William Sunter (1831 – 1917)
1893
Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers
{Book cover} XRIMS A023
1893
{Handwritten} Diary - Wm. Sunter
COLLIN'S SCRIBBLING DIARY. Interleaved
{Handwritten} B298
CALENDAR, 1888.
Collins' SCRIBBLING DIARY for 1888. Showing a Week at an Opening.
London and Glasgow: WILLIAM COLLINS, SONS, & CO., Limited.
{Blank page}
JANUARY 1888. 1893
1 Sunday
Considerable snow has fallen to day the temperature has been mild, the sleighing is
likely now to be good. the girls were at meeting this forenoon. Bella & her Mother & I
spent a while at Duffields this afternoon and had our tea with them. Willie and Jeenie
drove up to Mimosa to day to spend their New Year.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
2 Monday
Quite a heavy fall of snow last night. Willie has been back at the Bush this forenoon for
wood and thinks there is about a foot of snow on the level. there was considerable
drifting as the wind was high. did not do much this forenoon as on account of losing
sleep last night did not feel well. I rode up with Johny to Oustic and voted for Talbot for
Dy Reeve, and George Armstrong, Robert Scott, & Wm Hindley for Councilors. Willie
also followed me up and Voted about the same. Johny voted for drunken Hamilton, not
much to his credit, I understand he has got in too by 2 votes. Councilors elected,
Armstrong, Scott, Loree. the roads are heavy. we had a visit of Duncan Anderson who
is now down this way. we had our new years Supper at Willie's and Mr Anderson joined
us.
3 Tuesday
A very cold night has just passed. the thermometer recorded 12 degrees below zero.
Willie has drawn home quite a quantity of stove wood to day. Ewart's shoes were not in
order to start to school so I had to fix them up to day. I sewed up some rippings on a
Boot for Richd. Mc
Williams. Mc
Williams' children are about to start driving to school and
we have been trying to provide harness for the purpose. Bella and the girls have been
visiting there to day. the roads are improving as they are travelled upon. the snow does
not pack extra well on account of the cold snap.
4 Wednesday
A very cold day, the frost was pretty nearly as kean as yesterday. Ewart got his teeth
sent him by mail some days since but they do not fit, so we made up our minds to drive
over to Erin Village this afternoon. After a lunch at about 11 oclock, we drove over and
had the drive for nothing as the dentist did not put up an appearance to day, he is about
moving to Acton and has his time engaged this week in consequence. it was very
dissapointing to find matters in this shape after so long a drive on so cold a day.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
5 Thursday
A very stormy & cold day, the frost was kean as well as being stormy, considerable
snow fell. I cut the rail for the stair way and got it into position by taking it in by the upper
window. I bagged up 2 bags of mixed stuff and took it to Everton to grind they had so
much on hand that I did not wait for it. I have been doing the chores as Ewart is to
school and Willie has been at a stone drawing bee for Willie Theaker. Johny also was
there. they drew the most of the stones away that Johny took off the land adjoining the
Beaver Meadow. Jeenie is up home for a few days helping her Mother to fix up her
store Books.
6 Friday
Frosty and cold last night, the frost was kean this morning, the cold however became
less severe as the day wore on and the sun shone out some. Willie went to Toltons this
morning to help thresh. I drove Ewart down to school this morning and called by way of
Everton and got my chop, also got irons made to fasten on the rails on the stair way.
Bella has been looking this day or two for John coming down, we guess he must think it
too cold to risk the Baby out in. Johny is preparing a load of oats for Guelph tomorrow
and I have had all the work of the chores on my hands. paid Robt. Mc
Williams 12 dollars
as interest on note, and settled for the mutton and he for mending Boots 75¢ balance on
bull account $1.15. Maggie and her Mother and I visited at Johny's to night to see
Barrie. {Margin} settlement with accounts
7 Saturday
Frost less severe last night, and this forenoon was very fine. I was working quite a while
in the shop to day mending shoes and harness. it became snowy again this afternoon.
John Mc
Kenzie drove down this afternoon or rather before dinner and took Bella and the
Baby away home, it was storming pretty hard as they went away but it moderated down
after awhile. I was at Everton this evening and got some mail. Johny was at Guelph with
a load of oats. sold at 27½ cents. he called by Pipes Mill and brought home Willie's
wheat grist, also Robt. Jestins. Willie's was 14 Bu. & 5 lbs.
8 Sunday
Another snowy day. the snow is considered to be fully 14 or 15 inches on the level now.
the girls & Willie drove to Everton this forenoon. Jeenie is unwell to day. they did not go
down in the afternoon. Margaret & I visited the sick this evening. Robert Mc
Williams and
Barrie Mutrie over at Johny's.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
9 Monday
A very stormy day and quite an additional fall of snow, this evening it has become quite
a bit colder again. I have been quite busy to day, shovelling snow, splitting wood and
drawing it in to the house, putting up fixings for and hanging clothes lines. before night I
hitched up Billie and drove over to Sam. Tovells and paid him $6.90 as interest on note.
he wishes me to let the note lie over if I have any need for the money. I drove to Everton
and Willie Loree made fresh holes in the hanging irons for the stair rail. I drove him up
home and I drove across the side road home. I fixed on the stair rail this evening. the
flour received from Pipes Mill weighs 38 lbs to the Bushel. the young folks of Mc
Williams
commenced to drive to school this morning and Ewart gets a ride with them. {Margin}
more snow. - choring at home - paid money - wheat grist from Pipes Mill. - driving now
again to school.
10 Tuesday
This has been what we think the coldest day of the season so far. the thermometer
showed 22 below zero this morning and at noon it stood at 12 below. 14 at tea time and
held on the same at evening. Ewart went to school with Mc
Williams but came home with
Willie who was down that way with the cutter. Ewart says a number of the scholars got
frost bitten to day. I have heated the water for the pigs to day kept up the supply of split
wood, and helped the other chores. the wind has been high and the snow is drifting
some. the hens are thriving apparently through all the cold. I got 3 fresh laid eggs this
morning when feeding the pigs and took them over to Barrie, poor Barrie does not gain
strength very fast. Johny has been at home all day. {Margin} coldest day of the season
so far. - 22 degrees below zero - hens laying
11 Wednesday
An awfully cold night has passed, showing 25˚ below zero at about 5 oclock, at about 8
oclock it had risen 5 degrees. Willie & Ewart started after getting dinner early, to Erin
Village. Ewart got his teeth fixed. Willie settled in full with Moses Hurren for his Boy's
wages, taking 100 lbs of flour and some meat & cash. they drove round by Hillsburgh
and their Uncle Thomas, and got the balance of note cashed at Dunbar's $24.50. I have
been chore Boy to day, having all the stock to feed and look after up to the last as they
were late in getting home. Maggie and Minnie have been visiting at Johny's this
afternoon. Johny was at Everton this afternoon and found that Mary was unwell. Minnie
and her Mother and I drove down in the evening and Minnie stayed while we came
home. Mary was not as bad as we were led to think she might be. {Margin} extremely
cold this morning which some what modified - Willie and Ewart away on a long drive to
Erin and Hillsburgh - Dunbar's note paid $24.50.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
12 Thursday
Continues very cold but this has been a pleasant day although cold. Ewart went to
school with Mc
Williams' rig to day. Margaret and I drove over to Toltons to day and paid
a long talked of visit. we went over in the forenoon and had both dinner and tea with
them. Maggie and her Mother visited at Robert Mc
Williams this evening after we
returned and, afterwards they walked up to see Barrie Mutrie while I drove down to
Everton to bring Minnie home and get the mail. James Black and his wife were at
Johny's this afternoon. James met what might have proved a very serious accident
while hitching up to start home. in passing Johny's "Jan" mare she kicked out at Jim's
horse it is supposed and struck him on the arm disabling it at the time. it is to be hoped
it is not serious. {Margin} Ewart to school - paid a long and long talked of visit to Toltons
- James Black kicked with Johny's Mare this evening. - went to Everton for Minnie
13 Friday
Not quite so cold to day and rather fine this forenoon, became overcast afternoon.
Ewart again to school to day with Mc
Williams. Maggie, Minnie with their Mother and I
hitched up the double team to the sleigh and drove up to Mc
Kenzies after dinner. we
saw threshing going on at Weatherstones as we were about passing there and stopt to
enquire if any of the Mc
Kenzies were there and found they were all there. we got Bella
with us and John and his Mother followed on behind. Weatherston said he could get
along without John which was lucky as they were visited by another neighbor as well as
by us. - Mr & Mrs Bain - we had a very pleasant afternoon & drove home to find we had
lost our bells. Willie drove up the cutter after ten oclock and found them near John's
place. he went on to see the Baby and returned about 2 oclock A.M.
14 Saturday
Another very cold day. I hurried through with my chores this morning and made ready to
go to Guelph so as to catch the Bank before closing. I called at Mr Days to take him to
Guelph on Smallhorn's account, if he was ready, but he was unwell. I was just in time
for the Bank and took out the $25.00 that Heffernan paid on the note. they kept the
discount, $24.85. I settles Rudd's Bill for house piping, got an axe and handle and other
sundries. Alf. House rode home with me from Guelph.
15 Sunday
Continues cold and frosty, the frost has got further into the turnip house than usual. the
girls have been twice at Everton to day. Barrie Mutrie is improving some although very
slowly.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
16 Monday
A continuation of this long spell of cold and frost, the frost has got further into the turnip
house than is very pleasant a good many of the turnips are frozen. Johny's cellar is
letting the frost in rather much, although his turnip house is all right. I helped Johny &
Willie away with their lambs this forenoon. Johny had 4 and Willie had 10 with our little
one, we weighed them, Johny's 428, Willie's 1021. Johny sold his by the lump for 21
dollars, Willie's shrunk about 70 lbs, but Henry Duffield allowed Willie another quarter on
the 100 because of Willie delivering in Guelph instead of Rockwood according to
agreement. I have had the charge of both places on my hands to day, which with the
work of wood &c has been rather much for me getting on comfortably with.
17 Tuesday
Continues frosty and cold. Margaret & I started off for Rockwood this morning so as to
catch the 10.52 train. Margaret intended staying at Stewarts until I returned from
Georgetown but we found that Mrs Stewart had gone to Hillsburgh and she concluded
to go on to Georgetown. we had a nice visit at Moores and returned on the 6 oclock
P.M. train. I got a new note from Bennett for $118.00. I also paid Peter Laird Junr.
$15.00 in full of account for the Bedroom set. the Pony is very lazy on the road at
present, she was sick to night but she got over it in about an hours time. I paid Kate ten
dollars ($10.00) that Willie sent down with me to pay on the cow. Walter & Mabel are
both unwell, and James is not very well either. Joe is not strong and Kate not very
either
18 Wednesday
The frost and cold continues although not nearly so severe as some days in the past.
the wood has become scarce with us and I drew up 3 loads to day. Willie went down the
first time with me before dinner as the old track had got filled up and I had some
shovelling to do at the gate ways. Willie took Mary home this afternoon and got Fred
sharped all round at Willie Loree's. I had a very busy time this evening preparing wood
for the stove and doing up my other chores. I intend going to Guelph tomorrow and am
getting Johny's Jeenie. Minnie talks of going also to get a tooth pulled. she has suffered
now quite a time from toothache.
JANUARY 1888. 1893
19 Thursday
Weather somewhat moderated but yet quite winter like and cold. after feeding up the
things, I got Johny's mare (Jeenie) and hitched her to our cutter and Minnie and I
started for Guelph about ½ after nine. I put up at the "Victoria" and first went to Pringle's
with Willies clock, then found the money had been paid in to the Bank by Heffernan and
took it out. ($40.00) I then went with Minnie to Campbell the dentist and had her tooth
taken out. he rubbed her face with his hands and before pulling which he considers
secures painlessness - Minnie says she felt pain but not severe. we called on Mrs David
Tolton and had dinner. I attended the meeting of S.W.F. institute. and heard several
addresses and some discussion. Lessons learnt while judging prize farms - Hobson. an
address on orchard Management - Caston. that took part in the discussion. McCrea,
Whitelaw, Hill, Mah{??} Kennedy. {Margin} Guelph - we have heard to day that Mrs
John Neustadt died last night at Eleven oclock. Just 12 hours after the operation took
place. - Minnie had her tooth pulled to day. - took money from Bank.
20 Friday
A very fine winter day. the cold has moderated perceptibly. I have had a very busy day,
having had the charge of everything left to me. Willie went to a wood Bee for Colin
Campbell in the afternoon, the girls and Ewart went to an entertainment at Hugh Blacks
house which comes off this evening. the girls meet Ewart as he gets out of school. I
paid Robert Mc
Williams thirty five dollars on the 200 dollar note he holds against me,
which makes now 95 paid on it, when I make it the 100 I am going to make a new note
for the 100 and retire the old one. I helped Wm. to get Robert down stairs to his room.
he is improving although still very feeble. Barrie Mutrie is improving very much now, he
is able to take his usual walk with his crutches from this Bedroom to the big room.
21 Saturday
A very beautiful, sunshiny day, the finest day for a very long time, the thermometer
showed 15 or 16 above zero, and the change is very enjoyable. Margaret went to
Guelph to day along with Lizzie they had Butter and eggs to the market, sold the (our)
eggs at 23cts = 4½ doz. Lizzie got 19cts for Butter. they walked up to Mrs Sockets and
saw Mrs Neustadt's remains. they appeared to be gratified by their visit, the funeral
takes place tomorrow. I half soled my Boots and prepared my usual wood, also
attended to some young pigs that I got from Robert Mc
Williams that his sow refuses to
nurse.
22 Sunday
Weather continues fine and the cold quite moderate. the girls were at Everton this
forenoon and brought Maggie Mitchell up with them. Ewart drove them all down again in
the evening. George & Mary paid us a visit to day. the Boys & I attended the funeral of
Mrs Neustadt, leaving here about 2 oclock. P.M. and returning about 5 oclock. we met
the cortege at Parkinsons. the burial was at the Centre burying ground. {Margin}
Funeral of Mrs Neustadt - visitors
JANUARY 1888. 1893
23 Monday
A very fine day, little flurries of snow with gleams of sunshine, the snow has been very
near the melting point. we are feeling releived that the iron grip of the steady frost is
somewhat relaxed. the last of the little pigs that I have been trying to raise has died to
day. we have an idea that they may have had their chances of life injured by the work of
"black tooth". Johny has got started with his man this morning. they have taken in their
straw stack and started at the swamp. Margaret & I drove to Everton this evening, we
had tea at Marys and spent the evening there along with the 2 Mrs Abbott and Maggie
Mitchell. I paid the taxes to Mrs Mc
Kinnon $37.00. and settled my Bill with Alf. House.
$2.95. he gave me back 20cts as I told him he was charging me 25cts more for putting
on the shoes on the cutter than he bargained for, namely $2.00. Willie, Jeenie and the
girls are visiting at Webbs this evening. I sent 3 dollars A.O.U.W. Asst & dues John
Mc
Kenzie & self. {Margin} moderate weather - young pigs from Robt. Mc
Williams sow all
dead to day - Johnys man came to him to day - settled with Alf House and paid taxes -
visiting at Mary's - A.O.U.W. asst & dues Mc
. & self
24 Tuesday
Another very fine day, excepting that considerable snow fell on in the afternoon, the
cold is now quite moderate. I drew up 3 loads of stove wood from the bush this
afternoon the snow was falling fast part of the time, which made it rather a wet job. I
was working in the shop awhile mending the single harness. Willie has been choring
round fixing and cleaning out the pigs, his roan cow calved to day a nice heifer calf, she
makes a great appearance for milk. Ewart, after doing up his chores went to Mimosa
along with Willie & Jeenie this evening to the Patron Concert. Johny is away also he is
one of the singers. Johny has been with his man in the swamp to day. Barrie has had
visitors from his old home neighborhood, he keeps better. {Margin} weather keeps mild -
snowfall - mending harness - Willie's cow calved - concert at Mimosa
25 Wednesday
Nice mild winter day, not very much sunshine however, I think I noticed the
thermometer indicating 24 above zero. I have been working around at the chores and
afterwards spent a long time in the shop sewing up the tugs of the light double harness
which have long been badly ripped. Johny and his man are steady in the swamp. I
bought a new axe and handle when in Guelph lately and Johny has it at work. I don't
always get the cream of things although purchasing them. our hens are laying some
now for quite a while. we get 4 & 5 generally a day and an odd time six. the girls were
over seeing Barrie this evening. I did not get my accustomed visit to day paid to Barrie. I
have just started to read the "Life of Hon. Alexr
. Mc
Kenzie." John Webb owns the Book
and he offered me a reading. so far as I have got I feel much interested in the narrative.
{Margin} mending harness - Johny and his man in the swamp - hens laying very fairly
now. - started to read the Life of the Hon. Alexander Mc
Kenzie
JANUARY 1888. 1893
26 Thursday
A very pleasant winter day. I was working in the shop this forenoon mending a single
harness. After dinner I made ready and drove over to the Centre inn to the annual
meeting of the Eramosa fire insurance company. they had just started to business when
I arrived by red having read the auditors report. they had some discussion on the
question of allowing insurance to the full amount of personal property in buildings, some
contending that if offered a premium on burning, especially to tenants, the matter was
left as lately arranged, to the full amount of loss. Elected as directors, Geo. Duffield,
Arch. Johnston, David Rea, old Mr Armstrong retired. I drove Lizzie down to Crofts later
this evening. they had word of Jeenie (Mrs Forrester) having met a serious accident by
falling while carrying a kettle of boiling water and getting burned. Mrs Croft intends
going to Oakville to morrow. {Margin} working in the shop - attended the Annual Meeting
of Eramosa Insurance Company - drove Lizzie down to Crofts this evening - Joe Croft
paid his note this evening - $36.00.
27 Friday
A little colder to day with east wind and indications of change, it is snowing this evening
and blowing. I was again in the shop this forenoon putting heels on my Boots and
sewing rippings. Willie being away at dinner time I had to do up the noon chores and,
after dinner I went down with Johny to Talbots with his sow which was not required - to
be hoped fortunately as she was taken there before - Willie was at Mc
Kenzies at dinner
time to day, they are all well and the Baby seems to be thriving nicely. Johny & his man
are steadily working in the swamp. Willie was hunting help to day to enable him to do
the same work. {Margin} mending my Boots - choring in Willie's absence - down to
Talbot's with Johny
28 Saturday
Misty and dissagreeable weather to day, the hoar frost hangs on to trees &c. in the
evening there was quite a fall of rain. I went down to Robert Mc
Williams to day and paid
him the remaining five dollars on the note which reduced it to a hundred. I made out a
new note for the Am't and dated it the 4th Jan. payable in a year. Margaret and I drove
down to see little George Robertson who has been very sick this week from Conjestion
& Bronchitis, he is now some better although still very unwell. {Margin} Heavy rain
through the night and the snow was very much lessened Sunday morning
29 Sunday
Finer to day, the girls have been twice at Everton to day. Ewart drove them down with
the colt in the evening. Willie & Jeenie drove up to Mc
Kenzies to day, and visited at
Mimosa on their way home. Ewart & I had to do the chores. Margaret & I paid Barrie &
his Mother a visit this evening {Margin} this forenoon it remained soft but it got colder
afternoon
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
30 Monday
Weather moderate & mild. hoar frost in the morning. we got the furnace going early this
morning and on the boil by about nine oclock. Johny & Thom. Mc
Dougal were on hand
but Uncle Thomas did not come to hand till about ten oclock. Robert Jestin came along
but, as we were waiting for Thomas they went up for his hog which he killed first, we
had other 2 strung up before dinner, we got them all (7) hung up by about 3 oclock and I
made ready and drove over to the Centre inn to the meeting of the Board of Health. we
have a change of a member in the Reeve, Mr Fletcher, we had not much to do but
organize. {Margin} Furnace on early this morning - and we have had the help of Johny &
Mc
Dougal to help kill our pigs. Robt. Jestin also killed a big one - 1st meeting of Board
of Health
31 Tuesday
Somewhat stormy to day although not very cold, a dissagreeable east wind has
prevailed all day. Willie and Robert Jestin took the pigs to Guelph. Robert had also 8
bags potatoes. Willie had 2 pigs, one weighed 150 lbs, the other 165. we had one 185
lbs. he got $8.50 per 100. Robert Jestin did not sell his Stag. all he was offered was
$4.00 per 100 for it. Willie bought 2 small front quarters of beef he got it cheap $4.50
per 100, a young heifer from a Mr Wilson down at Shaw Station C.P.R. he brought us ½
a ton of coals. $3.25. a pair of long Boots for Ewart $1.50. I cut up our other 2 pigs. one
weighed 172 the other 125 and salted them down. Johny borrowed a shoulder 24 lbs he
also got a head 10 lbs. I have had to do up all the chores to day, as well as provide
wood which had run entirely out. {Margin} Willie & Robert Jestin went to Guelph to day
with the pork - bought beef. - also ½ ton coal. - Boots for Ewart - cut and salted pork to
day.
Feb. 1 Wednesday
Rather a mild day, the customary hoar frost was present again this morning. towards
evening it blew up colder after there had been perhaps a couple of hours snowing and
blowing. I cut up our small quarter of beef and Margaret packed it away among snow in
a box. it weighed 68 lbs. Willie paid me $6.70 being the balance out of the proceeds of
the pig. $15.55. Maggie and her Mother and I drove over to Suttons this afternoon with
Billie & cutter. Mr Sutton is very poorly he keeps his bed the most of the time. he is
being very much enfeebled both in body & mind and is a great handful for Mrs Sutton
who, though energetic and active for her age (70 years) can hardly be expected to have
strength sufficient for the work. Mrs Mc
Kenzie is now there and Annie Mc
Kenzie from
Guelph. Kate (Mrs Wm. Sutton) and the baby are both doing nicely, the baby is 2 weeks
old to day I believe. in coming home we called at David Robertson. Eliza is now poorly
from Grip, it is thought. the little Boy is getting better. {Margin} fixing up things this
forenoon cut up the Beef and put away the coal. - visiting at Mark Sutton Senr
this
afternoon - Mr David Robertson sick. the Boy getting better.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
2 Thursday
Rather colder to day, not so much that the frost is greater but that an east wind has
been very raw and peircing. the wind drifted the snow very much through the night. I
paid a visit to Robert Mc
Williams this forenoon, he is improving now, although it has
been very slow indeed in setting in. I spent awhile at the swamp where Johny and
Thom. Mc
Dougal are working. the snow is very deep down there and the lying timber
(cedar) is so much covered by the snow as to increase the work of making it into
cordwood very much. Willie has been about home the most of the day. I helped him cut
up his beef, but the pig is too much frozen to cut up. it has turned out very stormy this
evening {Margin} rather dissagreeable weather especially at night - cutting up meat. -
down at the swamp where Johny is at work chopping - Johny has had quite a lot of
visitors this evening. John Mutrie & wife, Arch. Johnston & Miss Johnston, Aggie Black
& Maggie Scott.
3 Friday
The wind has blown a hurricane to day and the snow has been driving before it till it is
piled up in high drifts and through every cranny, the cold has not been great which was
fortunate. I half soled a pair of Boots for R. J. Kerr. I charge 60cts for them, though there
was a patch on the uppers & heel extra. Willie was helping Robt. Jestin break a colt this
forenoon. I did up some of his chores. Johny & his man have been working in the Bush
through all the storm. Ewart went to school along with Mc
Williams they have the sleigh
all the time, they say the roads are filling up badly. {Margin} very high wind which is
piling up the snow into unsightly heaps. - Ewart to school. - at work through it. -
Breaking R. Jestins colt.
4 Saturday
The wind has gone down but, the cold has considerably increased since yesterday. the
thermometer shows 7 or 8 below zero. I have been looking after the house wants in the
matter of wood & water &c. and fixed up a blanket for Ewart to be used for the colt. I
fixed on buckling straps and mended it up. Ewart has been helping at the chores and he
and Willie have broken the road on the lane out to the line, quite a number have been
out to day breaking the roads and shovelling snow. Willie drove down as far as David
Robertsons. Eliza is still very poorly although a little better to day. Johny & his man have
been cutting up the big pine logs down in the bush. {Margin} Colder again to day -
hands out shovelling snow and breaking the roads. - mending horse blanket and doing
other chores.
5 Sunday
Pretty cold but not quite so severe as yesterday, the roads having so lately been
blocked up, the girls did not venture out this forenoon to Everton. Johny drove over
Lizzie to Ospringe, this being Sacrament Sunday. I gave him my Letter for Meaford to
mail. I enclosed a dollar in it to pay for the Globe. Margaret & I paid Robt. Mc
Williams a
visit this evening he is improving. Ewart & the girls drove to Everton this evening, also
Willie. {Margin} no one out this forenoon - visiting Robt. McWilliams - the girl & Ewart to
Everton this evening
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
6 Monday
Quite a change in the weather from frost and cold to rain and thaw. it partook of the
pancake thaw in the morning but it became softer and we had rain and thawing all day.
there has not been any work of consequence going on to day either with Johny or here.
the water was getting into our cellar from the leading pipe to the cistern chocking up
with ice. I had quite a time liberating the water course and shovelling snow. Ewart went
to school to day and we hardly liked to see him go as he has a cough & cold, but, of
course, he rides with Mc
Williams. I am writing a letter to Alex. Mc
Gregor this evening,
but, as all the rest are off to bed, I suppose I shall follow suit and finish up perhaps
tomorrow. {Margin} A rainy day. - working at the water spouts - writing a letter to Alex.
Mc
Gregor.
7 Tuesday
Froze up again and rather cold all day, dry however and pleasant. I have been choring
around and trying to get things comfortable for our visitors, Barrie Mutrie & his Mother. I
was fixing up the horse blanket that our colt tore up badly. the wood also got very low
on account of the soft weather and rain. Johny brought over Barrie & his Mother after
dinner in the sleigh, they spent a pleasant time with us, and Barrie did not seem to feel
any bad effects from the exertion. it turned colder towards evening and Johny drove
them over in Crofts Cutter. their young folks were visiting this afternoon. I mailed a letter
to Alex. Mc
Gregor and got the Monitor & a pamphlet from Alex. from Amherst,
illustrating the Town and giving an account of it. {Margin} Frost again. - visitors Barrie
Mutrie and his Mother. - sent a letter to Alex Mc
Gregor. - a pamphlet from Amherst.
8 Wednesday
Rather cold and the wind increases the cold as it blows high and is drifting the snow up
some. Maggie and Ruth Mc
Williams have paid a visit to our folks to day. I have been at
home all day, doing up our own chores and helping some at the Barn & stable chores.
Johny was helping Albert Tolton to cut straw this afternoon and I went over at night and
helped do up his work. Mrs Mutrie complains of a pain in her knee she first it felt it this
forenoon and it has become very painful this evening. Eddie Abbott came along with
Ewart from school this afternoon. there is no more school this week as the Teacher
(Miss Mitchell) is going to attend the teachers Convention. {Margin} a cold day & the
wind drifting the snow somewhat. - Ruth and Maggie Mc
Williams pay a visit to day.-
Eddie Abbott home with Ewart. - Teachers' Convention no school rest of the week.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
9 Thursday
Milder this morning and very pleasant outside although dull and threatning. we
concluded as the chances for good weather were few that we had better go up to see
the Mc
Kenzies to day. Ewart & Eddie and the girls and their Mother and I started off in
the sleigh with the Pony & her colt about ten oclock and arrived up there about noon.
the roads on account of the late drifts were a little heavy in going up, the side roads are
badly blocked but the upper one is open at John Reas, however we drove through Jam.
Rea's farm to the other line in going up. we came home by way of the road in a blinding
Snow Storm from the east which started about 2 oclock P.M. Bella & the Baby were
well, the Baby grows splendidly but was very shy and made strange for awhile. John
had just driven down to Everton mills and returned at about 4 oclock. he had dinner at
Willies. Mother had to go down to Mary to night as she took sick. {Margin} mild this
morning but an east wind brings up a huge snow storm afternoon - a sleigh load of us
visited the Mc
Kenzies - Mr and Mrs Mc
Intosh visiting at Johnys this afternoon.
10 Friday
There is to day quite an additional depth of snow to record and in places it is blown up
into inconvenient piles. I drove the pony and cutter down our lane this afternoon to go to
Everton for Mother and I had a very hard job to keep from upsetting. they shovelled it
out while I was away. Mary is better again. I was over at Johny's awhile this forenoon
and saw Mr & Mrs Mc
Intosh. they went away after dinner to Joe Crofts and took Mrs
Mutrie with them. Mrs Mutrie's knee gives her some trouble and she is more concerned
about it on account of the pain and swelling coming to it without any apparent Cause. I
see by the papers that the snow is 4 feet deep on the level at Owen Sound and the
report also says that 14 inches fell there in 24 hours. {Margin} more snow to record -
shovelling roads &c - Johny's visitors away again - Mrs Mutrie also gone - reports of
great depths of snow in places.
11 Saturday
Very fine day and quite mild in the early part although getting colder towards evening. I
drove Johny's team to Guelph taking Lizzie along with Margaret to the Market with
Butter & Eggs. Lizzie had also 2 Bags dried apples which she sold to Fielding at 5¢ per
lb. they sold the Butter & Eggs to Weatherstone the Baker at 22cts for Butter & 25cts for
eggs. Johny drew out his wood with Frank and the Morton Mare. {Margin} fine drive to
Guelph Market.
12 Sunday
One of the finest days of the season. the sun shone out beautifully and the air was mild
& fine. the girls went to meeting this forenoon. Ewart drove them there with Fred & the
Cutter. he also drove them down in the evening. I remained at home all day. Willie &
Jeeny were away the most of the day and I had to feed up at noon and at night.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
13 Monday
A very fine day, mild and pleasant. I have had to attend to the chores to day. both Johny
& Willie have been at Henry Duffield's threshing all day. Johny had his team there and
was one of the Machine Managers. I helped to up his chores this evening. I hitched up
the pony and cutter and brought Barrie Mutrie over to day. he got over nicely and I took
him back again in the evening he seemed to enjoy himself very well.
14 Tuesday
Great fog and frost rind on every thing this morning which remained all forenoon on the
trees, until rain began to fall about 2 oclock, the rain kept falling less or more till pretty
late at night. I hitched the Pony to the cutter and started off with Barrie Mutrie to Crofts
at about one oclock arriving there about 2 oclock. we had not been long there when it
began to rain. Johny and Willie have been drawing out the cedar cord wood this
afternoon with 2 teams till they were both very wet. we thought it was getting cold
enough to freeze this evening but at bed time it was raining on.
15 Wednesday
Soft and rainy yet this morning but soon after day break the air got colder and frost was
soon visible, every thing has been icy although the frost is by no means severe, it has
been a very fine and pleasant day. I have had a very busy day. Johny has been
threshing at Wm Barbers to day and he has engaged Ewart to see after his stock night
& morning. I fixed them up at noon. I have also been doing some Boot mending, sewing
up some seams on Johny Burnetts Boots. I also took to the mill 3 bags of chop this
afternoon but could not wait, borrowed 70 lbs of Hortop, it was Johny's grist. Willie took
a load of turnips to Rockwood for Robert Morton this afternoon. I brought up to Willie
Theaker's the young lad he lately engaged. he has been unfortunate in getting ruptured
and the doctors to day operated upon him. Dr Mc
Cullough gave him his robe to wrap
himself up in and I will try to get it down to him.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
16 Thursday
Frozen up again and it is very slippy getting round on the icy ground, it is not extra cold
however. Johny is threshing to day again at Willie Barber's. Ewart does his work night
and morning. Willie helped Robert Jestin kill his pigs this forenoon and in the afternoon
he took down a grist of chop to Everton, he brought home his own grist and also
brought home Johny's that I left yesterday. I have had the charge of the stock to day on
account of Ewart having to do Johny's work, and Willie being away at Jestins. I forgot to
send down to Dr Mc
Cullough his robe that he gave us yesterday to wrap the young lad
in he operated on. Johny & Lizzie are attending a select party at Willie Usherwood's to
night . Johny does not appear to sympathize very much with his own freinds whom
these creatures injured & wronged.
17 Friday
Much colder than yesterday and the wind rising in the afternoon to a high pitch made it
an extremely stormy afternoon. the roads are getting filled up with the drifting snow
which makes heavy travelling. as I unfortunately forgot to send down the Dr's robe with
Willie yesterday, I had to hitch up and take it down to him this afternoon. I grudged hard
to have to do so for no other purpose in the midst of so wild a storm, but, as I in a
measure obligated myself to see it down to him in a reasonable time, I could not very
well get out of it. I will try to be more careful in future in voluntarily obliging myself on
such occasions, as my memory plays me false at times. Johny & Lizzie are off again to
a "shin dig" to night at Joe Crofts. they must be kean for these things surely. I did not
wonder at their desire to attend on this occasion, but last night they should have done
without. {Margin} 8 below zero this morning
18 Saturday
Not so stormy as yesterday and the temperature is more moderate. I sharped and set
our crosscut saw this forenoon and split up a lot of stove wood, I hitched up the colt to
the cutter and drove over to Wm Mc
Phails for coal oil. I got 5 Galls at the old price 12½
cts per Gall. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella drove down this afternoon, they are staying all
night. the Baby makes strange which makes it somewhat unpleasant. we hope to see
the weather remain good so as to let them home again.
19 Sunday
Quite a drop in the temperature since last night the thermometer shows it colder this
afternoon and the wind is rising and drifting the snow. it became so stormy as to make
John Mc
Kenzie afraid to start for home. he has got a cold and Bella prevailed on to stop
all night they are now sorry to night they did not start off in the morning as it was neither
so cold nor so stormy. the Baby is not nearly so troublesome to day, he is more
reconciled to his company.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
20 Monday
A great drop in the temperature the thermometer showing 16 degrees below zero. it was
also an awful night with wind through last night. we expect to hear of the roads being
again blocked. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella have been at their wits end to conclude on
whether to go home or not. Johny made a start about ten oclock alone but, on learning
that the town line was likely to be open he turned back and they all got dinner and made
ready to start getting away at about ½ past one oclock. I fixed up a wind break and as
the wind is from the north west Bella & the Baby sat with their backs to John on the
bottom of the sleigh. Willie & Jeenie goes to Mimosa in the cutter at same time. after
returning home Willie says they had a terrible experience in getting across from the
church to Mimosa but that they expected John would get through by way of Jamie Rea's
without much trouble, we would like to hear how they got home and hope no harm befell
them.
21 Tuesday
A very cold morning, the thermometer showing 17 degrees below zero. the temperature
however rose very much through the day and in the afternoon it had risen as much
above as it had been below zero. we had also quite a fall of snow during the half of the
afternoon. I have been doing quite a few chores to day among others I have put on four
patches on the uppers on the shank of my Boots, they have been leaking for quite a
while and making my feet cold and unpleasant. Willie took a grist of chop to Everton this
afternoon, also took down the straw cutter and had a piece of steel put on the side of
the mouth piece, where it had become much worn and rounded, we think he charges a
little steep for the job. 75cts. he took it to Mr Hosking.
22 Wednesday
Weather moderated and to day has been quite tolerable and enjoyable to the traveller.
we had the company of Annie Mc
Kenzie last night and to day I drove her up to her
Brother John's. I promised some time ago to take her up. we found the roads very
heavy but were not blocked so as to hinder us getting through, we drove through James
Rae's place to the other line and took the fields from Weatherstone's gate to John's
Barn, crossing the side line down in the hollow. we found the folks, with the baby, had
suffered no harm in going home last Monday. Bella had fears on the road of the baby's
feet being cold, but on arriving home it was found he was warm and comfortable as on
unwrapping him he was happy & cheerful. we had about a five hours visit and returned
after tea well satisfied. Colin Mc
Millan has come to night to begin work for ½ a month at
the rate of $10.00 per month. I filed our longest saw to day before going up to
Mc
Kenzies.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
23 Thursday
An awfully snowy day, not cold however, this is a wonderfully severe winter. I
accompanied Willie & Colin to the bush and helped them to get the first tree, a big
maple, down, we had considerable trouble with it as the tree did not leave the stump
after falling. before dinner I went up to Duffield's and borrowed their saw. after doing up
the things I hitched up the colt, as the Pony cut herself yesterday, and I drove down to
Everton for the mail, taking Annie Mc
Kenzie to Usherwoods in the passing. on my way
home I called at Webbs and got the bag of coal they owed us from last year. Willie and
Colin hung well at the bush in the midst of that snow storm. I am nearly laid up to night
from a lame back. George Black has sent a pamphlet containing a Sermon, "What we
beleive And Why we beleive it". George's departure from Campbellism is very
pronounced. {Margin} sent $2.00 for John Mc
Kenzie's Ass'm't and my own A.O.U.W.
also $1.50 for Releif - sent it by Wm Moore in open letter and paid him five cents.
24 Friday
A very fine day, bright sunshine and not over cold. I have not been able to get around
much especially in the forenoon. Johny has killed his pigs and, Willie & Colin have been
helping also Henry Duffield and Robert Jestin. they finished up between 3 and 4 oclock,
it being so late they did not go to the bush and instead went at shovelling and opening
up our lane which has been blocked for some time. I did not venture to do much to day
but, on account of Johny having so much on hand I went over after tea and cut up the
three hogs he is keeping for himself. I took out all the fat and spare ribs, and took the
bones out of the hams. {Margin} lame back to day
25 Saturday
Another beautiful day. Johny and Lizzie went to Guelph to day with their pork. at home
they weighed 170 each the 2 small ones, and the large sow (Blakeleys) 392 lbs. they
nearly were as much at Guelph and he realized $8.40 for the 2 and $7.80 for the sow,
per 100. Willie & Jeenie also went to town with Butter & eggs, 20 & 22 respectively. I
have had to do up Johny's things at noon, and am not yet very able. Johny brought 2
barrells of coal for us $1.75. they report the roads as very heavy and terrible pitch holes
in places. we have engaged a man named Kennedy to come and fix our Organ on
Monday, he does it for $2.00. {Margin} Johny & Willies folks at Guelph to day. - Pork,
eggs & Butter. Johny brought us ¼ ton or over of coal $1.75.
26 Sunday
A fine day. Ewart & and girls have been twice at Everton to day, he drove the colt there
in the cutter as the Pony cut herself pretty bad the day I had her up to Mc
Kenzies. I sent
away a letter for mailing to Meaford.
FEBRUARY 1888. 1893
27 Monday
Continues fine. Willie cleaned up some stuff for chopping and went to Everton with it
this forenoon. Colin Mc
Millan and I went to the bush and we cut off 16 cuts on the same
tree that they cut 13 off the but. Afternoon we all went down and we cut up a second
smaller maple and a good deal of the balance of the first one, also split and piled a lot of
it. the man, Mr Kennedy, fixed up the organ to day. he took from 11 oclock A.M. till after
6 P.M. to do it. Margaret and I took a drive after supper to see old Mr Loree who has
been very poorly. he was a little better.
28 Tuesday
very windy last night and considerable rain fell. threatened to be very soft and wet this
morning but as the day wore on it improved a good deal. Willie and Johny started off
along with Henry Duffield who had 2 steers and a sheep in his sleigh. the Boys had a
steer each. Johny sold for $31.00. Willie for $33.50. Colin Mc
Millan and I cut in the Bush
from about 10.30 A.M. we helped them off with their cattle before going to the bush. we
got along very well cutting wood this afternoon. they returned from Guelph in fair time,
without any mishap, and did their business satisfactorily.
29 Wednesday March 1st
Weather very fine, the sun shone out the forenoon so nicely as to make it very warm
where we were working. it was somewhat gouly in the afternoon and considerable of a
snow shower passed over. Willie did not come to the bush this forenoon as he felt used
up. Colin and got along very well in the forenoon and Willie joined us in the afternoon. I
saw along with Colin for the most part. Willie splits up and piles we have been helping to
trim up some as it takes up quite a good part of the time to trim as they are so brushy.
MARCH 1888. 1893
1 2 Thursday
A most beautiful day, the sun has shone out warmly although the wind has been frosty.
Willie has helped Colin and I at the bush to day, we have cut among the beeches to
day, and with the exception that they have been very brushy they cut and split very well.
we think there is plenty cut for to fill the contract with Abbotts, and we intend starting in
the swamp tomorrow if all is well. we have been driving the old mare to the bush which
saves us a long walk. Ewart goes to the school steadily. Johny helped Henry Duffield to
kill pigs to day. {Margin} we think we have enough cut of the hardwood to fill the
contract to Abbotts - Johny helped Henry Duffield to kill pigs.
2 3 Friday
A very moderate temperature to day, a little inclined to a slight snow fall at times,
threatned rain in the morning but soon held up. Willie, Colin and I have all started to cut
in the swamp. I put Johny's axe on the handle, it is one that went through the fire at
Clunis & Pringles, it seems to hold a fair edge. I have been cutting principally by myself
and got along very well. the snow is terribly deep in the swamp. it takes me to the breast
in some places. we rigged up the old single sleigh to the shafts this afternoon the old
Fanny mare cut up some with us in the morning and was nearly getting off on us by
kicking over the shafts. it has been barely frosty enough to keep the snow from melting
on a person while working among it. {Margin} Colin Mc
Millan, Willie & I have all started
to cut the tamarac timber in the Swamp for firewood - old mare cutting up.
3 4 Saturday
Much colder to day, the frost has been quite a bit keaner than yesterday. the three of us
have been again in the swamp to day, and I have again been working by myself while
Willie & Colin have been working in a place further into the swamp. we measured from
the line fence back 34 rods lest we might be infringing on Synnott's bush and we came
to the conclusion we were all right as yet. Johny went to Guelph to day with a load of
cedar wood. {Margin} Colin Mc
Millan, Willie and I have been working in the swamp -
Johny to Guelph to day with wood.
4 5 Sunday
A fine day excepting that it was windy through the day. I felt so tired after such steady
work in the bush last week that I kept the house all day. I read a good deal and wrote a
letter to John Turney of 8 pages. Minnie stayed down after going to Everton forenoon
and came home at night. Kitty Robertson paid us a visit. Came up with Maggie and
returned with her. {Margin} wrote a letter to John Turney. Kitty Robertson paid us a visit
to day.
MARCH 1888. 1893
5 6 Monday
A fine day although a little cold and frosty. we have been working round home all day.
Willie wanted to cut his corn to day and as Johny was away till 2 P.M. we had our hands
full preparing for it, we had the horse power all to unbury out of the snow and fit up the
cutter. I filed it all up before dinner giving it - the knives - a wider bevel. Johny drove
over for Lizzie to Crofts her mother has been very ill all last week, her life almost
despaired of. we cut up nearly all the corn but had a terrible job with it as it would not
feed. {Margin} Colin and I engaged helping Willie to cut his corn. and in the first place
remove the horse power from over bye.
6 7 Tuesday
A very fine day. there was considerable frost through the night but after sunrise the
temperature rose and it was warm all the rest of the day. the snow fell a good deal and
the water was running off the buildings from the melting snow. the three of us were in
the swamp all day, and it was rather warm work, and also rather wetting, the snow
being so deep. Mr & Mrs John Webb paid us a visit this evening. they brought us ½ lb of
Onion Seed for which I paid them $1.75. they got a pound from Steele in Toronto.
{Margin} Colin Mc
Millan, Willie & I were working in the swamp to day. - I paid $1.75 to
John Webb for Onion Seed.
7 8 Wednesday
Frostier last night and to day the snow has not been quite so wetting as yesterday. the
three of us have been working in the swamp only that Willie did not do much in the
afternoon on account of Grant Junr. the pump maker coming along and fixed the pump
at the barn, he charged two dollars for it which, Willie considered an overcharge, as he
had agreed to fix it without charge on a deal of a cistern pump. the latter to cost five
dollars, or 25 pump logs - ten feet long - or 2 cts per foot, not altogether stipulating that
they should all be the 10 feet long. but the number of feet must be provided. the new
repairs provided for the barn pump were expected to be paid for. as we heard that
Bessey Tolton was ill, as also Hanah and her Mother considerably under the weather,
Margaret and I drove over there to night. we were pleased to find there was some
improvement, although Bessey had been very ill from inflammation of the inner ear.
there was a great fuss going on on account of a lot of young folks congregated for
making a raid on Richd Mc
Williams folks. {Margin} Colin Mc
Millan, Willie & I have been
at the swamp - Grant the pump maker came and fixed the barn pump - Margaret and I
hearing of sickness at Toltons drove over there this evening.
MARCH 1888. 1893
8 9 Thursday
A little frosty last night, but not enough to keep the snow from melting through the day.
Colin and I were at the swamp this forenoon and we had some trouble with our rig on
account of our hitching wire breaking. we had to leave it, while I rode the mare home at
noon. Colin and I stayed up afternoon to help Willie to cut straw. Johny was to have
been home to help him get things in order but as he was late in getting away to Crofts
this forenoon, it was about 2 oclock before he returned. Robert Jestin and Henry
Duffield also helped us, although between 3 and 4 oclock before we got fairly under
way, we succeeded in getting quite a nice lot of straw cut. {Margin} Colin Mc
Millan and I
at the swamp this forenoon - we helped Willie to cut straw afternoon
9 10 Friday
Another such day as yesterday the snow is going quite surely however every day and
the bottom of the snow on the land is water logged. Colin and I were again at the
swamp this forenoon and what I have recorded as happening to our rig was a mistake,
as it was this morning it happened. Willie made quite a show of his bad temper this
morning because I complained to him of getting our horse blanket torn to pieces by the
colt being tied by him out in the shed yesterday with the blanket on him, when he ought
to have known to take it off as this is the third time he - the colt - has done the same
thing and I had to repair it twice. it is now, however, unmendable. I and Colin helped
Johny to cut straw this afternoon as well as Willie. Thomy Webb, Thom Mc
Doyal, Albert
Tolton's wife and 2 little children were visiting this afternoon. they waited till nearly 2 this
morning for him returning from Orton, but not coming all went to Bed. {Margin} Colin & I
have again been at the Swamp this forenoon - helped at Johny's to cut straw this
afternoon - Albert Tolton's wife & children visiting here this afternoon.
10 11 Saturday
Dull and softer this morning, the water is running pretty lively under the snow these
times. Colin and I walked back this morning to the large elm tree at the lower corner of
our sugar bush and we cut off 8 cuts off the but. I sharped and set the saw before going,
as rain came on after dinner we did not return. his ½ month was in last night and I paid
him five dollars to day. he would not charge for this forenoon. I drove him and Mary,
who was up here since yesterday, home to night midst a pelting rain, in coming home
again, Robert Jestin and another young man riding with me on the bad roads caused
the harness to break in a pitch hole making trouble and nearly an hour's delay. {Margin}
Colin & I started to cut a large elm tree this forenoon at the sugar bush - paid him $5.00
for ½ months wages - break down with the colt and cutter
11 12 Sunday
Weather yet partakes of the soft and humid character it has lately assumed. Ewart
drove the girls to meeting this forenoon and afterwards in the evening. Margaret & I
went over to Toltons after dinner and stayed till after supper. their best mare died to
day. she has been ailing a number of days and they have had the farrier but she is
gone. {Margin} visit to Toltons to day, they lost a horse to day.
MARCH 1888. 1893
12 13 Monday
A slight frost and continued colder weather through the day has checked the great
wasting of the snow which has been going on for some days. the low places have been
filling up with water. I helped Johny to clean up 10 bags of mixed grain for chopping this
forenoon, and also helped him load up the circular saw frame that he takes over to John
Mutrie's to night, he intends helping them to thresh tomorrow. I wrote a letter to Auntie
Kate to day and enclosed twelve dollars that Willie sends her to pay the balance of the
price of the cow he bought of her. I mailed it this evening and registered it also mailing a
letter to Mrs Peavoy at same time that I wrote to day. {Margin} a little colder which has
stopped to some extent the great thaw. - Johny away at John Mutries threshing - sent
12 dollars to Kate Moore - sent letter to Mrs A. S. Peavoy.
13 14 Tuesday
Very foggy this morning and quite a frost rhine there was quite a heavy shower of rain &
icy hail before daylight this morning, and this forenoon kept very dull and uncertain
looking, the afternoon was a little brighter and less damp. Colin Mc
Millan and I finished
cutting the large elm tree that we started on last Saturday. I think there were 35 or 37.
20 inch blocks to the first heavy limb, & we cut them all to day excepting the 8 but cuts
that was cut on Saturday, we split it all up to the 12 but cuts. Willie took down 2 loads of
stove wood to Everton, the sleigh broke through considerably the first load but I think he
put on too heavy a load. Margaret is called down to Willie Peavoys to day. {Margin} very
foggy and colder - Colin Mc
Millan and I have cut stove wood in the Bush - Willie has
drawn 2 loads of wood to Abbotts Everton.
14 15 Wednesday
Frosty and colder which has hardened the roads considerably. the sleighing and
general getting around has very much improved. I have not done a great deal to day. I
think I must have got a cold working out in the damp yesterday. Willie's (Dunbar) sow
pigged 11 pigs last night. she lost 2 of them this morning. Joseph Mc
Intosh and a
comrade, named James Harrison, came here to night. Harrison is bying horses and
intends looking around tomorrow. Willie took 2 loads of wood down to Abbotts. {Margin}
Mrs Wm Peavoy had a son yesterday. improvement in the state of the roads &c. -
Joseph Mc
Intosh and a companion paid us a visit - Joe stays.
15 16 Thursday
A fine day, the roads are now getting quite good. Joseph Mc
Intosh and his freind
Harrison are off to day looking up horses, Willie accompanied them over to James
Hyndmans and they bought a mare from him for $120.00. Thomas Tolton's folks have
been sawing with the machine to day & Arch. Stevens, who was there, met a serious
accident by being knocked over by a party sleigh riding on a hill, it is not known how
badly he is hurt. Johny has been to Guelph to day with a load of wood. Mr & Mrs John
Mutrie paid us a visit this evening. Joe sung some to help entertain, we have just been
hearing that Wm Farrish has become insolvent. {Margin} Willie went to Hyndmans and
Joe and his freind, Harrison, bought a Mare. John Mutrie & wife visiting.
16 17 Friday
The weather continues fine. frosty at nights and the roads are now in fine condition.
Johny went to Guelph again to day with a load of wood. he tells me he got measured
what he has in - six cords and a quarter - they are waiting till another season for the
rest. the roads are very bare of snow near Guelph and makes very tough pulling for the
horses. Willie took a load of wood to Abbotts and 9 bags grain to chop. I also after
helping him load up, drove over to the Talbot neighborhood and canvassed some for
the Smallhorn fund. the Mitchells would not give anything. got the promise of some from
Johny Loree and Alton. I was glad to learn that the deed is made and all settled. it is
conveyed in fee simple to the 4 trustees, myself, H. Hortop, Dan Talbot & Mr Woodyat.
{Margin} Johny at Guelph to day. - I have canvassed some for Smallhorn fund to day. &
have learned the business is all done excepting to raise some more money.
17 18 Saturday
Very beautiful day, the sun has shone out clear and warm, there is considerable frost at
night however. I helped Johny to load up a load of turnips to take to Rockwood. there
were 49 bushels & odd lbs. Willie took down a load of wood in the forenoon and after
dinner he loaded up a load of turnips for Thomy Webb, they were stopped however by a
telegram and Willie took down another load of wood to Abbotts. Maggie & Minnie and
Joe Mc
Intosh & Ewart drove up in two cutters to Mc
Kenzies, (with Pony & Fred) they had
a very fine day but complain of the state of the roads up that way. {Margin} Johny took a
load of turnips to Rockwood - Willie took 2 loads of wood to Abbotts.
18 19 Sunday
A wintry day, although somewhat mild. Ewart drove the girls to Everton this forenoon
with Fred & cutter, they also went down again at night and Joe accompanied them.
Margaret and I spent a while of the evening at Richd
. Mc
Williams. Johny & Lizzie were
also there as well as Robert Mc
Williams & Miss Paterson. {Margin} Joe and the girls to
meeting - visiting.
MARCH 1888. 1893
19 20 Monday
Frosty last night but became mild and threatning looking through the day and, later on
snow began to fall, which turned to rain. Willie and I hauled 4 loads of the tamarac poles
out of the swamp this afternoon, he took a load of wood to Abbotts at Everton finishing
up the contract with, he thinks, a little to spare. Joe & Margaret have been away visiting
to day at David Robertsons and Joseph Hindley's. Mr Dunbar came over to see me
about the new arrangements in connection with the Riley Society which takes effect on
the 1st of April. we went over together to Erin, and Mr Wood could throw very little light
on the matter. he promised however, to look into it and report immediately. I returned by
way of Dunbars having left our Pony there, while Mr Dunbar drove one of his horses
over to Erin. about 3 oclock A. M. before retiring to bed. {Margin} Snow - hauling
tamarac poles out of the swamp to home. - Mr Dunbar and I drove over to Erin to night
20 21 Tuesday
Rain last night and, this has been a very soft day on the snow. the snow has wasted a
great deal but, the air being cool kept the snow intact longer than it would otherwise
have been. Joe an Margaret have been visiting to day at Millers and from that to
Everton where they spent some time with Abbotts as well as with Mary. Willie and I
have been drawing home tamarac poles for sawing with the circular saw. we drew up 2
loads before dinner and 5 afternoon, making 7 to day, and 11 loads in all so far. I drew
up a load of dry stove wood before starting at the swamp this morning. Jeenie had Billie
and the cutter away to Mimosa to day and we worked old Frank with the Morton Mare to
day. received a Letter from Brother Alex to day {Margin} old James Kilgour died last
night at Guelph. - Joe and Margaret visiting to day. - drew home 7 loads tamarac poles.
21 22 Wednesday
Considerable frost last night which dried up the ground and checked the flow of water
that set in from yesterday's thaw. Willie and I finished drawing the poles out of the
swamp, excepting some cedar, there were 4 loads, making 15 loads in all. Willie cut
down some to make a full load the last time while I drew up and disposed of the 15th
load. Joe is moving round and talks of going home tomorrow. he thinks however he may
remain over so as to attend the funeral of James Kilgour. Joe and I helped Willie to
clean up a grist which he intends taking to Birge's Mill tomorrow. 10 Bags chop (oats)
and 6 Bags wheat. {Margin} finished drawing the tamarac poles. - 15 loads - Joe
Mc
Intosh and I attended the funeral of James Kilgour - Willie drove over to Birges Mill
MARCH 1888. 1893
22 23 Thursday
A fine day. the snow is leaving very fast although there is now some check to the
terrible flow of water we experienced some days ago. it is a good thing it is so as much
damage might have resulted had there not been these repeated checks. Willie went to
Birge's Mill to day with the grist he prepared yesterday. Joe and I went to meet the
funeral of James Kilgour, which we understood was to leave Guelph at 11 a.m. we left
here somewhere about one oclock and drove over nearly to Charles Sockett's gate
before meeting them. there was only a fair attendance at the funeral. John told me his
father was taken off without a moments warning through heart failure. I sent away a
letter to W.S. Duncan, Mrs Smallhorn's brother asking assistance to pay their house. got
50¢ worth sugar at Forester's. got the mail home with us
23 24 Friday
A very fine day. Johny and Willie took each a load of turnips to Rockwood for Tho.
Webb, this forenoon. I had to hustle round this forenoon to do up the chores so as to go
myself and allow Willie to go to Cook's Sale afternoon. I was showing Johny's bull to a
young man who wished to buy. young James Benham a Luther. I had also some trouble
with a calf of Johny's. I got Henry Duffield to come and look at it. Robert Mc
Williams and
I operated on it, it had no natural passage from the bowels and we cut an opening but
do not expect it will live, it is a pity as it is a nice well developed calf. I went to the sale
with Henry Duffield, thinking to get a set of single harness. they went too dear however.
I got a shovel, rake and hoe for 15$4¢. returned home by getting a ride to Willie Loree's
place with Ed. Tovell and walked across the fields and getting my feet very badly wet.
24 25 Saturday
Froze up again last night and thereby checking the rising floods again. the snow which
was so deep has gone off in a fine easy manner after all. Mr Dunbar and I took a drive
down to Rockwood this forenoon to see about getting Margaret & Mrs Dunbar to join on
with the Releif Circle that is likely to be formed at Rockwood. Mr Iness the agent, was at
Toronto, and we could do but little about it. we called at Crofts and had our dinner, and
saw Barrie and his Mother, Mrs Mutrie is still in bed, although improving.
25 26 Sunday
A very fine day, fine sunshine & the nights are beautiful as well. clear moonlight. the
girls drove the Pony to Everton to day. the pony's foot is still unhealed up yet. they did
not go to Everton in the evening but visited at Mc
Williams, and Margaret and I visited at
Henry Duffields.
MARCH 1888. 1893
26 27 Monday
A very beautiful day. clear sunshine and mild. the snow is going very fast. I helped Willie
to clean up some grain to take to mill to chop. he was in a hurry to get away this
morning so as to get back in time to attend a sawing bee at Richd Mc
Williams. I put off
some time with a gentleman from Georgetown wanting to buy up a car load of apples.
his name is Arnold, his address is at the end of this book. he thinks he may yet do
business through me. I hitched up Billie to the cutter and drove down to Everton this
afternoon expecting to meet a young lad from Guelph who engaged with Willie. they
sent a card he is not coming. Dr Dryden examined Minnie, he says she needs some
building up and is to bring up a bottle of Scott's Emulsion, for 80¢ (wholesale price) next
Wednesday. got word to night of the death of Mrs Robt. Greire. {Margin} Grist Mill. -
Sawing Bee. - Man from Georgetown looking after apples - a drive to Everton - Death of
Mrs Robt. Greire Luther.
27 28 Tuesday
Weather much as usual, very fine and beautiful through the day although cold and frosty
at night. the snow drifts are so hard in the morning as to bear up a team and load over
them. Willie and I took out the last of the poles out of the swamp (cedar) for fence
stakes, we also took up 2 loads of tops for cutting with the circular saw. I finished
splitting the elm tree cuts, and afterwards we went with Johny to the swamp and helped
him awhile to cut some poles for sawing with the circular saw. his own swamp is flooded
and he wants some timber to cut when we get all ready. Ewart is staying over night at
Everton. my watch was pulled out of my pocket to day while handling a pole in the
swamp and thrown quite a piece away. it is going yet however. {Margin} drawing poles
out of the swamp also 2 loads of tops from Bush. - accident to my watch - Johny has
started to cut poles in our swamp.
28 29 Wednesday
Frosty at night but very fine through the day. Robert Jestin has a sawing bee to day and
both Johny & Willie are at it. I drove over to Henry Dunbars this forenoon and got 14
Bushels of goose wheat. I helped clean it up and it was between 3 & 4 oclock before I
got back home. the roads are not very good. the bare spots making heavy drawing. I
paid 56¢ per Bushel for it, making $7.85. I paid him the balance $3.85, having paid him
before $4.00. after returning home I started to ½ sole a pair of boots for Johny. had to
leave them when getting one done as neither Ewart nor Willie were attending to the
stock. Ewart is remaining again to night at Everton. {Margin} Sawing Bee at Robt.
Jestins. Johny & Willie at it. - got 14 Bus. goose wheat at Henry Dunbars - mending
Johny's Boots. Ewart at Everton these 2 nights
MARCH - APRIL 1888. 1893
20 30 Thursday
Quite a fall of snow last night, and the wind howled and blew a hurricane, this however
has been a mild and thawing day and all the snow that fell was all gone shortly after
dinner time. I have been working in the shoe shop a part of the day, half soled and
otherwise repaired a boot for Willie, and also half soled and partly heeled a Boot for
Johny, the other I did yesterday. I have been choring some around also. Johny has
been cutting in the swamp this afternoon. George Mc
Williams has helped him. Willie has
been drawing home some wood from the bush, one of stove wood, the other is logs to
cut with the crosscut. Johny's calf died to day. it is wonderful it lived so long under the
circumstances. {Margin} shoe mending to day. - Johny and George Mc
Williams cutting
poles at swamp. - Willie drawing wood from bush. - calf died to day.
30 31 Friday
A very fine day. the snow suffers through the day, although a little frost at night that
generally prevails, keeps it lingering some longer. Johny has drawn 3 loads of poles
home this forenoon from the swamp. he fears the swamp and roads are about to break
up and prevent him from getting enough home. Ewart and I drew up a couple of loads of
stove wood from bush. the 1st one (Ewart brought) was the elm that I cut in the
northwest corner of the bush. Willie attended Thomas Webb's sawing bee all day. Johny
did so this afternoon. Margaret and I visited John Webb's folks this evening. Mrs Webb
was upset out of the cutter about a week ago and got hurt, she is not well yet although
some better than she was.
31 April 1st Saturday
This morning opened up rather unpromisingly, it was rather dull and threatning looking
and rain fell for quite a while. it cleared up however and the day turned out not so bad
after all. Lizzie accompanied the Mc
Williams to Guelph. they got 20¢ for butter, 14¢ for
eggs. I have not been well to day, pains in back, chest & head. La Grippe symptoms. I
put on a heel & sewed a hole in Alfred Duffield's Boot. also ½ soled Ewarts Boots, also
fixed up our single harness some.
April 1 2 Sunday
Weather getting softer, and as this is now fairly into April it is time that we had such
weather as will clear away all the snow and bring us spring. it is only within this last few
days that the runners have ceased to slide and altogether to resort to the wheels again.
Minnie & Maggie drove the Pony to meeting this forenoon, they did not go out
afternoon.
APRIL 1888. 1893
2 3 Monday
Very grey and lowering the most of the day. there was some frost last night and Johny
took advantage of it to draw up 2 or 3 loads of poles from the swamp. Ewart is home
from school on account of this being a holiday and he helped Johny. I am still under the
weather but some better than yesterday. I did not get out of bed yesterday till noon. I
finished writing a letter for Bro. Alex. Meaford, and drove down this evening and mailed
it. there are yet great banks of snow on the Guelph road and driving with loads on the
waggon is not over safe. I called to see Mary and had tea with her. Jamie Abbott came
up home with me. he wants an axle and pair of wheels to rig up a hand cart, that he
may use it for drawing chips and other truck. Johny & Willie attended Robert Morton's
Sawing Bee. Johny afternoon, Willie all day.
3 4 Tuesday
Very high wind to day, and rather cold too, the wind blows from the N. West. our bay
window met an accident in having something blown against it and breaking a pane of
glass 28 x 16. Ewart drove down a grist of chop to the mill for Johny to day. it was well
on in the afternoon before he returned home. Jamie Abbott was made happy be me
giving him the 2 front wheels of old Mc
Intosh Buggie, and the axle, he is making up a
hand cart. Johny & Willie attended a sawing bee at Albert Toltons.
4 5 Wednesday
The wind has fallen and there has been considerable frost last night. this is fair day at
Guelph and quite a number of the neighbours are away to it. I sent to Guelph with Richd
Mc
Williams for a pane of glass for our bay window. he brought it safely. 1 lb putty and
the glass cost 27¢. Johny drove over this forenoon to John Mutries for the Circular Saw,
he took our old heavy waggon and bottom of hay rack. Willie had quite a number of
hands at a sawing bee this afternoon. I have been attending to his chores the while. I
also drove Minnie down about 3 oclock to see Dr Dryden at Heffernans. the Dr thinks
Minnie is not in a very good state of health and we will have to see that she takes
exercise when the weather gets fine.
APRIL 1888. 1893
5 6 Thursday
Quite hard frost last night the ground is quite hard this morning. Robert Jestin and Willie
went to Rockwood this forenoon for empty apple barrells. Robert brought 30 and Willie
14. I helped Johny cut and bring up a load of poles from his swamp this forenoon as
Willie was late in getting back from Rockwood I had to attend to his chores at noon. his
brother in law James Campbell clipped his old mare this afternoon, the mare has been
rather unwell these few days back from Diahrea. I drove to Everton this evening for the
mail. a cold, easterly wind blows this evening. I hear Dr Mc
Guire of Guelph has become
insane and taken to the Toronto Asylum.
6 7 Friday
Very high wind last night and and rain which has frozen as it fell, everything this
morning is covered with ice. the apple packers came along from Robt. Jestins this
morning and got fairly started to pack in Johny's barn when Willie suggested driving
them up to Mrs Cawthra's to pack what she had, as the ice made slipping for the sleigh.
they packed 5 Barrells for her and 3 for John Reid and after returning they finished
packing about ten Barrells in Johnys barn. one of the men is stopping at Willies and the
other two at Johny's. Willie's black sow (Mc
Kenzies) pigged 8 pigs to day, while he was
at Dublin to day. Minnie is not well to day, the fever is too high. 104.
7 8 Saturday
Extremely high wind all day, which seems to be taking away the snow very fast, the last
of the snow. the apple packers packed 3 Barrells for Willie this morning. there was
some over but not enough of good to make out another barrell. they drove over to Robt.
Kerr's. I half soled a pair of Boots for Thom. Mac's boy, and repaired a pair for Mrs Mac,
in all 50¢. Willie went to mill to day with a grist of chop. Minnie is a little better to day.
8 9 Sunday
A very fine day. sunshine and mild. Minnie & Maggie went to meeting this forenoon.
Ewart drove Maggie down at night. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella drove down to day. John
returned in the evening, but Bella and Baby remains for a few days. the baby is thriving
& growing nicely. Minnie is a little better to day.
APRIL 1888. 1893
9 10 Monday
A very fine day. Some frost last night and the Boys moved over the horse power from
the other barn before the ground got too soft. Willie's team brought it over on the sleigh.
a pretty good pull on the bare ground. we set the machine ready for starting tomorrow
morning to cut with circular saw. we expect John Mutrie along in the morning early as
he has not come to night. I drove down Minnie to see Dr. Dryden at Heffernans. Minnie
is not doing very well. she is too much fevered and she does not stand a very good
exam. in the chest.
10 11 Tuesday
Another very fine day. we got a pretty fair start at the cutting this morning some little
time before 8, and finished up shortly after 11. there was 15 or 16 loads of poles &c. I
think 20 loads would keep the machine very busy for a good forenoon and it would
require then to be well handled and attended. we had 10 hands all told. Ewart & I, Johny
& Willie, George Loree, Thomy Webb, Robt. Jestin, Robt. Morton, Dan. Tolton, John
Mutrie. I drove at both Johny's and here. after dinner we moved the machine over to
Johny's and we cut all his stuff in 2 hours. Johny kept the hands afterwards to split all he
could till night. John Mutrie would not make any charge for our cutting and we should
remember him some way.
11 12 Wednesday
Rather a showery day. it looked gloomy and dull in the morning and it rained a while
before dinner. we had different other showers but it did not settle down to a wet day.
Johny took the 13 barrells of apples to Rockwood after getting early dinner. he started
away in the midst of rain but it did not hold on long. John Campbell also took down 8
barrells. and after returning home about 6 oclock, he sold their little grey mare for sixty
dollars, cash, to Sam. Tovell, who paid us a visit and waited for him. he took the mare
home with him. I settled up with Henry Duffield this evening by paying him $1.35. his
acc't. was Beef $1.60, fence wire 50¢ - days work of George 75¢ = $2.85. my acc't.
shoe mending $1.50. leaving me the above to pay.
APRIL 1888. 1893
12 13 Thursday
Weather pretty fair although not at all spring like. I helped Willie to clean up a load of
chop for the mill which he took down after dinner. James Mc
Dermott and Mr Brownridge
came along to day while Willie was away. Brownridge was collecting for the horse
service, Mc
Lean had not taken note of the amount he agreed to take for the Pony &
Willie's mare, but Mr Brownridge took my word for it and accepted the price agreed
upon - $6.00 each, which I paid him. when Willie returned home he said that was the
correct amount. they went over to see Johny. his book did not show that Johny had paid
$5.00 at the time. he also did not dispute that.
13 14 Friday
A very dull day and a very cold east wind has prevailed all day. Johny has made a start
at the plow for the first to day. others of the neighbours have been at it all week. Thomy
Webb I think has plowed all week. I mended Bella's shoes this forenoon, and helped
Johny to clean up a grist of 8 bags of chop. Willie & Jeenie drove to Guelph after dinner.
he took a bag of apples and sold it for 50¢. Mr Brownridge was round collecting
yesterday (of which I have noted) Willie bought Clover & Timothy Seed for himself &
Johny. red clover $4.50 Alsike $7.50. ½ & ½. Timothy $2.75. I had hard work to do up
all Willie's chores and after dinner I took Johny's grist to the mill & waited till it was done
and brought it home.
14 15 Saturday
Quite a wintry appearance this morning snow has fallen to the depth of fully 4 inches
and it kept fairly well the most of the day in these parts. Johny (& Lizzie) went to Guelph
to day with the mare and buggie, they took our case of eggs which only lacked 8 eggs
of being full. they made a mistake in the selling of them in stating the quantity to be 24½
dozen. they sold to Martin of the "Wellington" and we hope to get it rectified. Ewart
hauled up 2 loads of stove wood from the bush while I split and prepared it for loading.
Willie went to Joe Hindley's and got his seed peas - he pays 60¢ per Bushel. 6 Bags.
Ewart & I did up Johny's chores. I have been hustling to get quite a number of home
chores in shape to day.
15 Sunday {William did not correct date. It should be 16 Sunday}
A very fine day. the snow is melting fast to day and the roads they say are very soft and
heavy to travel on. John Mc
Kenzie drove down to day, and Bella and the baby went off
home with him after tea. the girls went to meeting this forenoon. we will all miss the
baby very much he is so good and so interesting
APRIL 1888. 1893
1617 Monday
Dull and cool all day except that it was some brighter Afternoon, not unpleasant
although the cool north wind made it a bit chilly. Minnie and her Mother drove the Pony
down to Heffernan's corner to see Dr. Dryden, we are all glad to find the doctor found
Minnie considerably better. he says her lungs are much freer and there are general
indications of betterness. we had a visit of Mrs Peavoy (John Harris). I sewed some
rippings on her boots, gratis, also a halter shank for Willie. I drew over a load of turnips
from Johny's which he gives us for our cows. he opened the pit this morning. John
Mutrie taking away 2 loads. I helped Johny clean up about 10 bags of stuff to chop. he
took it down to the mill and brought it home with him. Mrs John Abbott paid Margaret Six
dollars the balance of the wood money, it is now all paid up $12.00. {Margin} Abbott's
wood all paid
17 18 Tuesday
A very fine day. the frost was severe last night and the ground was quite hard for a time.
Johny & I sowed Willie's grass seed this forenoon on the fall wheat ground next the
Sugar bush. Willie plowed for Johny. he intends plowing a day or two for Johny as his
own sod is too wet. I uncovered Johny's turnip pit and loaded another load of turnips
that Johny is giving us. I drew one in yesterday, and Willie drew his in this evening.
Maggie & Minnie took a drive over to Toltons to day. the day is so fine they stayed
rather late however. Willie is getting Thomas Rafferty's boy. Thomas brought him along
this evening. Johny & Lizzie drove over to John Mutrie's this evening. Mrs Mutrie Senr
&
Barrie are both there and they are not at all well.
18 19 Wednesday
A very drying day. I think one of the most drying of this spring but, a very cold east wind
blows and there is the look of a storm impending, the sun is casting a hazy glare as it
goes down. Johny & Willie have both been plowing on Johny's sod and have the piece
nearly done. I helped Johny to measure off the large field and find the centre where he
intends building a fence and divide it in two, 52 rods in all. 26 rods in each field. first
field behind his barn. I loaded a load of turnips for Johny this morning and Johny drew it
in. I also loaded another in the evening but he did not draw it in. I had quite a job taking
off the handle off my axe and wedging it on again straight. I also wrapt wire on handle
near the head where it wears when splitting. this is the day that Farrish's Creditors meet
at Guelph to arrange his affairs.
APRIL 1888. 1893
19 20 Thursday
A terrible storm of wind and rain, the rain freezes as it falls and everything outside is
caked heavily with ice. the wind increased in strength as the day wore on until about 4
oclock P.M. when it seemed to abate a little. I drove to Everton for the mail this evening,
it was still stormy but nothing to what prevailed a couple of hours before. the stage
reached Everton while I was there (6 oclock). I notice a great deal of timber blown down
in Robert & Dan Talbot's bush mostly, if not all, up by the roots. Johny unloaded the
turnips I loaded for him last night. I was afraid to see him open his barn doors but it did
not affect that side of the barn so much as the wind is from the east. Ewart did not go to
school to day.
20 21 Friday
The weather yet remains wintry although it has been soft enough to melt off the ice. the
snow that fell last night on the ice does not get away in a hurry. I started to sew up the
rippings on our robe and Geo. Loree coming along (after dinner) with his boots to half
sole and heel. I did them for him, also put on a patch on the toe of one of Johny's boots.
just as we were going to sit down to tea we got word of Albert Tolton's oldest child
(Hyndman) being very ill, and in a very short time afterwards Dan Tolton brought us
word of his death. Margaret went down with him. it is a very sudden taking away of the
little fellow. Dr. Mc
Cullough was called this morning and he did not seem to think his
case serious although he found inflammation of the bowel (afterwards and Dr Dryden)
he rapidly got worse from about 2 oclock P.M. and died about 6. he appeared to be in
convulsions for the last two hours.
21 22 Saturday
Weather quite cold yet although we are again getting clear of the ice and snow, this of
itself will be a great help in making the air warmer. I have had quite a job to day sewing
up the rippings of the old robe. and before I got through with it, I had to go to Everton. I
drove the colt in the buggie and got Willie Loree to reset his shoes all round. I sent a
letter to Mr Wood and the two cards of A.O.U.W. for self & Jno Mc
Kenzie. double ass'm't
& dues - $5.00. also $1.50 for releif making in all $6.50. I did not mail it but gave it Wm
Moore to carry & deliver it and gave him 5¢ - I had tea with Mary and shortly after the
colt was done and I paid Loree 40¢ for it and came on home. I brought Margaret down
to Albert Tolton's but she got home before I returned.
22 23 Sunday
Continues cold and ungenial, really we are having a very late and backward spring. we
all went down to the funeral. the girls and Lizzie coming back home with the pony &
buggie. I rode over with Johny. Willie had Billie & cart. R. J. Kerr accompanied him over,
and Ewart returned with him. Ewart being one of the pall bearers he rode over with the
others with Emerson Tolton. there was quite a number at the funeral. a good many only
going part of the way. Mr Baker spoke over at the meeting house, where we were
warmed, it was very raw and cold.
APRIL 1888. 1893
23 24 Monday
Fine day. threatning rain this evening. I helped Willie to load up 3 logs of elm on the
trucks. he had quite a job fixing in one of the reaches that had given out. (this, however
was done later on when the logs spoken of was sawn up and provided a stick for the
purpose) Willie after taking them to the mill waited and brought the lumber home with
him. he means it for waggon bottoms. Albert Tolton is not out of trouble yet, his wife has
taken ill to day and Dan. was sent up for Margaret to go down and help nurse her, her
fever was up so high as to cause uneasiness to Dr. Mc
Cullough and they thought it best
to bring Dr. Dryden also. Minnie was down to the corner and saw Dr. Dryden, he says
she continues to improve. {Margin} took elm logs to Mill - Mrs Albert Tolton very ill -
Minnie down to see Dr. Dryden
24 25 Tuesday
Fine day, although the temperature is very cold all the time, which does not dry up the
ground very fast. spring weather is much needed now so as to bring on seeding, but we
have a late spring now whatever betides. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella drove down here to
day. John paid up his Cash Account to me. $9.50. which included this month's ass'm't &
dues for A.O.U.W. John went down to Everton for a bag of flour. they started home after
getting early tea, taking with them a barrell of hard wood ashes 2 bags apples and a pig
he bought from Willie. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie and Bella visit us to day - John pays up
all arrearages of A.O.U.W. to this month inclusive
25 26 Wednesday
Rather high wind to day, but drying up the ground which, at the present time is much
needed. it keeps cold however and there is very little signs of vegitation. I helped Willie
this forenoon to cut up a fallen cherry tree in the bush into 12 feet saw logs, and we
loaded them on the trucks and brought them up to the house before dinner. Willie took
them down to the mill afternoon. I drove down to Hugh Black's this afternoon to see
about the Usherwood embroglio. Mr Black thinks I am safe enough in allowing him to
sue and that I would be allowed my account. Minnie and I had tea with Mrs Black. Hugh
& his Brother John left while we were there, to help fix up the beams on their new
addition at the meeting house. Minnie stays at Everton with Mary, and I called, while on
my way home, to see old Mr Loree who is now very low. he was sitting on a chair when
I went there and Shaw & Mrs Loree lifted him into Bed. {Margin} four cherry logs to mill
to day. - Minnie & I drive down to Hugh Black's - called to see old Mr Loree.
APRIL 1888. 1893
26 27 Thursday
Another windy and cold day. I had quite a job this forenoon helping Maggie and her
mother to take down the stove pipes and clean and set them up again. after dinner
Robert Mc
Williams and Mr Walker of {Uta} came along to pay us a visit. Mr Walker had
just seen Nichol Rogers about 2 weeks ago. Nichol wished to be remembered to us all. I
was sorry after they left the house to learn that Mr Walker - a son of the Robt. Walker
Senr
of my old acquaintance - was a Mormon, as if I had known, I would have had some
conversation with him relative to his Sect. Ewart drove the colt to school to day and
brought home the mail at night. a letter from Alex to night. {Margin} A Mormon visits us.
- Death of old Mr George Loree this ev'g at 6 oclock. - cleaning and setting up stove
pipes.
27 28 Friday
Weather continues cold and backward. I helped Willie to sort up his potatoes this
forenoon. he laid away in the barn about 24 bushels for using & seed, and bagged up 6
bags which he took up to Orton and sold for 70¢ per bag. he bought 10 bushels english
barley from Peter Mc
Donald for chopping, price 40¢ per bushel. we got word to day of
the death of old Mr Loree which took place last night at about six oclock. Margaret and I
drove down in the evening to see them. while on the road down we were met by
Emerson Tolton on his way up to get his Aunt to go down as Mary, Albert's wife, had
taken worse again. on returning from Lorees Margaret remained there and I drove home
alone. {Margin} sorting potatoes Willie took 6 Bags to Orton - Albert Tolton's wife taken
ill again. - Margaret & I to see old Mr Loree.
28 29 Saturday
Rather finer than what has generally prevailed we are anxiously looking for more genial
weather, the season is extremely late in opening up. Willie took 7 bags of chop to the
mill this forenoon, 4 barley, 3 peas. Ewart drove Lizzie to Guelph with "Jeen" & buggie.
Willie & the girls & mother & I attended the funeral of old Mr Loree. I drove "Billie'" in our
buggie with Maggie & her mother. Willie took the colt Fred & cart Minnie rode with him.
2 oclock was the time appointed to start but it was three when they started. there was a
good gathering of people, 55 vehicles. they had Tovell's hearse from Guelph. Mr Baker
spoke at the house before lifting. 4 grandsons were the pall bearers, Geo. Loree, 2
Perrins & 3 Jestins. I helped Johny in with the last of his turnips out of the pit. {Margin}
Funeral of old Mr Loree. - Ewart drives Lizzie to Guelph to day. - Willie to Mill. - and
Johny taking in turnips
29 30 Sunday
Very fine this forenoon, we were in hopes the weather had taken the needed turn but,
the cold & damp again set in in the afternoon. Ewart drove the girls down to Everton in
the morning and, as it was raining at night we did not go for them. I wrote a letter to
Alex. Mc
Gregor to day. {Margin} Fine forenoon wet at night - girls stopping all night at
Everton
APRIL MAY 1888. 1893
30 May 1 Monday
Threatning rain in the early part of the day and, rained pretty steadily and heavily in the
afternoon. I drove down to Everton this morning and mailed a letter to Alex. Mc
Gregor.
on our way home Maggie & I called at Loree's. I took some notes to assist me in drafting
up an obituary for old Mr Loree on returning home I started to write, and after dinner
drove Margaret down to Webbs to help them mix paint. at ½ past 3, I hitched up again
and drove down to the corner for Minnie whence she had come to see Dr. Dryden. Mr &
Mrs Loree drove up in the evening and I wrote up the obituary notice, and Shaw took it
away with him. we had a very pleasant visit from them.
May 1 2 Tuesday
Somewhat dull to day, but there has been no rain the land is some drier. we are
beginning to feel very uneasy on account of the lateness of the season, the Boys have
sowed no grain at all yet, and Willie feels particularly anxious on account of having nine
acres of sod to plow. Johny & I drove down to Usherwood's this forenoon and, I told him
of the day's plowing he owed me and, he seemed to look on the matter kindly saying if
he owed me for that, he was only too glad to pay for it, and agreed to let the one
account stand against the other. Johny has been moving a fence and Willie splitting
wood, forenoon in the bush. Margaret & I drove down to see Mrs Albert Tolton, she is
improving. fat hogs are, we hear, 6½ a hundred now.
2 3 Wednesday
A little warmer to day. the sun shone awhile in the morning and gave promise of being
the finest day of the season so far, but it became overcast again and remained so all
day. I drove Maggie & her mother to Guelph to day. we got the loan of Mr Webb's mare
and drove her with our colt they went finely together. We had 46 dozen eggs and sold to
Mr Weatherston for 9½¢. Maggie got a tooth pulled at Campbells 50¢ another tooth that
may have to come out soon he agreed to pull for 25¢. Margaret bought stuff for a
Summer coat. we bought a dress for Bella's Boy - Willie - $1.55. I got 50 lbs cut nails
$1.50. pair Boots $2.15. watch glass 15¢. I took in $16.00 brought back $4.50. I saw
about the cutting of the cherry lumber at Bell's, to be cut into inch and edged. Willie has
worked on the land to day. there is not much doing on the land towards Guelph, it is a
terribly late season.
MAY 1888. 1893
3 4 Thursday
The weather does not yet take up so as to dry off the land for working. the Boys have
both been sowing working. Johny gang plowing and Willie has sowed some mixed crop
for the first sown on either place. Maggie and her mother have been papering the pantry
the work of clearing everything out and placing them all back again took up a large
percentage of the time. I helped them quite a while to cut paper and paste &c. Willie
drove down to Everton afternoon to get the cherry lumber that Mr Hortop promised to
have ready to day. he got dissapointed however, as the mill broke down yesterday.
Colin Campbell drove to Guelph to day and I sent a message to Petrie but he failed to
see him. {Margin} spring weather much needed - first sowing done to day. - papering
pantry
4 5 Friday
Weather dry but dull and not as drying as we would like. Johny has sowed some mixed
seed on his turnip ground, we cut some straw and hay at Johny's this morning with the
one team. Willie's Boy & Ewart & Johny & I comprised the party. Maggie & her Mother
papered the hall and stair way to day. Ewart & I cut some branches off the apple trees
in our front orchard with the cross cut, and along in the afternoon we hitched on the colt
to Willie's Cart and drove down to Rockwood. we got some lime for whitewashing and
saw John Innes re, the Releif Society, he sent in the Names of Mrs Dunbar & Margaret
sometime ago. I applied to Eli Stout for Money for Alex' start in business. he promised to
have it for us if required.
5 6 Saturday
Continues dry but cold, a little improvement to what has been prevailing. Ewart and I
have been working in the orchard pruning and cutting up the limbs of the apple trees. I
helped to fix up the lounge by greying the springs &c. Maggie & her Mother covered it
anew in the bottom & end, and, I think, made a good job of it. Willie has been plowing
sod with the 3 horses. Johny has finished plowing his sod in upper field and
commenced to cultivate with Rob. Mortons cultivator.
6 7 Sunday
A very fine day, beautiful sunshine and warm. this, I think, has been the finest day of the
season so far. Ewart drove the girls twice to Everton. I walked over to Tolton's, had
dinner there. Bessie is again unwell from a sore throat. I walked over to Dunbar's but he
was at Ospringe. Margaret & I paid Mortons a visit after supper, but we had to take
another before we returned.
MAY 1888. 1893
7 8
A very fine day. the sun has shone out brightly all day, and it has been warm and
drying. the land is getting in much better condition for working on and people being so
far behind are very eager to make the best of it. Johny has cultivated his sod and made
it ready for sowing his peas. I helped him clean them up to night. Willie has been
plowing with the three horses again to day. he says he plowed 36 yds wide and 40 rods
long (over an acre & half) I mended up a pair of shoes for Johny and also ½ soled and
otherwise repaired Johny Rafferty's shoes, after getting done with those things I started
the garden work, burning the rubbish and commenced to regulate the Rhubarb bed.
Minnie was to see the Dr. to day, he says she is improving.
8 9 Tuesday
Another very fine, warm, drying day. the sun has shone brightly and I was astonished to
find the thermometor register 86 degrees, it was in the sun however and, not exposed to
the cool wind. Johny has sowed all his peas in the sod patch and harrowed them and
nearly completed the rolling. Willie has plowed all day. he sold his steer to Barbers at
5¼¢, to be delivered in June. he also sold his 8 white hogs at 6.20 per lb to be delivered
on next Thursday. I have been digging the Rhubarb patch and planted 19 new eyes and
12 of the old. the women have been cleaning up the rooms to day. coal stove &c. I had
a telegram to day from Alex. he wants the money at once.
9 10 Wednesday
Another very warm day and very drying. the land is getting nice for working now. Johny
helped me out with 9 loads of manure this forenoon. he brought his team and trucks, we
are preparing for our onions and early potatoes also the garden patch. After dinner I
helped Johny out with 4 loads of manure and spread it from the waggon. after getting
through with Johny I spread the nine loads of dung and Willie started to plow it in. after
Ewart had his tea he plowed the balance of the time and Willie took the old mare up to
Jestins and brought down the hog rack. Willie is pretty well through with plowing the
sod. both he & Johny are further behind than they care for. but the land has been so
wet.
MAY 1888. 1893
10 11
Fine day, land drying fast. Willie took his hogs to Rockwood (8) weighing 1330 lbs he
took $80.00 for them by being stumped to sell by the dollar, by weight he lost $2.40.
they were a nice lot of nice little hogs. I hitched up the Pony with the "Netty" mare &
finished plowing the balance of the land left by Ewart last night. Henry Duffield sold ten
cattle to Barber's and delivered them to day, $450.00 - Richd
Mc
Williams also delivered
5 steers $350.00. I drove down for the mail this evening and hurried home and
borrowed Duffield's harrows and Ewart harrowed over what we have plowed. James
Mc
Lean, insurance ag't called and renewed our insurance at Johny's. paid him a dollar
fees, and gave premium note for $25.50, insurance for $1600.00. Mc
Lean is staying all
night. Willie paid me sixty dollars. {Margin} Willie delivered his hogs at Rockwood this
forenoon. - Duffield and Mc
Williams also took their fat cattle there. - Insurance. - Willie
paid me sixty dollars.
11 12 Friday
A very fine day, warm and summer like. I hitched up early this morning and Minnie
accompanied me to Rockwood, staying at Stewarts while I attended to the business
concerning Alex' remittance. I got $200.00 from Mr Eli Stout which he loans from this
date for 2 years at 6 per cent per Annum. I gave my note for the amount and Johny is to
join in the note. I procured a Bank draft from Mr Ross, of the Savings Bank, costing 63¢
and sent if off by Letter to Alex. I had dinner at David Toltons and called on Mr Waters
and settled to take Willie's cattle to his pasture, he charges the same all round although
the one is average and if they are much smaller than the average that are in, he will
take it into consideration but, he wishes me to settle with him when the time comes. I
returned to Rockwood on the 6 oclock train getting tea at Stewarts & then starting home
with Minnie. the colt was nice at Stewarts. I went up on the 10 oclock train. Mrs Stewart
has been very sick lately, Mr Stewart also. {Margin} Rockwood on Alex' business -
Guelph on the train. - Mr & Mrs Stewart both unwell. - horse also - remittance to Alex.
and note given for the am't - sent $250 to Alex.
12 13 Saturday
Another very fine da,. very warm. I fixed up the onion ground this forenoon, took out a
load of hen manure & ashes and top dressed. afterwards cultivated it in with the Gale
harrow and harrowed it over repeatedly with the common harrow, stoning it also before
dinner time. we had Willie's team after Ewart finished some harrowing on the sod. Willie
took a grist to Everton with the colt and his mother. I just started the onion bed and
getting along nicely when a heavy rain came on. we then salted away our dried meat
and cut all our early potatoes. {Margin} taking out hen manure on Onion Bed, and
worked it up. - salted away our dried meat. - cut early potatoes - Willie took a grist to
Everton.
13 14 Sunday
heavy rain last night. A very fine day but rather mucky after the heavy rain. Margaret & I
drove the colt & buggie to Rockwood and paid a visit to Stewarts, Mrs Stewart is some
better, their horse worse. Mr Stewart himself continues poorly. we attended the funeral
of Geo Stout who died on Friday morning. we left the procession and came home on
reaching the gravel road. Maggie rode down to meeting with us. {Margin} Rockwood.
Funeral of George Stout. - visit with Stewarts.
MAY 1888. 1893
14 15
A very fine day and very warm. Maggie & her Mother and I have been busy sowing
onion seed. I laid out and raked the ground ahead of them. we finished up the first bed
next the house and got the second bed south well under way. the ground was rather
baked on account of the wet and late Season and hard work to pulverize with the rake.
After tea I hitched up the colt to the buggie and drove down to David Robertsons and
got 200 raspberrie springers, they have grown to nice little bushes. Maggie went with
me to Mortons and got some currant cuttings and gathered all on my way back. Willie
has been sowing peas in the sod field behind the orchard. Johny has been working up
and sowing the hill field by the road. {Margin} sowing onion seed. - Willie sowed peas in
sod field. - Johny sowing hill field - got raspberries to plant. and currant cuttings.
15 16 Tuesday
Great deal of rain last night and to day, we would liked to have planted out the Bushes
and Cuttings but could not on account of the wet. Ewart took down the colt and Buggie
to school and brought home 3 Bags & ½ stuff from the mill at night, taking 2 Bags mixed
grain in the morning for Johny.
16 17 Wednesday
Weather still unsettled, some rain to day pretty heavy in the morning. Ewart did not go
to school this morning, he got cold yesterday he helped Willie to drive his cattle to the
pasture they started to go to Water's pasture but, finding he could do as well, if not
better, at Loree's, he put them in there. I helped the women to fix up our room to day,
we lifted the carpet in the forenoon and put on all the papers afternoon, whitewashed
the ceiling forenoon, we were all busy. Minnie & I cut and measured while Maggie and
her mother put it on the wall. I sent a card to Mr Waters telling him that Willie does not
take his cattle to the pasture. I also mailed a letter to Bro. Alex. Meaford.
MAY 1888. 1893
17 18 Thursday
Weather cleared up once more. we shook and cleaned the carpet this morning - and
Maggie and her mother laid it down before dinner. Ewart and I planted out the raspberry
slips and the currants and Margaret and I afterwards worked at cleaning the
strawberries of the weeds, dandelion &c.
18 19 Friday
Weather keeps dry and the ground is improving very much in condition for working.
Willie called us up this morning on finding the pony in a very bad state, she had been
trying to foal and failed the colt dead and from her own struggles and condition it seems
doubtful whether she will get over the ordeal or not. Willie drove over to see Mr Ashley
about her and returned before dinner, he sent medicine and directions how to treat her.
19 20 Saturday
Weather fine, the ground is getting more fit to work on. I was up all night with the mare.
she passed a fairly tolerable time, although giving evidence of some pain. she eats well
but does not get up on her feet. I drove over to see Mr Ashley and he thinks since she
eats so well, she may get around all right again. I paid Mr Wood $2.00 for John
Mc
Kenzie & self Ass'm'ts A.O.U.W. Maggie and her mother finished sowing the onions
this forenoon. {Margin} Paid $2.00 A.O.U.W.Ass'm'ts
20 21 Sunday
Fine day. the pony passed a bad night in the past. Willie drove over for Ashley and as
soon as he came he gave it as his opinion that she would not get better, he considered
the injury to her back would take her off. he is staying all night and commenced
experiments on the pony to meet any possibility of her getting better
MAY 1888. 1893
21 22 Monday
Very fine day and warm. I was sitting up all night with the pony. Mr Ashley and Mr
Coffey were up also till after 12 oclock. I had a terrible night as she seemed to get very
much worse and became terribly restless & uneasy. as soon as Mr Ashley got up, he
said it would be better to to see her at rest, so we got Robert Jestin to shoot her - we all
feel the loss of her more than attaches to our ordinary stock, on account of the years of
faithful service she has given. I am terribly tired and worn out with want of sleep and
hard tugging with her. Willie and I dug a grave for her & her colt in the field behind the
Barn, and covered them up before dinner. I went to Everton and got 2 Bags Bran 70¢.
Minnie went with me.
22 23 Tuesday
Very warm this forenoon. and just a little before noon there came up a terrible thunder
cloud accompanied with heavy wind & rain. I was sorting the potatoes in the turnip
house and it became so dark that I could not see to work. the fences around have been
badly thrown down and several barn roofs are blown off & wrecked, among them are
Richd
Symott's Barn, the old Barn of the late John Stewart, Wm Barbers &c. the Boys
sold their hogs to be delivered next Monday at Rockwood. John Farries bought them for
Scott. price $6.50. I feel a little better after a good sleep last night. Margaret & I drove
over to Toltons after tea. Bella has been very ill, the doctor having been called twice.
she is a little better to day although yet very poorly. she looks very bad but I hope she
may soon take a turn to get better
23 24 Wednesday
A very fine day although the air is cool, the grass has made considerable progress
notwithstanding all the wet, cold and backward weather. I notice too that the early sown
grain is well forward for the time it has been sown. Ewart & Minnie took a run up to
Mc
Kenzies to day. they are in their usual except that the baby is not very well. Willie
finished seeding to day. at noon he ran the Gale Harrow over our early potatoe land,
and we planted them (2 bags). Johny finished plowing his rough peice over the creek
and harrowed it. he has yet to sow it and has the beaver meadow peice to plow and
sow besides. Maggie and her mother sowed the most of the garden seeds to day. Mr
Webb brought us up some "pop corn" for planting
MAY 1888. 1893
24 25 Thursday
A fine day, a cool air but drying. Willie has been rolling and I was thinking the land is
hard enough without making it any harder. Johny has finished sowing and harrowing the
rough piece by the swamp and has been preparing the way for plowing the beaver
meadow, he is late in getting through seeding but he is all alone and the chores takes
up some of his time daily. I have been working around helping plant strawberries,
cutting the lawn with the mower. I also sharped up the mower and drove down to
Everton, taking Maggie to help Mary at some baking. I trimmed up and cut the grass at
the grave plot and did not get along very well on account of a piece being lost off the
mower. got a newpaper from Alex describing the store opening Fessant & Sunter.
{Margin} rolling the land which I think too hard already - mowing lawn - and grave plot at
Cemetery - planting strawberries
25 26 Friday
A passibly fine day but not rapid growing weather on account of the cold air prevailing. I
was choring round considerable to day. I went down awhile this morning to where Johny
was preparing for plowing at the beaver meadow. he had just got finished with the bed
of the old fence cleaning up and I helped him pick up the broken limbs. Johny did a
remarkable large day's plowing. I helped Margaret finish up the planting of the
strawberries, we have put in an additional seven rows to the old 6 rows. Minnie & I
attended the funeral of Laughlan Currie it was appointed for the leaving of the house at
2 oclock but it was about 4 before they arrived at Everton where we met them. there
was religious service before burial. {Margin} Johny starting in to clean up his last field
for crop. - strawberry patch planting - Minnie & myself attended funeral of Laughlan
Currie
26 27 Saturday
Very dull this morning and threatned rain, although remaining dull, cold & cloudy all day
it did not rain. Margaret & I drove to Guelph with the colt and our own buggie for the first
time in that way. we had 28 dozen eggs and Jeenie 18 dozen, sold to Arthur Duffield at
10½¢ per dozen = $4.83. also sold traded a bag of dried apples to Fielding at 4¢ per
Bushel = $1.35. got the buggie fixed. cross bar on shaft renewed $ 75¢, straps 10¢ =
85¢. piece of lawn mower 10¢, bought present for coming wedding $2.00. Bird seed
25¢. Margaret paid out all her money for sundries, window curtains &c. Johny finished
seeding. {Margin} Guelph with colt and our own buggie for first time - marketing &
shopping - Johny finished seeding to day.
27 28 Sunday
Cool air continues, dry and clearer than yesterday. I walked over to Toltons this
forenoon. Bella is thought to be a little better although she neither looks nor feels well
yet. I returned home soon after dinner. George & Mary paid us a visit this afternoon.
Maggie & Minnie drove Fred alone to meeting this forenoon. Ewart accompanied them
in the evening. {Margin} visited at Toltons this forenoon - girls at Everton Meeting
MAY 1888. 1893
28 29 Monday
Very fine weather although the air is cool. Johny & Willie loaded up their hogs this
morning weighing them as they ran them into the wagon. Willie's 4 averaged about 160
each and Johny's 6 nearly the same. at Rockwood they shrunk about 16 lbs each. I
helped them load up in the morning and get away. after they left I hitched up old Frank
& Fanny to the plow and plowed the potatoe patch and corn patch over again. Johny
returned earlier than Willie and attended Mc
Lean's raising of a Barn. Willie remained
longer in Rockwood to hear the court trials, Wm Hindley versus Geo. Cutting Junr
. Geo.
Coughlin & Rassmore, on bad rape seed. {Margin} Johny & Willie with pigs to
Rockwood. - Barn raising - Court in Rockwood - plowing for ourselves.
29 30 Tuesday
A beautiful day, bright sunshine but not nearly so hot as often prevails at this Season of
the year, this Spring has been a cold one throughout. I have been choring round at a
good many jobs to day, digging in the garden, harrowing the ground I plowed yesterday
with Johny's team. helped Johny to bag up a load of potatoes and helped him at his
mare, she foaled afternoon down the lane leading to the creek. she seems all right.
Johny has had a long term of watching her (5 weeks). Johny Mc
Kenzie & Bella was
down awhile with us, he brought up a 100 of flour for which I paid him a dollar & ½. Mrs
John Webb, Eden, paid us a visit to day she rode up with the Coulson's of Eden, freinds
of Mc
Dermotts and went home again with them this evening. {Margin} Johny's mare
foaled to day. - 100 lbs flour - Mrs J. Webb. Eden. on a visit - John Mc
Kenzie & Bella
visiting
30 31 Wednesday
Fine weather and, somewhat warmer than has generally obtained, every thing is in
good shape for growing provided the weather comes in warm and moist. the grass is
making a good appearance and gives promise of a fine crop if it continues to go along
as it has been doing. Willie has been preparing both waggons for drawing the manure
and started at it afternoon. John Smallhorn got through with Robert Morton this
forenoon, and came along to help for a couple of days. I have been choring around to
day, gathering wood &c and fixing up the garden. Johny is fixing up ground in
preparation for drawing out the manure with John Smallhorn's help when he is done
with Willie. {Margin} started manure drawing this afternoon Johny Smallhorn helping -
Garden fixing and other chores
MAY JUNE 1888 1893
June 31 1 Thursday
A very warm day. the weather seems to have taken a turn to the usual heat to be looked
for at this time of the year. John Smallhorn is helping Willie to load up manure. I also
turned in and helped all day. we took it out of the shed and, of course was out of the
sunshine but, it was very close and warm and made us lose considerable sweat. Willie
is drawing it out on to the turnip land (and partly on the potatoe land). Some rain
through the night makes the land a little cloggy but is setting on the growth rapidly. I got
a letter from Alex. this evening giving the account of their opening out their drug Store in
Holyoke, Mass. {Margin} manure drawing at which I help all day - Letter from Alex. with
account of first opening of Store - sent a note of hand.
June 1 2 Friday
Another warm day, the growth is going on apace, the manure drawing came to an end,
for the present, at dinner time and John Smallhorn went over to Johny's to help him. we
drew out seven loads on our potatoe patch and I spread it nearly all so as to be ready
for rolling and planting tomorrow. Willie got his all spread and Ewart rolled it. I started to
cut our potatoes, and Mother finished up the cutting of four bags while I spread the
manure. After tea I hitched up Fred and drove down to Everton to hear the "Lecture on
India" by Mr Jackson a disciple Missionary. the girls were there all day and returned
home with me after the Lecture. A telegram to day from Meaford Announced the death
of Mrs John Greive this morning. funeral Sunday. {Margin} finished up drawing the
manure for the present. - potatoe patches both covered - Lecture at Everton I go to
hear. - Death of Mrs John Greive, Meaford
2 3 Saturday
Continues warm and close and toward night a terrible storm of thunder and rain visited
us. the wind was very high for awhile and the rain fell in torrents. Willie plowed in the
greater part of the potatoes before the storm. he first put in his own and went at ours
when his seed ran out. Ewart dropped. I cut a quantity for Willie which he intended to
plant but for the storm. there is great driving on the road to the Everton big
meeting. {Margin} heavy rain to day. - Potatoe planting to day. - Big meeting in full
blast.
3 4 Sunday
More rain last night, but to day has been very fine and warm, the roads dried up rapidly.
a terrible commotion in and around Everton. our folks down forenoon. I stay at home - I
go down evening. James Moore came up with the folks. rides down with me in the
evening. and goes home in Carryall. Mr Fowler speaks in house. I hear Mr Moffat who
spoke outside adjoining Methodist Church, who reviews the prophecy and advent of
Christ in old & new testements, dwelling considerably on the Commisson. I saw and
spoke to old James Menzies, his two daughters also Mrs Brown & Mrs Early. {Margin}
Fine day for big meeting and great advantage taken of it - James Moore up with a lot of
Georgetown folks
JUNE 1888. 1893
4 5 Monday
Very warm, almost too much so for comfort, but the matter of comfort comes in of
secondary importance when that of good growing weather is placed in the balance.
Willie with Robt. Kerr washed his sheep this forenoon, and he plowed afternoon. Johny
washed his & ours after dinner his mother and I & Lizzie helped him by warding them on
the bank while he washed them on the east end of the bridge, the water being very
high, by recent rains, one could wash any place about the bridge {Margin} washing
sheep to day.
5 6 Tuesday
Continues hot and sultry, we expected rain again to day on account of the great heat
forenoon, it must have rained some other where round as it cleared off and became
quite cool towards evening. I drove down to Everton this forenoon for Johny with a bag
of grain to chop, and returned home in time for dinner. I called to see Edie Abbott, who
is very much fevered, although not so sick otherwise, his case somewhat puzzles the
doctors until it is further developed. {Margin} Everton with a Bag of chop for Johny. - in
to see Eddie Abbott.
6 7 Wednesday
A little frost last night, it is strange how soon the temperature changes from hot to cold.
this has been a beautiful day. Maggie and her Mother were hoeing the strawberry and
raspberry patches. I mended up my old dress shoes so as to serve for every day wear.
we had to begin making ready for the wedding by 3 oclock. I brought the cows up and
they were milked about 4 oclock. as six oclock was the hour appointed for the ceremony
we had to start off at 5. Maggie & Minnie started off on foot before we did and were
taken up by Judson Tolton who was over at Albert's. Ewart and his Mother and I
followed with our own rig. we were there in good time and others which they waited on
were late in coming. it would be fully seven oclock before the Ceremony was gone
through. there was a large company and freinds from a distance. there were three
tables set. the old folks getting their supper first. the Bride & Groom occupying the
centre seat. a few freindly remarks were indulged in after tea and the health of the
newly married pair drunk in pure water. Mr & Mrs Baker left shortly after for home but
the greater number remained until quite late. there was a sort of social formed for the
rendition of pieces of music and recitations. I was appointed to the chair and we had
quite an interesting and enjoyable programm carried out. it was past twelve oclock
before we started for home and the girls accompanied the Toltons over in their 2
buggies (Dan & Albert) while we came home the same way as we went. it was 2 oclock
A.M. before we retired to our nests. Thus ended with us the night of Hanah Tolton's
wedding. a good many nice presents graced the table, and, I think, none too many as
Hanah has been a very deserving young woman. Edward Stevens paid me five dollars
to night as payment of my outlay for him while canvassing {Margin} hoeing among the
strawberries and rasps. - shoe fixing - Hanah Tolton's Wedding. - Ed. Stevens paid me
five dollars ($5.00)
JUNE 1888. 1883
7 8 Thursday
Splendid weather, the crops are growing on apace, and notwithstanding the great
amount of rain we have had this season, a little rain would do no harm now. I have hoed
the greater part of the nearest block of onions this afternoon, the ground is very hard.
Margaret helped me some towards the end. we got early tea and she & I made ready to
go to the Everton Cemetery, we took with us the lawn mower, spade, rake, some water
in a jug, and a lot of flowers in pots &c. it took us quite a time to get the plot all fixed up
when we afterwards went down for the mail. Edy. Abbott is thought by the doctors to be
some better and may possibly have got the turn for betterness. we got 16 plants of fine
Tomatoes to night from Jane Abbott. {Margin} hoeing the Onion Beds. - after tea
Margaret and I drove down to Everton and fixed the grave plots
8 9 Friday
Warm to day but the wind has been pretty strong which has kept the air cooler than it
would have been otherwise. John Smallhorn has been helping all day at Willies at the
drawing out of the manure. I also helped them as John could not keep Willie going, the
field being convenient to the barn, he was not long on being on hand always for the next
load. there was a large number of loads taken out and the turnip land covered, and 2
loads to the good for the corn. two travelling sheep shearers shore Willie's 7 sheep for
35¢. Johny and his Boy have been drawing out their manure to day, as Willie has
concluded to plow in that he has drawn John will now be at liberty to help Johny
tomorrow. the girls and their Mother drove up to Mc
Kenzies to day. they are all well.
{Margin} Willie drawing out the manure John Smallhorn and I have helped him. - Willies
sheep shore - the girls & Mother up to Mc
Kenzies
9 10 Saturday
Not so hot as has prevailed for some days. somewhat close for awhile in the forenoon
however, and this evening there is thunder and threatnings of a storm. I have been
working in the kitchen garden. Maggie & her mother & I have cut out all the weeds in the
one block of onion rows. I also wheeled out some barrow loads of ashes on the patch of
ground above the garden and gang plowed it at noon. we planted out 16 Tomatoe
plants we got from Janet Abbott. Willie has been plowing in the dung on the turnip land.
Johny Rafferty spreading a good deal of it. John Smallhorn has helped Johny at his
manure drawing to day. {Margin} planted Tomatoes - hoeing the Onion Bed. - Willie
plowing turnip land. - John Smallhorn with Johny
10 11 Sunday
A very fine growing day after the rain of last night. I was very little out to day feeling
tired, the rain this morning and the threatning appearance of the weather kept the girls
at home forenoon. after tea Ewart and them went to Everton. Margaret & I took a walk
down to Webb's in the evening. I wrote a letter this afternoon to Alex and sent it down
with the girls for mailing. {Margin} wrote letter to Alex. to day. Visiting at Webb's.
JUNE 1888. 1893
11 12 Monday
A very fine day. fine sunshine and warm. Johny has done his road work to day. his Boy
& himself & team were out, they drew the gravel from Loree's pit, and placed it on the
road fronting Willie Theaker's place. Willie intends doing his work tomorrow he is
plowing in the manure for his turnips to day. I have been hoeing the onions and doing
other chores around, after tea Willie & I built a new fence behind the barn to form a
small yard leading from the shed doors to the lane. Willie has plowed hard all day at the
turnip land, having got behind they are both anxious to see the manure plowed under.
{Margin} road work Johny did his to day - Willie hard at the manure plowing under for
the turnips - hoeing &cc.
12 13 Tuesday
Another beautiful day. the sun shone out hot and it looked thundery, but did not come
on. Willie & his team were doing the road work to day. I went also so that all the work
would go in. the place has got off with 8 days this year, 4 apiece for the Boys. Washy
Loree has got his own way this time of putting on the gravel, he did it well as far as it
went, and made sure to get good stuff. each team drew six loads in the day and he has
hopes he may get a grant from the Council to assist in gravelling some more. he thinks
the statute labour insufficient to keep up the road as it should. we have sprinkled old
slacked lime over our onion beds this evening. we had our dinners at Shaw Loree's to
day. {Margin} Willie and team at the roads to day. I also went so as to put in the time to
day. - dinner at Shaw Loree's to day
13 14 Wednesday
Continues splendid growing weather. I cleared the fence off and started the job of
making a hen yard at the south end of pig pen. I did not however get working at it very
long as I helped Johny awhile to spread manure. he has on Albert Toltons team and
was getting behind with the dung spreading. I had also to help Willie awhile at rolling. he
is getting his corn plowed in to day. the Boy drops the corn in every 3rd furrow. Johny
and I shore the sheep after tea this evening. Henry Duffield was there and took the
place of one of us. shearing against each of us by turns. there were eight sheep, they
have good fleeces. {Margin} started to clear the ground for forming a hen yard - Johny
has Albert Toltons team helping him to day I helped awhile to spread dung - we shore
our sheep this evening
JUNE 1888. 1893
14 15 June
A terribly hot day, and very close, the musquitos have bitten badly all day. I worked at
post hole digging awhile this forenoon and placing the posts for the hen yard. it was so
hot that very little head way could be made. after dinner Willie and his team drew out 4
loads of dung, the scrapings of the shed, on to our feed corn ground. I helped. John
also has started to his. after tea they drove down to Heffernan's corner with their mares
to see Joe Atwells stallion "Montana". I went down with Willie. the horse is a Thorough
bred and considered to be a good one although he is lean in flesh. the Boys are
intending to use him. {Margin} digging post holes - drawing manure on to our corn
ground. - drove down to Heffernans.
15 16 Friday
A very close and hot day again. casting up clouds, which, however, brought no rain. I
plowed this forenoon in Willie's turnip land while he went up to Jeenies folks with her.
after coming home Willie plowed in our corn. Johny Rafferty planted it in every third
furrow. I do not feel like working to day am long in getting free of my cold and, keep
wearing my underclothing in consequence which is very burdensome. we used 40 lbs of
corn out of the first purchase and find that not enough. we got more (31 lbs) from Robt.
Mc
Williams. I used 12 lbs of it making in our patch 53 lbs used. about 70 rods of ground.
Willie used 42 lbs on 96 rods, and Johny used 44 of his own & 19 of R. Mc
Williams for
about 80 rods. {Margin} "Ida Queen" calved to day a roan heifer calf. Had little {Je}rsey
to {J}ohny's Bull - corn sowed for feed
16 17 Saturday
An extremely hot & sultry day, which culminated in a thunder storm and great down
pour of rain. I worked at the hen yard posts this forenoon and put in the 7 posts next the
front. the heat was most oppressive. after dinner Ewart & I hitched up the colt to the cart
and drove up to Mc
Kenzies. we had no rain of any consequence up there but we could
see that down home they were getting a heavy rain. Mrs Mc
Kenzie is down at Wm
Burns this past week and expects to remain still another. John's crops look fairly well,
we left for home at 8 oclock. Willie has been at Guelph to day. he had a bag of potatoes
& wool. 18¢ for his wool without docking and a dollar for the potatoes. he got his turnip
seed & hungarian grass seed and a box of celery plants for me. Lizzie was with him.
Willie had Mrs Cawthra's horse & the Boy gang plowed his turnip land with his own
team. {Margin} working at the hen yard. - drove up to Mc
Kenzies afternoon - Willie drove
to Guelph got celery plants
17 18 Sunday
Another very warm day. the atmosphere is very close and sultry. I kept the house a
great part of the day, reading & resting. the girls went to Everton twice, Ewart also in the
evening. I took a walk afternoon (on about noon) to Duffields looking over his crops &c.
in the evening took a stroll to the back of the place. the crops are doing finely in this hot,
moist weather. {Margin} girls twice to Everton - reading & resting under the heat
JUNE 1888. 1893
18 19 Monday
A very pleasant breeze has prevailed to day and caused a tolerable coolness where
otherwise it would have been very hot. I was early at work this morning, about 5, and,
although assisting to fix up a gate and other chores, I got the balance of the post holes
nearly completed (8) by dinner time. I drove down to Everton with Minnie. She saw the
doctor and he says, she is so much better that, he gave her no medicine at present until
he sees how she will do without it. I paid him $2.40 for 3 Bottles Emulsion. I paid him for
the other 2 before. I got a bag of shorts & 25¢ worth of oatmeal at Hortops, 95¢. the
Boys are working on their turnip land. Bella drove down to day accompanied with her
baby & Mrs Thos. Weatherstone. they had a very pleasant visit. everything looks its
best at the present time. {Margin} finished digging post holes for hen yard. - drove to
Everton this afternoon - paid for medicine to Dr. Dryden - Bella & Mrs Weatherston visits
us.
19 20 Tuesday
Continues hot, and today, as there has not been so much of a breeze, the heat is more
oppressive. I dug round and took out 8 posts out of different places 6 out of the old back
yard and the 2 that has stood in front of the horse stable. I planted them in after tea,
with Ewart's help, into the fence forming the hen yard, so that the posts are all in now for
that yard. I dug a trench and put in about 40 plants of Celery, making them about a foot
apart. we are hoeing the Onions again. the strawberries have grown to a good size and,
although green, the hens bother us by picking them off. we are tormented by them
scratching at the potatoes. Johny is plowing his turnip land again Robt. Morton is
helping him with two teams this afternoon. Willie is harrowing & rolling his land to day.
{Margin} oppressively hot. been lifting out old fence posts &c. - trenching in Celery. -
hoeing onions - Robt. Morton helping Johny to plow.
20 21 Wednesday
Very close and hot until about 3 oclock P.M. when a heavy 2 hours rain cooled the air. I
think last night was about the hottest of the season and very hard to sleep under its
oppressiveness. I have been gathering the stuff & drawing nails &c for the boarding up
of the hen yard. I sowed a quantity of turnips for Willie and he is afraid he will have to do
them over again as they, the drills, are badly washed away with this 2 hours heavy rain.
later on this evening we found the rain has been more severe than at first we thought,
the land has been running badly and the growing crops are badly mashed up and
covered in places. Margaret & I drove down to Morton's this evening to see Robie, who
has come up from Bellville this morning. this is his first visit since leaving home last
September and he seems somewhat bewildered and sedate over the changes. Ewart
did not go to school to day as he is quite unwell, he seems to have taken the trouble
that is so general just now. Maggie is also unwell. the Doctors at present are having a
busy time of it. {Margin} close & hot, a heavy 2 hours rain. - sowing turnips for Willie. -
Robt. Morton came home from Bellville to day. we were down to see him this evening.
JUNE 1888. 1893
21 22 Thursday
Rather a dark threatning sort of a day. there was some sunshine forenoon but, on the
whole it has been lowering, and a breeze keeps the air cool. Ewart has not yet gone to
school he is some better to day however he helped me to put on the stretchers on the
posts forming the hen yard. I had to go down with the team to get some cedar poles that
I prepared in winter time for that purpose. Willie has been hauling out some manure on
the ground he intends sowing with hungarian grass seed. he finds his turnip land badly
run together and soaked with yesterday's rain and, he hardly knows how to work it up
again. Margaret & I drove down to Everton this evening. Abbotts are some better, so
also is Maggie Robertson although she is a sick girl yet, she had both inflammation of
the Bowels & lungs. Our Maggie is yet ailing. {Margin} Ewart at home these days
unwell. - putting on stretchers for hen yard - sickness at Everton & Robertsons - our
own folks complaining
22 23 Friday
Very fine day. a coolish north wind has blown stiffly the most of the day, and the
temperature is made more enjoyable during this heated term. we heard last night at
Everton that John Mc
Kenzie has blood poisoning in his arm, so I drove up there to day
to see him. I found it was true enough. Dr. Dow, of Bellwood, is treating it. they are
poulticing it night & day and applying hot fomentations. they think it some better now
and hope the disease is checked. I got Johny's Jeenie mare and, with our colt, drove up
the democrat thinking to get some picketing as I returned. Lynnott had none cut
however, and, as he had the mill shut down on account of shoving up his logs from the
dam I had to come home without. I ordered 400 feet which I will go for as soon as I can.
Willie is cultivating his turnip land over again, the rain having baked it up. Johny is also
preparing his turnip land. the late terrible rains make the land unworkable. we have
been getting much more than our share of rain. {Margin} I drive up to John Mc
Kenzies
he is laid up again with blood poisoning in his arm. - came home by way of Lynnott's Mill
- Boys at work with their turnip land
23 24 Saturday
Rather a hot day and thunder clouds passing around. Margaret and I were early astir
this morning and started off to Guelph just at seven oclock. the colt drove finely and was
very little over (if any) the 2 hours in going in. Margaret had 24 lbs butter & 19½ dozen
eggs. 12¢ for the eggs. 15 & 16 for the butter. I settled the interest on the 500 to
Hobson, getting his receipt. $27.50. I bought a bird cage & tongs 50¢. 200 cabbage
plants. 50 celery. we had our dinner at Toltons and they agree to board Ewart the three
days he is trying for entrance to high school. on our returning homewards we saw a
large black cloud ahead of us and judged that rain might be falling here. we found our
surmises correct and the ground had got another soaking. Dep. Barber ordered out the
cattle on Wednesday next. Willie's Steer & Pet. Mc
Donald's go from here - {Margin}
Guelph sundrie purchases. Marketing of Butter and eggs. - Paid cash to Hobson - fat
cattle ordered out next Wednesday
24 25 Sunday
Warm to day and thunder clouds again passing around. Ewart and his mother drove up
to Mc
Kenzies to day. Willie & Jeenie also drove there, we are all glad to find that John's
arm is some better. they poulticed it night & day up till now and, the doctor seeing it to
day, they may now quit. at Mc
Kenzies they had a terrible hail storm as they were hitched
up to start home. it frightened the horses and they had a hard job to keep them from
breaking their ties and running away. I was at home all day all alone. Johny & Lizzie
went to Ospringe and the girls walked to Everton. Johny Rafferty went to Mc
Dermotts.
"Jersey" cow taken again to day. not right. was taken on the 16th. {Margin} Ewart and
his mother drive up to Mc
Kenzies. - Willie & Jeenie also. hail storm up there. - I am at
home all alone. "Jersey cow"
JUNE 1888. 1893
25 26 Monday
A very fine day, moderately cool and very pleasant. Somewhat cloudy & threatning but
only a sprinkling in the evening. the women folks picked the first picking of strawberries
to day and filled 26 Boxes they are mostly large and seem to be well flavoured. Willie
has plowed his land for hungarian grass and I sowed it for him this afternoon. John
Webb and Mrs Webb paid us a visit this evening. I have been choring about and
boarding up the hen yard fence which goes slowly along there being so many other
things on hand. Mrs Mc
Kenzie (Goulding) of Guelph and Mrs John Everts Junr
came
along to see Harry Goulding and visited at Willies. Janet Abbott & Nettie are visiting
here to night. Ewart is preparing for going to Guelph tomorrow for entrance examination
to high school. I planted another row of celery to day. {Margin} first picking of
Strawberries 26 Boxes. - sowed the hungarian. - visitors - Janet & Nettie Abbott -
planted another row of Celery.
26 27 Tuesday
A very warm and sultry day. thunder clouds passing around. I have been choring and
fixing up around, and as Johny gave me his team, I hitched to the lumber waggon after
dinner and went up to Lynnotts mill for the picketing I ordered the other day I was there.
I was astonished to find on going up that from above Mc
Dermotts the country had been
visited with a heavy rain, it was late before I arrived back home with the lumber 140
pickets, he first charged $4.00 throwing in the 20 feet and only charging 10 dollars per
1000. he spoke of charging 11. the girls drove Ewart to town to day and returned all
right. they sold the 26 Boxes strawberries to Hugh Walker at 6¢ per Box. {Margin} sultry
and hot. - drove up to Lynnotts Mill for 400 feet of picketting. - the girls drove in Ewart to
Guelph to day. he is trying the entrance examination.
27 28 Wednesday
Continues warm although not so sultry as it sometimes has been. I was up this morning
by 4 oclock helping Willie to get away with his Steer. we got our breakfast and were
loaded and away by 5 oclock. the steer was very quiet and behaved well all the way, we
dumped him out by the side of the road beyond the frog pond, and Willie led him into
town with the humbug the rest of the way, he weighed on the market scales 1420. and
went 1400 on the other after standing about 2 hours. he brought $73.50. I had dinner at
David Toltons and saw Ewart. I bought a screen door at Bonds for a dollar and got
enough of stuff to make another at Stewarts & Bonds for 66¢ the fixings were extra,
spring, hinges 50¢ and latches & screws besides. there was a lot of cattle to ship to day.
some talk of there being 18 car loads. principally among the Barbers. {Margin} Guelph. I
went in with Willie, who took his fat steer to Barbers weighed 1400 price $73.50. -
bought sundries. ½ Barrell of sugar, screen door &c.
JUNE - JULY 1888. 1893
28 29 Thursday
A warm day. although there were thunder clouds around none broke down on us. I
scuffled our late potatoes this afternoon, also the raspberry patch. Willie scuffled our
early potatoes, and Johny Rafferty helped at hoeing them. Willie & Johny have been at
Goffe's raising the most of the day. we hoed up to tea time when I hitched up and drove
over to Ospringe & Everton, Margaret went with me, we sold 22 Boxes strawberries, 7
Boxes 50¢ to Chs. Anderson. 7 for 50¢ Joseph Reid. 3. 25¢ John Hawkins. and 5 for
30¢ to Mrs Heffernan got empty Boxes home again. got 100 of flour $1.50 paid for it. the
girls picked other 6 Boxes strawberries after we left this evening. {Margin} scuffling
potatoes & raspberry patch. - hoeing potatoes - selling strawberries got 100 of flour
$1.50 paid for it.
29 30 Friday
Continues hot and dry, with the exception that some thunder clouds passing round may
empty themselves at no great distance away. this season is rather remarkable for that.
local showers prevail and some localities get a good deal more than their share. I
hitched up the colt and buggie and Maggie and I drove to Guelph to day. we sold 10
Boxed strawberries to Mr Hoskin, in passing, for 70¢. we took a basket holding about 6
or 7 Boxes to Mrs David Tolton. Ewart got free from his entrance examination about
noon. although proffered hard, Mrs Tolton would not accept any pay for Ewart's board
while at his examination. the volunteers arrived by the train while we were there and I
saw them going through a number of their exercises. I paid $4.60 as interest on the
Abbott note which falls due next June. Maggie bought some dry goods. I bought a peice
of remnant for a pair of pants 2½ yds 75¢. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella & baby are here to
night. {Margin} Maggie and I to Guelph to day. - drove in to get Ewart. - settled for
interest - sold strawberries - volunteers - entrance examination
July 30 1 Saturday
Hot again to day and the land is drying on top and getting dusty notwithstanding all the
rain we have had. this forenoon was particularly close and sultry. I did not feel able to
move round at all hardly this forenoon and spent the time with the visitors in the house.
Willie & Jeenie drove off this morning to Mimosa & Hillsburgh to spend their holiday,
(Dominion day). the Mc
Kenzies started off home about 3 P.M. Margaret and I drove
down to Everton this evening and, took the lawn mower, rake and other fixings &
flowers and, with Mary's help trimmed up the grave plot. afterwards went down for the
mail matter before returning home. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie & Bella here to day & last
night. - Margaret & I fix up the grave plot this evening
July 12 Sunday
Very warm and sultry. I walked over to Toltons and had dinner with them and afterwards
went over to Dunbars. A good many visitors came there while I was there. I suppose on
account of hearing that Mrs Dunbar had been very poorly, she is now some better. a
rain cloud came along and I walked home before dark and got wet by it. the girls were at
meeting this forenoon. {Margin} walked over to Toltons & Dunbars - Mrs Dunbar poorly.
JULY 1888. 1893
2 3 Monday
A tremendous thunder storm visited us this morning between 3 & 4 oclock. there was
considerable rain, it has been a fine clear day however throughout and the air is much
cooler this evening than usual. Richard Mc
William's Barn was struck this morning by the
lightning but fortunately did not take fire, there was evidence of some fire over in Erin
after the storm. I was over to Toltons and got the frame of a screen door made, the
lightning struck an old tree near by their house, directly on the line between them and
Smith Awrey, and nearly opposite their house. Ewart gale harrowed our early potatoes
this evening. there was 21 Boxes strawberries picked to day. Johny has staked and
fixed the greater part of his share of the line fence between him & Willie, they are both
down this afternoon helping Willie Theaker place the sleepers on his Barn. {Margin}
tremendous thunder & lightning - struck Richd
Mc
Williams Barn. - a building burnt over in
Erin. - I have been over at Toltons & had a screen door made. - scuffled potatoes
3 4 Tuesday
A fine day. the air is cooler since the storm of thunder & lightning. Ewart gale harrowed
our early potatoes and Willie set them up with the plow and we hoed the soil round
them. I got Ewarts help and we picketed the lane side of the hen yard. Willie has been
working at the line fence getting it straightend up and preparing the stakes for driving.
Margaret & I made a ghastly find in the back field this morning, having missed 12 large
goslings we looked back there for them and found 5 or 6 lying mutilated by some wild
animal. Jeenie has also one of her smaller ones gone making 13 in all. {Margin} gale
harrowing the early potatoes. - nailing on the pickets on hen yard - 13 goslings killed.
4 5 Wednesday
Rain again this morning and we were some time before deciding that I would drive up to
Mc
Kenzies for Bella, the appearances getting more favourable I drove up there and
John & I drove up to the Martin homestead and gave it an inspection with the view of
John renting it. John has made up his mind to give up his present place as he finds it
hard to make anything on it and Mr Armstrong gave him liberty to leave before his term
was up, which would be yet another year. we found they have a very comfortable
homestead, the farm is very light soil however and hilly at that. John would like a better
farm but, he may make a bargain with them, he gets till the 1st of August to decide. we
returned to John's about 1 oclock and after dinner Bella accompanied me home. Ewart
& I hoed some potatoes and Willie helped us stretch the wire on top of the hen yard
fence. Willie has been building and fixing up the line fence between he & Johny.
{Margin} a drive up to Mc
Kenzies and an inspection of the Martin homestead with a view
of John renting. - Bella came down with me. - line fence fixing
JULY 1888. 1893
5 6 Thursday
A very fine day, overcast for some time but, no rain. the Annual excursion of the S.S. of
Everton & Rockwood &c came off to day, and a good many of our neighbours are at it.
Ewart & I have been hoeing awhile at the potatoes. I also hung the screen door in the
front of the house. we also made the picket gate for the hen yard and set it up so as to
let the hens out into the yard. Fred broke his poke and we had another to make. Ewart
and Minnie drove down to Everton after tea and got the mail. Miss Cockburn came to
sew to day. Bella, Maggie and Jeenie have all, by turns, been helping her. they consider
Miss Cockburn a very clever dressmaker, good in her taste & design and very fast in
her work. she charges 75¢ per day which is a little more than the ordinary charge but
she seems to be worth more. {Margin} S.S. Excursion Everton and Rockwood to
Toronto - Ewart and I fixing around. - Miss Cockburn came to sew.
6 7 Friday
A very fine day but rather close and sultry. Ewart and I have finished hoeing the
potatoes to day, they were very hard to do, the ground was very hard and foul with
weeds making it very hard work to clean the land and soften it round the potatoes. the
hens are having the benefit of the yard to day for the first. Mrs Albert Tolton and her
Sister Bessie Thomson paid us a visit to day. Albert is working at road jobs these times.
Miss Maggie Patterson is getting a dress cut and fitted by Miss Cockburn who does that
extra work after hours. {Margin} Ewart and I finished hoeing the potatoes - Mrs Albert
Tolton and her Sister visit us to day.
7 8 Saturday
A little cooler through the day and much cooler in the evening. there was quite a thunder
storm through the night accompanied with wind & rain. we had not nearly so much as
the Everton vicinity where injury was done to buildings &c. Wm Barber's barn roof again
unroofed. Loree's old log barn blown down. Joseph Benhams old barn unroofed. Robt.
Talbot's driving house blown off its foundation. Ewart & I have been working with the
team, plowed the waste of land where the raspberries were planted, gale harrowed the
potatoes and corn, afterwards spudded thistles. in the evening I drove over Miss
Cockburn to her home near the old " Grove Inn". called for the mail on returning.
{Margin} heavy storm of wind, thunder, lightning & rain. damage done in the
neighborhood. - took Miss Cockburn home this evening.
8 9 Sunday
A very fine day. John Mc
Kenzie drove down from home this morning and went to
Everton Meeting with Bella & the Baby. Afternoon they all returned and were
accompanied by George Loree & Mary. John & Bella started off for home after tea.
Maggie went up with them to stay a week or so. {Margin} Bella away home again to day.
Maggie away with them.
JULY 1888. 1893
9 10 Monday
A very fine day, the air is cool, yet the sun shines hotly. I have been fixing up the hen
yard hung the gate and drew out the posts with the horse and cleaned it pretty much up
of the rubbish it contained. I also dug soil and built it round the bottom boards so as to
shut off all the spaces that would allow of the hens getting out. Willie gale harrowed his
corn to day also scuffled his potatoes. he has also drawn off the old fence which formed
the little field between the barns. Mr & Mrs David Stewart came on us just as we were
going to sit down to dinner and they remained till after supper. David was in a happy
mood and they both seemed to enjoy their visit. they had their little Pony which was the
first time I had seen it. Willie's old Jersey calved to day. {Margin} clearing out the hen
yard for their occupation - visitors Mr & Mrs David Stewart. - Willie's old Jersey calved a
Bull calf this evening. - his young red heifer to Bull
10 11 Tuesday
A very warm and pleasant day some indications of rain which did not realize. I chored
round considerable to day. among other things started the top of the posts in the hen
yard and nailed up pointed boards to prevent the hens from lighting there. a number of
hens got out somehow and the endeavour must be made to keep them in at pleasure.
Willie cut a small piece of grass in the low part of back field yesterday and made it into
hay to day. I helped him to take it in to day. Johny went down to Rockwood & Acton to
day. he took the train from Rockwood & return. 25¢. he was seeing Holmes about
coming to buy his cattle. Margaret & I drove over to John Mutries this evening and spent
a pleasant while with them. Margaret took over a few strawberries to Mrs Mutrie. we met
Mrs Mutrie Senr
& Mrs A. Alexander there. it was nearly twelve oclock before we got
home again. {Margin} choring round considerable - Johny away in Rockwood & Acton -
Margaret & myself take a run over to John Mutries
11 12 Wednesday
Another beautiful summer day, a little rain in the morning and it looked as if it might
continue some time but it cleared up soon again. I hoed quite a while on the onion bed
to day. I made ready about 3 oclock and drove Minnie down to the corner to see the
doctor. I also got the colt, Fred shod all round by Mr Hosking - he put 2 new shoes on in
front and 2 of the old ones on behind. he charged me 90¢ which I paid. I got a Gall. coal
oil. 10¢. Box shoe Blacking. 1 lb paris green = 43¢ at Casinos, fish 20¢ in all $1.59. Mrs
Wm Burns died yesterday. she is to be buried tomorrow. I saw the dug grave and the
rough box in it when I was walking past to get the mail, or rather on returning. I rode
down with the doctor and came back by Marys. {Margin} hoeing the onions - drive to the
corner to see the doctor and get the colt shod. - Mrs Burns dead, saw her dug grave -
purchases paid all
JULY 1888. 1893
12 13 Thursday
A hot day, and sultry. I took a walk down to see Willies fall wheat and I see there is a
little rust on it. I have been anxious to see it ripen up without getting rusted as the crop
gives promise of being good. we finished hoeing the onions and pretty nearly finished
hoeing up the ground of the young strawberries. we got dinner a little on the early side
and the three of us, Minnie and her Mother & I, went off in the buggie to attend the
funeral of Mrs Wm Burns. on reaching Everton appearances indicated rain and Minnie
remained in Everton, we reached Hugh Blacks before the rain started. 2 oclock was the
hour to lift, but they put it off till about ½ past 3. it was a large funeral, and we waited till
they came along, turning at Maude's yard. we had tea at Abbotts before coming home.
Geo. Loree paid me seven dollars for Mrs Peavoy's rent. he chd
. four dollars for paper
and a dollar for Hanbidge putting on the window. {Margin} looking at the fall wheat and
sorry to see the rust starting on it. hope it may not continue - hoeing onions &
strawberries - Margaret &I drive down to Blacks to attend the funeral of Mrs Wm Burns.
Minnie also goes as far as Everton. - rain. Mrs Peavoy's money from G. Loree. $12.00
in all with what he expended.
13 14 Friday
An extremely hot and sultry day the heat of the sun has been so great as to make it
almost sickening to work out in it. I have had a lot of tinkering to do to day, when cutting
the lawn the grip on the end of the handle gave way and had quite a job fastening it on
with wire also fixing the harness with wire Willie helped me. I sowed Willie's rape seed,
put on about 3 lbs broadcast on an acre. Sowed it right & left at about 3½ paces. got
Johny to mould up our potatoes after tea. Johny is not well. hearing that Mary is
continuing unwell I hitched up the colt and Margaret and I drove down to see her. I also
bought a bag of shorts and paid for it 70¢. the doctor was to see Mary to day, he says
she must keep quiet in order to keep from vomiting. she seems quite poorly. {Margin}
greatest heat of the Season. - cutting lawn and fixing up the lawn mower. - sowed rape
seed for Willie. - got a bag of shorts for the pigs paid 70¢ for it. - Mary unwell.
14 15 Saturday
Continues very hot, although there is a breeze to day which makes the heat more
tolerable than yesterday. I hoed and fixed up about the half of our potatoes and as Willie
needed my hoe as he has started to thin his turnips I let him have my hoe and I
sharpened the scythe and cut the tops off the thistles in our grain patch. Willie moulded
up his potatoes and Johny & his boy are thinning their turnips. Johny & Lizzie were
down to Everton this evening seeing Mary and to lodge. Johny has sold his cow & steer
for a very low price, 92 dollars with a possibility of 95 if meeting a good market. {Margin}
hoeing potatoes - Willie began to thin his turnips - Johny sold his fat cattle
15 16 Sunday
The heat has somewhat lessened but it is yet very warm. I drove Mother down to Mary's
this morning. Johny brought us word this morning that Mary was very poorly. we found
her very unwell. Ewart & Minnie drove up to Mc
Kenzies and brought home Maggie with
them. I was at home alone and Johny Rafferty alone at Willies. I wrote a letter to Alex.
Mass. and the girls took it to Everton this evening. {Margin} I drove Mother down to
Mary's - Minnie and Ewart up to Mc
Kenzies - wrote a Letter to Alex. Holyoke
JULY 1888. 1893
16 17 Monday
Weather still hot and dry. the air is cooler nights and mornings. the clouds although
large and thundry looking betimes, seem higher than has prevailed and, we hope more
settled weather may set in so that the haying may be successfuly through with. I drove
Minnie down to Mary's this morning and brought home her mother, who was there all
last night. Mary is some better this morning. Ewart is on helping Willie to thin his turnips
this morning. I have about finished cutting the tops off the thistles in our grain patch,
also hoeing and earthing up the potatoes. I fed our fowels in the potatoe patch so as to
lead them in among the potatoe bugs. Johny has started to cut his hay, he says it is
terribly heavy. {Margin} drove down Minnie to Mary's and brought home her Mother. -
cutting thistles in the grain. - Ewart started to work for Willie this week.
17 18 Tuesday
A cooler air although the sun shines hotly. the mowers are driving hard at it all around.
the weather it is to be hoped is now more settled and will allow of haying being carried
on with vigour. being such a heavy crop it is of much importance to have good weather
to save it in. Willie got the most of his swede turnips hoed to day, I hoed about 5 rows of
them this afternoon. Margaret and I picked the potatoe bugs to day. the hens are very
destructive in scratching up the hills of potatoes. we try to coax them to take to the
bugs. Johny has been cutting his hay. we have got a letter from Alex. Holyoke this
evening. being dated on the 16th he and I must have written each other on the same
day. Alex & his partner seem to be doing well. they are about opening up a second
store, and he speaks quite confidently of their success. {Margin } good hay weather -
Willie thinned the most of the swedes to day. - Letter from Holyoke - Alex is confident
and hopeful of good success
18 19 Wednesday
Very fine hay weather at last. every body seems bent in doing their best now that the
weather is right. Willie plowed up the fence bottom of the old fence in the back which
formed the little field between the barns. sowed it in rape & turnip seed mixed so as to
rot the sod. Margaret & I took a ride down to see Mr Webb this forenoon. we were there
last night and he was then poorly having been bad with his heart for 5 hours. he was not
better till 5 this morning having been bad 12 hours. he is now some better but very
weak. we also drove down to see David Robertson's little boy, he has been very ill and
yet in a critical condition. we again drove down this evening, he has been easier to day.
I have been choring about a good deal, helping the boys some and hoeing some. I
sharped the mowing knife for Willie, and Ewart had it broken while cutting in the back
meadow. Willie put up the hay fork this afternoon. Johny moved the horse plow from the
gang way and took drew in 2 loads of hay. {Margin} good hay weather and every body
taking advantage of it. - John Webb unwell. - also David Robertsons Boy. - helping the
Boys.
JULY 1888. 1893
19 20 Thursday
The Weather continues dry and hot. every body around is driving hard at the hay. the
sound of the Mower is busy every where around, and it is well it is so, as the weather is
very favourable and the hay is getting pretty ripe, and some of it is very heavy. I have
been helping the Boys unload working the hay fork for Willie. and going over to Johny's
at the interval of Willies loading. Margaret and I went down to Everton this evening
going by way of Joe Hindley's for a fork that had been left there, and calling at David
Robertson's to see their sick pet, Geordie, who was a little better. Drs. Mc
Cullough &
Dryden have both been attending to him and they have grave fears for his recovery. we
then drove to Everton before coming home so as to get the mail. a Photograph of the
drug store in Holyoke with Alex & Mr Fessant in view came to hand to night. {Margin}
splendid haying weather and every body hard at it. - a drive round by Joe Hindley,
David Robertson, Everton and home. - Holyoke drug store Photo.
20 21 Friday
Very dry & hot, splendid hay weather. Johny got in all the hay he had cut by noon and
spent the balance (he and Boy) of the day, at his turnips. I have been helping what I
could to help off their loads of hay as they drove them in. I worked the hay fork for
Willie. Ewart & Willie in the mow and Johny Rafferty leads out the Mare (the Morton)
she is good at the job. I fixed up the lawn mower, by taking it apart I found the cog
wheels were badly filled up, and after putting it together again and oiling it up it went so
much easier it was not like the same machine at all. Maggie & Minnie drove down for
Minnie to see Dr. Dryden. Maggie stayed with Mary, and Minnie returned home alone it
seems Annie Abbott gave Minnie quite a tongue threshing because (as she contended)
she (or some others of the family I suppose) were neglecting Mary who was not fit to be
left alone. I think Annie overstepped her duty a little. {Margin} haying & turnip hoeing. -
drawing in hay. - David Robertson's child very sick. - Mary sick and Maggie staying with
her
21 22 Saturday
A very drying day although not so hot as some of the past. there were indications of rain
this morning but they past off without result beyond a little sprinkling at Guelph.
Margaret and I drove Fred & buggie to Guelph, starting at 7 oclock and getting there at
9.15. we had a bulky load of market produce. 30 dozen eggs, (13¢ per doz, 7 doz for J.
Abbott & 9 for Mary and 4 for Jeenie) a crock of butter for Joe Fielding 24 lbs at 18¢ to
be applied at Penfolds on the sugar A/c. 18 lbs of rolls at 19¢ a pail of raspberries
$1.00. got the tires of hind wheels set on buggie. paid a dollar. fixed the top a little, no
charge. got 25¢ oats for colt. 25¢ bird seed 5 lbs at Fittsimmons, picture framed (Alex &
Fessant at store) and (Cincinatta & Chicago freinds) $1.60. shoes each for Ewart $1.50.
Maggie $100. Minnie $1.25 = $3.75. walked up to Gowdys for a guard for mower 25¢
(paid). gave back one that didn't fit. Willie finished his haying excepting fence corners.
Johny has been working at his turnips. Maggie has been with Mary for a day or two and
we called there on our way home from Guelph. {Margin} Willie finished haying except
corners. - Guelph marketing Butter, Eggs & fruit. - quite a number of purchases.
22 23 Sunday
A much cooler day than what has prevailed for some time. the effect, probably, of
thunder somewhere around. the ground is getting very dry now and the dust deep.
Margaret and I have been at home all day excepting that I went down to Webbs in the
evening. Mr & Mrs Henry Duffield gave us a Call in the evening and we escorted them
to the side road homewards. the girls were twice at Everton. Geo. & Mary came up this
afternoon. Mary is staying for awhile, not being well. Willie & Jeenie at Mimosa this
afternoon till late. Johny & Lizzie also away at the same time. {Margin} kept home all
day. - George & Mary - visiting & visited.
JULY 1888. 1893
23 24 Monday
Weather cooler to day, quite breezy, a little rain is wanted now to freshen up the
potatoes and turnips and indeed all garden stuff. Ewart drove Maggie & Mother over to
Mutries berry patch, they returned home about 3 oclock, the berries are not so plentiful
as they expected and they got out of patience after picking about 2 pails. Mary and I
picked two thirds of a pail from our own garden patch. I hoed among the corn some.
Johny has been cutting his meadow and quit a little early so as to drive Lizzie over to
her brother Johns. Mrs John Mutrie is quite ill. Margaret & I went down to see little
Geordie Robertson this evening, he is very low. Patsy Blanchfield from Cleveland came
over here on a visit a week or so ago and died yesterday from inflammation of the
bowels. very sad just to have left home and die. {Margin} need for rain - Berrying -
hoeing the corn. - Mrs John Mutrie very ill. - have just heard that Patsy Blanchfield died
in Guelph yesterday
24 25 Tuesday
Warmer to day than yesterday and very windy the most of the day, no rain yet, although
some indications have prevailed they have all passed over. Ewart and I hoed some
along the corn, we both helped Johny some, I was more than half the day. Ewart raked
it together for him and helped in with 2 loads. I then helped in with 4 loads, it was so
windy the boys could not manage the loading very well. Willie has helped Robert Jestin
to take in hay to day (18 loads) he intended to cut his fall wheat to day but Robert is
going to help him any time he wants him. Willie borrowed 4 balls of twine from David
Robertson. blue ribbon @ ¾¢ per lb. Maggie and her Mother picked some more berries
to day, 3 pails for Sale and about ⅔ of one for our own use. they sold 2 pails to Robt.
Mc
William 90¢ each. {Margin} very windy - Ewart and I helped Johny at his hay to day. -
Willie at Robert Jestins. - Berries sold to Robt. Mc
Williams
25 26 Wednesday
Another drying day and very high and scorching wind prevailing. the wind being so dry
& hot must have a bad effect on the grain filling and growing crops. there was quite a
thunder storm passed over through the night and a little rain fell which was very
welcome. we hear the lightning has been doing damage around. one of the Taylors near
Rockwood we hear had a valuable span of horses killed, and the Elliot (John Stewarts
old place) windmill was struck and fired. I helped Johny haul in several loads of hay to
day it was hard loading on account of the high wind. Robert Jestin cut round the fall
wheat field for Willie with the Cradle and Willie raked & bound after him. Willie
afterwards started the binder cutting a few rounds before night. they seem to think that
although there is considerable rust on the straw the grain is not much affected by it, and
as there is a good crop of straw it is to be hoped there will also be a fair yield of grain.
{Margin} thunder storm last night but high wind through the day again. - damage done -
Willie started to cut his fall wheat.
JULY 1888. 1893
26 27 Thursday
A very fine day. the weather since the thunder storm is not so scorchingly hot, and the
air, especially in the morning, is clear and healthful. Maggie and her Mother with Ewart
and I drove over to the Mutrie berry patch this morning, and we all picked up to about 11
oclock A.M. when Ewart and I drove up to John Mc
Kenzies to see about the reaper for
our Johny who wants it to cut his barley. after dinner we loaded it up on the Waggon
and after awhile Ewart &I returned to the berry patch where we left Maggie & her
Mother. they had got along very well, having the 3 pails nearly filled and we remained to
fill them up and pick an extra basket besides. on getting home we received a letter from
Holyoke and one from Kelly at Clarksburg relative to Ewart accompanying Mr Kelly to
Holyoke. it is sprung on us so suddenly we hardly know how to act so as to get matters
ready. I wrote to Clarksburg this evening. Isaac Anderson came to see us this evening
accompanied by John Webb. I escorted them home again. {Margin} Maggie & her
Mother and Ewart and I drive over to Mutrie's berry patch. - Ewart and I drive up to John
Mc
Kenzies. - Letters about Ewart going to Holyoke. - Isaac Anderson paid us a visit.
27 28 Friday
Another fine day. it became overcast in the afternoon and a little rain fell but just enough
to lay the dust. I wrote a letter to Brother Alex. Meaford and another card to Clarksburg,
sending all off by the mail this morning, the time is so short when Kelly expects to be
away that we have to act promptly in the matter. Edy Abbott accompanied me from
Everton and spent the day with Ewart. John Mc
Kenzie brought the reaper down this
afternoon and he and I drove over together to look at Geo. Smith's farm. it was raining
some while we were there but we thought we saw it sufficiently to warrant the
conclusion that it was too much rent $325.00. part of the plowable clearing, about 25
acres, is only moderately good land. the balance about between 40 & 50 acres is fairly
good. while the rest of the 150 acres affords alone a run for cattle. I certainly cannot see
where the value is for $325.00 or even considerably less, a year. {Margin} sent off letter
and Card to Meaford this morning - John Mc
Kenzie and I go over to see Geo. Smith's
farm. - Cannot make it out to be a "Snap"
28 29 Saturday
A beautiful day, although balmy and warm not oppressively hot. Ewart and his Mother
and I drove to Guelph to day. we took to the market 4 Pails raspberries. one sold for
90¢, 1 for 80¢ and 2 for a dollar each to Grant p/t p'm't on a cistern pump which is to
cost $4.50 the balance cash. sold 5 lbs butter @ 20¢ per lb. = $1.00. we got a suit of
clothes for Ewart and other &c underclothing, trunk &c costing about twenty dollars in
all. I took my overcoat in to get it dyed & pressed which for that costs $1.50. Johny
finished up haying to day. Thom Mack built his stack. Willie also helped him. 12 loads in
stack. back field of all straight from barn. it was very hard to cut, being a very heavy
crop of grass in great part clover. {Margin} Ewart & his Mother and I drive to Guelph we
purchase a suit of clothes for Ewart & other articles in view of his going off. - Thom Mac
built hay stack for Johny.
29 30 Sunday
A very fine day. some rain now would be very welcome. Ewart drove the girls to Everton
this evening. the girls drove themselves in the forenoon. Mary also went with them in
the evening so they had a good load. Margaret & I made a visit to Richd
. Mc
Williams this
evening. John Neustadt & Mrs Sockett were there and waited till later before driving off.
{Margin} Ewart drove the girls to Everton. - visit to R. Mc
Williams.
JULY - AUGUST 1888. 1893
30 31 Monday
A very fine harvest day. the ground is very dry & dusty. there were indications of rain but
they blew over. Johny cut some barley with the reaper but, as it did not work well on
account of a broken casting on the table, he borrowed one of Robert Mc
William's tables
and at some trouble got on cutting again before after tea time. Ewart drove Minnie down
to see the doctor. I also drove down this morning and got 60¢ worth shorts and 100 of
flour, in all $2.10. not paid. I tried the experiment of coaxing the fowls on to the potatoes
by feeding them a little on the patch. they seemed to lay hold in earnest on the bugs,
but they would a good deal rather have the wheat thrown to them. {Margin} Johny in
trouble with the Reaper. I helped him to fix it up. - Coaxing the fowls to eat the potatoe
bugs - got 100 of flour from Everton
August 31 1 Tuesday
Continues dry and not over hot. there has been a cool air although the sun shines a little
hot. I put a cover on the front part of my boots today and sewed them on. Bella and
Maggie Mc
Kenzie have spent the day with us. Noel helped Willie to hoe the turnips and
started off between 7 & 8 oclock with the women. Johny has been pulling some wild
oats that he spied among his peas, he also paris greened his potatoes the second time.
I have been anxious to hear from Clarksburg and we heard to our sorrow this evening.
A letter card from Mr Kelly the young man's father informs us that his son started for
Holyoke last Friday morning. received a letter from Bro. Alex. intimating he will likely be
at Erin at 7.33 next Friday P.M. we are now at our wits end to decide how to get Ewart
to Alex. it has been a badly managed affair. {Margin} Bella & Maggie Mc
Kenzie spent
the day here with us. Noel helping Willie hoe turnips. - Kelly gone to Holyoke we are
displeased about it. badly managed.
Aug. 1 2 Wednesday
Weather yet very dry and though a little cool at night, pretty hot through the day. I
helped Johny to fix up the reaper to day. Johny started to cut his barley. Willie went up
to John Mc
Kenzies to fix up his binder before starting it to work. John Mc
Kenzie came
down to night to be ready to go down to Nassagawea to see Allen & Samuel Ramsey's
farms which we hear are to be rented this fall. he does not take kindly to renting Martin's
farm near Belwood as he thinks it is too much the same kind of farm he is now on, hilly
& sandy. one cannot be too particular in choosing a place on rent. the crops are now so
risky and the price so low that we can hardly expect much surplus after obtaining a
living. renters however, in order to do business have to get their surplus or else they
cannot continue to do business in that way. {Margin} helping Johny to fix up the Reaper
- Willie gone up to John Mc
Kenzies to day. - John Mc
Kenzie down to night so as to start
out tomorrow morning to Nassagawea
AUGUST 1888. 1893
2 3 Thursday
Hot & dry to day, the flies have been going hard for the horse. John Mc
Kenzie started off
in the buggie in good time this morning for Nassagawea, we drove first to Allan
Ramsay's place to see about his farm, which we heard would be for rent. the matter of
renting however is yet unsettled as the present tenant has not decided to leave without
he cannot get the place at a certain price and Mr Ramsay to do some fixings to the
buildings. we then drove down to see Samuel Ramsay's place, calling at and getting
dinner at Samuel Scotts. S. Ramsay is not sure yet whether his place will be to rent or
not, it depends whether his sons decide to go to Manitoba, or not. A's place is at
$225.00 and S's at $175.00. we had tea with Bella Webb and returned home latish to
find that Ewart had met a serious accident by falling off the colt while running away with
him. Willie went for the Dr. to Everton in ten minutes. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie & I drive
down to see Ramsay's farms. - didn't deal with either - Ewart met an accident which
might have proved serious while we were away.
3 4 Friday
Continues hot & dry. we are much wishing for rain, every thing is being badly parched
up now. I helped Willie to mow away 2 or 3 loads of fall wheat to day. also helped Johny
in with 2 or 3 loads of loose barley from the reaper. I worked up till 4 oclock when I quit
and made ready to go meet Brother Alex. at Erin at 7.33. I just got there to see the train
a little ahead of me. we staid awhile at the village and then had a fine drive home in the
cool evening. we had to ford the river both times as the bridge builders stripped away
the old bridge yesterday. we are in good hopes that Ewart has not sustained any
serious injury by his fall off the horse yesterday, as he is around this afternoon, it seems
almost miraculous how he escaped being killed when looking at the place where he was
found, at the foot of a post, his head near a large stone & his Back near another smaller
one, and unconscious for some time. {Margin} helped Willie to mow away some fall
wheat. - also helped Johny in with some loose barley - drove over to meet Bro. Alex. at
the C.P.R. Erin.
4 5 Saturday
Hot and dry as usual, indications of rain around but none here. Bella & Maggie
Mc
Kenzie drove down to see us to day. Mr Henry Dunbar drove over to see about Ewart
this morning. Brother Alex. rode over to Toltons with him. I drove Maggie Mc
Kenzie
down to Usherwood and went down again for her afternoon, afterwards drove our rig
over to Toltons for Bro. Alex. and went to Everton before unhitching. the bridge builders
laid the mud sill in centre bent to day and I saw that it was laid on a solid foundation.
{Margin} Bella & Maggie Mc
Kenzie - Henry Dunbar calls over to hear about Ewart - mud
sill laid at the Bridge
5 6 Sunday
Dry & hot as ever until every thing is parched, the grain I fear will be light on account of
the extreme heat & drouth. Bro. Alex & I took a walk down to see Jno Webb's awhile
today, and took another stroll up to Jestins evening the girls had their usual turn to
Everton. {Margin} Bro. Alex and I visiting a little round
AUGUST 1888. 1893
6 7 Monday
Moderately hot to day to what there it has been. A very fine harvest day. Brother Alex. &
I drove to Guelph. I had some business to do and Alex. wished to see his wife's freinds.
I drove him straight to Uncle Peter's and then went down to the town, got my overcoat,
which was being dyed & pressed, it seems to be a good job. also got an ostrich feather
dyed. 25¢. coat $1.50. cuffs bound 10¢ = $1.85. looking up how to get Ewart sent to
Holyoke. decided to take advantage of the forthcoming excursion to the falls. Guelph
civic holiday 14th good to return on the 15th. Ewart drove Minnie to the corner to see
Dr. Dryden this afternoon with Willie's "Billie". we called at the hospital to enquire about
Mrs Mutrie. saw Mr Mutrie and he seems to be somewhat hopeful about Mrs Mutrie.
{Margin} Brother and I drive to Guelph together. - get some business done and see
about Excursion to the falls - called at the hospital to see about Mrs Mutrie
7 8 Tuesday
Continues dry & hot. we are tireing very much of this awfully parching weather. Brother
Alex. & I went down to Everton this afternoon calling at Albert Toltons and walking in the
woods to see the big tree which is 22 feet round the trunk. we also spent quite awhile
walking through and inspecting the Cemetery. we then went to Mary's where we had our
tea and spent a very pleasant while, returning home before it was very late. Alex.
intends going over to Toltons to spend the day tomorrow, and next day he intends
taking the train from Hillsburg for home. {Margin} Brother Alex. and I call at Albert
Toltons - and visit the big Elm - afterwards visit the Cemetery and Everton
8 9 Wednesday
No change from the terribly hot & dry weather this has been a very hot day. Brother
Alex. walked over to Toltons this morning calling at Henry Duffield's for an hour. the
bridge builders have been drawing stones &c at each end of the bridge and expect to
have it so that teams can cross this evening. they have been a long time in getting it
advanced to that stage. people have been out of patience to having the road obstructed
for a week. Margaret & I drove over to Toltons this evening. Bella had not been home
very long and Thomas had been away and not returned when we left, so that Brother
Alex. had rather a dull day after all over there. {Margin} Uncle Alex of Meaford walked
over to Toltons to day. - Bridge builders having the road open to night. - Margaret & I
drove over to Toltons this evening
AUGUST 1888. 1893
9 10 Thursday
An awfully hot day, really this weather appears to be fit to burn up everything and the
parched state of all green vegitation causes general concern. grasshoppers are more
general this summer than for many years past and in some places are doing a great
deal of harm to growing crops & turnips. Johny took in the last of his barley to day. Willie
was helping him. I drew a load of rails and prepared the stakes for fencing in the calf in
the little orchard. Ewart is having a soft time just now in anticipation of his early leaving
us. he wants to see some of the folks before he bids good bye to Canada for awhile.
{Margin} terribly hot & dry - Johny took in the last of his barley - drawing stakes & rails to
make a fence against the calf in the orchard
10 11 Friday
An extremely hot day. the thermometer, I hear, stood from 95 to 100 in the shade to
day. it was really sickening, the terrible heat. Ewart & the girls & I drove to Guelph to
day. they sat at Burgess for their photographs, and I paid him $2.50 for them, also paid
him 50¢ for another ½ doz. of little Willie Mc
Kenzies photo. I changed Ewart's trunk for a
valise as we fear the trunk taking would not work well on the excursion. we think we will
have to go by the "Grand Trunk" as we could not be sure of getting back to Toronto by
the Boat on the 15th. quite a nice shower in Guelph about 2 or 3 oclock, with thunder.
on returning home we found that much more rain had fallen in our neighborhood, which
was a very welcome circumstance. the air is much cooler and things are greatly
freshened up. near Guelph the dust was little more than laid while out nearer home the
puddles were general on the road. Maggie and I were at the hospital and up to see Mrs
Mutrie in her room. she seems cheerful. {Margin} at Guelph to day with 2 Buggies.
Ewart drove one and I the other. - quite a heavy rain at home this evening - not much at
Guelph
11 12 Saturday
Weather much improved since the rain, the air is cool and the ground free from the
burning dust, and all vegitation freshened up. what a transformation is brought about by
the welcome rain. the roots were greatly in need of the moisture especially the potatoes
& turnips. Willie fixed in false girts in the barn so as to lower the scaffold, Johny helped
him. I built the fence in the little orchard and wired the stakes. I drove down to Everton
in time to meet the stage and get a loaf of bread for our travelling lunch. got a card from
Bro. Alex. announcing his safe arrival home. renewed receipt for insurance on Mrs
Peavoy's house for which I shall have to pay $3.00. {Margin} a fall of much needed
Rain. - a card from Bro. Alex. informing us as of his safe arrival home - insuring Mrs.
Peavoy's house
12 13 Sunday
Very fine weather. John Mc
Kenzie and Bella drove down this morning. the Baby is
thriving nicely and is very peacable and contented. I have got from John all the
information necessary to find out the Campbells at Niagara falls. the girls went to
Everton in the forenoon, and Walter Mc
Williams drove them up to Mimosa this evening.
quite a few callers to bid Ewart good bye. {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie and Bella down to
day - girls to Mimosa.
AUGUST 1888. 1893
13 14 Monday
A very fine morning. cool and pleasant. we were up early (½ past 4) and got ready for
Guelph. the train is due to start from Guelph at 10.20, and Ewart and his Mother and I
started from here about ½ after 7. we called up to see Mrs Mutrie in going in, and were
on hand in good time. I left the horse (Fred) at the American in charge of William
Marshall who is hostler there. the agent granted the ½ ticket for Ewart and our own 2
came to $4.40. we were delayed so long in Hamilton that we had no more time than to
make connection with the train for Ewart on the other side. the confusion and turmoil of
so many trains threw me somewhat off my guard and accepted a ticket for Ewart
necessitating him to go to Buffalo and change on to the New York Central, while by the
"West Shore" there would have been no such change, however he went off on the
"Michigan Central" for Buffalo where he would then change for the Albany train and we
hope to hear of his safe arrival at Holyoke. after getting Ewart away, Margaret and I left
the Railway Station and made for the street Cars and after boarding them the conductor
left us at a street and pointed the way to Alderman William Campbells. we were not long
in finding him out, he was from home but Mrs Campbell was very kind and invited us to
stay, but if we did not wish to stay she provided an escort (a little girl) to show us the
Cars that would take us to Malcolm Campbells house, which we did and met Wm
Campbell there. we had our tea and a very pleasant time in the evening. Mrs Campbell
seemed glad to see us and made every exertion to make us comfortable. they seem to
be very comfortably situated. the farm which they work and on which they live is just
outside the bustling part of the town, or rather City, and the Street Cars run past the
door. there are 240 acres in it, 70 of which is in bush &c. the balance under the plow.
they are milking about 15 cows and have a large stock of fowls. they speak well of the
place for getting along. money seems more plentiful than in Canada, and the produce of
the farm commands better prices. at present they speak of 29¢ for butter. 1.00 a pair for
chickens and other things in proportion. their family consists of 2 little Boys and they
have 2 hired men. the house is large & commodious and there was no trouble in finding
room for us. if we only knew of our Boy being all right and arriving safely at his
destination we have nothing more to be desired here to complete our contentment and
enjoyment. the street cars & R. R. cars run in front of the Campbell residence & the
calm Niagara beyond. {Margin} up early this morning and Ewart & his Mother & I off to
Guelph for the excursion to Niagara falls. the account of our trip there, and getting Ewart
away on the train for Holyoke
14 15 Tuesday
We are this morning located about a mile & half above the Niagara falls by the side of
the Niagara river, where it has settled down to fine smooth water. we found, on getting
up after a fine nights rest, a very beautiful morning. the sun shone brightly and the
Niagara river lay like a large Mirror on one side of the beautiful and level landscape
around. away to the east was all the hum and turmoil of the town of Niagara falls &
Susp'n Bridge with the roar of the great Cataract and the busy noise of the different R'y
Stations and screaming locomotives. Mr Malcolm Campbell signified his intention of
hitching up his horses and driving us round to see the sights and oiled up his rig for
doing so, but just when about ready, his Brother John came along, wishing his help to
fix up his baulky binder and thwarted all his good intentions. Mrs Campbell then stepped
into the breach and escorted us all over from about nine oclock up to between one & 2
P.M. when she left us at the G.T.R. Station waiting for the G.T.R. train to cross the
Bridge. Mrs Campbell paid our way, to which I objected, (30¢) to get a ride down and
back on the steep incline to the river below, where we visited the Wharf of little Steamer
"Maid of the Mist" and the rocks around the foot of the American falls where we were
baptized until the water ran of the rim of my hat, and my clothes well saturated in the
beautiful rainbow, glinting in the Sunshine. after leaving this interesting spot we shot up
again on the incline railway, and took in some of the sights from "Prospect Park" we
then engaged a ride for 15¢ each on their local line of Carriages taking us to Goat
Island and all the Islands in connection, Lund and the 3 Sisters. our remaining ½ ticket
giving us a ride back again. these Islands and the surrounds formed one of the most
enchanting features of our delightful trip. upon arriving back to Prospect Park we
witnessed the passing of a very imposing procession, accompanied with 4 or 5 bands of
music{ians} of a number of societies of the "Ancient Order of Hibernians". we then took
the Electric Street Cars for the G. T. D'p't at the Bridge where, on arriving at about 1
oclock, we found we had yet about an hour and a half to spare before our train started
across the bridge for home. after awhile our kind freind Mrs Campbell, who had
escorted us all over, parted with us, and after resting & partaking of lunch our thoughts
did not so much revert to the many and grand sights we had just witnessed as to the
parting of our dear boy the night before on the net work of rails lying before us, and in
heartfelt solicitude hoping & wondering whether he had safely arrived at his destination.
making frequent enquiries at the telegraph operator if there were any messages for us.
none however came. after crossing the Bridge and having some delay on this side we
started for home at about 3 oclock P.M. and changed cars at Harrisburg arriving at
Guelph about 7. found our horse all right, paid 50¢ for horse keep at "American" and
gave 25¢ to hostler W. Marshall and called to see Mrs Mutrie who, we found much the
same as on yesterday, and arrived home about 9 oclock, all of us anxious for definite
knowledge regarding Ewart. {Margin} Niagara falls N.Y. - the account of our visit to and
sightseeing of Niagara falls and surroundings - and also of our return trip home.
15 16 Wednesday
A most beautiful rain last night Continues dry and hot although, of course, the shower of
a few days ago freshened up things so that we can stand some more of this dry weather
again without famishing. we have had, to day, a visit from David Mitchell and his party,
consisting of himself & wife, daughter, two baby boys and sister in law Miss Retta
Smith. we had them to dinner & tea and we had a pleasant time with them, they
appeared to enjoy their visit very much. all of us for a spell engaging in Croquet playing,
music &c. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella came down this afternoon also and contributed to the
amusement. we are all anxious however in regard to Ewart's safety and this evenings
mail has not yet brought us the intelligence we are all so earnestly looking for. our
visitors all scattered for home, the Mitchells for their temporary one at Everton, after tea.
Johny has been drawing in his peas, indications of oncoming rain spurring them on in
increased energy. Willie got in 2 loads of peas when Johny got through {Margin} David
Mitchell and his party have paid us a visit to day. - John Mc
Kenzie and Bella visit us.
Johny taking in his peas. - Willie got his started to take in.
AUGUST 1888. 1893
16 17 Thursday
A splendid rain last night, no thunder & lightning dash, but a fine, steady and moderate
rain fall, it being very much needed it must do incalculable good. Mr Wells of Everton
was telling me that it barely went to the very bottom of the potatoes, but very nearly so. I
drove down to Everton in time so as to have our colt looked to, as he has been more or
less lame on one of his hind legs for some time. Willie Loree put on a new shoe and
thinks there is nothing wrong with his foot. on the stage reaching Everton we received
the welcome intelligence by Card that Ewart had arrived at Holyoke in the best of spirits,
and we hurried home to set at rest the unpleasant suspense of the folks at home. "hope
deferred makes the heart sick" but we had not long to wait. {Margin} good rain last night
came very moderately - Loree put a new shoe on Fred. - we are afraid of a jack spavin
being started - received a card from Alex. announcing the safe arrival of Ewart.
17 18 Friday
A very fine day. had quite a shower this afternoon which will yet do good to the roots
that were so long famishing. the grass will improve under it. it was getting terribly dried
up with the long continued hot & dry weather. I hitched up the colt (Fred) and drove
down to Everton calling to see Dr. Dryden with Minnie who complains badly of a pain in
back of her head. I got a letter by the mail from Ewart's own hand giving us the
particulars of his ride to Holyoke after leaving us at the bridge. Alex was to Springfield to
meet him according to arrangement but Ewart was let off at Westfield the station before
reaching Springfield and Ewart had to go on to Holyoke alone. he hired a buss to take
him to the store a very sensible act. {Margin} A valuable shower. - drove to Everton. got
a letter from Ewart giving some account of his journey down to Holyoke.
18 19 Saturday
A very fine day. warm and pleasant. I was early up this morning and got the horses
ready for Guelph. Johny's "Jeeny" & our Colt put to the democrat. Margaret & I
accompanied by Lizzie & Annie Croft Day went in. we had a lot of Butter & eggs. some
butter from Bella Mc
Kenzie and Jeenie. our own & Lizzie got 22¢ per lb and 11¢ for
eggs. I brought home a Barrell of salt, and a lot of sundries. got the box of democrat
fixed at Penfold. when ready to come home we had quite a shower at Guelph but after
coming home found it had missed us. we called to see Mrs Mutrie on our way home.
she is in much the same way. {Margin} drove the democrat to Guelph to day. - got a
Barrell of salt & other Sundries. - no particular change in Mrs Mutries condition.
19 20 Sunday
A fine day. kept the house very close feeling tired. wrote a long letter to Ewart, and
made good progress in one for Bro. Alex Meaford. Margaret & I paid Webbs a visit this
evening. the girls have been twice at Everton and took down the letter, I wrote to Ewart,
for Abbott to mail. {Margin} wrote a letter to Ewart. - the girls twice to Everton
AUGUST 1888. 1893
20 21 Monday
A very fine day, cool and pleasant. Margaret & I drove up to John Mc
Kenzies getting
there about noon or a little before. I had seen Allan Ramsay last Saturday at Guelph
and he expressed a desire to deal with John Mc
Kenzie, as he had heard well of him by
one of his neighbours (Sam Mason) so I thought I had better see and tell John of it. I
engaged with John to day to try and see Ramsay for him and see on what terms he will
rent on. John is busy cutting his oats of which there is the most part ripe, his peas are
also ready to be pulled. Johny at home here finished cutting his oats on the hill field and
Willie commenced his field by the house here and, by night, had a great part of it cut, it
is a fine crop. we returned home in the evening from Mc
Kenzies. David Mitchell & party
left there yesterday morning after staying all night. {Margin} Margaret & I drove up to
Mc
Kenzies - I saw Allan Ramsay on Saturday last and as he seemed anxious to make a
deal soon with the farm, I wished John to know.
21 22 Tuesday
Weather continues fine, heavy dews at night. this forenoon I hoed all the south onion
bed, and weeded it, also some of the strawberries. afternoon I was working in the mow
for Willie. he had Johny & Robert Jestin and man & team helping him, he finished
hauling in his peas and mixed stuff in the bottom of second field behind on left hand.
Annie Sunter from Meaford came over to day along with her Auntie Bella. she has come
to commence her duties at her school in Guelph next Monday. Margaret accompanied
Auntie Bella down to see Mary, Alberts wife, who has been unwell for awhile. on coming
back Margaret went up to see Mrs Jestin who also has been unwell from Grippe, she is
a little better. Annie returned with her Aunt this evening but intends coming here
tomorrow. {Margin} hoed all the south bed of onions - I helped mow away peas for
Willie, also mixed stuff. - Auntie Bella is keeping better.
22 23 Wednesday
A very warm day. dry & hot. the land is again showing signs of needing rain. the heat
being, at times, so excessive is the cause of it drying up so soon again. I helped Willie
this forenoon to finish shocking up his front field of oats. it is a fine crop. Johny is away
over to Mutries threshing. I half soled Johny's Cobourgs this afternoon, he had to wear
my shoes to day because of that and they hurt his feet badly. Annie Sunter did not
return from Toltons till about 5 oclock this evening. she then drove down with the girls to
Everton. I sent a letter to Toronto with a dollar for Releif Society, a special ass'm't for
this month. I wrote a card to John Turney acknowledging his communication re his
family's absence. sent a letter also to Bro. Alex. Meaford, {Margin} shocking up some
oats in front field - half soled Johny's shoes - Annie Sunter - registered a letter for Releif
Society Toronto.
AUGUST 1888. 1893
23 24 Thursday
The hot and dry weather still prevails, although harvest time, a shower would now be
valued and appreciated. the girls and their cousin Annie drove up to Mc
Kenzies to day.
they took Fred & covered buggie. I helped Willie to shock up his mixed grain in the right
hand back field. he cut down another piece of mixed stuff on the upper part of opposite
field south, and he drove down to Everton and got the mail in the evening. Johny is
helping Robert Mc
Williams to draw in his peas. I hitched up Johny's mare - Nettie - to
the buggie and drove over to Alexander Curries, Senr
to let them know that we had
seen Malcolm Campbell's folks at Niagara, as I was intending to write them soon, I
wished to know how they all were. Malcolm's folks were kind to us and I would not wish
to neglect them in any way. {Margin} girls & their Cousin Annie from Meaford drove up
to Mc
Kenzies. - I drove over to Alexander Curries. - shocking up grain after the binder.
24 25 Friday
Continues dry & hot. this has been a particularly sultry day. and the nights are little
better than the days in that respect. I arose early this morning and brought up the horse
from the back pasture, and made ready to take Annie down to the stage. I took her trunk
on the back of the buggie. I walked down to the corner while Margaret & Annie drove
down. after getting Annie on board we drove on to Eden Mills, calling at Allan Ramsay's
farm to see some of the buildings. we found there was a good cellar and the house,
though reported to be somewhat cold in Winter, is fairly good looking and commodious.
After getting dinner at Bella Webbs, I walked up to see Allan Ramsay. I found he was
ready to do some repairing to the premises, but would only agree to reduce the rent
from $250.00 to $240.00. I told him I didn't think John would give more than $225.00.
after tea at Webbs we returned home, calling at Everton. {Margin} very close and hot. -
Annie Sunter away to Guelph on the stage. - Margaret & myself drove to Eden Mills
stayed at Webbs and saw Allan Ramsay about his farm.
25 26 Saturday
A hot day again, there was a little shower this morning, not enough however to do much
good. Willie drew in some 4 loads of oats this forenoon, and in the afternoon went over,
along with the boy, to R.J. Kerr's to help him harvest. he was to have plowed our bit of
waste land in our field but keeps putting it off, so I got the team myself and plowed it this
afternoon. it was a hot job for me as I am not well to day, but I got tired waiting. I drove
to Everton this evening for the mail and Minnie went with me. {Margin} a little shower
this morning - Willie taking in oats forenoon. - helping R.J. Kerr afternoon - plowing in
our plot.
26 27 Sunday
Continues hot & dry. I walked up to Duffields for awhile this forenoon. John Mc
Kenzie &
Bella drove down to day. I wrote a few lines to his Sister to be shown John Fielding
regarding his farm he wants to rent. also wrote a letter for Malcolm Campbell, Niagara
and one for Robt. Wood with 2 dollars for assm't tomorrow morning. {Margin} visiting -
John Mc
Kenzie & Bella. - writing Letters
AUGUST 1888. 1893
27 28 Monday
Continues dry and hot although there are indications of rain. there is some going round
in thunder clouds and we got a little of it. I drove Minnie down to see Dr. Dryden this
afternoon. he says Minnie has improved. I got a letter from Ewart this evening, he says
he likes the business so far, and the people also. I called to see Mary, who has been
poorly for some days. She is still very sick and is in need of help but her Mother is quite
poorly to day and yesterday she has taken pills however and we have hopes they will
help her, Minnie also being weakly. Maggie has her own time at home. Johny has taken
in quite a lot of oats to day, also Robt. Mc
Williams. Willie was helping them and
expected to get in his too. he got in 2 loads but the rain made them rather damp and
they quit. sent away 2 dollars A.O.U.W. {Margin} some little rain. - Minnie down to see
Dr. Dryden. - Mary sick - drawing in oats. Johny & Robt. Mc
Williams - Willie also 2 loads
- A.O.W.U.
28 29 Tuesday
Quite a little rain last night and every thing seemed pretty wet this morning. the air is
much cooler now and early this morning looked as if we might have a wet day. it cleared
up fine however and it got quite pleasant and airy. Johny & Lizzie were to have gone to
Guelph to day on account of the operation on Mrs Mutrie. Lizzie went alone however
and was home early with very bad news. the Drs. made the incision only to find that her
case was hopeless, and did no more. they concluded her trouble is a fast growing
Cancer, and it only a question of a little time when the end will come. it is a very sad
affair. Margaret is some better to day and Willie drove her down as he took a grist to
Everton. she came back again however as Maggie Robertson was there. Willie sold ten
Bushel odds of fall wheat to Henry Duffield for seed. {Margin} more rain last night. it is
very welcome. - this is the day Mrs Mutrie underwent the further operation - Margaret
poorly. - Willie sold fall wheat to Henry Duffield
29 30 Wednesday
A very fine day, although quite cool. the late rain seems to have broken up the long, hot,
dry spell. I drove Mother down to Mary's this morning. Mary was very poorly last night,
vomiting quite a bit. Dr. Mc
Cullough was with her through the night. I got a letter from
Meaford this morning, they are all well. he tells me I said nothing in my last card & letter
about Mrs Mutrie. I wonder that I overlooked it. I meant to do it. Willie & Jeenie were at
Guelph to day. Mrs Mutrie is as well as could be expected. she passed a bad night and,
indeed nearly all the time after coming out of the effects of the chloroform. Mr Grant put
in our cistern pump this evening. I paid him $2.50 being the balance of its cost, the
berries paying the other 2 dollars. I half soled & sewed rips on a pair of Boots for Willie
Theaker's hired boy. 65¢ worth. also sewed a Boot for Mrs Mac. 10¢ this afternoon.
{Margin} Mother gone down to Mary's to day. - Letter from Meaford. - Mrs Mutrie as well
as could be expected. - Cistern pump put in to night. paid him for it in full. - mending
Boots this afternoon
AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
30 31 Thursday
A fine harvest day. very cool at nights and heavy dews. the boys have hauled in a lot of
oats, and Willie has cut our piece of grain. I didn't get time to shock it up excepting one
round. I prepared the democrat for going off early tomorrow morning with the
excursionists and drove down to Everton for Mother who has been with Mary yesterday
and to day. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella were here when we arrived home from Everton.
Johny & Lizzie drove to Guelph this evening leaving here about seven oclock. they are
away in to see how Mrs Mutrie is keeping.
September 31 1 Friday
Continues very fine harvest weather. I set up the stuff in our field to day. Willie was
helping Robt. Mc
Williams to draw in and this afternoon came to help Willie to draw in 3
or 4 loads of mixed stuff. I helped them in the mow for Johny who, after helping others
fixed up for finishing up cutting if possible at the Beaver Meadow. he hardly finished I
think however. I got away about 6 oclock this evening with the span and democrat to
meet the excursionists, taking Fred & John Mc
Kenzies horse. the latter for want of a
hind shoe got so lame that I got a shoe on him at Hoskins. met the Company about
8.30, highly delighted with their fine trip.
Sept. 1 2 Saturday
Weather continues dry & hot. what is written as having transpired yesterday should
have been credited for to day. and visa versa. yesterday morning I drove down our
company to Rockwood. John Mc
Kenzie & wife Bella Mc
Kenzie, our Maggie & Minnie.
the train left about 6 A.M. I drove the colt and John Mc
Kenzies horse.
2 3 Sunday
Continues fine and as dry as ever. the girls drove the colt to Everton this forenoon. the
lame hind leg of the colt seems not to be improving any, as he limps considerably. I
think I shall have him examined.
SEPTEMBER 1888. - 1893
3 4 Monday
Cool at night but hot and dry through the day. the Boys are from home Willie helping
Thomy Webb to thresh. Johny has his Boy helping at the threshing while he himself is
helping Robert Mc
Williams to draw in his oats. I drove over the colt to Erin this afternoon
and showed him to Mr Ashley. he says the joint has received a severe sprain all through
and, although there are clear indications of a spavin forming yet he would not at all
advise to blister or fire the part, if any treatment should be made apply only cold water
libations and continue them as much and as long as possible. he also told me to get the
heel of the shoe raised.
4 5 Tuesday
Weather much as usual excepting that this evening the temperature fell quite
perceptibly. likely thunder & rain has prevailed in some locality not very far distant. the
Boys have been drawing in some oats to day. I drove down this evening and got the
heel of Fred's shoe raised according to advice from Ashley. while at Everton I received
a Telegram from Alex. Holyoke. telling me to meet him tomorrow noon at Guelph. we
can not conjecture what is the cause of his coming so unexpectedly at this time.
5 6 Wednesday
Cool last night and this morning. I drove Johny's mare (Jeenie) to our buggie to Guelph,
accompanied by Lizzie who is going to see Mrs Mutrie. as I am getting the front tires set
and the 2 rattling spokes renewed I got off pretty early leaving Lizzie at the Hospital. I
was on hand at the Station at 12 oclock but Alex did not come on it, but sent a Telegram
that he had failed to connect and to wait till 6.20 P.M. which I did and met him with his
little Boy. he has brought him over to leave him here on account of domestic trouble. I
bought 2 baskets plums $1.10. we arrived home after a pretty cool drive at about 9
oclock. I called up to see Mrs Mutrie who is, considering her hopeless condition,
wonderfully cheerful and resigned.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
6 7 Thursday
Continues very fine weather. we had a nice little rain this morning its only fault being
that it was too little, the ground is now extremely dry and rain is needed badly for the
pastures and the turnips. we have all been keeping round Alex. to day as he intends
starting home again tomorrow. Willie drove him up to Mc
Kenzies this afternoon and the
baby was very uneasy and fretful while Alex. was away. I drove Alex. down to Everton
to see Mary taking little Willie with us he was in fine humor while down there at Mary's,
playing with George and Mr Baker.
7 8 Friday
Another very fine day. Alex. changed his mind relative to going home to day. he sent a
telegram to Tessant to day, I got it away at 9:30 A.M. he got an answer back in the
afternoon advising him to take the baby back again to Holyoke. I waited on till noon for
the answer but as none came to hand I came back home to feed the horse and myself.
Minnie drove down afternoon. I helped Willie mow away some of his stuff this afternoon.
Alex pitched on a couple of loads for me while I loaded. we also hauled in our stuff in 3
loads. Johny also drew in all his to day so that we all finished up to day. {Margin}
finished up all the harvest to day.
8 9 Saturday
No particular change in the weather, only that there was frost last night, and the
temperature has been cooler to day. we were up early this morning, and I drove Alex &
his boy to Guelph, his mother also went along. we started off about 7.30 or later, and
got Alex off at 10.20. he took along his Baby Carriage. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella
happened to get there in time to see him off. Robt. Jestin also saw him off. Margaret & I
after returning from Guelph drove over to Toltons. Auntie Bella has been poorly again &
not very much better yet.
9 Sunday
A beautiful day. sunshine & warm we would enjoy some rain now very much, as
everything is parched up. the girls drove to Everton forenoon & afternoon. Margaret & I
paid Webbs a visit. we went down forenoon & had our dinner with them staying till about
4 oclock. had a visit of Archie Stevens & Hannah. Robt. & Mrs Morton were also in at
Willies.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
10 11 Monday
Continues dry & hot with cool nights. the wind has blown from the east all day and it
feels as if an east storm of some kind was brewing. I have been cleaning up the rubbish
lately cut and burning it up. I also dug up our early potatoes and Maggie picked them
into a pile on the ground. I covered them with straw and earth. Johny is making up a
stone boat and I helped him awhile at it this evening. I took a board and hauled it over
the onions to break them over so that they may ripen up sooner. Willie cut his hungarian
grass to day. we think he has some notion of giving up the place. I told him to day he
could have it for another year if he liked. Jeenie is somewhat discontented, it is hard to
make some people otherwise then that.
11 12 Tuesday
A very heavy mist was spread over the land this morning and it was some time before it
cleared up, the day however broke out afterwards clear and bright and dry and warm as
has been prevailing so long. Margaret and I banked up the celery this forenoon, while
engaged at it Mrs Andrew and Mrs David Tolton with Miss Bessie and 2 children drove
up the road this forenoon. they waved their handkerchiefs and I ran down to see them.
they told me they were going to call tomorrow at dinner time. they were on their way
farther over to Erin and going to Thomas' for dinner. Johny is busy cleaning up the
rough field at the corner, he is getting rid of stumps & stones.
12 13 Wednesday
Another dry and hot day although there has been considerable threatning. the Tolton rig
came along with the occupants as stated yesterday. they had quite a load of other stuff
with them, fruit &c. Bella had come down in the morning so we had quite a company. as
the appearances indicated the possibility of rain, the Toltons became uneasy and
although they seemed to enjoy their visit still they had a desire to start for home for fear
of rain. Bella and the girls drove down to Everton expecting to get word from Alex. but
none came to hand. they paid Mary a visit.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
13 14 Thursday
Weather dry & warm although yet threatning. Willie had a notion to draw in his
hungarian grass which has been covered up for some time but found it too damp on
examination. I drove down Bella's rig to Everton and got some wheat for her to feed the
chickens and went in time so that I could leave Everton as soon as the mail was
distributed. Bella wanted to hear about Alex. should there be any word from him. a long
letter did come to hand informing us that he had a very tedious time in getting home and
the baby sick besides he did not arrive home till Monday. I sent away a letter to Alex
Mc
Gregor.
14 15 Friday
Quite a heavy thunder storm through the night, or rather early this morning. there was
very little rain accompanying it however, which we very much regretted as rain at this
time is very much needed. we had a call from Thomas Tolton and he had dinner with
us. he was looking at the building roof and giving some advice. he went on to Alberts
expecting to thresh there afternoon which they did not. I drove the colt & buggie over to
Pattons, near by Allan Robertson's, and bought a square of 2nd class shingles for
patching roof of shed. paid a dollar for them and brought them on the hind part of
buggie. Robert Morton threshed this afternoon.
15 16 Saturday
A very dissagreeable day. the wind has been very high and it has rained in showers
less or more all day. Lizzie drove "Jeenie" in the buggie to Guelph. Margaret went with
her. they had butter & eggs. ours was 17 lbs butter and some eggs. 22¢ per lb for all the
butter. 14 for eggs. I intended being at the roof fixing but it was too wet. Mrs Mutrie was
brought home to day in the Ambulance and stood the journey very well indeed. Lizzie &
Mother went to the hospital to see her before she started for home.
16 17 Sunday
The wind fell from the hurricane of yesterday to be a tolerably calm one to day, it also
kept dry and pleasant. the girls drove to Everton this forenoon. Mr Webb walked up this
morning to let me know there was to be a Workman's funeral to day in Erin. I could not
drive myself conveniently and neither R. Mc
Williams nor Robt. Jestin were disposed to
go so I also had to remain at home.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
17 18 Monday
Quite a rain this forenoon. Willies hungarian grass is all out in cock yet. I was thinking it
was unfortunate he did not take it in sooner but he tells me the wet has gone but a very
little distance in. Willie started to plow in our front field. I told him a few days since that I
would pay him to do some plowing for us. James Clark brought along a two furrow plow
which I agreed to take at the same time upon which Willie was to take it, namely, 3
cords {B & N} wood delivered at their yard in Guelph by March next, and the old gang
plow. Willie used it in the field behind the orchard after it came to hand, it worked well
but, the point of one of the shares broke off short.
18 19 Tuesday
A very fine day, extremely hot awhile. I worked pretty hard to day, dug up between 2
rows of the strawberries and otherwise working round this forenoon. Afternoon I was
working on the shed roof, and after awhile left that to help Willie in with his hungarian
hay. I turned out the cocks to the sun and Johny & his boy and Robt. Jestin helped us in
with it. Willie took up about 8 bags potatoes, from 3 rows of his patch, they are very fine
and large. Johny has been working at his corner field he is plowing it up and lifting the
stones the while.
19 20 Wednesday
Very fine day, warm and balmy. Willie drove to Guelph to day with the democrat taking
8 bags potatoes and other farm produce. Jeenie accompanied him, he visited the show
in the afternoon which started yesterday, there was a large attendance to day. they
have also some attractions in the evening. Willie got 60¢ for some of his potatoes and
70 for some. I have been fixing up the roof of the shed to day - laying shingles on the
part over the drinking trough and patching other portions. Johny Rafferty helped carry
the shingles &c and otherwise assisted as he had nothing particular to do.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
20 21 Thursday
Another very fine day. I spent quite a time getting a pole to make a trough for the barn
eve over the drinking trough in shed, also fixing at shed roof. Henry Duffield is threshing
with Joseph Dunbars Steamer. Johny & Willie are both helping him. at night they
complained of having been overrought. they cleaned out the barn, which usually took
about double the time and did not provide any additional help. I drove down to Everton
for the mail this evening, got a letter from Ewart and one from Alexr
. Mc
Gregor.
21 22 Friday
Continues beautiful weather. I am chronicling the business of a few days past and have
made an error in stating that Duffield threshed yesterday. it should have been credited
for this day. I have had to turn in to the gang plow. Willie left Johny Rafferty to plow and
he only started when the plow rode over a small stone and in the concussion of righting
itself again, an important part of its makeup got broken, the cogged part for raising &
lowering. we then hitched to Johny's plow, and as Johny Rafferty did not seem to be
doing good work, I staid till ½ past four.
22 23 Saturday
Beautiful weather, but cooler than has usually prevailed. I finished up all the new
shingles patching and also laid a good many old ones over the ragged part of the roof.
Willie plowed in our south front field to day. Henry Duffield helped Willie kill a sheep for
the threshing on Monday. I sharped a saw for John Webb this evening. and Margaret &
I drove over to see Mrs John Mutrie after tea. Mrs Mutrie is comparitively cheerful
although she must be cognizant of her impending doom.
23 24 Saturday
Hard frost last night. a good many of the tender flowers are cut. the girls were twice at
Everton to day. it has been cold though fine. I walked over to see Sister Bella and after
getting dinner called at Dunbars on my way home. John Mc
Kenzie & Bella visited
Mc
Cutcheons and called for tea on their way home. Johny & Lizzie drove over to John
Mutries this afternoon. {Margin} Sister Bella not well at all this last week.
SEPTEMBER 1888. 1893
24 25 Monday
A very fine day, although for a time it was rather threatning looking. the threshers were
on hand early this morning and had the machine on at work between 7 & 8 oclock. they
had the machine here on Saturday night. I helped all day at the threshing, tramping and
forking the straw, it kept them going till nearly dark and the stuff seem to turn out very
well. some think there is about 250 bushels of oats in the corner of barn floor and all the
granary bins full. there must be close on 700 bushels of grain with the wheat they
threshed before. {Margin} Willie Threshing.
25 26 Tuesday
Splendid weather for threshing. Albert finished up at Willies last night and he got a fair
start at Johny's this morning. they had Johny's peas through about 10 oclock and they
think there is about 125 bushels of them. Johny seemed to have plenty of hands on and
I did not feel like spoiling for a job, so let them alone and fire away. I made the eve
trough and barked it that we intend for the barn, above the drinking place in shed. John
Mc
Kenzie called on his way home, he has decided to take Allan Ramsay's place, at
$240. I wrote a letter to night for Alex. Mc
Gregor, and one for Robt. Wood, with
remmitance for 2 assmts, A.O.U.W. one for John Mc
Kenzie and one for self. I wrote a
card to Allan Ramsay telling him that John will take his place. {Margin} sent 6 dollars to
A. Mc
Gregor interest on note. - 2 dollars, 2 assess'ts A.O.U.W.
26 27 Wednesday
Weather dry, cool and pleasant. I drove to Everton this morning and mailed the money
letters. I found no card for Ramsay and had to write another to him. (had left it at home)
I took down a bag of stuff to chop, and paid for it. Robert Jestin and Willie brought it
home at night. John Mc
Kenzie came down here this afternoon and got away our old
Gowdy plow. he intends plowing with 2 teams as he gets a chance to use another horse
- harvesting the onions these times. Miss Cockburn has come along this evening to do
some sewing.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 1888. 1893
27 28 Thursday
Weather continues as it has been for some time, we would be glad to get some rain but,
a very dry spell reigns supreme. Miss Cockburn has been here to day sewing and fitting
anew a dress for Maggie, the dyer in Guelph dyed it black. I finished putting on all the
shingles and also set up and bracketed the eve trough. Willie plowed in our front field it
is very hard plowing, the land being very dry and baked. I drove down to Everton for the
mail this evening
28 29 Friday
Cool to day and dry as usual the Sun shines hot through the day but, there is frost at
night. the weather is simply magnificent all that we could now desire is a fall of rain as
all grass and vegitation is suffering from the drouth. Willie finished up the plowing of the
front field (mixed crop part) I cut 3 rows of corn and made it into sheaves this afternoon.
29 30 Saturday
Frost at night, but through the day more beautiful could not be. Miss Cockburn finished
up Maggie's dress early this forenoon. paid her a dollar & 75¢ for 2 days & ¼. Willie is
helping Robert Mc
Williams to thresh to day, and when Johny Rafferty finished up the
gang plowing this forenoon, we borrowed Duffield's harrows and he harrowed the
greater part of the ganging of this upper field (pea part). I had to look after him. Minnie
drove to Everton this evening and Margaret and I afterwards drove up to Mc
Kenzies,
arriving up there between 8 & 9 oclock.
Oct 30 1 Sunday
A continuation of this very fine weather. John Mc
Kenzie and I had a walk around this
forenoon seeing their work. they calculate in having nearly 20 acres plowed but he is
very anxious to have it all done so as to get down to the Ramsay place to plow. we left
there for home about 4 oclock P.M. the girls & Colin Mc
Millan drove the colt & buggie to
Everton afterwards.
OCTOBER 1888. {William did not change year to 1893}
1 2 Monday
Continues dry and very pleasant, beautiful sunshine and warm through the day. cool at
night, the frost is very hard some of these nights. yesterday morning it was very hard.
Willie attended Robt. Mc
Williams threshing this forenoon and Richd
's afternoon. I looked
after Johny Rafferty while he harrowed the remainder of the gang plowing. he took the
harrow home to Duffield's after dinner. Jeenie took Billie away, driving over to Toltons. I
cut other 2 rows of the corn, and I helped Johny Rafferty draw some water to the pigs
and he helped me draw in the pumpkins about 60 of them big & little. there are between
40 & 50 usable ones, some a good size.
2 3 Tuesday
Rather dull to day. looks considerably like rain, although it kept dry all day. I took Willie's
place at the threshing to day and Willie plowed in the field behind the orchard. I am
anxious to get the plowing done, as Willie is giving up the place and I don't want to buy
a team till nearer Spring. Richd
Mc
Williams' stuff turned well out, there is thought to be
considerably over a thousand bushels. there is a large proportion of it oats. it seems like
all good stuff. Robert Mc
Williams has been helping Johny to day to clean out the drain
from his cellar, they dug it a foot lower than before and laid the tile and partly filled it in.
3 4 Wednesday
A grand rain last night, wish it had only continued, it was dull and threatning the most of
the forenoon but it cleared up fine afternoon. Acton Show is being held to day (2d
day)
and no doubt the fine afternoon will be very welcome. I sent a letter to Alex. Holyoke
this morning and a card ordering the Mercury to them for a year. After dinner I drove up
to Patons for another bunch of shingles, the roof patching is not yet complete without
some more fixing. After coming home I plowed for Willie while he made up a place in
the stable for his little pigs. Johny drove down to Everton a load of chop. he did not get it
home as they can't work for want of water.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
4 5 Thursday
A very beautiful day. the sun has shone out most splendidly and the temperature is
warm and balmy. I tied up the feed corn this afternoon and worked in the garden some.
Margaret has been working among the onions. Willie cleaned up a load of stuff for chop
and for flour. Johny has helped Robert Mc
Williams to open out a long drain. he plowed
first and then softens up the under part with his Ruddelt invention before shovelling. Mrs
Morton and Mrs Wm Theaker paid our folks a visit this afternoon. we received a letter
from Alex. Holyoke tonight.
5 6 Friday
Coudy and threatning this morning, the clouds thickened this afternoon and rain fell
moderately for awhile, the wind was high from the south before it rained. Willie attended
Coffey's threshing to day. Johny also. Harry Goulding has been plowing for Johny. our
plowing stands as Jeenie has used Billie this afternoon. we bagged up 6 bags onions
for Guelph tomorrow. Mr & Mrs John Webb paid us a visit this evening. we have much
sympathy in common owing to similarity of domestic trouble pending. I intend driving
into Guelph tomorrow with the democrat taking Lizzie & Mother with the produce to the
market. {Margin} Bagging up onions for Guelph tomorrow. - Webbs & ourselves
6 7 Saturday
A very threatning looking morning, and it continued so all forenoon but little or no rain
fell. cleared up fine afternoon. we left for Guelph about 7.30 and went in in about 2
hours. sold the Onions almost immediately at a dollar a bag, to Penetton. sold the
pickles, 50 lbs at 3¢ per lb = $1.50. 17 lbs butter at 23¢ $3.91. 2 dozen & ½ eggs at 17¢
= 43¢. Lizzie sold her chickens 6 dozen. 3 pair $1.25. the rest at 50¢ per pair. bought
some sundries. 2 undershirts woolen shirts for me $1.00. necktie 25¢. pr drawers 60¢.
we met John Mc
Kenzie & Bella who were to the market with potatoes & Butter the latter
22½¢ per lb. the potatoes 50¢ per bag. Willie finished a Coffey's threshing at noon.
plowing at upper front field afternoon. {Margin} Guelph market
7 8 Sunday
A very fine day. warmer than for some time past. I walked over this forenoon to Sister
Bella. she is a little better than she was some days ago that she had a bad turn. John
Mc
Kenzie & Bella drove down in expectation of getting Mary up with them but, George
objected and she did not go. we thought Minnie might have gone but she also kicked.
so they had to return as they came. John is going to the Ramsay farm to plow tomorrow
and Bella will be alone for awhile.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
8 9 Monday
Very high wind to day. I had intended to go on the roof to day and finish up the patching
by putting on the last bunch I bought at Paton's, but the wind was so high I did not
venture. I then put in a few panes of glass in the stables and nailed on protection to
save them from being broken again. I afterwards helped to fix up the onions which are
being harvested in this fine weather. Willie has been helping at Robert Jestins
threshing. Johny also. he strikes out the plowing for Harry Goulding. Margaret and I
went to see the show stuff that Webb's have prepared for the show tomorrow, the
parsnips and beets are as good, I think, as I ever saw.
9 10 Tuesday
A very fine day and not so windy as yesterday. Robert Jestin is threshing again to day
and the boys are again helping him. I finished up the patching of the roofs to day. put on
some on our house roof. I took 2 bags grain to the mill and got them chopped for the
pigs. this makes 3 bags for them now. Willie is also taking down some chop, and getting
some flour also. he left a bag of flour for us. {Margin} finished patching the roofs - 2
bags chop at mill. - pig feed - our own mix for chop - Willie gave us a bag of flour.
10 11 Wednesday
A most beautiful day. the sun shone out brightly and it was very warm. I hitched up
Fredy & Johny's Nettie to the democrat, and the girls & their mother and Harry Goulding
& Webb's girls all rode with me. there was a great crowd of people there and though the
quantity of exhibits seemed to behind former years, the quality seemed real good. the
cattle seemed to foot up better than the horses. Currie obtained the prize for the herd,
his Bull is a magnificent Animal. Elliott had a good herd. James Black took the prize for
Collection of Apples, his Uncle Hugh generally took that prize. the judges got through in
good time and the show broke up, I thought, earlier than usual. we got home before it
was very dark. the weather was the most favourable for Rockwood than I ever
remember of. Bella & Miss Wishart drove down to see the show, they left for home
early. little Willie was with them.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
11 12 Thursday
Very fine day. sunshine & warm. Willie started to plow out his potatoes to day, and
Johny also. I helped Willie to pick his and he plowed out 10 rows of ours, leaving other 9
rows still to take up. Maggie and her mother and I picked them after dinner and we
made 4 piles which I covered with straw and a thin coating of earth. in the forenoon we
pulled a good share of the onions that are rather late of ripening up. the weather at the
present time is good for harvesting them. {Margin} started this morning to take up our
potatoes. all three of us.
12 13 Friday
Dull and threatning like to day, although warm and pleasant. I have been busy all day
among the potatoes. I helped Willie this forenoon to pick, he has Johny Rafferty and
young Willie Mack picking after him. they have gathered and taken up the greater part
of theirs to day. Willie plowed up the remainder of ours (9 rows) before dinner. Maggie &
her Mother picked them this afternoon while I carried them to the cellar. 25 bushels in
all. I carried 4 pails, weighing a bushel at a time. I harrowed the ground after we were
done and we got again about a bag. Johny got through with the taking up of his to day
also. it has been splendid weather for the job. I wrote a letter to Brother Alex. Meaford,
and intend to send it off in the morning tomorrow. {Margin} busy taking up the potatoes.
all three of us Johny Willie and ourselves at the work.
13 14 Saturday
Rain last night and this morning. quite a number of people went to Guelph Market but, it
has been a miserably uncomfortable day for them. no out door work could be done, as
the rain was falling very constant. I did some little shoe mending and also fixed up our
old plow so as to do some work with it. took down the letter for Meaford and mailed it
this morning,
14 15 Sunday
Dull and unpleasant to be out side, it has been showery. the girls drove to Everton this
morning, and they went again in the evening in the company of Walter Mc
Williams. I
kept at home the most of the day. wrote a letter to Brother Alex. Meaford.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
15 16 Monday
A very fine day. Willie finished up taking up his potatoes to day. I helped him until it was
time to start over to John Mutrie's where we have laid out to visit this evening for some
time back. on getting our tea on sharp time we started over and found Mrs Mutrie, under
the circumstances surprisingly well, it is really wonderful to see her so well as she is,
people are begining to think that surely the doctors are mistaken in thinking her case so
hopeless as they have represented. we would all like very much to learn that they have
been mistaken. she is quite cheerful.
16 17 Tuesday
Beautiful weather. cool a little but very pleasant and clear sunshine. the Mc
Dermotts
called for me at ½ past seven this morning and I was in the Court house the greater part
of the afternoon and quite awhile in the forenoon. a breach of promise Case, and a
cattle purchasing Case, of the Barbers and a Mr Craft, took up a long time, and
afterwards about 3 or 4 oclock Mc
Dermott's Case came on, which kept the court busy till
nine oclock. the plaintiffs Witnesses were tedious and took long to work up, while
Mc
Dermott's were soon over with. John Mc
Kinnon, Dan Talbot & I respectively attested
to the previous good character of the accused and a verdict of "Not Guilty" was in a few
minutes returned by the jury to the joy of all his freinds.
17 18 Wednesday
A very pleasant and beautiful day. bright sunshine and clear sky. a little mist has been
prevailing lately in the mornings. Willie has plowed in the upper front field. I shovelled
out the furrows in the corn patch piece that Willie plowed.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
18 19 Thursday
A very fine day although not so pleasant as some of the weather that has past
inasmuch as there was lack of sunshine. very misty this morning but it cleared off early.
our girls are off with the Mc
Williams to day to Erin Show, they have our democrat. Willie
and Jeenie also went after dinner. Willie plowed up till between ten & eleven oclock in
the upper front field. I hitched up Frank & the Morton Mare to our old Goudy plow and
started to plow in the south back field but one. the flies are bad to day and the horses
are uneasy in consequence. Johny is drawing out his manure some to the south corner
field and some to the lower front one. Johnny drove Fred for the mail to night. they got
home about 8 oclock. they saw their Uncle Joe at the show
19 20 Friday
Another beautiful day. I had quite a job rigging up things to start the Colt to plow along
with Frank. I got a pair of whiffle trees from Robert Morton to plow with and with the
exception of tomorrow can have them for the next week without stop. Johny is drawing
stones into his pig pen in order to raise. he came and held the plow a couple of rounds
for me, before dinner, while I drive the colt & Frank. the colt goes finely, I plowed alone
with him all afternoon. I never saw a young colt come in to the work faster or kindlier. we
just have heard that James Lowrie is found to be afflicted with an inward growth which
is likely to prove fatal in a few months. although he is getting to be an old man, still this
is sad.
20 21 Saturday
Quite misty this morning and remained so until we reached Guelph. I drove the
democrat there to day taking Margaret & Lizzie. we had 3 full bags onions, and a
bushel, also 60 lbs of picklers. got a dollar a bushel Bag for them at Mc
Elderry's, and 3¢
per lb for the half of the picklers & 2½ for the balance. Lizzie got 20¢ per lb for her firkin
of butter, and for our rolls 24¢. Eggs 17¢ per Doz. I sent 50 dollars to Alex. today.
borrowed from Robt. Mc
Willams for 6 months at 8 per cent, per Annum.
21 22 Sunday
A very beautiful day. the girls walked to Everton meeting to day. their mother and I
drove over to Toltons where we had dinner. and afterwards went to Dunbars where we
had a pleasant visit and our tea. Mrs Dunbar is very poorly and Auntie Bella is also in
rather a poor state of health. she spits up considerable blood at present
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
22 23 Monday
Very beautiful weather. clear sunshine and balmy & warm for being so late in the
season. I have plowed all day with Frank and the colt, it is surprising how tractable and
good to plow the colt has got in a day or so. I made rather a short forenoon but in the
afternoon the loss was mostly made up, I think the two can plow about an acre a day
and not hurt themselves although Frank is very thin. Johny now thinks it is his teeth that
causes the trouble, at one time he thought it might be worms. the boys have both
helped Robert Jestin to saw with the Circular this forenoon. Willie plowed in the
afternoon in the field behind the orchard. Uncle Thomas Tolton and Auntie Bella paid us
a visit to day. Bella is not at all well these times, although she is better than in the past
23 24 Tuesday
Another beautiful day. about 4 oclock P.M. it became somewhat overcast and a very
cold west wind sprung up. I have plowed all day from about 9 in the morning. Willie
plowed in same field as yesterday till 4 oclock when he hitched up Nettie to go and meet
a man who thinks of dealing for her. I then changed Fred for the old mare and Minnie
drove to Everton for the mail. A letter received from Alex tells us to meet his wife at
Guelph. Thursday at noon. am getting along nicely with the plowing. I gave Robt.
Mc
Williams a note for Sixty dollars on Alex' account, payable in six months from last
Saturday (21). I sent 50 to Alex and keeps 10 for myself for present use. it is at 8 per
cent. Johnny is busy raising spruce and cedar trees and planting. {Margin} plowing -
Letter from Alex. Holyoke - gave note to Robert Mc
Williams on Alex. account. $10.00
for Self.
24 25 Wednesday
Fine day, although cooler than has generally prevailed this some time back. I have
plowed a good part of the day, although there was fully two hours, (between 2 & 4
oclock P.M. that I helped in with the potatoe to the cellar from the pits. Margaret carried
in the contents of 2 pits. and I carried in the 3 large ones. we think there are about 50
bushels of Elephants, and about 7 bushels of the {illegible} Ohio. the colt and Frank get
along fairly well with the plow. Willie has started up his turnips, he pulls and tops and
roots them for the market.
OCTOBER 1888. 1893
25 26 Thursday
Dull and lowering this morning and the weather was quite threatning up to about ten
oclock when it began to rain a little. it did not rain much of any account however until
after dinner, when, after that, we had a rainy and unpleasant afternoon. we started for
Guelph to meet Annie (Alex' Wife) getting in there a little before 11. she did not come on
the 12 oclock, but after waiting till the 3 oclock, I got word of her being at the junction, so
drove up for her. on coming back we had our tea at David Toltons, having had dinner
before that, and we immediately after started for home. Lottie Jestin returning with us.
she rode in with us, having 2 baskets of fowls. sold her chickens at 45¢ per pair. (4 pair)
Ducks 65¢ per pair 2 pair = $3.10 to Mc
Ateer. 2 pr to Fielding 90¢.
26 27 Friday
Still threatning some this morning and cooler, it cleared up however to be a tolerably
fine day and, as it was the day for Thomas Webb's Auction Sale, was much desired and
appreciated by them. I went down after dinner and got my Books ready before the
Auctioneer (Thos. Ingram) commenced the sale. there was a large crowd and the
bidding on the whole was good and spirited. I had quite a diligent job, and engaged my
attention to the full. at night there was quite a trouble in making out the accounts as
there were so many articles belonging other parties that had to be seperated from
Webbs business. I think, however, that all the business was done up satisfactorily.
27 28 Saturday
Weather cooler and in the afternoon frequent snow showers gave it a wintry
appearance. I hitched up Frank & Fred to day with the plow harness and though late in
starting got quite a piece of plowing done. there was some rain in the morning which
prevented any work being done in the field. Johnny & Willie were both at their turnips in
the afternoon however.
28 29 Sunday
Weather somewhat wintry in appearance to day. it has been cold and the snow clouds
have been passing over us. the girls drove to Everton this forenoon but they did not go
down at night. Annie wrote to Alex to day. I also sent him a few lines. Johnny takes it or
sends in the morning
OCTOBER & November 1888. 1893
29 30 Monday
Hard frost last night the ground was quite hard this morning. I started the plow about
nine oclock this morning and plowed steady until about five oclock when, on account of
John Mc
Kenzie & Bella being here, I unhitched the team and came up to supper. I broke
my sole plate of the plow and had to get Willie's plow to go on with. Johnny has been
drawing in his turnips, he tells me he has nineteen loads in to night. Willie & his boy
helped him this forenoon. John Mc
Kenzie took down 2 bags of stuff to chop for our pigs
and he got it back with him again he had some flour for himself. they tell us that Mrs
Carter's Sister is being married this morning up at Carter's house. they are soon going
off to Philadelphia. {Margin} plowing - John Mc
Kenzie & Bella - 2 Bags mixed stuff for
chop for pigs
30 31 Tuesday
Frost again last night which made the ground quite hard this morning, the day opened
out fine however and it lasted throughout. I started to plow about 9 oclock and, as I
found I had an acre to turn over to finish the field I went at it in earnest, and before I
completed the head lands it was almost too dark to see the work. The colt has stood the
job of plowing that stiff field remarkably well. I have been afraid lest the steady hard
pulling would be bad for his leg, but, so far, there is no bad effects visible. Willie has
been taking up his turnips and dressing them for market. Johnny has been drawing in
his from the corner field and Willie has been helping of and on, he has 19 loads in to
night I understand.
November 31 1 Wednesday
Very fine day. I plowed this forenoon having started the piece on the north back field.
the gang plowed part is very soft and does not work pleasantly. I did not plow this
afternoon but went to Johny's turnip hauling in, we finished his hauling at about 5 P.M.
and took one load for Willie. Lizzie helped Johny in with the turnips. Willie & his Boy &
team also helped this afternoon Johnny took "Ida Queen" down to Sarles after dark. we
hear of quite a lot of "Halloweve" tricks having been done last night, more than usual.
the girls drove to Everton this evening they got a letter from Holyoke also one from
Uncle Alex. Meaford Thomy Webb and wife and son left the paternal home this evening
for Eden. {Margin } "Ida Queen" taken to Sarles this evening
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
1 2 Thursday
A very fine day. sunshine and very pleasant. Willie has been taking in his turnips with
two wagons. Johnny & his Boy & team have been helping. and I have quit the plow to
help also. Johnny & Willie and I go ahead with knives dressing them and hauling to the
pit with our team, while the Boys follow up with their team and haul to the turnips house
what we leave. the girls drove to Everton this evening for the mail and had their drive for
nothing. they made a mistake at the office and sent the Everton mail to Ospringe and
kept the Ospringe mail at Everton so we will have to wait till things are made right again.
we have just heard of the death of Mr Darling of Milton or near Milton.
2 3 Friday
Heavy rain last night, but clear and frosty in the morning. we resumed work at the
turnips same as yesterday, but it was not so pleasant on account of the rain through the
night. we finished up the drawing and Willie counts on having in some 52 loads
altogether of swedes. our mail came to hand to day. the Duffields brought it. the Globe
gives a detailed account of the assassination, and the likeness of the Mayor of Chicago,
and his intended wife Miss Annie Howard. the New Orleans Millionare also the
Assassin, Prendergast, it is a sad winding up of the Great "World's Fair"
3 4 Saturday
A very fine and beautiful day. fine clear Sunshine and warm. I plowed all day and got
along fairly well. pretty nearly done with the stubble past the low, wet part of the field
near to Jestin's line. Frank was pretty well done out when night came, he is now very
thin which makes him weak. the colt stands it well. Willie covered his turnips pit to day.
and Johnny is fixing up his hog pen. he has quite a job with it, breaking out a door in the
wall and filling up the bottom with stones and earth.
4 5 Sunday
Weather very fine and balmy. the girls drove to Everton this forenoon with Fred and
buggie. they also went at night. Walter Mc
Williams drove them down in the evening. I
got the loan of Billy and drove up to see James Lowrie who is now very low. he has
sunk very rapidly since it became known that he had a malady likely to carry him off. 2
weeks ago, I beleive was the first time he was apprized of the nature of his disease
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
5 6 Monday
Beautiful weather, this has been warmer than the average for some time. and clear
sunshine. I fixed little Willie's shoe this morning before going out to work and before
going out again afternoon I hauled in the Cabbage to the turnip house window. I plowed
the balance of the time and got along fairly well. Willie bagged up some twenty bags of
potatoes this afternoon which he intends soon taking to Guelph market. he took down a
grist of chop this forenoon and got it home with him. Johny is working away at his hog
pen. {Margin} got 80lbs of oats this morning from Willie. the other weights were 75. 77.
68 = 300 to date
6 7 Tuesday
The weather continues fine and beautiful sunshine. warm and balmy strange that such
exceptionally fine weather should prevail here, while in Manitoba they are having severe
winter weather, we hear they have had sleighing for some time. I have been plowing
and realy enjoy the work. the gang plowed part is very soft and as it has plowed deep
on account of being so hard, the plow swims through the land rather loosely. I
will soon now have all to do on the sod that Willie broke up which will firmer and easier
for both myself and team.
7 8 Wednesday
Continues the same Magnificent weather. I hear many saying they never saw such a
long unbroken term of grand weather so late in the season. it comes very acceptably to
us this fall, that the place is falling into our own hands again. Willie took to Guelph to
day 32 bags of potatoes he sold a quantity at 45 cents per bag, and the remainder at 40
cents, it is rather Singular that objection is made to them being too large. I have had
pleasanter plowing to day on the old sod broken up this summer. we are having a sick
horse on hand of Henry Duffield. he got so sick they sent for Mr Ashley. he is staying all
night, he says he is a very sick horse. James Lowrie died this forenoon at eleven
oclock. poor Man he sank very rapidly after learning of the nature of his malady.
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
8 9 Thursday
Another beautiful day. I finished up the plowing of the back field on the north. Willie
plowed some on the next field, and gave me his team to finish up with. he drove to
Everton with his hew horse (Pete) to get him shod. I got done a little early and started
the piece alongside of our garden before unhitching. old Frank is extremely thin just now
and a hard days work does him up badly, the colt works well and stands it out better
than Frank. {Margin} got 58 lbs oats to day for the horses.
9 10 Friday
A change in the weather this has been rather a dull day, and very chilly. I plowed in the
front field until about eleven oclock when I unhitched and prepared to go to the funeral
of James Lowrie. Margaret and I started at one oclock with Fred and buggie. we were
there about ¾ of an hour before they lifted at (½ past two) and we then drove back to
the Town line and drove up to Bella's instead of going to Dublin with the funeral. there
was a very large funeral being, I believe, about 120 or more rigs there. we found Bella &
baby well, she has only the Boy (Noel) with her, John has been at Eden since Tuesday.
we left for home after tea and were home again before it was quite dark.
10 11 Saturday
An extremely misty day, the wind being from the east and rather chilly. Margaret and I
started for Georgetown a little before 11 oclock, and arrived in Georgetown about 2
P.M. we had rather an unpleasant drive on account of the fog which prevailed, but the
colt travelled down very nicely in a little more than 3 hours. the freinds were glad to see
us and welcomed us. I drove Margaret & Kate down town to do some shopping at the
darkening. Joe arrived home shortly after and we spent a very pleasant evening. Joe
brought home a turkey which is intended for tomorrow eating. {Margin} started for
Georgetown have not been there since the 17th of January last.
11 12 Sunday
The mist has cleared away and this has been a very pleasant day. we spent a very
pleasant forenoon among the freinds and after doing justice to the turkey we started for
home about 2 P.M. and arrived home about 6. the roads were good and Fred stood the
drive well. we found the folks at home all well.
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
12 13 Monday
Raining this morning which continued the greater part of the forenoon. we were helping
Johny awhile in the early part of the forenoon to fix up the joists in his pig pen. and
afterwards got ready to plow but the rain again coming on we did not commence until
after dinner which we had early. I then finished up the front field and started in the field
behind the Barn on Willies corn patch, but did not get much done, being a little showery
it was not very pleasant working on the land this afternoon. Willie plowed this afternoon
he is nearly done with the field behind the orchard.
13 14 Tuesday
A very fine day. the frost made the ground a little hard in the morning and it was a little
late before I hitched up in consequence. Willie took a grist to the mill this forenoon and
finished up his field plowing after returning home. I am plowing at the last piece to day
and expect I can have it so that it will be done early tomorrow. I skinned a sheep for
Willie this morning that died. Willie brought home the terrible news of Mrs Sutton having
been drowned in the cistern yesterday while they were all away to Robertson's Sale.
poor Mark heard her scream about 2 oclock P.M. but of course was not able to get out
of bed to help her. she had been working at the cistern getting water likely, there is no
pump for it and the water has to be lifted out.
14 15 Wednesday
A very rough day, heavy snow showers and frosty & cold. I made out to finish up my
plowing and the folks thought I was foolish to work out in such a storm. I got done to the
turnip and potatoe land however and I feel better pleased to have it done. Willie is away
down by Georgetown to see about the sale of some of his horses he took the new horse
with him. Johny is now alone, his Boy is away to day. we have just heard to day that
Mrs Sutton had been washing on Monday and had the trap door open taking out water,
one pail was on the floor above and another one was in the cistern with her, it is a
terribly sad ending to a long laborious and useful life, and what is now to become of her
poor afflicted husband, really it is awful to contemplate.
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
15 16 Thursday
Cold and something more of a wintry appearance and feel than has usually prevailed. I
was fixing up around home this forenoon making our stock comfortable and hurrying to
get ready for the funeral of Mrs Sutton which was set for one oclock. Margaret & I
attended and though it was after the hour set before we reached there still we were
there in plenty of time as they did not lift till about 3 oclock. there was a large funeral but
we did not go along but returned by way of Everton to get the mail, we called on Mary
and had our tea. Willie expected to attend the funeral on his way home from
Stewartown but did not make it out.
16 17 Friday
There was quite a covering of snow on the ground this morning but the day having been
a little warm the snow left with great speed, and towards evening it was about all gone.
Johny went to Guelph to day with a load of cedar wood to the Carriage builders Reid &
Matthews. he brought home with him one Bll of Water Lime and a Barrell Portland
Cement, also some lumber (dressed) for a door for his pig house. he was very late
before he arrived home and Lizzie was quite uneasy about him. I was over at night and
waited till he came home between 9 &10.
17 18 Saturday
A little colder and the frost has hardened the ground a little this morning. Johny was a
little late in starting the plow this morning but Willie was soon after on to help him and
the two finished up the plowing of the beaver Meadow that completes his plowing
excepting a part of his turnip land that he is not particular about. I carried home Robert
Morton's double trees and helped Johny some. Lizzie drove over to Mutries and brought
her mother over with her. Barrie also came from Guelph with Robert Mc
Williams this
evening.
18 19 Sunday
The frost last night hardened up the ground. the girls went to meeting with Fred &
buggie as it was dry I let the horse go but he is now very bad with the scratches in one
hind foot. Johny Mc
Kenzie & Bella drove down to day to see us. they stayed over till
latish and escaped a heavy snow shower that fell earlier in the afternoon.
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
19 20 Monday
A finer day than we have had for some time. I have begun this forenoon to split up our
round wood, but as the weather seemed mild and pleasant we decided to hitch up the
colt to the buggie and Annie & Millie with Mother and I drove over to Toltons to visit in
the afternoon, we left shortly after 2 and came home again about 8. Barrie Mutrie paid
the girls a visit this afternoon and I drove him over to Johny's on our return from Toltons.
Auntie Bella is a little better. Willie has been driving round with Jim Harrison who has
come up to look after horses to buy.
20 21 Tuesday
Continues moderately fine, although there are signs of change. I have been splitting up
some of the tamarac ready for the stove, and I drew it in this evening with the old mare
and stone boat. the girls drove up Fred to the buggie to Mc
Kenzies this afternoon. they
intend to stay all night. Mr Harrison bought the Pete horse from Willie to day and paid
him 95 dollars Cash, he paid $100.00 Bill and Willie gave him 5 dollars back.
21 22 Wednesday
very stormy to day. considerable snow has fallen from passing snow showers. Willie
drove to the mill this forenoon with a chopping grist. the girls drove home from
Mc
Kenzies this afternoon. Willie hitched up his sorel colt to day in order to break it in
and it soon drove along very nicely, it is surprising how soon these animals turn in to
work and, so tractable.
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
22 23 Thursday
Rather cold to day. I hitched the colt to the cutter and drove down to Hugh Black's after
dinner. Margaret and Annie (Alex' Wife) accompanied me to Everton and they staid at
Mary's until I returned. I spent all the afternoon at Blacks he assisted me to draft a Will
(Webbs) and had it done just as tea was ready. Judson Black was there and I was
introduced to him, there were two young freinds from Toronto, a neice and her husband.
Mr Black would not accept of any pay for his trouble. I called for the visitors on my way
home and we got along very well although the colt is very slippy. Mrs Jestin visited here
to day and Margaret away
23 24 Friday
Continues raw and cold although the frost is not very severe. I was rather delayed from
getting away as early as I wanted this morning. I attended a meeting of the Board of
Health at 12.30 or 1 oclock P.M. it was called early on account of a reform meeting for
appointing delegates to the reform convention soon to be held in Guelph. I could not get
the colt sharped but took off his front shoes. Willie Abbott is very busy. the roads at the
present time are extremely slippy and almost impassable for unsharped teams. sent
over the money ($4.00, for payment of A.O.U.W. Ass'm't no. 14 and Releif no. 14. =
$2.00 each. Self & John Mc
Kenzie. {Margin} Board of Health meeting. and also a
reform meeting. - A.O.U.W. Ass'm't + Releif Nos. 14 paid $4.00
24 25 Saturday
Weather very moderate. the snow does not melt but very little. I went to Webbs this
forenoon and got the Will all signed. Willie Bryden and I signed as Witnesses. afternoon
I drove down to Willie Abbotts and he sharped the colt all round for which I paid him the
cash 40¢. Willie & Robert Jestin drove Billie to Guelph to day in the Cart. Willie wanted
to sell Billie, and Robert wanted to assist him. I had tea at Abbott's this evening while
waiting to get the colt sharped. Willie has got word to take his turnips to Rockwood
Monday. {Margin } Business with Webb.
25 26 Sunday
Weather continues much the same a little dull and threatning this afternoon. the girls
drove Fred & Cutter to meeting this forenoon. they did not go down in the evening.
Jeenie is very sick to day and Mother is milking for her. Johny drove his folks down to
Blakeley's. wrote a letter to Bro. Meaford, also 1 to Holyoke
NOVEMBER 1888. 1893
26 27 Monday
Rather wet this forenoon but much worse late in the afternoon. Willie had a bee to day
drawing turnips to Rockwood, some came early and had their loads disposed of and
home to dinner. Willie got home to dinner and took a second load. there were quite a
number, Henry Duffield, Robert Jestin, Robert Morton, George Mc
Williams, Robert
Mc
Williams, John Mc
Dermott, R. J. Kerr, our Johny & Willie twice. Willie was very wet
and late in getting home the last time. {Margin} Willie has a Bee drawing turnips to
Rockwood
27 28 Tuesday
A very disagreeable day. it has rained almost constantly all day. Willie bagged up 15
Bags of potatoes this forenoon and I helped him, it did not rain hard when we were at it,
but the wind was high and it was cold & stormy and we got a bad storm, the rain coming
on worse after dinner Willie made up his mind not to go to Ballinafad with the potatoes
but rather wait till tomorrow and go all the way to Stewartown. if need be, of course Jim
Harrison may come up to day and have to return. I went up to Henry Duffields to see a
lamb I thought of butchering for our use but he was from home. Mrs Duffield
accompanied me down to pay our folks a visit. she has been up at Hanaha for a week
or two Henry came down and spent the evening.
28 29 Wednesday
A heavy snow storm to day. it began to fall this morning between 6 & 7 oclock and fell
steadily all day, until to night there may be about 8 inches deep of snow. Willie went
away after dinner with his 15 Bags of potatoes, and did not return yet this evening, the
likely hood being that he drove through to Stewartown. Johny drove over to Mutrie's
Stables. Wm Mutrie their late tenant allowed his pigs to run in the stables and they
rooted the blocks all up. I bought a lamb (a weather) from Willie for $3.50. I thought of
taking one from Henry Duffield for $3.00 but this one pleased me better. I killed it and it
weighed 60 lbs dressed.
NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 1888. 1893
29 30 Thursday
Moderate weather, just enough cold to keep the snow nicely, although Ed. Tovell, who
was in Guelph to day, said the snow was getting pretty well mixed with the soil near the
town. Willie took down other 5 loads of turnips to Rockwood to day. he had Robert
Jestin, Wm Theaker, the young Man Coulson, Joseph Hindley, and Willie had Johny's
team. Willie came home this morning from Colin Mc
Millan's on the 5th line, where he
stayed all night, having driven from Stewartown to there last night fearful that the rain
which was then falling freely would take away the snow, and bother him to get home
with 15 bags of apples on the sleigh. {Margin} got 120 lbs peas from Willie for the pigs
Dec. 30 1 Friday
Quite a little addition to the snow again to day. it is also cold enough to keep all that
falls. the sleighing is now very good. Johny is drawing a few elm saw logs up to the
portable saw mill at Mc
Kinnon's Bush. Peter Dunbar came for Mother this morning to go
to their place as his mother seemed to be near her last, she had taken very ill last night.
I drove over afterwards and had my dinner at Toltons, and went to Dunbars before
returning home. the Doctor had just been there and said he could hold out no hope that
she would recover, he thought she might live a few days, he thinks it is a clot of blood
on the Brain. Maggie drove down Minnie to see Dr. Dryden at the corner. he says the
fever in the meantime is her chief trouble, her lungs are not nearly so bad as they were
in spring.
Dec. 1 2 Saturday
A fine winter day. there is plenty of snow to make good sleighing now. Lizzie & I drove
over to Dunbars this forenoon and called at Toltons on our way home where we had
dinner before leaving for home. Mrs Dunbar remains in an unconscious state and does
not look as there is much chance for her recovery. I split up a quantity of stove wood
after coming home, and did up the {illegible} outside helping Johny Rafferty, as Willie &
Jeenie are away to Guelph to day with apples & potatoes. he had a hard job selling his
apples for 75¢ per bag. Willie got $1.00 worth of sugar for us. also paid a dollar to
Savage for cleaning my watch. he got 73¢ for my lamb skin.
2 3 Sunday
Quite a fall of snow to day and it was very stormy last night the snow drifting into all the
crevices. the girls drove to meeting this forenoon, and I drove over to Dunbars
afternoon. there is not much change in Mrs Dunbar's condition. Margaret came home
with me this evening. the roads are very heavy from the newly fallen snow, there were
quite a number of visitors at Dunbars. Mr Fowlie, Mr Aikens & some of his family Alex.
Currie & wife &c.
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
3 4 Monday
Moderately cold & frosty. we sometimes expect a change to softer weather but it holds
on wonderfully well to winter. I have been helping Johny to cut the planks and lay them
in his pig pen, he is making a good job of it. we heard that Mrs Robert Morton had been
poorly for a few days back, so Margaret and I drove down after tea to night, we found
she had been attacked again with the Grippe. She is now greatly better, the two Boys
have also been laid up with it. Alice Webb has been attending to them. in coming home
we met in with Mrs Webb who was concerned about John not returning from Robert
Mc
Williams where he had gone. I set her off home and said I would look after him. so I
went to Robert Mc
Williams and took him home, he was waiting on Robert who had been
at the mill. Willie sold Billie this P.M.
4 5 Tuesday
Continues fine winter weather. I have been splitting up some of our tamarac wood and
intend taking it into the house. it gets snowed up now and again outside. I want to get
our elm wood up first so as to have it after the tamarac is used up. we had a call from
John and Mrs Mutrie who paid Lizzie a visit this afternoon I was sorry I did not know of
their being there as I might have spent the afternoon with them. Mrs Mutrie is
wonderfully well and quite smart. they were at Guelph yesterday I think, and the doctor
(Howitt) expresses wonder at her appearance. our Johny has attended Richd
Mc
Williams threshing at the upper place.
5 6 Wednesday
Very windy and stormy last night and we were somewhat afraid to start to Guelph, we
ventured however, and the weather, after all, turned out more favourable than we
expected. this being Fair day and, also the first day of the "Fat Stock Show" there was
quite a lot of people in Town. we had 12 lbs of butter of our own and 20 lbs of Bella's.
we called at Feildings and sold out right off for 23¢ per lb. Cash. Margaret bought quite
a quantity of sundries. Willie took in "Billie" and delivered him to Mr Phin according to
agreement. Mr Phin gave him his check. I saw Mr Hobson and asked the favour of
allowing the interest now due to lie over a couple of months, which he freely granted.
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
6 7 Thursday
Frosty, but a very fine winter day. I have been choring up until John Mc
Kenzie & Bella
came along. John turned out with his team and drew up 2 loads of elm stove wood for
me, he paid me 12 dollars in Cash, which paid up from May to Nov. both inclusive also
2 quarters dues $1.00. and No. 14 Releif $1.00. making in all 11 dollars, the other dollar
is to pay on this month. A.O.U.W. Willie is busy helping the Campbell boys to draw
timber from Thomas Toltons to Mimosa {Margin} John Mc
Kenzie paid up all arrearages
on A.O.U.W. and a dollar for this month - got 3 Bushels of peas and 90 lbs of oats
from Willie to day
7 8 Friday
Fine winter day. the snow has kept well since it first fell. I have piled up the wood in the
house that was drawn up yesterday, also split up the most of what remained of the
tamarac. Margaret and I drove over to see Mrs Dunbar about the middle of the
afternoon, they were busy hog killing and they were just at their 13th a large sow, think
she will weigh about 400. they have them sold at 6¢ per lb. Mrs Dunbar is some better
in all but her mind in that however, she is no better but, perhaps rather worse. poor
woman she is far from being her former self.
8 9 Saturday
Mild this morning and fine until rain began to fall about noon. Maggie and I drove "Fred"
& buggie to Guelph. Johny & Lizzie also drove in. Johny took some potatoes and other
produce to market, he got 40¢ per bag for potatoes, 23¢ for Butter, 19¢ for eggs. I got
measured for a suit of clothes at Williamsons and also bought a fur cap. the cloth and
cutting & trimmings costs $11.50. the fur cap $3.50 = $15.00 paid $10.00 on them. I
sent home with Johny 3 bags coal. 400 lbs $1.25. $6.25 per ton. I could have had the
cloth home with me, but the cutter said it would pay me to have them shrunk, and he
offered to do it for me. so I left them till the first time in. got another Diary to day.
9 10 Sunday
Blew up colder again last night, we are againhaving an addition to the snow to day. and
the soft snow & water have turned to ice. Maggie drove to Everton Meeting this
forenoon. also S.S. Johnny & Lizzie got our Cutter to go to Ospringe meeting
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
10 11 Monday
A very mild and pleasant day up to between 2 & 3 oclock when an easterly storm of
snow set in which grew in strength until it was indeed a very cold unpleasant night to be
out driving in, the morning being so fine we thought we had better take advantage of it
to take a run up to Mc
Kenzies and pay them a visit. so we hitched up the colt with
Willie's old mare and drove up, arriving about noon. Bella was both washing & baking
but she soon had things comfortable and we spent a pleasant afternoon. our company
was composed of Annie & Willie, Mother & Maggie & myself. we had an extremely
unpleasant night to drive home in. the rest sat down in the bottom of the sleigh while I
had to face the storm beating in my face. {Margin} visit to Mc
Kenzies pleasant forenoon
but stormy afternoon and night
11 12 Tuesday
Quite an addition to the snow this morning, but to day has been tolerably fine. I was
quite awhile choring round to day and then hitched up Frank with the colt ad drew up
the 2 jags of elm stove wood that were left in the wood. Willie was at Guelph to day
arranging about his Sale. I wrote it out to night for him also wrote a few lines to Brother
Alex. who is printing the bills for Willie. Willie brought home my clothes from
Williamsons all ready cut and trimmed for Annie to make. I returned the Cap which was
damaged they are expecting another lot and gave a due bill for another one.
12 13 Wednesday
A tolerably pleasant day although very frosty and cold, toward night it became very cold,
and it was a hard matter to ride in a sleigh and keep warm. Johny took a load of cedar
wood to Guelph to day and also took along Robert Morton's pig Box and brought home
the young Berkshire sow he bought of Alexander Mc
Intosh, Paisley Block. Willie mailed
his letters this morning relative to his advertisement & Auction Sale Bills. I drove over to
Mc
Phails this afternoon and got 5 gall's coal oil. paid 60¢ for it. I drew in two loads of
split tamarac stove wood and piled it up in the wood house. got five dollars from Willie to
day. I sent away four dollars to the Releif Society. $2.50 assessment (special) and
$1.50 regular ass'm't. {Margin} Willie sent a letter to Guelph Mercury for ad. and also
the same to Meaford to his Uncle for Bills
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
13 14 Thursday
Milder turn of the weather this forenoon and rain began to fall about ten oclock, it
continued to rain heavily all afternoon and became quite a pancake thaw, the trees and
every other thing exposed became coated with ice, would not wonder to see a repetition
of the timber destruction if the wind should rise before the Coating melts off. Annie is
making my coat these days, but Willie troubles her a good deal while she is at work. he
does not like to see any of his freinds engaged in any other way than catering to his
pleasure.
14 15 Friday
A very dissagreeable day indeed the rain has been incessant all day and although very
much of it melted into the snow and much of run off in that way, still quite a lot of it has
been retained in the shape of ice which has been gradually thickening until now to {ny}
a heavy coating is loading down every exposure. I have fears that if the wind should
blow up strong and high the timber and even buildings will have all they can do to stand
it. the orchards and shade trees are looking as if the strain will be too much for them.
15 16 Saturday
The rain and ice storm has abated but, the weather has not become sufficiently mild to
free the ice coated exposures from their terrible loads. many of the apple trees have
already become sadly dilapidated and many of the shade & decorative maple trees look
in much the same plight. Willie's Sale bills arrived at the post office this evening. and
Willie distributed quite a few. his Uncle Alexander did well to act so promptly. I hardly
expected them so soon. received a letter from Alexr
Mc
Gregor.
16 17 Sunday
A fine pleasant day after such a terrible ice storm. fine sunshine but too frosty and cold
to allow of the ice leaving hold of the trees. the ice which has formed is very thick and
strong. Willie took Maggie & Minnie to meeting this forenoon. Fred cut himself bad in the
off frontfoot, and we have to keep him in the stable till some better. wrote a letter of 8
pages to Bro. Alex. Meaford
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
17 18 Monday
Another cold and wintry day. the ice remains, in great part, on every thing yet mostly as
it fell, and we are now hearing of great damage done to the orchards. notably Charlie
Baldricks, Mrs Perrins and others. our own, I fear, is badly injured among the rest. but
as yet, not nearly so bad as what we hear of. Willie took my letter to mail. also a card to
Dr. Dryden to brings Emulsion to Minnie next Friday. Annie also sent a letter to Alex.
Holyoke. he also took his Mother to Mary's. George and her are both suffering from the
Grippe. Willie drove over to Clancey's Sale to get Ingram to post his Sale Bills, and also
to post some himself in various places he called for his mother and brought her home in
the evening the Grippe has many victims in and around Everton.
18 19 Tuesday
Continues cold and wintry. Johny would like to go to Guelph with wood but he is not well
enough to venture the work. there are a great many people at the present time laid up
with La Grippe. Willie took down 5 bags to chop also took some for Johny, he took
Johny's team. he intended cleaning up some wheat and taking it down but on account of
having to go for Johny he left it over. Annie has got along very nicely with my new coat
and she is now started on the vest. little Willie troubles her some while at work, still she
gets quite a bit done after all.
19 20 Wednesday
Another frosty day. and cold. Willie & Colin Campbell drove to Guelph to day. he sold
his fat hogs to Simpson to be delivered tomorrow and he engaged Robert Jestin & his
team to take them in for him. I drove to Thomas' Sale this afternoon. Johny loaned me
"Nettie". there was a great crowd there and the bidding was lively, the cows were too
old for our wants, and the horse was too big and high strung for our purpose. the sale
commenced an hour (12 oclock) earlier than I counted on and I was just an hour late.
not feeling very well I did not stay till the finishing of the sale. and drove home by way of
Townsends & Farries. the road was not well broken. the dilapidation from the ice storm
down there is something terrible. telegraph & telephone poles & wires down, all kinds of
trees and especially orchards have suffered. I dont suppose anything to the same
extent ever happened in the country. Letter from Holyoke to night all well and doing
well.
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
20 21 Thursday
Much milder to day and though the snow is not melting yet it is softer, Johny took a load
of wood to Guelph to day. Willie delivered his hogs to day. Robert Jestin drove his
team in for taking them in for him, (12 hogs) weighing 2190 at $4.80 per 100 making
$105.12. I have not been doing much but attending to the stock. I spent an hour or more
putting on a patch on the felt boots I bought last year for 75¢ on account of being
damaged. Johny has the loan of my old felts to day. Margaret & I drove down to Everton
for the mail this evening and spent quite awhile with George & Mary who are both under
the weather with the Grippe. they are some better.
21 22 Friday
Softer to day the mild turn the weather has taken is particularly welcome at the present
time on account of the ice that still clings to everything we hope the present soft spell
will continue till all is clear of ice. Johny took in a load of the cedar wood again to day.
he thinks he can fill in his contract in payment of his buggie in another load. he called at
the centre, nomination proceedings were still going on as he left for home. Minnie went
to the corner to see Dr. Dryden, getting a ride along with Maggie Mc
Williams, they were
driven down by Walter Mc
Williams in the Cutter. I am feeling the Grippe rather bad to
day. and don't feel inclined to leave the house, further than attending to our little stock
and other wants. there is heavy rain this afternoon and evening. Dr. Dryden wishes
Minnie to go and get examined by Dr. Howitt.
22 23 Saturday
Looked rather unpropitious this morning it had been raining through the night but,
although dull and damp early this morning, still early indications of clearing up were
soon realized and we had a beautiful day. Minnie and I rode into Guelph with Johnny &
Lizzie in the sleigh. Lizzie had 5 geese which she sold to Fielding at 60¢ each. also
some butter & eggs. I had 30 dozen eggs in the case sold to Alex. Cutting at 18¢ ½
cash & ½ trade. took 8 cans Salmon $1.00. due Bill $1.70 and cash $2.70. bought cross
cut saw & handles $3.75 at Richardsons. Minnie went to Howitt and was examined. paid
him $2.00. he wrote a letter to Dr. Dryden, prescribing for her.
23 24 Sunday
A beautiful day. the snow has gone away very fast. the wells will now get filled up with
water. we have all remained at home to day. Willie & Jeenie drove off to Mimosa this
afternoon
DECEMBER 1888. 1893
24 25 Monday
The weather started well early in the day but, as the day wore on it became cloudy and
threatning looking until coming to rain and a dissagreeable after part of the day resulted.
we are hoping it will clear all off by tomorrow as the sale is then coming off. James
Harrison from Stewartown came along to Willie's and is staying all night. Willie has been
preparing every thing for the sale. I got Johny's help to cut up the balsam logs in the
yard. I want to split and pile them out of the way. we have had a very quiet Christmas.
no visitors or other guests to enjoy the festive season.
25 26 Tuesday
The weather has taken up and this morning gave promise of a fine day which was fully
realized. the frost has been kean enough to harden up every thing around. we got all
preparations completed before the commencement of the sale which did not begin till
about 2 oclock instead of one, as advertized. there was a very good crowd and the
bidding was fair with every thing except the horses which was very dull indeed. I bought
the Wagon $12.00 harness $8.00. filly foal $15.00. steer $23.00. heifer $17.50. double
trees $1.00. plow harness $1.75 Robt. Morton's mares did not go off. neither did Richd
Mc
Williams horses.
26 27 Wednesday
The Weather Continues fine it was, however, colder to day than yesterday. John
Mc
Kenzie & Bella with little Willie came down yesterday. Bella remained all last night
and John intended coming down to day after James Irvin's sale, which he did, and we
all attended the social at Everton this evening. I attended the school meeting this
forenoon, where I acted as Auditor for last years accounts, and acted as Secretary for
the meeting to day. I took the Contract of putting in 4 cords dry cedar, 2 feet long for
$1.49. per cord. I rode up to the sale with Robt. Jestin and came home again with John
Mc
Kenzie. John bought a new Tolton plow for $8.50. a gravel box $1.00 and an old
stone boat 50¢. I was bidding on a cow and a horse but got neither. I heard of a cow to
be had from one Atchison, who was at the sale. and I promised to go up and see her
tomorrow.
Robt. Mc
Kenzie's hen house wall {Numerical calculations}
Johny's sow took 24th Dec 1892
1st month 7 days
2nd month 31
3rd month 28
4th month 31
5th month 19
116
time up April 19th 1893
For more information on William Sunter, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section
under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca