William Sunter (1831 - 1917)
1896
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
DAILY JOURNAL 1896
Wm. Sunter 1896 Oct. - Dec. 1914 Account of Everton (Village)
{Calendar for 1894 and first 4 months of 1895}
DAILY JOURNAL FOR 1896.
TORONTO: PUBLISHED BY THE BROWN BROTHERS, Limited, MANUFACTURING
STATIONERS.
{This page provides typed written information with the following headings: - Eclipses,
1894. ; Fixed and Movable Festivals, &c. ; Bank Holidays. ; Terms and Sittings of
Courts. ; List of Sundays in 1894. ; Interest Table. ; Valuable Information for Business
Men. ; Table of Wages by the Week. ; Value of Foreign Coins.}
DIARY, 1896.
{Blank page}
(Transcriber's note - this diary has the printed dates for 1894. The correct dates have
been entered either by the diarist or the transcriber.}
JANUARY WEDNESDAY 1 1896 - SATURDAY 11 1896
{Blank pages}
Sunday 12
{Margin} about this time the sow counts for pigging - from 110 to 114 days.
JANUARY MONDAY 13 1896 - FRIDAY 17 1896
{Blank pages}
SATURDAY 18 (20-345)
A very fine morning excepting for a fog that prevailed and a great frost rine that covered
everything outside, the trees were heavily loaded with it and presented a pretty picture. I
was early up this morning and George Duffield also who stayed with us all night, we got
ready for Guelph and had the loan of Henry Duffields light Bobs, and also had the loan
of Johnys "Nettie" mare to man our "Fred". Henry Duffield rode in with us and Joe
Mc
Intosh also coming back, we had the ten geese. sold @ 6¢. per lb to Mc
Hardy. 94 lbs
$5.64. sold butter mostly to Willie @ 18¢. the balance to Kennedy @ 19. 4 bags
potatoes. 3 @ 25¢. and one to Willie @ 20¢. I had dinner at Willies and fed my horses
there. bought this Diary at Days for 25¢. we had a dissagreeable ride home as it
snowed heavily all afternoon, and quite soft. Johny took a load of turnips with our team
to Rockwood, his ticket gives us credit for 70 bushels 30 lbs to day and 57 the load
before, in all. 127.30. {Margin} bought this Diary to day at Guelph - sold Geese and
butter - Johny took a load of turnips to Rockwood - snowed heavily
Sunday 19
Quite a fall of snow last night again and this has been rather a mild day. Maggie drove
to Everton meeting this forenoon all alone, Joe accompanied her in the evening. I have
been much taken up with doing the chores, not much time to read, my Rheumatism is
again troubling me considerably. mostly in the right shoulder. Johny & Lizzie drove over
to John Mutries this afternoon with our cutter. {Margin} Maggie to Everton - Joe also at
night - Rheumatism
JANUARY MONDAY 20 1896 (22-343)
Very misty and a great frost rine prevailing this morning until late on in the forenoon. I
think that kind of weather bad for producing colds. I have now contracted another cold
during the prevalence of this weather. Willie came from Guelph this morning with his
little team, he took our team & drew out his cordwood at Uncle Duncan's woods, and
afterwards mated up our "King" with Johnny's "Nettie" and took in his stove wood, he
has had lying here so long, and intends returning tomorrow morning. he leaves his little
team in my charge. Joe helped me bag up 3 bags chop and I got it chopped at Everton
before dinner, I also took down one of the young goblers to Hortops, they paid me a
dollar for it. I paid Willie Abbott one dollar for putting on 3 new shoes and one reset, on
the grey horse and King some days ago. Joe, with Maggie and her mother; took a drive
down to Robertsons this afternoon, they returned home about 7 oclock, and I had the
house to myself till that time. Maggie & Joe are visiting at Ried Mc
Williams this evening.
{Margin} misty - Willie from Guelph. - drawing cordwood at Uncle Duncan's - chopped
stuff at Everton Mill - sold turkey to Hortops - paid a dollar to Willie Abbott - folks away
visiting. - Willie away to Guelph with a load of wood.
TUESDAY 21 (23-342)
Another dull day throughout, it has however, been mild and otherwise pleasant, without
sunshine though very much of the element that goes to raise the spirits and give life an
animation to the individual is absent, and if there is not some other substitute to take its
place, low spirits is likely to prevail. Willie was here from Guelph this morning at about 8
oclock, before we had our breakfast he hitched up his own team and, with our harness
and sleigh, took in the balance of the cordwood he had left, about ¾ of a cord he sent
the sleigh and harness back with Robert Jestin. Joe Fielding was here to day and left 18
lbs tea @ 35¢ per lb. Joe Mc
Intosh drove down to Everton this evening and got the mail,
he also borrowed some tools to hang our storm doors with. I have been trimming some
turnips in addition to doing the chores. Tina Mc
Kinnon is very low at the present time.
Robt. Jestin reports her alive to day noon Geo. Tindal is also very low just now from
"gastric fever", I hope he may be saved for his young family. {Margin} very dull weather
although mild - Willie out from Guelph and back - Joe Fielding bought tea from him. -
Tina Mc
Kinnon and Geo. Tindal both very low.
JANUARY WEDNESDAY 22 1896 (24-341)
Hoar frost again this morning as has usually prevailed this some time back, the mist
began to lift about 10 oclock, but the rine remained on and the sun never shone out the
whole day long. Joe Mc
Intosh drove down to Everton this morning and brought up the
two Mrs Abbotts, they remained all day and Joe drove them down again at night, Joe
hung the storm door to day on the front, before the glass door. I have been moving
some of the turnips in the root house, they are very hot in places and rotting badly, they
have not generally become hot however, and I dont think there will be very much loss
from that cause. James Ramshaw called this evening and paid twenty two dollars on
the note I hold against him. I was very glad indeed to find so much of the money paid on
that miserable transaction. Ramshaw talks as if the horse gave him good satisfaction
and that he would not have parted with him had he not have got into straitned
circumstances and required the money. Joe has received a card from Tindal informing
him that George is a little better. {Margin} Sunless weather and hoar frost prevailing -
Joe hung storm door - the 2 Mrs Abbotts on a visit - Ramshaw paid 22 dollars on the
note. - George Tindal some better
Thursday 23 (25-340)
Hoar frost still continues and the absence of sunshine as conspicuous as ever. the wind
blows from the east as usual and the weather must necessarily be very unhealthy, colds
have now prevailed very generally for some time back. Johny is making preparations for
killing his pigs tomorrow, the weather will have to improve if he will have a good time
killing them outside. Joseph Hindley & wife paid us a visit this afternoon their daughter
and Minnie Robertson were at Johny's the greater part of the afternoon, and they all
joined us in the evening, leaving between 9 & 10 oclock. the weather became very bad
in the afternoon & evening, raining and freezing as it fell, and they had an unpleasant
time to drive home in. my time was taken up attending to the regular chores and
keeping company with the visitors. I intended going to Everton for the mail but could not
well leave under the circumstances Joe has a cold and he did not care about turning out
either so we had to do without the papers. The trees and every exposure is getting
covered with ice, it is to be hoped it will not bring about as bad results as in the past
{Margin} no sunshine yet, but as dull & comfortless as ever - rain this afternoon and ice
forming - Joseph Hindley and party visiting here to day
JANUARY FRIDAY 24 1896 (26-339)
A terribly stormy day, the rain and sleet has given place to snow, and the wind being
high it is being piled up into heaps and driven through crannies very uncomfortably.
Johny intended to kill his pigs to day and made the preparations necessary. his help
came to hand but they seemed to prefer putting it off rather than to stand such a storm
at that work. Mother and I were both detailed to help but I was as well pleased they
decided to postpone it. I hurried through my chores and drove to Everton for the mail,
taking a bag of peas &c to chop for Johny's pigs now that he is carrying them on longer.
I was surprised to meet many of our neighbours returning from the Cemetery where
they had just been at the burial of Alexander Currie, Senr. he died on Wednesday
evening last, and until a little before he died, his death was not looked upon as being so
near, we hear that George Tindal is some better, but Tina Mc
Kinnon seems to be
sinking. {Margin} storm still continues. - Johny postponed his pig killing - drove to
Everton & the mill - met parties returning from the burial of Alex. Currie Senr. we did not
know of his death. - a thick coating of ice is upon all exposures
SATURDAY 25 (27-338)
The storm has abated, but the cloudy sunless weather still continues, a very thick
coating of ice is upon every thing exposed to the storm that has prevailed, to day it
became milder and for a time gave promise of getting soft enough to melt off the ice
from the overburdened exposures they became only partially releived however, and as
it has got colder this evening we will have to wait and wish that everything may soon get
clear of its icy burden. I have not felt well to day, but have attended to my necessary
chores as usual. Considerable snow fell last night and the sleighing now will now be
excellent as soon as sufficiently packed and driven upon. Joe Mc
Intosh hung the storm
door at the back of the house, the other in front he hung some days ago. Maggie and
her Mother and myself spent the evening down at John Webbs. Joe went with Johny to
a special chozen freinds meeting {Margin} milder and a little of the ice in this part has
fallen off from the heavily laden tree branches & other exposures - hung storm door on
the back of the house
Sunday 26 (28-337)
A little colder to day. but calm and no drifting. the sun has been hidden as usual
however. so that we have the most of our ice coatings still with us. there are terrible
accounts of the storm from Toronto & other places. great damage to telegraph poles &c.
Maggie and Joe have been at Everton twice today. {Margin} Joe & Maggie at Everton
twice to day - the papers contain long accounts of the storm.
JANUARY MONDAY 27 1896 (29-336)
After a steady week of dull, cloudy and sunless days, the sun has at last shone out to
day. the frost has been a little keaner than what has prevailed for some time, but it has
been very much pleasanter on account of the sunshine. I did up my chores this
forenoon and trimmed some turnips. After dinner I forwarded the work so that I could
leave and I drove down to Acton and paid Mr Murray the balance due on the Alexander
note, ($6.00) Joe & Margaret rode with me as far as Millars where they remained to visit
Auntie Janet until I returned, after coming back I had to wait with the rest for tea, and
had a pleasant while with them. on returning home we found Maggie had the most of
the chores done up, and as Joe had promised to go up to Duffields this evening, we
locked up the house and all went up, on getting there we found Mr and Mrs Webb and
Ada, already there before us, and we spent a very pleasant evening Robert Jestin &
Freddie were also there awhile. Joe sang quite a number of songs and Ada Webb
played an accompaniment for him. {Margin} pleasant change of the weather sunshine
now for the first in a week - Acton, paying balance of Alexander note. - sent cash to Mrs
Alex. Mc
Gregor ($6.00) as Interest - sent letter to Bro. Alex. Meaford. - visiting at Millars.
also at Duffields evening
TUESDAY 28 (30-335)
Another very fine day. inclined to be soft this afternoon, but notwithstanding, a great part
of the ice remained on the trees &c. a little bristling wind however I think, would have
releived them much. Joe helped me to shovel off the snow from the shed roof. there
was a heavy drift of snow immediately over the space in front of the water trough in
shed, and I opened out beside the fill up over the spouting at the junction of the roofs. I
sent five dollars to Erin in a letter. Its pay this months double assmts, & dues of A. O. U.
W. for myself and John Mc
Kenzie, also six dollars to S. Tovell for interest. Joe and
Maggie took a drive this afternoon to David Robertsons, and they agreed to bring home
the mail, it was brought however by Duffields before they arrived home. I received a
letter from Cousin John Turney after a long term of silence he speaks of very hard times
in Chicago, and they were being felt by them very much for the last 3 years. he says
Cousin Alex. has been out of employment for some time back and that he has gone
South to live, in the neighbourhood of new Orleans, James is still working in the interest
of the varnish, and John himself is working at the business he started some years ago.
although it has not been in very good shape {Margin} The ice still on the trees &c. -
shovelling snow off the roof. - paid assmt & dues for self and John Mc
Kenzie A.O.U.W.
$5.00 - Joe & Maggie visiting at David Robertsons - paid S. Tovell $6.00 - Letter from
cousin John Turney, Chicago
JANUARY WEDNESDAY 29 1896 (31-334)
A change again to the foggy and dull weather that has lately so much prevailed the ice
that is still, in great measure, hanging to the trees and other things is giving signs of
loosing its hold, and a slight thaw is setting in, Joe has been visiting at Johnys and
Robert Mc
Williams, and he also took a drive with Johny down to Everton this forenoon.
Johny was offered $3.90 for his hogs to day, live weight, but he held for $4.00, hogs are
going up, we got a notice of Tina Mc
Kinnons death, she is to be buried on Friday
afternoon. Mc
Cullough was here to day and wants me to take 2 loads of turnips to
Rockwood tomorrow, he paid me $11.00 for the last 2 loads, he owes me 40¢ yet, he
hadn't the change. Joe took 2 bags of mixed grain and had them chopped at Everton,
he brought up Millie Mitchell on a short visit. {Margin} foggy and dull again not healthy
weather I should think - Joe & Johny drove to Everton a rise in the price of Hogs. got
notice of the death of Tina Mc
Kinnon - got notice to take two loads of turnips to
Rockwood - Joe took 2 bags grain to chop. - Millie Mitchell visiting.
January THURSDAY 30 (32-333)
This has been a very mild day but very dull and murky, in the evening there came on a
small drizzling rain which became icy as it did before, but, as the temperature is not so
low I think the ice will not form and remain as it did. Joe helped me prepare and load up
a load of turnips for Rockwood, and I started with them at 1.30, arriving at Rockwood at
3.30. I had 59 Bushels & 45 lbs. the snow is soft to day and the sleigh slips over the
road like greese. Joe took Millie Mitchell to Everton. She goes to Milton tomorrow.
Johny has been over at John Mutrie's threshing to day. James Mc
Cullough's two sons
were at Rockwood with a load of turnips when I was down, it was (I think the largest
load I ever saw) nearly 100 bushels the box I should say was fully six feet high on the
sides, our turnips I think are the best quality that going into Rockwood. {Margin}
Continues dull and unpleasant weather. - took a load of turnips to Rockwood - large
load of turnips - good sleighing at present.
January FRIDAY 31 1896 (33-332)
Froze up last night, contrary to my expectations. I was anxious to chop the ice out of the
ewe trough in the cattle shed but the frost has it hardened up again, the water is coming
down badly into the shed. Margaret went to Guelph to day to attend at the funeral of
Tina Mc
Kinnon, Joe drove her in and remained himself in Guelph, I understand he is to
sing at a Concert at Aberfoyle this evening. Annie Abbott rode out with Margaret, there
was quite a company from Everton and vicinity. I took down another load of turnips to
Rockwood it was a cold raw day and I was very cold - during the blowing of a snow
storm for about a couple of hours. I left home with my load about the same hour as
yesterday (1.30. pm) but not having much delay at Rockwood was earlier home,
Margaret caught up to me before getting home, as she drove from Guelph. I would have
gone to Guelph to attend the funeral too, but on account of being alone and promising
to take the turnips, I could not go. Old Mrs Graham, living on the Everton line below
Mc
Nabs, was buried also this afternoon, she has not survived her partner very long.
{Margin} at Rockwood with the second load of turnips - the sleighing has been excellent
to day. and the load ran easily - Margaret attended Tina Mc
Kinnon's funeral. - Mrs
Graham also buried to day at Acton - Joe drove Margaret to Guelph and remained.
February SATURDAY 1 (34-331)
Froze up a little tighter again last night, but the sun shining out some makes it more
pleasant. I have contented myself with doing the chores, cleaning up things a little extra
after having had the turnip drawing on hand. Maggie and her mother drove down to
Everton to see Mary who has been complaining this little while back, she is keeping
better. Mrs Webb is rather poorly these times, her cough has troubled her and her
breathing. Johny intended killing his pigs yesterday but as this market is unsettled with
an advancing tendency he thought it best to put it off for a little. we hear that old Mr
Greigson is very ill and low also Mr Allan, Eramosa. Mr David Shultz also is very low,
with no chance of recovery, (Consumption) {Margin} weather a little improved. - Maggie
& her mother visiting at Everton - 3 sick men at death's door. Mr Allan, David Shultz &
Mr Greigson
Sunday 2
A beautiful day, clear and warm sunshine just the reverse of the weather that has
prevailed principally for the last two weeks. Maggie drove to the meeting at Everton this
A.M. I was kept pretty close at home attending the chores in the evening Margaret and
myself drove down to Webbs where we spent an hour or two. Johny & Lizzie were at
Ospringe with our cutter, this was sacrament day. {Margin} favourable change of
weather. - Maggie at Everton - Mother & I visiting at Webbs.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 3 1896 (36-329)
Quite a change of weather, this morning opened out quite cold and bleak, a strong east
wind presaging a coming storm which came on about 11 oclock snowing and drifting all
afternoon. I got all my chores through with by dinner time and got things in such a
shape as to quickly do things up at nightfall. I then hitched up hurriedly after dinner and
got away at about 1.30 to attend the first meeting of the Board of Health for the year, all
present excepting John Rea. I supposed it too stormy for him to venture such a long
drive. I got my old post as Chairman of the Board, Dr Dryden proposed me and Mr Auld
seconded, I suggested Mr Auld, but he would rather I would act, until he had more
experience. Called at Everton on my way home for the papers, the roads were a little
heavy with the drifting snow, it was a bad afternoon for Mr Tindal's sale. I clipped and
shaved the hair off Fred's spavin this evening and mean to apply the blister tomorrow.
Maggie and her mother are working hard - sowing rags for rag carpet. {Margin} A
drifting storm east wind - got through my chores expeditiously this a.m. and attended a
meeting of the Board of Health when we organized - Tindal's Auction Sale today
TUESDAY 4 (37-328)
Another dull and unpleasant day, the sun has never shone out once that I noticed, and
the snow that has been falling has stuck to the trees &c. in the morning and into the
forenoon a mist prevailed that, I think, can hardly be other than prejudicial to the general
health. I have not felt very well to day, but for all I attended to the stock rather above the
ordinary, I curried the horses more than usual, also the fattening cow, I also blistered (or
rather applied the blister) to Fred's spavin, I also worked some among the turnips to let
the earth and other dirt get to the ground. Johny was helping John Mutrie to bring some
quarried stones over from the Ashenhurst works in Erin. Maggie and her Mother have
been busy at the sewing of the carpet rags. Maggie is away with a number of others up
to Mimosa this evening to Humphrey Jessops I beleive. The snow is now accumulating
to a good depth. George Duffield & some of his brothers are working now in the swamp.
Cutting cord wood. {Margin} no sunshine - mist, and snow, sticking to the trees &c. -
applied the blister to Fred's Spavin - Johny helping John Mutrie drawing stones -
Maggie away to Mimosa visiting - Maggie and her mother working at carpet rags.
FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 5 1896 (38-327)
A very fine day, the sun has shone out clear and bright nearly all day long. a very great
rarity these 2 weeks past, the temperature has been very mild and the weather, with the
exception of being so little sunshine, is about all that could be desired, of course we
should mention and except too the damp atmosphere and hoar frost that has so much
prevailed. I have had to hustle up with my chores as I put up 7 bags of mixed grain and
took it to Everton mills and got it chopped before night fall, Johny helped me to bag it. I
borrowed the bags from Robert Mc
Williams and we had to empty them all of chopped
stuff before I could get them. Johny is going to help Albert Tolton to cut straw tomorrow
and he will very soon have to cut for himself. I was more than astonished to find to day
he had gone nearly through all his cut straw. I thought it should at least, have served
another 2 weeks yet. I had a letter from Alex. Mc
Gregor this evening, he is in the
Toronto General Hospital and does not write near so hopefully as he did some time ago
in regard to his case. {Margin} clear and warm sunshine all day long, a great rarity. - to
Everton mills with 7 bags of chop. - Letter from Alex. Mc
Gregor. - paid chop
THURSDAY 6 (39-326)
A woeful change of the weather from yesterday, there has not been any particular cold
and but very little, if any frost, but there has been no sunshine and the snow has been
falling almost incessantly all day. The snow has been soft, otherwise it would have
drifted, as there has been quite a wind blowing. Johny has been helping Albert Tolton to
cut straw. I have had a very busy day, and not getting up till late did not help matters
any, besides doing the ordinary chores and some little addition by way of the pigs
cleaning out, I had to kill 8 turkeys for the women and carry them over from the pig pen.
The snow filled the old tracks up badly. I killed 2 at a time as they required them after
plucking them, I also emptied the meal (10 bags) and cleaned the bags to go home,
pulped up a lot of potatoes and turnips to be used while I may be away tomorrow &
Saturday, and bagged about 4 bushels potatoes and carried them to the house cellar. I
also prepared the straw to be handy for feeding, the snow is blocking up all the
surroundings. I fear it will make Johny's pig killing tomorrow difficult. I am attending to
the blistering of Fred's spavin. {Margin} Quite a heavy fall of snow - killing turkeys,
emptying meal, carrying potatoes from barn to the house cellar and doing up other
chores so to help at Johny's pig killing tomorrow.
FEBRUARY FRIDAY 7 1896 (40-325)
A great deal of snow has fallen to day, especially in the forenoon. The wind was high in
the morning and there was great promise of a particularly rough day, from about 9
oclock however it began to improve and it turned out not so bad after all. Johny killed
his pigs this forenoon (10 of them) he had good help and they finished before taking
dinner, he had helping him Robert Morton, Robert Mc
Williams, Robert Jestin, John
Coffey, & himself. Mother and I helped to clean the insides, I got there about ten oclock,
and they had then 4 hung up. After dinner I hurried home and did up the chores. I found
James Richard Synnott had been at our house to see me about the chopping going on
in the swamp he fears, I suppose, we may take some of his timber by overstepping the
boundary. I drove the team back there, there were 5 at work, the father and 4 sons. we
plodded through the deep snow and I found the corner stane, there need be no running
over the line however, as the straightest line to the back should be 33⅓ rods, and any
deviation from the straight line will fail of reaching the back. I took over the 8 turkeys to
Johny's to be ready to load in the morning. I had to water and clean the stables after
dark to night {Margin} Quite a fall of snow to day. - drifting in places - had a tough drive
with the team to the back of the place James Synnott was here and seems afraid we
may cut over the line. - Johny killed his pigs this forenoon - mother & I helping -
preparing for Guelph tomorrow
SATURDAY 8 (41-324)
A very fine day, sunshine and warm. I was early astir this morning and had the stables
cleaned out before daylight, and watered the stock also before breakfast, Maggie and
her mother did the greater part of the feeding. after breakfast I went over to Johny's and
helped him weigh and load up his hogs. they weighed in all 1437 lbs. and after taking
them to Guelph he got paid for the neat 1400. 10 hogs and 2 lbs off each hog. showed
them to have shrunk 17 lbs. he got 5.20¢ per 100 lb for them. making $72.80 in all. I
had 8 turkeys. they weighed 83 lbs on our scales. sold one weighing 11½ lbs for 90¢.
the remaining 7 I sold to Fred Barber at 7¢ per lb. he made them weigh only 70 lbs -
$4.90. the roads were very heavy going in, and the team stuck at James Talbots, near
his gate where it was badly drifted. the rest of the road, though heavy, was not so bad.
Johny & I had dinner at Willies. I got 50¢ worth sugar, and 10¢ Box sodas there. I paid
the Mercury for 2 years for Alex. Holyoke. it is now paid in advance to next Oct. the
cattle feeding was all done when I arrived home. I had to water all the stock and clean
and fix up the horses. I bought a hind quarter of beef from Keough the Rockwood
butcher weighing 94 lbs @ 5¼ per 100 $4.92. he cut it up for me. there was a good
crowd at Guelph. {Margin} early at the chores this morning and off with Johny to
Guelph. - difficult getting along on the road - sold turkeys at 7¢ per lb. - Johny got $5.20
for his pork - bought hindquarter beef. - paid Mercury for Alex. Holyoke.
Sunday 9th
Quite a snow storm on again, it is not cold neither does it blow, but it is very wintry
nowithstanding. George Duffield paid us a visit to day. Maggie did not venture to go to
Everton to day, her mother and I took a drive down to Webbs in the evening and she
accompanied us, the roads have been getting filled up with snow considerably we had a
hard pull going to Webbs. we had King. Fred is used up with the blister these times.
{Margin} snow storm - visiting at John Webbs
FEBRUARY MONDAY 10 1896 (43-322)
A passibly fine day. not at all cold and the afternoon sun shone out nicely, it was duller
in the forenoon and threatned worse things than happened. Johny and I hauled over to
his place three jags of pea straw, we expected to be cutting at his place to day, but they
have put it off till tomorrow. Albert & his father are away to Guelph today. I offered to
give John Webb a load of mangolds and George Abbott came along for them this
afternoon, I was sorry to be so engaged with the pea straw that I could not help him,
however he managed himself all right, we took them out by the side of the door where I
intend placing the bulgur. we did not get to Everton yesterday and consequently failed
to get the mail. Mc
Williams brought it to day, they were down at meeting last night. I got
a letter from Bro. Alex. Meaford, he sent me a sample book of which he has ninety
copies to sell. he would like to get a man to undertake their sale, and would allow him a
good commision it is the debate on Baptism that took place in the Town of Meaford,
between Wilkinson and Harding. {Margin} moderately fine weather - hauling pea straw
over to Johny's - George Abbott took a load of Mangolds down to John Webbs. -
received a letter and a book from Bro. Alexander Meaford
TUESDAY 11 (44-321)
An unfortunate turn in the weather for the business we had laid out for ourselves. The
wind blew very high all last night and the snow has piled up very unsightly drifts and
badly blocked up all surroundings I had to shovel the road to the barn also dig out a
large drift at the well pump, it has blown hard all day through and, I fear, all the roads
will be blocked up, we intended cutting straw at Johnys to day, but the Toltons didn't
make their appearance, but even if they had the work could not have gone on very well
on account of the heavy and high wind on that gangway. I haven't gone off the place all
day but laid out to keep the stock as comfortable as possible. I did some repairing to the
harness this afternoon and helped Johny to grind his axe, he talked of going to the
swamp to work this afternoon, I would hardly think he could get along very well through
the storm previously. This afternoon is the time for John Loree's Auction Sale. I fear it
would turn out a failure, for people could hardly attend no matter how much they might
wish to, we have seen no travel on the town line to day, likely the roads will be blocked
and a general shovelling follow suit. Colder to night {Margin} very high wind to day and
the snow has drifted up into great piles - mending harness - this the day of Johny
Loree's Auction sale. - shovelling snow - grinding axe.
FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 12 1896 (45-320)
The wind has fallen and to day the weather has been moderate and, in fact, milder than
for some days, but, oh, to look around and see the snow drifts, Johny expected to get
on and cut straw to day, but instead had to turn out and shovel snow the most of the
day. I shovelled the drift down at the line gate, and the one up here at the back gate
expecting I might get down the side of the lane without much shovelling, I had no time to
hitch up the horses after getting done and it is snowing to night hard and perhaps all my
work will go for nothing, there has been quite a turn out of the neighbours shovelling the
roads. they have made the roads over to the 1st line of Erin through Duffield's and
Coffey's fields, my Rheumatism arm is very sore and lame to night from the work of
shovelling. my usual chores are about enough for me these times without having the
shovelling. I think the Manitoba Cow is doing very well. she is quite a hearty eater, she
gets 4 large turnips each meal, and a heaped old milk pan of chopped stuff, besides the
chaff. There is a great cry out about the shortness of feed. I fear Johny is terribly short,
and we will not be able to help him much. {Margin} storm abated. - snow drifts
everywhere - gangs out shovelling snow. - our lane is filled higher than the fence. I
shovelled at the gates at each end of lane and intend opening out the side of lane next
the orchard. - Jamie Duffield is to come and help me the half of 31 days for three dollars
THURSDAY 13 (46-319)
It appears we can't be afforded much of a lull in these terrible stormy times, the most of
the work done yesterday in opening up the roads and surroundings will be undone to
day. it has snowed hard the greater part of the day and there has been a stiff wind from
the east all the time, the drifting before has been principally from the west but to day it
has been from the east, we have not had any mail since Monday and I hardly think
there will be any to day, we have not heard how the stage has been running, but we
know that the most of the roads have been badly blocked, Johny expected the Toltons
might have come over to day with the horse power and cutting box, but they failed to put
in an appearance. I have, in addition to my usual chores, cleared a place in the turnip
house and set the pulper into it, I can now pulp more than what is fed at a time and
leave it under the machine as there will not be any frost to hurt the feed. it is a
convenience also to have it out of the passage as we found it much in the way of
feeding the straw especially, it has cleared up this evening and we may hope the storm
has again spent itself, there will have to be more shovelling done {Margin} Another
storm of wind & snow from the east this time. - Cant get the mails - the stage has been
running very unsteadily - Changed the position of the pulper put it in the root house
FEBRUARY FRIDAY 14 1896 (47-318)
Another day of storm, wind and snow, for a time snow fell thick and heavy and the wind
kept driving it in clouds till everything is filled up again with snow, all our work of
shovelling is again lost sight of and we have much of the work to do over again. Charlie
Duffield got down to Everton this forenoon and brought up our mail, the stage went from
Erin to Guelph on Wednesday and returned to Erin to day. Maggie received a letter from
Ewart to day, they are all well and business fairly prospering. Ewart says they have little
or no snow there and no sleighing quite different from us here where we are nearly
buried in snow, this has been a terrible week for storm and snow and it has completely
stopped all outward communication. I have done little or nothing more than fixing up the
stock and doing the general chores, we have been expecting the Toltons with their
cutting box along to Johnys but they have not ventured out yet, both Johny and myself
are much in need of having straw cut as we are clean out of chaff and cut stuff for the
fattening cattle. I see John Loree's auction sale is postponed till next Thursday, no
doubt the storm of last Tuesday prevented it going on. {Margin} more snow and more
drifting - there is little chance to move about now every thing is so snowed up - we got
our mail to day I wondered that it came along so nearly on time. - Letter from Holyoke. -
all well & business prospering
SATURDAY 15 (48-317)
The temperature has been very mild to day, considerable wind prevailed in the
forenoon, but there was not much drifting on account of the snow being so soft. there
has been a wonderful blocking up of the roads this week and we have been well used to
keeping around home. Johny drove over to Toltons to see about them coming to cut
straw, they were contentedly working the machine at Smith Aureys. I think it would have
been better for both of us to have rigged up our own machine. After dinner I dug out the
gate leading into the South front field, the women folks helping me. I then had quite a
job getting the fence taken down at the line and afterwards hitching up the team &
sleigh and breaking the road through the field. I had put in some rails into the ditch to
help keep the sleigh from going in so deeply, but it will only be a second class road at
best as the ditch is so deep and there is not sufficient room to turn on to the main road. I
was in favour of keeping a way open round by Johnys, but the women would rather
have this one so we will give it a trial. Mc
Williams went to Guelph to day and the stage
went east from Guelph. {Margin} Fine mild day. - Johny over to Toltons - broke a road
through the field to the line - our lane is full of snow.
Sunday 16
Much colder to day, the frost has been very kean, we arranged that I would drive
Maggie down to Everton meeting this forenoon but on account of the cold and the state
of the roads it was abandoned, she went down in the evening with the Mc
Williams. Willie
drove out from Guelph this afternoon, he intends cutting some wood at Robertsons
tomorrow {Margin} Willie out from Guelph - Everton at night.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 17 1896 (50-315)
An awfully cold night has passed over, the frost has been the most severe of the
season, and the cold to day did not relax much, if any, all day long, the sun made it
more endurable where it shone out good, but, after all it was a very cold day. I did up
my chores in good time so as to be at liberty to help Johny to cut straw when they were
ready to go to work, they were late in coming however, Albert & David brought the
machine, their father accompanying them, Thomas paid me six dollars on Kate's
money, (interest on note) $6.66 he paid me the four dollars I furnished as interest on
Mc
Gregor's note, he still owes me the 66 cts when cutting awhile after dinner the cover
burst off and one of the fans was broken off, there was nothing for it but go at the
chopping and Albert took down the fan &c, and got the braces fixed up, also the cover
repaired, we got between 20 & 30 bags of grain chopped. I drove for them quite a long
time but they let me off to do up my chores, the two of them ran the chopper quite
awhile. Mr & Mrs Henry Duffield paid us a visit this evening. David Tolton helped me to
fill up 12 bags of grain for chopping tomorrow. Jamie Duffield helped Willie to cut wood
this forenoon. {Margin} Coldest night and day of the season. - The Thermometer is said
to have registered 27 below zero. - Cutting straw & chopping after noon - visitors - Willie
cut wood & then drove home.
TUESDAY 18 (51-314)
Another very cold day, last night was also very cold but not quite so severe as the night
before. I was up and at my chores early this morning, had the cattle cleaned out by
lantern light. and my horses fed, cleaned, and harnessed, we got started to chop this
morning very shortly after eight oclock, and ran the chopper till 11.15, when we hitched
on to the straw cutter till noon, they expected to finish in an hour after hitching on after
dinner but it was half past four before they got over with all the machinery, they thought
of getting on with an hours work but it turned out as I told them it would be, no running
to night. I brought over our chop at noon, out of the 12 bags of grain we had 17½ bags
of chop, 8 bags clear oats, and 9½ mixed, there was about a third of barley & peas in
the oats for the cattle feed, and 7 bags grain, clear oats (black) 5 bags. Jamie Duffield
went to Johny's for me, and I emptied the meal, and did up all the feeding, watering and
other chores before they got out with the machine {Margin} very cold again to day. - cut
straw and chopped grain till 4 oclock at Johnys - set the machine at our place this
evening - I got 12 bags chopped.
FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 19 1896 (52-313)
Another fall of snow last night with enough of wind to cause a little drifting, this morning
opened out tolerably clear and we expected passably fine weather for the day, in this
however we were mistaken as it was not long before snow began to fall which increased
in volumn as the day advanced. we started to cut straw at a little after 8 oclock and ran
on till noon, we cut the most out of the shed when we took a little over a run out of the
bay mow, clearing all out excepting a little hay and some barley chaff, I told Johny he
could take the chaff which he gladly accepted. I went down for Robert Morton in the
morning, Geo. Abbott also helped us till we run through the little balance after dinner,
when they both went home, they then set the chopper and ran through 13 bags for us. 7
bags of oats and 6 mixed half & half with barley. making with yesterdays chop, 25 bags
in all. Robert Mc
Williams brought 15 bags oats and they finished up with that. I paid
them a dollar for my chop, and a dollar and half for the cutting which sum he told Johny
he would take from me for the ½ days cutting 75 cts each. we had a good job done, a
nice lot of cut straw and, with what meal was in the bin before there must now be over
30 bags meal. washed Fred's spavin sore and applying salve {Margin} cutting straw to
day in the forenoon and chopping grain afternoon. - Robert Mc
William also got some
chopping done. - paid them for the work. - dissagreeably snowy day.
THURSDAY 20 (53-312)
Another terribly stormy day and very cold, the thermometer does not show such a low
temperature as on Monday last, but the wind has been much higher, which makes the
cold more penetrating, the frost has been finding its way into the cattle stables more and
root house, the roots, however have come off very free so far, and, if the cold relaxes a
little soon there will be no damage done, the snow has been drifting considerably and
the crust on the top of the old snow is so hard we have been afraid to venture the
breaking of our road to the swamp, so Jamie and I have been working in the barn all
day, we bagged up the peas that were in the bin (5 bags) and we filled the two furthest
in bins with the white oats out in the barn. there must be about 200 bushels of them,
and there are still left of black oats about enough, I think, to fill another bin. This is the
afternoon of John Loree's sale. I drove down to Everton and got the mail this evening
and they say the sale came off, the prices were not high but we can't expect that in
these times, feed is very scarce and people do not care to undertake the feeding of
more stock than they have. Johny drew 4 loads of barley chaff I gave him, and we put
up some hay on swing beam {Margin} terribly stormy and cold. - Johnny Loree's sale
came off this afternoon - carrying in the oats out of the barn and putting them into the
Granary - Toltons at Mr Mc
Williams cutting straw and chopping
FEBRUARY FRIDAY 21 1896 (54-311)
Very cold to day yet, but the wind has not been nearly so high as yesterday. Johny took
unwell last night from an unpleasant affection of the throat, they were uneasy about it
but this A.M. he seems a little better and we are in hopes it will pass off without bad
results, we think he may have contracted a cold from exposure to the dust and cold
yesterday while drawing over the barley chaff. Jamie and I took the team to the swamp
before dinner and then after dinner Jamie drove down a few times and brought home
light loads, it was a hard job on the horses to break the crust the first time, but after that
was done the principal trouble was over. I helped the women to kill the turkeys this
afternoon, 7 over here, and we got the gobler over at Johnys; we also brought the
scales over on the sleigh at same time. I got Johnys mare, Nettie, to drive to Guelph
tomorrow and also borrowed Richd
. Mc
Williams Cutter, which will hold the turkeys and
other things better than our own.
SATURDAY 22 (55-310)
Another very sharp day, the frost has been pretty kean the most of the day, the wind
was high last night and somewhat filled the sleigh tracks on the lines. Margaret and I got
a fair start for Guelph this morning, our turkeys weighed 92¾ lbs on our scales last
night, and to day we were paid for 92 lbs at Guelph. James White bought the lot at 10¢
per lb, $9.20. we had 4 lbs butter @ 18¢. and 2 dozen eggs, @ 22¢. I got the last tooth
in my upper jaw extracted to day, by Parker the dentist, he is to fill up the hole in the
plate where the tooth was and I paid him a dollar for the whole work, he is to do it at my
convenience, we put up at Willies and had our dinner there and got some groceries.
Jamie Duffield brought up from the swamp 5 loads of wood to day, of course they were
not large loads as the road is not yet properly broke. I had my 2 overcoats on going to
Guelph, but only one coming home and was warmer.
Sunday 23
Much milder to day and thawing this afternoon. Maggie rode to Everton with the
Duffields and returned with John Mc
Kenzie and Bella. Maggie accompanied Bella home,
she intends to stay a week with them. Jamie Duffield has been around all day, and is
attending to the stock. John Mc
Kenzie paid me $3.50, for last months ass'm't, and this.
{Margin} John Mc
Kenzie paid $3.50 for A.O.U.W.
FEBRUARY MONDAY 24 1896 (57-308)
Froze up again last night, although not very hard, we are very well pleased to have it
freeze up again as we are anxious to have the wood hauled up from the swamp. I have
been shovelling snow at the wood pile in the yard and Jamie has drawn up 6 loads. I
helped with one or two loads at the swamp and helped unload in the yard, we stuck with
the first load in turning into the field, but managed better afterwards by watching to keep
the sleigh on the track. I went with Johny to his swamp to break the road, he had the
long sleigh and it was difficult to get it turned in the very deep snow, he got it broken
however and brought up several loads. I was agreeably surprised to find our horses
were able to haul out of the swamp so large a load, the bob-sleighs are the thing for
hauling out wood from so rough a place I think the Duffields are making a very good job
down in the swamp the brush seems to be well piled and the roads are such that we
can get fairly well along in getting the wood out.
TUESDAY 25 (58-307)
A very beautiful clear & sunshiny day. the frost however last night was pretty kean and it
has remained pretty frosty all day. we were at it in fair time this morning and after
getting breakfast and all the chores done up, I went down with Jamie to the swamp, and
after helping him to draw 2 loads up to the yard and one to the field I remained up to
shovel again at the piling place. Jamie drew 4 loads this afternoon and the 3 in the
forenoon, making 7 loads in all. I did up all the chores at night. Dan Tolton and young
Mr Hall of Toronto paid us a visit to day and had dinner with us. Hall is an intelligent
young man, and works in the T. Eaton establishment. Mr & Mrs Jno Webb paid us a
visit this evening. Mr Webb is troubled yet with his painful toe, which causes him a great
deal of trouble especially at night by making him lose his sleep.
FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 26 1896 (59-306)
A very fine winter's day. Jamie and I have been hauling at the wood from the swamp.
we only made the 6 loads to day, there was considerable shovelling to do and I had to
attend to that, our fat Cow, the Manitoba one, shows signs of sickness and being off her
feed. I took her feed from her after she left it, I also let her out and drove her to the back
field I guess it is indigestion that is the trouble. there was a little snow last night and a
little drifting which made the roads rather heavy for drawing the wood.
THURSDAY 27 (60-305)
A very clear sunshiny day and very warm in the sun. Jamie and I have been drawing the
wood again from the swamp, the road is getting soft and there is danger of breaking
through, our cow does not seem any better and it makes one uneasy about her. Jamie
and I took up six loads, and Jamie went back for the seventh while I did up the chores.
February FRIDAY 28 1896 (61-304)
Receipe for sick cow (indigestion) Froze up last night, and though not very hard still it
has made a great improvement on the road to the swamp and, also in the swamp itself.
I made a mistake in writing the foregoing the weather has been quite soft to day, no
frost at all day or night, this afternoon it commenced to rain a little about 3 oclock and it
came down so hard about 4 oclock that we hurried home without a load, we brought
one load of wood home at noon, and we drew out of the swamp the rest of the time and
unloaded it in the field. the road became treacherous and the sleigh broke in some, we
also had considerable trouble in the swamp, the snow is sinking and the stumps are
showing up a good deal. Collins & Evans sent out a man to buy our turnips but I would
not engage to take them on account of the state of the roads and also interfering with
getting our wood out of the swamp, we gave the cow another doze this evening. 1 Quart
Linseed oil 2 oz Annaseed, 2 oz Carraway seed, 2 oz Ginger, 1 lb salts, 2 oz nitre.
{Margin} Quite a thaw - drawing out wood from the swamp - Receipe for a sick cow -
gave her the doze this evening.
SATURDAY 29 (62-303)
Froze up again last night, and it kept fine and hard all forenoon, the sun has great
power now however and the road softened up considerably this afternoon. Jamie and I
have had a busy day at the wood hauling. I did up Johny's chores at noon and Jamie
brought up one load before dinner alone, we got six loads up and he was going back for
the seventh when he noticed the shoerig of the front bob broken, so we had to stop.
Johny & Lizzie went to Guelph to day, the cow does not seem much better, she has
passage in her bowels but not sufficient to make us decide that the medicine has
operated. O'Connor sent up word he would like 300 bushels turnips on Monday at 11¢
but I can't think of going at them at present.
March Sunday 1
Rather stormy to day, considerable snow fell this A.M. and afternoon the wind increased
to a gale and drifted up the roads very much. Mother & I drove down to Mc
Kenzies this
forenoon, we got Johny's Janie mare and she travelled well we found them all fairly well,
barring colds, we left there about 5.30 and took fully 2 hours on the road, a little short of
that going down. Jamie kept house and did the chores for us to day.
MARCH MONDAY 2 1896 (64-301)
Quite a cold turn of the weather, the frost is kean and never gave way all day. I took the
front bob on the long sleigh to Everton this morning. Willie Abbott fixed the shoe, by
putting a piece of an old wagon tire, while he was at it I drove mother down to Everton
where she is staying till tomorrow night paying freinds a visit. I took her to Mary's. I got a
bag of bran at the mill 35¢ (paid) got it to give to the sick cow. I think the cow is
improving although she is yet sick enough to cause us uneasiness. I got the sleigh fixed
so as to get home by 12.30, paid 60¢ for repairing it, after dinner Jamie & I started again
at the wood drawing, we had some difficulties to contend against and we only got 3
loads up. Jamie did the chores and some other extras this forenoon while I was at
Everton. I sent 2 dollars to Erin in payment of Ass'm'ts of A.O.U.W. for John Mc
Kenzie &
self. Henry Duffield has been chopping all alone to day in the swamp. {Margin} Henry
Duffield working in swamp. - Sent 2 dollars for A.O.U.W.
TUESDAY 3 (65-300)
A very frosty day, and the cold has been severe, Jamie and I have been hauling up the
wood from the swamp, it was so very cold that we had difficulty in keeping ourselves
reasonably warm, the wind was very cutting and we had to wear our overcoats while on
the road between the swamp and the barn, we tracked the road to the north end of the
swamp and had quite a time in getting the horses through, they got down in the snow.
Henry Duffield helped us to get a start out the new way, we got 5 loads up, 2 in the
forenoon and 3 afternoon. the loads were very heavy being composed principally of
round tamarac timber. the Cow is some better, evidence of the medicine having
operated was first given to day. she now seems inclined to want some food. James
Dunbar drove Mother home to night. Johny drove to Everton and was to call for her, but
by some means they missed each other.
MARCH WEDNESDAY 4 1896 (66-299)
Another very cold day, the frost has been very sharp and kean, but the wind has not
been so high as yesterday and other days previous. Jamie and I have been again
drawing wood from the swamp, we finished up the 3rd pile and have about 3 loads of a
start on the fourth, we just got 5 loads up - 2 forenoon and 3 afternoon, the loads were
heavy, as were them of yesterday, the small round tamarac sticks being the chief
timber. the road in the swamp is getting very bare of snow and the stumps and other
stuff is getting on top a good deal so that it makes hard pulling for the horses. George
Duffield tells me to day they think of quiting the chopping now, the stuff is so small they
can't make the work pay. of course I can't expect them to continue the work under those
circumstances although I could have wished them to clear off the timber from the back
line. the cow seems to be getting over her trouble and commencing to eat again. Johny
& Lizzie are away to Willie Croft's marriage this afternoon. {Margin} Marriage of Willie
Croft.
THURSDAY 5 (67-298)
Kean frost again last night and the greater part of the forenoon showed no signs of
relaxing the cold grip. After dinner, however, the cold gave way very much and the sun
shone out so strong that the snow began to melt in the places exposed to the sun's
rays. Jamie and I got 2 large loads of wood up from the swamp, we cleared out all the
wood from the southern portion of their chopping, and we commenced to haul out of the
northern part and out of a new road we broke out on Tuesday last. in the afternoon we
got 4 loads drawn up. I staid up the last load so as to do up the feeding and other
chores. the cow is on her feed again and I hope we have seen the last of her sickness.
Willie drove out from Guelph to day, he wished to help at the drawing up of the wood till
tomorrow and then wanted me to draw him in a load of wood on Saturday. I told him I
would take him in the wood but that I would rather wait and take him a load next week,
as we were very anxious to get done with the drawing out of the swamp before a break
up should come. John Farries and Tom Warner came to see if I would take turnips to
Rockwood at 10¢ per bushel. I declined taking them. Henry Duffield has begun to cut
out a piece of brushy swamp that he was leaving on account of not making wages, by
me giving him a dollar extra.
MARCH FRIDAY 6 1896 (68-297)
Quite a change in the weather, from the hard frost and extreme cold of a number of
days back we have it milder to day, but very unpleasant, as rain has come and freezes
as it falls making a hard and solid caking of ice all over, it is very hard getting along on
it, people run great risk of falling and hurting themselves. we found it too wet and
disagreeable to think of going at the wood drawing this forenoon, so Jamie and I set
about fixing up things at the barn. Jamie carried all the cattle meal, except about a
couple of bags, that was more than sufficient to fill both our bins in the cattle stable, we
then placed a bag over the cattle meal in the granary passage, and emptied the horse
feed (chopped oats) on top of it, and then carried the remainder of the oats out in the
barn bin, into the granary bin next the door where the chopped oats were, there are
some mixed oats in the bottom of the bin, the rest are black oats, fairly clear, we went at
it after dinner and drew up 4 loads of wood from the swamp, we had to hustle for it.
Willie came yesterday out from Guelph and would have liked to have helped awhile at
the wood so that we would draw a load of wood to Guelph, but there would have been a
poor chance of carrying out that programme on account of the bad turn of the weather.
we have taken the scalding trough up to the feed room and intend wetting the cut stuff
and preparing it for the cattle there, the passage is now clear.
SATURDAY 7 (69-296)
A very stormy day. the cold has not been great but the wind and snow has made it very
dissagreeable to be out working in it. the snow is being piled up in great drifts again,
and it is colder this evening giving promise of winter weather ahead. we are so far
having a very stormy and wintry spell for the beginning of March. besides doing up the
chores Jamie split up some wood in the wood shed, and we both started off to the
swamp between 10 & 11 oclock for a load of wood which very nearly finished up the 4th
and last pile in the barn yard, after dinner we went at it again, although dissagreeable,
and got up other 3 loads. I stayed up and did the cattle & pig feeding while Jamie
brought the last. we have commenced a new pile at the south end of the barn. the fat
cow is getting her appetite again, but this will put her back considerably.
Sunday 8
Very snowy last night again and a high wind has piled it up into ungainly piles for
clambering over or shovelling out. I had obliged to do some shovelling before we could
get to the well for water. this is a wintry spell for the time of the year, we all kept at home
but Jamie who spent the day with his own folks. I have had all to do to day excepting in
the morning that Jamie helped me.
MARCH MONDAY 9 1896 (71-294)
Frosty last night and looked wintry enough this morning, it became milder through the
day and in the sun the snow melted a little, there were some snow showers that passed
over. Jamie and I have been again at the wood drawing, we intended to draw up 3 loads
this forenoon but, on account of delays, by reason of breaking out new roads in the
swamp we only got 2 loads, we made an early start after dinner however and got 4
loads in the afternoon, so that we piled 6 loads to day on our new pile by the end of the
barn. Henry Duffield finished up what he started himself to do in the swamp. I give him a
dollar extra for the last piece he chopped on account of it being largely composed of
brush that did not count in the cordwood pile. Mrs Richd
. Mc
Williams & Maggie spent the
greater part of the afternoon with our folks, and Richd
. himself spent the evening also. I
am so busy these times at the wood drawing and doing up the chores that I can't pay
the attention to visitors I would like. I paid Richd
. two dollars this evening for the cows I
took there {Margin} Keeps wintry - 6 loads of wood to day - paid Richd
. Mc
Williams two
dollars for cows.
TUESDAY 10 (72-293)
Frosty again last night and it has remained colder to day than yesterday. Jamie and I
have again been drawing at the wood, we did not manage more than the two loads this
forenoon, and only 3 afternoon, we suffered some delay by the piles being mostly in
new places in the swamp. the piles are getting pretty well taken away, and we have
hopes of clearing the swamp tomorrow if nothing unusual occurs, it will keep us busy
under favourable circumstances however. a German pack pedlar with a horse had
dinner with us to day. we finished up one pile of the wood to the length of 56 feet, and
have one load to begin backing up with a second pile. Mr & Mrs John Webb drove up
and spent the evening with us. Alice and Ada walked up afterwards. we had a pleasant
time. we have been feeding our two milk cows some potatoes daily and we find the flow
of milk much increased. I got Robert Mc
Williams to bring us out a bag of oil cake (100
lbs) for which I paid a dollar, much cheaper than I ever remember it of being, and I give
the fattening cow a cupfull of it 3 times a day. {Margin} wintry weather - 5 loads of wood
from the swamp to day.
MARCH WEDNESDAY 11 1896 (73-292)
A very cold day, the frost has been very sharp and kean, and the wind has been high
which has made the cold more penetrating. Jamie and I have been working as usual at
the wood drawing - the wind has been driving the snow into the track which has made it
very hard drawing for the horses. Coming up through the field it is a cold ride and
through the gaps at the fences where the snow has drifted the horses have a very hard
pull. We expected to get six loads home to day but only made five, 2 in the forenoon
and 3 afternoon. they have quit chopping now and we had hopes of finishing up the
drawing to day, but we find there is more wood than we expected and it is harder getting
it out now too. it will yet take another day to clear the swamp. we have been so busy at
this wood drawing that we have not been able to get the mail since last Friday and no
person is thoughtful enough to bring it to us although they visit the post office. {Margin}
cold weather - still in the work of clearing the swamp of wood - heavy drawing by drifting
- 5 loads drawn to day
THURSDAY 12 (74-291)
Another extremely cold day. the frost has been so kean as to invade the cattle stables
again, and if it stayed long so cold we might expect to find it creeping into the root
house. the wind has been strong and high nearly all day, and the snow has driven
before the wind and settled in hard drifts wherever it got leave to lie. Jamie and I have
had a very cold job of it to day. we fully expected to complete the drawing of the wood to
day, but on account of the drifting of the roads we were unable to draw full loads and we
have one load yet left in the field to bring up, we have the swamp cleared however, we
took up 3 loads before dinner and 3 afternoon, we had a heavy experience in the back
part of the swamp where in drawing out of new places the horses were terribly strained
to pull them out. the women folks at home are busy again at mat hooking.
MARCH FRIDAY 13 1896 (75-290)
Continues very cold, the frost has been kean again to day, but not so much so as
yesterday and the wind has not been so strong and high, which has made the cold less
penetrating and more endurable. Jamie brought the load of wood up from the field and
finished the second pile at the end of the barn, they are both of about a length and
height, and make about 21 cords. I filed the cross cut saw this forenoon and when
getting through with the wood we drove down to the swamp before dinner and sawed
down the pine tree and put a but cut into it. the tree is sound, but very windy and I made
the logs different lengths so as to have them as straight as possible. the first we made 8
feet long, the next 10 feet, and the next 12, 10, 12 respectively. afternoon we finished
the cutting and drew them up to the barn yard, putting 2 on a gang way, and leaving the
other 3 on the sleigh for taking to Everton. we also brought up a dry cedar tree for
kindling. Maggie and her mother finished their second mat to day. Maggie is over at
Johny's to night. {Margin} finished drawing the cord wood up to the yard. - filed the cross
cut saw, and cut up the pine tree into saw logs. - also cut a dry cedar for kindling
SATURDAY 14 (76-289)
Another very cold day, the frost has been very kean last night and if it had not been for
the heat of the sun there would not have been much relaxing of the cold to day. Jamie
took down to Everton the three pine logs that were on the sleigh from last night and was
back about 10 oclock. we then drove down to the hard wood bush and cut down the two
hemlock stubbs, one making a saw log 16 feet long and the other making 2 logs 12 feet
long. the latter had been struck by lightning and is somewhat shattered, but I think it
may make some useful lumber. we brought them all up to the yard and Jamie took the 2
last to Everton. I did up the chores and Jamie was a little late in getting home. Johny &
Lizzie are away over to Mutries this evening, they hear Mrs Mutrie is very sick. {Margin}
taking saw logs to the Everton saw mill - Johny & Lizzie gone over to Mrs Mutrie who is
very sick
Sunday 15
A very fine day, and the frost and cold has somewhat relaxed. Maggie accompanied the
Duffields to Everton meeting this forenoon, she has not attended there for the last 9
Sundays, for want of opportunity to get there. Fred the young horse has not left the
stable for about 5 weeks now. we had a visit this evening of David Tolton & Bessie,
Thomas Mc
Dougal and Miss Mc
Dougal. Mother & I were over at Johny's when they
came. David intends starting for Manitoba next Tuesday. {Margin} visitors to day -
Maggie at Everton
MARCH MONDAY 16 1896 (78-287)
The frost has considerably relaxed last night and the snow has been softer and melting
some in places to day. we hear the roads to Guelph are in a terrible state, the pitch
holes are very numerous and awfully bad, being both very steep and deep. I took down
to Everton the last three logs this morning, and hurried home to do up the chores
forenoon before attending May's Auction Sale. after getting all done I went to the sale
and drove "King" in the cutter, leaving him in Edwin Awrey's shed while I walked over to
the sale. I bid on a heifer to 22 dollars, but she went to 24½ and I did not follow that far.
I paid Henry Dunbar a dollar as I promised for the old horse he made a little objection to
take anything, but took it. Dan. Tolton and Sam. Gibson were here for dinner to day and
bade us good bye, they intend starting for Manitoba tomorrow. George & Alfred Duffield
also, and William & Peter Dunbar, and one of the Mc
Dougals &c. John Mc
Kenzie drove
up to day to get Mother - Bella is very poorly from Quirisy and the grip they think. Old
Mrs Mutrie is worse to day. Johny & Lizzie are away there this evening. Robt.
Mc
Williams was sawing with the drag saw, and Johny is very tired holding it. Jamie
Duffield was there for me to day. {Margin} took 3 saw logs to Everton - paid a dollar to
Henry Dunbar - attended May's Auction sale. - John Mc
Kenzie up for Mother Bella is
poorly. - Robt Mc
Williams sawing with the machine Jamie there
TUESDAY 17 (79-286)
The cold has moderated very much, although there was enough of frost last night to
harden things outside pretty well. the snow is going a little where the sun shines on it,
but there is terrible banks of snow to be thawed off before we can think of warm
weather. Jamie was at Robt. Mc
Williams sawing this forenoon with the team - it was
only to be an hour & a half, but Jamie did not get home till ½ after 11 oclock. I borrowed
Webbs sleighs and left ours with him and I took down to Rockwood 42 Bls, 15 lbs,
Mc
Cullough bought them for D. L. Shultz. Jamie did not get home before dinner to help
me much at the trimming and it was 3 oclock before I got started away with the load. I
arrived home again about 7.30. the roads are very rough from pitch holes, and it is very
hard passing teams. one team on the Town line with a load of bags filled with peas
upset while passing me. I did not hear how Bella was to day. Mrs Mutrie was a little
better this morning. Willie & Colin Campbell out from Guelph this evening. Colin drove
on to Mimosa {Margin} Jamie again at Robt. Mc
Williams this a.m. - trimmed a load of
turnips and took them to Rockwood 42 B. & 15 lbs - Willie out from Guelph this evening
- Mr Barry from Rockwood called to see about turnips.
MARCH WEDNESDAY 18 1986 (80-285)
A fine day, inclined to thaw, the snow melts where the sun shines and the roads are
getting so that loads break through in places. Jamie and I got a load of turnips ready for
Rockwood this forenoon and as Johny had to go to Joe Crofts for the Circular saw he
took the load down for me, he did not get the ticket but he tells me there was 48 bushels
and some pounds. I took in hand to drive over to Mutries to bring Lizzie home if she
could come. Mrs Mutrie was not fit to leave however, so I returned as I went, the roads
are blocked so that much of the way over had to be done by the fields. I intended to
drive over to Barrie Drydens to see about the school for Nellie Sunter, but while on the
way over I found they had a male Teacher hired, so that I did not go. Mrs Mutrie is very
bad with inflammation of the Lungs. Jamie Duffield is very good at doing the chores and
when I was away to day he also was splitting at the stove wood in the wood house.
Johny tells me that Mc
Cullough would like a load of turnips taken down tomorrow and
would give me 12 cents per bushel for them. Johny started with his load about 2 oclock
and did not get back with the Circular saw till about 8 oclock.
THURSDAY 19 (81-284)
Quite a fall of snow last night and the day broke out windy as well. the wind increased
very much in the afternoon and the snow fell faster. it kept mild through it all however
until about 5 oclock. P.M. we prepared a load for Rockwood and I was very undecided
whether to venture to take it down or not. Johny & Jamie both were against me going
but as I did not know what about the taking of the turnips at any other time I made up
my mind to go. it was a fatal step for my comfort. the roads were very heavy but I got
along all right until reaching the Rockwood line when I encountered drifted roads with a
vengeance, and down a little below Gray's gate my load went over. I had then to pull out
the sleigh and right it and run down with the half of the load, and Mc
Cullough
accompanied me back for the other half. there were 43 bushels and 10 lbs. I then faced
home in the dark and got along fairly well till coming opposite Jamie Talbots place after
leaving his field through his gateway, and the horses there got up to their backs, as I
failed to find the track for them. I unhitched them from the sleigh and let them plunge out
as best they could and I rode 'King" home the other going by his side, the storm raged
frightfully all the time and I had quite an adventure again at the gravel pit, but at last
reached home at about 10 oclock P.M. the folks at home were much concerned about
me and releived when I arrived.
MARCH FRIDAY 20 1896 (82-283)
A terrible day for this time of the year, the storm of yesterday has but little abated, there
has not been so much snow falling but the cold is much greater than yesterday and the
wind has been piling the snow up into terrible drifts, all our surroundings are completely
banked up with snow, I had to shovel out the pump and had to grope and dig for it as it
was completely out of sight. Johny's Barn yard on this side is almost completely filled.
the wind blew a hurricane all last night and we expected to see a general block up this
morning - I did not venture out to look after the sleigh to day, the 2 blankets and scoop
shovel are with it. I cleaned up the horses well to day and they do not seem to be much
the worse of their bad experience of yesterday. Jamie's time was up to day at noon, he
stayed on till night. I paid him six dollars which pays him in full to date according to
agreement. we cut up all the long sticks in the wood house, also a number of the cedar
sticks we brought up from the swamp for kindling. Lizzie and Margaret both being away
they will feel shut off from home during this blockade. Johny thinks of sawing tomorrow
and Maggie will have to cook for the men.
SATURDAY 21 (83-282)
Moderately frosty last night and the snow kept well all day excepting where the sun had
a good chance to play on it. Jamie Duffield helped me to do the chores this morning and
I got the team ready and went off to get the sleigh, when I arrived at the corner I found
the travellers had taken down Dan. Talbot's fences and were driving through his fields. a
gang of men were at work cutting out a road through the drifts. I left my team at Abbotts,
and rode up with Ag't. Hartley and found they had dug out my sleigh which was right on
the track. we pulled it out and I had to go back for my team, before getting everything
righted and calling at Everton for the mail. it was nearly 3 oclock P.M. before I got home,
and before getting dinner and the noon feeding done. it was about 4 oclock before I
could get near Johny, who is sawing this afternoon - I helped him then for over an hour,
but then had to leave to do the night work. Johny got along very well considering that he
had a very late start. there are only about 4 logs to finish up with the drag saw, and then
he will finish with the Circular, he intends finishing on Monday.
Sunday 22
Frosty last night but moderate, the wind was very high and there was rain in the
evening, but the drifting was stopped on account of the frost. Maggie & I have been at
home all day excepting that I walked down to Webbs in the evening.
MARCH MONDAY 23 1896 (85-280)
EASTER MONDAY (DOMINION) Quite cold to day, the wind has been blowing strong
and the air frosty. I was early astir this morning and fed up all the stock before
breakfast, also cleaned and harnessed my horses ready for sawing at Johnys, as the
hands seemed slow to gather I took time to clean out all the stables before going over to
Johny's and we got started to saw somewhere about 8 oclock, we finished up the drag
saw work in the first place, and then set the Circular and cut on till noon, there was a
little left but it did not take us long after dinner to finish it up. I got 3 bags of barley
bagged up to take to Mc
Kenzies tomorrow also 3 bags of wheat (gorse) that I am
exchanging with Johny for fall wheat for our gristing.
TUESDAY 24 (86-279)
A little milder to day, although this morning it was pretty cold & frosty. I was early out of
bed again this morning (4.45) and got all the feeding and stable cleaning out before
breakfast. soon after breakfast I loaded up the 6 bags of grain into the sleigh and drew it
round to the turnip house window. Maggie and Jamie then helped me load on the
turnips and for all it was 10.30 before I got off with my load - the sleigh was cutting off a
little in going down but got safely to Rockwood at about noon, and past one before
leaving for Mc
Kenzies, found that they had all been sick. Bella was better though. John
and I had to hustle with the getting on of our load 6 bushels peas for the Duffields, 10
for ourselves and 3 bags barley and 3 of fall wheat. the turnip rack on top of the grain
formed a good place for Margaret & Mrs Mc
Kenzie to sit on coming home. we arrived
home about 8 oclock, there was 25 bushels & 25 lbs of turnips. Amos Theaker and I
were together at the track with our turnips. the price is up. Barry offered me 15 cts for all
I have to spare. Jamie Duffield drove Johny down to Rockwood in the cutter early this
morning, the train left at 6.55. A.M. Johny is a delegate for the {Chozen} freinds at
Toronto.
MARCH WEDNESDAY 25 1896 (87-278)
Softer to day, the snow has gone off considerably to day, and the appearances were for
rain during the afternoon, it held off well however, and there was no rain till after dark
when a little fell. I did up all my chores in good time this morning and then drove Mrs
Mc
Kenzie in the cutter to Usherands before going to Richd
Mc
Williams sawing bee. I
took our saw and Wm Tindal and I sawed together. while I did my noon chores Willie
sharped and fixed my saw a little and it worked better afterwards. there were a number
of very hard maple logs, and some large and particularly fine sound birch logs there
were five saws going and they think there was about the half of their logs cut, there
certainly was a fine lot cut at all events. the man from Toronto took away the turkeys
from Robert Jestins this morning. I rather think they would have a hard job to make
Toronto as they intended to drive all the way. One of Thos. Weatherstons daughters
was getting married to day to a son of Thos. Mc
Cutcheons, they drove up past while we
were at work at the sawing bee.
THURSDAY 26 (88-277)
Froze up last night again, and to day it has been steadily getting colder all day. I worked
out the most of the day among the stock cleaning out the pigs and fixing up around
where things have been getting a little out of joint. Johny arrived home about noon to
day. they pushed the work through in two days and saved quite a sum by letting the 300
members off so as not to draw on the third days pay. Johny thinks we ought to cut with
the Circular on Saturday, so we loaded the horse power on the sleigh this evening. the
snow banks are very inconvenient in our barn yard where we intend to saw and we may
have some trouble shovelling &c.
MARCH FRIDAY 27 1896 (89-276)
Quite cold and frosty, it is astonishing how wintry it keeps for this late time of the
season. Johny brought over the horse power this morning and took away John Webbs
sleigh to take to Everton a load of chop. he just had it loaded when Abbott came for the
sleigh as they were taking it to Guelph. Johny then sent Jamie Duffield with our own
bobs to the mill, they do not track well however in the present state of the roads. Johny
& myself set the machine for sawing tomorrow. I had a lot of shovelling of snow to do,
and we set it so as it will freeze in tonight solid. which we expect it will do. I drove down
this evening to see Wm Abbott about the renting of Mrs Peavoy's house, and agreed
with him to give him possession of the house for, at least, six months, perhaps 12
months, he to pay 2 dollars per month. and payable 3 months in advance. he to do the
road work and pay the taxes. the time to commence 1st April. {Margin} agreement with
William Abbott for the renting of Mrs Peavoy's house in Everton.
SATURDAY 28 (90-275)
Frosty again last night and the machine was firmly froze to its place, the day however
has turned out fine and from appearances frost & snow may, before long, be a thing of
the past. there are great banks of snow however to be disposed of. we started in fair
time this morning at the cutting of the cordwood with the circular saw. Johny has not
been very well but he made the venture and did very well. we had help from the 2
Mc
Williams, John Webb, Henry Duffield & team. Robt. Mc
Williams team also Jamie
Duffield with Johny, and myself making 7 in all. we would have been the better of
another hand as they could not get the wood forward quick enough for the sawyer. we
cut about an hour after dinner, and think we have over 30 cords stove wood. Colin
Mc
Millan has accepted my offer of 15 dollars a month for seven months commencing
Monday the 6th April next. {Margin} Johny has cut at our place with John Mutries
circular saw
Sunday 29
A change in the weather, warm and raining with some thunder this morning. the snow is
now melting fast to day we cut our wood on the right day. Maggie drove to Church with
Fred the first time hitched since his long rest. I walked down this evening to see Mr
Webb who has been poorly and I got into deep water and well soaked in a icy cold bath.
Robert Morton is also very poorly these times. {Margin} Matthew Smeeton buried to day
found dead in bed Friday morning. - thought to be heart failure - a letter from Mrs. A. S.
Peavoy
March MONDAY 30 1896 (92-273)
A very fine day, the sun has shown out clear and hot, and the snow is taking its
departure in a very summary fashion. the roads are now in a most deplorable condition,
it is not safe to venture out at all onto them, we hear the Guelph road is being or about
to be opened out. the fields having become impassable, some yesterday, last night, had
to turn when on their way to Everton. I split up some of the hard wood, and am almost
sorry at not letting Colin Mc
Millan come right on to work as he offered to do, it would
likely, from the look of things, take all the time from the present to get the wood and
other chores off hand before the field work begins. Wm Jestin, a son of John Jestin,
called on us to day to see about hiring with us. he took a letter containing a dollar to
mail for Erin Village, 50 cts each for John Mc
Kenzie & self for balance of Releif call No
16. A.O.U.W.
TUESDAY 31 (93-272)
A very warm day, the sun has shone out clear and hot and the snow has fairly rushed
off in volumns of water and flooding all the low places into temporary lakes and all the
common avenues for the running off of the surplus water into rushing rivers. the fields
are now assuming their earthy black appearance, fringed with great drifts of melting
snow. Johny has been helping Robert Jestin to day at a bee for cutting wood at the
bush, he says the job was very dissagreeable and uncomfortable on account of the
extreme wetness under foot. I sewed up the rips in an old pair of his shoes which made
away with the most of my spare time after doing my ordinary chores. I also did a little
wood splitting but not very much and made a thorough cleaning out of the small pigs in
the horse stable. wrote a letter to Brother James, Meaford this evening.
APRIL WEDNESDAY 1 1896 (94-271)
Froze up some last night, and this morning it was much easier getting around on the
dry, frozen crust than for some days past, as the day advanced, the frost gave way and
again the slush prevailed. I walked over this forenoon to see Willie Loree about Mrs
Peavoys rent money, but he was away to Guelph with Wm Maikens to procure a coffin
for poor George Maikens, who died this morning. George has been, for a long time, very
poorly, but there is an end to it all now. Prudence also has been quite unwell for a long
time, so that they have had affliction, their condition, according to all accounts is not
very enviable. their indoor, as well as, outdoor arrangements being badly out of sorts.
George, I hear is 73 years old, the funeral is set for the afternoon of Friday next at 2
oclock. I went down to John Webbs this afternoon and was delayed on account of Geo.
Abbott getting stuck in their lane with a load of chopped stuff. I stayed and helped him
while we took the load to the barn 3 times on the stone boat, and emptied 10 of
Mc
Williams bags for my own use and brought them home. Maggie is bed fast with an
attack of Gripp, we think, her throat is quite sore. {Margin} Death of George Maikens
THURSDAY 2 (95-270)
Quite frosty last night and cold and wintry looking this morning. There have also been
gusts of wind and snow clouds at times, it remained cold all forenoon, the snow not
melting perceptibly till the afternoon when it gave way only a little. it is extraordinary
weather for this time of the year. when one goes out on the roads and encounters the
high, solid banks of snow and ice that abound everywhere it does look as if spring was
very remote indeed. people too, are more than ordinarily anxious this year for the
breaking up of winter and opening up of spring on account of the great scarcity of fodder
for the stock. our Johny is extremely short of feed and I feel sorry we are not in a
position to help him much. I think we have what would carry us through all right if let
alone but we may be forced to part with some of it to help Johny through and bring us
also to the pinches. I took 6 bags of wheat and 6 of mixed barley & oats and 2 oats to
the mill and got them ground this afternoon. I suppose there were 475 lbs or so of flour
and bran shorts. paid a dollar & 85cts for all the job. I had 20 bags home with me and
the roads were in a poor way with holes and sidlings. Charlie Duffield & Johny helped
me off with the load and I had a busy night afterwards doing up all my chores. among
the rest of the mail was a letter from Holyoke. Alex has got another boy added to his
little family of two. they are concerned about the baby as there seems to be something
wrong with his tongue.
APRIL FRIDAY 3 1896 (96-269)
Continues wintry. the frost was pretty hard again last night and it has been very cold all
day. the wind has been blowing high which makes the cold harder to bear. I did up all
my chores this forenoon and had also to hustle and dispose of all the chopped stuff, as
the hens were going for the bags badly. After doing up the noon feeding I had to get
ready to go to the funeral intending to hitch on to the cutter. I found however that it was
too late to think of driving round the road, so I walked through the fields, and just got
there at the hour 2 oclock. there was not a large gathering but the roads being so bad
partly accounted for that. a number of their distant freinds were present, some from
Toronto and elsewhere. Mr Baker had a short service at the house and at the grave.
Wm Loree gave me ten dollars ($10.00) as rent for Mrs Peavoy. he only kept back a
dollar for what I owe him, which was not enough, as I think I must owe him some more.
Johny did not feel well and he did not attend the funeral. Maggie is some better and got
up to day awhile. her throat is still sore although showing signs of getting better
SATURDAY 4 (97-268)
Continues frosty and cold, it is astonishingly wintry weather for being so late in the
season. very little melting of the snow to day yet. the drifts seem to be settling some
however, no doubt caused by the melting of the snow underneath. the fields are in great
measure bare of snow, but the unsightly piles which have drifted on lanes and around
the fences and other places still in a large degree remain, and keep the air cool and
make it feel as like winter as in January. I did not wrap enough yesterday while at the
funeral and to day I am suffering from toothache or neuralgia of the jaws, it is very
unpleasant indeed. Johny took over the circular saw to Mutries to day. Jamie Duffield
went with him a piece of the road for me, and I repaired a boot for him in the interval. I
also repaired a pair of shoes for Margaret.
Sunday 5
A very fine clear sunshiny day. the snow has melted away considerably although it has
been mostly due to the heat of the sun, there being quite a cool air prevailing in the
shade. Johny & Lizzie have been over to Mutries to day. Maggie as well as the rest of
us kept at home. George Loree paid us a nice long visit. got the chance of a ride up and
footed it home.
APRIL MONDAY 6 1896 (99-266)
A beautiful clear day. the sun has shone out brightly all day long, but, like yesterday, the
cold frosty air still prevails, much that is ice bound remains so still and the snow banks,
although smaller are still large and unsightly for this day of the year. I have had a poor
time of it with my aching face. I fancy it may be neuralgia instead of toothache. Colin
Mc
Millan came along this morning and, on account of my face ache, I thought it would
be better for me to stay at home and so sent Colin to Robert Morton's sawing bee,
instead of going myself as I decided upon. I can do the chores mostly without exposing
myself to the cold air, which, I found, generally started the pain. I drove over to Joe
Hindleys this afternoon to get the machine spindles but, could not find any and Joe was
away from home himself attending the funeral of Old Peter Mc
Arthur, on the 4th line,
Erin. we have known Peter now for a long time, ever since we first settled in Eramosa.
Johny was at Morton's sawing bee, in the morning he ran up a load of saw logs to
Mc
Kinnons bush before going to the bee.
TUESDAY 7 (100-265)
Another fine day, but still the cold wintry air prevailing. the snow banks are becoming a
bit smaller but, go at a very slow pace. Johny drove over to Joe Hindleys this morning
and got the spindles, one of them he got at Richd
Standishs place, he then took them
down to the blacksmith's shop and had their ends fitted for the knuckles. Colin split
wood awhile in the morning but he & I joined later on to get ready for the straw cutting.
we carried the larger portion of the straw in the shed forward to the dropping off place,
and Johny returned in time to get started to cut about 4.30 we ran pretty steady for
about two hours, and got a nice bulk of stuff cut, the machine works well. Johny made it
so that the knuckle of the threshing machine can be used on it and it runs like a charm.
we think there may be nearly the half of the straw yet to cut, which we intend to do
tomorrow morning.
APRIL WEDNESDAY 8 1896 (101-264)
Continues very fine weather, although perhaps not so warm or spring like as the
lateness of the season would seem to require to carry off all the banks of snow that still
abound all over the country. the snow however is surely becoming less although a little
slowly. we finished our cutting of straw about ten oclock and soon had it moved to Jno.
Webbs and going about 11 oclock, having an hours run before dinner. we cut again
after dinner till about 3 oclock when we moved to Robert Morton's place and were going
there at 3.55. they cut all Robert wanted but it took till after 6 to do it, they then moved
the machine to Wm Usherwoods where they intend to cut on the first opportunity. at
about 5 oclock this evening while I was on the wheel at Mortons, Colin came to let me
know that Margaret had taken a poorly spell. she has been troubled this some time back
with dizziness at times, and shakings. I drove down to see the doctor at Everton, he
said it was not her heart, as she feared, but a stoppage in the circulation in the head
and extremeties and directed to keep her quiet and take absolute rest, bathe her feet in
warm water and keep the bowels open, her head raised during the attack and its
effects. he did not think it was necessary for him to see her in order to prescribe for her.
I received a letter each from Brother Alex. Meaford and Alex. Mc
Gregor, Toronto, the
latter seems no better of his malady.
THURSDAY 9 (102-263)
Softer to day than has prevailed for some time. the snow has gone more than usual
although there is yet very cool air. this evening there has been quite a flurry of snow. I
helped Johny to haul over to his barn the cut straw that I apportioned off for him, we
took it over at 4 times. we cut a nice little bit of corn with the other straw, which will
sweeten it up some. we did it before dinner, and he went to Duffields sawing bee after
dinner. Colin was splitting up the hard stone wood this forenoon. afternoon he also went
to the bee taking our saw with him. the white cow calved prematurely this evening, we
think she will come to her milk all right. Colin took the milk from her, a quarter of a pail
perhaps. I was cleaning up the barn to day after Johny got away his cut stuff. Mr Baker
called up to day and brought Mary along with him. the doctor wishes Margaret to keep
her bed all this week at least. she seems to be improving.
APRIL FRIDAY 10 1896 (103-262)
Quite a change from the winter weather that has so lately prevailed. to day the snow
has gone faster than most any day yet. it has been warm and every thing soft and
humid. I took the two turkeys over to Standish's to be with their gobler. I left a bag of
black oats to feed them. Colin is splitting up the stove wood (hardwood) he and I
bagged up 6 bags oats and 5 bags oats and barley for chopping. I took them to Everton
this afternoon in the sleigh, it was a very tough pull in front of Webbs & Theaker's
places, the rest of the road was not so bad excepting at Everton when near the mill. I
got the grist home with me. Johny attended a sawing bee at Wm Theakers to day. (John
Webb paid us a visit to day, also Mrs Robt. Jestin, and Hindley. Henry Duffield called for
his mail and had a letter from George at Manitoba.) {notation within parenthesis:} this
should have been written for Saturday. George had not fallen in for a suitable place and
was heart sick of Manitoba, he wants 40 dollars sent out to him so that he may return.
{Margin} Weather turned mild & everything now soft. - splitting up the stove wood. - 2
Turkeys to Standish - Johny at Wm Theakers sawing Bee. - Everton Mill with 11 bags
chop. - letters each from Brother Alex. and Alex. Mc
Gregor
SATURDAY 11 (104-261)
Another very soft day, it started to rain this morning but cleared up soon again, there
was rain through the night. Colin chanced it to Guelph to day. I gave him the receipts for
the turnips and he got them cashed, $18.16. there is a mistake in not allowing more
than 12 cts for the last load, because Mr Barrie offered 15, but I did not see Mc
Cullough
on delivering them and there was no price set. I thought it was Mc
Cullough who sent for
the turnips while it was Mr Barrie through Reddick. Colin did not return till late from
Guelph, he saw Willie in Guelph and Robert Jestin was telling him about his mother. the
roads were bad especially in Guelph Township where they (the snow) have not been
cut out so well as in Eramosa. there were quite a large number of people in although the
roads were so bad. Margaret got out of bed and down stairs this afternoon. {Margin}
Continuation of soft weather - Colin chanced it to Guelph - got the money for the turnips
$18.16. - Margaret improving up out of bed this afternoon.
Sunday 12th
Rain last night and this morning, but it cleared up through the day, there was thunder
this morning Willie drove out from Guelph in a road cart to see his Mother. he drove up
to Mimosa. John Campbell has been ill and is still poorly. we all staid at home to day,
there is no comfort travelling the roads these times {Margin} wrote 2 letters to day. one
to Holyoke and the other to Meaford.
APRIL MONDAY 13 1896 (106-259)
A very fine warm day, the snow has gone at a rapid rate and every thing begins to wear
a new appearance, the grass coming out of its snowy covering looks green and nice.
Willie drove down from Mimosa this morning and left for home at about 10:30. he gave
his mare a few oats but would not stay himself for dinner. Colin has been splitting at the
wood and I have been piling some. I paid Henry Duffield 40 dollars to send to his Son
George at Manitoba, George has not fallen in for suitable work there and has got
homesick, and sent for the money to take him home. I hitched up King to the buggie and
drove Mary home this evening. I took eggs and butter to Marshall's store and dealt for
goods, mostly sugar. I sent the 2 letters, Holyoke & Meaford with Willie to mail, and I
also wrote and sent away a letter to Mrs A. S. Peavoy this evening. Dugald Robertson
and wife paid us a visit this afternoon, they came up to see Margaret. Margaret is
improving although she is not as well as we would like. {Margin} Paid Henry Duffield
forty ($40.00) dollars to send to George, this leaves 60 dollars still to pay
TUESDAY 14 (107-258)
A splendid day for taking away the snow, very warm and the snow has run off in torrents
of water, our lane yesterday was hard to go through, on account of the deep snow, and
to day (afternoon) it is almost all gone. Colin and I worked at the wood the greater part
of the forenoon, only that cleaned out the pig pen so as to put up the hogs. the hogs are
rooting badly and we can't keep them in the shed since the great thaw. this afternoon
Colin and I had a terrible time in getting them housed, and they ran me over most of the
place before we got them fast. hogs are frightful brutes to manage at times and we had
our turn to day. Johny was at the mill with our wagon with a grist of chop, the roads are
getting greatly clear of snow and give promise of drying up quickly as there does not
seem to be much frost in the ground.
APRIL WEDNESDAY 15 1896 (108-257)
Weather continues warm and balmy, the snow has mostly dissapeared even where the
heaviest drifts existed, the grass is coming out from under the snow fresh and green,
and, indeed, the grass fields are showing quite green and fresh already. Colin and I
have worked a good part of the day picking and loading 20 bags of potatoes which we
took down at twice to Webbs, 10 bags at a time and bagged up and brought back the
same of his kind (Peerless Savoy) for seed. we helped them to ring 6 of their pigs. Scott
the cattle buyer came to Webbs while we were there and bought his cattle. $108.00 for
the 4 head. he then went up to Johny's and bought his $125.00 for the 4 head, the fifth
one has a swelled jaw and he wouldn't take it. he looked at our cow but he would like to
have her fatter. Colin went down to Theakers this evening and brought up his things,
trunk &c.
THURSDAY 16 (109-256)
Beautiful weather, warm and splendid growing weather. the change is so great that we
can hardly expect it to continue, the grass is showing uncommonly green for so shortly
out of the grip of frost and snow. I helped Johny to take off large stones from the quarry
field this forenoon. we built them as a fence on the west side of the field. got down the
dried meat and wrapped it in papers and put it in two barrells, covering it and packing it
in oats, there were pieces. Colin drove down for the mail this evening after tea. Maggie
accompanied him. Margaret is improving, although not very strong yet.
APRIL FRIDAY 17 1896 (110-255)
A most beautiful day, hot enough for any day in summer. Colin has been splitting the
tamarac stove wood the most of the day. I had not time to help much but did some. I
repaired a shoe for George Abbott, and helped to clean and bag 2 bags of northern
spys for Guelph tomorrow. thunder and rain to night and we are a little afraid the
weather may prevent us getting to Guelph tomorrow. I drove down to Everton this
evening with Johnys Nettie and had a shoe put on her on front, she pulled it off although
lately put on by Robinson and he did not care to have her go without it to Guelph
tomorrow. I had a chat with Dr Mc
Cullough when down there about Margaret's trouble,
he thinks it may have been aggravated by her recent attack of Grippe and thinks she
will soon improve, but will have to take good care of herself, avoid worry and any undue
exercise, and attend to proper diet &c.
SATURDAY 18 (111-254)
An extremely hot day, many expressed their opinion that it was hot enough for July.
Maggie and Lizzie and I started for Guelph this morning shortly after 7 oclock, and
arrived there at 9.40. I had 2 bags apples (N. Spys) for which I got $1.25 per bag. butter
16 & 17cts per lb - Eggs 10cts per doz. Willie got 8 lbs butter @ 16cts - took raisins &
currants for most of it. Lizzie & Maggie did not go up to Willies as they had a good deal
of shopping to do. the road was a little rough near Guelph, but they are generally drying
wonderfully up. the grass is becoming quite green and the fall wheat on different farms
is looking splendidly. Colin brought home the lumber in 2 loads from Everton to day, and
helped Johny to move a fence, they drew it a piece from its bed with a horse and Johny
intends building it there, taking in some sod . I had Johnys Nettie & our Fred to Guelph.
while I was at Hewars getting 4½ bushels seed corn, the horses got restive at the post
opposite the store door, and between them broke the tongue of the democrat. Penfolds
fitted me up with an old tongue to bring me home, and I left the other to get fixed. the
heat to day in Guelph was spoken of as being 85 in the shade {Margin} heat 85 in the
shade - Guelph market - Maggie & Lizzie. - Mr Mc
Euchin and Hoskin rode with us. - sold
apples butter and eggs. - bought our seed corn
Sunday 19th
Continues fine the growth is marvellous. Cooler this afternoon. Colin and Maggie drove
Fred to Everton meeting this forenoon and again at night. I drove Margaret down to
Webbs this afternoon where she & I had our tea. Colin & Maggie called for her as they
returned, but I came home
APRIL MONDAY 20 1896 (113-252)
A very warm day, and sultry, I thought as it looked thundry that a break out might cool
the air but it cleared off again and the temperature remained about the same. Colin and
I started this morning at the stony acre and drew off the stones to the back lane forming
a fence, to make the boundary to the back field. Colin remained all afternoon till 5
oclock at the work, but I went with Johny after dinner down to Loree's to get a load of
straw, we got back shortly after 4 oclock and we set the machine and cutting box. Colin
came up from the field when seeing us with the load, and as soon as we had supper we
commenced to cut which was exactly 5.40. we cut Lorees Usherwoods load in 35
minutes, and sharped and cut Lorees in 25 minutes, we were done at 7 oclock, and had
to hustle to get our chores completed by dark. Robert Morton came up and helped us.
TUESDAY 21 (114-251)
Warm in the early part of the day, it looked thundry and rain clouds seemed to pass
around, towards evening it became much cooler and we have fears for frost. Colin and I
have been all day taking off stones from the stony acre, it is a heavy job and some of
the stones alone make the horses huff to haul them off. Johny talks of wanting the stone
boat tomorrow, so we cleared the part of plowed land behind stony acre of stones and
may sow it tomorrow. Margaret seems much better to day and is able to be around quite
lively and doing the work as usual.
APRIL WEDNESDAY 22 1896 (115-250)
Cold to day for a change, one feels it pleasant after so much hot weather. Johny used
the stone boat this forenoon to prepare for gang plowing over at Wm Loree's corner,
and Colin and I took the opportunity to split wood in the yard, it split fairly easy, in fact,
Colin thought easier than when at first sawed. in the afternoon we again tackled the
stones at the stony acre. we have to take the chance of the boat as we can get it. Mr &
Mrs John Webb paid us a visit this evening, and Margaret ventured to the head of the
hill in convoying them a piece home. we called at Robt. Mc
Williams and I got the loan of
ten bags from him I intend taking a grist of chop tomorrow.
THURSDAY 23 (116-249)
The weather is again warmer to day, but not so hot as it has been lately, we were early
astir this morning, and prepared to get to Everton with the chop. we bagged up the 10
bags of black oats, and with the 5 bags of peas I took them to the mill. I got away with
the load about 8.30 and as there was no one ahead of me I got my grist chopped
without delay. I had Johny's Jeenie mare along with Fred. Johny drove his 4 cattle to
Rockwood this forenoon, sold to Scott of Brampton. $125.00. I got back at 12 oclock,
but Johny was nearly a couple of hours later. he brought me up from Abbotts 3 teeth for
my harrows from Willie Abbott, not paid. old Mr Pike of Rockwood dropt dead this A.M.
about 8 oclock. it is a sudden call for the old man, although he has had a checquered
life, still his wife and family will deeply feel his loss. we hear of a Mr Morely, who has
lived near Rockwood, and who was in conversation with Mr Pike yesterday having died
in the same way within a short time of each other, within an hour or so, life is uncertain.
Colin stoned this forenoon and cultivated the patch for oats this afternoon.
APRIL FRIDAY 24 1896 (117-248)
Cold east wind prevailing to day, and considerable rain has fallen, it did not rain heavily
but enough to stop seeding operations in the fore part of the day. Colin and I bagged up
15 bags of white oats and took them to the mill this forenoon. he also got King's front
shoes removed & reset at Willie Abbotts. paid for the chop and the shoeing too. after he
came home we emptied the chop and then hitched on to the seeder and sowed the 2
acre patch to oats. our young cow calved this forenoon a nice red calf. our cut stuff is
getting small and I begin to have fears it will hardly see us out long enough, we have
plenty of turnips however which will help us out some. Margaret, we think, is keeping
better, she is working around again too much and tires herself, we cannot keep her from
it however. I have been building up fallen fences this afternoon and hunting up our
harrow which got out of sight, found them over Johnys piggery, where we stowed them
away for safe keeping.
SATURDAY 25 (118-247)
Dull and misty this morning and I had some fears the weather would not turn out fine.
the sun soon shone out however and we had very fine weather the whole day. Colin
took the harrows back to the piece he sowed yesterday afternoon, he got done with that
about 9.30 and then hitched on to the 2 furrow plow and plowed all day in last years
turnip & potato land, the field at the back of the orchard, it is too wet but as it is getting
late we think it best to work it up so that it may dry for sowing. I thought once of
cultivating it, but afterwards concluded plowing would make a dry seed bed quicker. I
scrubbed up the rusty mould boards and they cleaned fairly well. I started off to
Rockwood before 12 oclock and arrived there at 1 oclock, just in time to be present at
the funeral services at the Pikes, they soon started off for Guelph and I drove down to
Mc
Kenzies. they were fairly well. I got 2 bags peas (4 bushels) and got home by dark. a
letter from Ewart to night {Margin} plowing with the two furrow plow in the turnip and
potato land. - attended the funeral of Mr Pike at Rockwood - drove them down to
Mc
Kenzies & got 2 bags peas. - Letter from Ewart.
Sunday 26
A beautiful day. Maggie & Colin drove Fred to meeting this A.M. after dinner Margaret &
I drove over to see Mrs Mc
Kenzie at Wm Suttons she was away to Christy Mc
Carters.
Staid awhile at Suttons and then drove over to Albert Toltons where we had tea and
made a fine pleasant visit. John Rossell & wife & children were there, also Mrs
Thomson, they have another son there.
APRIL MONDAY 27 1896 (120-245)
A fine working day. a little dull and threatning looking and a sprinkling of rain fell after
dinner but not enough to stop us working. Colin has gang plowed again in the field
behind the orchard. he got me to gang plow awhile while he hitched up Fred to the
stone boat and took off the sods he plowed up in the garden and he spread them on the
lane. the land is wet yet on the field we are working at but the season is advancing and
the growth is rapid now and we dont like to lose it
TUESDAY 28 (121-244)
Fine day. the land is drying up considerably. Colin has been gang plowing all day and
there is yet he thinks about half a day's work yet to do. Johny paid me to day one
hundred dollars, in 2.50 dollar bills. I drove down to Everton this evening and got my
clover & grass seeds. I got it half red clover and half Alsike, and about the same
proportion of timothy. 48 lbs for the sowing of eight acres. costing about $8.75 {Margin}
bought grass seed at Everton
April WEDNESDAY 29 1896 (122-243)
Rather dull weather this morning, it soon cleared up however to be a good drying day.
the wind has blowing very strong and the ground has dried up a good deal. Johny
brought his team to day and sowed our wheat and barley in the field behind the orchard.
Colin harrowed ahead of him, also gang plowed what he expected would take him this
forenoon to do. he harrowed quite a bit after the sower. Johny was done sowing shortly
after 5 oclock, but thought it was hardly worth while to rig up the harrows for the little
time so Colin will have to do it in the morning before he goes over to Johnys.
THURSDAY 30 (123-242)
Very dull all day, and looked much like rain. Colin finished the harrowing of the wheat
field this morning it took 2 hours to do it, he then went with the team to Johnys and
worked our gang plow a good while. I gang plowed for Johny too, with his team, while
he cleaned up some grain. I sowed grass seed on the burnt part in the swamp this
afternoon Colin brought home a wagon box full of cut straw, ours is all used up now.
Margaret took a ride with me to Everton this afternoon she got some flowers and garden
plants from Janet Abbott. also some seeds &c on coming home at Webbs. she stayed
there, while I drove over to Standishes for the turkeys, it was lucky I went to night, as
this was the first day for them to lay. I brought home with them the 2 eggs they laid.
{Margin} sent to Erin, three dollars for single assessment & dues for self & John
Mc
Kenzie. A.O.U.W.
MAY FRIDAY 1 1896 (124-241)
Very threatning looking this morning for rain. a little fell but, although it kept dull for a
long time the rain didn't come and we were glad of it. Colin hauled off the stones from
the fields that are to sow this forenoon, there are quite a few wet spots in them, it is
rather surprising to find so much wet land on our place when so many speak of being
done seeding, we hear Duffields & Jestin finished their seeding yesterday. John Webb
is working up his last field. Colin gang plowed some of the outside of our south front
field, and after filling in the furrows he cultivated the balance, it is too wet and cloggy but
we feel like pushing on not withstanding as we are losing the fine growing weather now
obtaining. I fixed up a lot of dilapidated fences this forenoon and a part of the afternoon,
also fixed up a place in cow stable for each of the sows we are expecting to pig soon. I
turned out the 8 young cattle this forenoon to pick their living, the grass is now a good
length.
SATURDAY 2 (125-240)
Very fine in the early part of the day, but it became very dull and lowering afternoon.
Colin cultivated sowed with seeder the south front field this forenoon and had not quite
done, finished in a little while after dinner. he took "King" and harrowed it alone with the
iron harrows. I hitched Fred with the grey horse and rolled the wheat field which is
seeded down. I started at 2.20 and at 4.30 had to quit on account of rain falling too
heavily and making it cloggy. there is only about 2 acres left, so that there is rolled
somewhere {illegible} 7 acres, not bad for 2 hours work. Colin finished harrowing and
then plowed in the furrows in the north front field. ready for ganging
Sunday 3
A very fine day, fine gleams of warm sun shine is drying the land up nicely, the grass
and every thing is growing on apace. Maggie and Colin drove to Everton Meeting this
forenoon. I have done up all the chores at noon and night. Mr & Mrs Webb here to night
MAY MONDAY 4 1896 (127-238)
A very breezy drying day. Some thunder clouds were passing around this afternoon and
there is lightning to night. we are hoping it will keep dry for a few days now and let us
get through with our seeding. I drove to Everton this morning the first thing after doing
the chores and getting breakfast. I mailed seven dollars to Auntie Kate Moore, Thomas
Tolton's interest on note, $6.66. the change I will see about again. Colin finished the
rolling in wheat & barley field. and then hitched to the cultivator and cultivated the north
front field. when I returned from Everton about 9.40, Colin put in Fred as a third horse,
they then went faster, he had it nearly done at dinner time. we cleaned up 5 bags of
Johny's Houdan oats, they weighed 397 lbs, bags included, we got 4½ bushels by
measure on the previous occasion. Colin sowed with the seeder as nearly as we could
judge 2 bushels to the acre, he worked Fred along with the Grey (Brit) and I harrowed
after him with "King" the land has been rather sad & wet, but it dried quickly after being
stirred, we did not quite finish the field. I have been building up fallen fences besides,
have hung gate &c. {Margin} fine drying day. - Everton Mailed 7 dollars to Kate Moore
Georgetown - Maggie sent letter to Ewart Holyoke - Sowing oats on front field north -
Maggie & her mother at the garden - oats from Johny for seed.
TUESDAY 5 (128-237)
Weather continues all that could be desired. dry & cool for the field work, the team
seems to stand the work very well, the old horse heaves away a little but it does not
seem to disable him for doing his work. I finished harrowing the north front field this
morning. Colin drew a load of manure out to the old garden patch and spread it on the
side next the garden, he then plowed it, as well as all the old Onion part of garden with
the long plow, he was about a couple of hours at it with Brit & Fred. I took "King" and
with the double plow levelled the furrows in the oat patch in the back field (north). Colin
got down in time to do some before dinner and start to cultivate he was done a little
early in the evening and started to plow with double plow in the second field from barn
to the south. I thought once of cultivating it but found it very thistly and as it is for peas
we concluded to plow it.
MAY WEDNESDAY 6 1896 (129-236)
Another beautiful day, the air has been cool, and though an occasional blink of the sun
caused an extra warmth, still one could not wish for better spring weather. some clouds
having the appearance of thunder passed along but did not amount to anything. Colin
has worked the double plow all day in the back field but one on the south side of lane
where we intend sowing peas. the other piece we cultivated is drying up nicely. I am
suffering from a lame back to day wrenched it running after fowls and flinging after
them. Margaret and I drove down to Standishs and got a fine lot of strawberries, we got
over 200, 3 kinds - Crescent, Michal Early, and Wilson. the crescent are placed in a row
between the others in order to make them bear. I drove to the blacksmith shop (Willie
Abbotts) and got Fred shod all round with his old shoes. hoes & fork fixed, and gate
hinges in all 55¢ paid. I bought a box of Chases - Kidney Liver pills from C. Casino.
Willie Abbott tells me they seemed to do him good when suffering from pains in his back
and limbs, so I will try them, as I have been suffering a good deal from Rheumatism this
while back.
THURSDAY 7 (130-235)
A very fine day. beautiful sunshine and rather warm. the air has been cool in the shade
but in the sun it has been quite hot at times. the land is drying up very fast. in the dry
places we will soon be wishing for rain. Colin gang plowed up till dinner time at the pea
land, we then cleaned up the New Zealand oats, 5 bags, weighing 404 lbs bags
included at Johny's. Colin sowed them in the back field, north side. it has dried up well
since being cultivated last Tuesday. he scattered nearly all the oats on the patch. I
harrowed after him till a little past six, when I then came home to do the chores, Colin
finished sowing however. Willie drove out from Guelph this evening Mrs Cathra was
with him, he took her up to Mimosa after supper. Maggie went with them for a ride. the
big white sow pigged this morning, she has just six pigs, they seem smart, we hope they
will all live. Johny has the help of Robt. Jestins man & team to day, he is finishing all but
a piece of sod he is taking into another field {Margin} got oats from Johny New Zealands
- Big white sow pigged 6 pigs
MAY FRIDAY 8 1896 (131-234)
An extremely hot day. there has been a stiff breeze which has cooled the air some but
is very drying. Colin and I were in the field this morning with the three horses. I finished
the harrowing of the new zealand oats, on the east ½ of the back field on north side,
and had about started to harrow the peas in the last field, but one, on the south side,
when the bell called me home. I found a drover from Kingston along with Keough of
Rockwood. I sold him the cow for $37.00 and Johny sold his heifer with the lump on her
jaw for $26.00, and we both delivered this afternoon, we started about noon and it took
us till about 4 oclock to get there, the cattle got very hot, especially 3 of Adam
Weatherstons which we fell in with and accompanied. I called to see the Stewarts they
are all some better but none of them strong. Lizzie drove down the buggie with us and
we three rode home, getting back before dark. Colin harrowed the pea field before
sowing, and sowed about two thirds of the field. we got our money from the buyer all
right without any grumbling. I paid Dr Dryden his Bill in full of a/c to date $21.00 was the
am't, but I took back some of the medicine, and he took a dollar off. {Margin} sold our fat
cow to day for $37.00 and delivered her along with Johny's heifer that he sold for $26.00
- Paid Dr Dryden's Bill.
SATURDAY 9 (132-233)
Another very drying day, and very hot, a breeze however, as yesterday, makes it cooler
than it otherwise would be. I drove to Guelph with Fred and buggie, accompanied by
Maggie & her Mother, we had 50 dozen of eggs, which brought 8¢ per dozen, and 27
lbs. butter @ 12½ - 4 lbs of it brought 14¢. I bought 10 bushels corn for feed at 42¢ per
bushel, and 6 bags € 90¢ $5.10. at Thorps. I had my tooth plate fixed at Parkers to day.
I sent $15.00 by Express order to Mrs A. S. Peavoy. John Mc
Dermott brought the corn
for me. I chanced it home as we were too crowded in the buggie. Colin finished sowing
& harrowing the peas, and he rolled the field in front, with black oats. he had to see to
all the chores as we were all away. he broke off the teeth of the 6 young pigs. {Margin}
Guelph - at the market with butter and eggs. - sent $15.00 to Mrs Peavoy - took the
teeth out of the six pigs.
Sunday 10
Another very hot day. we would be much the better of a good shower of rain. John
Mc
Kenzie & Bella & children came along this forenoon. Maggie & Colin drove to Everton
meeting this forenoon Mary came up with them and returned home with them at night.
John drove our "King" over to Gilbert Mc
Carters to see his mother who has been very
poorly, she is not at all well yet.
MAY MONDAY 11 1896 (134-231)
Weather continues very fine but very dry and we are much in need of rain, the early
sown grain seems to be growing very well, but we can hardly expect late sown to make
much of a start as the land is now so very dry. Colin and I have been taking off the
stones from the stony acre and building a fence near the back line with them. we
cleared away some of the old timber and other rubbish from the fence bottom. Mr
Mc
Lean, agent for the "London Mutual Insurance Co." came along about supper time
and he renewed the risk again, he did not charge fees, as Johny paid, he thought too
high last time, 17 dollars for 1700 dollars, he says he never knew of them charging
more than 90¢ on the hundred dollars, and he was rather surprised to find that the
larger assessment had been collected. Johny has been cultivating his sod and
harrowing it in. I drove to Everton this evening and got the mail. Margaret rode down
with me as far as Webbs, and I called for her as I returned home. {Margin} Insurance
renewed on the overbye buildings
TUESDAY 12 (135-230)
Cool at night but through the day dry and hot in the sun, the growth goes on but things
would be immensely benefited by a nice rain. Colin started to plow the stony acre this
morning. I went down awhile this forenoon and helped throw up the stones after the
plow. I am in a poor way for such stooping work my back and limbs being very sore.
there is a terrible amount of stones being plowed up after all that has been taken off.
this afternoon I have been choring around doing up some necessary things round the
buildings and stock.
MAY WEDNESDAY 13 1896 (136-229)
Continues very fine weather only that we are wishing very much for rain. there is
nothing particularly suffering perhaps, but rain would now advance the growth
exceedingly as the ground is getting very dry in some places. there is a very cool air
especially at night but the sun comes out hot, and the winds are very drying. Colin has
again been plowing at the stony acre, and I helped to throw up the stones this forenoon.
he worked alone in the afternoon as I helped Maggie at the papering of our front room. I
quit that at 4 oclock and took 3 bags of chop to the Everton mill. 1 bag of corn and 2
bags oats. Johny is finishing up the plowing and sowing of the piece of sod he is taking
in below and behind the barn. George Duffield was to have helped him clean up his
fence bottom &c, but failed to appear, he also dissapointed John Webb the same way.
{Margin} little sow pigged - about now - Colin broke the teeth out of both litters when a
few days old.
THURSDAY 14 (137-228)
Weather much the same as has prevailed for this some back, very dry and hot through
the day, coolish at night but no sign of reaching the freezing point. Colin and I have
spent a faithful day working hard at the plowing and throwing up the stones on the stony
acre. we got what we have laid out for plowing done about sharp six oclock. Johny and I
after supper hitched up Fred to the buggie and drove over to the Centre to the reform
political meeting for organisation. Thos. Waters resigned the position of President of the
reform association of the Township on account of ill health, and Hugh Black was
appointed in this place. I drove to Everton in the going, for the mail, while Johny rode
over with Charles Sockett. there was a general arranging of and appointing committees
&c. and Mr Innes made a short address on the importance of being up and doing before
the general Election that takes place on the 23d of June. we had a nice rain this
evening, and we had a very dark drive home through it.
MAY FRIDAY 15 1896 (138-227)
A little cooler to day after the rain of last night. this has been a splendid growing day.
Colin and I have been hauling off stones all day, if I made no mistake we took off and
built on the fence 20 large loads of stones, 10 in the forenoon and the same in the
afternoon. we had also to help do up some extra chores at noon, moving stoves,
cleaning carpets &c. Maggie has had a hard job cleaning and fixing up the front room, it
looks well now since being newly papered and otherwise cleaned up. as our turnips
have taken badly to rot I have made up my mind to turn out the cows tomorrow to the
grass. it will also lessen the amount of our chores, which will be acceptable in these
busy times.
SATURDAY 16 (139-226)
The weather continues much the same, cool at night and the sun comes out hot through
the day. the wind has been very high which has the effect of drying up everything very
much and very quickly. Colin and I have had another busy day trying to finish up the
stone hauling, it seems however to be a never ending job. it will take us all day on
Monday to get them off and the peas sowed and harrowed. we took about the same as
yesterday. 20 loads off the land and good loads at that.
Sunday 17th
A very fine day, but very windy, there is a scarcity of rain and the high winds cause a
greater need for rain, as the land dries up much more than on that account. Colin drove
Maggie and her Mother to Everton meeting this forenoon & I staid at home and did the
chores and rested. Henry Dunbar came along in the evening and we both walked down
to Webbs, where Mother had gone before. {Margin} a little rain this morning
MAY MONDAY 18 1896 (141-224)
A very fine day and very drying. it has been cooler especially at night. no doubt there
has been thunder and perhaps rain somewhere not far away which has cooled the air.
Colin and I worked hard to try and clear off all the stones before dinner we were beat
however and had 2 loads after dinner, we put off a few loads of small stones on the
road into the watering place. I hand sowed a little over 1½ bushels peas on the piece
and Colin gave it 2 tines of the harrow, we unhitched then and put on Fred with King
and Colin took 4 bags of oats and 2 of corn to the mill and also brought home 8 stone
boat planks and the produce of the short but log of pine. he got King's shoe removed
and the harness repaired, paid 20¢ and I owe him (Willie Abbott) 15¢ yet, the grist was
paid for. there are a great many nests of caterpillars on the fruit trees and they are
getting too old to remain in their nests and they are in consequence difficult to clear off.
that stony acre has solely engaged our time & attention this last week.
Tuesday 19 (142-223)
Weather dry and warm through the day - cool at nights. Colin has drawn out dung for
the mangolds. I helped spread it and he got some plowed before quiting time. I spent
some time this morning taking off caterpillars off the apple trees, they are very
numerous this season, much more than usual. Margaret set her two turkeys on eggs to
day. I rigged up and sharpened a scythe to day and cut the grass on the lawn, the grass
had grown very long and lathery, that the lawn mower was no use in it. Richard
Mc
William is very poorly at the present time. Margaret and I visited them this evening.
{Margin} set Turkeys.
MAY WEDNESDAY 20 1896 (143-222)
No change in this very dry weather, we are getting anxious for rain, the winds have
been hot and drying and what little rains there was lately soon dried out again. Colin
plowed the mangold ground this forenoon and harrowed and rolled it. after dinner he
drilled it up, and I prepared the horse and sower and he sowed them. I rolled the most
of the pea field while he was doing it. I fixed up the fence at the watering place and
around there. Charlie Duffield helped me, he also helped me in the orchard to kill the
caterpillars, he wants his boots repaired and he was working for it. I also made a new
handle for the lawn mower and put it on this forenoon.
QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY (DOMINION) THURSDAY 21 (144-221)
CORPUS CHRISTIE (QUEBEC) Very much like a change in the weather but it comes
very tardily. it has been very much overcast to day and we would have been much
pleased to see rain but it cleared up again, it has been very cool and there may have
been rain not far away. I finished up all the rolling on the grain (12 or 13 acres) by about
3 or 4 oclock, and Colin took out dung after that he was splitting the tamarac stove
wood while I was rolling. I repaired the old boots of George Duffields. Charlie Duffield
wanted them for his use and helped me some yesterday in order that I might do them. I
also fixed up a pair of boots for George Abbott. the soles were ripping off, and I rivated
them on. Maggie and her Mother went away with Fred and buggie among the Everton
freinds this afternoon they also paid a visit to Uncle Duncan's folks. they got the mail,
also a Telegram to meet my Brother Alex. from Meaford at 10 oclock, A.M. tomorrow at
Erin.
MAY FRIDAY 22 1896 (145-220)
A very fine day, dry and cool, it was cold enough last night to suspect frost but I could
not see any although up early. I got the horse and buggie ready in good time this
morning and drove over to Erin Village And met Brother Alex. at the C.P.R. Station at
10.20. when I arrived at the village I had half an hour to spare, so set about doing a little
business. I paid two dollars to Mr Wood Single ass'm'ts A.O.U.W. for Jno. Mc
Kenzie &
self. I also paid Charles Overland fifteen dollars as part payment of account for coffin &
hearse at Minnie's funeral. he says $13.00 more will do, but I was trying for $10.00 to
pay the balance, as I was almost led to expect that to be the charge from the first. Alex
& I had a very pleasant drive over home, and we walked down to Webbs in the evening.
Colin has been hauling out the manure on the turnip land {Margin} A.O.U.W. assm't paid
- one dollar each for Jno Mc
Kenzie & self.
SATURDAY 23 (146-218)
Continues dry and warm through the day although cool at night. John Smallhorn has
been helping Johny this 2 days back and finished up with him this morning between 9
and ten oclock, he then helped us all day to fill the manure as Colin drew it out, I also
helped to fill this forenoon. After dinner I hitched to the horse and buggie and drove over
Alex. to Toltons. we had tea with them and a very pleasant visit. After returning home
we drove down to Everton. Calling awhile at Mary's. George and Jim Dunbar were there
also. while there, we learned of the death to day at noon of George Williams, at Toronto
Junction, his death was not unexpected but, still it seemed sudden at last. we received
a letter from Alex. Holyoke, the baby is ill and not expected to recover. Alex went fishing
and got 19 fish mostly chubs however.
Sunday 24
Continues the same kind of weather, only, that it has been closer & warmer to day.
Colin & Maggie drove twice to the Everton Meeting and brought up Annie Sunter with
them. She returned with them to the evening meeting. Alex and I have been walking
around a good deal.
MAY MONDAY 25 1896 (148-217)
Hot and sultry to day. and everything dry and dusty. towards night it gathered for a
thunder storm and before dark the rain came on, the thunder and lightning was terrible,
especially the lightning which lighted up the whole heavens like a flame, it will be a
wonder if there is not much damage done. Brother Alex. and myself drove to Guelph
this morning with Fred and buggie and I let him off at Uncle Peter's house and then
drove up to Willie's where I had dinner the street cars are now running up to their door
and as there was a base ball match both forenoon and afternoon there was quite a
thorough fare all the time. I went down to Oliphants after dinner to join my Brother but
he had just gone up there and we missed each other on the way. Willie and I had quite
a survey of the base ball grounds after getting dinner. we did not stay late in Guelph as
it began to threaten thunder and rain and we made home before the storm. Maggie and
Colin were down at Bella's to day. they had Johny's buggie and "King" hitched to it. they
did not get home till after midnight, leaving there at 11 oclock P.M.
TUESDAY 26 (149-216)
A fine day after the storm of last night. the rain is most welcome as it was very much
needed but we hear of considerable damage being done by the lightning, with loss of
life. we understand that either one or two men were killed up by Elora, and a barn
burned also a number of buildings between Guelph and Berlin, there is also an account
of a great fire at the same time below Toronto, caused by a spark from a Boat on the
Lake. Margaret and I, with Mary, who has been staying with her Mother yesterday,
drove down to the graveyard this morning and fixed up our plot. cutting the grass and
otherwise dressing it up. we returned home before dinner and made ready for the
funeral of George Williams which we attended, with the democrat. Colin drove the rig,
and Brother Alex. accompanied us. Maggie and her Mother going with us. there was
quite a large funeral. a few of the members of the "Home Circle" taking a part in the
burial. George was a member of the "Knights of Pythias" and A.O.U.W. I understand
there is $5000.00 on his life. it is a good thing for his Wife & family. Brother Alex. and I
drove over to Thomas' this evening, but they were all from home. Thomas proffered to
take Alex. to the Station tomorrow morning and he was going to accept it. but they being
all away he returned with me. {Margin} "Forester cow" taken to Mc
Williams to day. -
damage by fire - Geo. Williams buried to day, large Funeral. - drove over to Thomas
Toltons but all from home - a hen and 15 chickens dead this morning - no doubt from
the lightning - the hen ill too
MAY WEDNESDAY 27 1896 (150-215)
A fine shower early this morning and this has been a very fine day. the air has become
cool after such an outburst of electricity, but the sun has shone out warm and fine, the
growth is now great, and vegitation cannot fail of being immensely benefited. I drove
Brother Alex. to Erin this morning the train leaves Erin at 9.27. and we left here about 7
so that we had plenty of time. David Robertson sent over Kate Williams policy to Chls.
Overland (Home Circle) for $1000. also his own dollar for A.O.U.W. we were over there
more than half an hour, and I drove over the grounds of the "Stanley Park" after the
train left. I arrived home again at sharp 12 oclock and had dinner with the rest of the
folks. Colin has plowed in the orchard all day. I plowed instead of him while he cleared
away some obstructing branches from the trees. I made a couple of straps for Johny to
tie down his breechy cows this afternoon. wrote a letter to Alex. (Holyoke) and sent it by
mail this morning at Erin. Margaret and I drove down to Webbs this evening. Mr Webb is
very poorly these times from pain in his legs. he cannot get his sleep at nights with the
pain. {Margin} over at Erin Village this morning with Brother Alex. - hen dead this
morning whose chicks died yesterday - took Mrs Williams policy to Charles Overland -
plowing orchard
THURSDAY 28 (151-214)
Quite a heavy rain last night and the ground this morning looks as if well soaked. if it
keeps warm there must be a great rush of growth. it has taken Colin up to about 4
oclock to finish plowing the orchard. he did up round the trees with "King" alone, and
finished head lands &c with the team. I loaded up 3 or 4 loads manure and Colin made
out another row in the field. I thought it better to do that than go plowing when it was so
late. I took down the colt to Webbs, to pasture, it bothers round after the horses when
here. Maggie and her mother drove down to the grave yard this afternoon and fixed up
the plot, they planted some flowers that Hugh Black's folks gave them for the purpose. I
sold our lot of 8 pigs to Joe Atwell this evening, to be delivered next Monday morning at
Bellwood, price $3.85 per 100. under certain conditions an extra 5¢ is to be paid. A
man, Jno Mc
Leod by name, living at Elora was killed by lightning in the late storm. Joe
knew him well, he says. {Margin} plowing the orchard - drawing out manure - took colt to
Webb's pasture - sold 8 pigs to Joe Atwell - John Mc
Leod of Elora killed by Lightning
JUNE May FRIDAY 29 1896 (152-213)
Considerably colder to day, we hope it will not increase so as to bring frost. there are
sad accounts from all over, of the harm done to life and property from the late storm. the
daily of to day contains the particulars of the terrible havoc wrought by it at St. Louis,
U.S. when it is estimated a thousand lives have been lost. Colin and I have been at the
turnip land to day, he spread the manure while I plowed. I quit at sharp 4 oclock and
took 3 bags chop to Everton with the buggie 1 bag corn and 2 of oats. I got at the mill
some chicken feed making in all 40¢ which I paid. the cattle market has been, and is
yet, very bad. I think it was a good thing Johny and I sold out when we did, we could not
have done as well now. there are a great many who have the most of their cattle on
hand yet and only offered prices that they could have had before feeding them. David
Robertson was offered ½ a cent a pound more for his between 2 and 3 weeks ago.
SATURDAY 30 (153-212)
Very cool to day, in fact rather uncomfortably cold, only for those working at manual
labour. we were early astir this morning and Maggie and her Mother started for Guelph
exactly at 6.30, they said they were at Guelph about 8.30. they had 36 dozen Eggs
which brought 11¢ and 24 lbs Butter which brought 12¢ - 4 lbs 12½. they took my shoes
back and got others for themselves instead. I plowed some this forenoon and some also
in the afternoon while Colin finished spreading the manure. we brought up Robert
Mc
Williams Waggon and stock rack to be ready for taking the pigs Monday morning.
they felt the cold badly to day in the driving to Guelph and return. a few drizzling
showers passed over but nothing of consequence. A letter from Brother Alex.
announces his safe arrival home again.
Sunday 31
A fine day. cool at night. some talk of frost, but I did not see any. Maggie & Colin drove
to the morning & evening meeting at Everton. I thought of walking over to Dunbars and
Toltons but did not feel well enough. Margaret and I walked up to see Duffields folks
and had tea there. we afterwards paid a visit to Richd Mc
Williams folks.
JUNE MONDAY 1 1896 (155-210)
Cool again last night. I looked for frost this morning but could not say to have seen any.
we were up at sharp five this morning and had our 8 hogs loaded quickly and safely. the
wagon, with Robt. Mc
Williams rack was backed up to the pig house window, and we laid
a track from the floor inside, to the wagon, with (2 boards) waggon bottom, and fenced
with 3 lengths of rails from end door to front door, so that the pigs walked right in without
a stop. I started off with them about 6.40, and was about 2½ hours in going up, and left
there for home about ten, getting home at 12.30. the pigs weighed 1160 @ 3.85 made
$44.66. Colin has been harrowing the turnip land that is plowed with the old grey horse
and drawing off the stones from the potatoe land, in the afternoon he hitched "King
again with the grey and plowed at the unplowed portion of the turnip land.
TUESDAY 2 (156-209)
A fine working day, cool but very dry, the coolness has somewhat checked the growth
that was so rapid at first, the meadows I am afraid are going to be short although they
gave promise of being extra good. Johny is out on the roads to day. they have been
drawing gravel from Richd Mc
Williams pit and laying it on the hill they turnpiked
yesterday. there was a good lot of teams at work (8 or 9) and they drew 60 odd loads. I
was working Johny's team at harrowing his turnip and potatoe land and after that was
done I harrowed his corn patch (the young orchard in front of Barn) and then picked the
stones off the potatoe and turnip land. Cousin Wm Ewart came along this afternoon with
a horse and rig, he is selling wire matting and has some along with him, also quilting
frames. I worked for Johny to day and he lets his time go to pay up our road work, he
puts in 5 days while we put in 3. there is 8 days in all for both places.
JUNE WEDNESDAY 3 1896 (157-208)
Cool at night, but the sun has been hotter to day. there are some indications of rain and
we hope it may come. the late rains moistened the ground very nicely at the time but it
soon dries up again. Colin has finished plowing the turnip land and started the potatoe
land between 3 and 4 oclock. I did up the chores and started to cut our seed potatoes
but got stopped by Mr & Mrs David Stewart coming on us on a visit, they had dinner and
tea with us and then drove on up to Josiah's where they intend remaining all night. I
remained in his company the most of the time and he passed a very cheerful and
pleasing time, he is very anxious that I go down to Rockwood on Friday night, and
attend a political meeting (Conservative) to be held there. William Ewart started off with
his horse and rig this afternoon for a whiles Canvass at his business. {Margin} "Jersey
cow to Mc
Williams to day."
THURSDAY 4 (158-207)
The temperature is now getting warmer and there prognostication in the papers of a
higher temperature the growth, lately, has been very slow on account, I think, of the
coolness which has prevailed for quite a time. I have been busy sprouting the potatoes
and cutting them for seed. finding the root house damp and otherwise unpleasant, I
have carried the potatoes to the little kitchen at the house and Margaret has helped to
cut, we have somewhere about a dozen bags cut now. Colin has been plowing the
potatoe land and got over a large quantity to day, he hopes to be done with it sometime
tomorrow forenoon.
JUNE FRIDAY 5 1896 (159-206)
Quite warm to day and sultry, the sky has looked dull and hazy with mottled clouds, at
night it became very dark and quite a thunder storm broke out, the lightning was very
bright and dazzling I suppose that, however, was intensified by the darkness of the
night. I drove to Rockwood after 5 oclock and saw Mrs Pike's horse, it suited me all
right, she wants 50 dollars for it, and I don't feel like paying so much money. I paid
Stout, and got a plow share from Lundy, which is to be paid, he was not at home and
they did not know the price. I attended a political meeting in the interest of the
Conservatives, they had a Mr Elliott from Milton, a good speaker, and another speaker
from Guelph. Mr Jeffrey spoke in favour of Mr Innes and did well. it was about 12 oclock
when the meeting was dismissed and about 2 oclock before I got home to bed. David
Stewart hung on his lantern on the hind axle of my buggie, but it took fire and went to
smash. Colin finished plowing the potatoe land this forenoon and harrowed all the piece
and what was left of the turnip land that was unharrowed.
SATURDAY 6 (160-205)
Another hot day, things are considerably freshened up by the little rain that fell last
night, a good heavy rain is much needed, the meadows are going to be very light if
moisture delays its coming. Colin and I hauled off the pruned branches from the orchard
and I rolled the turnip and hungarian grass land, also two thirds of the orchard before
dinner, while I rolled with the team (Fred & King). Colin harrowed the orchard and drew
off the stones with Brit. I helped Johny to build his kitchen chimney - that was thrown
down when the old wood shed was blown down - we sowed and harrowed in the
hungarian grass seed before supper, and after supper we washed the sheep
Sunday 7
A very hot day, and thundry looking, there came on somewhere between 4 & 5 oclock
P.M. quite a thunder storm, and a heavy rain accompanied it. Margaret accompanied
Colin and Maggie to Everton meeting, while there, they learned that Uncle Duncan
Robertson was very sick. Margaret and I drove down after dinner to see him, he seems
very low and they have fears for the result.
JUNE MONDAY 8 1896 (162-203)
A splendid growing day. there has been a grand rain and every thing will now grow on
apace. Colin and I put in a space of corn in the orchard this morning before going at the
potatoe planting. we then spent all the rest of the day at the potatoes planting about 9
bags of cuts. I plant with both hands carrying the bag over my shoulder the rows are
about 35 rods long, and it takes 2 pretty full pailfuls to plant a row. I planted the cuts
about 2 feet apart as near as may be. Margaret and I drove down to see Uncle Duncan
this evening, he is some better and they are having better hopes of his recovery he was
very despondent himself last night this evening he was quite chatty & cheerful Duncan
Junr
. is up from Oakville, they seemed to have taken quite a fright about him and no
wonder, he is quite an old man and Pneumonia is a serious trouble for the like of him.
{Margin} potatoe planting - a little corn also planted so as to be getting ready for feeding
- Uncle Duncan Robertson very ill.
TUESDAY 9 (163-202)
Rather a showery day, it was quite close and warm in the early part of the day, but in
the afternoon and especially toward night it became much cooler. Colin and I have been
again at the potatoe planting, and got in another 9 bags, we were done with the seed
about half past 5. so had to quit and come home we planted some corn in the orchard
till the bell rung. it will take about 2½ or 3 bags more to finish the patch. there is about 8
paces wide to do, about an 8th of the whole. Johny & John Smallhorn have been
planting this afternoon, this is their first I think. we have just heard to day that Colin
Campbell is very sick and has come to Willies house in Guelph, they seem to think his
trouble is very serious, reported to be consumption of the lungs and bowels. {Margin}
potatoe planting - Johny also started to day - Colin Campbell back to Willie's quite ill
JUNE WEDNESDAY 10 1896 (164-201)
Continues dry and very fine, cool at night. Colin and I worked hard in the orchard to get
as much corn sown as possible before I had to start off for Guelph. there are now two
Bags in and it has sown 3½ spaces of the orchard, there are yet 2½ spaces to do and I
calculate about a bag to do it, I got it at Guelph this afternoon, also 3 bags for feed. I
paid about $3.60 for the whole. 15¢ for an empty bag. 42¢ for feed. 52¢ for seed. Johny
& I & Lizzie drove with Democrat in to Guelph, starting about 2 P.M. got our new pole at
Penfolds and took theirs back. I went up to see Colin Campbell who is quite sick, they
think him a little better. we then attended the great Laurier Meeting at the Rink. there
was a full house and the Leader and his following received a splendid reception. the 2
chairmen, Dunbar and Mc
Millan opened the proceedings, and then E.F.B. Johnston &
G. Bertram, Toronto. afterwards Laurier and Ballantyne, the latter not getting a very
good hearing speaking after Laurier as he did. the audience went wild upon Laurier
rising to speak and the ladies from the gallery showered down bouquets on the platform
the meeting broke up about 11 oclock and we had rather a cold drive home getting to
bed about 2 AM. {Margin} Sowing corn in the orchard Colin plowing it in while I drop it in
to every third furrow - I drove to Guelph this afternoon - bought corn for feed and seed. -
attended the big Laurier Meeting this evening.
THURSDAY 11 (165-200)
The weather continues much of the same character all the while, cool nights and there
may have been frosts when not observed by any of us. this, we think, has likely been
the case and may account for the poor appearance the hay is making. there have been
some local showers and it is a good thing we have fallen in for a share as they passed
round. Colin and I finished up the putting in of the corn, in the orchard, this forenoon to
day, and spent the rest of the time putting in the potatoes. the late shower went deeply
into the ground as it was quite moist while working it up for the potatoes.
JUNE FRIDAY 12 1896 (166-199)
Weather keeps very fine, we hear of the terribly wet spell that has visited the
Manitobans, if we had a share of their overplus of rain it would have been a benefit to
both counties. Colin and I finished up the planting of the potatoes this forenoon. I put in
about 2 rows of the early kind I got from Mr Webb. 1 whole row where a pin is planted
and another short piece on the next row to the south on this east end, and another row
further to the north, also with a pin, excepting that a short piece at this east end is taken
up with some old fashioned Cups and marked by a pin. upon finishing the potatoes
Colin commenced to plow for the turnips. I got the sheep in and shore them this
afternoon
SATURDAY 13 (167-198)
A cool air, especially at night when it almost borders on a frost. the sun, however,
through the day bears down in great heat. as we found ourselves out of meal for the
pigs also out of chopped oats for the old horse, we cleaned up 4 bags oats to mix with 2
bags corn for the pigs, and 4 bags oats for the horse. I also gave Johny one bag of corn
(105 lbs) and had it too chopped for him. Johny owes me 79¢ for that. when Colin was
on his way home with the grist, the tire came off the wagon (right front wheel) and he
had to get it on by Willie Abbott. he got home about 2 oclock, he plowed on turnip
ground the remainder of the day. I cut the burs all round the fields, also a good many
thistles and dug up a lot of burdocks with spade. there is yet a lot of that work to do.
Margaret and I drove down to Webbs in the evening they were not at home and we
went on to Mortons where we spent a pleasant while. the 2 Webb girls were there.
Margaret on returning home had an unpleasant attack in her head, ending in a violent
headache. Willie Ewart came along this afternoon, but went again over to Toltons
{Margin} Johny owes 79¢ for corn
Sunday 14
Cool air, but sun hot & dry withering wind prevailing. Margaret had rather a poor night in
the past! her head ached the most of the night, and I didn't sleep till about 4 oclock for
the most part. we called up the doctor to see her as he was returning from Jestins. he
gave her some powders and says it will likely pass off again without serious
consequence. John Mc
Kenzie & family paid us a visit to day, they did not go to meeting
to day
JUNE MONDAY 15 1896 (169-196)
Continues very cool at night and the air in day time is cool when the sun is shaded,
there has been appearances of rain going around this afternoon, some thunder clouds
looming up, a very little rain fell here. this is the day the great Tupper visits Guelph there
is quite a commotion among the tories out this way. it is reported they made up quite a
procession and had a band of music leading the way. the College Boys are reported to
have carried on rather obstreperously and interrupted the speakers in the rink. Colin has
plowed all day at the turnip land - and it is mostly done up to where we will have to put
on some manure. I have been doing up some very necessary fixings. nailing up the
delapidations in the board fence. cutting out all the burdocks out of the yard. and
shovelling up the manure in the shed &c. took both sows from their litters to day. Colin
rung them. Mother is not so well to night again. her head is troubling her. it took me
about 2 hours this afternoon to sift and clean the hungarian grass seed. first took out the
sand with the flour seive, and then the straws with a larger screen. I took it down to
Geo. Marshall who is going to try to sell it for me. I got 5 lbs turnip seed from him. 2 lbs
Elephant, 2 lbs Skirvings and 1 lb Halls Westbury for shipping. wrote a card to Alex.
Holyoke. {Margin} The Tupper demonstration held to day in Guelph. - have cleaned the
hungarian grass seed and took it down to Geo. Marshall Everton. - Colin plowing turnip
land.
TUESDAY 16 (170-195)
Very warm to day, although it still keeps cool at night, there are yet appearances of rain
but none has come, we would like some as moisture is what is needed now. Colin and I
cleaned up the cattle shed this forenoon of the manure. I filled the waggon while Colin
drew it out and spread it from the waggon as he went, we took out 6 loads this
forenoon, which finished it. Colin nearly finished up the plowing this afternoon. I drove
over to Thomas Toltons this afternoon to see if I could get the colt pastured with him,
but, as they have nine horses of their own and all their cattle out they don't feel like as
they could afford to take in any, besides they don't think it would be very safe for a
strange colt to be put among them. Colin and I attended Innes's political meeting at
Everton this evening. the speakers were Jeffrey (Grit) Donovan (Con) Ryan (Grit) Hugh
Guthrie (Grit) - the speakers aquited themselves well, but some Tory rowdies
interrupted some of them badly, notably Hugh Guthrie. A wrangle between Hortop,
Jonathan Loree & John Mutrie finished up the proceedings. Mary & George entertained
their freinds to tea at 1 A.M. among them, Guthrie, Mutrie, Ryan, Jeffrey, Mr Baker, the
Dr Mc
Cullough, and a number more. {Margin} took out 6 loads of manure cleaned up the
cattle shed. - drove over to Toltons to see about getting pasture for the colt. - attended a
political meeting at Everton. - a rowdie display
JUNE WEDNESDAY 17 1896 (171-194)
A very hot day, the sun has shown out hot and burning, the night has however has, as
usual, been cool, thunder clouds have been passing around we hear there was a fine
rain at Guelph and we could see another shower over in Erin T'p - we were visited by a
little shower but of little consequence. Colin and I have been working on the turnip land,
it is all plowed and harrowed and rolled, and Colin has done a little of the drilling up. I
picked off the stones with Fred and stone boat this forenoon, and did some of the rolling
this afternoon. I also straightened the gate post leading out of the yard to Johnys and
built the wood cross ways up to it. Johny is also plowing up his turnip land. Margaret is
going around again but she is not very well yet, the doctor called up to see her to day.
Mr Baker was with him. there is great excitement over the elections, people work
themselves up to a wonderful pitch of enthusiasm and after all their minds are pretty
much made up from the first how they are going to vote. {Margin} working on the turnip
land - got it all ready for drilling up. - doctor called up to see Margaret.
THURSDAY 18 (172-193)
Weather continues much the same, this has been a very hot day. Colin has drilled up
for the turnips and finished up in good time. I followed on with the sowing with Fred. got
quite a nice start before dinner and then gave up Fred to Colin as the grey horse
seemed to get very tired and slow, his wind is very bad these times, the heat and dust
are very hard on him. I put him on to the turnip drill and he got along finely on that. there
are over 60 drills of the Elephants on the lower side of the field, and on this side, next to
the hungarian grass there are over 30 drills of "Halls Westbury" for shippers. between
these two kinds the Skirvings are sowed. there were 2 lbs Elephants, 2 lbs Skirvings,
and one lb Wes. there is perhaps nearly ½ lb Elephants left over. The 2 Mrs Abbotts
paid us a visit to day. Maggie drove down to Everton in the morning and they took the
chance of getting a ride up. I took the horse and buggie down in the evening and gave
them a ride home, we called to see Uncle Duncan on our way, he is not at all well.
{Margin} drilled up the land and sowed the turnips - the 2 Mrs Abbotts on a visit - took
them home in the evening and called to see Uncle Duncan
JUNE FRIDAY 19 1896 (173-192)
An extremely hot day, there have been indications of rain. we need rain very much and
we are anxiously hoping they may be realized. I sowed quite a large piece of Johny's
turnips this forenoon. Colin rolled ours with the heavy roller this forenoon, and
afterwards drew rails from the corner at the watering place to the line fence between
Jestin and us, he and I fixed up the fence after dinner getting done about 5 oclock, we
let the horses out to the field this afternoon for the first time. the harness has hardly ever
been off them on any working day since spring opened up till now. we have had quite a
fight to make up to the work. the breaking up and stoning of the stony acre took up so
much of our time as to throw us considerably behind. Mrs John Webb paid us a visit this
afternoon John and his Brother William have been at Erin Village to day. The fence
between Jestin and us has been, for many years, in a very poor condition, that is, the
old part that has never been properly in line, or ranged with the rest, and to day we took
off all the riders and straightened it up and built it, two rails higher and put on the riders
again and locked it all through. {Margin} Helped Johny to sow his turnips to day. - rolled
ours with heavy roller. - drew rails and fixed up the old line fence between Jestin & us. -
rain much needed. the spring wheat disimproving in appearance - oats looking fairly
well
SATURDAY 20 (174-191)
Very hot to day, both sun & air is oppresively so. thunder clouds have been passing
around, but no rain has fallen on us. we hear that a great thunder plump has deluged
Guelph to day. I wish it had been more evenly distributed and that we should have had
a share, the spring wheat is going back in appearance. Colin and I have been cutting
thistles in the south front fields among the black oats. we also cut down those among
the raspberry bushes. I borrowed a scythe from Henry Duffield, and sharped it up for
our use. Johny got his turnips sowed yesterday and he has been away from home the
greater part of the day, to night he is away up to Oustin on Committee business. this
election business is monopolising the time and attention of most of the people at the
present times. I notice the corn is growing very rapidly, ours is nicely up and making a
fine appearance for the short time it has been in. the potatoes are not making any show
yet and, as I hear of rotting in the ground am anxious {Margin} Hot. Hot. - Thunder cloud
pours out volumns of water at Guelph. - no rain here. - cutting thistles - "old white sow
taken to Webbs to day"
Sunday 21
Not so hot as yesterday. dull and indications of rain and a little fell, but not much of
consequence. Maggie and Colin have been twice at Meeting. Margaret & myself have
remained at home all day. we were visited by Robert Morton, who had tea with us, then
David Robertson & wife & child. Mrs Duffield and then Henry too. John Webb and his
Brother William
JUNE MONDAY 22 1896 (176-189)
Continues hot & dry. Margaret and I made ready this morning to drive to Rockwood and
take the wool to Harris' woolen mill. we had been for some time back laying out to do
that but she did not feel well enough to go until this morning. the 5 fleeces weighed at
the mill 23½ lbs and they did not dock it any. Margaret took it out in goods and was
allowed 20¢ per lb for it. after doing our business at the mill we drove back to David
Stewarts and had our dinner. And Mrs Stewart agreed with Margaret to go down on the
6 oclock P.M. train to Georgetown to visit a few days there. which they did. I drove them
to the station. I sent $103.00 to Mc
Gregor to retire my note on demand at 7%. I also
went to see Mrs Pike about her horse, and offered her 40 dollars for him. I think she
would have accepted 45. she would take 5 or 6 cords of our tamarac wood as part pay
on him. she is to write me what decision she comes to. Colin has been cutting thistles to
day. {Margin} Rockwood woolen mills sold wool - retired note - Margaret & Mrs Stewart
to Georgetown - Saw Mrs Pike about her horse - I offered her 40 dollars for him - She
did not accept but will decide soon
TUESDAY 23 (177-188)
A beautiful day, excepting that it continues dry when we are very anxious that it would
rain, the grass is getting burned and red looking. grasshoppers are plentiful and
altogether we are in great need of moisture. this is the great day to decide the fate of its
Gov'mt for the next 5 years. Election talk has been running very high for quite a time
back but to day it finishes up in action. Colin and I drove up after dinner to Oustic and
voted. Willie drove out from Guelph and after getting dinner with us, went away up to
Mimosa to vote. Colin and Maggie and I drove down to Everton after tea, and locked up
the house. we were met by the intelligence of Innes's defeat. at the corner the returns
were not all in, but it looked sure enough. we waited a long time so as to get the latest
reports, and Mr Baker, John Everts and myself through the Telephone got the
intelligence from the Reform Committee rooms that there were 20 gains, and 5 losses
for Ontario. Quebec nearly solid liberal. other places favourable so that it looks sure for
the late Governments defeat. Johny has gone to Guelph. {iMargin} Election day for
Dominion Gover'mt - James Innes defeated - Liberals have gained the day.
JUNE WEDNESDAY 24 1896 (178-187)
No change in the weather, we are panting in the heat and wishing for rain to revive the
drooping crops. the spring wheat is visibly going back, instead of forward. Wm Tindal
and I found a tree that will likely make a sill for the barn. Colin cut the grass on the
strawberry patch and he and I spent the time afterwards cutting thistles through the
grain.
THURSDAY 25 (179-186)
Very cool last night, but the day opened out this morning clear and warm and as the day
wore on it got extremely hot. I started off this morning with the team, Fred & King, and
Wagon to try and get some potatoes for the pigs. Colin also started off the 8 young
cattle and drove them up to Jno Parker s to pasture, and I called and got him to go
through the bush to meet Colin on the other line. I then drove over the side road to the
6th line of Erin and got 12 bags of potatoes at Joseph Colins, paying 12½¢ a bag for
them. getting my dinner with them and starting back the same road. the road was heavy
as they were working in the statute labour. I drove past the 7th line to Nodwells, as I
heard he had potatoes, but he hadn't and I came back to Colins. when I returned I found
Margaret at home. Stewarts had driven her up home. she had returned, along with Mrs
Stewart, to Rockwood last night. Colin has scuffled the mangolds and cutting thistles
&c. the ground is getting very dry and if rain does not come soon there will be harm
done the crops. I got 4 elm boards at Mc
Kinnons mill. inch thick 7 inches wide. 9 feet
long. to make a pig trough. and just then found I had forgot to take my money for
potatoes or any thing else. Mr Mc
Kinnon at once loaned me $5.00 which I returned to
him on coming back. Minus $2.00 which I spent on the potatoes & lumber and which I
must get to him as soon as possible.
JUNE FRIDAY 26 1896 (180-185)
ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL (QUEBEC) Weather continues dry and hot. the signs of rain
have gone off without any. we are longing for rain. the pastures are not only getting bare
but drying up to nothing, our turnips are not coming and, I fear, will not either until rain
comes. Colin cut Johnys clover hay with his own team to day, getting done about 4
oclock. Johny has Willie Tindal helping him to build a fence behind the barn in the back
field. I drove to Rockwood this forenoon to see Mrs Pike, who sent me word she wished
to see me about the horse. I made a bargain with her and am to have the horse
delivered next Wednesday. gave my note for forty dollars ($40.00) payable 1st January
next. I also get her single driving harness and the horses collar for 4 cords of tamarac
wood, she agrees to give the halter with the horse. after returning home I started in the
back oat field to the right cutting the thistles. Colin also came on when done at Johnys
and we finished it by supper time. Margaret & I went to Webbs after tea and spent a
pleasant evening with Wm Webb. John was very poorly to day, he seems to think he
was hurt with the sun while trimming his hedge. {Margin} drouth - bought the horse
"Doc" from Mrs Pike Rockwood - also got the harness and the collar for the horse
SATURDAY 27 (181-184)
Weather much the same as has prevailed so long. there have been indications of
change, but as these have often failed, no dependence can be placed in them. Colin
hitched up the horses this morning and we drew in the bit of hay the strawberry patch
grass made, we also drew the dry thistles into the shed, and did up some other chores
in lumber &c. he and I then went to the woods and we cut down an elm tree before
dinner to make a sill for the barn. Wm Tindal came after dinner and Johny & Colin and
him had hard work to get it flattened. they say it was a heavy job. I put up the most of
Johny's hay in the afternoon, it was very windy which made it difficult to do. as it was
getting dark there were four of the hands near by gave us a lift and we soon had it all
up. Johny came along after sundown the tree kept them very late at work.
Sunday 28
Indications of rain and a little fell but not sufficient to do much good, the air became cool
afterwards. Geo. Loree paid us a visit to day. I wrote a letter to Bro. Alex. Meaford and
gave it to Geo. to mail. Maggie & Colin are away to meeting to night. Margaret is some
better since coming home.
JULY June MONDAY 29 1896 (183-182)
Cool to day. the air looks as if cleared up by some electric storm not far away, no rain
here however. Johny took his six pigs to Belwood to day, they weighed 965 @ $3.80 he
returned home about 3 oclock P.M. 2 hours later than when I drove up there with hogs.
Colin and I and Wm Tindal finished scoring and hewing the sill this morning, we had it
finished about ½ past nine, we then drew it out of the woods to the edge of the clearing
and loaded it on the wagon, it is a heavy elm stick, 36 feet long and a foot square. Wm
Tindal framed at it this afternoon commencing before dinner. Colin harrowed the
potatoes this afternoon, or rather after supper, we were preparing the barn for getting
the sill placed in position. Colin drove down to Theakers for the boring machine and
other tools of Tindals, and took 4 bags of oats to Duffields to pay back those I borrowed
in the fall. I drove over the buggie to Ospringe and hired Hiram Swackhammer's 2
Screw Jacks to lift the barn up to receive the sill. I gave him 50 cents for the job.
{Margin} paid back oats to Henry Duffield
TUESDAY 30 (184-181)
White frost this morning. Again cool to day, but very fine, only so very dry, when we are
longing for the rain to revive the drooping crops. we have had a very busy time to day.
the first thing Colin and I did was to bag up 22 bags of oats before breakfast and I
harnessed the horses too. Colin drew them over to Johnys granary, and we bagged the
balance 17 or 18 bags and got them over too before going at Johnys hay to draw it in.
Colin then helped Johny till about 4 oclock to take in his hay – 7 loads – I carried out all
the chopped stuff out of the granary and tore a good part of it down before Tindal was
ready to help me. the 2 Duffield boys came early to help, and after tea a good gathering
of the neighbours set about Jacking up the building and clearing away the old sill and
getting the new one in place, we had considerable difficulty in getting every thing right,
and darkness came on before it was quite completed, we had it done however as far as
a gathering of men was required, and will wait till morning to finish up {Margin} drew
over 22 bags oats to Johny Barn and dumped them in a Bin. - also drew over other 17
bags oats left them in the bags. - put in the new sill in the Barn. - tearing down the
granary and clearing out chopped stuff &c.
JULY WEDNESDAY 1 1896 (185-180)
Warmer to day, very hot indeed in the middle of the day. Wm Tindal came along this
morning and we finished up the setting the barn on the sill, by wedging up taking out the
Jacks &c. we were done somewhere between 9 & ten. Margaret took down Tindals
tools to Theakers, in the buggy, and intended going on for Mary, but met her down there
some where. we then afterwards drove down through Everton to Rockwood and got our
new horse at Mrs Pikes, also got the harness, we hitched "Doc" as he is called to the
buggy and tried to make Fred follow, this he did not do well and, with lines and tie I
drove him alongside the other, and we got home a little later than the ordinary dinner
time. Colin hitched the new horse and King together and plowed up the old strawberry
patch and what we intend for the new patch. the horses work well together they seem to
be very much of one temper easy going. Colin helped Johny this forenoon to finish up
his first hay, by taking off a load and taking in the rakings. {Margin} putting in a new Sill
in Barn - brought home our new horse "Doc" from Rockwood
THURSDAY 2 (186-179)
An extremely hot day. the heat & drouth are getting so great as to cause great anxiety
about the crops. the roots will also suffer, our turnips are not appearing yet. Colin has
been hoeing the mangolds to day and toward supper time he and I cut down two little
hemlocks for flatted beams to place over the granary in the barn. after tea, I drew them
out to the clearing and under the hind wheels of the old waggon drew them up home.
Maggie drove Mary home this evening with Fred & buggie, and returned to Wm
Theaker's to help Mrs Theaker at their raising. Colin went there also after supper. he is
putting up a small drive house. I had quite a run round in search of cedar sticks for
sleepers of which I need four they are hard to get now.
JULY FRIDAY 3 1896 (187-178)
The hottest day, I think, of this hot spell, it begins to look like rain but comes very tardily.
a thunder cloud passed around us and left a good deal rain to the east & South east of
us, even the Lorees got quite a nice shower, the dust was hardly laid with us. I drove
over to Mc
Kinnon's saw mill this forenoon, and paid him the two dollars I borrowed of
him the other day. I also bought 150 feet, inch lumber, and a dozen 8 feet scantling.
cost $2.60 - I got too, 200 feet lumber for Johny for a rack, the product of logs taken to
saw, paid for same 60¢ in all - $3.20. Colin drew up one cedar sleeper and took out
other 2 this forenoon, after returning home I helped draw them up also procured a fourth
one. Johny paid me 15 dollars to day. paid Janet Abbott $4.50. Margaret & I drove to
Everton after supper this evening, we were getting some red currant from Mary. I
bought 10 lbs wire nails from George Marshall 40¢ - 3lbs 4 inch. 7 lb 3 inch. {Margin}
$15.00 from Johny.
SATURDAY 4 (188-177)
Hot again to day until the bursting of a thunder cloud, when it became cooler. about 11
oclock A.M. we had a fine heavy shower - which, I think wet the ground fully 2 inches,
and further on in the afternoon we had another splendid shower, the combined showers
wet the ground splendidly and we look for the best results from it, as the ground and
every growing thing were terribly parched. I drove down for Mary to come up and stay
with her mother while Maggie was away down to Georgetown. Colin Mc
Millan drove
down Heffernan's horse & buggie and took Nelly Heffernan & our Maggie along. I was
taking up a part of the barn floor and otherwise preparing for fixing up the barn so as to
get our hay in. I have pulled down nearly all the granary, and raised a part of the floor
&c. we will have to hurry up and get the barn ready as the hay is drying up never
remember of seeing the timothy so early dead.
Sunday 5
Dull weather, which will give the moisture a chance to work good in the ground. things
look much revived after the fine rain of yesterday. Mary drove Fred to meeting this
forenoon and George rode back with her. Johny & Bella drove up, with the children from
Eden, they think we had more rain than them. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie paid me four
dollars A.O.U.W. $4.00.
JULY MONDAY 6 1896 (190-175)
Cooler weather, and duller, the work of the rain does not get dried up as on the dry, hot
winds prevailing. Colin and Maggie and Nelly Heffernan returned before noon from
Norval. I then drove down with the buggy to Wm Theaker's for Wm Tindals tools, and he
came and worked at the barn this afternoon. we flatted the 2 sticks for the top of the
granary, also the 2 sleepers. we had quite a job raising the floor and getting the
sleepers placed. the mud sill was rotted and sunk in the centre and we had to place
cedar peices in to take its place. I sent away with Mary, who went home with Nelly
Heffernan, a letter containing two dollars to pay last months A.O.U.W. ass'mts for Johny
Mc
Kenzie and myself. I overlooked the sending of it last month, don't know of ever
having neglected or forgotten doing it before. Johny thought of cutting his hay to day but
as the weather looked threatning he went at other work. some of the neighbours have
their hay lying cut through all the late rain, it will be badly spoiled. {Margin} cooler after
the rain. - Colin & Maggie back from Georgetown & Norval - paid last months ass.
A.O.U.W.
TUESDAY 7 (191-174)
Fine day, keeps moderately cool. we have been working all day at the barn. Wm Tindal
stayed with us all day. the floor had to be fixed up so as to be level and in shape to build
the granary upon, it took us till noon to do that. And in the afternoon we got up the
flatted beams and put in a number of the studs for the granary. the tearing down &c
taking nearly as much time as fitting up. Johny was going to Everton this evening and
he took Wm Tindal's tools down to Wm Theakers for us.
JULY WEDNESDAY 8 1896 (192-173)
Warm to day especially the afternoon, the mottled clouds have been showing up, and in
the early part of the night I was predicting rain on that account, the sun, however, on
going down, shone up the sky so red and beautifully that it seemed to presage fine
weather ahead. Colin has been cutting with the mower to day. he had bad luck with it,
there seems to be too many small stones on top of the ground which dulls the knife, one
of the guards had the top part broken off and it would not cut right, and I borrowed one
of Dugald Robertsons, his mower being of much the same pattern. the meadow is very
light but it is fully as good as I have been expecting. the late rains have improved the
appearance of things very much. the turnips, that we had almost given up as a gone
case, are coming up quite thickly. they will likely be small, it is now so late. Willie drove
out from Guelph this evening accompanied by his two Cousins, Annie and Edna Sunter.
he reports Colin Campbell as being little or no better it is very sad to see a worthy young
man like him drooping and getting into bad health.
THURSDAY 9 (193-172)
Cool to day, there has been some rain after all this morning and it kept dull all forenoon,
it brightned up some this afternoon. Willie stayed this forenoon and hitched up Johny's
colt to our old buggy and drove him round quite a bit. he seemed to come in very quickly
and showed no signs of bad temper. Colin finished up the cutting of the meadow with
the mower and after supper I gathered some of it together with the horse rake. Johny
helped us to cone it up. I was working some in the barn, putting forward some of the
work which comes through making the changes in the granary &c. we have had quite a
lot of visitors, in addition to Willie and the Cousins Mrs David Tolton and the family
drove along just as we were at supper and she remained till about sun down when she
drove off again for Edward Toltons. Maggie drove down to Everton this evening taking
Annie and Edna along. they brought Annie's wheel up. it is a fine looking article. Annie
has to be up with the times. I have received a letter from Alex. Mc
Gregor stating that he
& the family are not coming here this summer, they have been invited repeatedly to visit
at Creemore at {Patallans}, and they were some time before deciding what to do but
finally made up their minds to go to Creemore.
JULY FRIDAY 10 1896 (194-171)
Weather somewhat unsettled for haying, the grass that is cut will not make into hay but
as there is little sunshine it is not is getting injured much. I got some made up into
haycocks, but the greater part of what was cut yesterday is too green, so we let it alone.
Johny and Colin drew in 2 loads this afternoon of Johnys from the field next to Wm
Lorees. Colin drew earth to the gangway of the barn and stove wood to the wood
house, the rain and unsettled weather is not convenient for haying, nevertheless it
would do much good if we got a fair fall of rain at the present time. the turnips are
coming now but it requires more moisture to make them grow as they should do, and as
they require to do, to make up for lost time. the other things, excepting the potatoes,
seem to be doing fairly well. the barley is colouring and the oats and peas are both
stretching out since the rain. Margaret drove down alone to Everton this evening and
Mary accompanied her back. She is fixing a dress for her mother. a letter from Alex.
Holyoke, received to night tells of them all being fairly well excepting the baby, who
keeps not so well and is a matter of concern to them. I half soled a pair of shoes for
Maggie to day.
SATURDAY 11 (195-170)
A very fine day, the sun has shone out well and the wind has been very drying. with
Johny's help, we got things agoing in getting in the hay, we had to clear away the
rubbish in the way of getting into the barn, and put up the hay fork. I gathered together
all of the hay that was not put up and we hauled in five loads. after which I raked what
was in Johny's orchard and they took it in in a load, it was an ackward job to work the
horse & rake under the branches of the trees. I did it with our new horse (Doc) he
seems a very patient, good working horse. Colin had to drive to Willie Abbott's at noon
to get the hay fork fixed before we could work it. we forgot it was broken. Edna & Annie
have quite a time learning to ride the bycicle, they go back by themselves to the back
lane and there have it by themselves {Margin} put up the horse fork and taken in five
loads of hay. - hay fork fixed - horse raking here and at Johny's. - Edna and Annie
learning to ride the Bycicle
Sunday 12
Very fine day. the Cousins Annie and Edna rode down to Everton with Maggie this
morning and they did not return. Maggie also remained till night Colin brought back the
horse and drove himself back again in the evening to bring Maggie home. Margaret and
I visited at Webbs this evening.
JULY MONDAY 13 1896 (197-168)
Quite a heavy shower this morning which laid the dust well. I had to meet Kate Moore
this morning at Rockwood at 9:30. and as I made a start the heavy shower came up.
another came when I did start. I got 2 front shoes reset on King at Hoskins, and was just
in time to meet the train. Kate & Mabel and Joe were there, Dugald Robertson was also
there and met Toronto freinds (Menzies) after dinner we made ready and all drove down
to Robertsons to the reunion of his many freinds to celebrate the birthday of Uncle
Duncan, he was 85 years old yesterday. there was a very pleasant and enjoyable
afternoon spent in social converse among the freinds & acquaintances who had not
seen each other for a long time. Joe Hindley's organ was brought there. Johny
Mc
Kenzie had his fiddle and another instrument, the music was good, and Joe also
sang quite a number of songs. the supper was grand and about 80 sat down to it, other
games were engaged in, and, for the young people swings were prepared in the barn,
the weather was so fine that the grass outside of the house offered inviting footing for
all, and all thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
TUESDAY 14 (198-167)
A very fine day. nice and drying for the balance of the hay. Colin helped Johny to finish
up his hay by drawing in his rakings. they then drew in the balance of ours, (3 loads)
making the total of the field 8 loads, it is good quality, that makes one load more than
last year, and better quality. I raked it with the new horse and drew it up into the mow
with King, while Johny's team drew it in from the field, and were done before dinner. the
pump at the barn has been a long time out of order and we hauled it up and put on new
leather on the plunger and otherwise fixed it. I cut some round the fence below the
barley field. Colin has scuffled the corn in the orchard. he drove Kate Moore to
Rockwood this evening and had his clothes fitted there that Stinson is making up for
him.
JULY WEDNESDAY 15 1896 (199-166)
Quite a little shower this morning but of very short duration. we would be much the
better of a good fall of rain. Crops however, are looking much better of the showers that
have lately fallen. Colin has been hand hoeing among the corn some to day. he and I
made up a trough for the pigs, and I cut some more at the fence corners. Maggie drove
the 2 Cousins down to Hugh Black's place and remained the most of the day. Margaret
and I drove down to C. Casinos, and took the Case full of eggs (30 doz) for which he
allowed 10¢ per doz. I got a shirt 55¢ and a pair of Boots, gaiters, $1.85. –– $2.40. the
balance in sugar. except 10¢ in cash. Bella rode up with their neighbours Mr & Mrs
Hagan, who are on the lookout for a home to purchase they took a look at Webbs place
and at ours, also drove over to Thos. Toltons and Dunbars. and we met them on the
Town line, on their way home, as the sun was going down. I am preparing this evening
for being off for Meaford in the morning along with Thos Tolton.
THURSDAY 16 (200-165)
A very fine day, sunshine and warm cool. I was up early this morning and made ready
to be off to Meaford. Colin drove me over to Thos. Toltons after we got breakfast, and I
had to wait quite a while before they were ready to start, we got away somewhere
between 7 & 8 oclock. it was rather cool for riding and I wore my overcoat with comfort.
little Ed Stevens rode along with us, after waiting some time for Mary, we met at
Bellwood, according to arrangement with Mary Stevens & the rest of her family, when
the 2 buggies both journeyed together to Wm Hodgins, near Kenilworth where we
remained all night. Hodgins was drawing in hay his crops look fairly well and they seem
to be doing very well, they have a very good stone house to live in and the outbuildings
are fairly good, he has rented 165 acres and pays $340.00 in advance rent. we passed
through Arthur Village in going up and I noted a great improvement in the place since I
saw it last. {Margin} Away from Home. - driving up towards Meaford along with Thos.
Tolton. - stopt all night at Wm Hodgins place, went through Arthur Village.
JULY FRIDAY 17 1896 (201-164)
A little warmer to day. Thomas & I, with our little passenger, (Ed Stevens) started off
from Hodgins before Mary did, and on our way up called at George Gray's place, Mount
Forest, they invited us to stay for dinner, which we did. George is very comfortably
settled in the Village, and, with his wife, seems to enjoy good health and a comfortable
living, they have a good house and a fine garden he has rented his farm of 100 acres to
his 2 Sons, and he says, he can live comfortably on the rent and his garden. he says he
has half his house rented, for which he receives 50 dollars a year. after paying them a
good visit taking a walk round the town awhile, we set out north again and arrived at
Holstein in good time. we walked round the Village some and, after tea we paid Colin
Mc
Kinnon a visit, they seem to be very comfortably settled. Edward Stephens had been
out in the country on business, but returned later on. the crops appeared to be pretty
good most of the way up to this place, but not quite so good round here. {Margin} Still
on our journey towards Meaford. - arrived at Holstein this evening - saw Mr & Mrs
George Gray at Mount Forest
SATURDAY 18 (202- 163)
Warmer to day. Thomas and I started off alone this morning on the last stage to
Meaford. the road proved to be rather hilly, and in some places they were doing
gravelling work which made them heavy we drove up by way of Flesherton and thence
up the Seventh line of Euphrasia and St Vincent. Thomas drove the horse very slowly
and carefully and though it was very warm, he did not sweat hardly any. we took dinner
at the Railway Station part of Flesherton. and after feeding ourselves and the horse we
again started north, reaching Rocklyn somewhere, I think, between 4 & 5 oclock. we fed
him again there and made the last stage to Meaford in about 2½ hours. Thos. did not
hurry the horse and he arrived in Meaford in good condition. we found all the freinds
well and we received a freindly welcome. {Margin} Meaford - arrived at our destination
about 8 oclock.
Sunday 19
Fine and warm to day. Thomas attended the meeting at the disciples Church this
forenoon, but I remained at Alex's house. we walked together, in the evening, up to
William Ewarts.
JULY MONDAY 20 1896 (204-161)
Weather continues very fine and the Lake is very smooth and glassy looking. I have
been moving round the Town and surroundings. Thomas and Ella Sunter took a drive
together to visit a Cousin of Thomas'. A Mrs Richardson, Sister to Mrs Jay. Margaret
and I together paid a visit and had tea at David Mitchells, we had a very pleasant time
with them. David has his house and surroundings very nicely and conveniently
arranged, and his garden and lawn looked very fine, he has the advantage of the water
works system and has hoes to reach all parts of his garden and premises. All Alex.'
family are at home, and they have Miss Hogg of Collingwood visiting with them, also
many callers, so that it is a lively place at present.
TUESDAY 21 (205-160)
A very warm day, indeed it was quite hot a good part of the day. Thomas and I drove
the horse and buggie up to Jamies place this forenoon, and, after going all round his
little farm, which we did with great pleasure, as his crops are very good. we settled
down to dinner. Some of the girls took back Thomas' horse & buggie to Meaford, and
Jamie and Annie & Thomas & I, with his horses and a democrat took a drive up to the
little Lake
JULY WEDNESDAY 22 1896 (206-159)
Meaford. A most beautiful day, sunshine and warm, about ten oclock, I think, we saw
the fine new Steamer Majestic approaching Meaford, and Thomas & Brother Alex & I
set off for the wharf. The excursion was from Collingwood to Warton, and called at
Meaford. the three of us got aboard, and we were surprised to find Maggie & Loui &
Miss Hogg also on board. Mr Hogg from Collingwood met them on the wharf and bought
tickets for them, and made them come, there were, they said, about 850 on board, a
brass band accompanied the excursionists. we had a beautiful sail to Warton, so
smooth that we could hardly perceive the motion of the vessel. the steamer was very
finely finished off and elegantly furnished. on returning home a stiff breeze sprung up
which made the Lake a little rough. but, it did not affect, but very little, the motion of the
vessel. Warton now is very different from the time of my former visit to it. it is built up to
be a fine large town, with fairly good buildings. Lumbering and other interests make it
have a busy appearance. the road to the town from the wharf is a very bad one, being
by the side of the railway track, and between the wagon track and Railway there is not
much room for foot passengers, and not safe. I called on the Hunters. James was from
home. Called also on Mr Symons, storekeeper. they seem all to be driving a good
business
THURSDAY 23 (207-158)
Cooler to day and very windy. we had been in expectation of seeing the Steamer, "City
of Midland" make her appearance with excursionists, as per advertisement. on account
of the roughness of the lake it was reported the steamer was going to Collingwood
instead of Meaford, this proved erroneous, as we sighted her later on, she arrived, I
think, somewhere about 2 oclock, or a little after. there were indications of a good deal
of sickness having been on board, it was said there were about 250 passengers.
Thomas and I walked up to the Exhibition grounds, where a base ball game had been
arranged for between the Meafords and the Midlands, the time being so limited they
could only get 3 or 4 innings, when they had to make for the boat at 5 oclock. Meaford
players had the best of it.
JULY FRIDAY 24 1896 (208-157)
Very dull and threatning looking this morning at Meaford. Thomas and I were early astir
and made ready for starting home. we got under way, after bidding the freinds good
bye, about 7 oclock, when getting a piece on the road, the rain began to fall, and for a
time we thought we would have a wet day. it cleared up about noon however, and we
had a pleasant drive the rest of the time. as we proceeded south we found less trace of
the rain. we reached the same Hotel, Whites, Globe Hotel, about ½ past 12, and after a
good dinner left there about 2. turned at the 6 Corners and had good roads all the way
down to Damascus which place we reached about ½ past seven. we put up at Jonathan
Tovells, we found the crops were very good the most of the way through Proton &
Luther as far as this place. at the head of Luther they were magnificant. Jonathan is
going round with his arm in a sling. he met an accident some time ago which broke his
arm or collar bone, he is recovering but not able to work. I called at Isaac Anderson's on
our way down, they made us welcome to stay with them, but we thought we had better
go on to Tovells.
SATURDAY 25 (209-156)
A beautiful morning. Thomas and I got up about ½ past five this morning and the rest of
the house hold were soon after us. after getting breakfast, we took a walk back to see
Anderson's folks, and have a sight of his garden which was very fine. we were soon on
the road again, driving through the marsh, we reached Greigson's place about ½ past
ten, and being invited, we waited for dinner, where we also got feed for our horse. after
dinner we again set out for home, arriving between 4 & 5 oclock. Thomas brought me
home but would not stop for tea. thus wound up our journey to Meaford, they had a rain
here a week ago. {Margin} Damascus
Sunday 26
Dull and threatning rain in the morning
JULY MONDAY 27 1896 (211-154)
Considerable rain has fallen which will do the roots a lot of good, our turnips are rather
far advanced especially as they are rather thickly sown and the pine grass is growing up
amongst them. I expected Colin would have had them done, or about, in the 9 days I
was away. as it was, he ran through the corn and potatoes with the scuffler and may
have hand hoed a little at them. I wish he had made it more his business to see that the
turnips were thinned. he hasn't done the third of them I don't think. he and I have been
thinning at them to day, but the land is rather soft to make good head way. and there
have been showers to prevent us sticking at them. while some of them lasted we
worked some in the barn at the work of fixing up the granary. Maggie has been, along
with Geo. Abbott and the Webb girls, picking raspberries in Synnotts bush behind our
sugar bush. she got over 5 lbs. they had to come home on account of getting wet, but
went out again only to be served the same way again.
TUESDAY 28 (212-153)
An extremely hot day, the showers of yesterday have not cooled the air. there have
been thunder showers passing around us, we hear that heavy rain fell at Guelph. Colin
has been thinning at the turnips all day. I did not go at them, but was busy at other
things. I was pulling a long time at a patch of wild oats we have found in the north front
field. I also fixed up the hog pen for receiving the 2 batches of young pigs, the trough
was leaking and I had to patch it up. it kept me busy. in the evening I hitched up and
Margaret and I drove down to Everton and got the papers and a letter for Maggie from
Mrs Garbut also got 25¢ worth oatmeal. 12 lbs. we called, on returning home, at David
Robertsons for a mower guard for our mower, as I think to cut our barley. David was
away and I borrowed one from Dugald again. Thomas Mac is laid up sick the doctor
attending. Met Mr & Mrs Bryant coming from Everton they arranged to visit us to day.
AUGUST July WEDNESDAY 29 1896 (213-152)
Very close and hot this forenoon, thunder clouds began to loom up about noon, which
culminated at last in a violent thunder storm with very heavy rain & wind between one
and two oclock. our crops I fear will be damaged considerably especially the heaviest of
the oats some of which look as if a roller had passed over them. Mr & Mrs Bryant paid
us a visit to day and had dinner & tea with us. they came shortly after eleven oclock,
and they went home with our Willie, as he returned home to Guelph. he came out for a
straw cutter that John Campbell had up at Mimosa, but which has been taken away.
Colin hoed turnips up to dinner time but the deluge of rain stopped all that. he has been
taking down the erection we had up for the 2 litters of pigs in the cattle stable, we took
the pigs to the pig house this morning. Colin weighed one that weighed 50 lbs. Johny &
Lizzie are away to Jeenie Crofts wedding this afternoon. I cut the weeds, this morning,
in the lane leading to Johnys, and spent the balance of the time pulling at the wild oats
up to noon. after which I remained in the house with the Bryants
THURSDAY 30 (214-151)
The air has not cleared up fully yet, it remains warmer than might be expected after
such a storm. the wind rose however and is raising the fallen grain a little. we hope it will
bring it up again as otherwise it will be damaged both in filling and in its harvesting.
Colin and I dusted the potatoes to day with the bug killer. we did it in the forenoon but
had difficulty in doing it as the wind rose too high. we spent the rest of the day at the
turnip hoeing. the turnips are getting hard to do on account of them being too thickly
sown and the pine grass is getting very strong & thick.
AUGUST July FRIDAY 31 1896 (215-150)
A very fine day. the wind has risen and drying up everything again. I finished up the
dusting of the potatoes (12 rows) before breakfast this morning. Colin and I afterwards
hoed at the turnips till dinner time. I quit a little before dinner and harnessed the team
and got the mower out, so as to cut down the barley. we sharped the knife and Colin cut
it down this afternoon. I hope it will keep dry till we get it in the barn. I hoed at the
turnips till supper time. after which I had trouble with the pigs getting into the peas. Mrs
Andrew Tolton, with her two little girls Ethel & Hattie, were visiting us this afternoon.
Andrew is at Mc
Dermotts fixing a pea harvester they have lately purchased. I paid four
dollars ($4.00) to William Tindal payment in full to date for the work done at the barn.
Johny got 15 lbs of the bug killer besides this can full. {Margin} killing potatoe bugs - cut
barley with mower - hoeing the turnips - Mrs Andrew Tolton and 2 children visiting from
Guelph - paid four dollars to Wm Tindal
August SATURDAY 1 (216-149)
A very fine day, warm in the forenoon, and gathered for rain afternoon. Colin and I hoed
at the turnips this forenoon, I hitched up Fred, after dinner, to the horse rake and raked
about half of the barley when we were stopped by the rain coming on. Johny & Colin
drew in 2 loads and we cocked up the rest that I had gathered together, if we had
started at it as soon as the dew had dried up we could have had it all in the barn easily,
but I thought it would be the better of standing till after dinner and thereby was caught. I
drove Fred down to the blacksmith shop and Mr Hoskin put on 4 new shoes on him. I
did not pay him for it. I then drove down to the mill and got 100 lbs shorts, pd 60¢ for
them, ordered 50 lbs binding twine from Geo. Marshall. @ 8¢ per lb. paid 1st Oct. ¼¢
off for cash
Sunday 2
A very fine day, the weather appeared of doubtful settlement in the early part of the day,
but became cooler and more settled looking in the after part. Maggie drove alone to
meeting this forenoon and Mary accompanied her home. She & Mary with Colin went
again in the evening. I wrote a letter to Alex. Holyoke and with a card to James
Ramshaw and 2 papers (Mercuries) for Mrs Peavoy gave them to Mary to mail in the
morning.
AUGUST MONDAY 3 1896 (218-147)
A beautiful day, bright sunshine and warm. Colin and I hoed at the turnips this forenoon,
there are yet about 35 long rows to thin, and they are getting too large and as they are
quite thick it is a hard and tedious job to single them. After dinner I raked the balance of
the barley and Johny helped Colin to draw it in, there were 3 loads to day, making 5
loads in all. Johny paid me fourteen dollars & 50¢ ($14.50). Mrs Garbut & Fred & 2 of
the girls paid us a visit to day. had tea with us. I drove over to Erin Village after Supper,
and paid 2 double Ass'mts & dues. one for John Mc
Kenzie and one for Self. also ten
cents each for last months levy. A.O.U.W. I also settled up in full with Charles Overland
for the undertaking work of Minnie's funeral & burial. 12 dollars. making 27 dollars in all
with my former payment of 15 dollars. I also bought a pair of harvest gloves, oil can and
fork handle for Johny's barley fork, which I ran over, with the hay rake, and broke to day.
I remained over to the Lodge meeting, there was a very poor attendance, the new hall is
a very commodious and pleasant one, and, I should say more healthful than the old
one, in that it can be thoroughly ventilated. {Margin} took in the last of the barley -
hoeing the turnips - Johny p'd me $14.50 - drove to Erin Village - settled with C.
Overland - paid 2 double ass'mts & dues & 10 cents extra, for John Mc
Kenzie & myself -
in all $5.20 - purchases
TUESDAY 4 (219-146)
Another fine day, the indications pointed to a change we are not caring to have any
more rain at present, but we may have to take it for all. Johny helped us at the thinning
of the turnips from about ten oclock this forenoon. there was about 28 rows to do. Mrs
Garbut and Fred were here this afternoon they brought back the democrat. they drove
home to Norval after tea. Margaret and I were invited to our tea at Richard Mc
Williams in
company of Mr & Mrs Bryant and others, we attended and had a very pleasant time. I
drove down to Everton this evening and got 50 lbs twine, also 50 lbs for Johny. it is the
red Cap 7¾¢ if paid by the 15th and eight cents if paid 1st Oct.
AUGUST WEDNESDAY 5 1896 (220-145)
Thunder and lightning and rain last night. cleared up to day again. we finished up the
thinning of the turnips this forenoon. Johny and I hunted up a stick in the bush to make
a tongue for the binder before dinner. after dinner we rigged up the binder and started to
cut in the black oats in South front field. Some little things going wrong, it hindered the
work some to get them fixed. I have been feeding the corn to the cows for some days, 2
of the cows seem to relish it all right but the other 2 are a little dainty about it. I went
down to Webbs this evening and brought home the young goose that is "hors de
combat" from an accident that befel it in Webbs beaver meadow. I brought home the
stick from the bush and commenced to work it up to make it fit for a tongue for the
binder. The horses work fine together Johny's Nettie works along with our span of bays.
THURSDAY 6 (221-144)
Very hot weather, it seems that the thunder & lightning does not cool the air and it feels
as if preparation is being made for another outbreak of thunder. Johny & Colin have
finished up the black oats and started in to the north front field. the machine gave them
a good deal of trouble and caused much delay by failing to deliver the sheaf, the trip
worked all right, but upon the trip being releived of its hold the delivery arms failed to go
round and throw off the sheaf. Mc
Williams boys - or rather George & his father - think
they see it similarly wrong to what their own was and it will have to go to the shop. I may
go in tomorrow. Willie was out from Guelph this morning and drove away so as to get
back by dinner time. John Campbell brought his organ to Johny's this morning and
Willie expected that he might have to drive up for it. one of the Parkers brought it down
however and saved Willie the trouble. I have been hoeing the thistles in potatoe patch.
AUGUST FRIDAY 7 1896 (222-143)
An extremely hot day. it was nice and cool early this morning, but the sun had no
sooner made its appearance than it became perceptibly warmer which increased greatly
as the day wore on. I got up early this morning knowing that I had to go to Guelph with
the parts of the knotter that failed to work, the delivering part would not work. Johny was
anxious to see me back at dinner time, but, on such a hot day as this it is much easier
to talk about it than to do it. I drove in Fred and our own buggie and reached Guelph
between 9 & 10 oclock, other work prevented them doing my job right away, so I drove
up to Willie's and fed my horse and had my own dinner, getting away for home between
12 & 1. Johny immediately attached the pieces and started work in our north front field
where he did fairly well till night. Colin moulded up a large portion of the potatoes while I
was away, he also dusted 5 rows with the bug killer. I hoed a good share of the thistles
in potatoe patch afternoon. paid a dollar to Toltons for fixing the parts of the knotter.
SATURDAY 8 (223-142)
Another steaming hot day. Johny attempted to finish up the cutting of our oats in north
front field and when nearly done was met by another provoking little break which
necessitated him going to the blacksmith shop to get fixed. he got done shortly after
dinner, and then left for his own oats (mixed with wheat) behind the barn, they got along
very well for the time, the grain does not stand well and makes it more tedious to cut. I
put on the bug killer on about the half of our potatoe patch this morning, and hoed some
afterwards. Colin also helping for awhile when Johny was away to the blacksmith shop.
Maggie and her Mother drove down to Everton this afternoon. I was choring round, but
did not go to the field on account of the great heat.
Sunday 9
Another blisterer of a day. the sun has been terribly hot. Maggie and Colin have been
twice to Everton meeting. Mary came up with them and George walked up, David
Robertson wife & two youngest children also came along. they had all dinner and tea
with us and, but for the heat passed a very pleasant time. I helped Johny up with his
sow and 10 young pigs from the bush.
AUGUST MONDAY 10 1896 (225-140)
Continues extremely hot and sultry, the sun shone out brightly this forenoon, but the
afternoon brought dulness and threatning clouds around, towards evening there was a
heavy thunder cloud passed round to the south of us. a very little rain fell here. Johny
went to the blacksmith shop this morning and got another part of the knotter fixed that
had given way. it was about ten oclock before he started to cut, he finished up the
cutting of the mixed crop by dinner time however, and then after dinner cut fully 3 acres
of his wheat by early supper time. after supper he and Colin started into our wheat and
cut down about the half of it (about 3 acres) before quiting time. I have worked among
the potatoes all day. first took the team and Gale Harrow to soften the land before
moulding. they were so buggy however that I thought it best to pick them first, so spent
about 4 hours in picking over 30 rows. I then, after tea, ran the Gale Harrow through
them and made a fine job. they are now ready for the final moulding. Colin moulded the
other half of them by going through them twice with the plow.
TUESDAY 11 (226-139)
Another very hot day, the sun burns very hard on these days. Johny finished cutting the
spring wheat this forenoon and then moved into the 5 acre patch immediately behind it
in the next field. the oats are very heavy and badly down, so that they can only be cut in
two ways. another of these connections of the packers broke again to day and luckily
there was an old one to spare with which Johny kept the machine going. I got a new
one from Willie Abbott this evening. I ran the Gale Harrow through the turnips to day,
with Fred and Jeenie mare, it made a good job of them. my back and hench have been
very sore to day and sitting on the gale harrow has not improved it any. there has been
much lightning this evening. the thunder and lightning is getting so heavy lately as to
cause much damage throughout the country.
AUGUST WEDNESDAY 12 1896 (227-138)
There was quite a thunder storm last night and considerable rain fell. I am getting
anxious to see our cutting done so that we can have it housed on the first opportunity.
Johny finished cutting oats before supper time this afternoon and he & Colin went right
off to the quarry field. Colin and I walked over to James Symott's this morning in search
of the 4 calves that strayed over to there. we could not find them all at once, and Colin
soon returned to the cutting again, while I eventually got the cattle and drove them
round the road. after dinner I moulded up the potatoes with the old grey horse. Boulton
& Walter Cutting were here looking at the old horse with a view of threshing with him but
I did not encourage them. I would rather shoot the old horse than subject him to ill
treatment, and I rather guess they would not use him too well.
THURSDAY 13 (228-137)
Although it is, what might be called very warm weather, still it is not nearly so hot as
these late days that have passed. I notice by the papers, that a great many deaths have
taken place in a number of the large American cities, through the great heat. Johny has
cut at his oats in the quarry field to day but, as they have to be cut principally the one
way it makes it a much more tedious job. Colin and I took in 2 loads of the black oats
this forenoon while Johny cut away and Colin counted on catching up to him, which he
did. I dusted about 30 rows of the potatoes with the bug killer this morning, had them
done before 10 oclock. I sewed the seams in my boots this afternoon and afterwards
plowed and harrowed the strawberry patch, which was much in need of cleaning. drove
down to Everton this evening for the mail and was accompanied home by Bennie
Gollop, wife and child, also Maggie Mitchell with them.
AUGUST FRIDAY 14 1896 (229-136)
Cool at night and dry and warm through the day. Johny and Colin have been laying hard
at the cutting and shocking to day. they finished up all the sheaf cutting doing the new
piece after tea. it was a fine crop and stood fairly well - over 3 acres - I remained with
Bennie Gollop & his company this forenoon, they went to Johny's for dinner. I hoed
some this afternoon at the second hoeing of the turnips.
SATURDAY 15 (230-135)
Another fine harvest day, dry and warm we are anxious to be at the hauling in of the
grain, neither Johny nor ourselves have had, up to this afternoon any sheaf grain into
the barns, Colin helped Johny at his potatoes this forenoon he moulded them all up
while Johny put paris green on them, he has been wanting to get at them this some time
back, but on account of the cutting could never manage it. we hauled in 3 loads of black
oats, making 5 loads in all. also 5 loads in north front field - which finished it. we have
now 10 loads of oats in altogether, and our barley.
Sunday 16
A very fine day, warm in the middle of the day, but got much cooler towards evening.
Margaret and I drove down to Mc
Kenzies to day. we left here about 8 A.M. and reached
there before ten. we stayed till after tea. John has all his harvest done, but his peas.
they are all well. the crops are only middling. he hardly knows what to think about
staying or leaving. we called at Stewarts on our way home
AUGUST MONDAY 17 1896 (232-133)
A splendid harvest day. a little bit gouly & threatning and a few drops of rain fell at times
but nothing to interfere with harvest work. Johny has been drawing in all day. I helped
them in the mow. he took in the mixed grain behind his barn, and afterwards the wheat -
8 loads in all (2 in potatoe field), they afterwards drew in 5 loads of our oats, making 13
loads hauled to day. the stuff is in fine order. but some of the oats are very worthless on
account of the rust which has seriously affected a large proportion of the later oats. we
hear that Wm Usherwood has 2 fields not worth the cutting but for the straw. our north
back field oats are our worst although they are New Zealand, they dont seem to be so
badly rusted as blighted with the terrible heat that has so long prevailed.
TUESDAY 18 (233-132)
Cooler to day, fine harvest forenoon, a heavy rain cloud came up this forenoon and
stopt us drawing in, we had just finished up the oats all to the rakings, and I had been
raking as they were drawing in, we took in 3 loads to day, - very large loads, - with the
rakings 19 loads in all. on getting stopt we arranged the machinery and vehicles and
placed them in order in the driving house over the way. and Colin went to the flax pulling
at John Webbs this afternoon. Horace Tovell came at noon to cut peas for Johny with
scythe and Johny also went at the same work. I expected he would have gone to
Webbs too but he did not go. I finished up the raking of oats in the back north field and
bunched them. I guess we wont trouble to rake any of the rest as we can let the pigs
into all the rest. I drove to Everton this evening and got the mail. I settled with Geo.
Marshall for the turnip seed and brought home the balance of the hungarian grass seed.
he sold a bushel for which he allowed me a dollar, the turnip seed was 80¢. I got 15¢ in
money and a {dipper} 5¢.
AUGUST WEDNESDAY 19 (1896 234-131)
A splendid harvest day. cool and dry. we finished drawing in our sheaves to day by
taking in our goose wheat. there was somewhere between 5 & 6 acres and we took it in
3 loads, they were very large however. Colin was making a kind of brag about it which
made him load so heavy. John Mutrie sent 2 men to Johny's to day to help him, and
Johny goes to help him thresh on Friday. Sandy Rea, and Mc
Donald, Rea helped us to
draw in, besides the wheat, we had a load of oat rakings. after we got through (about 2
oclock) we then drew at Johnys peas, took in 6 loads, he also had a load of rakings
(oats). Harry Tovell has been pulling peas for Johny a day and half, and Johny and
Mc
Donald all day, excepting that Johny left them to help draw in after supper. Colin went
to a flax pulling Bee at Coffeys after supper, and did not return till after eleven. I hoed 6
rows of turnips before starting to draw in, Colin hoed 3. Maggie and her Mother drove
together and paid Mrs James Mc
Dermott a visit this afternoon.
THURSDAY 20 (235-130)
Another grand harvest day. the temperature now for a little time back has ruled much
lower than during the awful heated term, and people have a chance to sleep at night
and work with comfort through the day. Johny has put himself well forward with his
harvest to day. Colin has had the team there all day and Robert Mc
Williams and Johny
Burnett with the team were helping also in the afternoon. Horry Tovell was pulling peas
this afternoon. I hoed in the turnips this forenoon. Roby Mutrie helped them in the mow
while Johny & Colin drew in at oats, but when they started on the 2 teams they then
wanted me on. Mr & Mrs David Stewart came along before dinner and I did not like to
leave them but David knows how to excuse farmers in harvest time. they stayed on till
after supper and seemed to enjoy themselves very well. I drove to Everton after quiting
time and got the mail. have engaged Horry Tovell to come and cut peas tomorrow. I let
the pigs into the wheat stubble for the first to day.
AUGUST FRIDAY 21 1896 (236-129)
Continues very fine harvest weather. the heat has been but moderate and late peas &
oats are having a good time for ripening, there are a great many poor oats throughout
the country, the great heat struck the late oats just at filling time and killed and blighted
them. Horry Tovell and Colin have been pulling peas with the scythe to day, they say
they are a good crop and they pulled about three acres to day, it is a nice clean job and
but very little spilling. I hoed in the turnips all day, and cleaned, I think, 22 rows, the
turnips seem to be doing very well lately, although they would do much better with more
rain, the ground is too dry for either potatoes or turnips. Johny & Lizzie went over to
John Mutries to day, they are threshing at the old place and John Mutrie always likes to
have Johny over to help him. I thought to keep Horry Tovell over tomorrow so as to
have the rest of our field done, but, as he charged a dollar a day, I paid him for todays
work, and told him I could not afford to give so high a wage. some are only charging 75¢
and it is as much as any farmer can afford to pay.
SATURDAY 22 (237-128)
Fine harvest weather, weather a shade warmer to day. Colin went to Guelph to day in
company of his brother, he hired Charlie Duffield to take his place to day. Johny got in
the last of his peas (3 loads) and a load of oat rakings. we had to take in a load after
dinner, and got a start of our own at 2.10 we almost finished taking in ours, we had 6
loads and put them up into our swing beam mow with the horse fork. Charlie and I
moved them away while Johny managed the fork, Maggie led out King. the peas are in
fine order and seem to be fairly well podded and a good crop of straw. Margaret drove
to Guelph taking butter & eggs. Ruth Mc
Williams was kind enough to accompany her as
neither Maggie nor I could very well go on account of the drawing in of the peas. the
butter brought 16 & 15¢ and the eggs 9 & 10¢. she went to Willie, he returned from
Meaford last Friday forenoon (at 10 oclock) drove from James Cunninghams that
morning and from Meaford the day previous to Cunninghams. he left Colin Campbell up
there. it was thought his health had improved
Sunday 23
A little rain fell last night, and there was some thunder, it was all cleared off this morning
and we have had a fine day. a little warmer again. Maggie and Colin were at Everton
meeting this A. M. Willie & Jeenie drove out from Guelph this forenoon and had dinner
with us. John Campbell & Willie Mc
Dougal drove down to meet Jeenie. She went up to
her Mother who has been lately quite ill. Mr Dunbar drove over this evening and paid us
a visit. we went down together to Webbs. Margaret was also down there awhile this
evening.
AUGUST MONDAY 24 1896 (239-126)
A very fine harvest day, cool and dry, the sunshine out rather warm in the middle of the
day. some rain at present would be very acceptable as the potatoes and turnips are
both needing moisture. Colin and I cut round the balance of the peas in the middle field
and then pulled them out with the horse and revolving rake. Johny held the rake and I
drove the horse and Colin forked them back after dinner. I forked them back before
dinner, while Colin drove. we commenced drawing in about 3 oclock and had 2 loads in
before supper, we took in other 2 loads after tea which finished the field - 10 loads in all
- Charles Mc
Dougal came along before tea to renew the insurance of Mrs Annie
Peavoy's house in Everton. I renewed it for her, and Charles gave me an "Interim
receipt", if paid before the 20th of next month, then the business will be completed, if not
paid by that time I agreed to call at the Office and sign a note of hand for the amount
and can take 3 months to pay it in, without interest. we have yet to pull the peas on the
stony acre, they are green on the tops of the vines but ripe below, as I think of plowing
and sowing it to fall wheat we will likely pull the peas right away and get them off the
ground. {Margin} pulled about 2 acres of peas with the horse and pea rake - hauled
them in to the barn this P.M. - renewed Mrs A S. Peavoy's house insurance by Charles
Mc
Dougal
TUESDAY 25 (240-125)
Very fine weather but very dry. a good fall of rain is very much needed now to moisten
the ground for the plow and to make the roots grow. I hoed 8 rows of the turnips this
afternoon and the ground is very dry and dusty. I drove to Everton this morning with the
team and lumber waggon taking down a cord of Tamarac wood to Annie Abbott. I left
the waggon with Robertson to put a new tongue and hind bolster into it. I hitched the
democrat behind the waggon on going down and had it to come home with. I got a 100
of flour at the mill. $1.75 not paid. Sam Congdon rode up with me, and I gave him an
order for some fruit trees. they may be delivered this fall, or not till spring, and it is
optional with me whether I pay them this fall or spring. Maggie and her Mother drove
over to Toltons in the buggie this forenoon and did not return till after seven at night. we
had to get our own dinner and wait late for supper. Toltons are yet busy at their harvest.
Colin has been pulling the peas on the stony acre with the scythe and pulled them all to
about an hour & half's work
AUGUST WEDNESDAY 26 1896 (241-124)
Continues splendid weather for finishing up the late harvest, dry and warm through the
day cool at night. Colin finished up the pea pulling this morning, and afterwards hoed at
the turnips along with me. Colin advised me to pull in the peas. although some of them
were a little green on the tops. so we hitched up after dinner and drove out to the field,
we were rather late however, as there was quite a heavy shower came up before we
had the third of the peas on and I had to run in with them. after tea I hitched on to the
democrat and drove down to Everton and brought home the lumber waggon. Robertson
had it fixed, (new tongue and bolster) I paid him $1.50. owe him 25¢ yet. Grace Anne
Abbott paid me a dollar & half for the wood I took down to her and I got a letter
containing 5 dollars, from James Ramshaw, the rack being on the waggon. I brought
home from Charlie Casinos 14 empty barrells for holding apples. they are 10¢ each.
didn't pay them.
THURSDAY 27 (242-123)
Very fine and pleasant day. I am nearly laid up to day, my back is much worse I think
the drive home last night from Everton on top of the barrells on the lumber waggon is
the cause, it was quite cold and I got very chilly. Colin and I rigged up the lumber
waggon with Robert Morton's wood rack and loaded on a load of the tamarack wood for
Mrs Pike, I was not able to go on account of my back, and after getting the load ready,
we hoed turnips till dinner time and then Colin took it down to Rockwood, they found
there was a cord and quarter when they piled it. I covered "Doc's" bit with leather, his
mouth is very tender and it makes him awkward and unpleasant to drive.
AUGUST FRIDAY 28 1896 (243-122)
A beautiful day. a little frost last night, cool morning and nights but comfortably warm
through the day. I have suffered a great deal to day from a lame back, the pain that has
annoyed me for these two or three weeks increased very much to day. I think being
exposed to the cold last Wednesday night bringing home the barrells made it worse. I
turned the peas before dinner, and Colin & Johny took them in after tea. Colin started to
plow in the north front field, he also cut down the Hungarian grass. I hitched to the
buggie this afternoon and, with Margaret, drove up to see Mrs Cathraw. She is some
better and was sitting up on the edge of the bed when we were there. she has got a
pretty bad shake but she says she does not suffer any pain of consequence. Jeenie is
getting rather impatient at being away from home and is anxious to get her Mother into
Guelph with them, her mother has agreed to go and may try and go tomorrow, coming
down as far as our place first and then I to drive her to Guelph afternoon. Cathraw's
family seem to be dissatisfied about their stepmother coming there and have nearly all
left, he is a queer stick anyway, he does not try to make matters pleasant, or agreeable,
for all parties. {Margin} finished grain harvest.
SATURDAY 29 (244-121)
The weather continues much the same, cool nights with a little frost and dry and warm
through the day. Colin plowed in the north front field to day. after tea he took the team
and got a load of flax loaded of John Webbs which they agreed to take in to Guelph for
him on Monday. I was hoeing this forenoon in the turnips, Jeenie came down from her
Mother's this forenoon and wished to get to Guelph, they were afraid it would be too
crowded for 3 to ride in the buggie, so they intend to drive out again for her. I drove
Jeenie to Guelph after dinner. we left here at 1.20. and reached Willies at 3.30. I did
some shopping while the horse rested & fed. got an apple parer, 45¢ smooth sickle 25¢
½ bushel tomatoes 15¢ box Fraser's axle grease 13¢. high No. 7 share and a pair of
double plow shares, 85¢ John Campbell paid me 85¢ for bag oats, pair plow lines 25¢
got back home between 9 & 10 P.M. I drove to the G.T.R. Guelph and met Annie Sunter
& Colin Campbell as they returned from Meaford. drove Annie home. Willie took her
trunk
Sunday 30.
Fine day. had quite a shower about 5 P.M. Bella & John Mc
Kenzie & children
accompanied our folks from Everton meeting. Mary also was with them. John tells me
he has given up the place. had a visit of Mr & Mrs John Webb also Nancy Currie and
her child. I wrote to Robert Wood. enclosing 2 dollars for A.O.U.W. ass'm't for John &
self.
SEPTEMBER August MONDAY 31 1896 (246-119)
Very cool to day. some frost again last night and this morning. Colin started off this
morning about 7 oclock. George and him had their loads into Robert Mc
Williams barn to
keep them dry. Colin returned about 7 P.M. being 12 hours away. John and Colin
Campbell drove out from Guelph to get their mother to day. they had their dinner with us
and drove up Fred, so as to have their own horse (Jack) fresh, they encountered
opposition from Isaiah Cawthra however, and John came down alone and is driving to
Guelph to night intending to return tomorrow with a cab for their Mother. I have been
hoeing turnips to day. they are all done except 33 rows, and I hope to get them done
tomorrow. they are not so hard to do now. there is less Jane grass or any other weeds
among them, and I hope to do them tomorrow and afterwards get them scuffled. I put
the 20 pigs into the back field to day so as to pick up the peas in stony acre. I want to
get it plowed and sowed to fall wheat.
September TUESDAY 1 (247-118)
A very fine day. nice for drying up the hungarian grass. John & Colin Campbell & Jeenie
drove out from Guelph to day in a buss. they hired it, with a horse to mate their own, to
take their mother to Guelph, they returned from Cawthra's in the middle of the afternoon
on their way to Guelph, Mrs Cawthra seemed to be getting on very nicely in the
conveyance, they got some refreshments here and then went on again. After dinner
Colin and I with Johny's help went at to rake up and take in the hungarian grass. I raked
it together while Johny & Colin loaded it on the wagon, there were 2 loads of it, the first
was large, the second not so large. after getting the first load off and while Colin was
moving the wagon away from where it was pitched off, Johny, who was moving about
inside the rack at same time, lost his balance and fell heavily on his right side on the sill
of the rack. he seemed badly injured and lay for some time in pain. this evening Lizzie
and he drove down to Everton to see the doctor, the doctor advises absolute rest for a
few days, and directed to put on a mustard plaster on the part that is injured. he says
the chief danger is from inflamation or Pleurisy. Colin and I finished up the Hungarian
grass by ourselves. I am not very fit to fork hay but there was nothing else for it.
SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 2 1896 (248-117)
A fine day again, as we are now booked for threshing a couple of days, begining
tomorrow morning at Robert Mc
Williams. I got Colin started in good time to plow up the
stony acre for fall wheat. I was a little afraid that, from the stony nature of the ground, he
might find it difficult to get it all turned over, he got it done however, besides a few
rounds on the around the adjoining oat stubble. it will be in order now to get the stone
taken off and the seed sown and harrowed in tomorrow. I hoed 12 rows of the 24 rows
of turnips this forenoon. I hitched up the horse & buggie and drove down to Dan Talbot's
and got a bag of fall wheat (Dawsons golden chaff) I paid $1.60 for it, 70¢ per bushel.
140 lbs. called by Everton on my way home, and got the papers &c. a letter from brother
Alex. Meaford. is inviting me to meet him at Toronto at the Exhibition, I wrote him the
other day telling him I would not go there this season.
THURSDAY 3 (249-116)
Quite a nice rain last night, and it had not cleared up this morning. there was not much
rain this morning however. Robert Mc
WIlliams threshed to day and did not get quite
done. I went to the threshing until about ten oclock, they ran through all the peas by that
time, over 150 bushels, they think. Colin drew off the stones from the stony acre and
took down the roller and harrows and I took the team, with the bag of fall wheat down
after dinner, and sowed the piece by hand and harrowed it 3 times. I then took off the
larger stones and rolled it. the piece of ground looks as if it might be worked up now
without much trouble, it has lain between 30 & 40 years without being in crop. of course
we had a hard job this spring stoning it and breaking it up.
SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 4 1896 (250-115)
A very fine day. the little rain that has fallen has softened the ground somewhat and it
will also freshen up the grass, and the turnips and potatoes will be greatly benefited by
it. Colin has been at the threshing all day. they finished up Robert Mc
William's by about
½ past 8 this morning and they think they had the machine going at Robert Mortons in
about an hour after. they threshed all of Roberts grain only his peas, and only did a few
of them. I had quite a job starting the double plow this morning. I put on a pair of new
shares and one of them was a very bad fitting one and I had a terrible job getting it on,
after getting the shares on, I had then to polish things up as they had become very
rusty. it was about ten oclock before I got a start at the field to plow. I got along very well
however, Colin had it nearly half plowed and I would have finished it had I got on it in
the ordinary time.
SATURDAY 5 (251-114)
Very threatening to day. and some rain did fall, but, though not very pleasant for
working out, there was not enough to stop work. Colin finished the north front field
gaging in an hour, and then went to the oat stubble behind, this way of the stony acre
he finished it up, he broke a piece of each of the plow shares. the ground is very stony
close by the stony acre, and on some of them the shares caught and broke. I hoed 6
rows of the turnips this forenoon while out awhile. there are yet 6 rows left. the tops
have now got so large that I think of letting them alone, the Gale harrow especially
would tear them too bad, the wheels are apt to run down on top of the plants, the rows
should be a little wider for it to work well among them. I hitched up the old horse and
drew off the small stones off the stony acre this P.M. Maggie and her Mother drove to
Guelph to day with the buggie and Fred. they had butter & eggs. 16¢ butter. 12¢ eggs.
$6.00 the lot. Johny is up to day. and outside with his overcoat on. he is some better.
Sunday 6.
A splendid rain last night, the ground to day seems to be pretty well saturated. Maggie
and her Mother drove to Everton meeting this forenoon. Colin walked away up about
Robertsons, in the evening, he drove Maggie to Everton Meeting. Mother accompanied
them as far as Macks. they have a sick child. Howard Tolton, & wife and baby paid us a
visit this afternoon.
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 7 1896 (253-112)
Cool at night, and very fine through the day. splendid weather for plowing and doing
other work in the field. Colin plowed in South front field this forenoon, he went to Robert
Kerr's bee this afternoon. I partly made a large rack for drying apples on this forenoon,
drove over, after getting dinner, to Dunbar's, to see if he was going to Erin Village this
evening, he agreed to go, and I hurried back and plowed till 5 oclock, when I unhitched
and did up the chores and got supper. I started for the Village at about 7 oclock, and
was a few minutes ahead of Dunbar at Ospringe. he rode the balance of the road with
me, and Thos. Russell drove his horse. I bought a large Belladona plaster for Johnys
sore side, it just cost 30¢. we had quite a discussion of the Charges introduced by the
Supreme Lodge A.O.U.W. relative to the graded system of assessments, it was rather a
thin meeting for the discussion of so important a matter and it was suggested that
another opportunity may be given for further discussion at another meeting. an initiation
in the workman degree to night.
TUESDAY 8 (254-111)
A beautiful day. warm sunshine although cool at night. Colin attended at Isaac
Theaker's threshing all day. I was anxious to put in a whole day at the double plow but
circumstances were against me getting any more than about half a day works at it. I
finished up ripping stuff and making apple rack this morning before starting at the plow,
and at about 3.30 P.M. Bella & Mrs Lang came driving along from Erin. Bella came up
to see Johny as soon as she heard of him getting hurt. I got little done after that as I
finally unhitched at 5 oclock to tea, after which time they started off home and I hitched
to the buggy and drove over to Standish's to get Margaret, she had gone there visiting
this P.M. we got a nice lot of strawberry plants, and I had a long conversation with
Joseph Standish Richard's brother. he is a very intelligent man. he lives at Bellville and
is in the Govm't Service. Johny & Lizzie drove over to Mutries this afternoon and Bella
did not see after driving all the way up.
SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 9 1896 (255-110)
Fine weather, cooler at night but not so cool as it has been in the past, the temperature
seems to be rising again. very likely we will get another warm spell. I finished plowing
the south front field this forenoon and started to plow in the pea field, 3rd field back on
south side. Colin hitched up Fred and Brit, and hauled out a load of short manure and
spread it over the strawberry patch, he afterwards harrowed it. I found there was quite a
scattering of small stones on the pea land so I got him to go at it and gather them off.
received a letter from Ewart Holyoke, we have had a long wait for it. and I wrote them a
scolding letter the other day which they had not got at the time they wrote. "out of sight
of mind" is a very true axiom, too true indeed. {Margin} young roan cow to Mc
Williams
Bull
THURSDAY 10 (256-109)
A very warm day, the sun shone out quite hot and made it very oppressive to work. I
have been plowing with the double plow in the pea land, some of it is very hard and dry.
the new shares however take good hold of it. Colin finished picking the stones off it
about 11 oclock this forenoon, he drew in a load of stove wood before dinner. he went
to Coffey's after dinner expecting them to thresh, they did not get through at Kerr's till 4
oclock however, and Colin came back and fired the swamp, it made a great blaze and, I
think, it has made a very clean job. Johny has recovered so as to go to Coffey's
threshing and drive the horses on the machine he has Thomas Macks oldest boy on
working the team at the double plow. we hear of several cases of Typhoid fever around.
they fear Willie Tindal has it Joseph Croft is very ill at present with it. James
Mc
Cullough's two sons are down with it. little Stanley Tovell also.
SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 11 1896 (257-108)
Another very warm day, there has been quite a stiff breeze this afternoon which has
made the heat more bearable. Colin has been at Coffey's threshing all day, it is not
finished up yet, they think it will take them till nearly noon tomorrow. Duffields boys think
Albert has not push enough. I have plowed all day in the pea land. I think the team
would have been able to have finished it up by to night, but it is hard work for me to
follow them in the great heat. the fires in the swamp were making quite a smoke again
this afternoon. I think some one is putting out fire over by Synnotts this afternoon. Our
potatoes have improved lately in appearance very much, a fresh bloom has appeared
among them, whatever that may indicate. the late rain, although not very profuse has
had the effect of making them grow larger.
SATURDAY 12 (258-107)
Another very warm day, very close and calm. it has been unlike the few days past in
that there was little or no breeze. I finished the crossplowing with the double plow at
dinner time. Colin returned from Coffey's threshing after dinner, it has taken quite a long
time for them to do their threshing. Colin cultivated the north front field this afternoon.
we wished to kill the sow thistle. I drove down to John Blacks, Margaret accompanying
me where she remained to visit. I drove over to Hugh Black's to see what had best be
done about the Board of Health business. Dr Dryden being away from Rockwood we
thought it best for Dr Mc
Cullough to look after the cases of Typhoid under his care and
ascertain whether measures could be instituted to check the further progress of the
disease. Hugh Black has on a strong gang yesterday and to day, filling his Silo. 10 men
& 3 teams and an engine driving the ensilage cutter, they are very busy, they had the
silo filled, 32 feet deep and 12 feet x 16 or thereabout.
Sunday 13
Very fine day, keeps dry although rain is wanted for the roots &c. as usual Maggie &
Colin have attended at Everton twice to day. I kept pretty much at home until about 4
P.M. when I walked across to see Mr Dunbar. as the Mc
Dermotts want the old horse I
wished to know whether he had any objections. he had none, so if they still want him I
will let him go.
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 14 1896 (260-105)
A very dull day all day long. close and warm this forenoon but considerable breeze in
the afternoon. Colin has harrowed all day, he went twice over the most of it, and is done
all to about an acre. I finished up the hoeing of the turnips first thing this forenoon, and
then began the cutting of the corn. I cut 3 rows at a time and went nearly three times
through. I had to leave it over a couple of hours this afternoon, helping Johny's boy to
take his harrows to the field. and after I came back it looked so much like rain that I
carried lumber into the barn to be ready for fixing the granary. Robert Morton has
promised to help me on Thursday next, also Johny. Robert was helping Johny to kill and
dress a porker this forenoon. Albert talks of threshing for us next Monday. Mr & Mrs
John Webb paid us a visit this evening as they were returning from Wm Hindleys. they
called while on their way home, at Mrs Mutries where her tenant has an Auction Sale of
his stock & implements this afternoon. Johny & Lizzie have been there
TUESDAY 15 (261-104)
Very dull all day. warm the most of the day. towards evening it became cooler. we have
been expecting rain but none of any consequence has come. it took Colin a little while
this morning to finish the harrowing and then he unhitched the horses and we both at
cutting the corn. after cutting awhile we began to think that if we had gaps made so as
to avoid the trees, we might be able to cut the balance down with the binder, so we
spent a good deal of our time making those gaps. we did very little at the cutting this
forenoon as we cleaned out the barn and lifted the floor where a new sleeper will have
to be put in. Johny has started to cut his corn. Maggie and her mother drove down to
Everton this evening, we hear Joseph Croft is a little better. some improvement in
others of the Typhoid cases. had a letter from Alex, Holyoke, he complains that Ewart
does not set himself to read up or study for further advancement in his business. I also
had a letter from brother Alex. Meaford, he attended the Industrial at Toronto.
SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 16 1896 (262-103)
Continues fine weather, quite dull this forenoon again but cleared up afternoon to bright
sunshine towards evening it began to show up like rain and after dark awhile we had a
nice steady falling rain which I was very glad to see. Colin and I cut at the corn this
forenoon and have opened up the way mostly round the trees so that we may take in
the machine there is fully the half of the corn in the orchard cut now. Colin plowed in
south front field this afternoon, this is the first of our second plowing. I am thinking of
sowing rye on it so as to plow it in again for potatoes. I cut some more corn this P.M.
myself and bound up some of it, it ties very well, the smallest stalks making bands. we
have been peeling & coring apples till quite late this evening.
THURSDAY 17 (263-102)
Cleared up to sunshine again, there has been quite a good breeze too, and it has been
very pleasant. of course a good rain was what we wanted and if we had got it some time
ago it would have been of great benefit to the roots but it has come very sparsely
indeed. Johny & Robert Morton have been working with us to day, making the granary
in the barn. they have worked very steadyly and nearly completed the bins, the doors
are yet to be made and fitted up. I lifted up the back part of the barn floor and put in a
new sleeper the old sleeper has got rotten and the horses fell through the floor lately.
the barn at the back is requiring repairs. the rain comes down and rots the timbers and it
will have to be looked after. Colin plowed the most of the day, but helped me awhile to
place the sleeper and floor. Henry Duffield helped me awhile to patch the floor in
granary. we cut it out with the cross cut and made a straight bed for a patch, which we
fitted in. Robbie Gollop drove up from Norval. he brought 2 crocks from Mrs Garbut
which she had of ours with butter.
SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 18 1896 (264-101)
A very pleasant and warm day. towards night it began to cast up clouds and had much
the appearance of rain setting in. before bed time the rain had started. Colin has plowed
in the south front field the most of the day. he quit between 4 & 5 oclock and helped me
to draw some of the corn together and set it up against the fence on west side of the
orchard. we are wanting to have the openings made on the rows of trees cleared of the
cut corn, and we have been drawing it out on the stone boat. I drove over to Toltons this
forenoon to see Albert about our threshing. Emerson told me he lays out to come to us
on Monday next. so I returned home without seeing Albert. I hitched up the old horse
and drew away all the cut lumber out of the barn and piled it up at the end of the shed
outside. the short stuff &c hauled it to the house for burning. Albert Tolton's mare was
here to night to make sure of the day for threshing we settled for Monday. he says they
intend moving the machine tomorrow night.
SATURDAY 19 (265-100)
Quite rainy all forenoon, and windy and blustery afternoon, with occasional showers. it
got up cold at night. Colin and I have been quite busy finishing up the granary, some
lining to day and Colin covered up the holes and bad fitting boards with lathes and other
pieces. we had quite a bit of lining up to do in the passage in front of the horses. Johny
helped us a little while in the forenoon, we hitched the horses after dinner and drew up
the binder into Johny's barn where we want to prepare it for cutting the balance of our
corn in the orchard. I drove to Everton after night and got some groceries for the
threshing on Monday. Willie Abbott paid me four ($4.00) dollars on Mrs. Peavoy's rent.
Albert Tolton brought the threshing machine this evening. Johny Mc
Dermott was here
again about the old horse and said he was going to take him, but would he not better do
it after night. I think he is very slow about it. he surely must think a dollar and half a high
price. the price of his hide only.
Sunday 20th
Fine weather to day. Maggie & Colin went twice to Everton to day. I intended taking a
walk out to day, but did not go out till evening. I wrote a long letter to Ewart, taking him
to task for not reading & studying up. also a few lines to Alex. After tea took a walk up to
Duffields and from there to Webbs, whither Margaret had gone before.
SEPTEMBER MONDAY 21 1896 (267- 98)
Weather good to day. a little close and warmer than has prevailed for some days.
indications of a change this evening. mottled clouds and hazy sky. we got a fair start at
the threshing this morning and threshed very steadily and well all day. Colin carried the
grain to the bins, the first oats we threshed were the new Zealands and they were
lighter than the rest, being later in ripening and caught in the blighting weather, they
weigh somewhere between 30 & 31 lbs. we had the old hands helping us. Uncle
Thomas came over, there were also John Coffey, Isaac Theaker, Henry Duffield, Geo.
Mc
Williams, Robert Mc
Williams, Dennis Heffernan (for John Webb), Robert Morton,
John Smallhorn, Albert Tolton had Gilbert Mc
Carthur and Robertson with him for the
machine. our new horse went finely on the machine and the two made a good team. we
felt the good of the remodelled granary, it is very handy and we have all the nine bins
occupied, of course they are not all full, but it is thought there are somewhere between
8 or 900 bushels. {Margin} threshing - names of the men helping - new granary holds all
TUESDAY 22 (266-97)
A long heavy rain fell last night, and this morning the rain kept on falling till about 8
oclock. I was afraid John Webb would hardly get his threshing done, but it cleared up in
time earlier than might have been expected and they got on to thresh as soon as the
rain quit falling. Colin attended there all day. I had a job cleaning up the barn, taking
down scaffold &c. I forked over the most of the barley chaff into the mow, and rid up
things so as to get a chance to move around. afternoon I hitched up the team and
gathered up and piled the corn in one of the rows of trees. I brought one of the loads in
and spread a part of it around for the cattle to eat. and took the rest into the barn. I find
the apples have been badly blown off the trees, the ground under the trees are literally
strewed with apples.
SEPTEMBER WEDNESDAY 23 1896 (269-96)
Very heavy frost last night, this morning opened out very doleful looking, everything was
covered with frost rine. the mud was frozen hard and it was not very long before the
effect of the killing frost was quite apparent. the potatoes are black, this is the first frost
that I could say I have noticed do anything to the potatoes, our corn that is uncut is
pretty badly cut. the flowers are mostly killed. Colin plowed till ten oclock this morning,
he and I afterwards hitched up and drew together the balance of the cut corn by the side
of the line of apple trrees. after dinner Colin prepared the binder and cut down some of
the corn but did not get along very well. I thought that if even he got along slowly we
would get it done, we did not get it half done however, we must just try again. the
orchard is a poor place to expect to use the binder, the trees are so much in the way. I
put up the pigs (8 of them) to fatten, feeding them whole peas. Johny has been at
Robert Jestins threshing to day. Margaret took a sick spell this morning but soon got
some better, we moved the cook stove into the house this forenoon.
THURSDAY 24 (270-95)
A fine day. the sun has shone out fairly well, and is drying things up. the corn and all
other green things have got a great scorching with the frost of night before last. our corn
is in bad shape now for cutting, the late high wind and heavy rain has driven it down
badly. Colin tried to cut some again with the binder but got along very badly, he had to
quit about 10 oclock, as the machine came on to Richd
Mc
Williams from Jestins, and he
helped there. I cut some more with the hook to make more room near the trees, and
Johny came and cut a space and a part of one. I helped him to gather his corn for the
service. I would not wish to have the corn in the orchard again and think of cutting it with
the machine. the trees are a terrible hindrance. Albert Tolton has a fine threshing
machine this time, it makes a fine job of peas and they can put them through as fast
almost as they can be put to them the grain is also very clean. I don't think I ever saw
better work done than he is doing now.
SEPTEMBER FRIDAY 25 1896 (271-94)
Milder last night and to day, towards evening it threatned rain and some little did fall. it
has been a very pleasant day however through the most of the time. Colin has been at
Richd
Mc
Williams threshing up till about 4 oclock P.M. when they finished they then
moved over to Johny's barn and threshed his peas out for him. Johny thinks he has
about 100 bushels of them. I helped Johny to get ready his barn for threshing and we
got the mower out and cut the balance of the corn with it. we had a hard enough job to
cut it that way, it was so badly down, it is also far too thickly sown which has made a lot
of short fuzzy stuff. the half of the seed sown would have been too much we took the
binder over to the drive house again and laid it away in its corner as also the other
machinery and implements. I paid John Parker for the pasture of the young cattle,
$5.50. he wanted $6.00 but I demurred on account of the 4 yearlings not doing very well
and finding them out on the line before the month had expired. he accepted of the sum
named however as payment in full. he sent his brother here last night with the
peremptory message that the amount must be paid tomorrow. {Margin} Settled with
John Parker for cattle pasturing
SATURDAY 26 (272-93)
A very fine warm day. and clear sunshine. Colin finished up the plowing of the north
front field, and began to sow it at 3 oclock P.M. he sowed it all and got about the third of
it harrowed. I took Fred and the buggie up to Edward Mc
Dermotts, and bought the Rye
to sow it. there are about, as near as I could judge, 4 acres in the piece, and I got 6
Bushels and some 19 lbs. we wished to sow about 1½ B. per acre - I paid him 40¢ per
Bushel, $2.50 for the lot. I helped Johny to fix up his corn this P.M. and I got his mare to
do some chores with the stone boat. went to the back fields for harrows took off some
stones before harrowing rye ground and then drew together some of our corn in orchard
{Margin} bought Rye from Edward Mc
Dermott - drawing corn together for Johny and
ourselves
Sunday 27
Very heavy rain last night, it was a pity Colin did not get the harrowing finished last
night. kept dull to day but did not rain. Bella & John Mc
Kenzie & children drove up to day
they left Mrs Mc
Kenzie Senr. at the corner to go to Usherwoods. our Willie drove out
from Guelph this afternoon, he brought Mary out home. She has been at Guelph some
days. Maggie and Colin twice to Everton Meeting. John Mc
Kenzie paid me $4.00 on
account of A.O.U.W.
OCTOBER {William forgot to cross out 'October'. It is still September.} MONDAY
28 1896 (274-91)
A fine day, and the ground has dried up fairly well since the drenching it got on Saturday
night. Colin and I hauled the corn and stood it up against the fence on east side of the
orchard. this forenoon he started to plow the second time in north front field. it was
rather cloggy with the colter on account of the stubble and we changed it for the
skimmer. it worked a little better then. he harrowed the balance of the rye field that he
failed in doing Saturday night. I was cutting the down stuff of the corn that the machine
ran over, and I helped Johny to cut and bring up a cedar log from the bush, a double
length of long stakes for a new fence he is going to build on the south side of his
orchard. Willie drove away home this morning, took a basket of eggs for which he brings
out sundries when he returns in a day or two for wood he has at Duncan Robertsons.
TUESDAY 29 (275-90)
Very dull this forenoon, and threatning rain, after dinner the rain came on and we had a
very wet afternoon, towards night it became windy and stormy and the rain fell more
heavily. Colin plowed all forenoon. After dinner we cleaned up 5 bags wheat for a grist,
and 2 bags barley & peas for chop. the goose wheat weighed, with 52 lbs of fall wheat
we had left of Dan. Talbot's seed 640 lbs. I traded with Mr Hortop 2 bags goose wheat
for 2 of fall, and he was to pay himself for the extra value out of the grist. Colin and I
weighed the grist on coming home, and I was surprised to find there was only 352 lbs of
flour. I then weighed the bran and shorts, which weighed 225 lbs. bags all included in
both cases. only that there were 3 bags more weighed, after being ground. the
difference being 63 lbs in total weight. I got "Doc"s shoes all reset at Willie Abbotts (not
paid). Received a letter from Holyoke this evening, they have had the third operation
performed on the baby's tongue. poor thing it must suffer. {Margin} 2 bags barley &
peas chopped - also a grist of wheat ground - account of respective weights. - "Doc"
shod - Letter from Holyoke - Alex' baby surgical operation.
OCTOBER Sept. WEDNESDAY 30 1896 (276-89)
A very rainy day. with the rain that fell yesterday afternoon and what fell last night and to
day the ground is getting quite full of water. the land of course has been long very dry
and it takes a good deal to overload it, but there has been a great quantity of rain lately.
Colin and I have been sawing up some of the stuff lying in the barn yard, one long cedar
we cut into 6 inch blocks for paving some of the stalls in cattle stable. 47 blocks. every
thing around is soaking wet, although not much rain fell this afternoon. the corn lying cut
on the ground is soaked and we hauled it out on the truck to the pasture field for the
cattle to eat. Joseph Hindley & wife came this evening with their democrat. they brought
2 empty barrells to get filled with Northern Spy apples. we gave them home 2 bags of
Snows, and arranged to give them some for making cider. fall apples are a complete dry
in the market, in fact, there is hardly any sale for them. Johny has been away to day
with William Tindal building a fence at Usherwoods. I suppose they might have been
able to work outside this P.M.
October THURSDAY 1 (277-88)
Quite a fine day after the rain. the land is drying up again on the top although we find it
has got a great soaking. Colin helped to pick the snow apples, he climbed the trees and
got the highest ones, there were 4 trees to pick in that way. Maggie and her Mother had
picked the lower limbs previously. there are now 13 barrells from these 4 trees all hand
picked. there are yet a few on one tree. I plowed in the north front field while Colin was
at the apples. Willie drove out from Guelph to day, he rigged up our waggon and
Mc
Williams wood rack and with Johny's team drove it down to Duncan Robertsons and
loaded up the wood ready for Johny to take it in to Guelph tomorrow. Richd
Mc
Williams
had a fine suckling Colt die to day, it is supposed it was hurt by being on the fresh rape.
Margaret drove to Everton this evening. We find that Mc
Williams Colt was out during the
long, heavy, cold rain of the night before last, and it is thought that had as much to do
with its fatal illness as the eating of the rape.
OCTOBER FRIDAY 2 1896 (278-87)
A very fine day, sunshine and comfortably warm. Colin has plowed all day steadily, only
that after dinner he and I cleaned up the balance of the oats at Johny's barn, there were
4 bags left of the 22 bags that were emptied into his bin, he used up a lot of oats in the
time, we used ourselves something about the same quantity, about 18 bags. this 4 bags
weighed 360 lbs, exclusive of the bags, and one of the 4 weigh bags was one of Johny's
small ones, allowing that to be a likely proposition, then he used 1620 lbs. Johny took in
a load of wood for Willie to day. I got the old wagon with the Cherry lumber on it drawn
out from under the shed, the top boards had got soiled up with the hens and I cleaned
them off and washed them so as to be ready to take to Guelph tomorrow. I did up
considerable choring to day, cut and gathered the burdocks round the back field where
the turnips are and where we put the sheep and lambs some days ago. I had quite a job
fixing up the door and doorway into the passage at head of horses, they had got out of
order. {Margin} cleaned up the balance of old oats at Johny's Barn - account of what
Johny used.
SATURDAY 3 (279-86)
Some frost last night, but the day broke out fine in its early part, as it neared noon time
however it became overcast and it was not so pleasant or warm. I wore my overcoat all
the way in, and though I did not wear it till returning home I was very glad to draw to it a
good part of the way there. I called at Wideman's about buying my lumber but they
seemed disposed to rate the full half of it as only worth 10 dollars per. M. and 25 for the
best, I did not deal with them and drove up to Willies, where I unloaded the oats and got
my dinner, he paid me two dollars, 20¢ a bushel for 10 bushels, he gave me the whip
for the ½ bushel. I wanted to allow him another bushel, but he would not accept. after
dinner I drove the lumber to Bell & Co's yard. they allowed me (at the rate of) 25 dollars
for 153 feet, and at the rate of 20 for the balance of the inch. the 4 planks at 10. making
263 feet in all, and $5.45 the total amount of money. I got 4 square of No. 2 shingles at
Mr Richardsons daughter on york road for 70¢ per square, and also bought nails and
rollers for granary door. Maggie & her Mother were also in with the buggie with butter &
eggs to market and was home ahead of me. I paid $4.00 to Geo. Marshall the balance
of the note for binder twine, my share, Johny had his paid before. Colin picked and
barrelled 5 barrells of snow apples in large orchard. {Margin} Maggie and her Mother to
Guelph with butter and eggs. - I also took in the cherry lumber to day and some oats all
amounting to $7.45 - paid note for binder twine. - bought shingles & other sundries -
Colin picked 5 barrells of snow apples
Sunday 4
Fine day. Sunshine and pleasant. I took a walk round this forenoon and then visited at
Webbs, where I got dinner. Geo. Loree also came there from church with the girls, and
Mary rode with Maggie and Colin. George walked up home with me, and was with us all
afternoon. they all started for church after tea and we had a visit of Mr & Mrs Webb
then, also George Mc
Williams and Ruth. Mary took a letter to mail with 2 dollars for
A.O.U.W ass'm'ts for {self & John Mc
Kenzie}. {Margin} sent away for mailing tomorrow
$2.00 for A.O.U.W. ass'm'ts for September for self & John Mc
Kenzie. - wrote a card to
Kate Moore
OCTOBER MONDAY 5 1896 (281-84)
A beautiful day, fine sunshine and quite warm. we have had a very busy day among the
apples. Joseph Hindley and his two daughters came on this morning and bagged up 12
bags of fallen apples that we are giving them gratis. they remained on this afternoon to
help us with ours, and we also barrelled 2 barrells of Northern Spys for them. Joe took
his 12 bags home between 4 & 5 oclock, and returned with 3 empty bags, we loaded on
the two barrells of Spys and the 3 bags Culls and he set off before dark, taking the girls
with him. I made up an enclosure with 12 foot lumber in the house yard, for putting our
surplus fall apples in which we intend to sell this fall, we drew in over a dozen barrells
and emptied a number of them so as to give us empty barrells for holding our winter
fruit. I helped them at the apple pulling and fixing them all day. Colin finished the
plowing of the front field before dinner, and after helping us some at the apples he
commenced to plow the oat stubble in the back north field, same as where the turnips
are in, he was the most of the afternoon plowing there. Wm Tindal is plowing to day for
Johny. Johny drove down by Everton with his colt to day and got him shod. he drives
pretty well. {Margin} Joseph Hindley and 2 daughters helping us to pull apples. they got
15 bags of culls from us and 2 barrels North'n Spys - I have been working all day at the
apples &c. - Colin plowing.
TUESDAY 6 (282-83)
Beautiful weather this forenoon, it became lowering in the afternoon and rain began to
fall about four oclock which increased as night approached and afterwards we had a
very wet and comfortless night. I spent quite a while on the shed roof, patching the
shingling where the bad leaks were ajoining the Barn. I had also to prepare barrels for
holding the winter apples, we emptied some into the place I prepared for them in the
yard. Colin has plowed in the stubble, in the east side of the turnip patch. he and I both
got wet by staying too long out in the rain in the evening. Johny is preparing a load of
apples (10 bags) to take to Guelph tomorrow in the democrat. he gets our harness and
Fred. Wm Tindal is plowing for him and he works the colt along with one of the mares
when Johny is away with the apples. we are still drawing out the corn for the cattle out
of the orchard. we draw it night & morning on the tracks and spread it on the grass field
between the barns. {Margin} fine weather forenoon but dull and lowering afternoon with
rain at night - Colin plowing - I have been helping with the apples and patching shed
roof.
OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 7 1896 (283-82)
A very cold comfortless day, the wind has been high and the temperature low. just a
regular fall day. I notice the foliage is fast dropping off and we have all the indications of
approaching winter. Maggie and her mother have been picking and barreling some of
the winter apples in the dwarf orchard, 3 or 4 barrels. I had quite a job emptying the
contents out of some barrels so as to get them for the apples. I was patching on the
shed and stable roofs, it was a very cold job. I had to wear my fur cap and muffler and
was then quite cold. Johny went to Guelph to day with 10 bags of apples, on the
democrat, he returned home between 2 & 3 oclock, sold his apples at 25¢ per bag.
Colin plowed all day in the stubble. Wm Tindal plowed all day for Johny with one of the
mares and the colt, Johny had one of them with our Fred to Guelph.
THURSDAY 8 (284-81)
Some improvement in the weather, sunshine and warmer than yesterday. I have been
patching at the roof to day, and have torn up some of the old and worn out shingles and
replaced them with new ones. Johny and Wm Tindal helped Colin and I to draw up the
roof of the old sheep pen closer to the shed and stayed it there with scantling spiked to
the rafters and the girt in the shed. we took the noon spell for it. Colin has plowed in the
stubble all day. he noticed our fat ewe was not right someway and called me down from
the roof. the sheep have all been among the turnips for some days, when I went down I
saw she was bloating on the tops and so brought her home and bled and dressed her
letting out the gas from the paunch. she is a fine piece of mutton, and weighed exactly
100 lbs when dressed.
OCTOBER FRIDAY 9 1896 (285-80)
A very fine day for fall work, but rather cold for comfort. Clear sunshine & dry. I started
to pull up some mangolds this forenoon and place them in piles, the late frosts have
scared me and we must have them stored away. Colin plowed till between 11 & 12
oclock, and then we both quit, and after dinner made ready for Rockwood Show.
Margaret & I took "Doc" and our own buggie and Colin and Maggie went with Fred and
Heffernan's buggie. I put our horse in Stewarts Stable. Colin and Maggie remained for
the Concert. there was a large number of people at the show, and a very good display,
the hall was well filled up with the ordinary articles, apples were in large supply and
excellent in quality. roots were fine, there was a great show of horses and other stock
was fairly well represented. it was very cold on the ground and I felt as if home would be
the best place to make for but Margaret had a desire to see it to the end. so we stayed.
we had a warm supper at Stewarts and then started off in the darkness for home. it was
not a very dark night however and we drove home quite comfortably. we just heard on
the show ground that John Rafferty had died yesterday. {Margin} Death of John Rafferty
SATURDAY 10 (286-79)
A very fine day, warmer than yesterday and clear sunshine. Colin and I have taken up
the mangolds to day, we had five large loads. I pulled them and left them in rows while
Colin hauled them up. Some of them we pulled and loaded as we went along. Colin took
one load himself in this way. we wrenched the tops off with our hands as we pulled
them. John & Wm Tindal are drawing away a pile of stones and depositing them at the
west end of the barn, under the turnip house window. I shut up the sow to day in the
horse stable as her time is about up for pigging. {Margin} taking in the mangolds into the
house
Sunday 11
Cool again, and very misty this morning, but cleared up fine. Margaret and I were busy
this morning getting ready to attend John Rafferty's funeral. we reached Mimosa a little
before nine oclock, and about ½ past nine the Corpse was lifted. there was a large
attendance, and I acted as pall bearer along with Peter Mc
Gregor, Dan Mc
Dougal, Mr.
Brown, Humphrey Jessop and Wm Tookey, our Willie & Colin Campbell drove out. the
Ceremony at the Church took a long time to go through. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella, with
the little ones are with us over night to night.
OCTOBER MONDAY 12 1896 (288-77)
A very fine day. Colin finished the plowing of the stubble land, excepting the head lands,
he started to plow the 2 acre patch next the potatoes. I have been a good while at the
roof patching the shingles. the weather looked a little threatning this afternoon but it
soon cleared up again. I feel terribly annoyed at our old sow. she is getting her litter of
pigs down pretty small, they are down to seven now, I don't know whether she kills them
or not, but we know she eats them after they are dead. I caught her eating one. I think
we will have to put her off now, this is the second time she has thinned off her litter. Mrs
David Stewart and Mary drove up to day, they came as we were finishing our dinner. we
bagged up a bag of Talmond sweet apples for Mr Stewart, also some Snow apples. I
wrote a letter to Alex. Holyoke this evening and took it down this evening to Everton to
mail. {Margin} old sow's litter dwindling down very small.
TUESDAY 13 (289-76)
Another very fine day. Colin plowed all forenoon at the 2 acre patch. Maggie and I were
pulling apples this forenoon, and we kept Colin and the team this afternoon and drew
them in to the cellar as we pulled them, we finished up both orchards and shook down
the very small apples we have been putting them on the floor in the old cellar. the sow
seems to have become reconciled to her pigs, as she still has the seven to day. I hope
she will keep now what she has got and not make away with any more of them.
OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 14 1896 (290-75)
This has been a very beautiful day, not nearly so cold as it has lately been and clear
sunshine the moon makes the nights clear and beautiful at the present too. Colin and I
started to take up the potatoes this morning, he plowed out 5 rows and we picked them
into the wagon before dinner, afterwards he plowed out the alternate 5 rows and we had
not got on very far in the picking when the bell rang for dinner. Colin attended Duffield's
threshing this afternoon and I had to pick the potatoes alone, and unload them at night,
as they were a little late in starting to thresh. Colin was able to give me a lift after dinner
awhile, it kept me jumping however to get done with them before dark. Maggie is not
well to day. Cramps & pain trouble her in bed last night, and to day she has not been
much better.
{Mathematical calculation} 392 400
THURSDAY 15 (291-74)
A most beautiful day. warm sunshine and has much the appearance of indian summer. I
was anxious to put in a good day's plowing to day, but things went out of joint so that it
could not be done. Colin had to go to Henry Duffield's threshing and not being early up
left me all to do in pig & cattle feeding. Fred and the colt broke out of the yard through a
dilapidated part of the board fence and made off. I had to hitch up and go off in search
of them. I found them down by Standish's and had trouble in getting the colt to drive and
it put off my time that it was 10.30 before I started the plow. Duffields were late in
getting done, having to use the lantern to finish. I drove to Everton for the mail this
evening. Maggie is considerably better to day.
OCTOBER FRIDAY 16 1896 (292-73)
Colder to day than yesterday, but a fine day for working out. Colin and I have been
taking up the potatoes to day. we took up 14 rows. 6 in the forenoon and 8 afternoon.
the Webb potatoes, (Peerless Savoy) although they did not grow as evenly as the
Elephants we got from Johny, are much the best quality, what they lack in number is
more than made up in size. we took in 2 wagon loads to day I should think perhaps ⅞
full each. I calculated that what we took in on Wednesday would make a load and a half.
Maggie is up and about again to day, although not well enough to do any work. I did not
get early to the field this morning as all the Elephant potatoes had to be binned in a
corner of the large bin by themselves, and I fitted it up and moved the potatoes before
going down. Since finishing the picking of the apples in the large orchard, we have let
the 11 young pigs in and they have a fine time, they seem to be growing well.
SATURDAY 17 (293-72)
Overcast and threatning looking this forenoon which culminated in a very dissagreeable
falling of snow nearly all afternoon. Colin plowed out 8 rows of potatoes this forenoon
which we mostly picked. after dinner he plowed out six more, which was unfortunate, as
the snow fall made the work very unpleasant, beside making the potatoes very mucky.
we finished up however in the midst of the snow and left the load in the barn where, we
hope, they will dry off some. there are now 38 rows taken up leaving 28 yet in the
ground. I took the teeth out of the young pigs to day. we got a letter from Holyoke this
evening. Alex. is anxious that his mother pay them a visit. he says he took stock lately
and finds he is worth $6000.00. Johny & Lizzie have been at Guelph to day. they had
apples chickens &c. {Margin} first snow of the season - taking up potatoes in the midst
of it. - Johny & Lizzie to Guelph. - since taking our old oats from his barn he has got 5
bags more - first 2 not weighed. then 84. 78. 76, odd.
Sunday 18
A fine day. the snow gives the surroundings a very wintry appearance but it is going
principally although in the sheltered places it is wonderful how the snow remains.
Maggie and Colin drove to Everton this forenoon. Margaret and I drove down to David
Robertsons and spent the afternoon and evening. Mr & Mrs Shaw Loree came also
when we were there. we had a pleasant visit. {Margin} Johny got a bag of oats 79 lbs.
OCTOBER MONDAY 19 1896 (295-70)
Very hard frost last night, we left our load of potatoes in the barn, not expecting there
would be frost enough to do any harm to them there. we found them quite frozen this
morning however, we cannot say whether they are injured but the wet clay that was on
them is quite hard and frozen on them, we are putting them by themselves in the root
house. Colin plowed this forenoon, and I did the chores. repaired a pair of shoes for
Maggie, and piled Mangolds in the root house, we plowed up 8 rows of potatoes after
dinner and picked them, we had the waggon fully filled level. they are nice potatoes
although thin in the ground. we were done early and did up some other work. I drove
Margaret down to Everton after tea, she had to purchase some articles preparatory for
her visit to Holyoke. Mrs Webb has been making up some soap with Margaret this
afternoon. Mrs John Webb of Eden & daughter has been visiting also. I went down to
see John Smallhorn about his potatoes, he says he will come tomorrow and take them
up, he had promised to go to Wm Burns but he must see about his potatoes he says
TUESDAY 20 (296-69)
A fine day. it had a wintry cold appearance early in the morning but it turned out finer as
the day wore on. we had twenty rows of potatoes for to days lifting, and Colin plowed
out 12 rows first thing in the morning after taking off the load that stood in the barn. we
got along fairly well. John Smallhorn and Amelia his daughter came along and filled four
bags with a little less than 2 rows. they had dinner with us and after finishing up here
they went to Johnys and took up their 3 rows there, filling about 7 ordinary bags. Colin
took them all down after supper for them and gave them both a ride. I also gave John a
bag of peas on loan, 146 lbs. bag included. he says he is going to thresh Burns' peas
and he will get them from him to pay me back, and they will make good seed.
OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 21 1896 (297-68)
A very cold dissagreeable day. blustery and quite a number of heavy snow showers in
the afternoon. not a very auspicious day at all for Erin Show. quite a lot of people made
their way there however. Mr Burt the old Secretary is ill, so I suppose they will have
another acting in his place. Colin started to plow this morning but left for the show at
about nine oclock. he went with Geo. Mc
Williams. I took in hand the plow when Colin left
and managed to get over about an acre and ¼. I drove down to Everton after supper to
hear 2 Japanese lecture about Japan, they Illustrated their subject with showing some
nice maps and pictures, the work, I beleive, of one of the lecturers. I was telling the
doctor that Maggie was again complaining of pain, he thinks she should look after it.
there was quite a show of a fire out towards Guelph as I drove down.
THURSDAY 22 (298-67)
Quite a mantle of snow on the ground this morning which took till about noon to be
melted away. the frost was sufficient to harden the land through the night and between
the frost and snow it had a very wintry appearance this morning. I topped the stray
turnips on the mangold ground and other 4 rows in the regular patch before dinner.
Colin plowed all day and got a good chance to do a days work our plowing is getting
pretty well through with. I spent the afternoon in fixing up the turnip house, finishing up
the piling of the mangolds, and moving the potatoes that were thrown in the middle
window. there were 51 half bushel measures in the load that were standing in the barn
during the frosty night, and which we were afraid might be a little frost bitten. I piled
them on top of the Elephants with pea straw between them. I piled 4 bags of "Erin
Wonders" in a corner. I commenced to feed meal to the 4 young cattle we are going to
feed. Maggie and her Mother drove down to see the doctor about the pain that sticks to
Maggie so persistently he gave some directions, to go to bed and have the place
subjected to hot applications {Margin} Johny got another bag oats 84 lbs
OCTOBER FRIDAY 23 1896 (299-66)
Very heavy frost last night which made the ground like iron this morning. as the
forenoon wore on however the frost gave way rapidly and soon all was clear again.
Colin plowed this forenoon and is getting well along with the last field but one (the
orchard). After dinner Colin and I drew in the turnips that were among the mangolds and
then harrowed the potatoe ground. we picked the potatoes but, as there were many of
what was left frozen, we got but very few home with us, perhaps a bag full would be all.
I did a little patching at the roof in the forenoon. Maggie has been easier to day. they
have kept the hot applications persistently and steadily since the start, and we think
they are doing her good, night, as well as day, they have been kept steadily on. Mary
lies on the lounge and keeps the fire on and though she takes some sleep she generally
manages to wake up to attend to the hot applications.
SATURDAY 24 (300-65)
A pleasant day, dry but very cool, and occasional snow flights in the afternoon. Colin
and I topped turnips all day, and leaving out the shippers, we nearly topped all the rest. I
quit at 4 oclock P.M. and after supper drove over to Thomson Smiths to see if his
daughter was going over to Springfield so as to accompany Mother to Holyoke, where
she intends visiting at Alex. I found there are 2 of them going in the first week of
November, and we hope Maggie will sufficiently recover from her ailment, so as to allow
of her Mother going with them. we had a card from Alex. this evening and he thinks
Miss Fessant will also be going. so there may be quite a colony of them.
Sunday 25
A very fine day. not so cold as yesterday or such as has prevailed this while back. I took
a drive over to Toltons this forenoon and had dinner with them. Thomas was away up to
John Rossells. Johny is unwell. they think he is taking Quinsy. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella
with the children drove up to day to see Maggie. they only got the word of her sickness
yesterday. The Dr. called in to see Maggie and he is pleased to find her so much better
he says the hot applications might be discontinued, but to see that the heat is kept
partly up by other means. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie paid me five dollars ($5.00) on
A.O.U.W. account. - Dr Mc
Cullough called to day to see Maggie - I drove over to Toltons
to day
OCTOBER MONDAY 26 1896 (302-63)
Quite frosty this morning and very chilly and cold. I rose a little earlier than usual this
morning and drove to Guelph after breakfast. I wanted to see how we could do with the
hogs we have up fattening, the buyers are very particular about their weight and
condition. they do not wish them too heavy or too fat. Barber offered me $3.60 live
weight and take them in on Thursday next, but I did not sell. Mr Corman says he will
drive out and see them and if they suit him he will give 5¢ per lb. I got my dinner at
Willie's and arrived home again between 2 & 3 oclock. Colin had 4 loads of turnips in
when I returned and we got other 3 loads with the shelving on, making 7 loads in to day,
8 loads in all with the mangold lot. the turnips are small, but they are thick on the ground
and count up after all, some people complain of having a good many unsound among
their crop, but we have no reason to complain on that score. We received a letter from
Alex. Holyoke. containing a Post Office order for twenty dollars on Guelph post office.
Alex does not delay in the matter of getting the means on hand for his mother to start
out for Holyoke. {Margin} Johny got another bags of oats - 8 loads of turnips in all to
day.
TUESDAY 27 (303-62)
A very beautiful day. warm sunshine. Heavy white frost this morning, and the ground
was quite hard frozen. Colin and I have been very busy at the turnips all day. I help load
up in the field and while Colin is up unloading I top at what stands untopped. I finished
up the topping except the shippers, and I have started at them too. there 31 or 32 rows
of them. we mean to top them carefully with the hoes and then plow them out and
harrow as we did last year. we bring large loads home, by having the shelving on and
heaped up besides. I think there are likely 35 bushels on each load. we took in 8 loads
to day. Colin and I are alone at them and it keeps us very busy to get even that amount
in, they are rather small and tedious to handle. Miss Smith and Miss Burt were over to
day, to say it is doubtful whether they will now go to Springfield, they have got word that
business is very dull there at the present time. Annie Garbut is paying us a visit to night.
George Loree is also up on a visit. Maggie is improving very much
OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 28 1896 (304-61)
A very warm day, but very dull and threatning rain nearly all the time, a little fell but
nothing of any account until late at night. Colin and I have been busy at the turnips
again to day. we harrowed them all out except the shippers, I have got the half of them
topped to day. we took in 7 loads and blocked up the windows badly. I went at it after
tea and threw them back from the windows, one of them we dug down to the ground,
Colin helped me awhile after returning from Everton, he drove down Mary and Annie
Garbut, Annie had a bid to attend a Shin dig at John Mutries this evening at the opening
of their new house. Johny & Lizzie are both away to it. Willie has helped Johny these
two days back, he drove away home to night. {Margin} Johny got another bag of oats
this afternoon - taken in 7 loads of turnips
NOVEMBER THURSDAY 29 (305-60)
Heavy rain last night, and this forenoon it was quite dull and murky. although it
threatned rain hardly any fell. the afternoon brought fine clear sunshine and very warm,
it had more the appearance of a fine May or June day than the present date. I cleared
the middle window in the root house to the ground before going to the field this morning.
Colin and I drew in 7 loads to day. 3 forenoon and 4 afternoon. I have all the shippers
topped to 5 rows. we have now 30 loads of turnips of turnips in the root house, and they
are very large loads compared to what we usually draw in, we have shelvings on the
wagon and pile them up high. Johny is busy to day and has a boy helping him. I have
been again throwing back turnips to night. Albert Tolton and Judson were awhile with
me at the root house. they want Johny to go to the plowing match tomorrow over at
Ospringe to help them. {Margin} took in 7 loads of turnips to day. - have now 30 loads
in, in all
NOVEMBER October FRIDAY 30 1896 (306-59)
Quite a fall of rain this morning, and this forenoon, up to about 9 or 10 oclock it kept
raining, we did not go out to the turnips until between 2 and 3 oclock that I found they
were again getting dry enough to handle. Colin had first started to plow some when I
thought we had better go again at the turnips. I wished to run over to Ospringe to see
the plowing match but, I thought business should come before pleasure so I helped
Colin to load up 2 loads before leaving between 4 and 5 oclock, we thought we could
have taken all the turnips that were harrowed out in at 3 loads, Colin however found
there were more than he could take, so only took a small load after I left, and left
another load yet out. I drove to Ospringe in time to see the plowing before dark, there
was good work done, 4 of the old "long plows", Albert and Emerson Tolton, John
Robertson and a man from Milton way. Albert swept the field in first prizes. 1st feering,
1st for finish, 1st in ridge, and sweepstakes. Robertson 2nd, Emerson 3rd. of course
Milton Man 4th. Johny was there all day. they did not start to plow till the rain stopt. I put
up 8 bags snow apples for Guelph tomorrow. {Margin} ground wet and too mucky to
work at the turnips forenoon. - took in 3 loads afternoon - drove over to see the plowing
at Ospringe - Albert Tolton took 1st in every thing in his class. - Emerson took 3rd.
SATURDAY 31 (301-58)
A very fine day throughout, in the morning it had a threatning appearance and we took
the umbrella for fear of rain. Margaret and I drove down to Guelph taking 8 bags snow
apples some butter & eggs. 2 sheepskins. $1.10 for latter. 18¢ Eggs. 16¢ for butter, and
25¢ per bag for the apples. I got dressed stuff for granary door 90¢. a trunk for Margaret
to travel with $2.15 a pair of boots $1.18. we had dinner at Willie's. he got some of the
chickens his mother had. I got the post office "Money order" cashed for $20.00, got
$10.00 in American bills at the bank. we called at Everton on our way home and got
another letter from Alex. he urges his Mother to make an early start, if the state of things
will allow of it, and advises to look no more after company for her, as she if not at all
likely to experience any trouble on the way to Holyoke. {Margin} Colin took in 4 loads of
turnips to day. one of the old kind and three of the shippers - he plowed & harrowed the
latter out. - 37 loads of turnips in, in all
Sunday 1st November
A very pleasant day. Sunshine for the most part. although there was awhile of duller
weather. I drove Mary home this morning, and when I returned Mr Dunbar was waiting, I
gave him five dollars to take over to Mr Wood tomorrow night, to pay the double ass'm't
& dues for myself and John Mc
Kenzie. I walked back with him quite a piece of the way
home. {Margin} paid $5.00 ass'm't and dues for self and John Mc
Kenzie. A.O.U.W.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 2 1896 (309-56)
Heavy white frost this morning, Colin harrowed out the balance of the turnips after first
plowing them, they were not as clean as I would have liked them the frozen ground was
melting and caused them to be somewhat mucky. I piled the turnips back from the
window, also piled the potatoes back, Colin and I had little time enough to get finished
up but we managed it, had 5 full loads and one cull load at the last, we did not count it.
this makes 42 loads of turnips in all. they were large loads for the most part, shelvings
on and well rounded up, although the turnips were a little mucky this forenoon they dried
up well for the afternoon's picking. {Margin} Johny got 79 lbs oats this A.M. - we took in
5 full loads of shipping turnips. the last was made of chewed culls and we didn't count it.
42 loads in all, and finished up.
TUESDAY 3 (310-55)
A very fine day, frost not so heavy last night and this morning. I was early astir this
morning, getting ready to be off with John Webb. Robert Jestins horses broke in to our
fields and we had some trouble in getting them out. Colin plowed this forenoon. Mr
Webb and I drove over to see Edward's farm that has been some time advertized to
rent. John Mc
Kenzie has an idea of looking at it, when we got there we found it was
rented last week. we drove round by Henry Dunbar's on our way home, and John Webb
bought a ram lamb from him at five dollars. we drove home in time for dinner and Willie
drove out from Guelph just as we were at dinner. he clipt our horse, "King". Samuel
Tovell came along and paid us a nice little visit. then Louis Black and Mary her Sister.
Willie got the clipping of the horse finished although he was delayed with buyers looking
at and trying Johny's colt in view of buying him.
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 4 1896 (311-54)
Rather a dull day, and threatned rain, a little fell this afternoon but nothing of
consequence. I got some time put off this morning and forenoon hunting up bags to take
a load of chop to the mill. I got 7 from Robert Mc
Williams and helped him to pull up his
pump at the house which had gone wrong. Colin and I bagged up 18 bags of grain,
Barley & oats (black) half & half, with a small proportion of peas. and also finished
taking in the feed corn before dinner, after dinner I took down the load of chop to the
mill, and while it was grinding, drove back to the corner and had 3 shoes reset on King
by Willie Abbott, not paid. and Fred's reset all round, by Hoskins, for which I paid him
40¢. I then got my grist, and paid 90¢ for chopping. Mary thought of riding up with me,
but backed out again and it got so dark and wet after night that I did not go back for her.
Colin drew in stove wood this afternoon also got Robt Mc
William's wagon and stock rack
up ready for the hogs tomorrow morning. John Mutrie brought along his thrashing
machine to Johny's. {Margin} finished taking in the feed corn - prepared a load of chop
this forenoon and took it to the mill after noon. - got Fred & King shod - Colin this P.M.
drew in stove wood to the wood house - we hear Mc
Kindley is elected President U.S.A.
THURSDAY 5 (312-53)
Wet and dissagreeable the greater part of the day although it rained less or more the
most of the time, still there was not any real heavy fall until the afternoon when we had
some heavy showers, with one downpour and a high storm of wind with it. John Mutrie
never unhitched during all the rain, and finished up Johny's threshing about 5 oclock. I
think he might have had a dark drive home after supper. Colin and I loaded up the 5
pigs after breakfast and after I started her mother off for Mary to Everton. I borrowed
Robt. McWilliams wagon & rack and took them in it getting down to Rockwood about
10.30. and leaving there for home about noon, the hogs weighed 835 lbs making
$30.06. I arrived home a little after two oclock and made ready for Guelph, getting away
about 4 oclock shortly after a terrible storm of wind and rain, on the way to Guelph it
cleared up somewhat and became colder, and the wind high. we were both rather cold
and uncomfortable having to face a high and cold wind. we reached Guelph shortly after
dark, as there was a great storm with heavy rain at Guelph in the afternoon the freinds
thought it possible we might not start. they thought we did right however to drive in.
{Margin} a rainy dissagreeable day. - Johny threshed to day. - I took the 5 fat hogs to
Rockwood. weighed 835 lbs - making $30.06 - drove in Margaret to Guelph so as to be
ready to start for Holyoke in the morning
NOVEMBER FRIDAY 6 1896 (313-52)
A very high wind all night, and some of the time accompanied with rain and sleet.
Margaret felt tolerably well and rested this morning she had a good sleep and rest, so
she will be the better able to stand the long ride. Willie and I drove down town after
breakfast and procured the ticket and got the trunk checked through to Holyoke, the
ticket to Holyoke cost $11.35, after returning to Willie's we were not long in starting over
to the "diamond" and after, perhaps, a half hours waiting, our train came along. And we
bade Mother good bye, earnestly hoping, that she would get safely through to her
destination. I walked down town, Colin accompanying me before dinner and had a look
at the overcoats at Ryan's and Williamsons, and returned at dinner time, hitched up for
home between 2 & 3 oclock, and bought one of Ryan's best overcoats, paying $8.38 for
it. I also paid Charles Mc
Dougal three dollars, the premium on Mrs Peavoys insurance
policy. Colin Campbell was standing by at the time. John Day, the architect, was found
dead in the house this morning in Guelph. Shot through the head. it is considered to be
suicide, he was a drinking man.
SATURDAY 7 (314-51)
Weather fine to day. windy & cool however, but sunshine for the most part has
prevailed. Colin has been plowing the greater part of the day and has finished up the 3
field back (to the south) also finished headlands on the field opposite (to the north) we
also ran a double furrow out of the old water run and I shovelled it out, and all the ends
of furrows &c. I was otherwise choring round and headed a number of apple barrels
Colin hauled them in from the orchard and I placed them in the cellar, twenty four
barrels of them. Mr Webb walked up this afternoon to find if we had word from Margaret.
Maggie drove to Everton this forenoon and got a telegram from Springfield announcing
from Alex. that his Mother had arrived there safely. Richd Mc
Williams went up to Owen
Sound yesterday morning and last night their freinds here got a letter saying their
brother John seemed in a dying state, so Robt. & Wm started off there this morning.
Sunday 8
A little cold but not unpleasant. Colin drove Maggie and Mary to meeting this forenoon.
Mary stayed in Everton and returned with Colin & Maggie in the evening. I wrote a letter
to Bro. Alex Meaford, and one to Holyoke and a card to Kate Moore. Kept the house
pretty close took a walk to Webbs in the evening.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 9 1896 (316-49)
A little blustery and cold this forenoon, but the weather became more pleasant
afternoon. Colin finished the plowing by the side of the potatoes - the Mangold patch -
and he plowed out a run for the water from the hollow wet spot on the field forward of it,
and I shovelled it out and cleared all the furrow ends. Colin started to plow the orchard
by plowing up the trees with "Doc" alone. I covered up the fruit trees I purchased of
Stone & Wellington on the line of trees in the orchard. Robert Gollop and John came up
to Johnys to day. they had dinner with us. John bought Johny's colt and paid him a
hundred dollars cash down for him, they seem well pleased with the colt, he is a very
stylish animal and a good size and good bone. I wrote a letter for John Webb this ev'g to
an applicant for his farm, giving him particulars regarding it. Willie drove out from
Guelph this forenoon, he took the coal stove. I gave him a bag of apples, and he took
straw for a bed. he had Scott & Millman's rig which carried the whole business nicely.
TUESDAY 10 (317-48)
Hard frost last night and the ground was pretty hard this morning. Colin got on to the
plow however, although it was not very pleasant plowing in the forenoon, it was all right
after dinner. I took down 2 Ewes and John Webb's ram lamb he purchased of Henry
Dunbar. we were catching the ewes to clip the tags from them, and Colin broke the front
leg of one of them by holding it by the leg alone. I had to butcher it as I did not think it
would do any good by keeping. lucky it was in fair condition, so that it will not be much
of a loss. I have had a day's choring, fixing up things around. Churned for Maggie. set
up the corn in the hay mow. started to keep the fat cattle in to day, and the butchering of
the sheep was unexpected.
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 11 (318-47)
Very rough last night, rain and sleet, it rained on till nine oclock this morning. Colin got
on then to the plowing of the orchard and it kept him till night to finish up. I have been
very busy again choring to day. I got the glass last night at Everton and put in 5 panes
in the sash at the pig house and placed them, protecting them against the fowls by
nailing on lath across the sash. I also fixed up the door step and jams - as they had
rotted out below and otherwise gone wrong. repaired the wheelbarrow, and attended
the stock. cut up the sheep and helped the girls some, they have got done cleaning up
to night, have been a couple of days at it. Colin drove to Everton this evening, he
brought home a letter from Ewart, Holyoke, giving some particulars about Mother's
journey hither. {Margin} stormy last night - fixing up things - preparing for winter - Colin
finished plowing orchard - Mary and Maggie finished the cleaning up the house this
evening
THURSDAY 12 (319-46)
Weather fine to day. it has been rather cold but sunshine and very pleasant. Colin
plowed for Johny all day. Maggie and I drove down to Mc
Kenzies this forenoon, the
roads were good and we had a pleasant drive. Mary stayed at home here. we got down
to Eden between 10 & 11 oclock. quite a number from a distance gathered there shortly
after that time. among them the Auctioneer Ingram. the grounds around the house and
barn were dry and made the work of the sale much more pleasant than if it had been
muddy. the sale began about 2 oclock and the implements &c were not long in being
disposed of, the auctioneer hung longer on his bids for the stock. and fair prices were
realized for the greater part of it. I bought the first cow that was put up, $30.00. She is 5
or 6 years old and Bella says she is the best milker they have. John bid quite a few
articles in, but, with the exception of the old mare and colt, he did not put up what stock
he kept. I was pleased to learn that the sale made so much money $570. perhaps there
were $150 worth bid back to himself. Willie bought the 3 year colt he is quite a lively and
showy animal, he bid him up to $53.00 he paid the cash and was allowed the discount,
making it $49. odds it was late before Maggie and returned home. {Margin} Fine day for
Mc
Kenzies Sale which came off this afternoon - Colin plowed for Johny to day - bought
a cow at the sale for $30.00. - Willie bought the 3 year old colt.
NOVEMBER FRIDAY 13 1896 (320-45)
Quite a snow storm last night and the ground to day has quite a mantle of snow upon it.
there was no frost when the snow fell on the ground, but it became frostier and colder
this afternoon as night approached it was the intention that Colin plow at Robert
Mortons to day, but there was too much snow for plowing so didn't go. I piled stove
wood in the wood house this A.M. and Colin rigged up the Bobsleigh and drew it in. it is
lucky that John Mc
Kenzie had his Sale yesterday instead of to day, so much snow and
cold frosty air in the afternoon would have made it very unpleasant to be standing or
walking round at a sale. Colin brought over the democrat after dinner and we bagged up
10 bags of apples and loaded them in the barn, 8 bags snows, and 2 Talmand Sweets
there are quite a few culls left in the piles and I have directed Colin to get them carried
in to the cellar tomorrow when I am away to Guelph. {Margin} Quite a mantle of snow
this morning - drawing in the stove wood and piling it in the wood house. - bagging up
apples for Guelph to morrow.
SATURDAY 14 (321-44)
Frost kean last night and the ground is frozen hard this morning. it softened up some by
dinner time and Johny plowed in the afternoon. Colin helped him take in his barreled
apples to day. he also carried in our culls into the cellar. I started for Guelph about ½
past seven, and had very hard frozen roads. "Fred & Doc" was the team. King being
clipped so lately I do not care to expose him too much to the cold. when a little past the
frog pond, the off front wheel tire burst, and I was afraid of the wheel's collapse. the
bolts held the tire on however while I drove cautiosly to Penfolds and got a wire wound
on it till I sold and delivered my load, after which I got 7 spokes and a ½ rim and tire set,
which, with the old a/c of pole &c. made $3.68 which I paid in full. I realized for apples &
sheepskin $3.35. apples 25¢ per bag except one at 20¢. Sheepskin 90¢. bought 5 Gals
coal oil 80¢ oatmeal 25¢ Barrel Salt at Scott & Millmans $1.00. it was well towards night
before I started for home, didn't go up to Willies to day, saw him on the market, also saw
Colin Campbell.
SUNDAY 15
A very fine day. Colin & Maggie drove twice to Everton to day. Mary came home with
them in the evening. I took a walk to John Webb's in the evening. Maggie and I joined in
a letter to Holyoke to day.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 16 1896 (323-42)
A most beautiful day for this time of the year. the air has been mild and balmy and clear
sunshine has prevailed all day long. Colin has plowed at Robert Mortons all day. I owed
Robert a day's work with the team, he worked with Johny at building the granary, and
also had his team at our threshing. I was patching the roof on the outbuildings this
forenoon. after dinner I drove over to the Centre Inn and attended our meeting of the
Board of Health. Drs Dryden and Livingstone were both present. Mr Auld, John Rea and
Hugh Black. we made up the account. $6.00 for Mr Auld. $5.00 for Hugh Black. $2.00
John Rea. $5.00 for myself. and $11.30 for the Doctor. making $28.30 afterwards added
for Mr Dyer $2.50, and for the use of room $2.00. After returning home I hurried up with
the work of the cattle and stables and pig feeding, and then drove over to Erin village
and attended a meeting of the A.O.U.W. there was quite a nice gathering and a
pleasant social time, hot coffee and biscuit and cheese. the matter of how to celebrate
the anniversary of the Lodge in Erin was taken and the different views ventilated. I think
they will have an entertainment made up of home talent. {Margin} Colin plowing at
Mortons. - patching the roof with shingle - Meeting of the Board of Health at the Centre
Inn - over at a meeting at Erin of the A.O.U.W.
TUESDAY 17 (324-41)
A fine day in the fore part, but weather was threatning all the time until rain did come
pretty heavy in the evening. Colin and I went at drawing and piling the stove wood in the
wood house, he drew it with the horses and Bobsleigh and I piled it up the while. after
getting in all the stove wood we gathered together the lumber and drew it to the shed
and put it up above so as to keep it dry. I was helping Maggie and Mary a make 2 little
tables, they make them up very nice looking with Binder twine and Cloth top after the
frames are made, old broom handles make the legs and after being fastened on the
tops they are wrapped all their length with binder twine. {Margin} drawing in stove wood.
- helping Maggie & Mary to make fancy tables
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 18 1896 (325-40)
Rather windy and boisterous to day, not cold however. at night, or rather towards night,
we had several very heavy showers and the wind at each shower blew up very high. we
did up some choring this morning and at about ½ past ten Colin and I started off for
Mc
Kenzies. we got down there as they were at their dinners. after dinner Colin started
off for home leading the cow I bought. John and I started over to Anderson's Sale as I
wanted to see the Bobsleighs that were to be sold there. they did not suit me at all, so I
did not bid on them. I bought a scuffler of Gowdy's make, comparitively new for $1.50.
John wished to wait till a horse, he had an idea of bidding on, sold. it went too high for
him and we immediately after started for home. after getting tea I hitched up and drove
home a good deal of rain fell and the wind was very high, as it was mostly blowing from
behind however, I was able to put up the top which sheltered me from the rain. Mr
Kingsbury is busy plowing now and boarding at John's. {Margin} Colin and I drove down
to Mc
Kenzies. Colin led home the cow - and I went to a sale with John Mc
Kenzie -
bought a scuffler - John paid me $7.00 on A.O.U.W. account
THURSDAY 19 (326-39)
Very hard frost last night and the ground has been quite hard the most of the day. Colin
hitched up the horses and drove up to Mc
William's gravel pit for a load of sand and
gravel for the cattle stable. I had a busy forenoon hanging and fixing up the storm doors.
the wind has been very cold to day and been sifting into the house, the storm doors are
a great protection. after we had dinner, Willie Rea's son and a Mr Geary came along
wishing to negotiate with Colin about the renting of his place. they had their dinners and
afterwards came to an understanding to meet in Guelph on Saturday regarding the
renting of the farm. Mr Geary took a notion of one of our sucking pigs which we just took
off the sow to day. he gave me $1.50 for it. I set Colin at plowing between the raspberry
bushes this afternoon and he afterwards brought home some evergreen boughs for
covering the strawberries. we got a letter from Ewart, Holyoke this evening. he says his
Mother seems to be enjoying herself and keeping well. {Margin} brought home a load of
sand &c for the cattle stables - Colin negotiating with Mr Geary about renting his farm. -
sold him a sucking pig for $1.50 - plowing raspberries - Letter from Ewart.
NOVEMBER FRIDAY 20 1896 (327-38)
Very hard frost again last night and the ground is very hard this morning and indeed it
softened but very little all day. it has been a very pleasant day however especially in the
forenoon when we had clear and bright sunshine. Colin and I have been choring and
fixing up all day around the premises, we sawed up all the old sills and other trumpery in
the yard and drew it into the wood house, we also covered the strawberries with the
branches and pea straw. I also finished up the blocking of the far stall in the cattle stable
and changed the steers into it. we also moved the heifers into the stall next to them and
got room to put in all the young cattle, it has now got so cold at night that the cattle are
better in the stable.
SATURDAY 21 (328-37)
This morning showed signs of continued frost and very dull and threatning, about 8
oclock snow began to fall and by noon I should think there was nearly, if not quite, 5
inches of snow. it was astonishing how everything around was white. I was glad in
having done so much yesterday in preparation for winter. Colin chanced it to Guelph to
day and I have had the work & care of the stock all to myself. I also set about fixing up
around again, fixing the windows for root house, which had gone wrong, and placing
them in. in the afternoon Johny came and helped me make the granary door, we did not
get it hung however, there is considerable work to prepare it for hanging. the beam
above the granary had to be hewed to admit of the hanging apparatus being placed
upon it. we will have to get another turn at it to finish it. Mr Webb called up to see us this
evening. {Margin} Robert and Wm Mc
Williams are both away to Owen Sound their
Brother John has died and will be buried tomorrow - Colin went to Guelph to day. -
made the granary door - choring round
Sunday 22
Quite a wintry appearance to day. the snow is drier to day than yesterday afternoon,
when it had the appearance of softening. I drove over to Toltons this forenoon. Thos.
had just returned from Holstein. I had dinner with them and they went to meeting when I
returned home. Maggie and Colin went to Everton meeting this evening, they did not go
to day.
NOVEMBER MONDAY 23 1896 (330-35)
Milder to day, especially in the afternoon when the snow began to give way. towards
night it became soft and misty and a regular thaw set in. Johny came over this forenoon
and we finished hanging and fixing the granary door. Colin and I fixed up other things
around boarded up the top of the granary, and cleaned up the chips and dirt in the barn,
we closed up the door way on the west end of the shed and boarded up the dilapidated
part of the siding of the barn in front. We have now begun to feed the outside 11 pigs
better, they have lately been shut out from getting any thing on the ground in the fields,
&c and they have been failing. I have also started to feed the turkeys and the other
fowls more liberally, I have given what we expect to be the fattening hogs last feed to
night, we intend killing them on Wednesday forenoon and will starve them all day
tomorrow.
TUESDAY 24 (331-34)
A very fair day. Sunshine and Summer like. quite a contrast to the weather which has
lately prevailed. the snow has gone about as fast as it came. and the temperature so
very mild besides makes the changes very swift and very great. I drove to Everton this
morning and mailed 3 letters, one to Holyoke, and one to Alex. Mc
Gregor, and another
with four dollars enclosed to Mr Robt. Wood, in payment of single Ass'm't and Releif
Call No.
17 of one dollar for myself and John Mc
Kenzie. Colin took the old white sow to
Mr Barbers this forenoon. I finished blocking the second stall in the cattle stable this
afternoon, and spent awhile preparing for the pig killing tomorrow. Carried 10 pails
water to the boiler in pig pen. Colin plowed the garden plot in front field and took out
some manure. also plowed the old strawberry patch. I visited Daniel Talbot this
morning, who is now very much used up from his experience at Buffalo, he was struck
by a passenger train Engine - while going very fast. he is likely to recover from its
effects however. {Margin} sow taken down to Barber's to day.
NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY 25 1896 (332-33)
A very wet and unpleasant day, the rain forms into ice as it falls and the east wind that
blows is not frosty but it is chilly and unpleasant. it is also misty this forenoon. Colin and
I had quite a job getting the boiler ready to boil the water for pig killing this morning the
pipes are rotten and we could hardly get them to hold together while we boiled the
water. we succeeded at last however, and got started to kill about nine oclock when
Thos. Tolton came to hand. we had them all done by dinner time excepting to finish
cleaning the interals, that being my job. Thomas and I drove to John Jestin's Auction
Sale of stock, he had fine stock and they were sold reasonable more reasonable than
was pleasant for the owner, but, no doubt, the weather had some effect in keeping
people from coming. Mrs James Mc
Cullough was buried to day, poor woman, she has
had a long time of suffering from that terrible typhoid fever, they are an afflicted family, 6
of them having been laid up with the disease
THURSDAY 26 (333-32)
A very fine and Summer like day, very mild in temperature and beautiful sunshine, more
like July weather than this day of the year. Colin has been doing up the chores this
forenoon, splitting wood &c. and helped me to draw over to the old dining room the
three pigs, we weighed them at the barn in passing, one of them 195 lbs. 171. 165 =
531. I cut them nearly all up and boned them ready for salting before dinner. after dinner
I salted them down in the cellar, and afterwards - Colin and I went together with the
team to the old "stony acre" ground and spent the afternoon in drawing off stones and
continuing the fence we have been building this year there. there is yet about a quarter
of an acre or so to be cleared of stones and I would like to have it all under the plow.
NOVEMBER FRIDAY 27 1896 (334-31)
Another very fine and beautiul day, it has been inclined to wind and rain a little at times,
but, the fine weather prevailed mostly. Colin and I with the team spent the forenoon at
the old "stony acre" corner, building the fence of stones. Colin worked alone at it this
afternoon, taking off the old rails and other timber and stumps and rubbish. I hitched up
as soon as I ate my dinner and drove up to Baldwins where John Loree's effects were
being sold. I wanted to see the Bobsleighs sold, they went too high for me and besides I
did not like them. I bought a logging chain 55¢ and 2 long trace chains 15¢. in all 70¢.
Poor John has made a very poor fist of his opportunities in life, he and his wife skipped
off to Manitoba a week or two ago, and left some mourners. he had better remained and
wound everything up even if he kept back enough to take them to Manitoba. the roads
are now heavy from the melting of the late snow, and from the recent rains
DECEMBER November SATURDAY 28 (335-30)
Cold and frosty last night and to day, but very pleasant. Colin and I have been all day
working among the stones at the stony acre. we dug round the large stones and drew
them on to the surface of the ground. some of the largest we took up and drew them
along and deposited them on the line of fence. one very large stone we had to roll it
along principally until getting it to its place at the fence. the chain I bought at Baldwin's
Sale came in good, as the other was too short. I am pleased to see the stones getting
scarce in that corner, they have been for a long term of years an eye sore on the farm. I
have often wished the boys to take the matter in hand and get it cleaned up and made
ready for the plow, but they always shunned the tackling of it.
Sunday 29
Continues cold and wintry again. the frost is begining to seep into the ground and shut
out the plow & spade &c. Colin and Maggie have been twice at Everton meeting.
Maggie and I wrote a letter to Ewart - Holyoke, and we mailed it at night. I walked down
with John Webb this evening, and got some shocks on the Electric battery.
DECEMBER November MONDAY 30 1896 (337-28)
Quite cold and wintry to day, and the frost last night has very much hardened up the
ground there were quite a number of snow showers through the day, which has made
the ground somewhat white with a thin covering of snow. after getting the chores done
up this morning, Colin and I were making ready to go to the stones again. Richard
Synnott's son, Edward, came along and wished me to join his father at the bush where
he and his Uncle James were wishing to run the line between our lands we measured
so many lengths of a rope they had, on the upper line from the stake, and the same
from the lower stake, and then measured the parrallell lines, thus making a base line out
in Reddick's field for ranging the line between us, in the afternoon we got Johny's help,
we expected to get out to the corner stake at the 3 corners of ours and Maikers and
Synnotts - we did so, but were about 18 feet to much in on me, so the line is faulty after
all. I was pleased it was that particular way however, as they had proof that I kept on my
own ground in the chopping, the line skirting the clearing very closely the most of the
way. Colin worked away among the stones alone all day.
December TUESDAY 1 (338-27)
A very cold, frosty and comfortless day. a sprinkling of snow has fallen but it has been
too cold to snow much. I was doing up some chores this morning when Richard Sinnott
came along again wishing me to go with him and see if we could do any thing more
about the line. I went with him and we spent the time up to the dinner hour again, we
measured it across the clearing 33 rods and 5½ feet to where we cut the line at the
swamp, and found it to reach about 10 feet further into the swamp than the line we ran.
we commenced at a point about 30 rods from the corner of our line fence between
Jestin and us, and sighted from the north end of Jestin's Barn. I think the range would
be pretty nearly correct. Colin did up some chores but we did not attempt to go at any
particular work, it was so very cold. we took out the debris from the cattle stable and
Colin put the 11 pigs into the pig pen at the pig house. also brought the geese home
and put them into the box stall. I got the money this evening by mail, paid Colin $100.00
he is now paid for his seven months work $105.00 and I suppose has overstepped the
half month by a day or two. we are told this evening that John Mutrie and Maggie Allen
are to be married tomorrow at Toronto. {Margin} got a letter from Holyoke this ev'g
saying that Mother intends starting for home some day this week. - Settlement with
Colin
DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 2 1896 (339-26)
Another cold day although hardly so bitter as yesterday. Colin went to Guelph to day
and I have had all to do. I have also done up some chores. among them, put in another
pane of glass in the old sash and placed it in position in the box stall. we have the
geese shut in there now, and I otherwise closed it round. I also spread the sand in the
cattle stable and fixed up some other things around. I hitched up Fred to the buggy and
drove over to Ospringe to see a pair of Bobsleighs that James Hill partly owns and
which he called yesterday to tell me he would like to sell to me. I think that, although
they look like good sleighs, I can better myself by dealing with Penfolds in Guelph. they
offer to build me a pair for $22.00 and take soft wood at $2.25 a cord, if it suits me to do
so, or money if i choose, while Hill wants $25.00 for his.
THURSDAY 3 (340-25)
Continues cold and the ground is very hard with the late heavy frosts. I have been
choring around again, there are a great many things going wrong around the place and I
am spending my time fixing them up, Colin fixed up the wood rack and I also helped him
to get ready a load of wood to take down to Mrs Pike. he was rather late in getting away
but he delivered it all right. I did up all the chores and drove down to Everton for the
mail, we expected to have word from Holyoke telling when Mother would start for home,
but there was no letter. I sold the 3 lambs to Geo. Coughlin for $10.25 he paid me $4.00
on them.
DECEMBER FRIDAY 4 1896 (341-24)
Slight flurries of snow, but nothing to make sleighing, it is also milder than what has
lately prevailed for some time. I was choring round this forenoon, fixing up the broken
barn door and other work around. Colin got another load of the wood ready before
dinner and started off with it about an hour earlier than with yesterdays load.
Somewhere between 1 & 2 oclock I think. I had to hurry up with some of my fixings and
get all the feeding and tending stock work done, and then drove to Everton to get the
mail, received a letter from Alex. Holyoke saying his Mother was to start for home to
day, and to meet her in Guelph tomorrow at the noon train. he did not know that train
has been cancelled. I fear she will not reach Guelph sooner than by the 8.30 P.M. train.
Colin drove Maggie to Everton this evening to practise singing for a coming
entertainment. David Robertsons baby seems a little better this evening.
SATURDAY 5 (342-23)
Turned quite soft and damp, all forenoon there was a light rainfall which made it
dissagreeable to be out in it. I borrowed Henry Duffield's democrat and took over to
Geo. Coughlins the 3 lambs he bought of me, it was a little late dinner time when I
returned. I then had dinner and put off for Guelph with "Fred" & buggie to meet
Margaret, when nearing Guelph I met people who kept telling me what I was going in
for, and then I found she had reached Guelph about 2 oclock, on the mixed train. she
was with Johny & Lizzie near Guelph and she got in with me. Johny bringing on the
trunk. we went back to Willie's where his mother washed up and we had supper and
started for home, getting here about 9 oclock. the Webbs and Mc
Williams were here to
welcome her. I did some business in Guelph looking after bobsleighs at Penfolds and
some shopping. Mother has much to tell about Holyoke and the Boys. Alex. seems to
have a good business, and Ewart seems to be kept pretty busy as well as Alex. they
have an apprentice also. Alex. and Annie came to Springfield and saw Mother off last
night at 6 oclock. {Margin} delivered 3 lambs to Geo. Coughlin this forenoon didn't get
the balance of their price $6.25. - drove to Guelph and met Mother she arrived there
about 2 P.M.
Sunday 6th
Continues soft. a very little rain has been falling betimes. Colin and Maggie went to
Everton this A.M. also in the evening. Mary came up with them to see her Mother. Mrs
Webb and Ada came up to see Margaret and had a nice visit.
DECEMBER MONDAY 7 1896 (344-21)
Very moderate weather, no snow. I have got somewhat afraid that we might not have
much sleighing and have started Colin at the drawing of the wood to Guelph with the
Waggon. it is not as handy to draw it that way as on the sleigh when there is good
sleighing, but when it gets late in the season before the snow falls there is too short a
time to do much teaming. Colin did very well to day with his load. we thought there was
a little more than a cord and he got three dollars for it. he pays 5¢ market fees, and
pays 25¢ for his dinner at Singulars and free stable. taking his own feed for the horses. I
have done all the chores myself to day and did some other fixing round which has kept
me quite busy. Willie drove from Guelph for a days hunt bringing with him Mr Wideman,
Geo. Tindal and another young man. they only met moderate success - 5 hares. Willie
was very unfortunate, he fell across a log on his back, hurting himself badly, being partly
unconscious for a length of time, on struggling to "right" himself he moved his gun while
the muzzle was pointed towards him, and one of the barrels discharged the load close
to his head, a close call, he thinks he has had enough of hunting for a while. {Margin}
Colin did not take a load of wood to day, which has been recorded by mistake
TUESDAY 8 (345-20)
Weather continues much the same, no snow yet, but the wheeling is very fair. Colin
took another load of wood to Guelph to day and got along very well he was paid the
same to day as yesterday three dollars for his load and something about the same
quantity, a little over a cord. he got home a little before dark and he put on the load
again ready for starting in the morning. John Mc
Kenzie drove up to day and brought
Bella and the children to visit for a couple of weeks or so.
DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 9 1896 (346-19)
Quite a little fall of snow last night, perhaps 4 or 5 inches, as the ground was a little soft
before it fell it does not make sleighing. Colin took his load to Guelph to day again and
got the same money, three dollars, for it. He says the roads were a little heavy in the
morning going in, but the snow is pretty much gone again to night. he was home in fair
time and put on his load again. I hitched up "Fred" to the Cutter this afternoon and Bella
& her mother and I drove over to Toltons, it is the first time we have been there since
the trouble fell upon them. I feel extremely sorry for Thomas and Alice especially, poor
Bessie is to be pitied, but being the offender the same sympathy is not always
extended. Mr & Mrs Edward Tolton were also there. poor Bessie asked us in to her
room, and requested her Uncle Edward to read a passage in the Psalms for her. the
51st Psalm, which he did, also 72nd. poor Bessie seems to feel her position keenly. the
baby seems a fine child. {Margin} a fall of snow - Colin took a load of wood to Guelph -
Bella & her Mother and I drive over to Toltons this afternoon - Mr & Mrs Edward Tolton
also there
THURSDAY 10 (347-18)
Mild weather again, and the snow is about all gone. mud in many places is taking its
place. Colin took a load of wood to Guelph to day. he had about the same as the rest
on, but got some more for it. $3.40. he sold to John Royce. he was very late in returning
home, being unfortunate in having one of the tires to burst at Guelph. he had to get the
tire set at Mc
Connels costing 50¢. he paid me $10.35. getting the money from Wm
Peavoy $1.50. Geo. Coughlin $6.25. and the load of wood $3.40. total = $11.15. market
fees 5¢ dinner 25¢ tire 50¢ = 80¢ off. leaving $10.35. Maggie and Bella have been
away to day. Bella paying a visit with the children to Usherwoods. Maggie collecting for
Bible Society along with Ruth Mc
Williams. I walked down with John Webb and had a
shock with the battery, my right arm and shoulder are pained now very badly with
rheumatism
DECEMBER FRIDAY 11 1896 (348-17)
A very fine day, mild and pleasant, not at all like winter weather. Colin went to Jestins
sawing of wood with the Circular to day. Johny had to attend a threshing at John
Mutries to day and Colin went to Jestins for him. I have not done much more than
attend the chores to day. my shoulder is very painful. Maggie and Bella have been
visiting at Duffields to day. the children have enjoyed themselves with their grandmother
finely. Mrs David Stewart drove along in her buggie this afternoon, she is staying all
night. she has been further up the country among friends and now on her way home
again. Colin seems to think the roads so rough when near Guelph as to make it unsafe
to drive the wood over them, the waggons have been cutting into them rather badly
since the soft weather set in. {Margin} Jestin sawing with the Mc
Lean Circular - Colin
was there for Johny. - Maggie & Bella have been visiting at Duffields to day. - Mrs David
Stewart visiting here.
SATURDAY 12 (349-16)
Slight frost last night but, its effects were very soon dissipated by the warm and clear
sunshine which prevailed after sunrise. the day was beautiful throughout, but the ground
became very sloppy. Mrs Stewart remained with us till dinner time, after which she
started off home again with her little horse in the buggie. I have been half soling my
shoes and attending to the chores. Colin took six bags of grain to chop and got a new
front bolster made for the wagon by Robertson, in Everton. paid 30¢ for chop. and 60¢
for bolster and fixing draw bolt for wagon, which, I think, is a very moderate charge.
Maggie and Bella & children drove to Everton this afternoon. Robert Jestins sawing with
the circular was continued this forenoon. Johny attended it himself. he had Loui
Martinoni this afternoon fixing up his cistern. it was leaking. the walls were cracked in
places and they broke up those parts. {Margin} Beautiful weather. too fine for this time
of the year. - shoe mending. - Colin took team and wagon to Everton and 6 bags
chopped. also got the bolster of wagon renewed. all paid
Sunday 13
Quite soft and mild all day. a little cooler in the evening with slight showers of snow
falling. Bella & Maggie went with Colin to meeting this forenoon. Maggie remained in
Everton and Colin drove down for her at night. I have written a letter to Brother Alex.
Meaford. and besides doing chores, did some more writing, and reading also.
DECEMBER MONDAY 14 1896 (351-14)
Froze up again last night and the ground is hard and quite dry. the air has been quite
frosty and the wind piercing. I helped Johny to clean out his cistern this forenoon, also
awhile afternoon. Loui Martinoni plastered it over the second time this morning and I
held the light for him. Colin loaded up the waggon with a load of wood to be taken to
Guelph tomorrow. we cut down a doorway into the horse stable and into a stall further
into the stable from the house side, so as to be opposite the door leading into the Barn,
which was changed through making the granary larger. Johny helped us awhile at it,
and Colin also while we were working at it. Our women folks have been visiting at
Webb's this afternoon. Colin and I walked down there after tea, Colin taking Maggie
down to Everton, so as to be present at their musical rehearsals in preparation for their
concert. {Margin} Johny fixing up his Cistern - Colin loading up his load of wood for
Guelph tomorrow - our women visiting Webbs to day. - Maggie at Everton practising
singing.
TUESDAY 15 (352-13)
Hard frost last night and the ground to day is like iron. I hurried up with my chores this
morning and got through with the feeding about 9.30. I then made ready my papers &c.
and drove over to the Council meeting, getting there about 10.30. the Council attended
shortly after to my business of the Board of Health, and paid me over the expenses in
connection with it. I gave Wm Argo $6.00 to take to Mr Auld. paid John Rea $2.00 .
Hugh Black $5.00. Matthias Mc
Cann $2.00. in all (paid to day) $15.00. Dr Dryden has to
get $11.30, and Mr Dyer of Rockwood $2.50. and myself $5.00, making in all $33.80. I
intended going to James Hyndman's Auction sale this afternoon but, I found that before
the chores were done and some other things, that it was too late to go. John Campbell
came as I had just eat dinner for the sugar kettle, and scalding trough, also 60 lbs salt
that we had borrowed of John Webb. Colin drove a load of wood into Guelph, he started
before daylight about 6.30. the roads are very rough and very hard, he only got $2.75 to
day for his load, he thinks it was rather a small load. {Margin} Colin drove a load of
wood to Guelph to day. sold it for $2.75. - went to the Council meeting and gave in my
report of the Board of Health - paid 60 lbs salt to John Webb.
DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 16 1896 (353-12)
A beautiful day. clear sunshine and very pleasant the air has been cool and the wind
cold in the shade, but the sun was warm enough to melt the hard frozen lumps. Colin
took in a load of wood to day. he says the roads are getting smoother. he was off this
morning before daylight, he got three dollars to day for his load. yesterday was the only
day that he took less than the 3 dollars. Alex Mc
Kinnons son is also driving to Guelph
every day with wood. Colin and he met on the town line both yesterday and to day.
Johny helped me to hang the door on the granary in the passage, also the door leading
into the stable. I was with him awhile helping him wash the walls of the cistern. Lizzie
was helping. I fixed up the gate leading over to Johny's, it kept me busy doing up the
chores and doing up these other things. Bella and her mother and the children visited at
Richd
Mc
Williams this afternoon. I went down after tea and spent awhile in the evening.
John and Mrs Webb were also there. we had some music. Ruth and Bella were both
playing. {Margin} Johny helped me to hang doors in horse passage - one for granary
and one the horse stable - fixing his cistern - Colin took a load of wood to Guelph. got
three dollars for it.
THURSDAY 17 (354-11)
Another very fine day. a little cool but very pleasant. the sun is just warm enough to melt
the ground slightly, and the roads are getting smooth thereby. Colin took another load of
wood to Guelph to day, and made three dollars, he had his dinner at Willies, he paid me
$5.55. for yesterdays load and to days, paid 10¢ for a bolt for the reach and 5¢ for
something else. 30¢ for dinner yesterday. I took the sow to Barbers again to day and left
her. I hurried back from there and watered and cleaned out the cattle. Maggie helped
me feed up. I hitched up the horse and buggie and attended John Currie's sale. Maggie
& Bella rode down to the Guelph road with me, they visited at Robertsons and I called
for them when coming home. Uncle Duncan is feeble and complaining. I bought 2 pairs
of Ewes at Curries sale. 1 pair $7.00 each, the other pair $6.75 each = $27.50 in all.
they seem like good sheep. I saw John Mc
Kenzie there and invited him up to his
Christmas dinner.
DECEMBER FRIDAY 18 1896 (355-10)
A very windy and rather stormy day, rather cold also, snow has fallen betimes as if a
snow storm was imminent but, they cleared off again and the cold increased. I borrowed
Henry Duffield's democrat and stock rack and drove down to Currie's this morning for
the sheep I purchased yesterday at the sale. there were quite a number of purchasers
there getting their purchases into their own possession and making home with them. I
was fortunate in finding volunteers to lift my sheep into the rig and I soon drove home
with them. After dinner I hitched up Fred to the buggie and drove down to Rockwood,
taking the Box to Express to Collingwood to Mrs Lynn's friends. I paid $11.30 to Dr
Livingstone for Dr Dryden, his year's renumeration for working as Medical Health officer.
I also paid Mrs Pike forty dollar and retired my note which was given for the amount for
the horse "Doctor" or "Doc" as we call him. Henry Duffield rode down with me, we were
soon on our way home again, as we had all our respective chores to do. Colin has been
away to day at a "Bee", cutting stove wood for the Church at John Blacks. Our "Forester
Cow' has slipped her calf to day. it is a pity. {Margin} drove down to Currie's and got the
sheep I bought yesterday. - drove down to Rockwood this afternoon and paid Dr
Dryden's money to Dr Livingstone $11.30. - paid $40.00 to Mrs Pike and retired my note
for "Doc" - wood cutting Bee Colin at it. John Blacks - paid Dr Livingstone for Dr Dryden
as Medical Health officer $11.30. Forester Cow slipped Calf.
SATURDAY 19 (356-9)
Colder to day. the little snow on the ground from yesterdays showers makes it wintry
looking, although there is very little it has made the roads slippy for the horses. Colin
was to Guelph to day with a load of wood for Willie, he says the horses slipt
considerably. Bella and Maggie drove to Guelph with Fred and buggie. they were
shopping Maggie got a new hat which fails in giving satisfaction. I have spent the most
of the time doing the chores, doing some extra cleaning out of pigs &c. I also went down
to Webbs and brought home our two ewes. the travellers did not arrive home till
somewhat late, darkness had set in. {Margin} Colin took a load of wood to Willie to day.
- Bella and Maggie also drove to Guelph
Sunday 20
Cold to day, but not excessive. Snow flakes flying, but of no consequence. Bella & the
children drove to Everton this morning with Maggie when she went to meeting. Bella
remained in Everton and Janet Abbott rode back with Maggie, going back with Colin
and her in the evening.
DECEMBER MONDAY 21 1896 (358-7)
Snow is falling to day, somewhat constant but not heavy, the ground is hard, but very
dry, and it would take considerable depth of snow to make good sleighing. Colin went to
Wm Abbotts this afternoon with the team to get them sharp shod. he found it was with
great difficulty they travelled on the road on Saturday. they got 5 new shoes on. I
repaired a bridle this forenoon and worked at the chores. Colin loaded up his load for
Guelph tomorrow. I rode over with Joseph Croft to the Nomination of County Councillors
at Ospringe - there was quite a gathering, Hugh Black was nominating Officer and held
the time open from 1 till 2 oclock P.M. for nominations. there was quite a batch of
names. John Rea, Joseph Fletcher, John Mutrie Eramosa. Lang. Walker, Duff Dunbar,
Kirkwood Erin, all retired but Rea, Fletcher, Lang, Walker & Duff. this is the first of the
new law governing County Councils, and its working will, no doubt, be watched with
considerable interest. I paid Richd.
Mc
Williams two dollars to day bull money, did not pay
for the young roan cow as we are not sure that she is in calf. {Margin} The little fall of
snow makes it slippry for the horses. and Colion took them to Willie Abbott and had
them shod all round 5 new shoes, and 3 reset. - I went over to Ospringe with Joseph
Croft to the Nomination - paid two dollars ($2.00) to Richd.
Mc
Williams
TUESDAY 22 (359-6)
A Winter day, although not very cold, considerable snow has fallen and the wind has
been high and drifting the snow into inconvenient piles in places. I have had a job
moving some of the turnips in the root house. they have become too hot in the middle of
the house and for some days have been smoking ominously. I found some rotting and
they are altogether too hot in the middle of the pile at the middle window. I have had a
busy day doing up the chores and moving the turnips. Mother has been sewing up the
rips in the robe to day we have got cloth to line it anew. Colin took in a load of wood to
Guelph to day. he got three dollars for it. he says the roads are good and smooth now.
{Margin} Some little snow drifting. I have been moving some of the turnips in the root
house they are too warm and show signs of rotting. - Margaret has been sewing up the
robe.
DECEMBER WEDNESDAY 23 1896 (360-5)
A cold frosty day, but sunshine and pleasant. Colin drove in a load of wood to Guelph
he has risen these few days back alone and taken his breakfast without disturbing
anyone. he got $3.25 for his load to day, and was home in good time, he put on his load
for tomorrow and got ready the bobsleighs and we all rode down to Everton to the S. S.
Social. there was a large gathering of people, the house being very well filled, the
money taken at the doors must have footed up to a good sum. 15¢ being the charge.
The music was very good. Jamie Abbott played for the choir, and some of the younger
singers. Miss Benham sang a solo, another young woman playing for her. Miss
Weatherston gave a couple of her readings. Sanders Mc
Laughlan, and the boiling of the
Rabbit. Geo. Loree acted "Santa Clause" very well at the closing scene, and the
"entertainment" came to an end about 11 oclock. altogether it was a very enjoyable and
good entertainment. we had the sleighs but the snow was so thin that we could have
wished to have had the wheels. I killed a Gobler to day, for our Christmas dinner. the
Abbotts are asked along with our own folks. Hanah Steven's baby was buried this
afternoon. being alone and so far away I could not attend. {Margin} Killed Gobler
weighing 16 lbs.
THURSDAY 24 (361-4)
Another very cold day. the frost was very sharp and kean last night. Colin was up and
away early this morning, taking his breakfast all alone. he returned home shortly after
four oclock. he sold his load again to day for $3.25. A man that he partly sold to
yesterday held to his bargain, and Colin had the three dollars clear to day, as he had no
market fees to pay. I have been choring and fixing up some to day in addition to the
usual work. the frost has reached the stables a little, which shows the cold is severe. the
window of the turnip house has been out this day or two, on account of the heat of the
turnips, but I put it in to day. Johny has been sawing with the drag saw these 2 days
back at Sam Allan's
DECEMBER Christmas FRIDAY 25 1896 (362-3)
Rather a cold day for comfortable getting around, otherwise pleasant however, sunshine
and dry footing. the wind has been somewhat strong and westerly, making it cold
travelling towards the west. we have had all the family available here to their Christmas
dinner, Alex and Ewart being the only absentees. we also had the two Abbott women
and the young folks. Jamie gave us some very nice music. John Mc
Kenzie came up
also and took Bella and the little ones home. Willie came out from Guelph after dinner
was over. he had his dinner by himself. Maggie accompanied him to Guelph in the
evening, they will have a cold drive. I drove Fred and the buggie to Everton in the
evening, taking with me Janet Abbott & Nettie, Jamie & his Mother went with Willie &
Maggie to the corner. Eddie went with Geo. Loree & Mary who left early to take supper
at the Lorees, Senr. we had a very pleasant time with all the freinds. I drove down with
the democrat in the morning for them. I paid Mr Hoskins, blacksmith, $1.25. full of all
demands to date. Colin has been at home all day. loaded up his wood for tomorrow.
SATURDAY 26 (363-2)
Another cold day. I have been very busy at some other chores than the ordinary work,
which forces me to work round pretty lively. Johny & Lizzie went to Guelph to day with
the democrat. he had 8 bags apples, got 30¢ per bag. 35 lbs or so of butter, 16¢ per lb.
Colin took a load of wood and found ready sale at $3.50 the highest price for a load, as
yet obtained. he got home in time to load up again. Maggie returned with Johny and
was a little on the late side. I was sorry Johny did not leave word how and what to feed
his cattle at noon. Maggie was not pleased with a hat she bought at Williamsons and
she got another instead to day. Jeenie was with her making the change.
Sunday 27
Continues cold but pleasant, the cold increased towards evening. Maggie and Colin
have gone twice to Everton meeting to day. they tell us that Edward Tolton took his
formal leave of the church to day. we understand he has had it long in Contemplation.
Margaret & I paid Webb's a visit this evening.
DECEMBER MONDAY 28 1896 (365)
Very misty this morning, and raw, and cold, it became a little warmer as the day wore
on, and signs of thawing set in, although it softened up but very little. Colin set off to
Guelph in good time this morning, and he returned home in time to get on his load ready
for Guelph again. he got $3.25 for his load to day. I have been busy to day as, besides
doing my own work, I helped Johny to clean up a grist of wheat 5 bags, and bagged up
some mixed grain for chopping. I also went to Standish's with the buggie and bought a
Gobler, it weighed alive about 20 lbs, they are selling them for 8¢ per lb, dressed, and
they deducted 2 lbs off. I paid them $1.45. they only wanted $1.40, but I made them
take the other. he is a fine Bird. they were kind enough to send over and let us know
they were going to kill them to day, and I had been asking them to keep one for us.
Margaret and I drove down to Robert Mortons this evening. Mrs Morton is quite sick, her
brother died last week and she is the worse of being over there, as she was unwell
before going. {Margin} Misty inclined to thaw - Colin to Guelph with a load of wood got
$3.25. - bought a Turkey at Standish's paid $1.45 - Mrs Morton sick, we drove down to
see them - helped Johny to clean a grist of wheat
Tuesday 29
Softer to day, there has been no sunshine all day, and it has been misty and damp
threatning rain, but it held up well. Colin took a load of wood again to day. and he met
pretty ready sale at $3.30. he was home in good time to get his load on again. I got my
feeding done and all stables cleaned out early, so as to help Johny to cut straw, he did
not cut however, and I got the more time to do other things. I also helped Johny to place
his horse power on the gangway for cutting tomorrow. I was fixing the catches on the
stable door, and put up 8 bags of mixed grain for chopping tomorrow. Margaret got a
hen turkey from Mrs Hindley to day, for which she is to give one of hers. Alice Webb
drove her up there this afternoon. {Margin} Softer to day. - Colin took a load of wood to
Guelph got $3.30. - Margaret got a hen turkey from Mrs Hindley to day. - bagged up 8
bags mixed grain to chop to morrow.
Wednesday 30 1896
Soft again to day. Colin was up early this morning and away with his load before day
light, I saw him off with the light. I hurried up with the feeding and cleaned out the
stables before going to the mill with the chop. just as I reached the Corner the stage
moved off for Guelph. Mr Hortop was taking a ride on it on his way to the school house.
I should have been on hand there too with him, as Dan. Talbot and I had to Audit the
books, but I went on to the mill with the 6 bags of chop, and was early enough, after all,
at the school house. I paid Hortop's account $4.65 and the chop 30¢ making $4.95 in all
to Willie Hortop. his father intended riding home with me, but was delayed at the school
house. I had Johnys horses and democrat with the chop and had to hurry home to cut
straw for him this P.M. Jamie Morton helped us with their team. the machine did not go
well for a time, we found it go better by not cutting the corn at the same time with the
straw, it seemed to wet the rollers and made it clog. Colin met a duller sale to day,
$2.75 for the load. he & Maggie attended the Ospringe S. S. Social this evening.
{Margin} attended school meeting to day. - settled Hortop's account - took a grist of 6
bags to the mill. - mailed 2 dollars to Meaford - and two dollars to Erin in payment of Jno
Mc
Kenzie's and my own ass'm'ts A.O.U.W. - cutting straw at Johny's
Thursday 31
Froze up a little last night and there has been drier footing around to day. Colin did not
go to Guelph to day, but instead, took a load of wood to Mrs Pike, Rockwood. he started
off with it after dinner, he had a cord and an eighth. I have her all paid up now, and she
owes me a dollar. the 8th of a cord I will let go to make the rest good measure, and the
blanket represents one dollar, so there is another dollar to me. I have been doing some
tinkering around which has kept me busy as it has been in addition to me ordinary work.
Dan. Tolton called to night, they wish help to thresh tomorrow. John Webb visited us
this evening.
{William Sunter continues his diary into the year 1897 using the 'Memoranda' and 'Cash
Account' pages in the back of his book. The last entry for January 1897 is for Saturday
January 9th. Then follows several pages of entries from 1914. These entries are dated
from Friday, October 23, 1914 through Wednesday, November 4, 1914. The pages after
the 1914 entries are written in pencil (in William's handwriting)and appear to be drafts of
a historical sketch of Everton. The last diary pages return to 1896 and include accounts
receivable data.}
January 1897
Friday 1st
Froze up slightly last night, although the indications now point to mild weather. I drove
over to Toltons this morning to help them thresh - they finished up shortly after twelve
oclock. they had threshed 2 days before at the present time, and other 2 half days
earlier in the season, besides a spurt of about 2 hours on another occasion, so, I think,
they must have had a good crop this year. Colin did the chores to day. he got Henry
Duffield to come down and lance the lump on the heifer's neck. he put on his load for
Guelph tomorrow. rain on to night. {Margin} I attended Tolton's threshing - lanced the
lump on heifers neck - Rain.
Saturday 2
Considerable rain fell last night, but it has not rained any to day. Colin started off this
morning before day light, Johny also went with 8 bags apples and other produce. they
did not arrive home till after dark. Colin only got $2.75 for his load. and slow sale. it will
take cold weather to sharpen the demand. I fed Johny's stock at noon. I have also been
at work, besides the usual chores, changing the door way from barn to cattle stable, and
made a new door . Maggie and her Mother drove to Everton this afternoon. Maggie
returned alone, her Mother staying all night with Mary, who has been poorly this week.
{Margin} Colin went to Guelph to day with a load of wood - Johny there also with apples
&c.
Sunday 3
Continues mild and soft. this has been more like a spring day than this day of the year.
quite muddy under foot. Thomas Tolton drove over for Margaret to go over, as Bessie's
baby is very sick. he had to drive down to Everton for her. Colin & Maggie have been at
Meeting twice. Henry Dunbar & his brother Thomas paid us a visit this afternoon.
Thomas seems quite rational and is dissatisfied with the surveillance imposed upon
him. {Margin} very soft and quite muddy under foot. - Henry and Thomas Dunbar paid
us a visit.
Monday 4
Very mild and soft to day. it has rained a good part of the time this forenoon. the frost is
leaving the ground very fast, and the roads are very bad. we remained at home all
forenoon and I repaired my shoes, also put a patch on one of Colin's shoes. After dinner
Colin and I hitched "King" to the buggie and drove up to Oustic, the roads were terribly
bad in places. I gave 2 marks for John Rea for C. Council marked for Talbot & Argo.
and it was about dark when we returned home. Mother returned home this P.M. the
baby is not likely to get better. it is vomiting blood. the Dr has been there. {Margin}
voting at Oustic- repairing shoes.
Tuesday 5
Froze up last night again and there is good footing once more. Colin has a heavy cold
and he does not care to drive wood to Guelph till he feels better. I drove down to
Everton this afternoon and attended Peo. Vasconi's Sale. Margaret went with me, but
did not go to the sale. I bought a few articles. Cross cut saw & keyhole saw 10¢. Trowel
25¢, Sleigh Bells 25¢. Tub 10¢. Curry Comb & Brush 15¢ total = 85¢ {Margin} Attended
Peo. Vasconis Auction Sale in Everton
January 1897
Wednesday 6
Continues frosty and the ground remains hard and dry. Johny took a load of apples to
Guelph to day. he got 25¢ per bag. I fed his cattle at noon. Geo. Abbott came to him the
other day to go to school and work nights & mornings for his board. I was driving over
with Margaret to Toltons and was met by Ella Mc
Dougal on her way over for her, the
baby is very low, the doctor thinks it can't live long. he called here as he passed, to look
at my face the troublesome little growth below my left eye, gives me some annoyance,
but he thinks it some wart or other simple thing. Colin is not yet very well. I drove over to
Tolton this evening. Margaret stays.
Thursday 7
A little snow fell last night, but nothing of any consequence. Dan came over telling us
the baby died last night and was to be buried this afternoon. I went over at 2 oclock, and
they did not leave till 3. Mr Baker was there and had a little Service. there were a few
there, Jude took the little Corpse, and Thomas rode with me. they buried on the front of
the monument, south east side, alongsid Hanah. John Smallhorn has a Bee to day
cutting up the willow Friday 8 trees in front of Richd Mc
William's orchard. they are a
rough concern to cut up, but, I suppose it will make not so bad summer wood. I helped
awhile in the morning but Colin helped all day.
Friday 8
Moderate weather, not very cold and not any snow yet, so far, this is a very snowless
season, and the late soft weather made the roads very rough after freezing up again.
they are improving however. I drove over to Joseph Reads and bargained for 40
bushels barley at 25¢ per bushel, and spoke of going over tomorrow for it. I found
however that we could not conveniently go so I ran over again in the evening to tell him
so. we bagged up 9 bags snow apples to take to Guelph tomorrow, also killed 2 geese.
Saturday 9
Very misty this morning and the most of the forenoon, and raw and chilly. Margaret & I
were off to Guelph at 7.10 this morning, with the big team, getting in in about the neat 2
hours. I had the front wheel of the buggie fixed, a half rim. 3 spokes and tire set $1.45.
(Pd) 9 bags apples (snows) 6 @ 30¢ and 3 @ 25¢. $2.55. 2 geese $1.19. Butter 11 lbs.
4 lbs @ 16¢ the rest @ 15¢ = $1.69. bought 2 out of date Diaries. 40¢ at Days. 2 shirts
for me (under shirt) $1.00 and other sundries. we were at Willies for dinner and fed the
horses there. Colin did the chores at home and helped Johny cut straw afternoon.
{The next two pages are dated 1914.}
October Friday 23 1914
A very fine day, cool in morning but the sun shone out strong and warm as the day
advanced. I rode to Guelph with Ewart with a load of potatoes he had 26 bags and
realized about $14.00 for them, we pedled them chiefly in St Patricks ward among the
Italians - we had trouble about the pumps fixing. Mr Field in the hospital from an injury
by falling off a wind mill 20 feet, made arrangements to go in on Monday to see about a
second hand pump from Herman Tovell's Land lady. {Margin. 1st margin entry has band
of black ink around it.} Charles Mc
Nab funeral to day. would like to have been present
had to go to Guelph - to Guelph to day with Ewart with potatoes
Saturday 24
Rain on this morning but did not last very long. the weather was not very pleasant
throughout the day. being tired from yesterday's run to Guelph, I did not take in hand
any work of importance. James Duffield's boy (young Clark) brought along our barrel of
spy apples. {Margin} James Duffield sent along a barrel of spy apples
Sunday 25
Cool, but pleasant weather. I kept the house the greater part of the day reading &c.
Errett came to S. S. and left for home in good time, there had been a good attendance
at church and sunday school. I went in the evening to church, and heard a good
practical discourse on the teaching and character of Jesus Christ, and the effect it
should have on his followers. {Margin} at church this evening and heard a very practical
sermon by Mr Thorpe on Christian conduct & character.
Monday 26
Cold and unpleasant early morning, but cleared up fine as the day advanced. I gathered
the potatoe tops to a heap for burning, but could not burn them as snow clouds passed
over, leaving considerable snow on the ground. this is the first snow of the season here.
Ewart drove to Guelph to day and got the pump at Herman Tovells. {Margin} I gave a
check for 5 dollars to G. A. Marshall and he cashed it. - Ewart drove to Guelph for
pump, paid 4 dollars for it, and $1.25 for new plunger
Tuesday 27
Very cold turn of the weather, we put our beets & carrots into the cellar this forenoon,
we pulled them up last night and put them in the stable, after that, I pulled the cabbage
up and brought them in. Ewart brought the pump down to get a band on cylinder. I gave
him 5 dollars for payment of pump. the pump was 4 dollars, and the plunger of barn
pump was $1.25. we have the garden cleared of crop except the strawberries. by the
papers we learn the Germans are losing ground and much loss of life. D. L. Schultz is
arrested as a spy. {Margin} housing the garden truck. - paid Ewart for pump.
Wednesday 28
Continues cold, but kept dry. I took the chance of a ride up to Ewarts before dinner and
helped him to take in his turnips, we picked and hauled in 5 loads. Ewart had all the
patch topped, and he grubbed 2 rows into one and afterwards ran the old iron harrows
through there to shake the soil off them. they are a fine crop and very clean, if they hold
out as well as they have begun there will likely be about 25 loads altogether in acre &
half. Gertie helped to load them and, with me, to unload. I gave Ewart 2 dollars, to pay J
Duffield $1.50 for the apples, and 50¢ to himself for pump expenses. I am staying
overnight to help again tomorrow. {Margin} chanced it up to Ewarts and helped him with
his turnips. paid for spy apples to J. Duffield also finish pump expenses staying
overnight with Ewart to help tomorrow
Oct. & November Thursday 29 1914
Rain on this morning, and continued, less or more, all day, of course, we gave up any
idea of working at the turnips, and Ewart drove me down home this morning in time to
bring the boys to school. snow cloud dropped some snow which soon melted. fixed
Gerties shoe some {Margin} Rain which stopped the turnip work
Friday 30
Weather still unsettled, and no good for working at turnips, think it will likely dry up again
soon. the war news is yet very terrible. the poor fellows who fight the battles have an
awful time of it, their suffering must be intense, hand to hand and bayonet charges are
frequent {Margin} letter from brother James they are in their usual mettle - awful war
news, terrible suffering and carnage.
Saturday 31
Weather settled, heavy frost last night, and the land this forenoon was very muddy, and
I concluded that Ewart would not go at his turnips, and so did not go up. I was mistaken
however, as Ewart & Gertie with the boys were down this evening tell us they took up
and in 10 loads this afternoon, and they were in good condition, they used the 2
wagons, and Ewart unloaded while Gertie and the boys loaded in the field. Errett
drawing them up. we hear this evening that Dougald Robertson is ill seriously.
Pneumonia has set in. {Margin} better weather. Ewart took in 10 loads turnips this P.M.
Boys helping - Douald Robertson taken ill, think Pneumonia
Sunday, November 1
Nov. 1 - Fair weather again. have kept pretty close to the to day. Maggie went to S.S.,
this morning and did not see her again till late bed time. she went over to Mc
Kenzies
from church. the war news looks serious. Turkey is now into the frey. I have read this
afternoon the greater part of Isaihs prophecies, especially from about the 42d
Chap. to
the end of his prophesies, he presents a graphic picture of the latter days. {Margin}
weather settled kept the house pretty close, reading Isaiahs prophecies
Monday 2
Rained a little this morning, but it soon faired up again, and although a little dull, it
remained dry all day. I expected to help Ewart to finish up his turnip housing to day but
he did not send the buggy down, as I requested, and I did not walk up further than the
corner to see, likely they have taken them in to day. reports of terrible slaughter at that
cruel war. {Margin} I hear the Jas. Black and Jack Greives are up for Reeveship - Mr
Thorp here at tea this evening - terrible accounts about the war.
Tuesday 3
Rained again this morning, but soon cleared up again. I have not heard how Ewart got
along with his turnips, but it is likely he would get the most of them housed yesterday,
no doubt he will be able to make a clean finish of them to day some time. {Margin}
Ewart finish his turnip housing.
Wednesday 4
Pleasant weather, although rather cold for comfort, some clouds have passed over
which dropt a little rain but nothing to speak of. Dougald Robertson is getting nicely
better I hear. by this evenings papers we read the fortunes of war this week are rather
against the Allies, the British have lost 2 Cruisers down by South America. they were
not aware that any large German war ships were hovering round in that direction, so
were unprepared to meet them. the Allies on the old battle front however have been
holding their own and a little more, there was a terrible onslaught last Tuesday, but the
Allies came out best. {Margin} Dougald Robertson on the mend. - war news not so good
for British lost 2 cruisers - Allies on the land holding their own
{The rest of pages in this diary consist of what appears to be a rough draft (in pencil) of
some Everton history.}
The Village of Everton, like many another village in the country obtained its name in
commemoration of a family of the name of Everts, who first settled on its site, and who,
in the early 40s
became aware of the great value of its water privelige which obtained on
a part of Lot 10. con 7 of the Township of Eramosa earlier than about 1850. 51. the
history of the village is pretty much a sealed Book, seeing that all the members of the
family have now passed off excepting Wm Everts, a grandson of the original proprietor,
and he being comparitively a young man yet could not be expected to be cognisant of
the changes as they took place from the earlier periods - the writer of this sketch having
moved at the above date into the neighborhood of the village, and personally
acquainted with all the members of the Evert family up to the time of their passing away,
is likely to know as much of its history as could otherwise be obtained, the original Evert
estate consisted of 400 acres, Lots No. 9 & 10. con 6 & 7. Lot 9 comprising 200 acres,
of very fine farming land, making 2 farms of 100 acres each and have been occupied by
2 of the Gd sons of the original proprietor, one of whom now only survive. Lot 10. con 6
& 7 consists of a very rocky and swampy region through which a branch of the Grand
River wends its way among the rocks on its way through Rockwood and beyond. this
portion of the property fell into the hands of Rufus, the oldest son of the original
proprietor, who built a saw mill and also the frame of the present grist & flour mill upon
the site of the water power which now obtains the heavy frame of the grist & flour mill
stood uncovered for a length of time, because, it was said Mr R. Everts did not feel able
to go on with it to a finish, but eventually Messrs William & Simon Pevies saw it to their
advantage to complete the building and put in all the machinery required for the
consideration of the use of the property for a term of years, this was mutually agreed
and acted upon, after which, (the expiry) it fell once more into the possession of Rufus
Everts who ran it a number of years, but finally sold out to the present proprietor, Mr
Henry Hortop, who also in turn gave its management over to his eldest son William, who
now runs the business very successfully. the firm also at large expense made great
improvents to the property, in enlarging the dam, setting up a set of rolls in flour mill, up
to date chopper, also saw and shingle mill &c, which has proved a great Boon to all the
district around.
the main street of the village is situated to the north of the valley where the river and the
mills are located, and is reached from below by a good road cut out of the rocks to the
table land above, and street above, where about 50 years or so ago Mr Peter Stewart
employed a surveyer to survey and locate out of his farm that northern part of the
village. the southern end of the village is not so extensive but the road is good and
leads to a fine farming country to the south & east, where beautiful farms abound on
every road. The northern part, which consists of a tiny peice of upland on Stewarts
survey, extends to within ½ a mile or less, of the county gravel road leading from
Guelph to Erin village. the cemetery lying about half way between the outskirts of the
village and the county gravel road where the early pioneers, for the most part, are laid in
their last resting place. upon this north western part of the village Mr Peter Stewart built
the large and commodious stone store now owned and occupied by Mr G. A. Marshall,
general merchant and agent, whose store is reputed to be one of the best in the district
& country, and whose other business ramifications demand much of the time & attention
of the proprietor. the congregation of the denomination of the Disciples of Christ who
met in various places in the township many years ago, at last conceived the idea of
amalgamation and in the year of 1861 had the present large edifice erected for their
use, and where up to the present time they have regularly continued to meet for
worship, subsequently the methodist denomination also followed suit & erected the very
nice and suitable white brick chapel for their special use, which they have continued to
occupy and regularly have meetings ever since. the presbyterians also, in the past, had
their meeting house, but it has long been discarded, on account of the newer and larger
building at Ospringe taking its place, and where their regular minister presides every
Sunday. Some of the usual industries in voge in the long past years of the village have
ceased to operate, greatly on account of their work being monopolized by large outside
factories, such as wagon & carriage building which was carried by Mr Robert Copeland,
in conjunction with Mr Wm Torrence, the Blacksmith. flour milling also in the smaller
mills being much in request, it was found necessary to have the barrels readily at hand
and a cooperage of considerable dimensions was
in operation for years in the village, under the management of the Gowkey family and
later on by some others, the shoe making and repairing interest was, for many years,
attended to by a number of the craft who found it to their interest to be stationed in
Everton but who eventually gave up the business. framing and house carpentering was
also very well represented by members of the families of the Mitchells, Abbotts, Jestins
&c, but most all, in their turn, ceased to operate. the blacksmithing business has never
lacked a representative during all the years, and is now cared for in the village by Mr
George Robertson, who is always on hand to do his best to please his customers with a
ready and willing hand. The Public for a long time in the early days, had to put up with a
very inneficient and unsatisfactory postal service. the mails carried principally over the
rough road once a week on horse back. soon however, a By weekly and try weekly mail
was established, to be superceded by the daily Auto car which is comfortably covered to
carry passengers & parcels, and run daily (except Sunday) from Erin to Guelph &
return, calling at Everton each time morning & night. Mr James Neville of Erin is the
driver and manager of the car and its business, and any business entrusted to Mr
Neville will be carefully and courteously attended to, as had been the daily experience.
{The top of this page contains accounting data from 1896.}
1896 lbs
{--} 17 Johny borrowed 5 bags oats
{--} 18 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 79
{--} 22 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 84
{--} 26 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats
{--} 28 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats
{--} {-2 Johny borrowed 1 bag oats 79
{The left edge of the page is cut off. The bottom of the page is a continuation of the
rough draft of a historical sketch of Everton which was written by William no earlier than
1914.}
The village of Everton, situated about midway between the {ci}ty of Guelph and Erin
village, in one of the finest farming {se}ctions of the county of Wellington, is southerly
adjacent to the county {gr}avel road which connects these two points. its flour and grist
{mi}lls, saw log and shingle mills occupy a central position in the {vi}llage and are snugly
situated in a rocky valley, where a branch of {th}e grand river provides the power for the
mills. after doing so the river wends its way through among the high & precipitate
{r}ocks {to} Rockwood and beyond. the village, like many others in the country obtained
its name in comemoration of the family bearing the name of Everts
Receipt, obtained from George Cutting, Senr., for lame back 15 drops of Balsam of
Cape{---} taken in a spoonful of milk without stirring.
according to recepts sent to Guelph by Colin Mc
Millan to D. L. Shultz for turnips. 1 load.
March 17th 42.15 lbs @ 11¢. March 19th 2 loads. 43.10. @ 48. 15 @ 12¢. March 24th
25. 25 @ 15¢ at least Barrie offered that. (only allowed 12¢.) Rockwood. Eramosa
Everton, and Guelph
{Mathematical calculation}
{This page provides typed written information with the following headings:}
COMMERCIAL LAW. ONTARIO. {Headings of paragraphs} ARREST FOR DEBT,
ABSCONDING DEBTORS; ASSIGNMENTS; BANKRUPTCY; BILLS OF EXCHANGE
AND PROMISSORY NOTES; BILLS OF SALE AND CHATTEL MORTGAGES;
CONTRACTS; COURTS, JURISDICTION OF; COMMISSIONS; EXECUTION;
EXEMPTIONS; EXAMINATION OF JUDGMENT DEBTOR; FRAUDULENT
CONVEYANCES; GARNISHMENT; INTEREST; JUDGMENTS; LIMITATION OF
ACTIONS; MARRIED WOMEN; REGISTRY FOR DEEDS; WILLS.
QUEBEC. ASSIGNMENTS; ATTACHMENTS; CHATTEL MORTGAGES; COURTS;
EXECUTIONS; EXEMPTIONS; INTEREST; JUDGMENTS; LIMITATION; MARRIED
WOMEN.
{This page provides typed written information under this heading:} CHARTERED
BANKS IN CANADA.
For more information on William Sunter, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under
“Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca