a new shoe put on Doc (Paid) at Robertsons and a bag of shorts at
the mill 50¢ paid. Ewart and I cleaned & bagged the mixed grain on the barn floor after
the threshing, (5 bags) we put up the cows this evening in the stable, they were so cold
and comfortless outside.
WEDNESDAY 19
Cleared up through the night, the stars were shining this morning which was a welcome
sight after all the dismal weather of yesterday. we had the wagon all to prepare this
morning to take the pigs to Guelph, and also the run way &c. we had quite a job getting
ready but I started about 9 oclock, or 10 minutes before getting into about 11.20. I had
the hogs weighed and my check for $25.55 before 12 oclock, they hustled my 4 pigs
into another man's rack, and I was saved the journey up to the hog yard. the 3 pigs
weighed 575, and the small one 115. I wanted the remaining 3 to be alone otherwise
would not have taken the small one away. Berber took 25¢ off him for being so light. I
got $4.10 per 100, now it is under $4.00. I had dinner at Willies. I sent 7 dollars for T.
Tolton to A McGregor. I also paid R.E. Nelson $18.00 for Ewart's suit of clothes. it
rained again this afternoon. the folks at home picked some apples for packing to day
OCTOBER THURSDAY 20 1898
A very fine day, sunshine and warm. I have been busy picking apples to day. Maggie
and her mother have also been at the same work. Ewart attended John Mc
Kenzies
threshing to day, they got through between 2 & 3 oclock. Mc
Leans steamer - Ewart
helped at the apples after returning home. I drew a lot into the barn this forenoon and
Ewart drew the balance in before night fall. after tea I drove down to Everton for the
mail, and also got 25¢ worth oatmeal at Marshall's, Wilson's and Fergus. I just heard to
night that Mrs James Rea on our Town line dropped dead this morning. a fine and
healthy looking person she was, but death comes to all and sometimes very
unexpectedly. I got 100 lbs wire nails at Marshalls, 25 lbs shingle, 10 lbs 2½, about the
same of 5 & 6 inch spikes, the balance 3 inch, price $2.50 paid.
FRIDAY 21
Weather changed to the bad again, we have had a very wet afternoon, the forenoon
was dull and threatning with some rain also, the land is getting quite wet now. I wish our
potatoes had been up before so much wet came. Ewart has been at Duffield's threshing
all day, they did not finish. Wm. Tindall has been here to day, he helped me to draw up
the rafters and stretchers from the bush to day. I also drew up the stick for the plate. I
agreed to give him his price for putting up the building, $10.00 for all the job, and I dig
the holes and score hack the plate.
SATURDAY 22
Unsettled weather still prevails. Wm. Tindal has been working at the rafters &c. under
cover of the cattle shed. he score hacked and hewed the plate in the afternoon, when it
cleared up. I helped him some after returning from the funeral. Margaret & I took "Doc"
and buggy and attended the funeral of Mrs James Rea, on the town line. the doctors
say it was apoplexy that took Mrs Rea off. she lived two hours after being struck, but
never spoke. there was a very large crowd at the funeral. she was buried in the grounds
on their own corner.
Sunday 23
A fine day, but cooler than has prevailed for some time back. Ewart & Maggie were at
Everton this forenoon. Willie drove out from Guelph and took Maggie down to Everton in
the ev'g. Mrs Duffield from Rockwood, and Henry & wife paid us a visit this afternoon
and evening
OCTOBER MONDAY 24 1898
A fine day. we put on the wagon rack this morning and Ewart took in a load of furniture
for Webbs. I had a pain in my shoulder so that I could not lift very well above my head,
and as there were quite a number at the loading up I did not go. Wm. Tindal was
wanting the holes dug for the posts of the sheep house, so I let them get the things
loaded without me going, it was about 11 oclock before they got away. Henry Duffield
and Robert Mc
Williams helped to load, our Johny was also there awhile. I dug 3 post
holes and had the posts put in and fitted & filled in, other 2 were nearly ready too, they
are 4 feet deep. I got the spoon shovel at Robert Mc
Williams.
TUESDAY 25
Another fine day for a wonder, it is rare to find 2 days consecutively fine just now. Ewart
finished plowed at the 2nd plowing of the fall wheat land - the patch on the 25 acres. I
finished digging the post holes shortly after dinner to day, and we got some help to put
up the plate and the rafters, we had Henry Duffield, Robert Mc
Williams, Richard
Mc
Williams, and our Johny besides ourselves. we were not long in getting the pieces all
up and spiked. it looks to be a good substantial building. the apple packers are busy at
Johnys to day, they intend being with us tomorrow. I drove up to Mimosa this evening to
hear Mr Stratton M.P.P. speaking in behalf of Mr Gibson, he is a fluent speaker, and
appealed hard for the people to vote for Gibson next Thursday.
WEDNESDAY 26
Rain to day in the forenoon, not very heavy but heavy enough to stop the work. the
apple packers were with us this forenoon and packed 11 barrels, 9 barrels winters and 2
sweetings. I took the white (Barber) sow over to Kerrs this forenoon. Ewart finished
plowing at the back fall wheat patch and brought up the plough. this afternoon he and I
rigged up the wagon with the rack so as to take down the apples to Rockwood
tomorrow. Mr & Mrs John Webb called on us this evening. John is staying round for a
couple of days so as to keep his vote legal for tomorrow. {Margin} "Barber sow away to
day"
OCTOBER THURSDAY 27 1898
Very hard frost last night and this has been a very cold day throughout although it
became a little milder later in the afternoon. Ewart drove to Rockwood to day with the
apples, we had partly loaded on our own wagon and rack when Johny came along
wishing us to take 13 barrels for him, so they got Robert Mc
Williams wagon and rack
and he took the 24 barrels, and our 6 empties. it was between 9 & 10 oclock before they
got away. they returned between 3 & 4 oclock. Ewart was ready for his dinner. Wm.
Tindal worked away this forenoon although finding it too cold, he went away to help
Robert Jestin this afternoon. Millman paid Johny and us a dollar a barrel for the T.
Sweetings although having reduced the price to 75¢ per Barrel. we have started to put
the cows in the stable at night
FRIDAY 28
Much milder to day, and it has been fair and fine. the ground was hard frozen however
this morning. I drove up to the saw mill this forenoon to get some more lumber, had
hard work to get what I wanted. I only got about 200 feet of 2nd class inch for sheeting,
and 70 feet of basswood to help make the doors. we would rather have something else
for doors as basswood rots easily when exposed to the weather. I also bought a square
of second class shingle 50¢, and a square of 1st class $1.40. for Mrs Peavoys house,
Everton, $3.60 in all. Ewart and I plowed up 12 rows of Potatoes this afternoon and
picked them up. there seemed to be fully 12 bags, we shovelled them into the root
house window. Maggie & her Mother are preparing to go to Guelph tomorrow. {Margin}
at the saw mill to day got lumber and shingle $3.60
SATURDAY 29
A most beautiful day, bright sunshine and warm. it is certainly a very pleasant change
from the cold and wet weather we have lately experienced. Ewart plowed up 7 rows of
potatoes this forenoon and we picked them into the wagon and hauled them in before
dinner, he then plowed up 9 rows after dinner and Albert Heffernan helped him after 3
oclock to pick up after I left to attend the raising at Wm. Suttons. the building he put up
for sheep & hogs was composed of the old frame barn set up on a high stone wall. the
upper part he means to use as a drive house. the timbers were very heavy. I rode over
with Johny. we all grudged to leave the roots on so fine a day. {Margin} Maggie and her
Mother at Guelph to day they had 30 lbs of Butter for which they got from Millman17¢
per lb - they also had 16 doz. eggs @ 16¢
Sunday 30
Very misty and damp this forenoon, with a little rain fall, partially cleared this afternoon,
and the evening was fine. Maggie and Ewart drove to Everton twice to day. John
Mc
Kenzie & family visited us to day, had dinner & supper with us.
OCTOBER MONDAY 31 1898
A very fine day. it has been very valuable to us in getting a good job done in potatoe
lifting. Gus Heffernan came this morning to help us at the potatoe picking. Albert has
gone to help his Aunt Mrs Geo. Coughlin. Maggie helped us to pick potatoes too to day.
we took in 2 loads one in the forenoon and one afternoon, we think there are about 3½
wagon box fulls, the "Peerless Savoys" are a much better crop than the "Empire
States." I had to fix up the potatoe bin and run way, which, with other chores kept me
away from the picking quite a while. Henry Duffield took one of our "Weather" lambs to
Rockwood with his own, he sold his for 4¼ per 100. I killed and dressed another
"Weather" , a very small one for our own use. Wm. Tindal is fencing this week over at
Scotts, 2nd line Eramosa as soon as done there he means to complete our building
{Margin} sent four dollars to pay assts. & dues for John Mc
Kenzie and myself. I sent 50¢
over plus last month.
November TUESDAY 1
Frost last night, and to day has been a little cooler, although fine for picking potatoes,
we finished up the potatoe digging and picking shortly after dinner. after that we tried
the cultivator to throw up the covered potatoes, it chocked up too easily however, and
we reverted to the harrows, we gathered quite a few potatoes, by going twice over the
ground with the harrows. it was about 5 oclock when we finished up, and Ewart had little
enough time to empty the load and take back the cultivator. Gus went home to night. I
paid him 70¢ for his 2 days work. Maggie helped us to day. She topped some turnips
this afternoon. Johny has been drawing in turnips to day.
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 2
A beautiful day, bright sunshine and fine and fair. if we have a few days of such weather
ahead it will be grand for getting in our turnips. Maggie helped us top the turnips this
forenoon and we finished them before the regular dinner time at 11.30 A.M. after noon
we all worked at the apples, we hand picked a few, but the greater part we just shook
them off the trees, it is hard to get at the outside limbs of those snow apple trees. we
hauled them all in before night there were ten barrels and 7 or 8 bags. we intend taking
the snow apples to market as soon as possible. Johny has nearly finished drawing in his
turnips. we hope for fine weather wherein to take in ours. bought a pair of suspenders &
spectacles from "Cheap John" 50¢.
NOVEMBER THURSDAY 3 1898
Another very fine day, looks much like indian summer it is so mild and beautiful. we
have been drawing in the turnips to day. we run the two wagons and Ewart has emptied
the loads while I drew them in. Maggie and her mother have helped in the field. we have
taken in 10 loads to day. Johny let us have his team after 4 oclock and Ewart harrowed
out the greater part of the turnips after that time. our turnips are a fair size but they will
not pan out as they have done in some former years. Ewart brings news of Mrs
Mc
Kenzie, Senr. having had her shoulder put out of place the other day, also that Mary
Loree is unwell. rumours of war again in the papers to day. England & France seem to
have difficulty to arrange their differences, it is to be hoped they will not resort to war.
FRIDAY 4
A most beautiful day, warm and pleasant sunshine and just the thing for working among
the turnips. we took in 5 loads of turnips this forenoon, and 9 afternoon, we, perhaps
could have taken in 10 but we quit a trifle earlier on account of wishing to take a drive
out after supper. Maggie and her Mother and I drove down to Everton to see Mary, who
we heard was rather unwell, we found her better than she had been, and improving. on
our way home we drove round by Mc
Kenzies to see Mrs Mc
Kenzie. She was also some
better but she has got a bad shake. the doctor says her heart is weak and causes her
some of her trouble, her arm is tied to her chest and has to be kept still for fear of again
going out of place. {Margin} 14 loads of turnips in to day making now 24 loads.
SATURDAY 5
Weather threatning this forenoon, and rain began to fall by noon, and kept wet all
afternoon. we drew in the balance of the turnips 8 loads before the rain. we had about ½
a load more that we had to load and take in while it rained, we had tried, by loading
heavy for a few loads, to take them all in by 8 loads but failed, so that we have nearly 33
loads in all. Ewart cleaned up the barn this afternoon, and opened a way through the
side of the chaff pile from the barn to the house passage. I had other chores in hand.
Sunday 6
Rather dissagreeable to day, cold and wet, although the rain has not been heavy. Willie
& Jeenie accompanied by Wm. Waller, wife & children drove out from Guelph. Jeenie
remained here while the rest went to Jestins. Willie drove down to Everton to get the
doctor up to see his mother who has been suffering from fever &c. and a pain below her
shoulder. the doctor thinks it is "Grip". {Margin} Great storm of wind last night. I got up
through the night to fix the shed on the end
NOVEMBER MONDAY 7 1898
A flurry of snow last night and the frost has hardened the ground somewhat, it had
rather a windy appearance. Mary was with us last night staying with her mother. Mr
Seytonne drove up for her. Ewart and I have been busy all day trying to fix up things so
as to get at the plowing, it is getting late now, and we may be shut out before long. we
took over Johnys wagon and harrows, and then put on our rack on our own wagon and
brought the 2 loads of hay from Wilsons that I bought of him at Webb's sale. After doing
that, we took up about 2 bushels of potatoes in our garden patch, and our other chores
kept us till night. Mother is some better to day, she has had visitors, Mrs Jestin, Lizzie,
Mr & Mrs Mc
Williams, and Bella Mc
Kenzie.
TUESDAY 7 8
A fine day for work, somewhat overcast, but pleasant, and sunshine betimes. Mother is
considerably better to day. she got up out of bed this afternoon and came down stairs,
she has got quite a shake for the short time. Ewart plowed the corn ground and quite a
piece of the front adjoining, we always now plow the corn patch the opposite way to the
front. I had quite a job cleaning and fixing up our pulper for work. got it started and after
doing some other chores, drove down to Everton mill, got a bag of shorts and 50¢
oatmeal, paid a dollar for the whole. Called at Marys for some bread. John Mc
Kenzie
and Bella drove over this evening to see Mother. she has had quite a number of visitors.
Willie called as he was on his way to Mimosa, he says he has arranged to stop in their
present house till spring. {Margin} a letter from Brother Meaford.
WEDNESDAY 9
Overcast all day, and quite a bit of snow has fallen which has almost all melted away
this evening. Ewart plowed a portion of the forenoon and also afternoon but it has not
been pleasant work to day. we were called on this forenoon by Henry Duffield and
David Robertson. I have been doing up some necessary chores, and this afternoon cut
up some wood in the wood house, and fixed and put up the doors on the wood house. I
have the pulper going now and have put up the steer, we intend to fatten for the first
time. Margaret is considerably better to day, and has been down stairs all afternoon.
NOVEMBER THURSDAY 10 1898
Quite a windy and stormy day, considerable snow has fallen, and little comfort or
pleasure could be experienced by being exposed to the weather, the plow is stopped
now anyway by being too much snow. Dougald Robertson drove up in his buggy
accompanied by his son Willie to day, and purchased one of our ram lambs. I let him
have his choice for five dollars. he picked on one from a Croft ewe, he was a twin, the
other one is also from a Croft ewe but is a single lamb and they just weigh about alike,
128 lbs. he pays me in January. we brought in all the sheep and put up all the cattle, all
their feed outside is covered with snow and it is very uncomfortable to be outside now. I
feel sorry now that Willie Tindal did not finish up our sheep house when he was at it.
FRIDAY 11
Frosty enough to keep all the snow that has fallen, and there is now quite a covering
perhaps 4 or 5 inches. Ewart and I sorted and bagged 10 bags of snow apples to take
to Guelph tomorrow, we brought over the democrat and greased it, also loaded up the
apples and drew them into the barn. Ewart drove "Doc" to Everton afterwards and got a
front new shoe put on him by Robertson, he did not pay for it. I had all the stock to see
after myself as Ewart was late in getting back. the cattle are ackward to tie up as they
have been changed from their last years stalls.
SATURDAY 12
A little milder to day, and the snow has been soft although it has not wasted much.
Ewart and I started for Guelph at sharp seven this morning, we got in in fair time but as
the apples were a great drag, we had a terrible job disposing of them. I sold Mr Stovell 4
bags @ $1.60, as part pay for a pump for the house well. gave one to Willie, and sold
the other 3 @ 50¢, 40.35, 45.25 respectively. got a pair long boots each, and a pair
overshoes for Ewart $5.90 altogether. also an overcoat for Ewart at Mc
Donald $6.00.
got our dinner and horses fed at Willies. I walked up and saw the Webbs for the first
time in their house. they seem comfortable. I called round where Cap. Clark used to live
in order to see him but he has moved. we were late in getting home to night.
Sunday 13th
Milder to day, the snow has been soft and has melted some. Maggie and Ewart have
been at Everton twice. Mother and I have been at home all day. made up the No. 2 pills
NOVEMBER MONDAY 14 1898
Milder to day and snow is quite soft. Considerable waste has been made of the snow
but, on the whole it is surprising how well it seems to keep. Ewart tried the plow this
morning but there was too much snow to make anything like a passable job. Wm. Tindal
started to put on the sheeting this morning and he was joined about 10 oclock by Thom
Clark. they got along fairly well in the afternoon. the sun shone out a little warm, and
made the roof very dry to what might have been expected. they got all the sheeting on
and made all ready for the shingles and made quite a start at the shingling. I took up 2
Croft ewes to Henry Duffield's ram, we are using one of our own to the other ewes.
Ewart & Maggie drove over to Mc
Kenzies this evening. rolled the barrel of apples into
the cellar.
TUESDAY 15
Foggy this morning and it was some time before it cleared off, however it cleared up to
be a fine day. Thom Clark drove over from home this morning and Wm. Tindal and he
put in a faithful days work at the shingling. Tindal wanted to engage Johny for the day
so that the most of the shingles could be put on. Johny however would not come, he
wanted to draw out manure. made the doors and hung them. I helped them quite a bit
however. I took back the peas to Robert Morton 412 lbs, and Robert bought our ram
lamb, he paid me for it four dollars and a half ($4.50) after dinner I drove over to the
Centre Inn and met the rest of the members of the "Board of Health" . they were all
there a little ahead of me. we wound up our business for the year, and I have to prepare
my report to the Council. {Margin} sold ram Lamb to Robt. Morton - paid back 412 lbs of
peas to Robt. Morton
WEDNESDAY 16
Foggy again, but turned out to be a fine day. Wm. Tindal was anxious to get some more
help to shingle and offered our Johny either money or come back again to help him for
it. Johny was drawing out manure and would not leave it. I helped him some. they got a
good way up but the shingles are bad and they cant make very good headway. Ewart
has been trying to plow but there is yet too much snow for getting along any way well.
{Margin} "Board of Health Meeting."
NOVEMBER THURSDAY 17 1898
Foggy again this morning but it cleared up to be a fine day, it was really very fine in the
afternoon. Thom Clark and Wm. Tindal worked on till dinner time, and then quit so that
they could attend the sale. I also hitched up and Margaret and I drove over to the sale
too, (Coughlins) I wanted to get a horse collar for King but was about half an hour too
late, they started to sell about noon. there were a number of them sold and I was
dissapointed. there was a terribly large crowd there and things seemed to be bought up
pretty lively. we left for home between 3 and 4 oclock, calling at Everton for the mail,
and also drove round by Mc
Kenzies, where we had our tea and paid quite a whiles visit.
I paid Wm. Tindal ten dollars to day, and told him I would yet give him another dollar
when finished. {Margin} Geo. Coughlin estate Auction Sale. - Paid ten dollars to Wm.
Tindal
FRIDAY 18
Weather somewhat unsettled and some rain fell this forenoon, it was fairer afternoon
however and the rest of the day was not so bad. Thom Clark and Wm. Tindal finished
up the building by dinner time to day. they might have been done a little earlier but for
the rain. the weather has not been very good for working at a building this week, but
they have persisted well and have at last finished. I paid Wm. Tindal another dollar to
day, and he and Clark drove away to go to James Talbots to build fences, they have
been very anxious to get done here so as to get at that work. Ewart had to quit the cross
plowing it was so soft, and he started to plow some of the sod. {Margin} Wm. Tindal
finished the building to day noon - I gave him a dollar more than bargained for.
SATURDAY 19
Colder again and somewhat overcast, it looks as if we might have another fall of snow.
Ewart has plowed some at the sod to day again. he also plowed some in front field this
afternoon. I have had a days choring and fixing up around the building. I piled in the
lumber into the building and gathered up and wheeled into the wood house the short
pieces of board &c. piling back turnips in root house and nailing slats on windows to
keep out the fowls. we put rings in the snout of the Barber sow, she has been doing a
lot of rooting lately.
Sunday 20
A fine day. Ewart & Maggie drove to Everton this forenoon. Maggie remained and Ewart
drove down the second time. Mother & I have been at home, called on by Robert
Mc
Williams, he is going to thresh tomorrow.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 21 1898
Frost last night, and the land has been mucky the most of the day on account of the
thawing out of the frost, it has been a very fine day throughout. I set up the leach for
Mother this morning and looked after the cattle and stables, and then spent the rest of
the time plowing in the front south field, I finished it all to head lands and potatoe
garden. Ewart attended Robert Mc
Williams threshing, they expected there would be but
a very short day's work but it kept them humming away till near dark. Maggie and Ruth
Mc
Williams took their annual drive collecting for the Bible Society. they had a fine day
for it.
TUESDAY 22
A fine morning, but the sky was very red at sunrise and it soon became overcast and
dull, and it began to rain about ten oclock. I took a drive up to the saw mill before dinner
time to see if I could get some plank to fix up our pig house with, they have it and Mr
Gow promised to keep it for me for some days, we are anxious to get our plowing
completed. Ewart finished up the front south field and started in the field between the
barns alongside the fall wheat. Mrs Morton paid our folks a visit this afternoon. Ewart
clipped the hair off Fred's leg where it is supposed there is another spavin started and
rubbed on a blister we obtained from Wm. Tindal.
WEDNESDAY 23
Hard frost last night and this morning the ground is quite hard frozen. Ewart tried the
plow but it was no use, it is seldom the land is so quickly frozen so as to shut out the
plow. Ewart drove to Everton afternoon and got 1035 lbs shorts at the mill (13 bags)
which he paid for, also the 2 bags he lately got, amounting in all to $8.20. 14 dollars per
ton. Will Hortop told Ewart the price of shorts is going up, they are now in Guelph $15 a
ton there. I have been fixing up around the new building and doing up the chores. Sent
away a letter to Brother Alex. Meaford, also one to Alex. Mc
Gregor, containing 24
dollars as interest on note.
Thanksgiving day. NOVEMBER 24 1898
A fine day but quite frosty, the ground is getting quite hard now, there is no thawing
through the day, and the roads are very rough in consequence. Mother and I being
invited by George and Mary to a thanksgiving dinner at their house, we left home about
11 oclock and drove there, and put up our horse in the meeting house shed, we partook
of our share of the turkey & plum pudding with Mr & Mrs Loree, Senr. and Mr Seytonne.
George came also and had his dinner but could not stay as he was attending a
threshing at Adam Weatherstons. we spent a very pleasant while indeed. Mr Seytonne
had to leave a little early to attend a Social at Mimosa, he made me a present of a
Book. Abe Lincolns, Speeches &c. I gave him a quarter dollar for another Book (paper
cover) In his steps, "What would Jesus do." bought a pair of Boots for little Willie at
Marshalls, 95¢
FRIDAY 25
Continues frosty and dry. the ground is now becoming like iron. it is nice dry footing but
very rough. Ewart did up the chores and some fixing round this forenoon. I also had
some fixing to attend to, after dinner we hitched up the team and drove up to the saw
mill. I got between 5 & 600 feet of Cedar plank, Cull Class, which Mr Gow let me have
for 2 dollars, and which I paid, a very cheap load of stuff. the road from the line into the
mill is in an awful condition it is now frozen up however which makes it better than
before. Bella drove here to day to see about Willie and took him away with her, he did
not care to go home yet, and had a cry to himself on the head of it. he has been very
contented and happy while here, over a week now.
SATURDAY 26
A fine day, but wintry, there was quite a little fall of snow last night and the ground is all
over white again once more. Johny drove to Guelph to day with the democrat. he got his
new harness to day. Ewart and I have had a lot of fixing to do up to day, we piled away
the lumber we brought from the mill and hung up and arranged implements in the
driving house, cutting wood, fixing doors &c. the snow on the ground makes it cold and
dissagreeable for the fowls and other stock and we have been providing for their
comfort. the geese we have shut up in the old sheep pen and have a good chance there
of feeding and otherwise seeing after them, the turkeys get the cattle shed where there
is a roost provided for them.
Sunday 27
A fine day, moderate wintry weather and pleasant. George Loree accompanied Ewart &
Maggie home from meeting, and returned with them in the evening. Willie took a run out
from Guelph, he is taking Annie Abbott with him back, they are moving and they are
getting Annie to help them. {Margin} George Loree. Willie from Guelph.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 28 1898
A very fine winter day, the snow does not waste much - excepting where it is much
travelled on, and as the roads were rough before the little snow came they soon get
bare. I drove over to the Centre Inn and presented my report of the Board of Health, and
got the money. $32.00 in all. I gave Mr Argo 5 dollars to hand to Mr Auld and paid over
to D. Talbot 4 dollars and the same to Hugh Black. I also paid $13.00 to Dr Mc
Cullough
on the same business which left six dollars to myself. I also paid 2 dollars to the Dr for
ourselves. I drove over to Mrs Coughlins and bought 2 old horse collars, for which I paid
$1.75. I bought a lantern at Geo. Marshalls 70¢ and paid him also for the Boots I got for
little Willie 95¢. I also sent four dollars ($4.00) over to Erin, for A.O.U.W. Ass'm'ts, which
pays up to date, and 50¢ overplus to be applied on next months Ass'm't. Mother and I
took a drive down to Mc
Kenzies this evening. Johny took 3 fat hogs to Guelph to day. he
got 4¼ & 3¼ for the sow
TUESDAY 29
A very fine day, the temperature has been milder to day, & this afternoon the snow has
been softer and melting a little. we have boiled 2 pots of turnips & potatoes for the
turkeys to day. we had to fix up a place for the old sow to day as I notice her time is
about up for pigging. Ewart has clipped Fred to day, he had him partly done before. we
are asked to a sawing bee to morrow and I sharpened the saw this afternoon for it.
Ewart and Maggie are over to Ospringe this evening to a S.S. Social held in the Church.
I got Wm. Tindal to come down and look at our pig house this evening so that I could
make preparations for fixing it some of these days. Johny killed 2 pigs to day for their
own use. Robert Mc
William was the butcher.
WEDNESDAY 30
Continues milder, some more snow but quite soft. Ewart attended a sawing Bee at
Duffields to day. I have been very busy all day with the usual chores besides cleaning
out the pigs. I got the cleaning out done mostly before dinner and then I hitched up the
team and drove up to the saw mill. I got some scantling and 10 narrow boards of inch
stuff, he called it 100 feet altogether and gave it to me for 75¢. he charges very
reasonable for lumber when it is not first class. I got the stuff to day for fixing up the pig
pen with. we are now boiling turnips & potatoes for the turkeys and mix it with pea meal.
December THURSDAY 1 1898
Rather a snowy and stormy day, quite a little fall of snow, but not sufficient to make
good sleighing. Ewart got a cold yesterday at the sawing Bee and he dont feel much like
work to day. I have been preparing the pig house for going at the fixing up work of
putting in 2 more pens in the south side of the house. Johny helped us out with the old
furnace, we lifted the kettle out of the outside frame, the latter has got pretty well shaken
up and nearly useless. I took out the stairs and other things and drew forward cedar
logs to make sleepers for the balance of the floor. our oldest white sow piggied this
evening late. she had eleven, but she overlaid one. {Margin} Barber "white sow pigged
this evening - 10 pigs living"
DECEMBER FRIDAY 2
A fine day again, wintry and a little cold, they say however the snow is not staying on
the roads and the wheels will have to be resorted to again. Wm. Tindal has been
working at the pig pen to day, and I laid the unfinished part of the floor. Tindal has the
work pretty well forward on the one side, but there is quite a lot of work in fixing up
those pens with a swinging apparatus above the trough. the trough stuff is also very
hard (red beech) and dry and they are hard to make up. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella &
children were over this forenoon. John drove up to Mc
Cutcheons for some of his
articles, and our plow among them. Ewart went with him and drove them down home to
him.
SATURDAY 3
A fine day, mild and pleasant with sunshine clear & bright, the snow has melted fast this
afternoon. Maggie and her mother started about 7 oclock this morning for Guelph. they
took "Doc" and the buggy, a good many took the runners and wished before night they
had taken the wheels. they had butter & eggs, 16¢ for the former, 18¢ the latter. they
were at Willies for dinner at their new house in the west end. they got back home in fair
time. Wm. Tindal came back this morning and worked all day at the pig house. Robert
Jestin went to Guelph to day instead of working in the bush as intended. we got the
south side of the pig house in 2 pens and finished. I paid Tindal 2 dollars and he
charged me 80¢ per day, so he is paid 40¢ on next work. Ewart did the most of the
chores and cooked for us to day. he is unwell with the cold.
Sunday 4
Soft and mild, wind from the east, and hoar frost this morning and forenoon, became
stormy about 3 oclock which increased in volume as night advanced. Ewart and Maggie
drove to Everton meeting this forenoon and Ed. Abbott accompanied them back. Ed.
and Ewart drove over to Ospringe afternoon. they started for Everton at night but turned
back when about Johnys gate.
DECEMBER MONDAY 5 1898
Quite a snowfall last night and it has been drifted badly in places. we have had to ply
the shovel pretty freely this forenoon so as to get around any way reasonably at all, and
the snow in many places about was uncomfortably drifted into the buildings. Eddie
Abbott was with us all forenoon, Ewart and him bagged up 4 bags of peas & oats and
after dinner they drove down to Everton and Ewart got the 4 bags chopped. Henry
Duffield was awhile here this forenoon and rode down with them to Everton. Allie & Ada
Webb came here from Mc
Williams this afternoon and are staying all night, they are out
now on a visiting tour.
TUESDAY 6
Continues stormy and the snow keeps falling, it is not very frosty or cold however, but
the snow is piled up into heaps more than I remember of at so early a time in the
season. Ewart & I have been trying to get things into better shape for the stock -
everything now wants to be under the shingles and protected from the driving storm and
drifting snow. we cut out the log acting as a breast beam in the pig house and put the 9
largest pigs into one of the pens, we also took the younger litter of 8 and put them in the
other new pen, both on south side, the 8 were in the cattle stable and we have broken
down the partition between where they were and the old sow with her litter of ten, and
she now has the whole to herself & family. Ewart drove the Webb girls to Mortons this
afternoon.
WEDNESDAY 7
Windy all night and this morning dawned pretty nearly as rough as ever, the frost is
keaner too, and the snow drier so that it has drifted badly all day. Ewart intended going
to Guelph to day to see the "fat stock show" but the rough and cold weather prevented
him. Henry Duffield drove in, he intends staying all night. Ewart and I have not done
much else than attend to the feeding and cleaning after the stock. I split up some wood
in the wood shed, and sewed up a long rip on one of John Mc
Kenzie's Boots. Bella and
little Willie drove over with him awhile this afternoon, they had a rough time getting over.
I think those who have attended the fat stock show in Guelph will wish they had stayed
at home.
DECEMBER THURSDAY 8 1898
Rough winter weather, the snow is very plentiful and when the wind is up it makes
uncomfortably deep between and behind fences, around buildings &c. Ewart drove his
mother up to Duffields this afternoon where she is giving them a lesson how she
prepares her geese for market. Ewart rode down to Everton with Charlie after taking his
mother up there and Charlie brought her home again when he returned from Everton.
FRIDAY 9
Continues wintry, lots of snow and it is keeping well. the wind has not been so high to
day until night when it became windy again. I fear the roads will soon get impassible if
the wind keeps up so high. Bella has been over to day with her fowls, 4 turkeys and 6
geese and our folks 6 turkeys & 4 geese, and prepared them for the market. Mother
went over to Bella's this evening. John drove over for them and the children are left with
us, they intend going to Guelph tomorrow. I did not think it wise for Mother to go over
there to night as there seems to be a heavy blow on hand. Ewart intends going there in
the morning and putting "Doc" in with their young mare. I repaired John's boot.
SATURDAY 10
Very stormy last night and drifting of snow. Ewart did not go to Mc
Kenzies on account of
the stormy morning. John & Bella & her mother started for Guelph but found the roads
so heavy & bad that they decided not to persist on going and drove up our town line
instead and left the poultry and took home the children. very few from here ventured to
go through to Guelph, there were some however, the stage did not run. the Webb girls
came here again this evening. they expected to go home to day if they got a chance of
a ride but none turned up on account of the state of the roads. {Margin} roads are badly
snowed up. - John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & her mother started for Guelph but did not get
through
Sunday 11
Snowed up rather badly. our folks contented themselves sufficiently to stay at home all
day. I can't remember when they did that before. there have been very few rigs on the
line to day. Geo. Loree drove Mr Seytonne up as far as Jestins gate, and then half
across the side road toward the other line, but returned and spent awhile here on their
way back, the roads were too badly drifted. {Margin} Seytonne & Geo. Loree started for
Mimosa but returned on the road
DECEMBER MONDAY 12 1898
Cold and wintry, the Webb girls have been with us since Saturday evening, they went
down to Mc
Williams this evening so as to go to Guelph tomorrow with them. Miss
Dickson has been here to day making a dress (waist) for Maggie, she, too, goes to
Guelph tomorrow with our Johny. Charles Rogers came to day and paid us a visit, he
came to Mr Mc
Williams on Friday or Saturday last. he seems to be a very fine young
man. he tells me he intends starting farming on his own account next spring. Ewart
drove down to Mc
Kenzies this afternoon he brought the 2 children up, as they intend
going to Guelph tomorrow, and they will leave them here till they getting back.
TUESDAY 13
An extremely cold day, have heard the thermometer recorded 15 below zero at Guelph.
Ewart & his mother started off to Guelph about ½ after six this morning they took all the
poultry and drove round by Mc
Kenzies, they also came home, calling that way so as to
take them home. they had not very good sale for their fowls, from 8 to 9¢ for the turkeys
and 5¢ for the geese. there seemed to be a glut in the market. I had a very busy day at
home, had all the chores to do and had to clean out all the pigs besides, also shovelled
snow for Maggie to get her washing hung up. it was pretty late before they returned
home long after dark.
WEDNESDAY 14
The cold keeps up very steady, but I think it has given way a little this evening. we don't
attempt to do any work outside of the buildings. it is very seldom such a spell of real
hard winter weather has visited the country in the past 30 years, so early in the season.
I was cutting up some wood in the wood shed and fixing up the pig house so as to keep
the pigs warm, cleaning them out and bedding them. Ewart has been trimming up the
steer and fixing round he drove over to Kerrs to adjust an overlook in the mail and
brought home our 2 ewes from Duffields. {Margin} extra chores - Ewart drove over to R.
J. Kerrs. - brought home the 2 Ewes from Duffields.
DECEMBER THURSDAY 15 1898
Frosty and cold but more moderate than what has prevailed for some time. Wm. Tindal
came along to day and we have worked all day at the pig house. the days are very short
now. I think it was fully ½ after 8 this morning before he started work and it is too dark to
work any longer than about 5 oclock P.M. which makes a very short day. Ewart and I
had the breast log cut out and otherwise prepared the right hand side of the passage for
going to work on the pens, we got the one pen built and partly prepared the others, but
the time is so short that there can't be much done.
FRIDAY 16
Continues very wintry, the frost is pretty kean and not any melting of snow through the
day. Wm. Tindal has been again at work to day but did not finish up yet. we have now
the two pens built, but there is the greater part to do yet to the last pen. I divided up the
nine hogs to day put the 3 fattening hogs into one of the new pens, which leaves the
ground clear for finishing up the whole of the pens. Maggie and Ewart took a drive over
to Mc
Kenzies this evening. old Mrs Cutting has been disturbed an evening or so ago
with noises round her house and a pane of glass was broken. John Mc
Kenzie got up
and investigated but could see no trace of footsteps around the buildings, and as there
is lots of snow, no person could come there without leaving their tracks, it is a mystery.
SATURDAY 17
Cold moderated considerably, but still wintry enough. Wm. Tindal has been again at
work to day. we finished up the pens and did some other extras. we cut the window
sash smaller and hung it on hinges so that we can now turn it up and throw out the
manure then, which we did to day. Tindal also made a box and spout for holding the
hog feed which is to be joined to the big box above which is to hold the feed. we opened
up the floor to day and put up the old organ box. I paid Tindal 2 dollars which, with the
40¢ overpaid last time pays up in full for these last 3 days work, 80¢ per day enough for
these short days. {Margin} Ewart took 660 lbs wheat 5 bags included Harrison and fall
wheat half and half. got 410 lbs of flour and 230 lbs off at 20 lbs short of original weight -
paid one dollar for grinding - finished the hog pens to day - paid Tindal in full to date
Sunday 18
A fine day. Margaret & I, as usual, have kept close to the house all day. I have read my
eyes tired. Ewart & Maggie drove to Everton this forenoon. Maggie remained at Everton
until evening when Ewart drove down again and brought her home.
DECEMBER MONDAY 19 1898
A dissagreeable east wind blowing which increased in cold up to noon. we rose a little
early this morning and did up all the chores by breakfast time. we then took up the tub
and other things in the cutter to Duffields and drove up our 3 pigs on foot. it was a very
cold job but we killed and dressed the 3 of our own and 6 of theirs and were done about
one oclock. we weighed ours, which are very light 105, 129, 136. they were from the
sow I bought of Barber in Guelph and didn't thrive and grow as they ought, they were
well fed and attended. Duffields were much younger and would likely average about
180. I paid Henry Duffield one dollar to day for the keep & privilege of our 2 ewes
running with his this last month and his young prize ram. {Margin} killed our pigs, along
with Henry Duffields - paid a dollar to Henry Duffield for use of ram.
TUESDAY 20
A very soft turn of the weather, rain has fallen the most of the day. Ewart's hand & wrist
has been quite sore to day from the effects of a scald he got yesterday, while I was
emptying a pail of hot water into the scalding tub his hand came in contact with the
flowing water. Henry Duffield was here a while to day and as I was cutting up the pork
he chipped in and showed me how he cut it up by taking out the back bone. I got it all
nicely cut up and all salted this evening. Willie came from Guelph last night and on
account of the rain he is staying here all day. we killed 8 turkeys to day, and 5 geese,
including our big gobler which we are preparing for our own Christmas dinner. it is
cooler a little this evening and we intend going to Guelph tomorrow if the weather is
favourable. Willie, Ewart and their mother drove to Everton this evening and sold 4
geese 5¢ per lb taking trade. {Margin} Mrs Mark Sutton taken to Guelph hospital this
evening, or rather late at night. our folks met them going in.
WEDNESDAY 21
Very little, if any, below freezing point, but Mother and I hitched "Doc" to Johny's cutter
and drove to Guelph taking the 7 turkeys and a basket of eggs, (10 doz & a half) @ 20¢
per doz. $2.10. sold 4 turkeys @ 9¢ and 3 to Mc
Crea @ 8½¢ and got an order on
Mc
Donald for $2.80. I got a common wearing under coat for $3.00 and paid the 20¢ in
cash. we drove up to Willie's house on Liverpool Street and had our dinner there and
horse fed and attended. John Campbell was there, also Edmund Tovell, who is
boarding with them. Ed, has not yet opened out his show rooms, but is engaged, so far,
in finding out those in need of machines (mowers & binders) and getting their promise to
deal with him if he can suit them better than anyone else. they promise to wait and see
the machines before buying elsewhere. {Margin} the turkey we keep for our Christmas
cheer weighs about 31 lbs. he is a fine bird. - Guelph market to day with 7 turkeys.
DECEMBER THURSDAY 22 1898
Very unpleasant weather, very soft and the most of the afternoon it rained pretty heavy.
it is rather a pity the weather has taken that bad turn to day, as the Everton people will
be badly dissapointed, no doubt, if the receipts from their tea meeting and social fall
very short on that account. I made up my mind not to go to it some time ago, but wished
all the rest to go. Mother also stopt at home however on account of the weather. Maggie
and Ewart went to it, they charged 20¢ per head admittance, and Maggie has baked
largely for it, of course she goes in free, but whoever else would go will have to foot the
bill. Charles Rogers went down this evening with George Mc
Williams.
FRIDAY 23
An improvement in the weather, but nothing to boast of yet, we are having a good deal
of rather unpleasant weather, changeable and windy. we are not able to get along with
much work excepting the usual chores, feeding and cleaning and otherwise tending the
stock. Ewart & Maggie went down again to Everton this evening, their Mother also went
along with them to attend a supplementary social. they thought they had better hold
another to night on account of the small attendance last night caused by the bad
weather. the fee was 5¢ to night. Auntie Kate's sent up word that some of them will be
up tomorrow to attend our "reunion" on Monday. Charlie Rogers went down to Glen
Williams to see his freinds and intends returning Monday evening. {Margin} Ewart took 6
bags chop to the mill 30¢ grinding, and $1.70 worth shorts $2.00 paid - alone to night.
Mother, Ewart & Maggie at Everton supplementary social - Charlie Rogers away to Glen
Williams.
SATURDAY 24
Moderately cold, but a little windy and rough. I have had all the work on my hands to
day as Ewart went early to Guelph this morning. he is changing his rifle for a smaller
one, and he has long laid out to go in and see the Christmas display. I had to hurry up
my work and get things ready for the evening work after my return from Rockwood. I got
away about 2 oclock P.M. to meet the Georgetown freinds. the train was due, I think,
about 2.30. it was late however, and just came in as I got there about 3 oclock. there
was just James & Kate. the young folks are staying to look after things. Joe has a new
fad on hand and is expecting a busy time. I forget its high Falutin name. {Margin} Ewart
away to Guelph - I drove to Rockwood and met James Moore and Kate at the station
Sunday 25
A little more Sunshine to day, and finer, but wintry. Auntie Kate went to Everton meeting
with Ewart & Maggie in the forenoon & James stayed at home with me. we all remained
at home but Ewart who {illegible} went to Everton in the evening and brought up Eddie
Abbott. we all took a walk over to Johny's and spent a pleasant while there.
DECEMBER MONDAY 26 1898
Quite a wintry day, not extremely cold, but very little sunshine and the roads heavy from
recent blowings, the wind sprung up this evening again and made it rough and
unpleasant. all our freinds came to hand about noon to day and were ready in their
place for their Christmas dinner. Eddie Abbott drove our team to Everton and brought
up Sarah & Catherine Robertson (Grace is at Oakville on account of her nephew's
illness) the 2 Mrs Abbotts, James & Nettie, and Auntie Janet, Mary & Mrs Seytone,
Uncle Thos. Tolton, Hanah & Archie, Emerson & Alice, Charles Rogers, who came up
from Glen Williams this morning. John & Bella and children, Willie & Jeenie from
Guelph, Johny & Lizzie, Auntie Kate & James and Geo. Loree afternoon, making 31 all
told with ourselves & Bella's children. we had a very pleasant time in social chat and
singing &c. Mr Seytone as usual entertained with his usual quota of stories. the turkey &
goose were well cooked and fine. other things seemed equally so and well enjoyed by
the company. a general break up took place about ten oclock, a number going away
much earlier. Willie & Jeenie, Emerson Tolton & Alice among them. {Margin} Family and
other freinds Reunion - Christmas dinner & supper - the names of the guests
TUESDAY 27
A very windy and rather dissagreeable day - the wind blew high last night which has
caused considerable drifting of snow and drifting up of the roads, it is somewhat
unusual to have such blustery and cold wintry weather so early in the season. James &
Kate had a good deal of watching of the wind and drifting this forenoon and had almost
made up their minds to remain another day or two, although being very anxious to get
home, we thought perhaps the roads might be worse before getting better however, and
Ewart started off with them with the double team and sleigh about 3 oclock, and called
at Everton for Auntie Janet, who went with them. the roads were better than Ewart
expected and he got back home about ½ past 5. I paid Kate 5 dollars as interest.
{Margin} stormy day. - drove to Rockwood with the Moores - 5 dollars paid.
WEDNESDAY 28
Frosty and cold last night and this morning. 1 below zero when I looked at the
thermometer this morning. the wind fell through the night and the moon shone
particularly clear. it was with difficulty I did up some little fixing around, the frost was so
kean as to bite the fingers pretty sharp. Dougald Robertson and wife paid us a visit this
afternoon and had tea with us. George Abbott also came along about the same time
and also had tea with us. Maggie went to the Ospringe Social this evening. Ewart drove
down to Everton in the evening and got some of the papers. very beautiful clear
moonshine these evenings.
DECEMBER THURSDAY 29 1898
Mild and thawing to day. the snow has gone very considerably this afternoon. Ewart
drove out to day with "Doc" he got a shoe put on him at Everton (hind) he drove round
by Mc
Kenzies. Bella is away to Wm. Suttons for a day or two. I have been doing up the
chores alone, and fixed up the ladder in the pig house. we had R. J. Kerr, wife & family
and his two sisters this evening on a visit. they did not leave till after 11 oclock
FRIDAY 30
Thawing this forenoon, but before noon it became clearer and colder and was not long
in freezing. we had the turkeys starved for killing, but on account of the soft turn of the
weather we fed them this morning. we made up our minds however to kill them after all.
and they cut open their breasts and took out the {illegible}. they killed and dressed
Lizzie's geese (7 I think) and then she helped them to kill and dress their 14 turkeys,
they had a very busy afternoon. Ewart went to Robert Mortons and helped them saw
wood this afternoon, I am preparing to go to the train in the morning for Meaford, going
by way of Rockwood & Georgetown. Sending three dollars to Erin for A.O.U.W. Assmts.
50¢ overplus last time. {Margin} Assmts. remitted A.O.U.W.
Meaford. SATURDAY 31
A very cold day. the frost was kean last night and continued so all day. Ewart and I rose
early this morning and Ewart drove me to Rockwood to the 6.24 train we had just about
an hour to make the train, but although "Doc" was very smooth shod and the roads icy,
we were there on time, the train was ½ an hour late. I had my breakfast at James
Moores and started north from the junction at 9.50 A.M. went by Allandale and arrived
at Meaford at 2 P.M. found the freinds all well. Rachel Sunter was at the Monitor Office
and took word home that I was at Meaford. Johny drove to Guelph with the sleigh to day
taking Lizzie and his Mother along with their poultry. Millman brought Lizzies geese at
5½¢ per lb and our 13 turkeys at 9¢ - 131 = $11.72. 7¢ off for one Willie got that was
crooked in the breast. {Margin} Meaford & Georgetown - account of the trip. I up to
Meaford - Guelph Market - Turkeys and Geese
Meaford. Sunday / New year's day
Wintry day. there is much more snow here than in Eramosa. quite cold to day. Jamie
drove to Alex. with his horse and cutter and waited dinner with us after which, we drove
(Alex and us) to his home and after spending a pleasant afternoon and partaking of a
Turkey Supper we returned to Meaford, Jamie driving us in his cutter. {Margin} Jamie's
house at supper. he drives us there and back to Meaford.
{Transcriber's note - William continues his diary into the new year (1899) using blank
memoranda/accounts pages in the back of the 1898 diary.}
Meaford, Monday January 2nd 1899.
There is a busy and exciting time over the elections here to day. I have been back and
forth from Alex. office and house. Alex's girls, (only Ella who was home yesterday) were
at home. we had a very pleasant time. I called to see David Mitchells folks, David was
so taken up with the elections that I did not see him. a farmer from Bertha's school
section called at the house and took her to her boarding place there, she commences to
teach tomorrow.
Tuesday 3rd {January 1899}
Not quite so cold. I had quite a walk around Meaford this forenoon. Alex. has been
collecting all the information about the election. Jamie walked to Meaford this forenoon
and had dinner with us at Alex. after which we bid the freinds good bye at the house
and walked together to the Railway Station, where the train started exactly at 3 P.M. the
train on reaching Allandale, backed up to Barrie, and afterwards ran down to
Georgetown on time. 7.40 P.M. the train for the west went up about an hour before, not
connecting. I stayed at Auntie Kates all night. found that Joe had exhibited his Show on
Monday night, which proved a bad night, on account of other attractions in the town.
Wednesday 4th {January 1899}
A very rainy night in the past. this morning as wet as ever and continued so all day. we
did not attempt to do any other work than to attend to the wants of the stock.
Thursday 5th {January 1899}
Froze up again last night, and all the ground around is in a glitt of ice. Johny cut some
straw this afternoon, we have got 2 new knives for the straw cutter and Johny put them
on, the horse power seems to go finely since being wooded
Friday 6th {January 1899}
Rather a snowy day. not a heavy fall but keeping at it slightly making it uncomfortable
outside. Maggie and Charles Rogers took a drive down to Mc
Kenzie's together
Saturday 7th {January 1899}
A terrific day for wind and although there is not much snow falling yet what there is,
keeps driving before the wind and drifting around the buildings and behind the fences. it
has been very cold also. Charles Rogers accompanied George Mc
Williams to Guelph to
day, he visited Willie and saw Annie Sunter. Alfred Duffield also was with them. took
away the sow from the young pigs.
"Possessions vanish and opinions change,
And passions hold a fluctuating seat.
But, subject neither to eclipse nor wane,
Duty remains." Wordsworth.
Sunday 8th {January 1899}
Wind moderated but continues very cold. Maggie and Ewart accompanied by Charles
Rogers drove the cutter to Everton this forenoon to meeting. Mother and I kept close to
home, it is the warmest and most hospitable place these cold days.
Monday 9th {January 1899}
Somewhat stormy to day, and very cold. these days are so cold that we do not look
much round for work beyond doing up the feeding and other chores. I drove to Everton
this afternoon and got a bag of shorts for which I paid 70¢ took a turkey to Mary, she
paid 75¢ for it. John Mc
Kenzie was to Guelph to day with a load of oats. I met him
coming home at about ½ past 3. he got 29½¢ per Bushel. Maggie & her Mother and I
paid our first visit to the Wilsons this evening, had a pleasant time.
January 1899
Tuesday 10th
Frosty and sharp but pleasant day, sunshine and not windy. Bella and the children have
visited with us to day. John has been helping Usherwood to thresh to day. A messenger
brought word this last evening to Johnys of the death of Jago's child at Brofts,
Rockwood. Lizzie drove down there to day. Johny made up Stewart's mixture for
washing the cattle for lice and washed them this afternoon, there was enough left to do
ours and I washed them this afternoon. the horse (King) is unwell this evening, I
drenched him with salt and soda and afterwards with L. oil.
Wednesday 11th {January 1899}
Extremely cold last night, frost 10 degrees below zero. it has been very cold and frosty
all day. King seemed to be easier this morning than he was through the night, and
steadily improved through the day. I drenched him again this forenoon with another
bottle of Linseed oil and 2 or 3 bottles of warm water. he objected badly at being
drenched and would hardly let it down. I then put it into one of his nostrils and
succeeded better, he could not help himself and swallowed it down. Albert Ramsay was
here to day looking at our sheep, he is inspecting sheep as a Gov't official, in case of
the "scale" prevailing.
Thursday 12th {January 1899}
Milder to day, has the appearance of a thaw coming. Margaret went to Everton this
morning to visit among the freinds. the Abbotts were prepared to go visiting at Blacks
and Mother would not allow them to stay, so she went to the Robertsons and afterwards
to Marys where they had quite a gathering of freinds in the evening. our folks were there
and I was alone all evening reading the papers which were brought to hand by Henry
Duffield. I killed the ram lamb for our own use he is a nice piece of mutton. "King"
seems to be about all right again.
Friday 13th {January 1899}
(sow away) Rain to day, which increased as the afternoon advanced, this thaw is taking
the snow rapidly away and if it should freeze soon there will be very icy and slippy
footing. Ewart and I cleaned up 5 bags of goose wheat, also about the same of peas,
but the peas will have to be put through the second time to take split ones out of them. I
intend taking them to Guelph and expect to deal with Thorp for corn to fatten the pigs.
Ewart took the old white sow over to R. J. Kerr's to day.
Saturday 14th {January 1899}
Rather cold and stormy to day, the wind has been high and some snow has been driven
before it, but not enough to make any difference in the sleighing which is now very poor,
the frost is rather slight too. this changeable weather is very unpleasant and unhealthy. I
had a cold job helping Johny this afternoon to put in 2 new arms into the horse power.
Ewart and I put more peas through the mill and then put it all through the second time in
order to take out the splits.
Sunday 15th {January 1899}
A very fine day, and little frost, the fields are about bare of snow again. Ewart & Maggie
have been at Everton. Maggie remained from 1st time. Charlie Rogers came and bade
us good bye this afternoon, he intends leaving tomorrow morning for home.
January 1899
Monday 16th
A frosty cold day. Ewart and I had to hustle up with the work to day as we had to help
Johny cut straw this afternoon. we took the team and it went much better than when we
had only the one team on, we were much troubled with a key slipping out on the feed
wheel, however we got a nice pile cut.
Tuesday 17th {January 1899}
A fine day, but frosty and cold through the night. Ewart and I went to the bush and cut
down a number of trees to be ready to cut up into stove wood, we intend getting a few
hands on some day to cut them up. on going down to the bush I noticed that Robert
Jestin had cut down the elm tree I had reserved for a building stick. on going home at
dinner time I called that way to see about it. he gave me much abuse and used much
blasphemous language for my trouble and, also caught me by the throat and proceeded
to squeeze and choke me. I forbid him taking away the stick and took Fredie for witness
that I did so. before the matter is settled likely I shall have to take the case to the courts.
he is a desperately bad man.
Wednesday 18th
{No diary entry}
28 Symond for ice cutting $1.14
CASH ACCOUNT - March Received / Paid
4 - Beef to Maikens $6.25 - Hoskins 75¢ - McCallum 1.65 8.65
4 - J.S. Webb $2.15 Mrs Abbott $1.00 3.15
7 - Wm. Barber and John Weatherston for threshing 7.50
10 - Empty Syrup Barrell for pickling beef 0.25
11 - Hoes &c. at Tolton's Auction Sale 0.45
12 - Settled with Willie Abbott in full to date 0.85
12 - Buggie fixing at Robertson & 3 lbs nails Marshalls 0.20
June 4 1898 - Johny paid on rent for 1897 120.00
July 2 Johny paid on rent 20.00
Aug. 24 paid back to Johny five dollars out of
forgoing amount ($5.00) 140.00
5.00
135.00
1895 & 1896 Johnys a/c
$88.00 paid 149.50 for rent
Thom Sunter left April 27, 1883
{Blank page}
{Transcriber's note - In pencil with crossouts and additions. Right margin blurred and
partially illegible. Appears to be a draft, perhaps for a newspaper article.}
Silver Wedding
A most pleasant and enjoyable afternoon and evening were spent at the residence of
Mr & Mrs David Robertson near Ospringe, on Friday the 24th inst. on the 25th
Anniversary of their Wedding day. about 130 or more invited guests were present, the
older portion of the company arrived early in the afternoon, as many principally
{composed of} freinds & relatives from the neighbourhood and quite a number from a
distance, Toronto, Georgetown, Oakville, Nelson and other distant places providing their
{quota}. Mr & Mrs Robertson spared neither labour nor expense in providing
accomodation and decoration for this large company, and a splendid early and late
spread was heartily partaken of in the commodious hall prepared for the occasion. in
the early part of the evening Ospringe String Band discoursed most charming music for
the entertainment of all. vocal and other instrumental music was also finely rendered by
different individuals, & appropriate speeches were also made by James Kirkwood Esq.
ex M.P.P., Rev. Mr Yewell of Everton, Wm. Tovell and others. the presents were
numerous, costly and beautiful, and had a dazzling appearance on the table. at a later
hour the younger members of the party hall was cleared and the younger members of
the party tripped the "light fantastic toe" until the "Wee Sma' hours" the music being
provided by the Ospringe String Band and others. Mr and Mrs Robertsons many friends
wish for them many happy returns of their wedding anniversary and when the time of
their "Golden Wedding" arrives, that no sorrow or trouble will prevent them from
enjoying that occasion as well and as fully as they have done the present .
{2 blank pages}
Recipe for our Pills (Morrisons)
No. 2. one ½ ounce each
of the following, or equal quantities of
Gamboge
best Turkey Rhubarb
Senna
Jallap
Colocynth
No. 1. equal quantities of
Aloes
Senna
Rhubarb
White Rosin
Ginger
For God has marked each sorrowing day
And numbered every secret tear,
And heaven's long years of bliss shall pay,
for all his Children suffer here.
Wm. Cullen Bryant.
This above all; to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day;
Thou cans't not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare.
1898
Sept 5 Johny got 583 lbs fall wheat for sowing
1898
Sept 5 Johny borrowed 2 bags oats 77 & 88 lbs = 165
Sept 13 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 77 & 88 lbs = 79
Sept 16 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 77 & 88 lbs = 76
Sept 19 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 77 & 88 lbs = 79
Oct 8 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 77 & 88 lbs = 84
483
8th May. 1899. Settled & squared to date with Johny
for the above wheat and oats charging.
Carried from Diary for 1897
John McKenzie in Account with Wm. Sunter
Date $ ¢
1898
Oct 30 Ass'm't & dues paid 2 00
Nov 28 Ass'm't 1 50
Dec 28 Ass'm't 1 50
1899
Jan 26 Ass'm't & dues paid 2 00
Feb 28 Ass'm't 1 50
March 31 Ass'm't 1 50
April Ass'm't & dues 2 00
May Ass'm't 1 50
June Ass'm't 1 50
July Ass'm't & dues 2 00
August Ass'm't 1 50
Sep. Ass'm't 1 50
Oct. Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Nov. Ass'm't & De Capita Tax 2 00
Dec Ass'm't 1 50
1900
Jan Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Feb Ass'm't 1 50
March Ass'm't 1 50
April Ass'm't & dues 2 00
May Ass'm't 1 50
June Ass'm't 1 50
July Ass'm't & dues 2 00
August Ass'm't and Special Ass'm't 3 00
(for S. African soldiers)
Sep. Ass'm't 1 50
Oct Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Nov. Ass'm't 1 50
Dec 1 Ass'm't 1 50
Dec 5 loaned cash 2 00
Jan 26 Flour (Goldies) 100 lb 1 85
Jan 26 Cash paid 5 15
1901
Jan Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Feb Ass'm't 1 50
March Ass'm't 1 50
April Ass'm't & dues 2 00
May Ass'm't 1 50
goose wheat for seed 1 74
June Ass'm't 1 50
Alex. Mc
Gregor's interest paid 6 00
July Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Aug. Ass'm't 1 50
Sep. Ass'm't 1 50
Oct Ass'm't & dues 2 00
Nov. Ass'm't 1 50
Dec Ass'm't 1 50
82 74
contra 71 43
$ 11 31
1898 $ ¢
Oct overpaid last month in charging money 1 00
1899
Jan Paid cash for Jan. Ass'm't & dues 2 00
April Paid cash for April ass'm't & dues 2 00
Oct. 30th paid cash on account 5 00
1900
Feb 19 paid cash on account 5 00
March 29th paid cash on account 5 00
June 2 paid cash on account 5 00
Sept 2 paid cash on account 5 00
1901
Jan 4 cash to pay our taxes 20 00
April 18 13 Bus. & 8 lbs barley @ 45¢ 5 93
July 3 cash on account 8 00
Nov. 3 pigs 7 50
$ 71 43
Account Carried to Diary for 1902
Recipe for scratches on horses - white Rosin & Saltpetre equal parts, 3 consecutive
mornings and 3 without, until 9 dozes are taken.
Doze, a Table spoonful mixed in mash or soft food.
Recipe for making the old 'Morrison" Pills
No 2.
Equal quantities of Colocynth, Gambogo, Senna, Jalap, Rhubarb, all powdered - for a
half ounce of each put in 2 teaspoonfuls of sugar, in water sufficient to make dough for
pill. warm and be careful not to use too much water.
{Published entry - COMMERCIAL LAW}
{Published entry - CHARTERED BANKS IN CANADA.}
{Published entry - CHARTERED BANKS IN CANADA (CONTINUED); FOREIGN
POSTAL TABLE; POSTAL RATES}
For more information on William Sunter, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca